#GiveAllTheThings: More Books!

UPDATE: This contest is now closed! Congratulations to:

HVS: Gave my mom & MIL a picture collage/cd of pictures from my sons first year of life..it was fun for me to make & they could see pics of how much he'd grown!

I'll be tweeting you shortly!

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This giveaway will wrap up the Give All The Things! promotion - thank you to all who donated prizes, who kept coming back to participate each day, who left comments that had me smiling, and especially to those who embodied the spirit of this series of giveaways by paying it forward for others.

Products: More Disney/Lilly books - this time, the full ESPN set and Hannah Montana!

Made possible 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. Check out the synopsis for each book over on Disney's family.com website.

To enter today's contest: Comment on this post before 8:30pm CST tonight, telling me about your favorite gift you gave this holiday season. Was it an object on their wishlist, time spent with someone who needed the company, a hug or smile, or a random act of kindness for a stranger? What was it about the act of giving that you enjoyed most?

This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only.

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

#GiveAllTheThings: Glucose Gels.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to:

@barbiep63: As a teacher, it is important to keep my BG's LEVEL. These would be great on the go with my kids!

I'll be tweeting you shortly!

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Today marks the last day of Give All The Things!, and I have two giveaways today - these are even more rapid-fire, so don't miss the deadline! This contest will only be open for about six hours!

Product: A "starter kit" of glucose gels!

Made possible by: Level Foods

Why you want this: I got to try some of these at FFL this year, and thought the strawberry banana was pretty yummy. At exactly 15g of fast-acting carbs per pouch, I imagine that athletic types would find that these fit the rule of 15 better for their lows than some other gel packs.

To enter today's giveaway contest: Use the word "level" when you leave a comment below. Be sure that your comment is time-stamped before 2:00 pm CST, because that's when I'll be drawing the winner! This post will be updated shortly after that time, with the name of the winner (who needs to be someone with a U.S. address).

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

2012 Recap.

I just realized I didn't do a year-end recap for 2011, but did a partial one in 2010, so hey, why not start doing them for real in 2012? No time like the present. (And thanks to Kerri for the go-ahead to copycat her meme!) 

January: "Last night, MTV aired an episode of its series "True Life", called "True Life: I Have Diabetes".

February: "You know that moment where your diabetes-related spidey sense kicks in, and you can't help but stumble all over yourself?"

March: "Someone please explain this to me." 

April: "On Saturday, Aaron and I got all gussied up to attend a local JDRF Gala."

May: "Everyone else has Siri. I want a Bigi."

June: "The You Can Do This Project turns one year old today!"

July: "Yesterday, my friend Wendy shared something about her young daughter on Facebook."

August: "My time spent at the Roche Social Media Summit gave me a lot to think about."

September: "Over the course of several months I've been making small but cumulative changes to things like what I eat, how much I eat, how much I exercise, and most importantly, how my mind frames all of those activities."

October: "Last week I saw what was probably intended as a passing comment, claiming that "information is the antidote to fear" when it comes to health."

November: "To the marketers, communicators, fundraisers, educators, healthcare providers, medical students, and everyone else who wants to talk about diabetes in a public way: please choose your words wisely."

December: "It's the first day of Give All The Things! Ready? Let's do this!"

#GiveAllTheThings: Working On Your Fitness.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. The winner is:

Zed Thompson: I am a type 2 diabetic and in 2012 I rode in the Tour de Cure for Colorado. For the 2013 year I signed up to ride again with a new goal of being able to ride 50 miles. Both my mom and dad are type 2 diabetics and we are all insulin dependant. I could really use some training or advice to get me to reach my goal of 50 miles or more. I am currenlty up to the 15 mile marker at least that is what I was able to ride in the 2012 Tour de Cure.

I am so excited for you, Zed! I hope you'll keep us posted on how your training goes next year. :) Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your contact info!

* * * * *

Product: One WILDfit program!

Your coaches and teammates will be online, cheering you
the whole way!

Made possible by: TeamWILD: We Inspire Life with Diabetes

Why you want this: TeamWILD gives you access to the experts in athletics, diabetes, nutrition and mental skills to help you find your inner athlete and, through athletics, to take charge of your diabetes self-care. Your WILDfit program membership will include:

• 12 weeks of customized training plans delivered to your inbox each week.

• 12 weeks of video and audio support from USAT Certified Coach Lynnda Best-Wiss and Diabetes Coach and Sports Nutritionist, Jenny Smith, RD, CDE, both of whom are highly trained and experts in their fields.

