Decorating Simply and Tastefully For the Holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're just certain you're very excited to show off your holiday spirit with the best decorations around! But maybe you're just not feeling the typical Christmas decorations you usually fill your home with - snowmen and little Santa figurines. You can still decorate your condo tastefully and simply for the holidays. Check out these holiday decorating tips from Isla Del Sol!

Seasonal Scents
While candles are beautiful to look at and can make a great centerpiece for any room, you may not want to burn them for their scent because of the soot they put off. So instead, you can incorporate cinnamon sticks in your centerpieces and tuck them into your garland to add holiday fragrance to every room. You can also buy holiday scented plugins or delectable bars for your Scentsy warmer!

Cozy Colors
While reds and greens are the typical Christmas colors, you don't have to stick to these colors only. Some other great holiday colors are blues, silvers, golds, white, and natural neutrals. Mix and match to spice up your decor. The great thing about using some of these other colors is that you can extend your home decor into the new year and don't have to feel obligated to take it down immediately!

Re-purpose Ornaments
Skip the traditional wreath of reds and greens. Instead, put a fresh spin on the Christmas wreath and re-purpose old bulb ornaments of all sorts of colors! Get a wreath base from your local crafts store and glue those colorful bulbs of all colors and sizes on to make a glitzy glittery shiny wreath that will draw the eye and bring joy to your door!

Capture Photos
Turn any banister or mantel into a showcase of your favorite holiday family photos and Christmas cards. Decorate with garland and mix in some pine cones, then hang your pictures and cards with beautiful ribbons. Feel free to mix and match ribbons to add a little flair and tie in to your unique holiday decor!

With these suggestions, you can decorate your home simply and tastefully. No matter how you decide to decorate for the holidays, we hope that you have a joyous holiday season! Here at the most luxurious condos at the Lake of the Ozarks, we get really excited seeing what locals do with their holiday decorations, and we love seeing creative wreaths and decorations adorn the doors at the Lake. If you enjoy Holiday decor, come out and schedule a viewing for some inspirational and perfect sights of the wintry colors found at Lake of the Ozarks.

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Decorate Your Door with a Homemade Holiday Wreath

We are all about paradise here at Isla Del Sol Condominiums. That's why we put together this list of fantastic tips on holiday decorating! Specifically, we're focusing on one particular front door decor: the Holiday wreath. Putting a homemade 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 premade base of grapevine from craft stores, like Hobby Lobby or Joanns.

Choosing the Decorations
A pretty holiday 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 design and coordinating them with your decorations 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 holiday wreath include christmas berries, pine cones and pine needle garland. For red, find some red bows or maybe some red dyed ribbon or tulle. Or to give it a more wintry look, you can incorporate silvers and blues.

*Remember, you can buy all of this at a craft store. You can even include live foliage to enhance the look and scent of your wreath. But for a permanent Fall wreath, it may be better to use fake foliage.

Capturing the Holiday 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. Snowflakes, christmas ornaments, ribbons and tinsel 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 seasonal colors, and we love seeing creative wreaths and decorations adorn the doors at the Lake. If you enjoy Holiday decor, come out and schedule a viewing for some inspirational and perfect sights of the wintry colors found at Lake of the Ozarks.

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5 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

If you plan on hosting Thanksgiving at your Lake of the Ozarks condo, you may be wondering how you can transform your small space into a cozy, comfortable hosting space. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to maximize the area in your condo. Isla Del Sol offers five tips for hosting Thanksgiving in a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1. Rearrange
 Don't be afraid to rearrange furniture for the evening. It may be a good idea to swap the living and dining areas. Shift your living room furniture to the side, or use your spare room as storage for the time being to make room for the table. Having the table in the living space creates more room for people to enjoy a comfortable Thanksgiving meal. Although it doesn't make sense to have it there on a daily basis, it makes sense to move everything around to create more space a better flow.

2. De-Clutter
When you host a big dinner in a small area, you need to make room for your guests. Clear away the knick-knacks and create space for your guests to place their drinks. Throw your outerwear in your room to make room for your guest's jackets in the entrance closet. If you keep your shoes near the entrance way, clear them away so your guests have room for their shoes.

3. Storage
Small kitchens can be one of the bigger challenges when it comes to hosting Thanksgiving, or any dinner party. So it comes in handy to be a bit creative when it comes to finding space. Sometimes, the packaging can take up more space than the item itself. For example, plastic tubs that fruit and veggies come in often take up a lot of space. After washing them, it may be a good idea to transfer them into a zip lock bag. In addition, use a cooler full of ice to keep your beverages cool to open up valuable fridge and counter space.

