Central Florida Women's Expo

Like hundreds of other women in the area, President-Elect Wendy Morris and I strapped our babies in their strollers, threw on our comfiest day dresses and shopped until we (or at least our kids) dropped! The Women's Expo today in Auburndale was a huge event with even bigger attendance and we were eager to meet and greet those featured vendors that will also be participating in the League's own Santa's Merry Market this November. The Auburndale community was hopping and all of our favorite boutiques were accessible to share their products and concepts. Wendy's longtime friend Cindy Hummel is Auburndale's Special Projects Director. After chatting with her a bit about the success of the event, Wendy and I both agreed that we wished JLGWH had a booth to sell Outback and SMM tickets, organizers and of course recruit! We also learned that the event was the product of about 5 key women coordinators, which was also encouraging! Oh, and of course, the expo has a blog!! www.blog.thewomensexpo.com Please leave your comments if you attended. Your feedback and input is appreciated as we hope our holiday event will be just as successful!

Great First Meeting!

Our Superhero themed meeting was a great one and what a running start the League is off to. With so many exciting things ahead for our League, our memberships' enthusiasm was contagious!

September General Membership Meeting

General Membership Meeting is quickly approaching... Tuesday, Sept 9th. 6:30 Welcoming Superheros to a new League year!

Whoa!!!

Buckle your seatbelts ladies...our group is on the fast track to success. Wow- have I really become this much of a JL dork? I guess so! After a successfully productive 1st Board meeting, I can't tell you how very thrilled I am about the year ahead. With so many wonderful projects in store, and exciting fundraisers, (and work/bonding to be done!) we will all be BFF's gossiping about boys in our Flamingo P.J.'s, by the end of the year! I am so looking forward to seeing everyone at our first General Membership Meeting next week and meeting our new provisionals. This just keeps getting better... so please keep your arms and feet inside, and hang on for the ride!

In the works...

Gearing up for an approaching League year committees are hustling and bustling, planning and preparing. Santa's Merry Market commitee as well as the CRPD committee both met last week reporting even further progress and great ideas. Both chairpersons (Angela & Jancie) held their meetings at the new Wine Bar in Cypress Station, as the owner is thrilled about our his participation in the Merry Market event, so we wanted to patronize them in return. Keep up the good work ladies!

SPAC Conference

On Sunday, PE Wendy Morris, I attended the SPAC summer conference in Orlando. We along with several other ladies from leagues all over the state listened to and addressed issues that face our members statewide. The Junior League of Greater Winter Haven is a new member of SPAC and I am thrilled about our involvement. As president-elect, Wendy will officially serve as this year's delegate. The Junior Leagues of Florida, State Public Affairs Committee has been the advocacy arm of the Junior Leagues of Florida for over 30 years, monitoring the state legislative process and addressing issues of political importance to the members of the Junior Leagues.

Sewing Bee this Thursday

It's all the buzz! Join us for The Sewing Bee, Thurs 8/28, at 6pm, Leslie McCutchin's home. This week we will make super simple aprons for when function meets style in the kitchens across Greater Winter Haven! Or, for those of you who are blessed with hubbies that cook (angela moore) do the cooking, bring a project in the works, your mending basket, or check out one of the projects below. Can't sew?? That's OK, you can pin, press, steam, or keep the drinks coming and we'll lend you a hand. Bring your favorite beverage, a light snack, or cool craft magazine. We don't need much, our hands will be busy with projects. If you are stressed for prep-time, just come as you are there will be plenty to enjoy and plenty to do.

Congrats Tilgham family!

In the spirit of our organization, we love the pink bundles! Congrats to Erin Tilghman and her husband, James, on welcoming their newest girl (number 3) Mary Ruth Tilghman on July 29th. I am thinking the future of the Junior League is looking bright than ever! Contact Erica Sirrine if you would like to provide a LINKS meal for these ladies (and dad too!).

A Tasty Treat

The Ice Cream Social was a hit and we had many new faces come to learn more about the League. We so appreciate the Marble Slab and the hospitality, and the Wine Bar for the wine tasting that many of us enjoyed after our ice cream!

Santa's Merry Market Announces Date

Mark your calendars now for the premier event ofe the holiday season. Friday - Saturday, November 21st & 22nd. Angela Moore and Nikki Rudd have been working hard this summer preparing what is sure to quickly become, another JLGWH signature event! This upscale shopping experience includes all the right elements to put you in the holiday spirit! Friday night will kick off the event with Martinis and Manicures preview event followed, Saturday, by family-friendly shopping bazaar complete with Santa and & his workshop, book signings with area authors, and merchandise from boutiques and vendors across central Florida accompanied by a myriad of pre-decorated Holiday Trees for purchase. Contact Angela now angmoore@deloitte.com and get in on the fun!

Sew Fun!

