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Lily Pond Using Single-Use Plastics

I’m temporarily obsessed with creating a lily pond made from single-use plastics for my upcoming Princess Frogs Halloween display on West 69th Street (between Columbus and Central Park West).

I used an assortment of single-use plastics, including Sprite and Seltzer water bottles, yogurt containers, coffee cans, Chinese takeout lids, bubble wrap, and thin packing foam.

Single-use plastics are goods made primarily from fossil fuel–based chemicals (petrochemicals) and are meant to be disposed of immediately after use. Plastic pollution is very real, and single-use plastics are small but have a significant impact.

According to EarthDay.Org, Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles annually, averaging about 13 bottles per person in the U.S.! That means using a reusable water bottle could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.

At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, according to EarthDay.Org.

Single-use plastics can pose several health risks and contain chemical additives that act as endocrine disruptors. These additives mimic hormones and disrupt the body’s signaling, leading to a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and cancer.

If you’re thinking about getting crafty, check out YouTube. There are so many wonderful instructional videos. I enjoy watching the Ultimate Paper Mache channel with Joanie. My only wish is that she would occasionally switch up the hoodie for a twin set.

To create my lotus flowers, I watched a craft video on YouTube on how to make Lotus Flowers, but it was beyond my skill set, so I turned it off and went to work.

I ripped off the labels on the Sprite and Seltzer bottles. I cut the bottles in half and then cut flower shapes on the circumference of each half. The final step was painting the inside with a dusty rose before adding hot pink highlights.

My friend Lauren gave me some scraps of bubble wrap and thin packing foam. I cut the bubble wrap into 4-inch strips and painted both sides with dusty rose paint. I cut triangle shapes on one side of the strips and then tied them off before inserting them with glue into each plastic bottle.

There won’t be enough room in front of the townhouse on West 69th Street to host my display for these lovelies, but it doesn’t matter. I had a blast making them.

Many people have been wondering why I created Princess Frogs for Halloween. Last year, two women who saw my Dastardly Ducks display commented that they were grateful for a break from the gore and horror of the other street decorations, especially given the current violence in the world.

Secondly, there were so many girls dressed as princesses trick-or-treating that I wanted to celebrate them.

Everyone deserves to feel like a princess.

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Kitty Litter Sculpture Gets A New Corset

Last year’s Halloween sensation, Kitty Litter‘s new bustier, was my creative twist on French designer Thierry Mugler‘s futuristic designs, using a $0.99 roasting pan from my local Dollar Store. 

Thierry Mugler not only created fashion and couture, but he also invented perfumes, photographed his creations, and worked as a director, costume, and spectacle designer.

According to Madame Faction, Thierry Mugler’s fashion is – first and foremost – intrinsically linked to the aesthetic of the 1980s and 90s: The hyper-feminine, body-hugging silhouettes, narrow waists, extremely broad shoulders, bold colors, and the vital power dressing aspect breathe the Zeitgeist of 80s and 90s fashion

Unfortunately, last year’s candy-encrusted bustier didn’t survive the intense summer heat and the rat infestation of ’23 (I still have nightmares about it).

Kitty Litter was my response to people’s upsetting claims on social media that only certain types of people can be mermaids following the release of the live-action Little Mermaid movie. I believe anyone can be a mermaid, so I made a sculpture depicting a cat as a mermaid to prove my point. 

Personally, I loved watching singer and actress Halle Bailey in the title role in Disney’s live-action Little Mermaid.

I also wanted to raise awareness for single-use plastic consumption. Over two months, I collected my single-use plastics, including water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages, which really opened my eyes to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis. 

Single-use plastic is as prevalent as added sugar in our food and drinks. It’s easy to consume too much without realizing it. Most people know that added sugar is in soda, sweetened tea and coffee, energy drinks, fruit drinks, candy, ice cream, sweetened yogurts, flavored and/or sweetened milk, breakfast cereals, and bars. But added sugar is found in bread, condiments, dairy-based foods, nut butter, salad dressings, sauces, and even some “healthy” cereal.

The average American consumes more than 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, more than the recommended amount. Consuming too much-added sugar can lead to health problems such as tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

I took a break from writing Divabetic’s Annual Mystery podcasts to focus on my Halloween displays and the related book, Once Upon A Slime.

This year, Kitty Litter’s final appearance will be on Halloween Street at West 69th Street in New York City.

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Menopause And Diabetes

Half of the human population goes through a significant hormonal shift, yet few people are willing to talk about it, and many suffer alone. 


I was walking through the airport when I spotted O Magazine’s Straight Talk About Menopause magazine. Instantly, I was reminded of Divabetic’s Menopause and Diabetes workshops, podcasts, and YouTube videos. 


Both O Magazine and Divabetic offer expert advice on recognizing and treating symptoms and weathering mental and emotional storms. 

