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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Reminders and Additions...

This post will serve as a reminder of what Koziol Kreations is about. I'll also talk about some new things we are doing.

Koziol Kreations started out as a dream. My wife started working out of our house on simple crafts that were unique. One of a kind. Our website (www.koziolkreations.com) was "kreated" to showcase more of the Greek Orthodox wedding and baptismal specialty items offered. We also offer ALL of your special occasion favors for the guests at a wedding or any special occasion. And don't forget the gift ideas. We can provide gifts for your bridal party attendants or just everyday gifts for those hard to buy for people.

We've talked about weddings and baptisms. Now let's talk about anniversaries, proms, homecomings and birthdays.

Do you know someone celebrating a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary? Are they planning a vow renewal? Do they need favors or gifts? We can provide unique items to satisfy their needs.

How about a High School Prom or Homecoming... Even if you haven't been to one, you know that people in attendance pay good money to their Prom or Homecoming Committees so they can experience a night like no other. While most of the cost goes to the venue for hosting the evening, there is still some money left over for keepsakes. Some sort of trinket to remember that night for years to come. We can provide these special memories.

Did you know that Koziol Kreations can plan yor dream wedding? That's right... We have "kreated" a new division of the business... Party Planning. Anita is currently (literally as I am typing this) working on a brochure to officially launch the wedding and party planning side of Koziol Kreations. If you are planning a wedding, or any kind of party, please call Anita to discuss pricing for expert help from Koziol Kreations.

In case you have forgotten, you contact us multiple ways:

PHONE::: 815-861-3478
EMAIL::: koziol@koziolkreations.com or koziolkreations@comcast.net
IN PERSON::: 121 W. Main Street West Dundee, IL 60118 (inside The Complete Bridal Salon and Plaza)

As always, we look forward to helping with all your special occasion needs.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

POLL Update...

So far, it looks like there has been one person that voted. I am not looking for thousands of votes (although that would be VERY cool). I am looking for the people that do vote on this poll to contact us to find out how to get FREE MONEY when you buy holiday gifts.

Wouldn't it be nice to give gifts that are special? Not the same hum-drum, last minute buys from Wal-Mart because that was all that was left? Let's face it... We've all done it. Even last year, when I started my shopping in March, there were still gifts left to buy when December came.

We offer personalized gifts that will show that special someone that you care enough to take the time to get something JUST FOR THEM. It will look like you spent months looking for that special gift. Give us a call (815-861-3478) or email us (koziolkreations@comcast.net) --- let us know who you are buying for (husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, dad, brother, sister, etc.) and one or two of their interests (sports, reading, running, playing cards, barhopping, etc.), and we will fit the perfect gift to your budget.

Give us a try. You won't be disappointed.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Holidays are coming...

Well, this Thursday is Thanksgiving... Friday is the hottest shopping day of the year. HUGE sales everywhere you look. And at Koziol Kreations, we're no different. We'll be offering special offers from 1:00pm-6:00pm on 11/28/08. Check out our website for special item sales, not to mention our weekly specials. Look at www.koziolkreations.com.

Last week's poll question resulted in 4 yes votes to the question: Do you like FREE money? Answer this weeks poll question and you'll be able to find out just how much FREE money you could get.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Holiday Gift Ideas

Tis the season. Have you started your Holiday shopping yet? Do you have a tough to buy for relative? Koziol Kreations has the gifts you are looking for. Perhaps you're on a tight budget this year. We have gifts for the budget conscious also. And the BEST part about it..... You'll get "FREE" money at the same time when you buy your holiday gifts from Koziol Kreations.

View our website (www.koziolkreations.com) for more information on Holiday Gift Specials and your "FREE" money opportunities. You won't be sorry.

Friday, October 24, 2008

In Memory Of...

This post will have nothing to do with our business, Koziol Kreations, but will instead pay tribute to two people that meant alot to me (Ed). I wanted to post this yesterday (10/23/08), but fell asleep and was not able to do so. The two people I wanted to remember both shared yesterday as their birthday. They were born 55 years apart from each other, but both meant alot to me.

