Hot Crab Dip - Easy Peasy

League member Julia Child Alexandra snapped a few photos this week as she whipped up our Hot Crab Dip. She makes it look so easy! 

Assemble the ingredients (Julia would call this a mise en place)

Heat the mayo and cream cheese

Add the prepared ingredients

 

Mix in the remaining, fresh items (crab and green onion)

Serve and bask in the glow of your compliments!

 Alex, when is the next party? We're on the way! 

 

As always, you can find this recipe along with other culinary delights in "At Your Service", the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton's very own cookbook.

Family Brunch ~ All About Olivia Style

Hello, friends! We hope you're enjoying this wonderful holiday season with all of your loved ones. Are you hosting parties in your home? So many of us are at this time of year. Luckily, our trusty "At Your Service" cookbook has just the thing, pre-planned menus for many different types of events.
League member and blogger Nicole recently hosted a family brunch and turned to "At Your Service" for inspiration. She tells us about it over on her blog All About Olivia. Please stop by and read about her fun gathering and menu choices! Leave her a love note in the comments too. We bloggers adore that!

The direct link to Nicole's blog: http://markandnicoles.blogspot.com/2012/12/at-your-service-brunch.html

Happy Holidays, dear friends! ~ JLGNF

Girl's Night Out!

In addition to all of the good things the JLGNF do within the community, we like to have fun together too. Just this past week, a group of us got together for dinner and a movie. Of course it was Breaking Dawn Part 2! But where are the t-shirts ladies?

In the past we've gone for wine tastings, painting, a ghost tour, the Susan G. Koman Race For the Cure, Brave's games and many other things. What sort of activities would you like to see us do as a league? Tell us in the comments.

Northside Woman Celebrates Thanksgiving with the JLGNF

With Thanksgiving upon us and holiday gatherings in full-swing, Katie VanBrackle at  Northside Woman decided to put our tried and true "At Your Service" to work. Listed within the article are enough of our cherished recipes to prepare a fabulous holiday feast of your own. This year we're thankful for all of you, so enjoy!

Notice the ending sentiment, "..as any good Southern hostess will tell you, if the recipe comes from a Junior League cookbook, you can’t go wrong!" We could not agree more, Katie!

Read the full article here. Purchase your copy of "At Your Service" here.

Your Southern Peach Reviews "At Your Service"

 

Recently, we asked local blogger and League friend, Your Southern Peach, to review our beloved cookbook. We could not wait to hear her unique take on the book and she did not disappoint! We love how she highlighted what an asset the book is when planning a gathering. From pre-planned menus to entertaining tips, "At Your Service" should be a go-to for every hostess (and host!).

We recommend following Amy's blog on a regular basis while she shares her insight on decorating, entertaining, family and her killer fashion sense. A peach indeed!

Please read her review of "At Your Service" here and purchase your copy of the cookbook here.

Spiced Pecans - The Perfect Gift

A very special thank you goes out to Amy at Forever29 for her review of our At Your Service cookbook- specifically one of our favorites.. the Spiced Pecans!

Amy decided to utilize her cooking and crafting skills to make a special gift for her son's teachers. No doubt they appreciated the personal touches. And we can imagine her house smelled amazing over this beautiful fall weekend!

She has even generously provided the recipe over at her blog. Find that here.

You can purchase your copy of At Your Service here.

Have you made these? How would you package them? Would you share or keep them all to yourself? Tell us is the comments!

Shop, Save and Support Our Community

 

The JLGNF will host our first annual Attic Sale on Saturday, November 10th, from 7am-2pm at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. If you want a sneak peak, come to the fun Preview Party the night before on Friday, November 9th, from 6-9pm for $10/tickets at the door. We will be selling furniture, baby & children's items, household items, books, DVD's and much more! If you join us at the preview party there will be food, music and an opportunity to buy goods in advance. Please plan to come out and support our league while you have fun shopping!

Preview Party - Friday, November 9th, 6-9pm

Attic Sale Day - Saturday, November 10th, 7am-2pm

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

2405 Sugarloaf Parkway

Lawrenceville, Ga 30045

 

If you have any questions or would like to donate an item please do not hesitate to contact us at: jlgnfatticsale@mail.com

Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @JLGNF and watch #JLAtticSale for updates on the fabulous finds you'll see at the sale!

Pinterest!

