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Archive for the ‘Community Events’ Category

Surreal Places You Need to Visit in Texas!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on February 10, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Everything is bigger and better in Texas! If you are a true Texan, you definitely will believe this saying to be true BUT have you really experienced all that Texas has to offer? Here are some of the most awe places you need to visit in Texas whether you’re visiting or you’ve lived here your whole life. Time to add to your bucket list!

  1. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Located about 23 miles west of Austin, Hamilton Pool is an extraordinary natural pool that formed thousands of years ago when the dome of an underground river collapsed. During the hot summer months, it’s a popular swimming spot to many of the local residents.

2. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park

Known for its wide open landscapes and breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Big Bend National Park covers about801,163 acres of west Texas on the border of Mexico.

3. Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake

Located in the wetlands on the border of Louisiana and Texas, Caddo Lake is home to one the largest cypress forest in the world. The lake was named after the Caddo Nation, a people whose ancestors settled in the region around 900 A.D.

4. Monahans State Park

Monahans State Park

The Monahans Sandhills are a series of mesmerizing sand dunes located near the New Mexico border in West Texas. The park is comprised of 3,840 acres of sand that is constantly transforming due to wind patterns and rain.

5. Caverns of Sonora

Caverns of Sonora

Between 1.5 to 5 million years ago, the Caverns of Sonora began forming its enchanting array of calcite crystal formations approximately 155 feet below the surface of the Earth. Upon first visiting the cave, the founder of the National Speleological Society, Bill Stephenson, is quoted to have said: “This is the most indescribably beautiful cave in the world, its beauty cannot be exaggerated, not even by a Texan.

6. Willow City Loop

Willow City Loop

Just outside of Fredericksburg is this scenic 13-mile road that spans breathtaking fields of wildflowers, creeks, and rolling hills. Perfect for a Sunday drive!

7. Devils River and Dolan Falls

Devils River and Dolan Falls

This is the most unspoiled river in Texas and home to around 94 miles of some of the best kayaking and canoeing in the state. Its remote location keeps this river far from people and is perfect for escaping civilization for the weekend.

8. Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock

Fredericksburg is home to one of the most peculiar and extraordinary spots in the Lone Star State. The Enchanted Rock is a monumental pink granite rock that spans 640 acres and rises to over 1,825 feet above sea level. The view from the top is priceless.

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Top 6 Healthiest Fruits

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2016| Leave a Comment »

PSA: Eating healthy does NOT have to be boring. There are massive amounts of food out there that are both healthy and tasty. Fruits can tend to get a bad rap because they’re full of sugar but they contain a ton of nutrients as well. Here are 6 of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Feel free to enjoy as much as you want!

  1. Apples. The apple is high in fiber, vitamin C and numerous antioxidants. Apples are very fulfilling, and perfect as snacks if you find yourself hungry between meals.
  2. Avocadoes. Avocados are different than most fruits, because they are loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs. They are creamy, tasty and high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C.
  3. Bananas. Bananas are among the world’s best sources of potassium. They are also high in vitamin B6 and fiber. Bananas are ridiculously convenient and portable.
  4. Blueberries. Blueberries are not only delicious, but also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.
  5. Oranges. Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. They are also high in fiber, antioxidants and taste incredible.
  6. Strawberries.Strawberries are highly nutritious, and are low in both carbs and calories.

    They are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and manganese, and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.

So before you start feeling bad about all of the fruit you eat, just remember that fruits contain a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that are fantastic for your body and overall health.

Your Realtor and Friend for Life!

~Kathy

 

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The Most Sought After Superbowl Recipes

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Client Testimonials, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 5, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Happy Friday!! I’m going to let you all in on a little secret today. I am going to share with you some of the most sought after Superbowl recipes ever created. Get ready to dazzle your guests with these mouthwatering finger foods!

Buffalo Wings

Recipe:http://www.recipetineats.com/truly-crispy-oven-baked-buffalo-wings-my-wings-cookbook/

Meat Lovers Pizza

Recipe: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2014/12/meat-lovers-pizza/

Jalapeno Poppers


Recipe: http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/buffalo-chicken-jalapeno-poppers/

Football Cake

Recipe: http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/blog/2015/01/cool-cakes/easy-football-cake-for-super-bowl

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Recipe: http://damndelicious.net/2014/02/12/slow-cooker-spinach-artichoke-dip/

Loaded Potato Skins

Recipe: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/potato_skins/

 

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JUST LISTED! Charming 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Home at a FANTASTIC PRICE!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Community Events, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Open House, tagged , , , , , , , , , on February 1, 2016| Leave a Comment »

This home is a STEAL listed at just $119,900!

