Maggie Bags Giveaway: Win a Campus Tote! (Hosted by Tyrneathem)

July 1, 2014 By Laura Owens Leave a Comment

We’ve teamed up with our friend and guest blogger Lady Tyrneathem from the blog, Tyrneathem, to bring you this Maggie Bags giveaway. She’s having a “Birthdayversary Party”!

She says, “July brings the dual events of a 5th wedding anniversary and birthday…There are four different prize packages up for grabs! Each package is full of giftable items for you or some lucky loved ones in your life… from the foodie to the fashionista. You can enter to win one package or enter them all!”

You have the chance to win a Maggie Bags Campus Tote by entering the Fashion Forward Prize Package. Our Campus Tote comes in over a dozen color combinations including solids, stripes, and fun multi-colors and the winner gets to choose her favorite color from available stock.

Enter this giveaway.

Filed Under: Tagged With: birthdayversary party, campus tote giveaway, maggie bag giveaway, maggie bags giveaway, tyrneathem, win maggie bags

Foodie Friday: Ultimate Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

March 28, 2014 By Tonya - Tyrneathem Leave a Comment

ultimatehashbrownhero

Editor’s note: This Foodie Friday we have a guest post from blogger Lady Tyrneathem of the blog Tyrneathem. She has written several recipe posts in the past and they’ve all been a big hit!

There is a dish that I have encountered at many potlucks, family reunions, and holiday gatherings. Every person makes it slightly different than the next. I decided to take my favorite features of each version that I enjoyed to concoct the “ultimate” in hashbrown casseroles.

Casserole Ingredients

1 package Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes (2 pounds), thawed
½ cup Melted Butter
1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.75 ounce)
1 container Sour Cream (8 ounce)
1 small Onion, grated
3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping Ingredients

1 cup cornflakes cereal crushed down to 1/2 cup
¼ cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350°.

Casserole Prep

Step One: Stir or whisk together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until well blended.

Step Two: Mix in the shredded cheese and onion until well incorporated.

Step Three: Mix in the hashbrowns, salt, and pepper until well incorporated. Step Four: Spread evenly into a 13×9 glass baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. ultimatehashbrownstepbystep

Topping Prep

Step One: Melt butter in a small frying pan on medium-high heat.

Step Two: Sauté crushed cornflakes in butter until lightly toasted.

Step Three: Spread cornflakes evenly over top of casserole. Bake casserole uncovered at 350° for 45 minutes. It should be hot and bubbly and lightly browned; adjust cooking time as necessary for your oven. Let set for 5 minutes before serving. ultimatehashbrowndished

Do you have a hashbrown casserole recipe that you love? Share it with us!

~Lady Tyrneathem

Lady Tyrneathem is a stay-at-home mom to her three-year-old prince. She is also wife to her romantic knight in mostly-shining armor. They all reside somewhere in Wisconsin in a castle guarded by two Siberian cats. The cast of characters above are woven through her posts about life, weight loss, crafts, and whatever else pops into that busy brain! The family’s obsession with dragons inspired the name of the blog… Tyrneathem means “Children of the Dragons.”

Filed Under: Foodie Friday, Maggie Bags Blog, Recipes Tagged With: #foodiefriday, foodie friday, hashbrown casserole, hashbrown casserole recipe, recipe, recipes, tyrneathem, ultimate hashbrown casserole

Dinnertime Conversation Starters: What to Say to Break the Ice

February 24, 2014 By Tonya - Tyrneathem 2 Comments

When our son was born, we set out with a rule that from then on all dinners would happen at the dining room table… with the exception of pizza. Pizza is just meant to be eaten in front of the TV. We intended to use the time for conversation, but when your day to day lives take on a routine it can start to feel like the movie Groundhog Day. Talking about the same coworkers and same daily tasks can begin to get feel a bit maddening!

So I went out in search of fun, unique, and thought-provoking questions to get the conversation started at dinner. These can also work for dinner parties or as a way to break the ice with a group of new friends.

~

Asking about childhood and early adulthood can be a great way to get to know your spouse or dinner guests on a deeper level. These could be adapted for children as well.

What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?
What is one thing you miss about being a kid?
If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Money and riches are a common ground topic. It can be a great way to learn more about a person’s hopes and dreams.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I gave you $10 to spend on just you, what would you buy?
If you could go on an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
If you had three wishes, what would they be?

“What if?” questions are much like money questions. They give us a chance to dream a bit and learn a lot more about others.

If you were invisible, where would you go?
If you could be a photographer for National Geographic, what area of the world would you most like to photograph?
If you had to teach a class for a day, what subject would you choose?
Describe your perfect day.

“Either/ or” and “Would you rather” questions can be fun and create a great dialogue between differing opinions. Just keep it light… you don’t want your dinner to turn into a fist fight!

