Happy 2011!!!!  We hope you had a wonderful and happy holiday season. 

Meet and Mingle events are back in action and we went MONGO!!!  Our January Meet and Mingle in Lakeland was held on Tuesday, January 18th at bd's Mongolian Grill in Lakeside Village. 

This was our first Meet and Mingle of the new year and it was soooo wonderful to see everyone.  Kristie at bd's did an amazing job of keeping everyone happy.  We had the Warrior Room reserved for our event and it was a perfect place for everyone to meet, catch up, and relax.  Everyone went a little "mongo" and enjoyed creating their own feast.  If you have not had the chance to visit bd's Mongolian Grill, well, what are you waiting for?  It's a fun, relaxed atmosphere - which made it a perfect place for us.  

For those who have not tried bd's, here is a little bit of information from their website about what makes bd's so unique.  Centuries ago, the Mongols, under the Mighty Khan, ruled the Eastern Plains. After days of fighting and hunting, they would gather in large community groups to celebrate their adventures and their successes.

Communing in banquet-style pavilions, the Mongols would create a "feast" for all to enjoy by combining slivers of meat & vegetables, sliced with their razor-sharp swords, then cooked on their overturned shields over a blazing fire.

It is from this ancient tradition of "hunt, gather, cook, feast" that one of the world’s most original dining experiences, bd’s Mongolian Grill™, was born. bd's unique fun comes from YOUR ability to create your own "feast" from a variety of choice meats and seafood, fresh veggies & flavor-packed sauces, freshly cooked before your eyes (Mongolian-style) on a large, flat grill!

So....as the the Mighty Khan would say....tavtai moril!!!! (Mongolian for Welcome)

After a short hiatus for the holidays, Woman to Woman Magazine's Meet and Mingle event was back and a smashing success.  We were excited to meet a few new members and also had the chance to catch up with a few members who we missed over the holidays.

bd's Warrior Room is an extension of the main dining room, so it gave everyone a chance to sit down  together.  It was like looking at a very large family sitting down to dinner together.  That's who we are, a large family getting together to see how everyone's day was, supporting each other, and having the chance to laugh together over drinks and a meal.

As we gathered around the table, it was a pleasure seeing Deborah and Lee Hawkins.  The mighty duo are the so wonderful and very active both on Woman to Woman and with their careers.  Deborah was one of Woman to Woman's first Prize Winner last year.  She won a fabulous Valentine's Day prize where she was given the royal beauty treatment as well as gift certificate to Chalet Suzanne.  Be sure to check out Deborah and Lee's profiles where you can see some amazing photo shots they have taken as well as learn more about their freelance photography and video marketing company. 

Ruthann Stafford of Press Express Printing was so much fun to sit by.  Press Express Printing is a local print shop that offers a wide array of services to help promote your business, organization or event.  Ruthann is the master of printing options, definitely contact her for any type of printing you need done.  I am definitely going to give her a call regarding some projects our soccer league is going to need done this summer. 

Ericka Haag is such an outgoing and lovely person.  We enjoy seeing her and catching up with her on insurance trends.  Ericka is an independent business benefits consultant and insurance agent. Her company specializes in offering small businesses health and life insurance as well as other discount programs that might not always be available outside large corporations.  Contact Ericka, she provides private consultations so that she can find a policy that meets your needs.

Cynthia Johnston and Ruthann were able to talk shop for a bit.  Cynthia knows the printing and business solution worlds very well too.  As a representative for Konica Minolta, she can build your office printing and business solutions.  Her company recently printed banners for The Junior League of Greater Lakeland's annual Pig Fest.  It's our family tradition to attend the Pig Fest each year, and we will be looking at those banners knowing we knew who worked on them. 

While speaking about a few of our favorite restaurants (Cheesecake Factory and PF Changs), Cynthia filled us in on PF Changs sister restaurant - Pei Wei, in Tampa.  Pei Wei offers a modest selection of freshly prepared Asian items influenced by the cuisines of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. All of Pei Wei's dishes are made to order and offer customization.  Having never heard of it before, I was thrilled to find out that there are 19 locations just in FL.  Where have they been hiding all my life?!?!?  I now have a new restaurant to discover with my friends and sisters...very, very, very soon.  (hint, hint Erika and Lisa....)

We were happy to see Laura Tamayo of Tapping the Vine and hear how her business is growing. New to the Winter Haven community, Joseph and Laura offer an amazing array of wine and beer products.  You have to come out and check out everything they have to offer.  We are excited that they will be offering a wine bar in the near future.  When you stop by the store, you’ll see Joseph or Laura. They are also very generous within the community supporting friends and neighbors. 

We are looking forward to hosting our March Meet and Mingle at Tapping the Vine with Laura.  Be sure to also RSVP for the Sweets for Sweets Pairing event on February 11th at Tapping the Vine. 

Sheree Saulter came all the way from Webster University to share a few laughs with.  Sheree is the Community Relations Coordinator for Webster's Lakeland Campus - which happens to be within steps of bd's.  The Lakeland campus offers fully accredited master's degree programs in Counseling, Human Resources, Management and Leadership, and Business Administration for students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Barbara Erickson is the Sr. Division Manager with Jewels by Park Lane. As a manager and direct seller, she can offer you fabulous jewelry that is unconditionally guaranteed for life.  You can host a home jewelry party with your friends.  They offer fabulous hostess rewards.

