My Recent Merger

Hello fabulous bloggy friends! I'm smiling large right now. Feeling a little giddy really. Light as air, floating on a cloud....just plain tickled.
A couple of weeks ago I invited you to join me at my new blog for my graphics website. I was thrilled that so many of you came along. Just another reason to be so darn happy. Thank you so much for your support. You are the best bunch of bloggy friends a gal could ever ask for.

This week I can hardly contain my enthusiasm as I announce yet another change. Many of you know that I have a website called Gifts By Katherine. Well I have been juggling that website and it's blog for quite some time now, and frankly, I'm a little tuckered out. So the only logical solution was to merge them together. One big happy website complete with bloggy stuff too.

Now, this in know way, will effect the joy I receive from Katherine's Corner. In fact, it's my hope that it will allow me even more time for bloggy fun here. It is one of my favorite places after all.So here it is, an invitation to join me at Gifts By Katherine . So grab my hand and lets head on over. I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

Just Good To Know

I often  refer to myself as a veritable font of information. Now that's in no way meant to sound arrogant. The truth is I have a memory like an elephant. My brain is like a giant sea sponge soaking up every tid bit of information that comes along. I realize an image of a cute elephant, or a giant sea sponge might be more relevant to this post. But aren't these roses lovely?

So today I thought a blog post filled with "did you know "and "just good information" might be fun to share.

Did you know that a couple of glasses of champagne are good for your heart? You've heard about red wine. But did you know that champagne also contains poly-phenols ( potent plant chemicals that help improve your blood flow.) Which may reduce your risk for heart attack. Cheers!

Steel wool pads cost about $3.50 for a box of 10. But a 25 ft roll of aluminum foil is usually less than $2.00 roll some up in a rough ball and use it instead.

Did you know white rice is not only tasty but can clean your coffee grinder too? Just add a teaspoon of dry white rice to your coffee grinder. Grind as if you would for coffee until the rice has turned to dust. Wipe out with a paper towel or clean dry cloth. All of the coffee bean stains are gone and the grinder looks shiny and new again( keeps blades sharp too).


Just good information-I’ve done this for years and it works really well. Cleaning the microwave is a breeze.Fill a microwavable bowl with water and a squirt of your favorite dish soap. Place in your microwave and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Let sit for 2 minutes. Carefully remove bowl ( it's hot).Wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp sponge.The hot soapy water steams the microwave clean and all you do is wipe it off. taa daa!

If you've enjoyed this post I'll do more posts similar to it in the future. Meanwhile,........Did you know that your blog friendship makes me smile and your comments make me do a little happy dance?!

find more Good information at Go Ask Katie

A little help please

I believe you all know how much I enjoy blogging and sharing with you. It is my continued intention to provide fun, creative and yummy blog posts. I am often overwhelmed by your friendship, participation and oh so sweet comments.Blogging brings me smiles, but blog readers bring me joy.

Today I am stepping a bit outside of my usual blog box to ask YOU for a little help.

Several of you know that I work from home because of health limitations(a little violin playing now, giggle). I try and earn money by selling things at my online Gift Shop and by selling Avon products online.
Yesterday I was informed that today it is my one year anniversary as an Avon Representative. I am considered a low performance sales representative. That stings! But it is the truth, I have 11 customers and about as many sales......

So I'm asking for a little help from you and I pray this will not make you uncomfortable or stop you from visiting Katherine's Corner.

Please click the image below if you'd like to make a purchase. Or please bookmark my Avon and Gift shop sites in your favorites for future shopping. I would really appreciate it!



Thank you... I now return you to my regular blog... up next Wordless Wednesday stop by tomorrow.