Cats or dogs? Why?
Would you rather be really hairy or completely bald?
Would you rather go without the internet or a car for a month?

What are your favorite ice-breaker conversation starters?

~Tonya – Tyrneathem

Tonya is a stay-at-home mom to a precocious two-year-old son that takes every opportunity to steal the spotlight. She’s wife to her romantic knight in mostly-shining armor. They live in Wisconsin in a house ruled by their two crazy cats. Perhaps naming them after goddesses was a bad idea. The family’s obsession with dragons inspired the name of Tonya’s blog… Tyrneathem means “Children of the Dragons.” The cast of characters above are woven through her posts about life, crafts, and whatever else pops into her head.

Filed Under: Family & Kids, Maggie Bags Blog Tagged With: dinnertime conversation starters, family dinner time, meal ice breakers, tyrneathem, what to talk about at dinner

{Recipe} Sweet Heat ~ Cold Weather Drink

December 12, 2013 By Tonya - Tyrneathem 1 Comment

When Jack Frost brings in the chill, this very easy to make hot drink becomes a daily staple in our household. It’s a spicy alternative to hot cocoa plus it helps soothe our sore throats when winter colds hit. We occasionally experiment with other flavor combinations, but this is still our favorite.

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Ingredients:

2 Cups Instant powdered lemon ice tea mix
2 Tbl Instant powdered sweetened orange drink mix
6 Tbl Red Hot cinnamon candies

To Make the Mix:

Place all ingredients into a jar or other tightly-sealing container. Shake to mix. To Make the Drink:

Measure one heaping tablespoon of the drink mixture and place into a heat-safe mug.
Pour one cup of hot water over drink mixture. (Water just at boiling temp works best.)
Stir until well-blended and candies have melted.
Sip carefully!

~Tonya – Tyrneathem

Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Recipes Tagged With: cold weather recipes, hot drink recipes, recipe, recipes, sweet heat, tyrneathem

Recipe: Crockpot Harvest Crumble

November 25, 2013 By Tonya - Tyrneathem 1 Comment

We are blessed to have family members that have multiple apple and pear trees. It means that we end up with bags and baskets full of delicious fruit… but eventually you find yourself needing a way to use it up quickly. And so was born the Harvest Crumble!

Great on its own, but it really sings when topped with whipped cream or ice cream. If I’m feeling particularly indulgent, I will make some cinnamon ice cream to top it… which basically involves blending cinnamon and a touch of sugar with vanilla ice cream. I’m drooling just thinking about it!

Crumble Filling Ingredients:

3 to 5 pounds small apples and pears, cored and quartered (if you really like sweets, use less; if you prefer a more tart dessert, use more)

1/2 to 1 cup of dried cranberries (adjust amount based on preference)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Crumble Topping Ingredients:

1 cup oats

1 cup loosely packed brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep:

Step One- Place apples, pears, and dried cranberries in crockpot (called a slow-cooker in some regions).

Step Two- Mix remaining filling ingredients in a small mixing bowl.

Step Three- Pour sugar mixture into crockpot and stir to coat apples and pears. Level out the apple and pear mixture.

Step Four- Combine topping ingredients in the small mixing bowl. You may find it easiest to use your fingers to break up the butter and blend it evenly with the other ingredients.

Step Five- Sprinkle evenly over apple and pear mixture in the crockpot.

Step Six- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.

Step Seven- You could eat it now, but I recommend turning off the crockpot and letting it set (covered) for about an hour. This allows the sauce to thicken some and for the flavors to further develop.

Step Eight- Scoop it out, top it if you wish, and loosen your belt buckle for the second serving!

~Tonya – Tyrneathem

Filed Under: Maggie Bags Blog, Recipes Tagged With: crockpot recipe, harvest crumble recipe, recipe, recipes, thanksgiving recipes, tyrneathem, yummy

Campus Tote Giveaway: Tyrneathem [Ends 12/5/13]

November 15, 2013 By Laura Owens Leave a Comment

Win a Maggie Bags Campus Tote from Tyrneathem during her Holiday Gift Guide giveaway!

Filed Under: Tagged With: campus tote, Holiday Gift Guide, maggie bag giveaway, maggie bags giveaway, tyrneathem

Campus Tote Giveaway: Tyrneathem’s Holiday Gift Guide

November 15, 2013 By Laura Owens Leave a Comment

Win a Maggie Bags Campus Tote courtesy of our guest blogger Tyrneathem!

Filed Under: Tagged With: campus tote, giveaway, giveaways, maggie bag giveaway, maggie bags giveaway, tyrneathem, win a maggie bag

5 Tips for Finding the Motivation To Workout

August 20, 2013 By Tonya - Tyrneathem Leave a Comment

Find a Buddy

If you’re lacking motivation, it helps to have someone else who can push you to get up and move. Accountability to another person is proven to be one of the most effective methods for sticking to a fitness program.

