Handbag Monday welcomes..
Stacy Jubagot engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her new Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, set at a theme park, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers) Stacy helps writers to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service.
When one of my children was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I needed to find the perfect bag to hold supplies and treatments for low blood sugar. My ideal bag would fit glucose tablets; a juice box or two; a small water bottle; finger pricker, meter and test strips; backup pricker, meter and test strips; blood ketone meter and test strips; a plastic bag of spare infusion sets and extra batteries for the insulin pump; a bottle of spare insulin; a calculator and carb counting book; a plastic baggie of Starbursts; and a glucagon shot for emergencies. I also needed extra room to toss in my wallet, sunglasses, keys, and cell phone in case I wanted to leave my regular purse in the car.
First I tried diabetes supply bags, but found them way too small. Then I used a diaper bag for a couple months. Way too big, and not very discreet! I browsed handbags and tote bags at the store, but they were all too feminine, which was fine for me, but not for my husband when he was in charge of the bag. Then one magical day, I stumbled across the Piazza Day Bag on eBags.com. Someone had recommended it on a diabetes blog, even though it’s just a regular handbag. I can’t even tell you how many zippers and compartments this thing has! It looks small on the outside, but appearances are quite deceiving. I ordered a neutral brown for my husband’s benefit, but they also make it in brighter colors.
It may not be my fanciest handbag, but it’s by far the most useful bag I’ve ever owned.
Sometimes, a utilitarian bag is the best choice, Stacy!
When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer.
Find Stacy at: Blogsite
Oh, Stacy, did you know I once worked at an amusement park? LOL
14 comments:
So sorry that you have the need for this bag, but happy that you found one that fits your need. I love the cover of your book. We really need more books like yours in this world. Good luck and I hope you sell a ton of them.
I wondered where the title came from. What a marvelous premise! Sounds like a great read!
Thank you so much for letting me share my handbag, Vicki. You would appreciate that I I just bought a Vera Bradley style bag to carry around the digital scale for carb counting! I was tired of the ugly black one I was lugging around in my trunk.
You once worked at an amusement park?! Hmm, methinks we need to talk sometime as I am always looking for little tidbits from amusement park insiders! Thank you so much for coming by, Sylvia, and for the nice words. I think that is why I am drawn to writing about Storybook Valley - I wanted to provide a mental vacation for readers to escape to somewhere fun.
Hi, Stacy! I am so happy you found a new handbag. I have one or two Vera Bradley's myself.
I did work at an amusement park. Fun days and escapades. LOL
I love that you found a perfect bag for such a necessary function. I can't imagine having to carry all that but I know it's important (vital even) and this bag looks like the type you can just throw over your shoulder and go!
Hi Stacy, I'm glad that you were able to find a bag that works for the whole family. My grandson as you know (and thank you for the wonderful supportive emails!) has a Swiss Gear bag that works well for him. I love the idea of carrying a scale with you though, much easier! Did you find one that is compact and light?
I really like the bag! I am glad you found something that works well. I am a type 2 diabetic and thankfully, I don't have to carry anything for mine! I test my blood once a day, at home. I DO have to carry my stent placement cards and a bottle of Nitro for my heart, but they are small and fit it an inside pocket of my purse.
The book sounds fun! Best of luck to you!
I'm all about a utilitarian handbag, Stacy. Wishing your son and your family the best as you manage the diabetes.
Best of luck on your stories, too!
Thanks so much for coming by, Liese and Melissa! Jacqui, I use the EatSmart scale and keep one in my trunk. http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Digital-Nutrition-Scale-Professional/dp/B0013IDHTO
It is compact and light, but when we went to Disney World, I took the Perfect Portions nutrition scale which I got from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I had purchased that as a backup once and it is a lot smaller so we took that one to Disney. But I am more comfortable with the Eat Smart one overall - I find it more user friendly.
I'm glad you don't have to carry all this stuff for your diabetes, Cathy - but sounds like you're carrying some really important supplies also.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Stanalei.
I'm a fan of bags that are both stylish and useful. Love the title of your book, Stacy.
Thanks so much, Angela!
Stacy ... once again we see how necessity is the mother of invention. How perfectly delightful that you have found a stylish and useful way to "contain" those things we all need to carry with the extras you now need to haul around with you.
You are as delightful as a handbag lover as you are as a pro. Much success with both your missions ... take care of your child and have a great career.
Vicki, I am sort of back and feeling my way along the wall in a dark tunnel and love that you are one of the lights shinning at the other end guiding me :)
Hi,Florence: Thank you so much for the kind words.You really touched my heart. I'm here for you always. Hugs!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Florence! It is much appreciated.
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