Lorraine Harvey (born 10/23/1916) was my grandma on my mom's side. She was the best. Grandma was always there for us no matter what. I remember spending a week with her at her apartment on the south side of Chicago in the summer, just me and her. I did this two years in a row. We would play "Crazy Bunco". I remember going to church with her and meeting some of her "Catholic" friends. That's what she would call them. When she passed away, I never got the chance to say goodbye to her. That has always hurt. It hurt that I wasn't strong enough to go to her hospital room and tell her how much I loved her before she passed.

She was a wonderful woman, a fantastic Grandma and I am sure, if you ask anyone, a terrific friend. I know that Anita would love her and that Grandma would love Anita as well. I love and miss you Grandma.

Bob Kutok (born 10/23/1971) was my best friend in high school. If you ever hear me tell stories from when I was in high school, they would all start the same way... "Bob and I did..." or "Me and Bob used to..." That's just how it was back then. We did just about everything together. It was rare that we weren't together. Bob was always a great friend. He moved away and finished high school in Palatine, but we still stayed friends. Not as close as we were when we lived near to each other, but still friends. I missed Bob over the years and we got together a few times. I was shocked when I received a phone call in September 2006 from a mutual friend informing me that Bob had passed away after a long battle with brain cancer. I remember telling Anita what happened with tears in my eyes.

I had not seen Bob in many years before he passed away, therefore I never got a chance to say goodbye to another important person in my life. Bob was a great friend and I wish that we could have stayed close through the years. It would have been nice for his kids to have met mine and developed a 2nd generation friendship. I miss you Bob.

I suppose the lesson, if there could be one in this posting, would be to always make sure to let people know how important they are to you. Tell them that you love them and care about them. You never know when they could be taken away from you.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

You've said it... We are great...



As you can see, the last "poll" question says it best. We are excellent. One of you even said we are better than excellent. Now if I only knew who you were. We'd love to know so please send us an email at koziolkreations@comcast.net. There might even be a special surprise for you.

At Koziol Kreations, we always strive to provide the best service. We know that we are providing you with items for a very special day and you deserve nothing but the best.

From your bridal shower, to your wedding day -- then the baby shower, the birth and the baptism, Koziol Kreations can give you all you need and more. Visit our website for more information at www.KoziolKreations.com.

We would like to say thank you once again to all of our faithful supporters. If you read this blog on a regular basis, feel free to become a Koziol Kreations Supporter by "following" this blog. Click on the right hand side under the Poll Question to "follow" this blog.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

My Greek Space

If you are looking to Greeks in the Chicagoland area, we have heard of a place to do just that.

MyGreekSpace is not another "dating site". It was created to give young Greeks in the Chicagoland area a friendly place to connect. You may be looking to date or you may simply want to network and make some new Greek friends. MyGreekSpace allows you to do just that.

MyGreekSpace hosts events to provide the younger generation (20-40 year olds) of Greeks in Chicagoland to meet, connect and form meaningful relationships. The founders present this "community" as a new option for fun and interaction, which takes place within a different atmopshere; thus, the motto, "a way to think differently".

One important thing to know... MyGreekSpace is NOT a club. When you visit the space, you don't leave any personal information. You don't "join" or "become a member". You find information about events that offer young Greeks the opportunity to meet in a non-threatening environment. The monthly events allow people to share something about themselves and have incorporated a 20-minute panel discussion on a topic of interest to young Greeks. Thanks to contributions, these events are free.

Learn more about the "community" and events at www.MyGreekSpace.org. There is also a blog you can read at http://mygreekspace.blogspot.com/. Check it out.

(Information in this blog posting came from The Greek Star -- article by Maria A. Karamitsos.)

Sunday, October 5, 2008

PERFECT 10 is coming...

Starting October 10th (10/10), Koziol Kreations will be offering the Perfect 10 Promotion. Read below for more information:

This promotion will offer a 10% discount on every order placed during the month of October. (Not valid on in-store merchandise purchased) (May not be combined with any other offer.)