No matter where each of us is in our fitness quest, I believe that everyone is looking for extra motivation. Finding buddies who look as you aspire to be can provide a constant visual of your goals. Teaming up with friends who are facing the same goals allows you a chance to face the tasks ahead with someone who understands. Even being the one that others want to be can be motivational. What better way to keep moving on than to know others look up to you?

Get Dressed/ Undressed in Front of a Mirror

Truly seeing the effects that exercise if having on your body can encourage you to push harder to make bigger changes. We all know that your eye will first go to the “bad” spots, but the key here is to look beyond the negatives and focus on the positive changes that have been made. Truly enjoy the lovely new curves or the strong muscles that you are creating.

Set Small Goals

Rather than telling yourself you need to workout for 30 minutes, tell yourself you need to find three 10 minutes moments to do something active. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Grab a coworker and take a walk around the block on your lunch break. It is much easier to carve out a few minutes here and there throughout your busy day. Plus, if you set small goals, it will feel like that much bigger of an achievement when you go above and beyond.

Reward Yourself

No, I don’t mean you get a chocolate bar when you finish that mile. Do some window shopping for cool fitness gear or clothing that you would love to get. Create a pay chart for yourself. For example: $1 for every 30 minutes of walking, $2 for every 30 minutes of jogging, $5 for every 500 sit-ups completed, and so on. Keep track of how much you “earn” and then go buy those new running shoes or that weight set you’ve been eyeing up.

Accept Your Setbacks

Face it… we all have bad days. Accept those moments and move on. Don’t use it as an excuse to quit or take a break. It should be an excuse to put even more effort into it!

What gives you the motivation to work out? What small changes can you make to stick to a healthier lifestyle?

~Tonya – Tyrneathem

Filed Under: Healthy Living, Maggie Bags Blog Tagged With: exercise, healthy living, motivation tips, motivation to work out, motivations to exercise, tyrneathem, working out

5 Ways to Find More Time to Exercise

July 24, 2013 By Tonya - Tyrneathem Leave a Comment

As I have begun to refocus myself on my weight loss goals, I have found that one of my biggest challenges is finding time for fitness. Between family and my job, it is difficult to carve out time for me. I’ve done some research and compiled five of my favorite ways to find time…

Get Up Earlier

It’s such a basic idea, but it makes sense! Now, I’m not saying to cut back on your sleep… it’s essential to your overall health… but to change your sleep schedule a little. I have found that the last half hour of my day is generally wasted, so I headed to bed a half hour earlier in order to get up half an hour earlier. Now I have half an hour every morning dedicated to workout time!

Multitask

There’s no denying that most of us enjoy a little time vegetating in front of the television each night. Here is a great opportunity to grab some extra activity time. During each commercial break, don’t fast forward the DVR! Use those few minutes of commercials to sneak in a few exercises. You could pace around the house for the length of the commercials. Try doing situps for the length of one commercial, pushups for the length of another, and so on. Before you know it, you’ve snuck in a whole day’s worth of fitness during commercials!

Leave the Car Keys Behind

Walking instead of driving for short trips can accumulate extra steps to your day very quickly! Think of all the short trips you take in your car… running to the grocery store for milk, picking up the kids at school, or returning your library books. These are often short trips that you can accomplish in under a few miles, plus they can get your kids involved too! For longer trips, don’t forget the old trick of parking further out in the lot. Not only do you get extra exercise, but you could save your car from bumps and dings of stray carts.

Go Social

You’re not the only one looking for more ways to carve time for exercise. Grab a friend or two and make a date of it! Organize a walk with friends and you can catch up while you slim down. Just make sure you find a healthy option if you decide to grab a bite to eat afterward.

Schedule It

If your day just doesn’t leave room for you, then schedule your workouts like an appointment. You wouldn’t miss that important meeting with an investor, right? How about making an investment in YOU!

I hope these tips help you find extra time like they helped me. What ways do you make time for exercise?

~Tonya – Tyrneathem

Filed Under: Healthy Living, Maggie Bags Blog Tagged With: finding time to exercise, fitting exercise into your day, healthy living, how to find time to exercise, tyrneathem

Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Barbecue Sauce

July 3, 2013 By Tonya - Tyrneathem 1 Comment

Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Barbeque Sauce | Maggie Bags

When I was growing up my mom had one meal that she considered a big treat… barbecued ribs with corn-on-the-cob. She loves it so much that she perfected her own barbecue sauce recipe. It’s very simple and adds a sweet yet tangy flavor to your favorite dishes. Mom loves it on pork ribs, of course. I always loved mixing it with corn. My husband likes it on chicken. My son is content to dip his finger right in the pan. It truly is a versatile sauce everyone will love!

Gather Your Supplies

Medium Saucepan
Spoon