What to Make with Leftover Pumpkin

After adorning the doorways at the Lake of the Ozarks best waterfront condominiums for Halloween, it may be time to get rid of your old pumpkins. Instead of throwing away your old pumpkin, consider reusing it! Here are a few ideas for some great ways to cook up the orange gourd. That Jack O' Lantern is still very edible, even after you carved it. There are many ways to cook with pumpkin and we'll detail just a few below:

Make a Puree

A great option is to create a homemade pumpkin puree.  This is a really nice way to get rid of your old Jack O’ Lantern and create ingredients for your next pie. Clean off the outside and roast it in the oven, boil it, or steam it until tender and then throw the gourd into a food processor for a rich and versatile puree. Freeze it until Thanksgiving for a pumpkin pie recipe!

Make your own pumpkin chips

Start by carefully skinning the gourd into long strips. Add some salt, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (just a little bit, it adds crispness) and then bake in the oven @ 400 degrees. Serve with your favorite condiment for a homemade dish that's healthy and keeps you full!

Homemade Pumpkin Butter

If you managed to snag a few cups of pumpkin puree from earlier, you can add some cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and syrup to make a delectable pumpkin butter. Just blend the ingredients together and bring it to a boil. When it reaches the thickness you'd like, you're done!

Pumpkin Bread

Instead of using canned pumpkin which is highly processed, you can create a fresh loaf of pumpkin bread using the puree from earlier. Combine that with a rich cream cheese icing and you have a serious dessert recipe on your hands.

Seeds

Roast the leftover seeds in the oven for an awesome snack. Roast them with a bit of cinnamon on top for a delicious and healthy snack! If cinnamon isn't your thing, experiment with other toppings, such as salt and pepper, chili powder, or even cayenne pepper for a kick! You imagination is the limit when it comes to pumpkin seeds.


There are so many ways to turn a pumpkin into a delicacy: we've only highlighted a few of our favorites. Hopefully the post-Halloween, pre-Thanksgiving weeks around our waterfront condo complex at Lake of the Ozarks will be filled with the aroma of pumpkin pies cooking. We love the Fall for the weather, AND the food! The holiday season is filled with great cooking… plan YOUR holiday feast at the lake’s only paradise island condo community.

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5 Chilly Weather Tips to Keep your Condo Toasty!

Well, despite our hopes and dreams, the weather is turning colder. While the water is still warm around Missouri's best waterfront condo's, those days are numbered. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to make your luxurious condo at Lake of the Ozarks a warm and efficient place to stay for a cool weather vacation. Who knows, maybe you want to come down and enjoy some hunting, or bargain-hunting? Let's take a look at 5 ways you can cold weather optimize your condo. 

Turn the fan to clockwise

Did you know on some fan models there is a switch that will turn the blades of the fan the opposite direction? Did you know that it makes a huge impact on the temperature of the room? In the Summer you want the "wind chill" effect; air blowing down on you to help cool off. During the cooler months, the fan should rotate the opposite direction and at a low speed, to suck air up and push warm air down and out- this prevents the "wind chill" effect and provides a thin layer of an air barrier between the walls and the center of the room.

Wind Leaks

There are areas around the edges of rooms that allow air to exchange with whatever is on the other side of the wall/window. Double check the caulking and trim of all windows to make sure that the trim is still in good shape. If possible, apply a plastic window film to your windows to even further insulate the thin glass layer hiding mother nature from the interior of your home.

Use a Rug (or Two)

Waking up in the morning and putting your feet down on a wooden or bare floor is one of the worst things when the house is chilly. By throwing down a few rugs, you not only create another layer of insulation between a cold floor and the space in your condo, you also also have something comfy to walk on!

Draft Guards

Draft guards are designed to fit underneath doors to increase weather protection even further than a door would alone. These can be bought at any home improvement store. If you're in a pinch, you can make these at home by rolling a towel and placing it up against the door. Since drafts can cause anywhere from 5% to 30% of wasted energy, we highly recommend a draft guard for your front door.

About those Curtains

Simply put, curtains can keep the chill from the window at the window, or they can be opened to let heat in. A good cotton blend curtain is perfect for keeping the colder air from seeping in, while insulating the interior heat as well. It's also thin enough that it is easy to push to the side for sunlight to come in and naturally heat the room during the day.

