Weekend Update.

Here's my last few days in a nutshell. And when I say "nutshell", I mean "photo collage".

Top Row: Finding new uses for that Vera Bradley case; I've been low-carbing like a boss this week, and every time I do, I see why it was a wise choice.

Bottom Row: Billy had been having some rather ungentlemanly digestive problems (you really don't want details, but rest assured, it was super gross town) since early Wednesday morning, and when I got home from work a little early on Friday, I was greeted with more, er, "evidence" in his kennel. A quick call to the vet lead to an impromptu appointment there, and we now have some meds and special food to feed him for the next few days. He's resting and recovering comfortably, except for the part where he has to lay next to Aaron's shoes, but hey, if that's the worst he has it... anyway, he seems to be fine, now. Whew.

I realize I need to do a "here's how I feel about it now that I've been using it a while" video for the new Dexcom... I don't know when I'll get to that. I hope soon. In the meantime, you should totally read Chris' review over at A Consequence of Hypoglycemia. It's quality.

#GiveAllTheThings: Coffee And Poetry.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed! Congratulations to:

Lindy Hanson: This is a great giveaway! I love a hot cup of coffee and a good read. [Editor's note: I read this as a "hot read and a good cup of coffee". I might have been low.]

Write me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address, and I'll forward that onto Victoria!

* * * * *

"I'm not sure it fits in line with stuff you have, but..."

It was an unexpected offer I received the morning of the first Give All The Things! giveaway, and I'm excited to share that PWD's generosity with you, now. (And to address that doubt, I think it fits perfectly.)

Products: A $50.00 Starbucks gift card, and a copy of the book Diabetes: An Emotional Journey by Renea Jo Zosel!

Made possible by: Victoria Cumbow / victoriacumbow.com

Why you want this: I don't need to explain why you want that gift card, right? So awesome!

And as for the book, here is why Victoria would like to give away a copy:

Last year, I traveled to Death Valley, Calif., to ride in a JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes. It was one of the best experiences of my life. As with many D-meetups, I left the desert with many new friends, but few as special as Renea Zosel and her daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has type 1 diabetes. Together, the mom and daughter duo rode 80 miles through the desert, raising thousands of dollars for type 1 diabetes research. Renea and her husband have four children, two of whom have type 1 diabetes. Elizabeth's brother, Jonathan, isn't old enough to ride in a JDRF event, but something tells me he will one day soon.

Several years ago, Renea compiled a book of poetry sharing her journey as a mother of a type 1 child. So many of us can relate to her feelings, and she put our emotions into words beautifully. This book is such a treasure to have, and I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much I have. As a bonus, Renea autographed this copy so it's extra special. You can purchase the book on Amazon, and $2 of the profits will go directly to JDRF to continue research toward finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. If you would like an autographed copy, you can email Renea directly at reneazosel@gmail.com. When purchased directly from her, $10 will go toward JDRF. 

 To enter today's giveaway: Comment on this post before 8:00pm CST tonight! No special rules, other than the fact that you or someone you love must have a compromised pancreas, and you have to sign your comment with your/a name (not just "anonymous"!). This post will be updated shortly after 8:00 with the name of the lucky winner, and this contest is open to U.S. addresses only.


For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post.

#GiveAllTheThings: Awareness Necklaces.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winner:

Corey @ Learning Patience: oohhh love the 1st one - pretty! I hate cupcakes. honestly. xoxo from Texas

Corey, please send me an email at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com telling me which necklace you'd like (though I'm guessing I already know...), and where you want it shipped to! :)

* * * * *

Product: Your choice between a Blue Cupcake (three styles to choose from) or World Diabetes Day sterling silver pendant necklace!

