Bike Beyond - The Documentary

Before February 2017, I had never even heard of Type 1 diabetes. I never knew a single person living with T1D and had no family history of either type. I never knew November was Diabetes Awareness Month (aka "Blue November)  or that November 14th was World Diabetes Day. I had no idea who Frederick Banting even was. (He discovered insulin, btw). So, thanks to him I survived this year. Before 1922, being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes was a death sentence. You lived about 3 weeks longer, tops. 

Sleek Treat Review + Coupon Code | Sep 2017

Happy Sleek Treat Day!! I bring you the Celestial Wonder themed box for September 2017! So fancy. I've been getting Sleek Treat boxes ever since my type 1 diabetes diagnosis in February of this year. I was SO excited when I discovered this subscription service. Sugar Free treats?! YES PLEASE! Inside each Sleek Treat Box, you can expect a mixture of Sugar-Free chocolates, cookies, hard candies, jellies & more unique finds to scintillate your taste buds. Every box will have new and exciting flavors and will always feature a variety of snacks. SCROLL DOWN FOR COUPON CODE!

T1D + Body Change

No one prepared me for the physical changes my body would go through after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The changes were even more drastic because I went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Sleek Treat Review + Coupon Code | Aug 2017

My subscription service addiction continues! I discovered Sleek Treat about a month after my diabetes diagnosis and immediately signed up. Sugar Free treats?! YES PLEASE! Inside each Sleek Treat Box, you can expect a mixture of Sugar-Free chocolates, cookies, hard candies, jellies & more unique finds to scintillate your taste buds. Every box will have new and exciting flavors and will always feature a variety of snacks.

JDRF Newly Diagnosed T1D Care Kits

After I was diagnosed, I spent HOURS on the computer researching and trying to learn about a disease I knew nothing about. I eventually stubbled upon the JDRF website. I had no idea what "JDRF" even stood for, so I even had to look that up. Type 1 Diabetes use to be known as "Juvenile Diabetes," but because of people (like me) getting diagnosed in their twenties and older, it is referred to as Type 1 more and more. Hence, the leading global non-profit organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research is called the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). It's their mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Which makes me a big fan of JDRF.

12 Tips to Improve Your Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix is a personal styling subscription service for men & women that sends clothing to your door! It is constantly in the news and now carries Womens, Petites, Plus Size, and Mens clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Sleek Treat Review | June 2017

My subscription service addiction continues! I discovered Sleek Treat about a month after my diabetes diagnosis and immediately signed up. Sugar Free treats?! YES PLEASE! Inside each Sleek Treat Box, you can expect a mixture of Sugar-Free chocolates, cookies, hard candies, jellies & more unique finds to scintillate your taste buds. Every box will have new and exciting flavors and will always feature a variety of snacks.

Sleek Treat Review | May 2017

If you know me, you understand my obsession with subscription services. I discovered Sleek Treat about a month after my diabetes diagnosis and immediately signed up. Sugar Free treats?! YES PLEASE! Inside each Sleek Treat Box, you can expect a mixture of Sugar-Free chocolates, cookies, hard candies, jellies & more unique finds to scintillate your taste buds. Every box will have new and exciting flavors and will always feature a variety of snacks.

My Running Playlist + Tips

I understand that running is not enjoyable for most people. I've been a runner all my life. Apparently, I get it from my Dad. (Thanks Steve)! Yet, I still have days where it is absolutely the LAST thing I want to do. However, listening to some sweet jams definitely makes it a little more fun. I've discovered listening to music that instantly brightens my mood, has a upbeat tempo, or always makes me rock out in the car, gets me amped up and ready to go! Figure out what type of music motivates you and makes you feel like a badass while running.

How To Sell on Poshmark (And Be Successful)

I needed to downsize when moved into my boyfriend's studio apartment. I decided to try selling my clothing and accessories on Poshmark in order to make some extra cash. I've never had luck selling my items to Plato's Closet or Buffalo Exchange. I always left so frustrated and annoyed that I wasted time at those places. Since starting Poshmark in June of 2016, I have made over $1,700 selling my stuff! Interested? Check out my tips below and start Poshing!

