As you can see I am starting off with the atmosphere because that is what sets the mood and this Meet & Mingle was such a relaxing and fun night. What I love most about Meet and Mingles isn’t the fact that you are going out to network, but that you are making new friends. I always look forward to meeting new people and having a night where I can talk about me (and not my day or about what the kids need to do) and I am able to build bonds with other people too. Notice I said "people," not women (yes this is a Woman to Woman Magazine event but men come to these events too and I give them credit for hanging out with this fabulous group of funny and entertaining women!

When you come to a Meet and Mingle you already feel like you know the other guests since you've see them on the website. I had a great time catching up with the friends I have made online and at past events and meeting new WomanToWomanMagazine.com members. It was fun talking with Ericka Haag (she is a great contact for Personal Health Insurance) and Janet Vargas (a new member who is a photographer and pet sitter) about food and restaurants (who doesn’t love a good restaurant). There were lots of other new faces at Red Door too. Debbie Rydberg who works at Anderadis, Todd Foucher from InTouch MVC, Marion E. Foucher from Pampered Chef, Nadia Johnson from Wine Shop at Home (we are family now). Of course there were lots of Meet & Mingle regulars that I always enjoy catching up with. Connie Combs (Metal Momma's), Marquita (Kiki) Burchette , Lori, and David Collins from Paint Along Studios). And then there was Pati, who we all love, making her rounds having everyone sign her bag (which is a great idea). One highlight of the Meet and Mingles is the Shemar Ladies' (Mary Smith and Donna Townsend) amazing chocolates! You won't find better confections anywhere else in Pol County. They have THE BEST Chocolates, definetly place your holiday orders now!

Shirley Whitney spoke about Fill A Bucket and was there gathering donations to help the Homeless Kids in Polk County. Can you believe there are currently 1,007 kids who are homeless!?!?! If you are able to help please do, you can take your donations to the Polk County Fire Stations and Police Departments.

When you come to a Meet and Mingle there are so many great people and gifts… New Member Nadia Johnson from Wine Shop at Home won a gift certificate from Paint Along Studios! Erica Haag won big, she won 2 things.... Gift Basket from Rafa Natural and a $25 gift certificate to Red Elephant for donating for the fill a bucket!

I hope to see you at the next Meet and Mingle in Winter Haven on December 7th at Admiral's Inn or in Lakeland at the GrillSmith on December 14th.