There are easily hundreds of ideas out there when it comes to making your home more energy efficient and warmer. Fortunately, our condos at Lake of the Ozarks are efficiency optimized and ready for move in! You can apply any of the steps we've mentioned above, but you'll probably find that your paradise living space is already really efficient when it comes to keep you toasty!

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Front Door Decorating: Wreaths

We are all about paradise here at Isla Del Sol Condominiums. That's why we put together this list of fantastic tips on fall decorating! Specifically, we're focusing on one particular front door decor: the harvest wreath. Putting a  home made wreath on your front door is relatively easy, and there are plenty you can purchase in the store. We wanted to show you how easy it is do on your own, and showcase your decorating talents right beneath the porch light. Nothing says beautiful interior like a hand-crafted personally designed wreath in the entryway. We have the best waterfront condos at the Lake of the Ozarks and they want your creative touch!

The Base: Picking a Wreath

A wreath can come in nearly any size, shape, color, and so much more. Depending on how much time you would like to invest, you can start from a wire base and create the wreath truly from scratch, or you can buy a pre-made base of grapevine from craft stores, like Hobby Lobby.

Choosing the Decorations

A pretty fall wreath doesn't have to be covered in decorations to show off that front door, it can be subtle too! Sticking to 1-3 colors when picking out your foliage and coordinating them with your decorations (it's Fall, try yellows, oranges, and a leafy reds)can go a long way.
This will add a lot of elegance to the final wreath: color-coordinating gives off that professional appearance. Foliage options for a fall wreath include yellow notes of straw, wheat, and yellow squash. For red, find some red maple leaves and maybe some red dyed ribbon or tulle. Finally, for that orange tone, let's find a small craft pumpkin, and some orange leaves.

*Remember, you can buy all of this at a craft store, or if you're really feeling creative, you can scavenge the Lake area for some beautiful Fall leaves. The point being, you don't need to buy all of this, but for a permanent Fall wreath, it may be better to use fake foliage.

Capturing the Autumn Vibe

This is where all the creative talent is spent. You can really get carried away and let the colors go wild; or, if desired, you can try to replicate a wreath you've seen before. Pumpkins, burlap ribbon, sunflowers, scarecrows or even spooky spirits can add personality and flair to your wreath -and your door!

Hang Up Your Wreath

Front door decorations drive home the decor and personality of the home inside. If you've chosen to get creative with your entryway, guests can be certain you've spiced up the interior as well. Here at the most luxurious condos at the Lake of the Ozarks, we get really excited seeing what locals do with the fall colors, and we love seeing creative wreathes and harvest decorations adorn the doors at the Lake. If you enjoy Fall decor, come out and schedule a viewing for some inspirational and perfect sights of the Autumn colors found at Lake of the Ozarks.

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Local Fall Holidays at Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks: come for vacation, stay for the off-season community! Isla Del Sol condominiums at Lake of the Ozarks is no stranger to the celebrations that happen off-season.  With the seasons changing all of the tourists are heading back to whence they came and the lake is settling into a cozy autumn. One of the final lake-specific events of the year is the Harbor Hop. With views that sit over the main channel, the best luxury condos at the Lake of the Ozarks gives you the best sights as people dart and race all over the lake to hit every location. Let's learn more about Harbor Hop!

The Event

The 30th Anniversary Harbor Hop is one of the best ways to get out and see the color changes occurring all throughout the Lake area, while you and your friends scramble from location to location to complete your "hands". Harbor Hop helps showcase that Lake of the Ozarks is more than just a summer getaway- It's a permanent paradise for all of our residents!

Locations

This year, Harbor Hop has over 40 locations involved and participants must travel via boat or land in an attempt to draw 7 cards (A full poker hand). One card can be drawn at each of the participating locations, and when the 7th card is drawn, the hand is turned in. It's a long drawn out poker game meant to get people traveling all over the Lake!

Rules

The rules are simple. Players can sign up by visiting any of the participating "checkpoints" and pay an optional $20 donation. Players can enter more than once (meaning that one player can play multiple hands).  The 1st card is drawn where the hand is purchased; and 6 more cards are given at the 6 other checkpoints a player "hops" to. When the 7th or final card is drawn, (an optional 8th card may be drawn for $5) the hand is turned in. This must be done before 7PM on the day of the Harbor Hop! Winners are notified via mail.