I had the pleasure of finally meeting Dr. Mary Nelle James, D.C.  As one of her first friends on Woman to Woman, it was great to meet in person as well as online.  As a Chiropractor, Dr. James treats patients using Sacral Occipital Technique, CranioSacral Therapy and nutrition. She has a great deal of interest in woman's health issues.  Be sure to check out her blog posts on womantowomanmagazine.com

Janet Vargas of Promise Pet Care was so much fun to sit by.  Her profile lists her personality as upbeat, funny, sensitive, caring, thorough, witty, resourceful, and creative.  I think she definitely fits those, plus, being a lightning rod for fun! Where there was laughter, there was Janet.  It was great seeing everyone having a great time together.  Seeing those attributes in Janet will definitely shine through in her business.  As the owner of Promise Pet Care (In Your Home Pet Sitting Services) you know your pet will be safe, loved and well-taken care of.  Promise Pet care offers dog walking, pet taxi, etc.  Janet also offers Outdoor Family Portraiture.

Christine Jackson is one of the savviest artisans I know!  Her company, U-nique Creations offers the stunning combination of dichroic & silver jewelry.  If you want to create your own piece of dichroic & silver jewelry, contact Christine.  Christine has showed off her amazing talents and designs at local events.  I enjoy working with her at different events and it's through meeting her at a previous Meet and Mingle events that we continue to find ways to work together.  She also offers home parties.  I would love to create my own masterpiece with Christine's guidance, so we are going to have a Tea and Jewelry party together very soon.  Want to be invited?  Let me know and we will get you on our guest list.

Meet the Hosts of Lake Morton B & B - JoAnna Jimenez.  JoAnna and her husband Daniel purchased the legendary and beautiful Lake Morton B & B in 2010.  According the B & B's history, The Lake Morton Bed & Breakfast was built in 1926 when railroad cars with building supplies from Sears, Roebuck and Co. arrived in Lakeland.  Sears sold a four-apartment version called The Atlanta and the inn is one such model.  What a special place for visitors to stay while in Lakeland.

We are thrilled to Welcome Tina Hassett, not only as a new member on Woman to Woman but new to our area.  Tina recently moved to the area and definitely can use our help finding resources.  Finding good, reliable services in a new town can be difficult.  Let's all help Tina and show her how great our group and community really is.   Tina is an Animal Communication Locksmith. She can unlock problems with your dog that keep you stuck.  Her company, Animal Allies will help you create a closer relationship with your animals.  In a house with 4 dogs, I am definitely calling her to help us stop the insanity.

We were happy to see TV Personality and Emvee TV Shopping host, Rosie Cafarelli.  Rosie is also a columnist for LakelandLocal.com and you can hear her on 97 country and Max 98.3   She is also a Youtube Partner making videos and covering local arts and Entertainment.  Rosie is also owner of Braided Love Studios, photograhy and commercial production.  She is one beautifully talented lady...and I think she has my dream job(s).

Lynn Browning of Easy Homes 123 came by to learn more about Meet and Mingle events and she had a great time talking with Dr. Mary Nelle James.  It was great spending a few minutes chatting with her.  Easy Homes 123 makes homeownership possible. They help people who wish to become homeowners but don’t quite have perfect credit. They are not real estate agents or a mortgage company. They provide easy solutions, Lease Option and Lease Only programs.  They also buy houses in any condition, in most locations and in all price ranges.

We always enjoy talking with lucky W2W Business Profile winner and professional organizer extraordinaire, Vicky St. Sauveur.  Vicky takes the stress out organizing any room in your home or office.  She is extremely patient and she really listens to what YOU need.  We heard about someone who was needing a professional organizer and immediately turned to Vicky.  There is nothing better than referring a lead to someone you can trust.  Be sure to check out the current issue of Woman to Woman magazine and see Vicky's business profile.

Congrats to our Winners....   

Christine Jackson of U-nique Creations and JoAnna Jimenez of Lake Morton B & B both won Woman to Woman Business Profiles.

"Big Harry"....Coming Soon!

Liz announced that "Big Harry" is coming to town soon...and he's awesome!  She wouldn't give any details, but definitely watch www.womantowomanmagazine.com.  Big Harry will be introduced to us all soon enough.  I tried to persuade Liz and Tammy to give me a little bit more detail, but they wouldn't budge.  They really know how to keep a secret and keep us in suspense.   So....keep an eye on the website!

It was a fantastic evening for everyone!  As bd's core values state - they are all about Having Fun, Growth, Community, and Team Work.  I found it a perfect fit for Woman to Woman Meet and Mingle events.  It's exactly what we are all about...having fun, growing, supporting our community, and team work. 

If you were unable to make it, we missed you!  You can still meet everyone by clicking on their names and reading their profiles.  The link will take you directly to their member profiles on womantowomanmagazine.com.  Become their friend and get to know them before the next Meet and Mingle event.   

Be sure to join us on February 1st at Antonio's Fusion inside the Best Western Admirals Inn on Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven.  Meet and Mingle events are set within a relaxed atmosphere - feel free to join us anytime between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.  Don't worry if you have to arrive late - just come! 

RSVP and share the event with your friends. 

Cheers!!

Erika Alvarez and Carrie-Ann Brady
Your Meet and Mingles Hostesses

About Erika Alvarez and Carrie-Ann Brady - We are Two-Thirds of "The Charmed Ones". You may see our sister, Lisa from time to time at events as well. We were raised with a sense of "Everyone is Family" by our parents. We maintain that belief in our lives and business. Both have a passion for entertaining and enjoying time with friends. Their businesses reflect that passion. Erika is a wine consultant for "Wine Shop at Home". As your personal consultant, Erika will "bring the wine country to you" and provide you with service you deserve.

Carrie-Ann is a Senior Mentor for "Set to a Tea". Carrie-Ann brings civility to your life, "One Tea Party at a Time". Feel free to contact her to host your next home party.  It's a terrific way to connect with your friends in a fun, relaxed environment.  We offer beautiful hostess gifts and rewards.