• Email support for 12 weeks from the athletic coach and diabetes coach to answer your questions.

To enter today's contest: Leave a comment below sharing what you want to accomplish, fitness-wise, in 2013. It doesn't have to be anything lofty or impressive, so don't feel intimidated. :) Your comment needs to be time-stamped before 5:00pm CST today, and this is open to all PWDs (not just in the U.S.)! Good luck, and happy weekend to you! (There will be one final day of Give All The Things! on Monday... make sure to check in and see what I'm giving away. It might be more than one thing!)

#GiveAllTheThings: A Place To Stash Your Stuff.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Con to the grats to:

The Alexanders: Just ordered my 5 year old a GGM - this would come in very handy for him to carry the receiver!!!

I can't wait to hear how he likes it! Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address, and we'll get one shipped your way. :)

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Product: The "Original" SPIbelt! What color you get will be a surprise for both of us, and it fits waist size 25" through 50".

Made possible by: SPIbelt

Why you want this: I own two of these, myself - one is the original version, and one is the double-pouch one I bought at FFL last year - and they're super handy for jamming a CGM receiver, phone, glucose tabs, lip balm and a key (yes, that will all fit in there - the pouches are super stretchy) when I want to go for a walk with my dog. I also wore one when I did a half-marathon - it worked great, and didn't bounce around like I was afraid it might. If you're active and need to carry diabetes crap around with you, this is a nice hands-free way to do it.

To enter today's giveaway contest: Leaving a comment below, tell me how you'd use your SPIbelt! The winner will be selected at 8:00 pm CST, so leave your comment before then! This is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses. Check back on this post to see who the winner is. Good luck!

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

#GiveAllTheThings: Pharmacy Goodies.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed! Congrats to:

Meg: I went to CVS today. I love their storebrand items. Their version of tegaderm rocks!

Meg, please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your info for shipping! :)

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Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, or if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope your random Tuesday in December was spectacular. In any event, there are four giveaways remaining in this Give All The Things shindig: here we go!

Products: A box of goodies to keep you healthy - teeth, skin, and blood glucose!

Made possible by: CVS/pharmacy

Why you want this: Similar to the giveaway I hosted last month, this prize pack has great basics (glucose tabs!) as well as things you may not be buying already (legit sharps container!), plus stuff you would have had to end up buying anyway (toothpaste!). You win all around with this one.

And in case you aren't familiar with their diabetes-specific savings program (ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes is the full name), new members of the ECAD program who sign up on CVS.com/diabetes automatically receive a $5 off coupon. Additionally, CVS/pharmacy is also offering a discounted $15 co-pay on a 30-day supply of CVS/pharmacy TRUEtest Strips, as well as a mail-in rebate for free meters. Excellent.

To enter today's contest: This contest is open to U.S. addresses only. Please leave a comment on this post using the term "CVS" before 5:00pm CST, and I'll update this post shortly after that with the name of today's winner. Remember that these contests are intended for people with diabetes and their caregivers, only. Best of luck to you!

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

#GiveAllTheThings: Nanu Nanu/Nano Nano.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to:

Katie S.: As a child of the 90s, the word "nano" only makes me think of my Nano Baby. Everyone in middle school had to have one (or some form of it--Tamagotchis and Giga Pets, anyone?) and we constantly got in trouble for playing with them in class.

Mara: Awwww having this itty bitty Nano would kind of want to make me test even more often (kind of like how when I was a kid, Pre-D, I would always want a blood test at the doctor so he'd give me a Garfield bandaid. Yes, that's right. :-)

Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with a mailing address, and I'll get your meters out to you... soon. :)

Happy holidays!

* * * * *

Products: Two Accu-Chek Nano meters, for two lucky winners! (And in reference to the title, sorry - I can't see "Nano" and not think of Mork and Mindy. Anyway, hello tangent, back to the giveaway.)

Made possible by: Roche Diagnostics, Diabetes Care (makers of Accu-Chek products)

Why you want this: This is the newest Accu-Chek meter - tiny device, bright screen, improved accuracy, and it comes with a FastClix lancing device. It can also be individually styled with cases and covers, should you choose to do so!

To enter today's contest: Leave a comment below with the word "Nano" in it. (Or if you spell it "Nanu", I won't hate it.) Make sure your comment is time-stamped before 5:30pm CST; this post will be updated shortly after 5:30 with the names of the two winners! This contest is for U.S. addresses only.