Prizes

Prizes are based on donations received. The top ten poker hands receive prizes, as well as the 4 worst hands. Random drawing will also award ten more hands. Finally, there is a bonus "section" winner in which a winner will be chosen from drawing all of your cards within one section of checkpoints. Did we mention that all the prizes are cash?



If you had access to the main channel via boat, It would be easy to hit several sections of the event within the time-frame. The best waterfront condos at the Lake of the Ozarks sit in the perfect spot for this Lake holiday! The 360 degree view will be filled with boaters bounding all over trying to collect their hands, you should join them!

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Deconstructing a Mortgage

The word, "mortgage", can elicit a sense of mystery and dread, especially if you've never had one.  The important thing to remember is that a mortgage is simply another word for a loan, even though it's often the largest loan you'll ever have attached to your name.  

Whether it's to buy a waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, or to buy a second home, a mortgage is often needed to seal the deal. Let's break down the important parts of a mortgage that you need to understand before purchasing a new home.

What is a Mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan, typically used to purchase a house or condo, that's it. It's essentially an agreement with a lender (usually a bank) to lend you the money to purchase a property, assuming you meet their qualifications.
Qualifications
Everything from the income you earn to the debt you owe goes into determining whether you qualify for a mortgage. Savings accounts and other assets are also taken into consideration. The idea is to make sure that you can actually afford the monthly payments of the loan you are applying for.

Basic Elements of a Mortgage

A mortgage consists of several elements - collateral, principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Each is an element of the payment plan created between you and the lender and they all have equally important parts. 

Collateral

If a mortgage is a legally binding contract promising to repay money (loan) plus interest and other costs, then the home that you want to purchase becomes the collateral. The lender will hold the home in their "possession" (in name only, you'll live there) until you finish your payments. If the payments are not completed or stop before they are complete, the lender will attempt to sell the home in order to cover what you still owe in a process known as foreclosure. This is an incredibly damaging situation - especially to your credit and ability to buy a home in the future. This is why it is so important for the bank to determine your ability to make the monthly payments before your mortgage will be approved.

Principal & Interest

These two element go hand in hand. The Principal is the actual amount of the loan you borrowed from the lender. Depending on your down payment, this amount can be significantly less than the actual price of the home. Many lenders require a down payment equal to 20% of the purchase price, however there programs available that enable to you obtain a mortgage with a down payment that is significantly less. (Talk to your mortgage lender to see if you might qualify for any of these.) Interest is how the lender makes money. This is the amount they charge you for borrowing money. It's usually a shown as a percentage called the interest rate. Additionally, there are points. Points are each worth 1% of the total financed amount and goes alongside the principal.

Amortization

If you amortized (set a fixed payment plan) your mortgage, the interest will make up most of your early payments, and slowly work into the principal over the duration of the loan. This helps keep the payments even throughout the life of the loan, and keeps the interest from increasing over time.

Taxes

Taxes are ownership fees that are paid to the government. The amount here is based on a small percentage of the overall value of the home or condo. If the property increases in value annually, the taxes will increase as well. The taxes you pay go to helping the community directly such as maintaining roads, public schools, and public services.

Insurance

Insurance is the amount of money paid to protect your home from loss, and it will be required by your lender. There are several types of insurance and what you are required to carry will depend on a couple things. Some types are mandatory based on the property location, and some are based on the lender's specific requirements. 

As you can see, your mortgage has several elements. It's important to understand that each plays a significant role in the purchase of a home or condo. It's paramount that you understand how the pieces fit together when considering a mortgage. Thankfully, if you're purchasing a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have you covered. Our team is friendly, and we can guide you step by step through the mortgage process so it's not overwhelming or confusing. 

Buying a luxury condo at Lake of the Ozarks has never been so easy!

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5 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Condo Space

Think of the interior space of a condo as an art gallery. If decorated effectively, it can be tasteful and elegant. With the most luxurious condos at Lake of the Ozarks, you can make your condo look and feel like a personal piece of art. From an open floor plan to the 360 degree view of the lake, Isla Del Sol Condominiums at Lake of the Ozarks has it all. Here are 5 ways to make the most out of your condo living space.

Proper Lighting

With the proper lighting, every room can be showcased. Having curtains that draw completely past the window frame exposes the room to lots of natural light. Mirrors on the wall can reflect this light without taking up extra space and increase the visual appeal of the interior.

