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Maggie Bags Behind the Scenes: Staff Luncheon

June 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment

With three brands under one roof, getting together and catching up with each other is a must. A few days ago the staff of Adrian’s Inc., parent company of the brands Maggie Bags, BEDNET, and Tennessee Webbing, got together for a summertime luncheon behind the office. The day was windy and a little cloudy at times, but that helped offset the heat.

L to R: Julie Stover, Penny Scott, Amanda Cox

First things first…time to eat! The lunch was catered by East Tennessee favorite Buddy’s BBQ. Our fearless leader, Steve Dew (pictured below), welcomed everyone and said a few words about how important it is for the staff of all three companies to come together and touch base. He also commended the strides the three businesses have made over the past year.

Top row: Group picture
Middle row: Buddy’s BBQ iced tea, staff in the food line, President and CEO Steve Dew
Bottom Row: Staff eating together, Danny Cox with TN Webbing

Next each department gave updates on the latest news from their neck of the woods. Julie Stover, National Sales Manager for Maggie Bags, was greeted with enthusiasm when she invited everyone to work out with her every Tuesday and Thursday during the lunch hour. Next, there were updates from Danny Cox with Tennessee Webbing and Greg Hill with BEDNET. We also heard from Kerri Karel, Maggie Bags Senior Marketing Director, and Callie Konane, Maggie Bags Senior Designer and Creative Director about what’s coming next for Maggie Bags. Rounding out these quick briefs was Phillip Cook, our Warehouse Manager.

Clockwise from left: Greg Hill with BEDNET, Julie Stover with Maggie Bags, Phillip Cook, warehouse manager, Kerri Karel and Callie Konane with Maggie Bags.

We also said goodbye to our Director of Operations, Laura Nase. Laura began with us as a consultant then came on board full time in November of 2011. In her time here she worked to streamline processes and handle daily operations. She will be missed but we wish her well on the next chapter of her life.

Laura Nase, Director of Operations

Last but certainly not least, COO Amanda Cox talked about our continued commitment to recycling, green solutions and repurposing. To this end she reminded everyone about our in-house recycling program and made sure everyone was aware of what types of things to recycle. Amanda said “All three of these sister companies were founded on the idea of not letting something go to waste. It’s important that we practice what we preach, and I know that our employees are more than willing to do their part for the environment.”

All in all the day was one of sharing, laughing, and camaraderie. Next up? The staff picnic on July 12!

~Laura Owens, Maggie Bags

 

 

 

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, Green Living, Maggie Bags Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Hypno Bird

June 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Hypno Bird

Hypno Bird by maggiebags on Polyvore.com

#MaggieBags #handbags #purses

Filed Under: Polyvore Blog

Friday Pinterest Round Up: Top 4 Pins This Week

June 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

TGIF! It’s Friday which means it’s time to bring you the most repinned pins from Pinterest this week.

Maggie Bags - Friday Pinterest Round Up: Top 4 Pins This Week

1. Mini BBQ Cupcakes - How cool would this be for a backyard party? The full pin shows you how-to step by step.
2. DIY Lottery Tickets - So many uses for this! Could be used in the classroom, birthday parties, work contests, etc.
3. Stacked Rain Barrels - Great for small spaces plus increases the water pressure.
4. Wine Bottle Wind Chime - Use the link in the comment area of this pin to see the full tutorial that includes how to cut glass, materials needed, and several different wind chime designs.

What were your favorite pins this week?

~Laura Owens, Maggie Bags

Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Pinterest Round Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Meet McKenzie: “Face of CF” Runs a Half Marathon

June 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

We want to introduce you to someone very special and close to our hearts. Meet 19 year-old McKenzie. McKenzie is the daughter of Penny Scott, our customer service team lead. You can’t tell from McKenzie’s beautiful smile and sweet voice, but she’s been battling Cystic Fibrosis (CF) since being diagnosed at eight years old. Recently McKenzie accomplished an amazing feat: she ran a half marathon!

I got the chance to catch up with both Penny and McKenzie and couldn’t wait to share this story with you.

