Winners of the BTS Giveaway

The winners have been drawn - yeah!

Super duper big thank you to the sponsoring businesses! Be sure to visit them soon - SHOP LOCAL to support your community.

- Union Nails: (3) basic pedicures - Vicki Slabodzian-Harrison
- Mi Amor Photography: 2 hour photo shoot and CD of edited images - Eliza Thornton
- Sweet Designs by Mandi: 1 dz. cupcakes and $30 gift certificate - Regina Close
- Union Hair Station: $40 Walmart gift card and basket of goodies - Michelle Widau-Vondera
- GAME OVER: $25 gift certificate and (3) DVDs - Heather Diesel
- Salon De Novo (Cindy): cut, shampoo, and style - Vicki Tate
- Heather's Paparazzi~Independent Consultant #4464: new piece of jewelry every month for a year (surprise piece) - Justina White
- White Rose Cafe: Dinner for 2 ($25 gift certificate) - Rhonda Bailey Stephanie Platt
- Scoops N' More: Ice cream party ($15 gift certificate) - Dawn Larmi
- MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait: surprise prize package - Kassidy Forbus

All winners must email me at experienceunionmo@gmail.com before 9 am on Monday, August 12th. Any prizes not claimed by then will have a new winner drawn.

Thank you for participating and see you around town!

Tyann Marcink

Back to School Giveaway

I can't believe the summer is nearly over! Area schools begin in just 3 weeks or less...sigh...

Let's do a special giveaway to chase away those BTS blues then. :)

Use the widget below to "LIKE" all of the local business sponsors - every page you "LIKE" is an entry for a prize. Woo hoo!

And, don't forget to share the special giveaway graphic on the Experience Union Facebook page for another entry. Bonus - you can do this EVERY DAY for another entry.

Have fun!

Note: If the widget doesn't load right away, refresh your browser and give it a little bit of time. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Put A Little Gravel In Your Travel!

Often I hear people say living in Union is great because of how easy of a day trip it is to St. Louis. I am a bit different in that I feel living in Union is great because how easy it is for a day trip to MANY beautiful areas of Missouri that don't necessarily fit "city" mode.

Water Shoes, Minnow/Critter Catching Net, and
cool clear water - THANK YOU MISSOURI! :)

Just 35 miles away is Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area. Hop down I-44 to Bourbon then hit N - beautiful cool clear waters await you. 98 degress out? Who cares!?!?! Sit and chill in the waters, watch your kiddo catch crawdads or find fossils. It's just a wonderful experience.

Crawdad Time! June 2013 at Blue Springs Creek.

Recently I decided to explore another spot. Just 10 miles further (45 miles from Union) is Huzzah Conservation Area. Go on I-44, Onodoga Exit  - go past the park, cross the Meramec, and put a little gravel in your travel to find this gem! Water may not be as chilly as Blue Springs, but it's wider and still can trick your brain into realizing that it's not in the 90's... nature's airconditioning at its best!

Huzzah Conservation Area - July 2013 Cliffs to the right and
woods/creek to the left. Lovely road just like out
of a fairy tale or novel... and right here in Missouri.

Don't get me wrong, St. Louis has great things for day trips, but just as close are two amazing places to create some great memories with family. Some of my fondest memories growing up in the Ozarks are of the Big Piney River and of Paddy Creek in the Mark Twain National Forest.

I call myself the "creek-side gourmet" - she says it's not
"fancy at all" - but she eats and and enjoys it regardless!
Huzzah Creek bank July 2013.

I want my kiddo to have similar experiences and not spend EVERY DAY of Summer break sitting in front of the television. It's amazing how sometimes just an afternoon away and OUTSIDE can improve attitudes and spirits.

More information about Huzzah Conservation Area: ttp://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Applications/MOATLAS/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=5702
and about Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area: http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=8405

For more information about my photography see my webpage: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/
and you can visit my blog at: http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/

Until next time, ~ michelle of Experience Union :)

Where In Union July 14 2013

This week's Where in Union winner gets the above painting by Olive and Ash - see her blog for more information about what she does: http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com/

So, Where in Union is this? Let us know! 

