Homemade Face Mask for T1D

The first time I ever heard of the "Corona Virus" was in early Feb 2020. I never knew it would become a pandemic or effect the USA as much as it has. I NEVER expected to be living in a quarantined world and learning how to make my own face mask, but here I am blogging about it.

As we reported April 3, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends all citizens voluntarily wear a cloth face mask for essential trips out of the house to the grocery store, doctor, or other public places where the 6-foot social distancing rules may be difficult to maintain.
Wearing a cloth mask might help protect people around you, if you happen to be infected with Covid-19 but do not have symptoms yet. - WIRED.com

Since having Type 1 Diabetes considers me “immunocompromised” or at a higher risk I decided to create my own hand-made face mask to wear when I go out in public. I do not own a sewing machine so I found a hand stitch tutorial and fabric pattern to help me.

Diabetes Management: Expectations vs. Reality

A metaphor about how managing diabetes isn't easy 

When diabetes kicks you in the face and says, “NOT TODAY!” 😣 That moment when your CGM falls off even with extra adhesive. When your pump stops working in the middle of the night and your BG skyrockets above 400mg/dL (22.2 mmol/L). 📈 When you expect a good A1c number, but your Endocrinologist tells you something way higher. 😤 The days (even weeks) your BG won’t come down with any amount of insulin. 💉 We’ve all been there. 🙋🏼‍♀️ You’re not alone! 👊🏻 Keep fighting - tomorrow is a new day! 🌅
Please share with anyone who needs this right now. 💙

My T1D Diagnosis Story | Going into DKA

I recently celebrated my 3rd "Diaversary" and shared my diagnosis on my Instagram stories. The amount of feedback I received was overwhelming. My DMs were full of so many people connecting with my story and becoming emotional as I did in the video. I edited together the IG stories into a YouTube video so others can easily find it.

My First Diaversary

Celebrating the day you were diagnosed with diabetes - your "diaversary" - may sound strange, but I recognize February 23rd as the day my life changed forever. We are not celebrating diabetes, but our fight against it and not letting it hold us back. I believe people should celebrate their anniversary of diagnosis because Type 1 Diabetes is hard. It's a full time job thinking like a pancreas. Managing this chronic disease is a huge accomplishment, especially during your first year. So, get yourself a cupcake.
(Yes, people living with T1D can eat cupcakes). 

My diagnosis was devastating news, don't get me wrong, but so many incredible things have come from it. Here are just a few...

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.

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.

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