Additional “10” discounts include:

Attendant gift orders: For bridal parties of 10 or more (Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ring Bearers, Flower Girls) take your 10% off, then take an additional $10.00 off the order.

Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Double Wagon rentals: After you take 10% off, then take off an additional $10.00 per “rider” (Maximum of two riders = $20.00 additional discount)
REG. PRICE OF DOUBLE WAGON - $220.00 (includes $100.00 refundable deposit, given upon return of wagon. Wagon must be returned in the same fashion it was picked up. All material and decoration must be intact to receive refund.)

Baptismal Box: Seeing as how the Baptismal Box just happens to include 10 different items, it is only right to offer something a little extra special. You’ll not only receive 10% off the Baptismal Box order, but we will give you an additional 10% off the Baptismal Outfit.
Koziol Kreations is still located inside The Complete Bridal Salon & Plaza at 121 W. Main St. (Route 72), West Dundee, IL. Hours are by appointment only so call today. (815) 861-3478

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Already?????

Am I really posting again so soon? I just posted yesterday. After today, I felt the need to post again. Why? You ask. Well...... I am posting again so soon to tell you all about the dedication and hard work that goes into every order place with Koziol Kreations.

Just a few weeks ago, a bride entered the salon and needed a ring bearer pillow. This particular bride wanted a customized pillow with her colors. Rather than order a pillow from a catalog and make the bride pay for the pillow AND the special charge for customization, Anita handmade the pillow and the bride actually saved money.

Just last week, Anita received two orders for Greek Baptism items. One baptism is this Saturday. Yes, that's right, I said this Saturday. Anita has been working every day/night to fulfill the order, which is being picked up tomorrow. The second baptism is still a couple weeks away, so she has some time fulfill that order. Maybe she'll take a break and have one day/night for herself.

She really puts everything into these orders. Koziol Kreations started has a dream to make a better life for our family. We always believed it would be successful. Anita is now contemplating which items to purchase to have "in-stock" at the shop for immediate purchase. While we continue to offer catalog orders without increased catalog order pricing, it is also good to have items on-hand, in-stock and ready for purchase. If you have suggestions on items you would like to see in person, please let us now by placing a comment at the end of this post or by emailing us at koziol@koziolkreations.com.

Your input is what makes us better. Your support is what makes successful. Thank you to all the people that have placed orders with Koziol Kreations. Thank you to all the people that have read this blog. Thank you to all the people that left comments here for us to read. The BIGGEST thank you however, goes to Anita for her dedication to the business and determination to make it work.

Anita... You're the best!!! I love you!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

It's been a while...

It has been a while since I last posted on this site. It almost feels like I've been planning a wedding. I remember what that felt like. Anita and I had only 9 months to plan our wedding. I will admit that she did everything.
She found the reception hall.
She found the the bridesmaid dresses.
She found the tuxedos.
She found the bridal show that WE went to and found the limo bus. (That was cool!!!)
She found the attendant gifts.
We were married in the Greek church, so I suppose you could say that she found the church.

I give her all the credit for planning a truly extraordinary wedding. A day that neither of us will ever forget. Oh, I forgot, she also found the DJ and picked the play list for the reception.

So anyway, with as busy as I have been at work the last three weeks, combined with the birthday parties for the kids, I am sure the feeling is very similar to how Anita felt during the 9 months of wedding planning.

Nobody should ever have to feel the stress of planning a wedding again; and with The Complete Bridal Salon & Plaza in West Dundee, IL, nobody will. Bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, shoes, favors & gifts, invitations, photography, disc jockey, videography, hair & make-up and honeymoon planning. All this and excellent customer service from each individual "store" within the salon.

The Complete Bridal Salon & Plaza truly makes wedding planning easy.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Click the ads above...

The ads that appear at the top of this blog page, directly underneath the title box, are for other companies that offer the same type of products offered by Koziol Kreations. Feel free to click on those ads. Find a product you like and then call us. We can (usually) find the same product at comparable prices.