Oprah has spoken about her own experiences with menopause, including having trouble concentrating, heart palpitations, and feeling muted. She also shared that she started taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and said, “I got my first click of estrogen, and I was like, the sky is bluer!”.

Oprah Daily launched a menopause guide with discussions, classes, tools, and expert advice on navigating menopause.

Menopausal symptoms include heavy bleeding, weight gain, joint pain, and mental health symptoms. But only 17% of OB-GYNs are trained to treat menopause.


However, Divabetic tackles the topic of menopause from a diabetes perspective. Our panel featured Dr. Julianne Arena and Donna Rice and was moderated by Catherine Schuller. According to research, hormone levels (most notably estrogen and progesterone) fall dramatically during menopause. Changes to our hormones can affect our blood sugar levels and make managing diabetes more difficult.

Dr Julianne Arena is a double board-certified physician, a board-certified OBGYN who applies traditional, integrative methods and a multi-layered approach to helping women with sexual health and intimacy issues. She’s also a practitioner of Cliovana, the only treatment available that improves long-term clitoral stimulation with proven sound wave technology. Her goal is to help women create optimal and vibrant lives. 

Donna Rice is a registered nurse and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She is a national and international thought leader and author of four books, including Divabetic’s ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love And Intimacy With Diabetes. She is a Past President of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and the Past President of the  Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute for Baylor Health Care Systems in Dallas, Texas.   Donna is the Chief Operating Officer for DiabetesSisters and The Chief  Evangelist for Call-ai, working on voice-driven AI for diabetes care and education. 

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Luther Vandross Documentary Opens Coming To Theaters In November 2024

Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters starting November 1st!

I’ve seen it thrice and walked away with a different insight each time. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing Luther’s discipline, drive, and determination to succeed. It’s easy to think Luther had no trouble getting signed to a record deal, but the opposite is true. He spent his own money, earned from singing jiggles, to finance his demo and was rejected by several labels.

I never met anyone with his convictions. He taught me to believe in myself and my ideas and to invest in them.

The documentary relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his story with assistance from his closest friends, ME (!), and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.

It’s strange to see yourself on screen and share such a traumatic experience. I am grateful to everyone who has supported, participated, and partnered with me with my diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic.

After Luther’s stroke, I could have left his side and found work supporting another musical artist. Instead, I chose a different path. I educated myself about diabetes (I have a family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and helped educate and empower others so that we could all keep our house a home.

I still believe that’s the best way to honor Luther’s legacy.

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Divabetic Mystery Podcast: Suspect Boulevard

After writing and producing ten mystery podcasts, I can say that our Suspect Boulevard podcast is my favorite.

One reason is that the format loosely follows Billy Wilder’s iconic Sunset Boulevard film. Praised by many critics when first released, Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

  I tell the story of mystery, diabetes, and intrigue from backward to forward, and the setting is a gilded mansion in Beverly Hills.

My main characters, two famous sisters, author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze and her actress sister Marjorie Melbourne, elude to Jackie and Joan Collins.

Diabetes alert dogs are one of the many diabetes health topics in this podcast. I interviewed my friend Debby Kay, a diabetes alert dog trainer, scent detection expert, and author, about them, their skills, and the training required.

Having a dog that reliably alerts to blood sugar levels can help individuals regain their independence in daily life. This degree of detection by your side gives many people with diabetes the confidence to return to activities they love.

Here’s a quick synopsis of Sunset Boulevard: On a bright sunny morning, our happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, arrives at the resplendent Beverly Hills estate of NYT Best-Selling Author and Socialite Marjorie Melbourne Blaze. He’s here to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Heart of the Diva Gala on diabetes and women.

But he soon learns that a roomful of rich and famous faces is full of way more drama than he had ever expected . . . and now murder.

So, can Max and our team find the killer before this red-carpet event is covered in blood?

Divabetic’s story of diabetes mystery and intrigue stresses why it can be deadly to blame others for your heart’s misfortunes.

FEATURING Max “Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, Lorraine Brooks, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic,’ USA Today Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES and Mama Rose Marie. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.

One way to help prevent complications is to take a team approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers, and healthcare professionals in your self-care. Showing close friends where you keep your supplies and informing them of what you need when experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes.

We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our Zoom outreach programs.

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New York Historical Society Talk On The Presidents

David Rubenstein‘s talk with historian Douglas Brinkley at the New York Historical Society on US Presidents was fascinating. It was part of their Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency series. David’s talk discussed how the American presidency has changed over time, including its responsibilities, expectations, and symbolism. 

I’m not a history expert or particularly interested in US history, but I find David Rubenstein’s humor and insight riveting. He makes history come alive by sharing interesting tidbits and insights into the lives of the Presidents. 