Made possible by: CARIA Jewelry / etsy.com/shop/CCARIA

Why you want this: I've enjoyed wearing the necklaces I bought from Cari last year (one of them is a different version of the WDD one shown here), and I think you'll love yours, too. You might remember me mentioning her WDD before, as she donated one towards the You Can Do This Project booth at the Friends For Life conference this past summer as a giveaway! Cari also donates the proceeds of her diabetes awareness jewelry to JDRF. She's a very giving lady. :)

Info on the WDD pendant: "Handmade sterling silver necklace with a blue mother of pearl circle wire wrapped in the center, symbolizing World Diabetes Day".

Info on the cupcake pendants: "Handmade light blue and white lampwork cupcake with a light blue swarovski crystal on top. This cupcake is dangling from a sterling silver chain. Why a cupcake for Diabetes awareness? Because it's the perfect size and treat for a diabetic."

To enter today's contest: Leave a comment below with the word "cupcake" somewhere in there! Your comment must be timestamped before 7:00pm CST tonight, and I'll update this post shortly after that with the name of today's winner. This contest is open to everyone; not just U.S residents! (But if you win and this needs to be shipped internationally, we can't guarantee it will arrive before the 25th.) Remember that Give All The Things! prizes are intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers.

Good luck!

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post.

#GiveAllTheThings: Books For Grown-ups.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to:

Krissy McMomma: The Great Katie Kate Discusses Diabetes - wonderful book for kids to bring to school to read to their class. 

Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com!

* * * * *

One of the nice things about the weather turning cooler around here is that I'm more inclined to curl up with a good book. If you're also of that persuasion, you'll enjoy today's giveaway...

Products: Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of a Medical Miracle by Thea Cooper and Arthur Ainsberg, and The Book of Better by Chuck Eichten - both for one lucky winner!

Made possible by: Breakthrough was provided for this giveaway by Lilly Diabetes; The Book of Better is an extra (unused) copy I had been given earlier this year.

Why you want this: I've read both of these books, and I recommend them. Plus, you'll get both ends of the spectrum here - while one is more serious and educational, the other is humorous, and sometimes even inspiring. Break out the tissues and grins, folks. It's about to go down.

To enter today's contest: Leave a comment below with the name of a book (yes, an actual book - not a blog!) you think is a must-read for people living with diabetes! Even better if you can link us to where people can find it. Leave your comment before 9:00pm CST tonight, and I'll update this post shortly after that with the name of today's winner. Open to U.S residents only, and remember that Give All The Things! prizes are intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers. Good luck!

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post. 

#GiveAllTheThings: Gorgeous Jewelry.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Here's the winner:

Maria Qadri: These earrings would be perfect for some very special diabetes galas and meet-ups. Gorgeous enough for celebrating new friends at networking events. Something shiny to remind me to sparkle at science-y conferences with my sleek business suits.

Congratulations, Maria! I'll be emailing you shortly. :)

* * * * *

Shortly after I announced Give All The Things!, a pretty wonderful thing happened: even more people contacted me about donating products! One thing that's delightful about this is that some of these products are something I wouldn't have known about otherwise, like the beautiful earrings I get to give away today (made by one of my favorite PWDs!):

Product: One pair of Sterling Silver sculpted AW "feather" earrings - these normally retail for US$105.00!

Made possible by: Alecia Wesner / www.aleciawesner.com

Why you want this: Did you see them?! They're gorgeous! Here is Alecia's description:

These spectacular feathers have a combination high shine polish mixed with matte textured finish, creating an extra dramatic shimmer. Elegant and graceful, these leaf-like feathers dangle vertically from the piercing measuring 2 7/8" long and are 1/4" wide. Each earring is authenticated with the trademark AW logo on the reverse.

Alecia also donates 10% of the selling price for her items to JDRF, so even if you don't win, you should totally go visit her Etsy shop and buy some stuff.

To enter today's giveaway contest: I envision these earrings being worn while celebrating - maybe a holiday, an anniversary (or diaversary), a birthday, or something else... leave a comment below telling me what kind of celebration YOU envision happening if you win these earrings! Comments must be left before 8:00pm CST tonight, and this contest is open to U.S. addresses only. Remember that Give All The Things! is intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers only. This post will be updated with the winner shortly after 8:00!