Hey y'all! Look who joined Pinterest! Be sure to follow our boards and check back often for an exciting series on "At Your Service", our league cookbook. In the mean time, you can find out more about the book here.

Leave us a love note in the comments if you already own our cookbook!

Lend a Hand to Get Ahead

I hope you all will join us in welcoming one of our esteemed, past JLGNF presidents, Heather Rocker as our guest blogger for this installment. Her commitment to volunteering is certainly one to be admired and the reason we asked her to share some thoughts on volunteerism. This article, which you can see below, was first published in the Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine. Thank you, Heather!

Lend a Hand to Get Ahead
As published in Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine, August 2012

In my work as the CEO of Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta, people often approach me requesting help finding mentors, making connections and seeking new job opportunities. I have one consistent piece of advice for them: volunteer.
Why? It’s no secret that the benefits of serving your community extend far beyond helping people and places in need. Volunteering encourages you to hone existing skill sets, develop new ones and foster connections that strengthen and nourish your community—and those skills and connections may prove to be valuable assets in your professional life, too.
If you are currently employed, it’s important to make the most of the time and energy you spend volunteering. Are there areas of your professional life you’re looking to improve or additional skills that would benefit your work? (Your workplace performance reviews may serve as a roadmap here.) Seek out volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and strengths, especially causes or organizations with training programs—think of it as free professional development. You also want to consider where your existing skills may be of help. If you work in IT, for example, consider lending your know-how to a local nonprofit looking to improve their technology plan.
For those looking to make a career change, volunteering can give you a virtually risk-free chance to explore your interests in other fields—kind of like a grown-up internship. Years ago I thought I wanted to be an event planner, so I jumped at the chance to chair a major fundraising gala for a local nonprofit. But after managing that and multiple other events, I realized that event planning was not for me. Thank goodness I had the chance to “try it before you buy it” through volunteering. But in other cases, volunteering may confirm your desire to make a big career change.
If you are currently unemployed, there may be no better time to volunteer. Take advantage of this opportunity to develop skill sets relevant to your career goals, keep existing skills fresh, make connections with other volunteers that might be in your field and potentially set your resume apart in the competitive job market.
That’s another thing: Along with updating your professional resume, be sure to post your significant volunteer roles on your LinkedIn profile. Not only does it build your positive online brand, but it also adds valuable depth to your overall career snapshot. And take the extra step of asking your volunteer managers and peers to recommend your work. As a nonprofit leader, this is something I enjoy giving back to my volunteers.
And remember, even if you’re not in the office, it’s crucial to behave professionally. On more than one occasion I’ve seen people do and say things in a volunteer capacity that I cannot imagine they would dare replicate in a business setting. Your volunteer roles and contributions are an extension of your personal brand, and a great volunteer contributor can become a sought-after resource by fellow professionals.

About Heather
Heather S. Rocker is an award-winning executive with a professional focus in Strategic Volunteering™, organizational effectiveness and civic leadership. Heather currently serves as the chief executive officer for Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta, a leading nonprofit organization that helps girls recognize their rights and reach their full potential.
Girls Incorporated is part of a national youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Heather’s dedication to improving the lives of women and girls led to volunteer leadership roles with Atlanta Women’s Alliance, Distinguished Young Women of America, Junior League, and Georgia Tech Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees. Her honors include Turknett Leadership Character Award, Georgia Tech Outstanding Young Alumna, and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 40 under 40. Heather credits much of her volunteer leadership acumen to her experiences in the Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties having served in many capacities including President.

3/9 Q&A

Question:  Who is the Italian shoe designer credited with inventing the contemporary stiletto in the 1950s?  

Answer: The contemporary stiletto was invented in the 1950s by Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, who made his first pair for Marilyn Monroe in alligator skin. The models back then were tame by today's standards, with heels no higher than about 3 inches.

3/8 Q&A

Question: What percentage of women say they've been injured by wearing a pair of too-small heels.   

Answer: 50%

3/7 Q&A

Question: Shoe fiend Darlene Flynn earned her title as Guinness World Record holder for the largest collection of shoe-related items. Over the course of 6 years, how many pieces of shoe memorabilia did she amass?  (hint: round to the nearest thousandth)   

Answer: Darlene Flynn owns 7,765 shoe-related items, including a replica of the Disney Cinderella glass slipper, wooden shoes, leather moccasins, cloth shoes, cast iron boots, a red-stiletto shoe phone, and even a shoe made from the ash collected at Mount St. Helen's eruption.