Storage

There are dozens of places around the home to stow away unused things and cleaning supplies alike. Hanging cleaning supplies like the broom and mop up on the closet wall will allow for bigger items to sit on the ground, like seasonal decorations in a box, or hidden gifts for the holiday season. In the kitchen, hanging a spice rack on the inside of a cabinet will allow room for the wine cabinet you've always wanted but never had room for!

Furniture - Less is More

A cluttered floor plan just screams for a stubbed toe. Why not simplify this by selecting a few pieces of furniture rather than several smaller items? Instead of a guest bedroom with a twin bed and full size chest of drawers, you could get a queen sized bed and throw an extra closet bar in the closet to maximize hanging potential.

Open up the Bathroom

The bathroom is a great place to add a sense of open space. Instead of a clouded glass door for the shower, swap in a curved curtain. This will give off the impression that the bathroom is much bigger than it actually is. Additionally, add some floating shelves behind the toilet for towels and other bathroom accessories to clear up some counter space.

 

Floor to Ceiling Decor

When deciding to decorate a condo, it's easy to forget everything above eye level. Hanging curtains from the ceiling and running them centered over twice the length of the window will go a long way to changing the dynamic in the room. Hang a TV with a wall mount to eliminate the need for a stand and draw attention away from the ground and up into the wall.

Make the Space Yours

No matter which tips you decide on, the condo is never truly yours until you can walk in and recognize it as home. The best condos at Lake of the Ozarks are glad to offer a vast and open floor plan for you to decorate and furnish to your every desire. Enjoy the perfect view of the Lake in any room, or step out onto the covered terrace and see why these really are the best waterfront condos at the Lake of the Ozarks.

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The 9th Annual Bikefest Is This Weekend!

The Lake is expecting over 35,000 bikers to roll into town September 17-20 for the 9th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest.  The entire Lake area is preparing to welcome them with open arms, incredible live music, and all types of fun and exciting events.  Isla Del Sol at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few of the details for you.  

Bike Night

A lot of the excitement will be going on up and down the Bagnell Dam Strip. Thursday is not only the opening night for Bikefest, but it is also the Strip's monthly Bike Night.  The center lane will be filled with motorcycles to check out.  It's really a cool sight to see each month, but during Bikefest, there will be more parked there than ever.  

Passport Ride & Bike Giveaways

Over 200 bars, restaurants, and local businesses will be participating in Bikefest with food and drink specials and lots of live music.  24 of these are passport stops for the weekend.  Participants that get their passports stamped can enter them in a drawing to win a 2014 FXSB Softail Breakout Harley Davidson!  Click for a list of Official Bikefest Passport Stops here.

There are also a few more chances to qualify to win your choice of a Custom Fat Boy or a Stryker motorcycle before they give it away at the Surdyke Yamaha Bike Auction on Saturday, September 20 at 1 pm.  21 people have already qualified over the Summer.  Your last 3 chances are at Bike Night on the Strip Thursday night, Friday at Pickleheads Road House's 38 Special concert, and Saturday morning at Surdyke Yamaha.      

Motorcycle Auction 

Saturday, September 19 from 11 am - 3 pm, lots of major brand pre-owned bikes will be auctioned off at Surdyke Yamaha.  Many have no reserve price! Admission is free, and this is a family-friendly event.  You may start viewing the bikes for sale starting Saturday morning at 9 am.  They will even be auctioning off a few end-of-season boats and PWC's.    
   

Vendor Villages

There will be four vendor villages set up around town.  Lots of tents full of all types of motorcycle apparel and merchandise will be featured.  The four locations are:

• Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson
• Dog Days Bar & Grill with Full Throttle
• Toad Cove Compound with Throttle America
• That Dam FORR Rally at the Campground below Bagnell Dam    

Scenic Rides

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most gorgeous places in the nation for a scenic bike ride.  No matter where you travel in the area, there will be beauty all around for you to enjoy.  Three rides are mapped out on the Bikefest website: Around the Lake, Ha Ha Tonka, and Devil's Elbow.  For detailed information on these and everything else going on during the Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, visit www.LakeBikefest.com.   

If this was your first trip to the Lake and you fell madly in love with it, head on over to our waterfront condos at the Lake of the Ozarks and let us show you around.  We've still got some movie-in ready units available, and the causeway makes it simple to access Isla Del Sol by bike.  You can own your very own lake getaway and have a place to stay every time that you visit!  

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