Yes, we did get some sewing done! It actually was the perfect thing to do with our hands while we gathered around leslie's table, pumping the peddle, chatting and sipping our wine. Allison completed a gorgeous vintage style hanky for her Grandma adorned with rick-rack, Cindy hemed her gorgeous black trousers, and Leslie M, re-invented a designer dress now perfect for any cocktail event. Wendy made a fun and flirty beach cover up! I used a couple yards of toile and hap-hazzardly made a fun "dress-up" tu-tu for my friend's daughter. Sorry, this is the only thing I have a picture of, LM's camera cord is MIA, and I wanted to show some of our production from the sewing circle, hoping we can entice even more of you to the next one!

Ice Cream Social, August 14th @ Marble Slab

In 1924, Americans consumed an average of less than 4 quarts of ice cream per year. Today, Americans eat about 15 quarts of ice cream per person each year. (Hey, who are you callin' a pig?) "Chill" ladies, they also have frozen yogurt! Owner, John Ettinger, Sr. has opened up his store on Cypress Gardens Blvd, to host our Ice Cream social event Thursday, Aug 14, from 5:00-7:30 pm. Leaguers and Leaguers-to-be (provisional prospects) will recieve 15% off any purchase and complimentary bottle water. Please bring-a-friend to this meet and greet and catch up with old friends over a Sunday! If you stop in before then, please be sure to mention the JLGWH to John & Co. (I've seen you gals over there after the gym... you don't have to hide!)

Oprah Names Top Wardrobe Essentials

Stylist, Lloyd Boston outlined his wardrobe essentials on the Oprah show this week, noting that these closet "must-haves" will ensure that you always leave the house looking polished and stylin'. You can find a photo slide show and short commentary at this link. According to Boston the essentials are:

1) Bright, gauzy scarf

2) Light trench coat (bright color preferable)

3) Turtle neck (black/white)

4) Pair of black trousers

5) Tunic

6) White jean & dark jeans.

7) Black dress (something you could wear with black

tights or even jeans underneath for a more casual look.)

8) White or dark blue denim jackets

(the lighter colors went out in the LATE ’80’s)

9) Black skirt

10) Cashmere sweater 11) A pair of nice flats

(leopard print, juicy colors)

12) An oversized bag

(think bright or white) *One of the most important pieces of clothing for a woman to have in her wardrobe is a crisp, white shirt - so important it had a feature of its own on the show pictured below. I don't know about you, but the white jeans are a bit scarey,

and... are trousers the same as britches? :-)

League Members and their 4th of July...

In the spirit of "the blog", below captures the personal moments of how fellow League members spent their 4th of July holiday. I asked a randomly selected portion of our membership, to share with us, a little about how they spent this past weekend. How did you spend yours? Send your family photos and experiences to leslieh@premieronline.com As always... these "wonder women" had and exciting weekend full of memorable experiences! Tammi Haas with son Robby (5 years old), husband Brian, and daughter Emily (2 years old). Tammi: "I spent my Fourth of July Weekend with my husband's family in Bartow and Lakeland. The girls spent an afternoon out to lunch and shopping while the guys duked it out on the golf course (Robby joined them)! The rest of the weekend was spent grilling out by the pool and watching fireworks. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the summer with those that we love the most!" Melanie Truesdell notes: "Our 4th was okay, as Scott and the girls were in a car accident on the 3rd. Everyone was fine (girls just a bit sore, but fine by weekend - Scott still very, very sore, but nothing serious - he has to go see a Chiropractor 6 days a week though :( ). My car is totaled, so that kind of stinks. A guy passed out and hit Scott going 55 miles/hr. Scott was stopped waiting to make a left. " "My pink stilettos remind you of my Manhattan roots – remnant of Summer holidays in the Hamptons rubbing elbows with notable New Yorkers. But since my divorce, I’ve stopped traveling; I’ve become stagnate—“Alone” often rings loud in my ears and in my heart. This year I finally ditched that insecurity and created a true Independence Day. Boarding a plane this July 4th, I single-handedly headed for the Wild West— Montana. Over the next five days an amazing change transpired; I became a pioneer, discovering a new way to see the country—striking out on my own, in charge of my own destiny. Literally shaking in my boots on day one—surrounded by happy families on vacation, I felt a little lonely. Once I made my mind up to savour my independence, the experience was quite empowering. By day five, I felt a little wild; the big skies, vast mountain range, and better still, the power to do what I wanted—when I wanted. I have to say, venturing out of my comfort zone—and alone—was fantastic! I tried a new sport, new food, saw new states, and met new faces along the way. I’m sure my foremothers would be proud." -Leslie McCutchin

Allison Lee spent her holiday in the big apple!. There for business, with her company Noble Juice, she and her associates enjoyed food tradeshow of sorts! Sounds tasty! Below is Allison pictured with celebrity chef Paula Dean, her husband and son.

Wendy: “The Morris Family spent their 3-day weekend enjoying family, friends and food! On Friday evening, we watched the nighttime ski show at the Gardens followed by the fireworks display from the boat of good friends. Saturday we spent the day cooking out, swimming and hanging out with family & friends! Why can’t every week have a 3-day weekend?!?!?”

WOW!!! - are these ladies superheros or what! What an amazing group I am so proud to be associated with; loving family, life and soaking up all it has to offer!