3/6 Q&A

Question: How many hours per year does the average women spend shopping for shoes?  


Answer: 40

3/5 Q&A

Question:  What shoe size does the average American woman wear?  

Answer: 8

Answer to Yesterday's Facebook Question

How many pairs of shoes does the average American woman have?  19

A poll of 1,057 women by the Consumer Reports National Research Center for shopping magazine ShopSmart found U.S. women on average own 19 pairs of shoes although they only wear four pairs regularly while 15 percent have over 30 pairs.

HHHT Video

If you have not purchased your tickets yet, this video will make you run to the ticket counter in excitement!  Please be sure to share with all of your contacts!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5fV37VGiDA&feature=share

Q & A with Kimberly Hailey

·      What do you do from 9-5? Whew! That is a loaded question. I work as a Mental Health Specialist full time for a non-profit, but am also in the process of building a business that teaches sound investment strategies and the importance of financial awareness and responsibility to women and children. Lastly, I am in school full time completing a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

·      Where did you grow up? I was born in Savannah, GA, but was raised in Atlanta; I’m truly a “southern girl.”

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse? No children, pets, or spouse. Currently focusing on my career, however I’m ready to start a family if the opportunity presents itself. Also, I have recently been considering getting a dog (torn between two extremes; either a boxer or a Lhasa Poo)

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues? I’m still in my provisional period, so it has not even been a year yet.

·      What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy traveling, spending time with family/friends, reading, going to local theater and/or community events, concerts, shoe shopping, and recently I have started rock climbing and it is an absolute AWESOME stress reliever!!!

·      What is your dream career? Owning a women and children’s health clinic

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory? Participating in Literacy Night at Lawrenceville Elementary was very memorable. I was selected to operate the face painting table, and of course was excited to help out (giving little thought to the fact that elementary students are actually interested in having their faces painted plus my artistic ability is quite limited!).  I had an awesome time interacting with the students and their parents and painting the faces of what seemed like every student who attended the fair!

·      Who is the JLGNF member you admire the most and why? Well I am currently still in my provisional phase of membership so I have not had a chance to have one on one conversations or time with too many of the women. However, I will say that since joining there are 2 women who I have had a chance to not only speak with, but they also made me feel very welcome thus creating a lasting impression. Amy Jackson and Jenna Sobh both made me feel very comfortable and EMPOWERED in the brief encounters that I had with them, and their actions (unknowingly) confirmed for me that I had made the right decision in joining JLGNF.

Friday Trivia Answer

When did Ann Roth launch her shoe collection?  The correct answer is, 2006!


Come to HHHT prepared to bring home a pair of Ann's fun, much-loved shoes!


http://annrothshoes.com/pages/about-the-company

Friday Trivia

Happy Friday! For a little Friday fun, we are giving away one HHHT raffle ticket to the first person to correctly answer this question on our Facebook page.  When did Ann Roth launch her shoe collection?  

Hurry up and answer: http://www.facebook.com/groups/4831773958/!

Check back tomorrow for the answer!

Q & A with LaTasha McKenzie Mack

·      What do you do from 9-5? I’m a psychologist with the Veterans Health Administration.

·      Where did you grow up? I grew up in South Georgia.

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse? I’m single, never married with no children or pets. My nieces and nephews absorb a lot of my extra time.

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues? This is my first year as an active in the Junior League.

·      What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy shopping(!), reading, traveling and family.

·      What is your dream career? My dream career is being a vacation expert.

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory? My favorite JLGNF memory is The Derby. It was such a fun event!

·      Who is the JLGNF member you admire the most and why? Suzie Driskill is the most energetic woman I’ve ever met! I admire her enthusiasm and drive.

Q & A with Kathy Mizera

·      What do you do from 9-5?

I am a substitute teacher in Gwinnett County and also a part-time consultant for newBrand Analytics, a company that provides social business intelligence software for service-based companies.

·      Where did you grow up?

I was born in Miami and grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL towards the end of the raging Spring Break years—but those are stories for another time!

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse?