Maggie Bags: What has it been like since McKenzie was diagnosed with CF?
Penny: Of course it was devastating at first. It completely changed our lives and our focus. Honestly it flipped me upside down. The average life expectancy for someone with CF is just 37.

Maggie Bags: Now, you got some pretty good news last year regarding McKenzie’s treatment. Can you share that with us?
Penny: There is a new drug on the market called Kalydeco. McKenzie is one of the 4% of CF patients in the U.S. who has a mutation in her gene that allows her to respond to this medication. It is the first drug available that targets the underlying cause of CF — a faulty gene and its protein product, CFTR.

Maggie Bags: Here at Maggie Bags we know how passionate you are about fundraising for CF.
Penny: Yes. We’ve been involved for the past several years with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of East Tennessee. McKenzie is a spokesperson at many events as a “Face of CF.”

Maggie Bags: Tell us how you trained for the half marathon.
McKenzie: I have been able to do some much shorter races in the past, but never anything like this. It had been much too difficult for me to do anything as physically demanding as this due to all of my coughing fits that have so often come along with any physical activity. But last year I started taking Kalydeco and it has changed my life! Instead of walking the Covenant Health Half Marathon (Knoxville), I was able to RUN it! This is something I NEVER thought I’d be able to do.

Maggie Bags: What was it like the day of the race?
McKenzie: Well leading up to it I only had two months to train. I wondered “Would I finish? Was it really possible for me to run a half marathon?” Knowing that my mom would be running it with me really helped. I was so nervous the day of the race but before I knew it we were at the finish line! It was the best most amazing feeling I’ve ever had.

Maggie Bags: Now that you’ve conquered a half, would you consider a full marathon?
McKenzie: Actually, I’ll be running the Disney full marathon in January 2014!

After speaking with McKenzie and her mom, my little aches and pains seem much more manageable and insignificant. She is truly a smart, well-spoken and beautiful young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Maggie Bags has donated $100 to help McKenzie get to her fundraising goal of $1500 (she’s halfway there!) You can help support McKenzie by making a donation on her Great Strides page.

~Laura Owens, Maggie Bags

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, Healthy Living, Maggie Bags Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Ginny

June 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Ginny by maggiebags on Polyvore.com

#MaggieBags #handbags #purses #festival #ootd

Filed Under: Polyvore Blog

Maggie Bags Gives Back: Sample Sale Benefiting Knox Area Rescue Ministries Raises $3,000+

June 26, 2013 By 2 Comments

What do you get when you combine 4,000 people, a huge festival, and a Maggie Bags sample sale? Success! Maggie Bags partnered with KARM Thrift Stores for our first-ever sample sale benefiting KARM (Knox Area Rescue Ministries.) The setting was the 11th Annual Dragon Boat Festival and and thousands of racers, onlookers and attendees came to support the cause. With over sixty teams racing, this year’s festival was one of the largest ever. We are pleased to announce the sale exceeded our expectations and we are donating all of the proceeds totaling $3,040 to KARM!

“We were overwhelmed by the response at the sample sale of so many who wanted to support KARM by buying a sample bag. KARM is such a worthy organization helping those who are in need with food and shelter. We are passionate about helping those in our own community and thrilled to provide some financial support to an organization that provides 1,000 daily meals in our own backyard,” says Steve Dew President and CEO.

The energy in the KARM Thrift Store tent was buzzing right from the get-go early Saturday morning. Maggie Bags fans Kacie and Niki purchased about ten bags and then came back for more later in the day. We had several other customers who stopped by multiple times, each time buying more bags and supporting KARM.

The festivities at the Dragon Boat Festival didn’t stop with the sample sale. There were the boat races themselves, games for kids and families, and tons of food (including funnel cakes of course!) At lunch time we took turns visiting the Abundant Life Kitchen tent for a scrumptious boxed lunch. (On a side note I had an amazing turkey sandwich that included sprouts, pesto and a side of quinoa salad - not your typical festival food!)