The League has adopted the Kids in the Kitchen project as one of our own for the upcoming year. This is a wonderful project that works to raise awareness about childhood obesity and nutrition. The website is interactive and resourceful, and even has fun nutritionally focused educational games for the kids. My favorite is the "find a recipie" tool that allows you to try a new recipie this summer or show the kids how to make something fun. My 6 year old LOVED his Book Cook class at Kids at College this year and is totally into cooking. We have enjoyed the sit! http://www.kidsinthekitchen.org/

An Organization of Superheros

This weekend's Board and Leadership Retreat was inspiring, informative and tons of fun and I am so thankful for the awesome group of women we have in the JLGWH. Both the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs were in attendance for Saturday's workshops covering such topics as strategic planning, effective communication, personality and leadership styles, group think focus, fudiciary responsibilities, budget basics, public relations, and the roles of a Placement Advisor. We also enjoyed an enlightening Q&A session with some key sustaining members. The superheros and wonder women that make up our League are now ready to take on the world! (scroll to bottom for slideshow of retreat memories)

1 Bag, 5 Dinners

Wendy Morris shared this fabulous dinner menu and recipie site to assist busy moms (doesn't that define all moms?!) in planning and organizing the week's menu in one easy step. It even has visuals which the kids will love to be involved with picking what they want that night! Visit http://www.kraftfoods.com/ and click on dinners. Many options and even Healthy Living menus. Post your comment and let us know what you think on how to answer that all to familiar question ... "What are we having for dinner?"

"Hurray for Babysitting!"

Need a sitter? Want to Entertain your children while you do chores around the house? Don't want to take them along while you are grocery shopping? Call Sam!

Samantha Wood (aka Sam) is a certified baby sitter. She is 13 and has completed the Orange County 5 day course in babysitting, CPR, and first aid. Sam is available most any afternoon or evening, and some weekends! She loves to play with children ages 2 and up. Call Anne Wood at 604-0930 to lock in her services!

Summer Lovin' II

Welcome future Leaguer, Gillian Lee! Marianne delivered her bundle of joy this morning. At approximately 9:45 am, Sustainer and Past President welcomed a baby GIRL! Gillian Lea George (pronounced Jillian Lee) weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. Congratulations Marianne and family! Looks like Kids at College has one more student!

Cindy Baxter recognized for Spirit of the League Award in the Polk Voice

http://blogs.polkvoice.com/search/default.asp?item=2208559

Summer Lovin'

Lovin those babies, the league just welcomed one more. Courtney Kaylor and family just welcomed thier new baby boy, John Fletcher. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 2 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long! Please contact Erica Sirrine, L.I.N.K.S. (Leaguers In Need of Kindness and Support) Chair, at (956-6245) should you be interested in providing a L.I.N.K.S. meal and show your lovin' to this newly transitioned family.

Furniture Drive for the Women's Resource Center

Does your car not fit in your garage because of unwanted furniture? The Women's Resource Center would like you to donate gently used pieces, large or small. Your Donation will be tax deductible and and they will even pick it up! Contact Ben Saborio at 294-5318 or 632-1818.

League Extracurriculars

A wise League member recently reminded me that in serving our mission, developing the potentional of women does not always have to be career focused. As women, we have so many talents and abilities and we want to foster those in all of us and create a league that provides you with interpersonal growth opportunities in ever aspect. Here are some of the ideas that have been brought up lately that members have expressed an interest in. *Golf perhaps a few free lessons, I know a guy, or a ladies 9 hole assn) *Sewing (again lessons, or an afternoon create session *Scrapbooking (The scrapbook store near firehouse offers classes, we could finish up those 7 yr old baby books!) *Cooking maybe Rachel Ray herself, or at least a local cullinary chef could fancy our tastebuds while we whip something up! *Self Defense Class it doesn't all have to be homemaker-ish, i would love to take a little stress out! Oragami? Organic Gardening?

Please share your ideas too and let us know what you think or would like to learn more about!

Thank You to State Farm

(Above are two of many State Farm employees who are making an impact and continuing the good neighbor tradition in the greater Winter Haven area. Pictures L to R: Jill Barton & Leslie McCutchin )

As you may or may not know State Farm Insurance does a great deal for our community and continuously gives back. We have a number of members employed by this generous company and I wanted to thank them for their latest scholariship contribution to the JLGWH, and congratulate Leslie McCutchin for her dilligent efforts in our community and volunteering spirit. State Farm's Good Neighbor program rewards it's employees logging 40 hours or more, by making a contribution of $500 to the charity organization of the employee's choice.

Ladies in Need of Laughter and Massages

Ok - so it doesn't quite roll off the tounge the way our L.I.N.K.S. program does, but it suits us all the same. Here a few leaguers celebrate a year of hard work and big impacts. We appreciate the wonderful leadership of visionary and outgoing President, Delight Carmichael, and congratulate her and her new (and growing) family as they dive right in to the next exciting chapter of their lives. Well done ladies!

Pictured L to R: Michelle Trinklein, Delight Carmichael, Jennifer Myers, Paula Threadgill