5 Tips for Carving the Perfect Pumpkin this Halloween

Posted in General by Sherry Shippee, Owner, Crystal Water Villas

Spooky. Creepy. Goblins and ghosts!

The Halloween season is oh-so-slowly creeping upon us. A time for trick or treating and dressing up in the zaniest of costumes.

Although costumes and candy usually take center stage, carving a pumpkin is the perfect activity to squeeze in some quality family time. Carving the perfect pumpkin is all about having the right tools and a few ideas to give you the creative edge.

Here are 5 tips to help you out.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin: When picking out your pumpkin, be on the lookout for a solid, even-colored pumpkin. Pumpkins can sometimes be spotty and discolored. Try to find one that is as orange as can be! Also, beware of any soft spots. If you’re ambitious this year and want to do an intricate design, be sure to find a pumpkin that has a flat surface.
Find a Stencil: Get creative this year and try something new! The same old silly Jack-O-Lantern grin could use a facelift. Here are some stencils that you can print out on your computer. Thanks, Better Homes & Gardens!
Get the Right Tools: If you’re using one knife to carve the whole pumpkin, you’re doing it wrong! Here’s what you need: a serrated knife (that is sharp), a large metal spoon or scoop, and a few small pairing knives to get that detail you want.
Preserve Your Jack-O-Lantern: There’s nothing worse (and sometimes silly looking) than a Jack-O-Lantern’s smile turning into a shriveled grin. This year, take a little extra time to help preserve your masterpiece. Follow these steps to make your Jack-O-Lantern live even longer!
Light It Up, Without the Fire: Jack-O-Lanterns have traditionally been lit with candles. This year, go for one of those small, battery-powered LED lights. You can even find ones that flicker like a real candle! Be sure to check out your local Halloween or crafts store for this type of candle.

26Sep2013

5 Travel Apps for Your Trip to the Lake of the Ozarks

Posted in Staying With Us Tips! by Sherry Shippee, Owner, Crystal Water Villas

Remember the good ‘ol days of unrolling or unfolding paper maps? Well, those day are over for the most part.

Today, most of us have smart phones that allows us to navigate our way easily on any trip. Or even a trip across town!

Even though reception can be spotty at the Lake of the Ozarks, as long as you have a signal, here are 5 mobile apps that will help you out during your stay.

Yelp: There are plenty of fantastic restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks — from BBQ to seafood, there’s something for every taste bud. If you’re not sure where to go, open up this app and search what’s nearby. You can filter the search by how many stars people gave the restaurant and by which type of cuisine you’re craving. Download: iPhone | Android
GasBuddy: Looking for a gas station and wanting to save some money? GasBuddy is your new best friend to find the best prices at the pump. iPhone | Android
Google Maps: This is a no-brainer for any trip. Google Maps seamlessly helps you get to your final destination. Either use it as a map or use the GPS feature to make it even easier to navigate the winding roads at the Lake. If you have an iPhone, you can also use their Maps feature. Your preference! iPhone | Android
Travel List: Whether you’re going on vacation or traveling for a work trip, this app is your lifesaver! Never again will you forget the little things: your toothbrush, shampoo, that shirt you love. The app helps you organize and remind you what needs to be packed. This is perfect for those of you who are forgetful. 🙂 iPhone only
Weather Channel: Wondering what the weather at the Lake of the Ozarks is going to be during your stay? Open up your app and add a new zip code: 65037. Once it’s add, take a look at the weekend, 5-day, or week forecast. Once you’re at the lake, begin your morning with taking a look at this app and plan your day accordingly. iPhone | Android

17Jun2013

Finding Your Way Around the Lake of the Ozarks

Posted in Staying With Us Tips! by Sherry Shippee, Owner, Crystal Water Villas

We know the Lake of the Ozarks like the back of our hand.

However, when you’re headed to the lake and staying at one of our properties, we understand the roads can be a little tricky at first. When you book a stay with us, we’ll send you the physical address of the property you’re staying at, plus suggested directions.

One reason we do this is because GPS often doesn’t work that well around the Lake of the Ozarks. So, before you’re packed and backing out the driveway for vacation, keep these three tips in mind.

Print Your Directions: Be sure to check through your e-mails, as we send the address, plus suggested directions. If you can’t access e-mail from your phone, simply print the directions to have on-hand. Printing is your safest best. Cell service can be spotty, depending on your service provider.
Make Sure You Have the Access Code: The access code is crucial. This is how you’ll get into the property at which you’re staying. The access code will be sent to you in advance by e-mail. Go ahead and write that access code on your printed directions. That makes it so easy!
Know Where the Nearest Grocery Store and Gas Station Is: This is simply a matter of convenience. We’re more than happy to help you find the nearest grocery store or gas station. Give us a call at 866-273-2169 or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Last but not least, here’s a Lake of the Ozarks area map worth checking out. Zoom in, look around, and orient yourself before heading to the lake. As always, please let us know if you have any questions!