The Sweet Smell Of Crayons

It’s back to school time!
Today I watched as young Mothers with their children in tow filled their carts with colorful notebooks and various school supplies. I stood there just watching and reminiscing about days gone by. Visions of “Happy Face” stickers, “Keep on Truckin” and “Peace Sign “patches were swirling through my head. Thoughts of meatloaf surprise and the unforgettable aroma of a new box of Crayola Crayons filled my head. I can still remember the weight of my full “Hey Hey it’s the Monkees” lunch box. Each day my Mother would pack it lovingly with a sandwich, apple and a special treat. If I was lucky, it would be a big pink fluffy marshmallow snowball cake; you’re smiling right now aren’t you? It was usually squished just a bit by the weight of my Davy Jones thermos. But, always a smile making, cavity inducing, and highly coveted tradable, treat!

Intuitively I picked up a few things for two of my granddaughters. Twilight, I Carly and the Jonas Brothers items now filled my basket. I also added three new boxes of Crayola Crayons. I overheard a little girl ask her Mother “why does that lady smell the crayon box Mom?” and I knew that was my queue to leave the school supply aisle and head towards the other end of the store. Yes, three boxes, two for the girls and one for me!

Copyright ©Bobskatie Enterprises -all rights reserved

Win This Cupcake Apron

Win This Cupcake Apron

Katherine's Corner is having a giveaway, thanks to Kayla at Ramblings of a Small Town Girl  for suggesting it.

Starting today Monday July 12th
and ending Saturday July 31st.

You can Win this cute Cupcake Apron, it's perfect for wearing when cooking one of your favorite recipes( maybe even one of mine)

You have the opportunity to have multiple entries in this giveaway here's how:


The Rules

1-For one entry-Become a follower of Katherine's blog (already a follower, just mention it in your comment)

2- For one entry-Visit my online shop and leave a comment about your favorite item on this giveaway blog post. ( one shop item comment per person please)

3- For  two  entries blog about this giveaway and leave a comment where the blog post can be found

4- For one entry tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with your twitter address

Good luck!

winner announced Monday August 2nd *winner will be notified via email ( if your profile does not have an email address please  check back for winner announcement ** US and Canada residents only

Shopping In Your Closet

Start your week off with a shopping trip in your closet and mix and match items you already own. Add some fun and affordable accessories from the wonderful selection at my online shop Gifts By Katherine  You'll find affordable accents for you , your home, and special occasions.


Thank you for allowing me a little promotion for my shop.

A Little Store With Big Style

A little store with BIG style ( I am in the process of trademarking this statement)
I'm trying to come up with a google ad for my online shop. I recently updated my site by adding
( for $100.00) a shopping cart feature allowing me to sell 20 items without redirecting shoppers to Blue Iris Gifts.
Now I need to come up with a google ad that brings shoppers to my updated site ( if I sell enough items then I can pay more and add more, etc.)
I'm offering a gift certificate for $10 ( ten dollars) , to use in one of my shops ,for the best one liner ad.
I already have the following : GiftsByKatherine.com a little shop with BIG style Unique and stylish gifts for you,your home, and special occasions.

But I'd love to get your suggestions and participation.
Please leave a comment with your suggestions and the one I choose wins the gift certificate. Contest ends at midnight Thursday Jan 14 ,2010
Good Luck!!

Avoid Holiday Shopping Madness

I'm home now, thank you to those of you who left such kind messages for the passing of my Father. Now it's time to get back to making a living.

Avoid Holiday shopping madness and receive a gift with $20 purchase at Blue Iris Gifts

Hugs for you all!!
Click the image to start your holiday shopping!

I've Been Busy In My Studio

I've been busy in my studio creating new things for my shops.
The holidays are coming. What can I make for you? Blue Iris Gifts