About next week: There will be no #GiveAllTheThings on Monday or Tuesday of next week, as my family and I celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The party will resume on Wednesday, the 26th, so check back in with me then to see the remaining four giveaways I have planned for you!

Happy Holidays!

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

#GiveAllTheThings: Thoughtful Cards.

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

Mrs. Harer: For my 25th year with D, we had a huge party at a local cupcake shop.

Jenn: My doctor's office gives gold stars for improved A1C. My last two visits were 7.0 so I have two gold stars in my notebook. It was great going to the store after and explaining to someone what the gold start was for.

Please send your mailing address to textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com!

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Products: Two variety packs (valued at US$9 each) of diabetes-inspired greeting cards - three cards in each pack!

Made possible by: Blue Cupcake Press

Why you want this: From the creators: "Blue Cupcake is a line of diabetes-inspired handmade letterpress greeting cards. Diabetes is often a thankless job, and the cards were designed to encourage and acknowledge all the hard work that goes into managing diabetes! Each card also features the Blue Circle, the symbol of diabetes. Blue Cupcake Variety Packs come with any combination of three cards. Each card has three options for the inner message, with fun phrases like "Have a cupcake!" and "You rock!" Blue Cupcake cards will bring a smile to the face of your loved one... just like a real cupcake!

Blue Cupcake is a for-PWDs, by-PWDs production. Blue Cupcake is owned by Allison Nimlos, who has had type 1 diabetes for almost 19 years and recently returned to school to become a diabetes educator. The cards are printed by Erica Schoonmaker, a graphic designer who has had type 1 for 13 years."

To enter today's contest: Have you ever done something to celebrate a diabetes milestone - an anniversary of diagnosis, an A1C result, or something else? Share it in the comments below! The two winners will be selected shortly after 7:00pm CST tonight, so make sure your comment is timestamped before then. This is open to U.S. addresses only!

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

#GiveAllTheThings: Insulin Pen Reminders.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Here's how the winners shook out:

Kristina: Solostar
Emily: Solostar and Kwikpen
Princess LadyBug: Solostar and Kwikpen
Karin: Kwikpen
Dayle: Flexpen (2)
Lori: Flexpen

Congrats, all! Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with where I should mail your Timesulin swag!

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Products: Three varieties of Timesulin insulin pen caps - I have nine, total, to give away!

Made possible by: Timesulin

Why you want this: Timesulin is a replacement cap for your insulin pen - the varieties I'm giving away will fit SoloStar, Kwikpen and Flexipen styles - that shows you how much time has elapsed since your last injection (or, rather, the last time you uncapped the pen. So don't be uncapping it all willy-nilly between injections.)

Here's where it gets even cooler: Timesulin is currently only available for sale to people in the EU and select countries around the world, which means that this is an exclusive US-first with this giveaway! The team tells me they are working hard to ensure that those of us using insulin pens in North America can get their hands on this device in the very near future. You can sign up to be alerted about their launch on this side of the pond by joining their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/timesulin) or signing up to receive their newsletter at www.timesulin.com.

I think this is such a good idea, and it makes me happy that I can give something away that can specifically benefit those of you who use MDI!

To enter today's contest: Leave a comment on this post telling me which style of insulin pen(s) you use. The reason I'm having you do that is that this gets a little tricky, as I have three of each of the three styles. I want to get the right caps to the right users, so I'll do my best to get the winners to match up to the products I have.

Anyhoo, leave your comment before 8:00pm CST tonight, and I'll update this post shortly after that with the winners!

Important note: The pens that Timesulin sent me can only be given away to winners in the U.S.

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

#GiveAllTheThings: Books For Parents.

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

Roseann Milliken: You will cry, it's ok. You will be overwhelmed, it's ok. You will find a new normal. You will learn more than you ever thought possible about a disease, and push for more info. Take your time with your and your family's feelings (it is a family thing). Seek out blogs and web sites - there are others there who know how raw your emotions are and can provide hope for you and your CWD future! 

Please send me an email at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address!

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Products: Two books: one on parenting a child, and one on parenting a teen, with type 1 diabetes - written by author, blogger, advocate (and mother of a teen daughter with type 1) Moira McCarthy, and available to one winner!

Made possible by: Moira McCarthy / despitediabetes.com

Why you want this: CWD's review: "The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Juvenile Diabetes is a must read for parents of children newly or recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Writer MoiraMcCarthy, mother of a teen daughter with type 1, uses her years of experience to help others learn what to do in many real-world situations, like sleepovers and after school sports. She touches on almost every possible subject, using terminology that is easy to understand -- even for beginners. There's something for every parent in here. Highly Recommended."