While we can not guarantee the same price, we can guarantee exceptional service. Think about how many times you have ordered something from an internet merchant... How many times have you had to return something to that internet merchant? Was it easy? Did you have to pay shipping charges to return the item(s)?

Here is the Koziol Kreations guarantee... When you order an item(s) from us, you will not have to deal with broken items, wrong items or incomplete orders. We do it all for you. Your item(s) is/are ordered and shipped directly to our store. We go through everything and check for damage. If there is something wrong with your order, no matter what it is, we handle it so you don't have to worry. When you pick up your order, it is ready to go. No problems.

So I'll say it again... Click on the ad links above and find products that you like, then call us and experience the difference. The Koziol Kreations difference.

If you have any questions, you can contact us many different ways...
1) Call 815-861-3478
2) Email koziol@koziolkreations.com
3) Email koziolkreations@comcast.net
4) Leave comments on this blog page. (For help - see older post "Your thoughts...")

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Your thoughts...

Did you know that you are able to talk to us through this blog? If not, you know now. All you have to do is click on the link at the end of any post that says "comments". There might be a number in front of the word "comments" if others have left comments previously.

You'll need to create an ID if you don't already have one, but it won't take you long.

We love to hear your comments. We love to hear about your upcoming party needs so that we can share with you how we can help. Please consider leaving comments on this blog. Maybe we might even address your comment in a future posting.

For now, have a great day and Happy Party Planning!!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Boys & Girls...


Boys will be boys and the latest poll question ended in a tie for favorite boy band with New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys each getting an equal number of votes. Just like I tied in the favorite TV car poll to our industry, now I am going to tie in your favorite boy band.
Have you ever gone to a wedding where the ring bearer or flower girl was too little to walk down the aisle by themself? I was there. My now 12 year old son was only 3 when he was a ring bearer at Matt & Wendy's wedding. He was all "gung-ho" about his big job, but when it came time for the big walk... That's right, I was carrying him down the aisle.
At Koziol Kreations, we have the perfect solution for all you brides out there with ring bearers or flower girls that may not walk down the aisle for you. The solution is not someone carrying them down the aisle. The solution is the push buggy rental seen above. The push buggy can be decorated for either a boy or a gir. The one seen above was for a girl. As you can see, the flower girl basket sits easily right in front for all to see.
The buggy is decorated in either white or ivory satin, with accent colors to match (or closely match) your bridal party colors. For the boys, we use black satin accented with white or ivory and your bridal party colors. Besides the decorations, the buggy is equipped with a seat belt for safety and a handle in the back for easy pushing down the aisle.
So how does the rental work? Basically, it works just like a tuxedo rental. You pick up the buggy the night before the rehearsal and return it the day after the wedding. The cost for the rental is $110.00 which includes a $50.00 refundable deposit upon safe, on-time return of the buggy.
Also ask about our double wagon rental. The buggy and wagon rentals are two more "kreations" to make your special day worry free for all involved. Contact Koziol Kreations today for more information. (koziol@koziolkreations.com or 815-861-3478)

Friday, July 25, 2008

Favorite TV Car Poll Results...

So the most recent poll is complete. And the winner is (with two votes)...... the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am (K.I.T.T) from Knight Rider. Keep in mind that there were only 3 votes total (the other was for the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo. More people should answer these poll questions. Tell your friends to visitthe blog and answer the questions. Especially those friends with an upcoming wedding, baptism or any special occasion.


Back to the poll... While K.I.T.T. won for Favorite TV Car, you can't really use K.I.T.T. to transport your bridal party from Church to Reception Hall. For those needs, you need to contact Elvis Limousines inside The Complete Bridal Salon. You can contact Elvis Limousines at http://www.elvislimousines.com/ or by calling 1-800-331-9923. You can even call Elvis to take you the hot concert in town, or the big game, or the airport.


