Fall and holiday scents are always a wonderful gift or treat to give yourself! Aromatique has a full line of wonderful scents beginning with Cinnamon Cider for Fall. This fragrance combines the essence of apples and cinnamon and it will fill your home or office with a warm and inviting scent. Choose from an array of products including potpourri, room spray or candles, which ever works best in your space. Next up is Pumpkin Spice, a perfect mix for Fall and Thanksgiving. It is a wonderfully warm scent that will greet each guest and make them feel right at home.

The Smell of Christmas is the most beloved holiday scent of all! The minute you smell it you are transported back to the first Christmas that you can remember as a child. This magical fragrance combines the delightful aromas of citrus and spice with naturally festive botanicals...red berries, evergreen sprigs, nuts, pinecones and cinnamon sticks...creating a warm and joyful ambiance in the home!

Speaking of Christmas, did you know that we start placing our Christmas lights around Big Cedar Lodge on September 1st? We have so many Christmas lights it takes us that long to hang them and have them up in time for Christmas! Now, that's a lot of lights!

Tailgating is a great opportunity to get to hang out with your friends and kiddos while cheering your college sports team on to victory! Get the party started with fun and festively decorated collegiate serve ware from Magnolia Lane. The chip and dip or divided vegetable trays make for excellent center pieces. Other pieces available are bowls, trays and glassware. Here is a super easy fruit dip that would be great to take to your next tailgate.

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 jar of marshmallow creme

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Step 1 - Soften cream cheese by leaving it out on the kitchen counter or by microwaving it on low power for 30 seconds

Step 1 - Place cream cheese in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth

Step 3 - Add marshmallow creme and vanilla and beat until fluffy

Step 4 - Serve with an assortment of fresh fruit.

Looking for more tailgating ideas? Join Big Cedar Lodge's Chef Andy for a Tailgating Workshop and learn the tricks of the trade! It will be a fun interactive day full of recipes, ideas and of course tastings! Click here for more information on the tailgating workshop.

Has July been too hot?  Not at all!  Summer is the perfect time for Contrast Therapy. 
 
Relax in your massage and experience the revitalizing feeling that the contrast of hot and cool shell therapy provides.  Hot shells are used to stimulate blood flow to the surface of the skin.  Then cool shells stimulate blood flow back to the core of the body.  This ancient practice results in increased circulation,  lymphatic flow and revitalizes you by releasing tension and reducing inflammation in your body.

We also offer contrast therapy in our facial services.  The refreshing Fire and Ice facial features Eminence products which include warming paprika products to heat up your skin and stimulate blood flow and cooling menthol and rosehips products to cool the skin.  This facial service results in plumped, lifted and glowing skin!  Call Spa Services at 417-339-5201 to book your appointment today!

Did you know that there are 19 locations around Big Cedar Lodge for geocaching?  Some of you may wonder what exactly geocaching means.  If you have ever been on a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt and had a good time, you will most likely enjoy geocaching.  What’s the difference?  This is a high tech version of a treasure hunt with locations all over the world.  Instead of using a paper map to lead the way, geocachers use GPS systems to track the location of each cache. 

Another great thing about geocaching is the unique experience it brings to treasure seekers.  There are many different types of caches at each location.  For instance, once you find the location you are looking for, you may come across various types of tracking devices.  One of which could be a basic log such as a Tupperware container with a sheet of paper and a pencil to log your discovery and date.  Another device could be more high tech such as a Travel Dog Tag or Geocoin which track their location from the beginning to present day. 

Right now, there are a few of these high tech gadgets at different cache locations around property.  When they are found, if you take the “treasured” tag or coin with you, it is important to put it at another location to log its travels. 

Some tracking devices are less elaborate.  One example that has been at Big Cedar Lodge recently is a little Tigger doll that came here all the way from England.  The participant who started Tigger on its journey implies that this little guy would like to travel the world. 
Does this new-age treasure hunt sound intriguing enough for you? 

If you would like to learn more about this activity and help tracking devices like Tigger travel the world, please contact Melanie Lowry, Assistant Activities Manager at mlowry@basspro.com or 417.339.4788 and we would love to answer any questions you may have about this and other activities offered at Big Cedar Lodge.  Sign up for geocaching today at Guest Services! 

