These boots were made for networking at Peters Path Store

The second Thursday night of January was a tad chilly in Lawrenceville, GA. But that didn't stop the droves of well heeled Gwinnetian women from coming out to Peters Path Store's first shindig of 2010.

They'd learned of the event as readers of Peter's Path blog, as Facebook fans, Twitter followers and friends who just can't get enough of the latest fashions at the stylish boutique in the downtown square.

Adorned in sleek boots, scarves, winter coats and skinny jeans, the femmes in their 20's-60's came for some new year's cheer. Not to mention a little pre-promised motivation from Kim Cosette, Certified Professional Organizer and Elizabeth Jaeger, personal fitness trainer.

To get the party started, PPS's hostesses with the mostesses, Christine Peters and Ronda Balfe catered in tres cute kitchy snacks. (The unexpected tex mex shrimp dip and BBQ meatballs get two thumbs up from this writer, btw.) And next to the hors d's spread was a sweet little wine bar of reds, whites and pinks, plus a cooler below for suds sippin' chicks.

"I enjoy having these events because I love introducing my friends to people I think they'd enjoy knowing," explains Christine Peters, President/Founder of Peters Path Store. "I think everybody has a unique story and gift to share."

Case in point, one such tale was shared by a Lawrenceville woman who said her spouse had been laid off. Her personal networking consisted of distributing his "handyman" business cards. The group roared when she pleaded, "Please give my husband some work and help get him out of the house!"

Other highlights of the evening included nutritional food and grocery shopping advice from fit and svelte Elizabeth Jaeger. (If you're looking for someone to get you off your duff, I sense that fitoutsidethebox@yahoo.com just might be your girl. ) The ultra self-disciplined fitness trainer suggested that even women who don't commute to work should pack a cooler when running long errands. "Put carrots and healthy snacks in it," she said. "That way you won't be tempted to stop for fast food."

Continuing the food theme of the evening, Kim Cossette, professional organizer explained how to tidy up your kitchen. "We take up a lot of unneeded room there with big gadgets we never use," she explained. "We need to become more conscious of our space, claim it and make it our own. Because it is." One clever secret she divulged was to put all of your supplies in one easy-to- get-to-container, ie: bread making or pasta making tools and ingredients. To summon Kim's help, email her: kim@theorganizedapproach.com

"I can say Kim has helped me get organized and improved my life," says Christine Peters. "There are so many ways we women can help each other -- not just in business, but in relationships, raising children, going through hard times and more. Peters Path Store is a great venue to do that!"

To find out about the next Peters Path Networking soiree, follow @PetersPathStore on Twitter or join their fan page on Facebook.

Peters Path Store's flagship boutique at 164 E. Crogan in Lawrenceville offers clothing, accessories and items for the home. Winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:30-6. And as if their hospitality isn't enough, a portion of every sale benefits charitable organizations. Fashionista devotees to the chic boutique and its hip brands can also shop 24/7 at their online store.

Come meet the new "you" on January 14

If you've been to Peter's Path Store, you probably know that owners Christine Peters and Ronda Balfe know how to create totally chic little outfits for you. But did you know they're gaining quite the reputation for putting together a fabulous soiree, too?

I'm talking, kitten, about fabulously fun networking events disguised as parties. Can you believe the nerve of these ladies? And they're scheduled at tres' convenient times for working moms, entrepreneuresses (is that a word?) and girlies who just want to have fun, meet other successful women and learn new stuff.

This next "special invitation" event --OK, OK. I will concede dear reader that you won't be receiving a gold embossed calligraphy invite nor will you be greeted at the door by a steroid induced bouncer selectively deciding what divas are allowed to enter under PP's yellow awning. But when you see the eclectic crowd of smart and chic women, you'll be glad you were privy to the hottest party this side of Hollywood. And you'll feel sorry for the photogs at TMZ who missed it!

Oh, but back to what I was saying...The next event is January 14 at 6 p.m.

That's when the entouragette (is that a word?) welcomes the darlingly dynamic duo of Professional Organizer Kim Cossette and Personal Trainer Elizabeth Jaeger.

The theme of the party is "A New Year. A New You." And here's why....Psssssst. Stay with me.

You see Kim is a professional organizer. And she will help you tame your life gone a little amess sista' starting in the heart of things. Your kitchen. Then, there's Elizabeth, a personal trainer who knows just a few things about eating right and how to put your derrier in gear. Together, these damsels will show you how to take charge in 2010 and change your life! "Viva la difference" you'll exclaim as you learn how to create a vision of how you want your life to be. And how to make the right choices to bring about your intentional vision.

Now, I know what you're thinking. This get together sounds oh so amazing. But can I afford it?

But of course, dahling. While a 600 sq ft studio in NYC is a cool mil. And a BMW is 50K+. You, m' dear are priceless. And this function is FREE!!!! And did I mention, you could win a 12 week nutritional coaching prize?

Plus there'll be wine to sip and cheese to nibble on as you sit on vintage furniture and show off your mojo to all your new friends at Peter's Path Store. No purchase necessary. Except don't blame us if you happen to fall in love with a pair of skinny jeans or a fluffy sweater all the same. You're on your own when it comes to your pocketbook, shop girl.

To read more about it, you can become a fan of Peter's Path Store on Facebook or follow us at www.twitter.com/peterspathstore.