4. Be Flexible
Being flexible is one of the biggest things that you have to do while hosting in a smaller space. Focus on the mix, not the match. Be creative when decorating and planning. It's okay if your dinner isn't perfect. Being together with friends and family is the most important part of Thanksgiving.

5. Buffet
Save some space on the table and have your side dishes set up in a buffet style. Leave a few of the dishes on the counter, stove top or island and guests can come and go serving themselves as they please. In addition, it will mean there is less to clear away when you transition from dinner to dessert.

Happy Thanksgiving From Isla Del Sol!
If you are hosting Thanksgiving at your Lake of the Ozarks condo, we hope you have an amazing time. Good times are always to be had when friends and family come together. If you are traveling, we hope you have safe travels. Happy Thanksgiving from Isla Del Sol condominiums at the Lake of the Ozarks!

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7 Tips for Keeping Your Condo Warm this Winter

Fall is in full swing and the temperatures are definitely reflecting that. While it may not always feel so cold that you want to bundle up and crank up the heat, those days are becoming fewer and far in between. And before we know it, we'll soon be seeing snow and freezing temperatures. Whether you live at the Lake full-time or you use your condo for weekend getaways, you want to keep your place warm without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are severals things you can do to make your luxury condo at the Lake of the Ozarks nice and cozy warm throughout the cold season. Check out these 7 ways you can keep warm in your Lake of the Ozarks waterfront condo:

1. Use Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can help your furnace from being overworked, and it will keep you feeling warm while also being efficient. By programming your thermostat to certain temperatures during different times of the day, you can keep your house cool while you're away and warmer while you're home without having to fiddle with it every time you leave.

2. Let In The Light
If it is a nice, sunny day, take advantage of it. Once the sun is up, you want to capture as much of the heat as possible. Before you leave for the day, keep your curtains open and let the natural sunlight warm up your room.

3. Close Up At Night
Although you want to keep the curtains open during the day, once the sun goes down, keep the heat inside by closing the drapes. You could go as far as keeping insulated curtains for the winter season. They'll keep the heat from escaping through the windows.

4. Switch The Fan On
Although you may think you don't want your ceiling fan on during the winter months, it could actually keep you warm! Most ceiling fans have a "winter" setting. Actually, it is just a switch that versus the spin direction. Since heat rises, you want to have your fan rotate clockwise to push the heat back down to your room. Just remember to keep it spinning at a low speed, so it doesn't cool the air too much.

 5. Cover Bare Floors
Rugs are not just beautiful decorations, they can also keep your home warm! Floors account for nearly 10 percent of heat loss if they are not insulation. If you have bare floors in your condo, consider adding some rugs. Not only will they keep your home warm, they can keep your toes toasty too!

6. Close The Door
A lot of warm air is lost through gaps underneath doors and windows. Replace the weatherstripping underneath the door if it has come loose or if it is cracking. If that is not enough, invest in a door snake. You can place it at the bottom of the door to prevent warm air from escaping. You can also use the same technique for the bottom of the window.

7. Seal Up
One of the best ways to keep your home warm during the cool season is to ensure the heat is not escaping. Take a walk around your condo and ensure all the windows are sealed up and that air is not escaping. Hold your hand up to where the window and the wall meet. If you feel a little breeze, take some caulk and seal it up so no more heat escapes.

Keep Warm At Isla Del Sol
These are just a few of the many different ways to keep your waterfront condo at the Lake of the Ozarks warm this season. Luckily, Isla Del Sol is already efficiency-optimized and move in ready! You can still use any of these tips to keep it even warmer, however, we bet you'll find your Lake of the Ozark island paradise already energy efficient when it comes to keeping you cozy and warm!

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5 Festive Ideas to Get You in the Spirit of the Holidays

If you've visited any of the larger department stores recently, you may have already noticed the presence of the holidays starting to make their appearance. And now that Halloween is over and we're officially into the month of November, you can bet that Christmas is going to explode in the stores and all over your social media newsfeed over the next couple of weeks. You may have even noticed some of your friends already sharing holiday related GIFs expressing their excitement (or lack thereof) for the upcoming holidays. Now Isla Del Sol knows that not everyone is as ready to start putting up decorations and singing Christmas carols as the retail industry would like us to be. But for those who are, we've got 5 festive ideas to get you in the holiday spirit!