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post.

#GiveAllTheThings: Fancy Bags.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed! Congratulations to:

Jennifer B.: The myabetic bags look cute and functional. I would love to win one.

Send me an email at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com, and we'll get you hooked up. :)

* * * * *

Happy Monday to you! It's Day Six of Give All The Things, and this week is FULL of stuff you grown-up PWDs will love. Have you been paying it forward this month? Don't forget to share your moments of kindness with the DOC by using the hashtag #GiveAllTheThings on Twitter! Okay, okay, enough of my yammering. Onto the free stuff!

Product: The stylishly sneaky "Banting Wallet"! You can choose one of five color options - black, pink, or gold leather, red snakeskin, or black nylon (valued at US$31.95). Check out the details here.

Made possible by: Myabetic

Why you want this: Myabetic creates and develops innovative, appealing, and functional products that encourage a healthy lifestyle for people living with diabetes. Their accessories are designed specifically to reflect individual style. I mean, who doesn't want an elegant, functional bag for their d-stuff?




To enter today's giveaway contest: Leave a comment below, before 8:00pm CST tonight, with "Myabetic" in there somewhere. This contest is open to everyone (with diabetes), not just U.S. residents! One winner will be chosen shortly after 8:00, and this post will be updated with their name. Best of luck!

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post. 

Good Enough To Not Eat.

Some might see something of beauty and think, "that looks good enough to eat".

Some might see a beautiful number on a glucose meter and think, "that looks good enough to not eat again for several hours".

One of the 3,547 ways that diabetes messes with your head, yo.

#GiveAllTheThings: Lions.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed! With 19 qualifying comments and 5 Lennys to give away, those were pretty good odds! Congrats to the winners:

Redhead Living: My daughter would love Lenny. He would be a purrfect mate for Rufus!

K's Mom/Tamara: Lenny would be purr-fect for my 10 year-old T1D daughter who has been wanting Lenny for a very long time. He would be her "mane" guy! :)

Laura: Doh! I'm not lion when I say my then 11 yr old did not get a Lenny!

Julie L: My T1 daughter LOVES stuffed animals- I'm not LION! She also had a Medtronic pump- and I'm not LION about that either! Thanks for the grrrreeaat give away!! (oh yeah, that's Tony the Tiger)

Megan: I'm not lion when I say I did not get Lenny when I got my pump.

Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address, and I will forward your info onto Medtronic for shipping!

* * * * *

It's time to wrap up week one of Give All The Things... I'll be back at it on Monday with some stuff that's sure to please your favorite grown-up PWDs! But first, onto today's "Things":

Products: Five Lenny the Lion stuffed animals!

Made possible by: Medtronic Diabetes

Why you want this: Lenny the Lion is the children’s diabetes ambassador sponsored by Medtronic. He has diabetes, wears an insulin pump and teaches kids how to lead a strong and active lifestyle like him – and not to let diabetes hold them back! Some of his activities include hosting the Junior Cup Diabetes soccer tournament in Europe, attending diabetes camps, walks and expos, and the development of his very own mobile app, "Carb Counting with Lenny".

In addition, Lenny helps children brand new to pump therapy learn about inserting an infusion set. Every child 12 years or younger who goes on the Medtronic insulin pump for the first time, and is brand new to insulin pump therapy, receives their very own Lenny stuffed animal at training. Lenny has areas on his body to practice putting infusion sets in and comes with a guide to infusion set placement. You can find him on his website: www.lenny-diabetes.com.

You may also have seen him on my shelf during a video or two:

original video found here

Note that the five I'm giving away are not the Build-a-Bear Lennys, but the "original" version. Build-a-Bear clothes won't fit these little guys.

