If you call Debbie Meyer a "bag lady," you're not hurling an insult at her. This Boomer IS a Bag Lady and she's real proud of it. You would be too, if your bags were in just about every household in America.
This multi-hyphenate is an inventor/entrepreneur/CEO/TV spokesperson and all-around genius behind Debbie Meyer Green Bags. Yep, those Army-green colored plastic bags that keep fruits and vegetables fresh for weeks. She's sold close to a billion (yes, I did say the "B" word) bags and a lot of other household products you didn't know you needed until she created them.
Debbie's a bundle of caffeinated energy with a penchant for coming up with the next Big Thing.
It's tough to pin her down, but we were lucky to grab her between appearances on HSN...
What are you doing these days?
I perform the balancing act of homemaker, wife, mother, entrepreneur, inventor, CEO and TV personality every day; and I love it! I say I am a Boomer with pride; I've never been busier, and never had as much fun and felt as much gratification as I do now.
I invented my first product, the Debbie Meyer Cake Cutter, to solve a specific problem: how to cut cake and not touch the slice with fingers. Since then, I've invented many other products to make life easier, more organized and economical.
Perhaps my best-known product is my Debbie Meyer Green Bags, having sold almost a billion bags now. Happily, this is a family business; my husband, Neville is also my business partner. We get to spend most of our time together; and after 27 years of marriage I guess we can say that it's working!
Each day brings new ideas, new challenges and new adventures. I might be making appearances on HSN, or doing a radio show from my kitchen counter, or sketching new products, or re-grouting the shower! I love my life, my family, my home and my work -- no wonder I'm happy to get every day started early!
What's your mantra?
"It is what it is"...I try to not spend a lot of time fretting over things I can't change. I'd rather move on to something more positive. Accepting how something is does not necessarily mean you agree with it; but sometimes you just have to take it for what it is and get on with your life.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have been a "motor head" since my early teens. I spent many hours at Raceway Park, the local drag-strip in Englishtown, NJ. I started going there about 1966, learned a lot about cars and wasn't afraid to work on them (think Marissa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny). My heart still skips a beat at the sound of a muscle car revving! Richard Petty is one of my long-time heroes....
What are three songs you've been listening to on your iPod?
Sway (Dean Martin), You Send Me (Sam Cooke) and Boot Scootin' Boogie (Brooks & Dunn). I like a real mix of style and decades; but mostly, I like songs I can dance to with my husband!
Name three things in your fridge.
Veggies, cheese and chocolate pudding! Honestly, there are more exotic things in there, but these three are always present; and each can be pretty much be eaten "as-is!"
Favorite TV show?
BBC America's, Top Gear. I get to see amazing, fast cars AND laugh till I cry!
Favorite meal.
Any one I share with people I love. Things can get pretty hurried, and I often find everyone on different schedules. It is a treat to get one or more of them to sit at the same table, share food, words and laughs!
Coffee or Tea.
Coffee, coffee, coffee with two sugars (yes--real sugar) and some milk (yes--real milk). I would say it again, but I don't want to overstate.....I stopped counting how many cups I have per day. I don't think caffeine has anything to do with it; I can drink a cup immediately before bed and sleep like a baby. I just like coffee!
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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