1. Bake Cookies

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without all that holiday baking. Whether your go-to is chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or gingerbread, baking cookies in fun holiday shapes and flavors will surely put you in the Christmas spirit. PLUS, there's not many people who can pass up a scrumptious cookie, so sharing your delicious holiday cookies with others may get them to open up to the spirit of the holidays too!

2. Get Family Photos

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your holiday cards, especially if your cards usually consist of a family photo! So call up your favorite photographer, pick out a cute theme or color for the family to dress in, and strike a pose for this year's Christmas card! Since having professional pictures usually means there will be a lag in turnaround time, it's best to get these done sooner rather than later to ensure you've got them back in time to send them out. 

3. Shop for Gifts

The earlier you start on your Christmas shopping, the less stressed you'll feel about the holidays, and the more money you're likely to save! If you're planning to go Black Friday shopping, start looking for ideas online now and making a list so you're ready. The Black Friday ads will be rolling out soon enough, so you can even come up with a plan of attack and enlist your family to shop for specific items you can check everything off your list! 

4. See a Holiday Performance

Whether you splurge on a single show or make it an annual tradition, nothing puts you in high spirits quite like a holiday performance. If you are interested in the theater, check out a production of "A Christmas Carol." If you like fine arts, try "The Nutcracker" ballet. And if you are a music junkie or light show enthusiast, the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra" is a must-see (hint: they'll be in Kansas City this year!). 

5. Volunteer

The holiday season is often seen as a holiday about getting, but it is also about giving. Volunteer at a local shelter or food pantry to help people in need, volunteer to be a bell ringer, or get involved with one of the local organization who hosts holiday fundraisers. Not only will it will make you more appreciative for the things that you have, but it will be more fulfilling than any item on your Christmas list. Getting the kids involved in volunteer work at a young age helps to build character and appreciation as well, so it's a great family activity!

There you have it - 5 festive ideas to help get you and your loved ones in the spirit of the holidays! Who knows? In your excitement to celebrate NOW, you may even convince those who insist on waiting until AFTER the turkey's big day to get a little excited! And just know that you're not alone in your "premature" excitement. The holiday festivities will be kicking off all over the place soon enough! If you're moving to the Lake of the Ozarks, be sure to check out all the local holiday events at www.FunLake.com, and don't forget to consider checking out the only private island condo complex at the Lake of the Ozarks for your next home. Our island has the best panoramic views for enjoying the Lake during any season!

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Isla Del Sol.

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See What Makes Isla Del Sol the PERFECT Second Home Location!

The Lake of the Ozarks best waterfront condominium complex is nestled in one of the most entertaining and diverse communities in the Midwest. The Lake features a dazzling mix of entertainment on and off the water, along with resort style living. Let's explore what highlights Isla Del Sol as the PERFECT second home location!

Premier Vacation Location with Plenty of Things to Do.
Sitting on an island situated in the main channel of the "best recreational lake in the country" has its perks. You're close to EVERYTHING! There are over a dozen golf courses and resorts within driving (or boating) distance, and the restaurants nearby are fantastic. There are events and attractions taking place on and off the water all year long. Don't feel like going out? Enjoy the Lake's only 360° panoramic view of the water and sit lakeside while the kids enjoy the splash playground and pool at our premium condos.

A Personal, Private Place to Get Away.
Owning a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks allows you to enjoy an extended vacation in a luxury atmosphere while maintaining the intimacy of your own living room. Your condo comes complete with amenities like a zero entry pool, a splash playground for the kids, and ample room to store away all the living essentials for a sublime vacation.

Save Money on Hotels and Build Your Equity.
Instead of spending extra money on hotel stays and being crammed into less than optimal living conditions, sprawl out in one of our open space condos! Don't spend money on hotel rooms when you could be building your real estate equity while enjoying your vacation. Our condos can comfortably hold everything your family needs and more. 

The Community is the Best in Missouri.
The Lake of the Ozarks is home to one of the most giving communities in Missouri. Charity organizations are always involved in helping others and sponsoring events. From Lake Race to Candyland, the entire Lake area enjoys events for charitable causes. The locals are always welcoming to newcomers or part time guests because when you stay at the Lake, you become a member of our family.

