Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is officially less than a week away. You have the lights hung and the Christmas tree up, but have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? If you dread shopping, especially holiday shopping, you may have waited until the very last minute possible. Mission Bay is here to help you with your last minute Christmas shopping with these 10 last minute holiday gifts!

1. Netflix Subscription - For the movie loving friend, a netflix prescription is perfect. You don't even have to leave your house to get this present. Plus it's very inexpensive  at just $8.99 per month.

2. Gym Membership - For the health concious friend that talks about wanting to exercise, but just doesn't have the budget for that extra monthly expense. A gym membership would be a great gift idea and you won't have to pay for expedited shipping.

3. Car Wash Club - A car wash may seem like something simple, but to some people it's a treat to get their car washed. Rather than having to do it themselves, they can run their car through the car wash and not have to worry about the cost.

4. Maid Service - How many of us hate having to clean our homes all the time? Hiring a maid service is probably a luxury that many of us won't get for ourselves. For your friend or parent that works too hard, give them a gift that allows them to sit back and relax.

5. Spa Package - Everyone loves a nice relazing day at the spa; however, most people won't buy it for themselves, making a spa package a great last minute gift idea. For the person in your life that could use a little pampering, this spa package is the perfect thing. You could even get one for yourself and enjoy a spa day together.

6. Baked Goods - Homemade gifts are always an easy, last-minute idea. For you friend that has a sweet tooth or that person that just loves to eat, you can't go wrong with a food present. From cookies to candies and more, the possibilities are endless.

7. Gift Basket - A gift basket is the perfect thing for that person you have no clue what to get. Choose a theme such as a beauty basket, movie basket or spaghetti dinner. Grab some peel off face masks and lotion, a classic movie, some popcorn and candy or a box of spaghetti and some wine glasses, and there you have it! The perfect giftbasket for each of those hard to buy for people.

8. Movie Date - Has your best friend been talking about that new movie that's about to hit theaters? Get advanced tickets and take him or her for an after Christmas treat! You can even throw in some popcorn, candy and a drink when you get there.

9. Coupon Book - One of the easiest last-minute Christmas gifts is a coupon book. Whether its for your parents or that special someone, think of little things you can do for them to make their day. Maybe a footrub or back massage, making breakfast in bed or cleaning up after dinner, would make them happy. Sometimes its the little things that make the best presents!

10. Cash or Gift Card - If you're really struggling to come up with the perfect present for someone, you can always resort to cash or a gift card. Who doesn't love cash? Then they are able to get whatever they want and you don't have to worry about them not liking the present you got them. And it is the ultimate last minute gift, as you can literally pull it out of your wallet Christmas morning!

Mission Bay wishes you luck with your last minute Christmas shopping and hopes you have a very Merry Christmas! Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Nearby is the new Woods Supermarket, lake front restaurants and just 6 minutes from Camdenton via the improved Highway 5.

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

8 Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

Decorating your home for the holidays is one of the most common Christmas traditions. Each year you start seeing Christmas decorations in the stores earlier and earlier. While Christmas decorations can add a nice touch and bring holiday to cheer to your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, try not to over do it. The holiday lighting and electrical decorations increase the risk of fires and electrical injuries if not used safely. Mission Bay brings you these holiday decorating safety tips to keep you and your family out of harms way this holiday season!

1.  Purchasing a Live Tree

If you plan to purchase a live Christmas tree this year, be sure to check for freshness. A fresh tree is less of a fire hazard than one that is dried out. Fresh trees are green and the needles are hard to pull from the branches. Also, the trunk of a fresh tree will be sticky with resin and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

2. Christmas Tree Placement

Don't position your Christmas tree next to a fireplace, heating ducts or radiators, as this becomes a fire hazard. Even those artificial trees with "fire resistant" labels can still go up in flames. If you have a live tree, be sure to keep the stand filled with water, as they dry out in heated rooms. You also want to make sure not the place them in high traffic areas, or where they block doorways.

3. Decorating the Tree

If you have children or pets at home, be careful of your ornament placement. Be sure to place unbreakable and non-toxic ornaments on the lowest areas of the tree. You should also consider replacing metal hooks with ribbon or string to prevent choking and injury. Make sure to evenly space out the decorations so that no one side has too much weight. Too much weight in one spot could cause the tree to come toppling over.

4. Fireplace Use

Don't smoke out your guests with a dirty chimney. Be sure to have your fireplace and wood stove inspected annually and hire a chimney sweep to clean it if needed. Do not through wrapping paper into a fire, as the wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely. You should also be careful when using "fire salts" that change the color of the flame; they are very poisonous if ingested.

5. Lighting Candles

Placement is very important with candles and their open flame. Be sure to keep them away from curtains, bedding, paper, walls or any other areas with the potential to combust. Candle flames can heat up to 1000 degrees. Be sure to blow candles out if you're leaving a room or going to bed. Consider using battery-powered LED candles as a safer alternative when decorating.  