“We were blown away by the generosity of Maggie Bags as well as the response from the attendees of the Dragon Boat Festival. We are excited to count Maggie Bags among the friends of Knox Area Rescue Ministries & KARM Thrift Stores and look forward to impacting the poor in our community together in the future” says Director of Partner Engagement for KARM, Evan Crass. Evan’s daughter, Kate, was our “top” sales person! She charmed customers with her sweet smile.

A big THANK YOU to all of you who stopped by, bought a purse (or 10) and helped us support KARM!

If you missed the sample sale and would like to support KARM here’s how you can help:

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, Maggie Bags Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Recipe: A Better Mug Brownie

June 25, 2013 By 2 Comments

Just a few quick steps and about 5 minutes stand between you and a chocolatey treat. I know, I know… we’re all going to start that diet… tomorrow. Meanwhile, I have a crazy craving for something sweet and I know just the ticket!

I’m all about the mug brownie craze. It’s a great way to make a single serving of indulgence and keep yourself from eating a whole tray. But, me being me, I had to make it better. The addition of brown sugar and vanilla adds a richer flavor to the brownie without adding much to the calorie count. Using peanut butter for half the butter adds some extra protein along with the great flavor. Maybe we can pass it off as health food then? :)

Gather Your Supplies

  • A standard coffee mug or small microwaveable bowl that holds at least 1 cup
  • A spoon, fork, or small whisk
  • Measuring spoons (Tbs & 1/8 tsp)

Gather Your Ingredients

  • 2 Tbs Butter (or 1Tbs Butter and 1 Tbs Peanut Butter)
  • 2 Tbs Water
  • 2 Tbs Cocoa Powder
  • 2 Tbs White Sugar
  • 2 Tbs Light Brown Sugar
  • 4 Tbs Flour
  • 1/8 tsp Vanilla
  • Optional mix-ins
    • Peanut Butter
    • Chocolate Chips
    • Nuts

Preparation

Step 1: Place butter in mug and microwave on high until bubbling. If using oil, heating is not necessary.

Alternative Step 1: Place butter in mug and microwave on high until bubbling. Stir in peanut butter until melted.

Step 2: Stir in all sugars until well blended.

Step 3: Stir in water.

Step 4: Stir in cocoa powder until well blended.

Step 5: Adding a little at a time, stir in flour; incorporating each addition before adding more.

Step 6: Gently stir in vanilla and any optional mix-ins.

Step 7: Microwave on high for 60 seconds.

Step 8: Let cool to a temp you can eat comfortably.

Step 9: Grab a spoon and a lucky buddy and dig in!

Recipe: A Better Mug Brownie

Tips

  • The mug gets very hot! I recommend letting it cool a bit in the microwave before handling.
  • The cooking time is an average; some microwaves may require more or less. Do not overcook! Your aim is a soft fudgey brownie.
  • For an extra-indulgent treat, try topping with ice cream, caramel, or chocolate sauce… or any combination of the above.
Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Recipes Tagged With: , , ,

New Giveaway: Win a Cicily Tote from A Year With Mom and Dad!

June 24, 2013 By 1 Comment

Another new giveaway! Win a Cicily Tote in your color choice from A Year With Mom and Dad. Below is an excerpt of the review from A Year With Mom and Dad:

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS… IT’S A HANDBAG!

Do you have those items in your closet that when you wear you just HOPE someone comments on them, because you love to talk about where you got it, or the great deal, or the story behind the product?

Well. When Maggie Bags sent me one of their seatbelt bags at no charge for review, I knew this would be one of those items.

My Maggie Bags Cicily tote is stunning in design and vibrant color, and it’s also – get this – made out of seatbelt webbing!

My Cicily tote is actually my favorite purse shape/style – rectangular and shallow. I love this shape because you can fit a long wallet, but you don’t lose things in the bottom of the purse, because the bottom is right there!

My bag is sturdy, and yet, sophisticated with a nice sheen to the material. I think it’s much “dressier” than I thought it would be, so it’s great to use this bag for everyday or for church and other functions.

 

Inside the bag is a brilliant violet lining, zipper pocket, cell phone pocket, and key pocket.

The first trip my new bag made was an exciting evening street fair in a local town. I caught many people spying out my cool bag!