Charming 3 Bedroom/Two Bath Home Located on Double Lot, .40 Acres. Home Features: Open Floor Plan, Lots of Windows, Nice Master Retreat w/ Walk in Closet & Shower. Updated Fixtures, Neutral Paint, Carpet, Vinyl Flooring, Large Porch & Carport, Tons of Storage Space and Shed. Quiet Neighborhood, Walking Distance of Shops, Post Office, Churches & Town Square. Great Retirement, Starter and/or Rental Property.

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If you or someone you know may be interesting in finding a new HOME please feel free to contact me!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life! 

Kathy De La Cruz

http://www.AtxMoveNow.com

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Make these Easy Chicken Fajita Quesadillas at Home!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 29, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Happy Friday! Get your weekend started early, dinner is on me tonight.

Here’s what you will need:

  • 3 Chicken Breasts
  • 2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Onion, sliced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, sliced
  • 3 Bell Peppers, sliced
  • 1 Lime, juiced
  • 8 Tortillas
  • 2 Tbsp. Butter
  • 2 Cups Mexican Cheese Blend

Directions:

1. Slice the chicken breasts into strips, about an inch apart, and coat with taco seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil and cook chicken until no longer pink and slightly charred. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet.

2. Heat another Tbsp. oil, add onion and garlic and cook for a couple minutes until it’s slightly translucent. Add the peppers, and cook slightly, then mix in the cooked chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. In a clean pan, melt a bit of butter. Add a tortilla and move it around until it’s buttery. Add cheese, then fajita mixture, then more cheese, then top with another tortilla and pat it down.

4. Flip the quesadilla over and cook the other side until it’s golden. Remove from pan and cut into quarters. Repeat these steps with the remaining tortillas.

*Optional – Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Enjoy!

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Happy National Chocolate Cake Day!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Client Testimonials, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Cake and chocolate, need I say more. I think this day needs to be recognized more than once but for the time being here is one of my favorite, decadent chocolate cake recipes. And it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day just around the corner! BEWARE: This cake has many steps but trust me when I say it’s worth it. And I’m sure your significant other will agree as well!

Red Wine Chocolate Cake

Red Wine Chocolate Cake - with red wine in the cake and chocolate ganache! The raspberry filling is the perfect compliment! Such a moist cake! LOVE!

Ingredients

Red Wine Chocolate Cake
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sweet red wine
Raspberry Buttercream
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup shortening*
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup raspberry puree (from about 1/2 cup of raspberries pureed in a food processor)
Chocolate Buttercream
1 cup butter
1 cup shortening
3/4 cup dark cocoa powder
6 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4-5 tbsp milk or water
Chocolate Ganache
6 oz (about 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sweet red wine

 

Instructions

1. Prepare three 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper circles in the bottom, and grease the sides. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and combine.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Slowly add wine. Mix well.
5. Divide batter evenly between cakes pans and bake for about 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
6. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.
7. While cakes cool, make icings. To make the raspberry buttercream, beat the butter and shortening together until smooth.
8. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
9. Add raspberry puree and beat until smooth.
10. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Set buttercream aside while you make the chocolate buttercream.
11. To make the chocolate buttercream, beat the butter and shortening together until smooth.
12. Add the cocoa and 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
13. Add vanilla extract and 3-4 tbsp of water or milk and beat until smooth.
14. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat until smooth, adding remaining water or milk as needed to thin out the icing.
15. When the cakes are cool, put the cake together. Remove the tops of the cakes with a large serrated knife so they are flat.
16. Place the first layer of cake on cake stand. Top with half of the raspberry buttercream and spread into an even layer.
17. Add second layer of cake and remaining raspberry buttercream and smooth into a smooth layer.
18. Top cake with remaining cake layer.
19. Ice the outside of the cake with the chocolate buttercream. Here’s a tutorial for getting a smooth finish.
20. To make the chocolate ganache, place chocolate chips in a medium sized bowl.
21. Combine heavy cream and wine and microwave just until it begins to boil.
22. Pour heated cream/wine over the chocolate chips and cover the bowl with clear wrap. Allow to site for 5-7 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Allow ganache to sit for 10-20 minutes to thicken. You could also set in the fridge to cool more quickly. You want the ganache to be pourable and spreadable, but not too thin.
23. Pipe ganache around the top outside of the cake, then use an offset spatula to spread it out and over the edges of cake.
24. Place raspberries around the back of the back, near the edge of the ganache.
25. Place “hello” chocolate wording onto cake. For instructions, please refer to blog post above. You’ll use the chocolate Wilton candy melts for this.