6. Lawn Decorations

If you have any of those blow up lawn decorations, be sure they are properly secured. They can easily become a dangerous projectile if you're not careful. You should always turn the fan blowers off when it's windy, when you're not going to be home for long periods of time and while you're sleeping. Be sure to keep them away from any outdoor lighting you have as they can also be a fire hazard.

7. Hanging Christmas Lights

When using a ladder to hang Christmas lights on the exterior of your home, extend the ladder a minimum of three feet over the roofline or working area.  Make sure the ladder is on level, firm ground, will leg levelers added if you're on an incline. You should also consider the weight limit of the ladder to make sure it will hold both you and the objects you are carrying. Be sure to test each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out any damaged sets.

8. Extension Cord Use

When using an extension cord, make sure to select a cord that is the length you need rather than stringing several together. Extension cords are for temporary use only and should not be placed in high traffic areas or under carpets, rugs or furniture. You'll also want to make sure that the cords are properly rated for their intended use, whether it be indoor or outdoor, and they meet the power needs of item being plugged into it.

Happy Holidays from Mission Bay at Lake of the Ozarks! Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Nearby is the new Woods Supermarket, lake front restaurants and just 6 minutes from Camdenton via the improved Highway 5.  

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

16 Halloween Trivia Questions

Halloween is just a few days away!  As your putting your finishing touches on your costumes, do you ever think about how the holiday began and how it was celebrated in the past?  There are a lot of myths and silly superstitions associated with the holiday.  Mission Bay is here to share with you some of those interesting Halloween facts and test your knowledge about this spooky holiday!

1. What vegetable was traditionally carved before the pumpkin? 

A. Beetroot
B. Melon
C. Turnip
D. Rutabaga

2. How long does it take the average pumpkin to grow? 

A. 30-60 days
B. 40-80 days
C. 60-90 days
D. 90-120 days

3. Halloween is the 3rd largest party day of the year in the US.  Which holiday is the 2nd largest? 

A. Christmas Day
B. Super Bowl Sunday 
C. Thanksgiving
D. New Year's Eve

4. Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday after what? 

A. Easter
B. New Year's
C. Christmas 
D. Thanksgiving

5. Barnbrack is a traditional Halloween food, but what is it exactly? 

A. A fruit cake
B. A meat dish
C. A pumpkin punch
D. A special bread

6. How many witches were burned at the stake in the Salem Witch Trials? 

A. 12
B. 20
C. 33
D. None

7. Originally, what was the trick in "trick or treat?"

A. Knock on the door and then run away
B. Throw water at the person opening the door
C. Sing a song to the person giving you candy
D. Put a spell on the person opening the door

8. What is the reason for wearing masks on Halloween? 

A. To protect our faces in case spirits attack
B. To keep spirits from recognizing the living
C. To protect spirits from seeing us happy
D. To stop spirits from touching our faces

9. What is the reason for ringing a bell on Halloween? 

A. To welcome the spirits
B. To scare away the spirits 
C. To dance away the spirits
D. To comfort the spirits

10. According to superstition, if you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, what will you see? 

A. Bloody Mary
B. Your future spouse
C. Your death
D. Dead Ancestors

11. According to legend, a unibrow, tattoos and a long middle finger are all signs of what Halloween creature?

A. A werewolf 
B. A vampire
C. A witch
D. A golem

12. According to superstition, on Halloween night, owls would swoop down and feast on the souls of the dying.  How could you protect yourself from hungry owls? 

A. Turn your pockets out and leave them hanging 
B. Sew a penny in your sleeve
C. Walk around your house 3 times backwards
D. All of the above

13. A person born on Halloween is said to have what special ability? 

A. They can tell the future
B. They can see and talk to spirits 
C. They can predict death
D. They will be unlucky

14. It was believed that on Halloween, spirits and other evil creatures roamed the Earth.  How could you protect yourself from evil? 

A. Sacrifice an animal
B. Bury animal bones in your front yard
C. Host a "dumb supper"
D. All of the above

15. According to superstition, what does it mean if you see a spider on Halloween? 

A. A dead relative is watching over you 
B. Death will come to you in the next year
C. You will marry within the year
D. You house needs cleaning

16. If you want to see a witch on Halloween, what should you do? 

A. Light a fire at crossroads at midnight
B. Carry a lamp to a spring of water
C. Put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards 
D. Go out on that blind date with your sister's "really nice" friend

**Answers:

1. C - Turnip
2. D - 90-120 days
3. B - Super Bowl Sunday
4. C - Christmas
5. A - A fruit cake
6. D - None
7. C - Sing a song to the person giving you candy
8. B - To keep spirits from recognizing the living
9. B - To scare away the spirits
10. B - Your future spouse
11. A - A werewolf
12. A - Turn your pockets out and leave them hanging
13. B - They can see and talk to spirits
14. B - Bury animal bones in your front yard
15. A - A dead relative is watching over you
16. C - Put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards

Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Residents enjoy multiple common areas, parks, and picnic areas, as well as 1400' seawall and lakefront cart path to provide ease of access to community docks. Nearby is the new Woods Supermarket, lake front restaurants and just 6 minutes from Camdenton via the improved Highway 5.

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020