Keeping track of how many putts you have after a round can be misleading.  You can have 36 putts for 18 holes and shoot even par, or you can have 18 putts in a round and shoot even par.  A more accurate guide to how well you are putting would be to look at how many putts you make from a certain distance.  Below are the PGA Tour stats from 2008 and 2009 on percentage made from a certain distance.

Distance          Make % 2008      Make % 2009
Less than 5’    96.1%                   96.1%
3’ – 5’              86.5%                   86.8%
5’ – 10’           55.4%                    55.6%
10’ – 15’         29.7%                    29.9%
15’ – 20’         17.9%                    18.6%
20’ – 25’         11.9%                    12.3%
Over 25’          5.5%                      5.4%

As you can see the percentages of putts made drop off when the length gets outside six feet, and they dramatically drop off outside of ten feet.  The next time you go out, keep track of the putts you made and what distance you made them from.  Calculating the putts you made from a certain distance will show you exactly where you are throwing strokes away during a round, plus it will force you to focus on the “money putts”, putts inside ten feet.

As we rolled out of Big Cedar, the fog was just lifting off the lake. It had rained for about an hour, so the water was as smooth as glass.  Not too many boats were out today because the sun was still hiding behind the clouds. We made a quick trip to our favorite cove.  As we arrived, we saw a deer make its way across our cove and out on the other side with her little ones in tow.  As she arrived on the other side we prepared the ski boom for a run. We thought if we hurried we could get one or two barefoot runs down the cove before the sun and its worshipers arrived. I donned the barefoot suit and slid into the water.  As the boat spun around to face the mouth of the cove, our captain hit the throttle. Gliding along the pristine water, I make the tuck and roll to my feet. The shoreline passed quickly as we sped along at 35 mph. It was amazingly peaceful and quiet. Nothing compares to communing with nature and skiing barefoot in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
 
 
We left Big Cedar about 1:00 in the afternoon with a family of three. The young lady with us had never been on the lake before. Although she was 14, she was a professional entertainer who did not have time for recreation. We had the privilege to introduce her to waterskiing. We set out the teaching boom and helped her get on her skis. She grabbed the boom and got up on the skies on her second try. Her parents were ecstatic, but we had just begun. We placed a rope on the boom, and she was up in an instant. It was clear that she was a quick learner. From there we put her behind the boat and again she was up on the first try. Her father commented, “ You have just destroyed a right of passage that I had to endure.  She didn’t have to drag forever and drink the lake. She barely got her hair wet!” Yes, both the times and teaching methods have progressed. We go for success at each stage before we move on. Our young lady moved from just getting up behind the boat to crossing the wake with ease. She was a quick study and learned her new skill in less than 90 minutes. She skied for another half hour, enjoying her new found love of waterskiing. She said she’s looking forward to coming back next year and learning something new…maybe wakeboarding or surfing.  We will look forward to it!

Exfoliating has always been an important step in all skin-care treatments - from a simple facial to a complete body spa experience. Exfoliating helps to rejuvenate the skin by exposing the smoother and more supple layer of skin after removal of the top, dead skin layer. There are a wide variety of body scrubs and polish ingredients, which all help to reveal your youthful skin!

What Exactly is a Body Scrub?

A body scrub is a suspension of coarse granules (ground walnut, sea salt, or coarse sugar granules) in a semi-liquid gel.  Our current favorite is the organic mango-ginger sugar polish.

What are the benefits of a Body Scrub?

A body scrub will actually help to remove all the dead skin off your body and expose a supple layer of younger skin, making you feel fresh and rejuvenated. A body scrub is the best way to remove a skin tan. If your skin had become rough and has darkened due to pollution or exposure to dust, you can use a body scrub to remove the rough skin layer leaving you with a soft and supple skin.

What are the Applications of a Body Scrub?

A body scrub is generally used in a complete spa treatment, which involves the use of an exfoliating body scrub, removed with hot, wet towels and is followed by a hydrating massage soufflé body butter to nourish the skin and keep it fresh and moisturized.  You can also add a Swedish aromatherapy massage to your body polish service for an amazing two-hour relaxing experience.

How Often Can I Use a Body Scrub?