On this occasion, David Rubenstein shared personal anecdotes about  Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), Harry S. Truman, and Abraham Lincoln. 

Thomas Jefferson hated to speak in public because of his high-pitched, squeaky voice. The only public speech he made was at his first inauguration. 

David Rubenstein said Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s polio diagnosis might have helped the President develop the grit and determination to succeed in the Oval Office and win World War II. David shared how FDR wasn’t able to receive treatment to cure his polio because he went undiagnosed for thirty days. FDR was also obsessed with collecting postage stamps. 

Harry Truman was the only 20th-century U.S. President who didn’t go to college.

Mary Todd Lincoln‘s unlikeable disposition could be responsible for her husband’s assassination.  The First Lady’s rudeness caused General Ulysses Grant and his wife to decline an invitation to the Ford Theater. If the couple had agreed to accompany the Lincolns on that fateful night, there would have been the proper security to prevent John Wilks Booth from shooting the president. 

Douglas Brinkley, a New York Historical Society presidential historian, will also moderate the discussion. Brinkley frequently contributes to CNN, MSNBC, and CBS on presidential history. David Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and the host of History with David Rubenstein on PBS. He has written several books, including The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency and How to Invest: Masters on the Craft. He served under the Carter administration and purchased several copies of the Declaration of Independence for the public to view. He also owns the Baltimore Orioles. 

Speaking of baseball, several Major League Baseball (MLB) players are living with type 1 diabetes. Jordan Hicks, a 25-year-old-starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, adjusts his routine to monitor his blood sugar, insulin intake and meal plan.  “You Can be diabetic, and you can be a phenom,” Jordan Hicks said. “You can be phenomenal. You can do all those things. Just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you should let that take anything away from you.”

Mason Miller, pitcher for the Oakland A’s, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, wants to be a role model for children with diabetes. He has said that diabetes is part of who he is, but it’s not who he is entirely. He doesn’t need to be embarrassed about it or scared to share it. 

Jason Johnson was the first MLB player to wear an insulin pump while playing on the field. To accomplish this feat, Jason Johnson needed to experiment with infusion sites and the best place to attach the pump to his Tigers uniform. He knew he had to wear the pump in a spot safe from line drives. He also knew he had to insert the infusion needle under the skin in a spot where it wouldn’t get yanked out by the extreme torque that a major league pitcher generates during his delivery. So, Jason Johnson decided to clip the pump to his belt near the small of his back, a few inches below his uniform number.

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New York City’s Great Elephants Migration Exhibit

The life-sized sculptures made by Indigenous artisans using an invasive weed called lantana camera are incredible! 

Sometimes, the elephant in the room is the sudden change in your life due to the symptoms of diabetes. Keeping the symptoms a secret or ignoring the symptoms can be problematic, including increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. 

Our bodies start to struggle with insulin efficiency, leading to a state known as insulin resistance. Without proper treatment and management, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.

According to the CDC, 97.6 million people in the United States aged 18 and older have prediabetes, which is 38% of the adult population. Almost 90% of the people living with diabetes don’t know they have it or ignore the symptoms.  

The risk factors for developing prediabetes are varied. Being overweight or obese, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or a history of gestational diabetes are all significant contributors. Age also plays a role, as the likelihood of developing prediabetes increases after the age of 45.

Our friend, Jill Weisenberger RD, CDCES, offers advice on what to eat for those feeling confused or overwhelmed with living with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in this video series.

Prediabetes is a pivotal health condition that acts as a precursor to type 2 diabetes. It is defined by blood sugar levels that are higher than average yet not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.

This subtle difference is crucial, as prediabetes often goes unnoticed due to its mild nature, unlike type 2 diabetes, which presents more evident and urgent symptoms.

The elephant project directly fights the threat of an invasive species while raising money and awareness for environmental issues.

The collective isn’t just using lantana as a sculpting material; it converts tons of agricultural waste products rich in nutrients into biochar and black carbon. The biochar is then buried to improve the soil in India.

Could You Have Prediabetes? Don’t be part of the herd unsure or unaware of their health condition. Take this free, simple RISK TEST Now.

Enjoy this scene from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

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Apthropologie’s Holiday House In New York City

Decor, Design, and Diabetes

As I strolled down the street in September, I was taken aback by a brownstone adorned with holiday decorations, two months ahead of schedule!

Seeing the lavish garlands adorning the exterior stair railing piqued my curiosity, prompting me to dash up the stairs to unravel the mystery behind Christmas’s early arrival in the Upper West Side of New York City.

Upon stepping through the magnificent oak doors, I found myself in the Anthropologie Holiday House in collaboration with Terrain. This free four-story holiday extravaganza was a dream come true for holiday enthusiasts.