 

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Where My Gluten-Free Peeps At?

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Client Testimonials, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2016| Leave a Comment »

We tend to forget about the gluten-free people who just want to enjoy delicious food too but sometimes have a hard time finding good recipes. Well this blog post is for you today. Here are some gluten-free friendly recipes that are sure to be delicious as well.

Creamy Roasted Green Chili Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

mac and cheese

Recipe: http://boulderlocavore.com/creamy-roasted-green-chile-chicken-macaroni-and-cheese-gluten-free/

Pumpkin Pancakes

pancakes

Recipe: http://www.loveandlemons.com/2014/10/24/gluten-free-pumpkin-pancakes/

Zucchini Kale Lasagna

zucchini kale lasagna

Recipe: http://www.sweetphi.com/zucchini-kale-lasagna-naturally-gluten-free/

Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

donuts

Recipe: http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/vegan-gooey-chocolate-doughnuts-giveaway/

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

cornbread

Recipe: http://www.deliciousmeetshealthy.com/cornbread-and-sausage-stuffing-gluten-free-grain-free/

Tequila Lime Fish Tacos

tacos

Recipe: http://www.loveandlemons.com/2013/07/12/tequila-lime-fish-tacos/

Cheesy Taco Skillet

taco

Recipe: http://sweetcsdesigns.com/one-pot-cheesy-taco-skillet/

Chocolate Chip Cookies

cookie

Recipe: http://www.loveandlemons.com/2014/07/11/gluten-free-skillet-cookies/

 

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Man I love College!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 22, 2016| Leave a Comment »

College was the best 4 years of my life. I made long lasting friendships, partied until 3 am, and who could forget the drunk munchies. I thought those days and snacks were behind me but you can never fully forget about your college days. Here are some recipes featuring some of you favorite college snacks! I’m sure they will bring back wonderful nostalgic memories.

Cheetos Meatballs

meatballs

Ice Cream Bread

ice cream

Queso Mac n’ Cheese

queso

Ramen Burger

ramen

Potato Chip Cookie Bars

potato

Tater Tot Grilled Cheese

tater tot

Peanut Butter Bacon Sandwiches

peanut

Waffle Pizza

pizza

Did these pictures bring back memories? Follow the link to get your hands on these mouthwatering recipes!

 

 

 

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Don’t Worry, Dinner’s on Me!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 19, 2016| Leave a Comment »

It’s Tuesday which is still 3 days away from Friday. Let me save you some thinking planning dinner. Don’t worry, I got you covered.

Tuscan chicken Skillet

Tuscan-Chicken-Skillet-7

Tuscan Chicken Skillet
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
45 mins
Author: The Wanderlust Kitchen
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb. chicken breast tenderloins
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • ½ tsp. thyme
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz. mushrooms, sliced
  • ⅔ c. sundried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 (15 oz) can Cannelini Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15 oz) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and brown for 3 minutes on each side.
  2. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and brown, working in batches, a few minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and sundried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, spices, beans, and sugar.
  4. Transfer the chicken back to the pan and spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over top of the chicken. Cook, covered, on the stove top until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling, about ten minutes. Return the mushrooms to the pan. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

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Dinner in 30 Minutes or Less!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Client Testimonials, Community Events, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Happy Friday everyone!! It’s finally the weekend which means time to relax and wind down from the long week. The last thing we all want to do is spend our precious time cooking for hours. Here are some dinner recipes that will reach your table in 30 minutes or less and as always they’re healthy too!

Spicy Quinoa Taco Bowl

Spicy Quinoa Taco Bowl

Recipe: http://www.oneingredientchef.com/quinoa-taco-bowl/

Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Lemon

Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich With Cranberries and Lemon

Recipe: http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2015/10/smashed-chickpea-avocado-salad-sandwich-with-cranberries-lemon/

Italian Chicken Skillet

Italian Chicken Skillet

Recipe: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-italian-chicken-skillet-recipe/

Roasted Salmon with Kale and Cabbage

Roasted Salmon With Kale and Cabbage

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/1033633/roasted-salmon-kale-and-cabbage

Mushroom and Leek Risotto

Mushroom and Leek Risotto

Recipe: http://minimalistbaker.com/mushroom-and-leek-risotto/#more-17727

Avocado Boats

Avocado Boats

Recipe: http://minimalistbaker.com/avocado-boats-2-ways/

Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili

Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili

Recipe: http://pinchofyum.com/30-minute-spicy-ancho-turkey-chili

 

 

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