Copyright ©Bobskatie Enterprises-all rights reserved

15 items Or Less

I made my weekly trip to the market early this morning. My arms were filled with my well worn cloth reusable tote bags. My hand gripped tightly to the list which coordinates with the shop aisles. I walked towards the thousands of carts parked in rows at the front door and I grasped tightly to the handle of the first one in line. I pulled. But, it would not free itself from the death grip attachment it had with the thousands of other carts tightly stacked behind it. I moved to the next row and tried again, with the same result. “Are they welded together?” I wondered to myself, as I tugged hard again. It was freed! I tossed my tote bags into the cart and forged ahead. I pushed my cart towards the left of the store and my cart went right. Yes, I had the cart with the wonky wheel. Did I want to return it to the welded pile of carts? Or did I want to fight my way through the store only going in one direction? I choose the challenge and just thought that I was grateful it didn't squeak.
I made my way through the store using my list as a map. I managed to move rather quickly considering I couldn't make any left turns. I completed my mission and soon I was waiting patiently in line at the checkout. I looked down the row of checkout stands all with their lights turned off and no one working there. I stood behind ten or so people each with carts filled to the top and looked over at the checker working under the "15 items or less" sign. She was standing there bored silly, reading the covers of the magazines stacked in the racks in front of her. I glanced down at my cart and looked to her with a, "perhaps you won’t mind if I come over" look. She grined and shrugged her shoulders, while pointing at the “15 items or less” sign. After a while I began to occupy myself while I waited. I read candy wrappers, and the front covers of the celebrity gossips magazines. I noticed my envelope filled with coupons peeking out of my purse and I begin to organize my coupons by color, then by price. I tried to start a conversation with the gentlemen ahead of me only to discover that he had his music buds in his ears.
It was finally my turn at the checkout and I placed my items according to shape onto the conveyor belt. I do this so the bagger can place items into my tote bags with less effort. It helps me too, I hate it when I unpack my groceries and find my eggs on the bottom of the bag beneath the cans of soup. I watched as the bagger took random things from my well organized groups of groceries, and placed them into different bags as the checker slid them along the conveyor belt. He put each tote into a new cart. I stood there with a smile on my face as I handed the checker my coupons, paid my bill and re-bagged a few things. I pushed forward on the new cart and it went in the right direction! My smile was beaming as I made my way out of the store, squeak, squeak, squeak……………………….

Copyright© Bobskatie Enterprises--all rights reserved

I'm A Dot Com

Throwing confetti in the air!!!

Picture this…me running down the street with a big smile on my face. Arms waving frantically in the air, and I’m yelling. “I’m a dot com, I’m a dot com!”LOL!

Okay, well, maybe that is a bit of a stretch. But, I am very excited to announce that my main website transition is complete. Yippee!!

I invite you to visit my new and improved website. Go Ask Katie.
http://goaskkatie.com

Tooting My Own Horn

I’m dedicating this blog to: “Tooting My Own Horn” “Banging My Drum” and “Shouting Out Loud”. I declare today the day I announce my venture into the world of online sales. Not just any online sales…… but a shop called Polka Dots. Where I’m selling handmade items! That’s right handmade. Not mass produced, not manufactured in a factory, made with care, imagination and enthusiasm by my own hands!



I love the idea of buying and selling handmade things. Supporting artists and crafters, sharing in creativity and talent, it’s a wonderful idea. There is a great community of artists and crafters just waiting for you to discover them. I look forward to having our items discovered! I’m making lovely, useful, fun and practical items to give and to get. You’ll find lovely things just for you, to give to someone else, and for your home. All at our online shop.I have been making jewelry and crafts for many years. I also make soaps and home décor. I’ve been very busy creating.





I’m hoping this blog will help get the word out and maybe that some of you will take the time to visit our shop and to also tell your friends.



I’ve made soap, framed art, jewelry, greeting cards, posters, totes and bookmarks. I’m adding new things often. My fingers are sore and my eyes are blurry. But my enthusiasm is high!
My daughter has decided to add her talents to the store too. She makes adorable diaper cakes and charming wash cloth flower arrangements. They look good enough to eat!


So excuse this rather self indulgent blog. I do hope you’ll visit our shop and that perhaps you’ll even make a purchase. We’re counting on word of mouth advertising.
Where can you find all of the wonderful things we’ve created? Just go to…………………..

http://shoppolkadots.etsy.com

I look forward to hearing from you; I’d love to know what you think of the things we have for sale. Wish us luck and thanks for spreading the word!

Copyright ©Bobskatie Enterprises-GoAskKatieblog/Katie’s Corner-all rights reserved