Woman to Woman Magazine hosted a Meet and Mingles Event on Tuesday, November, 5th at the Bean and Grape Café in Winter Haven. The Meet and Mingles events are always a great way to network and meet some amazing people in our community, in a relaxed setting. Although the Meet and Mingle events were on a hiatus over the summer months, the events are back and in full swing.

Sarah and Jeff, owners of the Bean & Grape Café, opened their doors to our members and provided a special backdrop for the event. The Bean & Grape Café offers a great place to meet friends with cozy nooks, soft lighting, and inviting music. Sarah and Jeff provided a tasty meat and cheese platter, along with wine specials for our group. Their assistant, Anna, did a fantastic job of suggesting wines to please everyone’s palettes and made sure we were all well taken care of. If you haven’t visited the Bean and Grape yet, you definitely need to check it out.

My sister, Erika Alvarez, and I were asked to be the Meet and Mingle Hostesses. We jumped at the opportunity because we love entertaining, meeting new people and making connections to support local businesses. Most times if you see me at an event, Erika is there too working the room. As the Meet and Mingle Hostesses, we were able to greet new members, catch up with friends, and introduce members to other members. Here are a few highlights from the event and some of the amazing guests we met:

Erika and I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Pati –Gardenist – Artist on Woman to Woman prior to the event. It was great to meet her in person, and I have to tell you – WOW!!!! She’s fit, beautiful and such an inspiration. I couldn’t hug her enough times; you love her at first sight!

David Collins of Paint Along Studios was absolutely funny and interesting to speak with. Erika talked with David about bringing her Girl Scout Troop to his studio and how grandparents bring their grandkids to his studio; they each create a painting as taught by David, and then they exchange their masterpieces with one another –instant memories. He showed me some of the art work the children created….O.M.G. they were amazing! He showed me a Giraffe they made in class and they were all great works of art. I can’t wait to take my family there for a fun family day. Be sure to stop by and say Hi to David during Lakeland’s First Friday events.

Bea Kilgore, an independent consultant for Nu Skin, offers great anti-aging and facial preservation products. She looked amazing and was able to provide great insight into ways of looking younger. You can see her products on the First Friday of each month at the Show…Shop…and Go events at Lake Mirror Towers in Lakeland.

A new member to Woman to Woman, Miz Daisy (Crissy Melnitzke) was able to make contacts at this event. That is a perk of Woman to Woman not just making friends but making friends who are contacts. She offers a full-service entertainment company that is perfect for any event. We have met her at community events in the past and she does an amazing job making everyone feel happy. She is also a hair stylist at Spa Bella in Winter Haven.

Joleene Anderson from Nutritional and Functional Medicine is going to be a great resource for Erika, and everyone. Erika’s daughter, Brianna, was recently diagnosed with severe food and environment allergies. Joleene gave Erika ideas on how to protect her daughter from the allergies.

The beautiful and talented Meghan Marie of M. Marie, One Unique Boutique came for a glass a wine with her friends. M. Marie is located in the Highpoint Plaza on Cypress Gardens Blvd. They offer the cutest dresses and clothes. My daughter, Meghan, was happy to finally meet another Meghan who spells their name, as she puts it "correctly".

Sandra Fackender (Coldwell Banker, Realtor) walked in to the Bean & Grape Café to meet her friend, Jody Reece (a Yoga instructor at Groundwork Yoga and Professional Hoola-Hoop performer for Groundwork Hooping). They were intrigued by the event and put their business cards in for the door prizes. To their surprise they made many business contacts and were able to see how great a resource Woman to Woman is for everyone!

To top it off, Sandra won the Miche Bag door prize, and Jody won a gift certificate from David at Paint Along Studios!!!

Kiki Burchette of Pinxster Entertainment, worked that room. While speaking with her she said she came to make connections, and she did! Kiki also won a door prize. She is a great example on how you win at Woman to Woman Magazine Meet and Mingles; she is definitely a winner in networking!

Barbara Justice, of Scentsy Wickless Candles and Woman to Woman’s talented blogger of “Justice for All” came to share her wisdom and zest for life. If you have not met Barbara, you need to, she’s such a hoot!! We love her and look forward to seeing her at more events. Barbara was the winner of a tasty Pink Blush wine, graciously provided by Sarah and Jeff of the Bean & Grape Café.