Where in Union July 7 2013

This week you can win a $50 Gift Certificate to Union Hair Station out by Imo's! How exciting, and what a great prize! So this one isn't that easy. Sorry folks. So, Where in Union is this? :)

Meet: Rob Kell and Vega Fireworks

The celebratory pops, bangs, and shazizzles of fireworks are an American tradition this week. Barbecue burgers and hot dogs, strawberry shortcake, fresh fruit salad, and ice cream go right along with the American celebration of Independence Day.

Did you know that the fireworks stands open only 2 weeks before July 4th? Just two short weeks to supply you with sparklers, snappers, killer bees, twitter glitters, and roman candles.

Shopping for fireworks like a kid in a candy store.

This year, the local family owned stand Vega Fireworks has a celebration of their own - 30 years of business. You know their stand - the red and white striped tent near Barreth Ford, right off of Hwy. 50.

Follow them on Facebook right now:

Rob Kell and his daughter Angela now have a total of three stands - Union, St. Clair, and Troy. They hire local young people to help with the stands, providing a fun summer job.

Vega Fireworks has the highest quality fireworks available, with a selection of over 300 different items. They are also the exclusive distributor of Black Market Brand fireworks - the most powerful available by law. The Black Market Brand is guaranteed to have the highest quality performance, including the richest colors, extra long duration stars, and spectacular effects combinations.

Boxes piled high with rockets, Roman candles, sparklers, jumping jacks, and firecrackers.

Not sure what particular fireworks do? Here is a little cheat sheet from their website:

“Cakes” are one wick, multi-shot pieces that are guaranteed to wow audiences with their huge breaks, vivid colors, and thundering explosions. Coming in sizes of 500 gram (the largest) to 200 gram, cakes are the best choice for those who desire a more “automatic”, light-it-and-watch show. Great for impressive finales.

“Reloadables” refer mainly to pieces that offer a single firing tube which is manually reloaded with a variety of explosive shells. The larger the shell, the bigger, higher, and more impressive the effect.

“Fountains” are bright, colorful showers of sparks and flaming balls that typically reach relatively shallow heights. These are ideal for smaller, backyard shows.

"Rockets" are a classic favorite. The larger the rocket, the higher they fly, and the bigger they bang. Rockets typically have a nice visible launch, ending with an explosive break.

Meet Rob Kell, Vega Fireworks, celebrating 30 years of business.

Hours of the Union stand are as early as 7:30 am and as late as 1:00 am for the holiday. Stop by and tell Rob that Experience Union sent you.

Vega Fireworks locations

Union location:

1001 East HWY 50

St. Clair location:

1213 Gravios Rd.

Troy location:

215 Firehouse Ln.

Visit vegafireworks.com and their Facebook page for more information and special announcements.

Have a safe Fourth!
Tyann Marcink

Winners of the 1,000+ Fan Giveaway

WOW!

In just over a year, Experience Union is now celebrating over 1,000 followers on our Facebook page.

Thank you to each and every one of you for following our posts, photos, and plugs about our little town Union, the surrounding area, and the wonderful businesses who sponsor us.

All three of us sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share with you on a daily basis. (Read more about each of us here.)

Before I announce the winners, I strongly encourage you to follow the sponsors on Facebook and any other social media or newsletters that they offer. This is just one simple way to support our local businesses.

One other big way to support our town is to tell your friends about the area and the businesses. It may not be feasible to spend our money in every local shop each day of the year, but you can support them by recommending them to your friends and family.

I'll make the Facebook part easy for you - just click the little "Like" button next to each sponsor below as you read through the winners list.

Note: Winners MUST email me at experienceunionmo@gmail.com before 9 am Wednesday, July 3rd to claim their prize. Please include your name, email, mailing address, and phone number.

Congratulations and thank you to our sponsors for joining in the fun with us!