Isla Del Sol is the PERFECT Choice for a Second Home.
The Lake is a premium place to live. Events are happening all year long, and our part-time residents are always included and welcomed to take part in everything. Bring your family up to the best luxury condo complex at the Lake of the Ozarks and experience the best that second home living has to offer!

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13 Spook-tacular Movies to Get You in the Spirit of Halloween!

Practically everyone loves to celebrate Halloween in some way or another. Whether you're a go-all-outter or just a thrills and chills seeker, there's just something about this ghoulish holiday that has us all ready to celebrate All Hallows Eve! For the cooler evenings, when it's just a little to chilly to spend the evening outside, perhaps a movie night is in order to keep the spirit alive! So, grab some candy, pop some popcorn, and get ready for a night of frightening fun. Isla Del Sol has come up with a list of 13 spook-tacular movies that will get you ready for Halloween, and some may even have you sleeping with the lights on!

Young Kid Friendly Movies
Pooh's Heffalump Halloween
Who doesn't love Winnie-the-Pooh? It's Halloween in the Hundred Acre Wood, and everyone is excited to trick or treat. But Pooh eats all of the candy (oh, Pooh Bear!), so Roo and Lumpy set off on a quest to capture a scary Gobloon who will grant their wish for more. Sweet and not scary, this film is perfect for the pre-school set.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
What is a Halloween without the Great Pumpkin? Linus' optimistic wait in the pumpkin patch is a staple of the season. Plus, there are other fun, festive antics like trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, and Snoopy taking his costume a little too seriously.

Curious George: A Halloween Boofest
For littles who love Curious George and the man in the yellow hat, this is the perfect full-length Halloween movie to keep their attention. More funny than scary, this film follows George to the local Boo Festival where he learns a lot about fall and fun.

Family Friendly Movies
Hocus Pocus
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all. Disney is in the early stages of developing a new Hocus Pocus TV movie! Rated PG

Beetlejuice
When a recently-deceased ghost couple find their now-vacant home invaded by an obnoxious family, they hire a sleazy ghost who gets rid of humans to help them. Rumor has it that there's going to be a Beetlejuice 2! Rated PG

Casper
A paranormal expert and his daughter bunk in an abandoned house populated by three mischievous ghosts and one friendly one. See what Casper's up to after in Casper Meets Wendy and Casper: A Spirited Beginning. Rated PG

Addams Family
Con artists plan to fleece an eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long-lost uncle. Enjoy the series of these movies with Addams Family Values and Addams Family Reunion. Rated PG-13

Halloweentown
After learning she is a witch, a girl helps save a town full of other supernatural creatures. If your family enjoys this one, look for Halloweentown II! Rated G

Horror Movies (Probably not suitable for the kiddos)
Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of 3 people with the culprit being the legendary apparition, the Headless Horseman. This is based off a book written by Washington Irving, so if you like to read to see how closely the movie stays to the book, you can! Rated R

Nightmare on Elm Street
Several people are hunted by a cruel serial killer who kills his victims in their dreams. While the survivors are trying to find the reason for being chosen, the murderer won't lose any chance to kill them as soon as they fall asleep. Rated R

Halloween
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield to kill again. Halloween has been remade 3 times, and has a sequel! Rated R

Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Two siblings visit their grandfather's grave in Texas along with three of their friends and are attacked by a family of cannibalistic psychopaths. This movie has been remade a number of times, and as several prequels and sequels, so there's plenty to check out! Not Rated

The Ring
A journalist must investigate a mysterious videotape which seems to cause the death of anyone in a week of viewing it. If you enjoy this one, check out it's sequel: The Ring Two. PG-13

With this list of 13 spook-tacular Halloween movies, you'll be thrilled and chilled for the days leading up to Halloween night! So get the family together, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up close on these cool autumn nights to watch one of your favorite Halloween movies! Now, we couldn't possibly name all the greats, so did we miss a must-see classic on our list? Let us know what your favorite Halloween movies are in the comments!

And what better place to call home and snuggle up on your couch to watch these spooky movies than the best waterfront condominiums at the Lake of the Ozarks! Take advantage of the cool temperatures of the fall season, and enjoy a beautiful drive down Hwy W to view our luxury condos in person today! Isla Del Sol is the only Island condominium development at the Lake of the Ozarks. Come enjoy a little slice of paradise at the Lake with us... Taking in the breath-taking views of the fall foliage from our island is unlike anything you'll ever experience!

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Isla Del Sol.

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