Mary and Donna of Shamar’s Hand Made Chocolates stopped by. This was their first time at a Meet and Mingles Event and was recently introduced to Woman to Woman Magazine. Their chocolates are made with absolutely no preservatives, wax, or by-products. They received several leads and a few guests placed chocolate orders with them – right there on the spot!!

Kat Gates-Skipper was brand new to Woman to Woman Magazine as well and came to the event to “Meet and Mingle”. She totally did that! Kat owns a Transportation Company providing direct service to Airports, Bus Stations, and Train Stations. Serving all of Polk County. She also owns 5LINX, a telecommunications company that can save you 50% off your phone bill and other services. She brought a digital phone system to display that was a hit!

Jennifer Straight of Miche Bags was the winner of the Meet and Mingle Featured Business Display. Jennifer and the other fabulous ladies of Miche Bags, Carol and Mary were there showing off their fabulous purses. Jennifer brought a gorgeous display of Miche Bags with a holiday themed backdrop. It totally got us into the Holiday Spirit and the look was breathtaking! Jennifer does a fantastic job hosting the Show…Shop…and Go events the First Friday of each month at Lake Mirror Towers. Definitely stop by and say Hi!

Karen Konrath, is a Technology & Learning Facilitator at USF. She won the Meet and Mingles Business Profile door prize. She is a fun and uplifting person. We have met Karen at other events in the community, and is such a welcoming person.

A few of the Clerk of Courts gals were there enjoying a glass of wine with us. They may not have anything to sell personally, but they totally sold me on a group that they belong too. The ladies had a great time enjoying the atmosphere and meeting new people. They have a group of friends that over the years have grown into a fun, adventurous group that welcomes everyone. They meet each month to celebrate each others birthdays, meet for drinks, attend events in the area, and help support a non-profit organization. The group is perfect, if you want to attend an event but don’t want to go alone, someone in the group is always willing to go with you.

When you think “yum, yum good!”, think of Deb’s Cookies and Treats! Deb was also brand new to Woman to Woman. She came to the event to introduce her company,and brought 7 dozen cookies for the group to sample. She had the busiest table of the evening, and I will admit I came back a few times…they were good!!! These aren’t made from boxed cookie batter either; her cookies are not only made from scratch but are made with the finest ingredients. She offers over 19 different cookie varieties, muffins, cakes, pies and cheesecakes.

Vicky Lodge wasn’t sure if anyone would know her, but she came out and had a great time. Erika made sure to welcome her and even joked she didn’t recognize her without the phone booth. Vicky’s profile picture has a fabulous red phone booth in it, who doesn’t love a phone booth!

It’s a Small World After All – When you are in a room full of strangers you look around for that familiar face. Erika had that moment when she saw Dartha Schular, who came in with her friend Lori. Erika had met Dartha 3 days prior at a Toastmaster Area Contest. That goes to show you never know who you will see again at another event!

These were just a few of the connections that were made. If you have not had the chance to meet these amazing members, be sure to click on their names and become friends with them on WomantoWomanMagazine.com. It will be a perfect introduction to each other when you meet them in person - you're already friends!!!

Liz and Wes Craven, the power duo of Woman to Woman Magazine created an amazing event that opened the doors for many of us to meet, make connections, and promote our businesses. Everyone in attendance walked away with new ideas, new clients, and new friends.

If you haven’t been to a Meet and Mingles event yet, plan to do so. You never know who you will meet and what doors can be opened for you. Don’t be shy; the events are always set in a relaxed atmosphere with no pressures. As your hostesses, Erika and I will always help start the conversation, introduce you to everyone and help build those connections.

We hope to see you at our net Meet and Mingle at Ric’s Wine Market on Tuesday, November, 19th. Be sure to RSVP on www.womantowomanmagazine.com. Your name can be chosen as the Featured Member at the event to promote your business. You will also have the opportunity to win a Business Profile in the quarterly publication. We even had a few surprise prizes provided some of the members, you never know who will be offering more surprises at our events!

Bring a friend with you and I may even give out a surprise gift to you and your friend.


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 us to host your next party.