You can request the hot H2 Hummer, Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler 300C or the popular Limousine BUS. The BUS can seat up to 22 people. It has 2 TVs, CD player, DVD player and AM/FM stereo. And don't forget the bars... 1 wet bar and 2 full length bars.
A real VIP room on wheels.
(See the Limo Bus above)


Elvis Limousines is just one of the many vendors located in The Complete Bridal Salon with Koziol Kreations. Feel free to come see all the vendors in the salon.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Bridal/Baby Showers...

For your bridal shower, Koziol Kreations can provide favors of all kinds to hand out to your guests. We can even provide favors for baby showers. These favors can be personalized in just about any way imagineable. Feel free to request printed ribbon (with name/date). Feel free to request colored ribbon (any color).

A gift for the bride to be... get her a Koziol Kreations original Towel Cake. They come in two sizes - Two or Three Tier. The two tier includes 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 wash cloths; 3-5 bath accessories such as candle holder with holder, loofah, lotion and body wash are just some examples. The three tier includes 4 bath towels, 4 hand towels, and 4 wash cloths; 5-8 bath accessories. Both cakes come with an ingredient tag and wrapped in ribbon, flowers and coordinating tulle.


A gift for the mother to be... get her a Koziol Kreations original Diaper Cake. They come in three sizes - One, Two or Three Tier. The one tier includes 20 diapers, 4 baby washcloths, 8oz. baby bottle and a variety or 3-5 baby items. The two tier includes 35 diapers, 4 baby washcloths, 8oz. baby bottle, 3-5 baby items, 3 onesies (or 1 sleeper) and a blanket. The three tier includes 50 diapers, 4 baby washcloths, 8oz. baby bottle, 3 onesies, 1 sleeper, blanket and 5-8 baby items. All come with an ingredient tag and wrapped in ribbon, flowers and tulle.


Call Koziol Kreations to place your order TODAY!!!
Upgrades are available (additional cost) for both the Towel cakes and Diaper cakes upon request.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Complete Wedding Expo...

Koziol Kreations will be at The Renaissance Hotel Schaumburg on August 3rd for The Complete Wedding Expo. You'll be able to visit our table and see samples of many special occasion favors for your wedding, bridal shower or any other occasion. Not to mention all the Greek Orthodox specialty items provided. Also, don't forget the ring bearer pillows, flower girl baskets, unity candles and sand, and attendant gifts.

One thing to look for when it comes to renting your groomsmen's tuxedos... Many places have started to charge a rental fee for the cufflinks. This fee, in addition to the total for the tuxedo rental, can range from $15.00-$30.00. Koziol Kreations can offer you engraved cufflinks for your groomsmen for $23.00. These are for purchase, not rental. They can be used as your groomsmen gift. Why pay to rent something when you can buy it and keep it forever for basically the same price?

Back to the bridal shows... the upcoming schedule looks like this...

08/03/08 - The Renaissance Hotel, Schaumburg --the biggest event of the year.
09/28/08 - Stonegate Banquets, Hoffman Estates
09/28/08 - The Westin Hotel, Lombard -- one of the newest locations out there.
10/26/08 - The Hyatt Regency, Deerfield
11/09/08 - The Meadows Club Banquets, Rolling Meadows
11/09/08 - Georgio's Banquets, Orland Park

While we cannot guarantee that we will be at every show listed above, we can guarantee we will be in The Complete Bridal Salon in West Dundee, Illinois. You can ALWAYS visit us on the web at www.koziolkreations.com. You can contact us by calling 815-861-3478 or by email at koziol@koziolkreations.com.

For all your special occasion needs, call Koziol Kreations... We're helping to "kreate" unique memories one special occasion at a time!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Come and Gone...

It's Monday and Greek Fest has come and gone. All the hard work preparing for the three day event and it's over. It almost feels like it was over too fast. Koziol Kreations had one of the more prominent locations inside the Marketplace at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Greek Fest 2008. It didn't matter which door you came in through, you were able to see our table right away.

The "hot" items were the Greece Bracelets, Athens/Acropolis Mousepads and Greece Hats. All of which COMPLETELY sold out. The t-shirts we had for the kids did really well also. We only have 2 left (one of each style, both size 6-8). Based on interest, we have decided to begin carrying items such as these in the store. We will also have more sizes for the smaller ones in the family. Onesies and infant wear were in high demand at Greek Fest, so we will have them at the shop in just a few short weeks.