And coming out in June of 2013, Teens and Diabetes: A Parent Survival Guide will be the latest edition from author, blogger and advocate Moira McCarthy. Moira will sign and send you one of the first copies available of the book.

About the author, according to the author: "Moira McCarthy almost never has a clean laundry room. Her cat is the only person in her home who almost never gets annoyed at her. She's rather loud sometimes and thinks everyone should laugh at her jokes. And she totally sneaks Peppermint Jo Jos while dieting."

(She also did a You Can Do This video earlier this year, while we filmed at the Friends For Life conference - did you catch it?)

To enter today's contest: If you could give one piece of advice either to someone recently diagnosed with diabetes, or to a parent of someone recently diagnosed, what would it be? Leave your one piece of advice in the comments below, and sign a name to it, by 8:00pm CST tonight! This post will be updated shortly after 8:00 with the name of the winner, and the contest is open to U.S. addresses only.

Good luck!

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

#GiveAllTheThings: A Tote For Your Tummie.

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

Briley: I would use the tummietote for running, skiing, tennis and especially walking. I have been thinking of investing in one of these, but I haven't gotten around to investigating!

And huzzah! to the winners of the ID wristbands:

Laura: The Tummietote would be perfect for my girls when marching in the local parades.

Kelly Harp: I could totally see my daughter wearing this when she dances with Just Dance 4- her Christmas gift ;-) She's such an active girl this would help keep her pump still.

Michelle A.: I would love to use this for running my 5K through the Lincoln Tunnel in April! This would also be great for whenever I am at the gym - I wind up disconnecting for my cardio classes and worrying about correcting for highs later. I can't believe I could Zumba and keep my pump connected! This is too awesome! :)

Please email me at textingmypancreas (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing addresses!

* * * * *

Products: One Tummietote belt with a clear view window (retails for US$35; pick any size or color/pattern you'd like) and three Tallygear ID wristbands (retails for $7.95; medical or personal ID - your pick) - there will be four winners today!

Made possible by: Tallygear

Why you want this: First, I want to make a disclosure on this giveaway - Donna from Tallygear offered to send me a free Tummietote and Tallygear ID wristband, in addition to sponsoring this giveaway. (This is the only sponsor that has sent something specifically for me to keep.) I've never seen her products in person, but I know that many of my buddies with diabetes use and love them, and that's good enough for me. I very much appreciate Donna's double generosity with this giveaway, and I'm anxious to see her stuff in person!

Here are some details on the Tummietote up for grabs:

• The Tummietote belt is a lightweight, soft-sided small personal item storage belt. It can be used to carry many tech devices (insulin pump, CGM-continuous glucose monitor, cell phone, personal music player) along with many small items (cash, credit card, keys, snacks, testing supplies) securely and discreetly.
• The belt is made from the highest quality spandex/nylon/lycra fabric, and has (3) six inch storage pockets with heavy duty velcro closures. The belt also has a six inch adjustable heavy duty velcro waist closure and it is approximately 3 inches wide. The belt comes in 4 sizes to fit 18" to 44" waist. Custom sizes are made.
• The Tummietote has some stretch to make the belt extremely comfortable to wear around your waist or on your hips. It can be worn as an accent to your outdit as a layered look or it can be hidden very discreetly and comfortably under your clothing.
• The Tummietote belt is also offered with 1 or 2 optional clear view vinyl windows so that you can view your tech device without ever taking it out of the pocket, saves time and is less of a hassle when you are pressed for time. Adjustments to your insulin pump, cellphone, Ipod, Iphone, CGM can be made directly through the heavy duty double polished pliable vinyl window. The size of the window is 1 3/4" width x 3" length made of 20 mil heavy duty clear view pliable vinyl.

The ID wristband has a pull-out tag that can be customized with your information - find out more about those here.


To enter today's contest: Leave a comment on this post telling me what kinds of activities you'd use a Tummietote or ID wristband for! Personally, I'm seeing Dance Central 3, cleaning house, and shoveling snow (we are going to get snow before the month is over, right?) as some ideal Tummietote situations.

Make sure your comment is time-stamped before 7:00pm CST. This contest is open to all - not just U.S. addresses! Remember that Give All The Things! is intended for people living with diabetes (and their caregivers).

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

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. :)

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.