I’ve been married to my husband, Kevin, for 14 years this month. We met online while I was researching an article I was writing about hockey, and he volunteered to answer some questions for me. Five months later, we eloped! We have two kids, Nicholas, who will be 12 this month, and Maxwell, who is six.

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues?

I just joined the League. I have never been in any others, but I was active on our school PTA for four years as a committee chair all four years, and also Vice President during the last two. I felt I was ready to branch out beyond our school and volunteer my time into the rest of the community and beyond. I think JLGNF will afford me just those types of opportunities!

·      What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m a big reader and scrapbooker. My husband and I both collect books and turned our formal living room into a library. I also have a home office that is filled with craft and scrapbook supplies, which is where I go to relax and get creative.

·      What is your dream career?

I’ve been a freelance writer most of my life, but my dream would be to be a novelist, spending all my time writing and promoting both my books, but reading in general.

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory?

Since I just joined, I don’t really have much in the way of memories, although I have already met some great ladies that make me laugh!

·      Who is the JLGNF member you admire the most and why?

I’ve only been in the league for a couple of months, so I don’t really know anyone that well yet. I just have to say that, overall, I’m hugely impressed with the ladies I’ve spent time with, like Shannon Smith and Monica Thompson. They show an admirable dedication and work ethic that makes me happy I joined. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Q & A with Rachel Jeffers

·      What do you do from 9-5?

      I am a Programs  and Events Manager at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.  I plan and execute over 100+ events a year for the Gwinnett business community and members.  My favorite events are our Annual Fall Golf & Tennis Classic and our Annual Dinner (Black Tie Gala).  I love my office staff and enjoy meeting the great community leaders of Gwinnett. 

·      Where did you grow up?

I am a northern transplant trying to be disguised as a southern belle.  I “grew up” outside of Chicago in Ronald Reagan’s hometown of Dixon IL.  In 1999 my family moved to Kathleen, GA (Warner Robins/Perry in Middle Georgia).  I attended Houston County High School which lead me on to Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA.  I must say I adapted and love the south!!

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse?

I married my college sweetheart Matt Jeffers in 2010—We have a the perfect “opposites attract” relationship.  No kids yet, I consider myself controlled chaos without offspring, so it will be a few years before we get on the baby train—Ideally!

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues?
I joined the Jr. League of Macon, GA in 2010 but then moved to Gwinnett shortly after joining.  I officially transferred in to JLGNF at the beginning of 2011.

·      What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to plan events, decorating (AKA re-arranging our apartment decore), testing out new recipes, playing on PINTEREST, improving my golf and tennis abilities, attempting to become a “runner,” trying new restaurants, hiking, traveling (day trips throughout our Peach State), UGA Football/tailgates, spending time with friends, etc. 

·      What is your dream career?

I am blessed to be on the right track for my dream career—I would love to one day own my event/design company.  Being contracted to plan HUGE stake holder events for TBS or Coca Cola would be a dream come true.

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory?
My favorite JL memory—we’ll since I am still in my first year of involvement with JLGNF I’d have to say just getting to know my committee at the moment.  I am sure I am about to start building great memories. 

Fund Development

Fund Development is one of the newer committee in the League. The committee is charged with soliciting funds to support the League's initiatives and programs. In the past, solicitation efforts generally were specific to one major League event, such as The Derby. In an effort to maximize the League's exposure to and solicitation of available community resources to support more of our programming efforts, the Fund Development committee was created. To best serve the needs of the JLGNF, Fund Development Committee members need to be kept apprised of projected programming for the upcoming League year. Funding cycles vary by institution, with some funders requiring months to a year prior to an event for submission, review and decision of a grant proposal.

JLGNF Fund Development Committee includes Alyson Coffman, Kelly Parkinson and LaTasha McKenzie Mack. These members are excited to work in a capacity to generate external support on behalf of the League. You are invited to become acquainted with them and discuss any potential programming your committee has slated for next League year.

 

Provisional Update

Please welcome the newest provisional members.  We are excited to have you as a part of JLGNF!

Jessica Snoby

Pauola Morton

Stephanie Johnson

Renee Adams

Carolyn Johnson

Chrissy Duarte

Tracy Perkins

Q & A with Heather Rocker

·      What do you do from 9-5? I serve as the CEO for Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta.  Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold!

·      Where did you grow up? Cherokee County, Georgia

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse? One husband, one toddler, and 3 rescue cats.