And if you ever see me with it, feel free to ask – I love talking about Maggie Bags!

Maggie Bags makes a full range of bags, totes, messenger bags, and accessories. If you think the solids are awesome, check out the striped and “many colors” options! Truly beautiful!

Get 15% off now through July 13 with DISCOUNT CODE: YWMAD15

WIN IT: One reader will win a stunning Cicily Tote in their color of choice!

Giveaway ends 7/8/13 at midnight.

Enter the giveaway here!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Promotions Tagged With: , , , ,

New Giveaway: Win a Tote of Many Colors from Crunchy Beach Mama!

June 24, 2013 By 3 Comments

Here’s a review of the Tote of Many Colors plus Crunchy Beach Mama is giving one away! The below is courtesy of Crunchy Beach Mama:

I love when I get to show you something new and different. You are going to want a Maggie Bags by the time I am done with this post!

Millions of yards of seat belt materials are rejected by automakers every year. It normally would go right into the trash can. What a waste! Maggie Bags comes along and snags up this seat belt webbing and with a little sewing turns them into unique and fun purses and totes. You can read more about their story here.

I received a Tote of Many Colors. Their best selling tote! I am in love with it. Why? Because it’s so big!

It is not only an awesome beach bag because you can brush the sand right off, but it will hold as much as I need. When you go to the beach, you NEED to bring everything!

And my trip next week? Can’t wait to pack my things up in it to bring along.

I can also see it as a reusable shopping bag. Can’t you?

Do you love the color I picked? It’s called Creamsicle. The Tote of Many Colors is rightfully named as it comes in 16 colors! You will have a great time trying to decide which is best. You’ll want more than one!

Shop Maggie Bags

Right now the Patriotic Colors are 40% off until July 4th. GREAT deal! Go snag one!

Any other bag/color get 15% off with code: CBM15 until July 13th!

WIN a Tote of Many Colors in Kaledioscope! (pictured above, ARV $55)

(Canadians take note: You’ll win a $55 GC to the store)
Note: Giveaway ends July 8 at midnight.

Enter the giveaway here!

Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Promotions Tagged With: , , , ,

Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

June 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

This easy dinner is one of my family’s favorites!

The original form of this recipe came from one of my friends, but I’ve adjusted it to a)Make it taste better and b)Include ingredients I like better than the original suggestions. The original recipe calls for using reduced-fat biscuits, but for me and others I know who tried it that way, the biscuits made the whole thing way too dough-y. Also, I didn’t care for several spaghetti sauces I tried, even expensive ones, so I tried Ragu’s pizza quick sauce. I kid you not it tastes way better and I’m picky.

Ingredients
1/2 Onion, chopped
1/2 Green Pepper (or yellow or orange), chopped
1 Carton of white or portabella mushrooms (fresh - not canned)
20 Pieces of turkey pepperoni (more or less, whatever looks good to you) - cut either in halves or quarters
1 Jar of Ragu pizza quick sauce
1 Can/tube Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent rolls (will only use 4 of the triangles for casserole)
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses
1/2 Tsp. Italian seasoning
Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

Prep Work
1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a square casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Saute the onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Spray the pan first with olive oil spray.
3. Add in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the bottom of the casserole.
5. Take crescent rolls out of can. They are already divided in half with a score mark, pull apart to divide in half as pictured below.

Layers
6. Now start your layering. On top of the sauce layer the sauteed veggie mix.
7. Pull off a small pice of the crescent rolls, loosely ball it up and dip it into a small bowl of sauce to cover it. Don’t make your balls too dense or they won’t cook properly. Layer the balls of rolls throughout pan.
8. Next layer on the pepperoni pieces, followed by a few more dollops of sauce, then sprinkle with cheese.
9. Add another layer of veggies and sprinkle that with cheese.
10. Bake on 400 for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the crescent dough has cooked thoroughly.

Here’s what the finished casserole looks like.

Leftover Crescent Roll Dough
I like to take the 4 leftover crescent roll dough triangles and spread sauce on them then sprinkle with cheese. Bake these with the casserole for the last 7-10 minutes.

Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Recipes Tagged With: , , , ,
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