Beyond Type 1 Snail Mail Club

Beyond Type 1 is a non profit organization in founded in 2015 by Juliet de Baubigny, Nick Jonas, Sarah Lucas and Sam Talbot. They want to change what it means to live with Type 1 Diabetes through the power of social media and technology. They provide resources, education, and support for those living with Type 1. They are the fastest growing type 1 organization in the entire world! Their Instagram campaign "Live Beyond" features people living their best life with T1D everyday, while their @beyondtype1daily account gives you a daily dose of inspiration, hacks, giveaways, humor, stories, and behind the scenes of Beyond Type 1.

Obsessed with Myabetic + Coupon Code

Okay, so I'm completely obsessed with Myabetic. I seriously whip out my bag any chance I get to show people. All my friends (non-diabetics) just think its a super cute wallet. You'd never know it holds all my diabetes supplies!

I stumbled upon Myabetic a few days after I was discharged from the hospital. The founder of Myabetic, Kyrra Richards' story resonated with me on a very personal level. She was also diagnosed with Type 1 in her 20s, and never wanted the disease to define her. She gave me an optimistic mindset during the most difficult month of my life. She considers herself a Diabetes Fashionista. I love that.

Sleek Treat Review + Coupon Code | April 2017

If you know me, you understand my obsession with subscription services. I discovered Sleek Treat about a month after my diabetes diagnosis and immediately signed up. Sugar Free treats?! YES PLEASE! Inside each Sleek Treat Box, you can expect a mixture of Sugar-Free chocolates, cookies, hard candies, jellies & more unique finds to scintillate your taste buds. Every box will have new and exciting flavors and will always feature a variety of snacks.

The Perfect Floral Maxi Dress

If you've been on the hunt for the perfect floral maxi dress - I've found it for you! I stumbled upon this gem on Pinterest, which is sold by the Australian fashion website called ShowPo. Follow them on Instagram and Snapchat! You'll be become obsessed with the gorgeous Aussie ladies that run this company...trust me.

T1 Diabetic's Guide to Sweets & Treats

MYTH: Type 1 Diabetics can't eat sweets. Thank JESUS we still can! I have the biggest sweet tooth - mostly for chocolate and Oreos. So, being diagnosed with Type 1 was devastating when I knew I couldn't indulge as much as I used to. On the bright side, I have found some fantastic sweets and treats that count as a snack size (about 15g of carbs).

Medical ID Bracelets + Coupon Code

I was really against the idea of wearing a Medical ID bracelet after my diagnosis. I only associated them with the boring, masculine chunky chain link bracelets advertised at the pharmacy counter at Walgreens. My mom actually persuaded me to look into getting bracelets and gave me the name of a few websites that sold fashionable options for women, men, and children. 

My New Best Friend (My Glucometer)

Being new to Type 1 Diabetes has its challenges. Number one being how many times a day I have to poke my fingers to check my blood glucose (BG) levels. As of now I check about 6-8 times a day. So, that means I have to carry my new BFF with me EVERYWHERE!

Yes, I named my Glucometer. (I have a thing for English "butler" sounding names). Winston is a

10 Tips For Reducing Finger Prick Pain

Dude, pricking your finger is a pain, literally. I've gathered some simple tricks from experts in diabetes care to help you not feel like a voodoo doll.

1. Prick the Sides of Your Fingers

I was taught this trick by the nurses in the ICU. The pads of your fingers have the most nerve endings in order to have a better sense of touch, thus causing more pain. The sides of your fingers have less nerve endings and work just as well for glucose readings. 

2. Switch Fingers Regularly

Diabetics tend to have their favorite fingers for poking, but this never lets them heal! Testing on the
same few fingers increases the risk for soreness and infection. Over time, calluses and scar tissue can form, which may make it more difficult and painful to obtain a blood sample. God gave us 10 fingers, so lets use all of them!

3. Use Soap And Water - Not Alcohol

I was taught from the beginning to never use alcohol swabs before testing because they could give an inaccurate reading, but they can also cause more pain. According to certified diabetes educator,

General Diabetes Infographic

Before getting diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, my knowledge of the disease was quite limited. I quickly realized, I am not alone. Most of the population of the United States doesn't understand what diabetes is and how many types/forms there are. (2 principle types, and 6 other forms, BTW). A typical response I receive after telling people I have T1D is, "Oh, but you aren't even out of shape." They automatically think of the most popular type of diabetes: Type 2, which is quite different from Type 1. Check out the infographic I made compared Type 1 and Type 2 here. 

In the meantime, check out this general diabetes infographic I created below. 

The numbers are staggering.