Everyone at the fest seemed to like the fact that we have a store that is local. There isn't a "greek store" close to the Elgin Greek community so everyone was happy to know we are local. Even the non-greeks were pleased to hear about the Complete Bridal Salon in West Dundee. For those of you who haven't heard, we have a space inside the salon.

We have a new goal for the business... The new goal is to open our own store before Greek Fest 2009. That gives us one year to make this dream a reality. We will still be affiliated with the salon, as that is where we got our start, not to mention the incredibly awesome connnection to the bridal industry. Please post comments or send emails of encouragement as we pursue this new dream. Your support is always appreciated.

We would also like to say thank you to all the people that attended the Greek Fest at St. Sophia's this year and visited our booth.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Greek Fest is coming...

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival is coming Friday!!! We are anxiously counting down the days. Anita has been busy today calling banks and credit card processing companies to obtain pricing so the we will be able to accept Visa and Mastercard at Greek Fest. We will continue to accept this form of payment in the store as well. Then we'll "graduate" to online order processing. Things just keep getting better.

With the ability to accept credit cards as a form of payment, we are hoping that our sales will increase. So many people these days (myself included) don't carry cash anymore. We found a company that is reasonably priced and will be able to get us set up in time for Greek Fest on Friday. This is great news.

This is going to be a crazy week. I will be posting regularly this week to keep everyone updated. Anita doesn't know this yet, but I have this Saturday off, so I'll be with her at Greek Fest all day/night. She'll be so happy.

More Greek Fest updates to come.......

Friday, July 4, 2008

4th of July...

Today is the 4th of July and it is time for barbecues and fireworks. We are going to spend the day on the deck with neighbors and friends and then later tonight we are going to Cherry Valley's fireworks show. We'll be sitting at the laundromat again, just like last year. It is the best spot to sit to see all the fireworks.

Tomorrow we are going to the annual 4th of July party at Terry and Morgan's house. Terry is Anita's brother for those of you who didn't know that.

Koziol Kreations is gearing up for next week's Greek Fest at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. Inside the Marketplace at Greek Fest is different vendors selling items. Koziol Kreations will be showing off all the wedding and baptismal items available through the business. We will also be selling items such as hats, t-shirts, bracelets, etc. We are pretty excited about this year's Greek Fest. We have been attending the fest for the past 4 years, but this is our first year as a Marketplace vendor.

Please come out and see us at Greek Fest. The cost to get in is $2.00. If you would like a free coupon for entry, please email us at koziol@koziolkreations.com and we will be happy to email you the coupon. See you there.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Nobody is reading...

It has been three weeks since my last post. We went on vacation. I finally got back to Camp Nawakwa and my family came with me. Camp Nawakwa is a YMCA family camp in Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin. It is an indian reservation near Minocqua. This isn't really the reason for this post.

The reason for this post is because nobody is reading my blog. But then again, you are reading this aren't you? And if you are, why no comments? Why not tell me what you think? Is it really not that interesting? Should I stop the postings? Should I delete this blog all together?

I will admit that I have gotten off track from my initial reasoning for this blog. I originally created this blog as another way to tell the world about Koziol Kreations. Our family business. Since then, I have commented on much more than just the business. Things I thought would be interesting to everyone. I will continue to to post about the business and other things. In the meantime, if you truly think these things I write about are interesting, please comment. Let me know.

If you have any questions about the business, or anything in general, please comment and let me know. Feel free to answer the "Poll Question" on the right side. If you have a suggestion for a "Poll Question", please comment and let me know what it is.

Until next time...

Sunday, June 8, 2008

GiGi's 5K...

Most of you probably do not know that we have been “training” for the past 4 weeks. We have been doing this because Ed is going to run in a 5K race in Indianapolis next May. I was doing some research online a few weeks ago looking for races in the area that I could do to help build up endurance. I found a 5K in Hoffman Estates to benefit GiGi’s Playhouse. I didn’t know what GiGi’s Playhouse was, but the race was local and, at that point, that is all that mattered.