- Marcink Designs (profile photo and chat over coffee) - Donna Argent Zac Novak Cassie Rice (must claim by 9:00 am Monday, July 8th)


- MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait (prize package of a 16x20 canvas) - Alicia Ferkel


- (4) Thursday Franklin County Fair passes - Cindy Moritz

- Invisible Sun Massage and Body Works (one hour massage and one hour facial) - Shawn Pehle


- SBAudio ($100 gift certificate) - Matthew Cowan


- (4) Friday Franklin County Fair passes - Jen Kelley

- Union Nails (basic pedicure for 4 friends) - Mindy Schmelz


- White Rose Cafe (breakfast for 2) - Racheal Vogel


- Kate's Beauty and Stress Relievers (spa basket) - Victoria Donaldson Ricky Bacon (must claim by 9:00 am Friday, July 5th)


- (4) Saturday Franklin County Fair passes - Justina White

- (2) VIP tickets to the Randy Houser concert - Cheyenne Narup

- The Beauty Within ($75 Mary Kay gift certificate) - Bethany Dixon


- Jewell ($20 gift certificate) - from Megan Julius - RickandMandy Thomas

- 31 Bags (large tote in fun flops pattern) - from Shannon Lindeman - Leisha Reeser

- (4) Sunday Franklin County Fair passes - Angel Brown

Note: Winners MUST email me at experienceunionmo@gmail.com before 9 am Wednesday, July 3rd to claim their prize. Please include your name, email, mailing address, and phone number.

Where in Union - June 30 2013

This week's winner will get a free set of Jamberry Nails from Anne at www.facebook.com/AnneTallJamberryNailsIndependentConsultant AND a free set of Union notecards from MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait 

So tell us WHERE IN UNION this is... (and we need sponsors for future weeks, please contact us on facebook to do so!) 

1,000+ Fan Giveaway

WOW!

In just over a year, Experience Union is now celebrating over 1,000 followers on our Facebook page.

Thank you to each and every one of you for following our posts, photos, and plugs about our little town Union, the surrounding area, and the wonderful businesses who sponsor us.

All three of us sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share with you on a daily basis. (Read more about each of us here.)

In celebration, I have put together an awesomesauce giveaway for you! Tons of prizes to win - just use the widget below or the one on our Facebook page to enter.

And don't forget to come back each day this week after sharing the 1,000+ Fan Giveaway graphic to get bonus entries on the widget!

Giveaway begins at 12:01 am on Monday, June 24th, and ends at 11:59 pm Sunday, June 30th. Winners will be posted on this blog on Monday, July 1st, and must claim their prize by Wednesday, July 3rd, or a new winner will be chosen.

Have fun!
Tyann

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where in Union June 23 2013

Where in Union this week ~ the lucky winner gets a prize pack of Union notecards from MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait and a necklace from Diane at http://funfunkyncool.blogspot.com/


The first person to tell us Where in Union this is will win! 

We need sponsors for next week and the other weeks to come, please inbox Michelle at Experience Union on Facebook! 

Where in Union June 9 2013

Terri at Invisible Sun Massage and Bodywork - 302B Hwy 50 West is sponsoring this week's "Where in Union" - a 1/2 hour massage and mini-facial! So, you tell us... WHERE IN UNION is this?

If you want to sponsor a week of Where in Union, contact us on Facebook. Thanks!

Where in Union - June 2 2013

Tonight's Where in Union is sponsored by GAME OVER.

The winner will get a prize of a $25 gift certificate and 3 DVDs.

The first person to know (and PRETTY PLEASE do not spam us with guesses, try to do one per person) WHERE IN UNION this is... will win!

Where in Union May 19 2013

Where In Union this week is sponsored by SBAudio once again! A W E S O M E!
& it's a set of Kicker Headphones... 
So simply tell us "Where in Union" this is. 
If you want to sponsor a future week, contact us ASAP on Facebook. 

Lost Valley Lake Resort - a Nearby Gem

The first time I ever went to Lost Valley Lake, I was about 5 years old. And I got to ride the horses. I remember the day vividly.

And all the visits after that...the paddleboats, fishing, camping in tents and tepees, the rope swings into the lake...oh, what summer fun! In the winter, it was bingo, mini golf, and the indoor swimming pool. I had the coolest grandparents. They were always driving us out there for the day.

I had hoped that the waterfall would be flowing after all the recent spring rains.

