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...
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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.
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.
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!!!
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
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