Do not use the body scrub too often because frequent scrubbing can damage the young skin layer once the dead skin is off the body surface. You can use a body scrub once in a week or two. Also remember to use a very gentle body scrub in case you have a dry skin. Also be very careful during winters when too much of scrubbing can damage the already dry skin.

How Can I Experience the Body Scrub?

Call Spa Services at Big Cedar Lodge and book your body polish service or massage and body polish combination and experience a special treat for your skin!  417-339-5201

Camping and S ‘mores.  Hamburgers and hotdogs.  Coffee and a good book.  What are your two favorite things that go together?  Well, the Activities Coordinators at Big Cedar have a new one for you…movies and swimming!  What makes “The Wizard of Oz” better than watching it under the night sky or seeing “Flilpper” while floating on a noodle in the pool? 

These are just a few of the eight movies you have an opportunity to view at two of our pools Memorial Day through Labor Day.  These family friendly films provide entertainment for everyone.  My family has watched many movies over the years but I remember well that there were times that we wished we knew of more movies we could all watch comfortably and enjoy together. Bring the kids for an evening of fun with friends while you enjoy the cabana and beautiful weather.  So come join us at the Swimmin’ Hole or Wilderness Falls every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8:30pm.  And best of all…it’s a COMPLIMENTARY activity!

In Part 1 of The True Fundamentals of the Golf Swing I talked about being able to strike the ground in front of the golf ball every time.  In this part we are going to tell you the truth about ball flight so that you will have a better understanding with what is going on with your golf swing.

The truth is the golf ball leaves at 90 degrees to the clubface at impact and not from the swing path of the golf club.  Curvature of the golf ball is a result of both the clubface and swing path. 

In the picture to the right you can see that the direction the ball takes off is the direction of the clubface.  Although, you can also see that the swing path is moving from out to in, across the ball.  This swing path is going to produce a clockwise side spin, aka a fade or slice spin.  This particular shot would start at the target and curve to the right. 

In order to hit the ball dead straight we would need to have our swing path traveling more along the target line.  For a draw/hook, or a ball that curves to the left, all we need to do is change our swing path to a more in to out motion.
If you can get a general understanding about what determines the direction and curvature of the golf ball, then you can very quickly turn into your own swing coach.

Big Cedar Lodge offers countless ways to escape from the summer heat.  Everybody knows jumping in the pool is a great way to cool down after a day in the sun’s blazing rays.  There are two pools at Big Cedar Lodge: the Devil’s Pool and the Swimming Hole complete with shuffle board, snack bar, and sand volleyball. Our guests can also enjoy the lazy river, slide into the indoor pool, or relax by a third outdoor pool.  All found next door at the Wilderness Club. 

A cold beverage can erase the midday stress brought on by the heat.  Stop by the Buzzard Bar or Truman for a blended coffee drink, beer, wine, or a healthy, fruit smoothie.  Truman also serves ice cream for those who happen to have a sweet tooth!

If you are an adventure seeker, maybe you will find your refuge from the summer heat at the Bent Hook Marina.  At the marina, you can rent a ski or pontoon boat and go tubing, skiing, or wakeboarding.  There are also canoes, jet skis, and paddle boats available for rent.  Or you can simply jump in and go for a swim with the bass and crappie! 

Make sure to know the following signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.   If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to a heat stroke—when the body cannot control its temperature.  With heat stroke, body temperature may rise quickly to 106° F. or higher.  Heat stroke could be fatal or cause permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.  Seek medical treatment immediately if the symptoms are severe or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Cool-Down Tips

If a person shows the signs of heat exhaustion, here are some tips to help cool off:

•Move to the shade and preferably to an air-conditioned environment.
•Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
•Rest.
•Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
•Wear lightweight clothing.

Prevention Tips

In hot weather to protect yourself against developing heat exhaustion:

•Drink more liquids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.  (If your doctor limits your fluid intake or you are on a diuretic medication, check with your doctor on how much you should drink in hot weather.)
•Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar—these will cause you to lose more body fluid.
•Avoid very cold drinks—these could cause stomach cramps.
•Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned place.
•Take a cool shower or bath.

If you have to be out in the heat:

•Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
•Cut down on exercise.  If you must exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool nonalcoholic liquids each hour.  A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
•Rest often in the shade.
•Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
•Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Source:  “Extreme Heat,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/findBalance/heat.html