When I went to GiGi’s website (www.gigisplayhouse.com), I found out that the playhouse is a Down Syndrome Awareness Center. With Anita’s brother, Chris, having Down Syndrome, it just seemed like fate that I chose THIS race to sign up for. At first, I wasn’t really crazy about the idea of having Anita sign up for it also, but the day also offered a “WALK”, so we decided to walk the 5K instead of run it. We even got Chris registered to walk with us.

So…the event was today (June 8, 2008) in Hoffman Estates. We found out just the other night that the “WALK” was only 1-mile, not the 5K (3.1 miles) we thought it was going to be. That was OK though. We were doing this together. We got out there and walked the mile. If you ask Anita, the two of us crossed the finish line together. Not true, I crossed before her. It didn’t really matter though.

After the walk was done, they had Ronald McDonald doing magic tricks for the kids. They also had the popular “Dash for Downs”. This is a 50 yard dash (race) for the kids 10 years old and under. I couldn’t believe that Jacob wanted to do it, so we signed him up. We signed Emalia up too. It was race time. They did different age groups, which was nice being that Jacob is 3 and there were a lot of older kids running too. Emalia actually took off running too. It was quite fun to get them involved.

We have decided that this is going to be an annual event for us. Anita has plans to get the WHOLE family out there next year by forming “TEAM CHRISTOPHER” and raising more money than any other team out there. The top team this year raised $6,950.00. Please go to www.gigisplayhouse.com to read more about Down Syndrome and see what you can do to help raise awareness.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Give me your opinion...

The last opinion poll question was "What current movie is your favorite?"--- The choices were: Sex and the City, Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull & Made of Honor. And the winner is... a TIE between Sex and the City and Made of Honor.

I am unsure how many people actually look at this blog and read the postings. I am sure there is a way to track it, but I'm not going to try to figure out how. I'd love to have input from readers like you, yes, you. The person reading this post. YOU. Post a comment. Vote on the opinion poll. Let me know what you think.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Summer is here...

That's right, Summer is here. The weather is turning. It's getting hot and the time is right for barbecues, parties and family gatherings. June is always a BIG month for weddings, but this post is going to detail some of the upcoming Greek Festivals in the Chicagoland area. Please come out to support the Greek Orthodox faith at these festivals. Eat, Drink and be merry... OPA!!!

June 7-8 St. Basil, Chicago, IL (312) 243-3738
June 13-15 St. Demetrios, Elmhurst, IL (630) 834-7010
June 20-22 Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago, IL (312) 664-5485
June 20-22 St. Nectarios, Palatine, IL (847) 358-5170
June 27-29 St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn, IL (708) 636-5460
July 11-13 St. Sophia, Elgin IL (847) 888-2822 (Our home church - We'll be there!!!!)
July 19-20 SS. Constantine & Helen, Rockford, IL (815) 963-8625

This is just a small list of the MANY festivals coming this summer in the Chicagoland area. If you are looking for a festival outside of the Chicagoland area, check out www.greek-fest.com/greekfest.shtml.

Don't forget to check out a new feature to this blog on the right....My new opinion poll has a different question every 7 days. Check back often to see current results.

Have a great summer. See you at the fests!!!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Thanks for the Memories...

Today is Monday, May 26, 2008. Memorial Day.

When thinking of Memorial Day, most people think of picnics, barbecues and family gatherings. For sports fans, specifically racing fans, the running of Indianapolis 500 has been a long standing tradition since 1911. Some Americans also view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of Summer. For us, Memorial Day is a time to remember the people that helped free our nation, as well as those working everyday to keep it free.

At Koziol Kreations, our motto is "Helping to 'kreate' unique memories...one special occasion at a time." Every day is a great day to call Koziol Kreations for all of your special occasion needs. You contact us three ways...

Call --- 815-861-3478
Email - koziol@koziolkreations.com
Visit -- 121 W. Main St. (Route 72), West Dundee, IL 60118

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Profit isn't everything...

