Tuesday, December 29, 2015

5 Ideas for Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions

Have you thought about your New Year's resolutions yet? For many people in the United States, health and fitness are at the top of the resolutions list. Not that much further down on that list though is probably something about managing debt or saving money. Then we get to the part about things you want to accomplish in the New Year, such as traveling more! While many people give up on their resolutions within the first month of the year, Your Lake Vacation has some ideas on how to keep those resolutions longer. The more money you can save, the more money you will have to travel, travel to Lake of the Ozarks that is!

1. Start Planning Now. 


If you haven't already started thinking about your New Year's resolutions, you should! The sooner you decide on them the better prepared you will be. Take these next couple day to come up with a plan on how you're going to stick to your resolutions. Don't make a last minute wish on December 31 and expect it to come true. You need time to outline what it's going to take to achieve your goals. One of the main reasons that New Year's resolutions fail is because people don't put in enough effort to allow them to succeed.

2. Narrow Your Resolutions Down. 


Don't make resolutions on what you think you should do, but rather what you really want to do. It will be easier to keep if you actually want to do it. Another problem you could run into is trying to keep up with too many different resolutions; stick to what's most important to you. If you decide later you want to add another resolution to the list you can. Who says you have to start your resolution on January 1st?

3. Be Positive. 


Focus on the positive rather than the negative. A positive goal is an action you want to perform, whereas a negative goal is something you want to stop doing. Instead of saying you need to stop eating junk food, focus on become a healthier more fit you by eating more nutritious food and exercising regularly. You don't need that negativity in your life, start your year off right by being positive.

4. Ask for Help. 


You're friends want to see you succeed just as much as you want to. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you have a friend who has the same resolution as you, use them as an accountability partner. If you have a competitive side, you could even make a game or contest out of it. Who can get the most steps on their fit bit or who can save the most money on their next shopping trip? Everyone likes a little friendly competition for motivation.

5. Keep Records of Your Progress. 


Think of your resolutions like you would a budget - the best way to stay on track is to keep records of everything you've spent, so you know what you have left to spend or in this case what you have left to do. Writing progress notes is not only a way to stay accountable, but also a great way to keep the resolution fresh in your mind. There are apps out there for keeping track of everything from food to exercise, budgets to how much you read. Take a look and see what's out there to help you keep track of your New Year's resolutions.

If your New Year's resolutions include saving money and/or traveling more, our Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental company can help with both! We have a variety of waterfront homes and condos at the Lake of the Ozarks for you to choose from. With the Lake's central location, we're easier (and less expensive) to get to than the coasts. Plus, the cost of activities and food here in the Midwest is much less than those coastal destinations. If you're looking for some fun in the sun next year, without breaking the bank, plan your stay at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Call 877-284-0267 today for 2016 reservation information!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Monday, December 21, 2015

What Do Your Christmas Decorations Say About You?

For many people, decorating for Christmas is the best part about the holiday season. Whether you're all about the lights or finding that perfect Christmas tree, each family has their own way of decorating. What do your Christmas decorations say about you and your personality? Your Lake Vacation has some ideas.

All White Lights 


You're a traditionalist. You're sure that white lights on a real tree is the only way to go and deviating from the basic red and green color scheme is just wrong. Your ornaments veer toward the nostalgic side, to include choo-choo trains, bicycles, angels, etc.

Colored Lights


You're an exuberant, free spirit. You stand out in a crowd and are the life of the party. The exterior of your home is often decorated with candy canes, inflatable snowmen and a light display that would win any contest.

Artificial Tree 


You're practical. You like convenience. You love the traditional look of a real tree, but you don't enjoy picking it out in the cold and you hate having a mess. You like the practicality of plucking your tree out of its box every year. You are a perfectionist and like knowing exactly what to expect year after year.

Real Tree


You're old fashioned. You like to do things the way they've always been done because you love the simplicity that comes with tradition. You value your friends and family highly, preferring a night in with loved ones over a night out on the town. You know what feels good and you're sticking with it.