To enter today's giveaway contest: Leave your best lion/cat pun in the comments section below (for example, "I want a Lenny be-claws he's awesome", or "Lenny is the cat's meow"... get creative, you guys) before 5:00pm CST today. I'll update this post right after 5:00 with the names of the five winners. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and is intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers.

Good luck!

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post. 

#GiveAllTheThings: Monkey Books.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congrats to the winner:

Holly Allen: Tiana, definitely. She works very hard to squee every second of every day to put toward her dreams. No just isn't an option for the girl! Oh, and she is a great cook of Louisiana cuisine, much like myself!

Holly, please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com, and thanks to everyone for playing along!

* * * * *

Remember when I said there would be things you can't buy anywhere?

Products: The Lilly Diabetes/Disney "Coco the Monkey" books - I have one of each, to be given to one lucky winner!

Made possibly by: Lilly Diabetes

Why you want this: Through their collaboration, Lilly and Disney hope to provide an empowering message for families with children who have type 1 diabetes – changing the focus from what they can’t do to what they can do. Coco is Mickey Mouse's charismatic and fun-loving monkey friend who has type 1 diabetes. These books are only available through select health care providers’ offices (or at conferences like Friends For Life, where they handed some out to attendees), but Lilly was kind enough to mail me some to give away!

And, for those wondering, here's what Lilly had to say about finding these books: "The books are currently available only through many endocrinologist healthcare professionals in the United States and are not available for sale. However, there may be times that a particular healthcare team may not have access to these books or be aware of the Lilly Diabetes collaboration with Disney. If this is the case, please advise your readers that their physician office may contact their Lilly Diabetes sales rep or the Lilly Answers Center at 800-Lilly-Rx (800-545-5979) to request a copies.

Similarly, and on a limited basis, Lilly Diabetes may be able to accommodate requests from consumers in cases where they are unable to obtain a copy from their diabetes healthcare team."

To enter today's giveaway contest: Leave a comment below telling me this: If you could be any Disney character, which one would you be, and why? Winners will be drawn at 8:00 pm CST tonight; open to U.S. residents only! I'll update this post shortly after 8:00 with the winner's name.

(And stay tuned; there are more books to come...)

Give All The Things! prizes are intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers, only.

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post. 

#GiveAllTheThings: Glucose Goodies.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winner:

Sherri: My daughter would love to try these next time she goes low. :)

Please email me with your full name and mailing address by clicking here!

AND AS A THANK YOU for participating today, GlucoLift is offering you all 15% off any order over $10.00 on Amazon.com or BuyGlucoLift.com! The code is "TRYGLNOW" on both sites.

It's good from 5pm PST today until the end of the year!

* * * * *

Day 3 of Give All The Things, in the hooooooouse! For those who have been asking - you can win more than one contest, so keep coming back and commenting on the giveaways you're interested in!

Product: One prize pack with a full bottle of each glucose tab flavor offering (Orange Cream, Wildberry, and Cherry), tube(s) for carrying them around with you, and stickers!

Made possible by: GlucoLift

Why you want this: These are glucose tabs I actually enjoy consuming. I've also given these to FWoD (friends without diabetes) for taste testing purposes, who can testify that these are not the unpleasant, chalky, dust-emitting concoctions you may be used to. Can I use the word "yummy"? I think I just did. (Also of note: GlucoLift contains no artificial ingredients, and are certified non-GMO by the non-GMO project.)

To enter today's giveaway contest: Leave a comment beLOW! Make sure to include the word "low" somewhere in your comment. (Example in the first sentence. Isn't it LOW-vley?) Entries must be time-stamped by 9:00 pm CST; this post will be updated shortly after then with the name of the winner! This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses only.

**One note: please sign your comments as something other than "Anonymous" - and if you don't want to use your real name, make up a moniker! I can't identify you if you don't tell me who you are! :)

For more information on what "Give All The Things" is about, visit the original post.