The immersive experience offered a plethora of festive decor available for purchase. It was truly a sight to behold, a treat for the eyes!

For individuals managing diabetes who often perceive the holidays as a time of deprivation, this experience was a game-changer.

The guilt-free enjoyment of holiday decor and decorations was a delightful revelation. It offered a way to savor the holiday spirit without the concerns of excess fat, alcohol, calories, and salt. After all, it’s not the plate but what you serve on it that causes unexpected highs and lows in blood pressure and blood sugar.

One of the most striking sights was the floating holiday tree on one of the upper floors, a truly unique and captivating display.

The checkerboard cabinet in the kitchen caught my eye with its playful design and practicality. It provided a clever solution for concealing a second set of plates and dishware.

The luxurious sheets, lush throws, and comfy duvet covers were irresistible to the touch.

They boasted exquisite designs and unparalleled softness that would complement any bedroom in the house.

The whimsical Christmas tree decorations were equally enchanting.

They featured vibrant colored glass ornaments that breathed life into any home during the holiday season.

Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, the co-authors of Divabetic’s new e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, offer advice on managing diabetes sexual-health related issues in the bedroom.

The dining room tablescape was a masterpiece for those with a more refined taste.

Anthropologie had collaborated with the MET Museum to create a one-of-a-kind Gilded Age-inspired collection of dishware and crystal.

The design team meticulously studied historical flatware and dishware at the MET, infusing the museum’s cherished pieces with a distinctive Anthropologie sensibility.

The result was a tablescape that set the stage for the entire Holiday House experience.

Set your table in truly artistic fashion with timeless tableware from Apthropologie’s conversation pieces in a variety of modern and classic styles.

Pattern Management is a skill that can help you manage your diabetes like a diva! The happy healthcare host is Mr. Divabetic, and Neva White, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE, the leader of the Divabetic Club—Philadelphia. These two advocates discuss the basics and benefits of Pattern Management.

Dviabetic Club was a free monthly diabetes wellness program presented in New York, NY, Cleveland, OH, and Philadelphia, PA, that boasted 75-100 participants monthly. Our unique mixture of traditional diabetes education, motivation support, beauty and style tips, and hobby demonstrations offered something for everyone.

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Itzhak Perlman Peforms Back-To-Back Performances in Richmond, Virginia

This past weekend, Richmond, VA’s historic Carpenter Theater, built in 1926, was ablaze with back-to-back performances by Itzhak Perlman.

The legendary violinist has been a long-standing advocate for accessibility after being diagnosed with polio. I chose to seek employment working for Mr. Perlman after experiencing Luther Vandross‘s difficulties using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

I discuss finding Luther after his stroke in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, which will be released on streaming platforms in January 2025.

I decided that if I returned to personal assistant work, I would prefer to work with an entertainer who requires my help beyond picking out the green M&Ms from a bowl in the dressing room. Mr. Perlman’s ongoing issues related to accessibility in travel and hotel accommodations piqued my interest. Helping a legendary performer of Mr. Perlman’s stature do what they love, like performing live for an audience, brings me joy.

His first performance, “Cinema Serenade,” featured film scores by John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

Valentina Peleggi conducted this survey of cinema’s most moving melodies from iconic films such as Casablanca, Cinema Paradiso, Out of Africa, and many others.

Sunday’s “Afternoon with Itzhak Perlman” had the legendary violinist sharing childhood memories, telling jokes, and recalling career highlights interspersed between musical selections encompassing his phenomenal career. Itzhak Perlman’s back-to-back performances closed the Richmond Symphony‘s spectacular Strad Fest.

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Diabetes Outreach At the New York Auto Show

We’re bringing our dazzling approach to diabetes outreach to the New York International Auto Show in New York City. The New York International Auto Show is North America’s first and largest attended auto show, featuring 1,000 vehicles plus the latest in tech, safety, and innovation.

Play along with Mr. Divabetic and participants in Divabetic’s ‘Serve, Taste or Trash!’ Game. In the game, you’re given three choices of popular foods. You must decide which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste, and which one you’d trash. The game’s goal is to encourage people to become more open-minded eaters:

Mr. Divabetic wants to raise awareness of the precautions people living with diabetes should take before getting behind the wheel. Did you know that sudden bouts of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can lead to confusion, delayed reaction, visual disturbances, or loss of consciousness when driving? Even in the absence of low blood sugar, people with diabetes may have impaired vision or nerve function in the feet, which can affect driving. While most accidents related to diabetes complications happen to a small group of people with Type 1 diabetes who need to take insulin, people with Type 2 diabetes are also at risk.

Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly podcasts hosted by Mr. Divabetic on blog talk radio. Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel features live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare collaborators, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.

Join Divabetic’s Facebook page, follow Mr. Divabetic on Twitter, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities and event details.

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