Mini Tree


You're Frugal. It's not that you don't love Christmas time, but let's face it, Christmas decorations can be expensive! Why spend hours picking out a tree, dragging it into the house and decorating it for a holiday that will have soon come and gone. Not only do you save time decorating, but clean up is a breeze.



Uniform Ornaments


You're organized and structured. You like things to appear "just right." You thrive in environments where discipline and order are part of the description. You also don't like making decisions lightly, choosing each of your words, actions or decorations in this case, extremely carefully. There is a chance you may have a touch of OCD as well.

Mix-and-Match Ornaments


You're sentimental. Your Christmas tree has everything but the kitchen sink thrown on it, from macaroni craft projects and baby's first ornament to lights, tinsel and garlands. However, each item on your tree has a story behind it and you are eager to share those memories with everyone that visits your house this holiday season. You'd choose sentimental value over aesthetic any day.

Star Tree Topper 


You're a strong leader. You place a large amount of stock in destiny and following your guiding star. You often look for "signs" to point you in the right direction. Many times you think of yourself as the guiding star, stepping up to take leadership roles. You also have a strong moral compass.

Angel Tree Topper


You're spiritual and kind. The angel represents you have a strong spiritual side and you aren't afraid to let the world know it. You are a kind soul, who knows how to take care of others and make them feel special. People will often turn to you in times of need.

So what do you think? Do these descriptions apply to you and your decorations. Whether they do or don't, our Lake of the Ozarks property management company wishes you a very Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoy the time spent with your family and friends, eating, drinking and being merry!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Why Talk to a Property Manager BEFORE Purchasing a Vacation Property

I have received a number of calls over the past few months from people looking at the option of purchasing a home or condo and putting that property on a vacation rental program. I tell each of them that they have made a great choice in reaching out to a property manager "prior" to making their purchase. Why? Well, I have come across a few owners who made the mistake of purchasing a property that either could not be rented or that would be very difficult to rent.

Although we live in a summer vacation area, which in fact was recently voted as the number one recreational lake destination in the entire United States by readers of US Today, there are some areas that do not allow nightly rentals. There are also some areas and properties that aren't very desirable to someone vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Rules & Restrictions on Nightly Rentals 


A few years ago, I received a phone call from someone who had purchased a home in an area that did not allow nightly rentals. When I explained this to them, there was dead silence on the other end of the line. I can only imagine the conversation they had with their real estate agent. It is possible that they didn't tell the agent that they wanted to use the home as a vacation rental at the Lake of the Ozarks or that the agent just didn't know that there were restrictions on that type of usage.

Desirable Location and Amenities 


I have also had a number of calls from people who have purchased a condo at a complex that just is not very desirable for rentals. The complex may have a really small pool, a lack of boat slips, horrible location or no elevator and they just purchased a fourth floor unit. I recently looked at a condo with a real estate friend of mine and her client. When you opened the blinds, you were looking directly at another building on one side and a large tree with just a hint of water on the other side. Fortunately, her client didn't purchase that unit. That would have been a real challenge trying to rent it!

Why do people visit our beautiful area? The Lake! A waterfront home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, with a good view of the water, is possibly the most important selling point that your property can have. We frequently get asked by guests whether the property is "on the water." While other factors play a part in a guest's choice of properties, including location, amenities and how many people the property will sleep, at the end of the day, the single most important fact is that your home or condo be on the water, with a good or better yet, a great view of the lake.

Russell Burdette is the owner of Your Lake Vacation, a professional vacation rental management company at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1986. If you would like more information on renting your Lake of the Ozarks waterfront home or condo as a vacation rental, please call 573-365-3367 or email russell@yourlakevacation.com.

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Luxurious 4 Bedroom Condo at The Towers at Parkview Bay

Towers 9106


Enjoy a 9th floor view from this 4 bedroom, 4 bath luxury condo at the exclusive Towers at Parkview Bay! This condo at the Lake of the Ozarks includes 3 master bedrooms. The grand master bedroom features french entry doors, laminate floors, a ceiling fan, king sized bed, walk-in closet, flat screen TV, electric fireplace, slider entry to screened deck, private bathroom with jetted tub, large shower with grab bars and hand held shower head, toilet with grab bars and 2 sinks.