Hello again.... Anita has an order to fulfill for a customer. She needs almost 200 mini chinese take-out containers. You all know what those are... little square type boxes with the metal "hangar" to carry them by. So anyway, she placed the order with one of our suppliers last week. Everything on schedule right??? WRONG!!!!! There was an email sent today, a week after the order was placed, saying the item is no longer available. There was also an apology attached.

So what was Anita doing this afternoon? She was driving around to different craft stores (Micheal's, Hobby Lobby, etc.) looking for them. While we will be paying retail cost for these items, instead of our normal discounted price from our supplier, we are fulfilling the order. This is cutting into our profit, obviously, but it shouldn't always be about profit. Every bride deserves the wedding of their dreams and Koziol Kreations makes sure to do whatever we can to help give each bride that dream.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Word of mouth...

Well then... I didn't think I would be posting again so soon, but we received an email from a customer today that HAD to be shared. For one thing, this customer (Christina) lives in Kansas City and found us on the internet. She asked about the baptismal items for a Greek Orthodox baptism. After much thought, Christina decided to place an order with Koziol Kreations. This was especially challenging for Christina and us, because this customer would be paying for merchandise that she would not see until the items were received. She was only able to see pictures of previous items.

Christina received the baptismal box and was, to say the least, very pleased. To share her exact words: "You did an amazing job!!! My husband and I were blown away when we finally got to see the box upon our arrival. It was absolutely beautiful and I appreciate all of your attention to detail. I have passed your website on to people...and will definitely keep you in mind for future occasions."

This is the kind of service that Koziol Kreations provides to each and every customer, for each and every special occasion. Anita is currently working on another baptismal box for a customer from Des Moines, Iowa. This box is being shipped to New York. Hopefully there will be more words of thanks and encouragement from this customer for me to share as well.

Until then, feel free to call Koziol Kreations at 815-861-3478 for all your special occasion needs or visit the website at www.koziolkreations.com.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

I'm no genius.....

This is my first post on my first blog. I am not a whiz kid of any kind when it comes to computers, that would be my brother Tom. I am not a whiz kid of any kind when it comes to building airports, that would be my brother Ken. I am not a whiz kid of any kind when it comes to the bridal industry, that would be my wife Anita.

My wife, Anita, has been working hard to support her business, our business, Koziol Kreations for about 6 months now. Her dedication to this has been absolutely incredible. She has no idea that I created this blog. I will tell her once I complete this first post.

For those of you that do not know anything about our business, let me tell you a little bit. Koziol Kreations started as a dream. Anita had been talking about starting our own business for some time. She always loved to create things and help people plan special occasions. Anita is of the Greek Orthodox faith and decided to start this business based on the need for a local store that could service the needs of Orthodox weddings and baptisms.

It really started about 7 years ago with our own wedding at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago. It was difficult to find anyone that carried the traditional items such as stefana (wedding crowns), lambades (candles), stefana trays, etc. In fact, there was only one store that carried them and they were 50 miles away from where we lived. The local Greek Store that Anita and her family had been loyal to for over 30 years. It was time for change. Anita began making the stefana, boubounieras (favors) and other items herself.

Koziol Kreations also provided the traditional items for Greek Orthodox baptisms, including the complete baptismal box. The complete box is a sturdy cardboard that is nicely decorated to keep for years. We also offer unique special occasion favors and bridal party gifts.

In January 2008, we met with David Gaffke in West Dundee for a tour of a building that would become The Complete Bridal Salon and Plaza. We knew immediately that we could not let this opportunity pass us by. Our new location...our "store" has been opened since January and as really started to flourish. The salon is located at 121 W. Main St. (Route 72), West Dundee, IL 60118. Feel free to stop by and see her. Or you can call her at 815-861-3478. Or you can view the website at www.koziolkreations.com.

I am so proud of my wife for following her dream and starting this business. I know she will do well and continue to expand her line of products. Please look back to this blog frequently as I will continue posting as new and exciting things happen.