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues? I’ve been a member of JLGNF for 10 years and started with this League as a Provisional.  Apparently, I was the first ever JLGNF member to apply online. J

·      What do you like to do in your free time? I love trying new restaurants (wannabe foodie) and spending time with friends.

·      What is your dream career? Author, presenter, consultant, and radio show host – all at the same time

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory? I love the energy and fun of the High Heels, High Times events.

·      Who is the JLGNF member you admire the most and why? I love that Peggy Armstrong is proving age is only a number – and that no one can dictate when is the right time for you to give back to the community (and to yourself) as a League member!

State Public Affairs Committee Day at the Capitol

The Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties (JLGNF) will be joining all of the Georgia Junior Leagues for the State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) Day at the Capitol.

The event will be held at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday February 21, 2012 from 9 AM-2 PM.  Throughout the day, members will have the opportunity to hear speakers discussing current issues that Georgia SPAC is lobbying for, and Georgia's First Lady Mrs. Deal will participate in the event to help us speak out about the childhood obesity epidemic in Georgia. Following the event, volunteers are invited to observe some of the General Assembly discussion. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Peggy Armstrong at armstrong542044@bellsouth.net. You will receive Community Volunteer Hours for attending the event.  

Q & A with Jenna Sobh

·      What do you do from 9-5?
I take care of my family and friends, the house and the dogs, answer emails regarding JLGNF and my daughter's class activities.  I volunteer in her classroom and for her classroom.  I chase around an almost two year old and try to figure out how to get dinner and the laundry finished.  I run or work out, to keep my sanity and feed my soul, and I go to the grocery store to feed our tummies.

·      Where did you grow up?
I grew up in South Bend, Indiana – Notre Dame territory!

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse?
I have children – Sophia (7) and Whittier (almost 2), a Weimereiner, Bandit (13), frogs and a fish, and a husband, Danny.

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues?
I have been in JLGNF for 4 years and prior to that I was a member of JL South Bend for 3 years.

·      What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time?  What free time?

·      What is your dream career?
I don't know...honestly, I would love to do something that involves children, I used to teach, but the public school systems are a mess; I would like to be an advocate of some kind for them.  I would also like to do some thing with nutrition and homeopathic remedies.  Sounds queer, but it is true!

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory?
Is there such a thing?  They are all great, but I was very proud of our induction of the High Heels and High Times event my first year in JLGNF.  It was a great event, a great time and a great tradition to follow.

·      Who is the JLGNF member you admire the most and why?
There are 3, once called “The Brain Trust”.  Terri Butler, Jenny Horton, and Nancy Van Patten.  They were and are dedicated to the betterment of JLGNF, the women who are involved in the organization and the communities that we serve.

Q& A with Sarah McWhorter

·      What do you do from 9-5? 

Although I went to college to be a dental hygienist I am currently an office manager for a periodontal office.  I work from home remotely, for an office located in Frederick, Maryland.

·      Where did you grow up?

 I was born in St. Augustine, FL and lived there most of my childhood.  I briefly lived in Tampa, FL and then Columbus, GA before moving to Macon where I finished high school.  My parents still live there now.

·      Do you have any children, pets, or a spouse?

I have a wonderful husband of 10 years named Dan and then two beautiful little girls, Avery and Laurel, who are the lights of my life!  Oh, and I must not forget my “dog-baby” Stewie.  He is an 8 year old Italian Greyhound.

·      How many years have you been in JLGNF for?  Have you been a member of any other Junior Leagues? 

I transferred into this JL 3 years ago and was a member of the Junior League in Lehigh Valley, PA prior to that.

·      What do you like to do in your free time?

 In my free time I like to be outside doing something with my family or friends. 

·      What is your dream career? 

I would like to run my own business-not sure what kind of business that would be though.

·      What is your favorite JLGNF memory? 

I really enjoyed working with the children at the Drake House.  A couple of years ago, I helped with an Easter Egg hunt and really enjoyed seeing the children’s faces as they found each egg and participated in all of the activities.

·      Who is the JLGNF member you admire the most and why? 

I would say Amy Jackson.  I know that she is not a member of our JL anymore but I am sure everyone knows her.  She did such an awesome job of balancing her busy family life with her JL responsibilities and always offered such great advise and insight.  She was so much fun to work with and was always willing to help!