The second master bedroom features a king sized bed, flat screen TV, closet, slider entry to deck, private bathroom with jetted tub, corner shower and 2 sinks. The third master bedroom features a queen sized bed, flat screen TV with DVD player (no cable in this room), closet, private bathroom with tub/shower and two sinks. The fourth bedroom features a queen sized bed, exterior entrance, closet and access to the guest bathroom.



The open kitchen has full sized appliances including a flat top range, microwave, side-by-side refrigerator with water and ice in the door and dishwasher - all the things you will need to cook if you choose to do so! The dining table is a square pub height that seats 8 comfortably for dining or game playing. There are an additional 4 bar stools located in the kitchen. The living room features two large couches, chair and half the ottoman, flat screen TV, DVD player, surround sound with receiver, gas fireplace, 3 slider entrances to the screened deck and a wet bar complete with sink and separate ice maker.



Once outside, enjoy the 6 top table, 4 top table, 2 cushioned chairs, screened deck with roll down shades (you can still see through them), large gas frill with lights and rotisserie and the extra large refrigerator for all your extra drinks. Oh, and did we forget to mention there is a flat screen TV to watch the game while you enjoy the 180 degree unobstructed view!

The Towers complex amenities include elevator access to the 9th floor, indoor and outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, exercise room, 1 covered parking space and ramp access to the docks. This Lake of the Ozarks condo is great for couples, families or small reunions as it will hold up to 10 people.

To book this lovely condo today, give us a call at 1-877-284-0267. Your Lake Vacation is your premier vacation rental company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you're looking for something small for a romantic getaway or a huge house for your big family reunion, we've got options for you!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

Friday, December 4, 2015

Celebrate Christmas at Lake of the Ozarks

Christmas is just a few weeks away! At the Lake of the Ozarks though, we've already started celebrating. From taking the kids to see Santa to participating in charity events, this community does a lot around the holidays. Take a look at some of the events we have coming up and plan your holiday trip to the Lake of the Ozarks today!

Christmas Lights


Each year you will find a variety of Christmas lights around the Lake, including four drive-thru light parks. While each park is free to drive through, they gladly accept donations. Here is the list of park locations:

Enchanted Village of Lights
The City of Laurie presents the Enchanted Village of Lights at the Laurie Fairgrounds. The Enchanted Village of Lights is one of the largest drive-through holiday light parks in Mid-Missouri. It will be open nightly from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (10:00 pm on Weekends) now through January 2nd.

St. Patrick's Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights at the Shrine of St. Patrick, Hwy 5, Laurie, is the oldest light park in the area. It was started in 1981 with hundreds of lights decorating the buildings and grounds and has continued to grow each year. With 4,000 strings of lights, over 60 automatic timers and more than 350 extension cords, the Festival of Lights has turned into one of the major places to see. Instead of animated displays, the focus is on the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus and His Mother, Mary. St. Patrick Festival of Lights will be open daily from 6 – 10 pm now through January 1st.

Versailles Unity Circle of Lights
For the 9th straight season, the city of Versailles will light up its city park for the Unity Circle of Lights. The holiday light park is named after the "Unity Circle," a monument erected at the park entrance to show cooperation among various entities in the community. The Unity Circle of Lights is located at the junction of Highways 5 and 52 and will feature as many as 40 lighted displays, including several animated holiday scenes for the family. The park is open from dark until midnight now through January 1st.

Osage Beach Holiday Lights
Holiday themed lights will be on display at the City Park and at various locations along Osage Beach Parkway every evening now through January 3rd. Bring the kids to meet and visit with Santa at the City Park on Saturday, December 19th from 3 PM to 5 PM.