In my early teens, Grandma and Grandpa took just my two cousins, Jenny and Kelly, and I on a little vacation to LVL. We had our grandparents all to ourselves, which didn't happen often since there were nearly 20 grandchildren!

That was a special time for us, as Jenny died just a couple years later. And now Grandpa is gone as well. 

Since having my own family, I haven't been out to LVL very often. But then Kristy Nault messaged me that she was giving me a family weekend getaway. All the memories flooded in, and I was excited to share some of them with my own boys.

Here is our little adventure this past weekend, thanks to Instagram:

We began our first evening at the Rec Center, playing some basketball.

We went swimming more than once. My boys are addicted to swimming.

Saturday morning, security knocked on our door and delivered a beautiful rose for me for Mother's Day.

Some friendly frisbee golf before lunch.

Jacob was very interested in the myriad of caterpillars he found.

After lunch we chilled with a movie at the movie theatre.

Ice cream? Of course!

Walked down to the waterfall behind the dam and skipped rocks.

Joey loved all the critters we came across.

Jacob discovered he was "king of the world."

My boys love board games, so we checked out the ones we didn't have at home.

Ended our evening with an intense game of Battleship.

Obviously, we didn't even come close to experiencing everything that LVL has to offer. Call Kristy at 800-747-8907 to schedule a visit out there and see how much fun it is. Or see their website at lostvalleylake.com.

The summer activities are about to begin, and they have a daily list of things to do for all ages if you want to participate in group activities. Or, just go out on a boat and do some fishing.

Maybe build a sandcastle on the beach, slide into the lake, ride the horses, play a game of softball, attend a concert, or have a picnic.

You can bring a tent for camping or use one of their teepees that is set up. There are RV sites, condos, and villas to stay in as well. Playgrounds and shower houses are nearby.

Oh, and don't forget to bring some stale bread for the geese!

Tyann Marcink
Marcink Designs

Where in Union - Mothers Day 2013 Edition!

Where in Union this week is sponsored by Dawn at the Verizon Wireless Store here in Union... a gift basket! The first person to let us know (and we do check the times of the posts) Where in Union this photo was taken will win. 

If you want to sponsor a future week of Where in Union - Contact us on Facebook please!

May 5 2013 WHERE IN UNION!

Driving around Union today, pretty damp out and noticed this beauty among all the improvements happening in our fair city. Where is it? Be specific! 

... and it looks like SBAudio is our sponsor this week with a pair of Kicker Headphones? Can that be? Hmmm? Coolness!

Wanna help sponsor WHERE IN UNION? Contact us! 

Winners of the BIG SPRING GIVEAWAY 2013 {week two}

And the winners are:

Psst...don't forget to LIKE our local business sponsors!Follow them on Facebook, place an order with them, and stop by to say hi.

____________________________________________

Oasis Bowling Lanes - 8 bowling passes from week 1 that were not claimed - Hannah Shockley

____________________________________________

Great 8 Cinema - $10 gift certificate - Molly Andrews Browne


____________________________________________

Johnny's Restaurant - $10 gift certificate - Eliza Thornton


____________________________________________

Liberty's Skinny Wraps - gift certificate - JoAnn Allen Boyd Jessica Fink (since JoAnn did not claim her prize)


____________________________________________

United Bank of Union - surprise package - Mindy Schmelz


____________________________________________

Oasis Bowling Lanes - 8 bowling passes - Cyndi Overschmidt

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Planet Gymnastics - four (4) Saturday Spectacular passes - Tonia Valley Wehmeyer


___________________________________________

MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait - surprise package - Jennifer Fink Vollmer


____________________________________________

Fink's Alps - $50 gift certificate - Heather Diesel


____________________________________________

Heather's Paparazzi - gift basket of jewelry, gift, card, and more - Lesa Barklage


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SB Audio - $100 gift certificate - Sarah Tiu


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Lost Valley Lake Resort - 3 day / 2 night stay - Jess Henderson


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To claim your prize, please email your name and address to experienceunionmo@gmail.com. Prizes must be claimed by 9 am on Friday, May 3rd, or I will draw another entry!