Christmas on Main Street 


The Main Street Music Hall is celebrating the spirit of the holidays with a Christmas on Main Street. Enjoy your favorite songs with a night of laughter, as Gabby Gumm and our talented cast gives you that warm fuzzy feeling you use to get when you were just a kid. It’s guaranteed to entertain every kid from one to ninety two with an evening of clean family fun, as well as celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. A Christmas on Main Street runs through December 20th. For show times and reservations call 573-348-9500, or visit the website at www.lakemusichall.com.

Deck the Docks Holiday Light Cruises


Take a festive dinner cruise aboard Celebration Cruises to view waterfront homes and docks beautifully decorated for the Holiday Season. Deck the Docks benefits Dogwood Animal Shelter. Live entertainment and appetizers will be donated by local entertainers and restaurants. Tickets are $25 per person and reservations for tables of 8 are available. Cruises board at 5:30 pm every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from now until December 30 (excluding Christmas Day). Call 573-480-3212 for more details or reservations.

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook 


The Lake of the Ozarks' only Christmas Village is at Old Kinderhook. They will have lots of fun activities, plus you can enjoy the Lake's only outdoor Ice Rink. Every weekend from now until Christmas, they will have Christmas activities including: S'Mores around the fire pit, Christmas Carolers, Santa, Gingerbread House making, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Elf Storytelling and more! Some activities do have a fee, so call for more information - 573-317-4314.

Christmas on the Square - December 5


Families can enjoy a fun time on the Square in Camdenton this Saturday, December 5th from 11-2! Enjoy games, hot chocolate, cookies, entertainment, petting zoo and much more! The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at 1 pm. Stop by and give him your wish list!

Lake Ozark Christmas Parade - December 12


Celebrate the season with at the Annual Christmas parade along the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip from 1-3 pm on Saturday, December 12th. The Lake Ozark "Christmas Magic" Parade will line up at 242 starting at t he HH & Bagnell Dam Blvd. intersection, and will turn right to proceed down Bagnell Dam Boulevard to the Dam. The Parade will be lead by the Maine Corp League Honor Guard with the Grand Marshall and all other parade participants following them. After the parade, Santa's Caravan will travel from Eagle's Landing to greet everyone at the Lake Holiday Bonfire below Bagnell Dam starting at 4:30 pm. At the bonfire there will be treats for the kids, hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and s'mores will be served. Parade Float Winners will be announced there at the Bonfire. Come and enjoy the bonfire, the caroling, holiday music and the fun of being part of this great community holiday season event!

Christmas for Kids - December 13


Enjoy an evening of entertainment with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction while supporting Lake Area families in need this holiday season. Admission is $20.00/person donation, plus a NEW unwrapped toy. Live music featuring: Shawn C AND Captain Geech & The Shrimp Shack Shooters. All proceeds benefit underprivileged children in the Lake Area and CADV, Wonderland Camp, Hope House, Big Bro./Big Sis., Lake Reg. Pediatrics, YMCA, Share the Harvest Food Pantry & Kid’s Harbor. The event will be held at the Country Club Hotel & Spa on Sunday, December 13th at 7 pm, with the VIP Party starting at 6 pm.

 Jingle Jog 2015 - December 19


The Tri-County YMCA of the Ozarks presents the first of what will become an annual event: The YMCA 5K Run/Walk "JINGLE JOG 2015". This exciting event will take place on Saturday, December 19th. This event will benefit the kids at the YMCA and the participants will be able to burn off some of those "holiday calories" a little early. Registration for the event will start at 8 am at the Y and the race will begin at 9 am. Early bird registration will be until December the 11th for $20.00. Registration the day of the race on the 19th will be $25.00. The participants will be divided into age divisions and the overall 5K male and female winners will receive a FREE Christmas ham! After the race, the fun begins - Santa will be present to take photos with the kids and there will be a hot cocoa bar, music and games for the kids. You will definitely want to bring the kids to this fun event.

With so many great Christmas events, why wouldn't you want to make a weekend trip to the Lake of the Ozarks this holiday season? Call 877-284-0267 to book your reservations today. From one bedroom condos to five bedrooms houses, we have Lake of the Ozarks accommodations to fit everyone's needs. Merry Christmas from Your Lake Vacation - we hope to see you soon!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076