Tag: Janis Roszler

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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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Divabetic’s Barbie Sex Talk Is A YouTube Hit

Sometimes, being clever pays off. 🙂 We’re thrilled by the response to our Barbie-themed podcast on “Love and Intimacy with Diabetes” with ‘Sweet Romance‘ Co-Authors Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, PhD and Donna Rice RN, PhD, CCNE, CNE, which has become a summer YouTube hit.

I approached my friends, highly credentialed educators Janis and Donna, with an idea to discuss sex, sexual dysfunction, and diabetes using Barbie and Ken. Since Barbie and Ken aren’t equipped to have sex, talking about the sexual dysfunction issues that stop us from intimacy made sense to me.

The good news is that Donna and Janis willingly agreed to play along, and people from around the globe have been tuning into our conversation, which is packed with good advice and tips.

We’ve gained 100+ views on YouTube over the last month and hundreds on Blog Talk Radio, Spotify, and iTunes!! I’m happy we can offer free advice on a sensitive topic in an entertaining way.

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Romantic relationships play an essential role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. Intimacy-related issues can be complicated to discuss with a partner or a healthcare collaborator. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance.

The Sweet Romance series provides practical information and expert advice on this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.


Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

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For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. Podcast guests: 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, available on Amazon.

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes. Inside, you’ll find:

The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women. An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy. Guidance on how to talk to your healthcare provider about intimacy-related issues. Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner. Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments.

Authors Dr. Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being. In. Bed With Barbie & Ken Podcast Music by Doug Clay.

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Divabetic’s Sweet Romance E-Book Available Now

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. 

Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider.

But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. Divabetic’s Sweet Romance series gives you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.

GET YOUR COPY NOW

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women
  • An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
  • Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy
  • Guidance on how to talk to your health care provider about intimacy-related issues
  • Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner
  • Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments

Authors Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, LD/N, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.

BUY NOW

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Divabetic Salutes Randy Crawford


“I always want to associate myself with any piece of music that feels good and sounds good. And a good song can come from anywhere,” says Randy Crawford.

Randy Crawford is an exceptional artist with a remarkable ability to connect with her audience through her soulful and emotional performances. Her pure, warm tone and emotional vibrato can transform any music she selects, creating mesmerizing light and breezy jazz and funk arrangements.

Born in Macon, GA, she started singing in Ohio nightclubs at 15. “Everyone was encouraging me to sing,” Randy Crawford told the BBC. Her collaboration on “Street Life” offered her a chance to join the Crusaders for a tour that gained her international recognition, and she remained more popular overseas than in America. “Street Life was a musical challenge to learn,” Randy Crawford told the BBC. “But it’s still a fun song because people related to it. It gets everybody up and happy.”

Her consequent albums were geared toward a more smooth jazz audience and played well overseas. She wrote the love about two political refugees from Eritrea, entitled “Almaz.” Randy Crawford witnessed an older man’s love and commitment to a younger woman. In the season of love, no song touches the heartstrings quite like Randy Crawford’s ‘Almaz’ wrote Justice B. Hill for Cleveland.com. “The song speaks of love surviving,” she said when discussing the song. 

Since then, Randy Crawford has released over 15 albums and had several international multi-platinum hits. And if she still goes relatively unrecognized in her native land, she has become one of the world’s most successful popular singers.

“I hope I will always sing. I don’t want to do anything else.”

Randy Crawford’s music can transform any music she selects, creating light and breezy jazz and funk arrangements that are mesmerizing. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named the ‘Most Outstanding Performer’ at the 1980 Tokyo Music Festival. With over 15 albums and several international multi-platinum hits, Randy Crawford has become one of the world’s most successful popular singers. She is truly a remarkable artist, and her music will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of listeners for years to come.

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Divabetic Salutes Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack is the daughter of a draftsman and a church choir organist who learned to play music at her mother’s knee. She studied both Chopin and Methodist hymnody before gaining admission to Howard University.

“For the first three decades of my life, I lived in the world of classical music,” Robert Flack said in an interview with NPR. “I found in it wonderful melodies and harmonies that were the vehicles through which I could express myself.” 

After graduation, she dreamed of becoming an opera singer but instead chose a career in music education. She taught in rural North Carolina and Washington, D.C.- area schools while performing in nightclubs on the side.  Her unusual repertoire of folk revival ballads and Motown hits made her a sensation. In 1969, signed to Atlantic Records, Roberta Flack released  her debut album, “First Take.”  One of her many accomplishments is being the only solo artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year two years in a row — in 1973 for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”

Although she occasionally co-writes her material, Roberta Flack is mostly known as a deeply intuitive song interpreter.

“I always say that ‘love is a song’ — meaning that music reaches beyond age, race, nationality and religion to touch our hearts,” Roberta Flack told NPR. 

Throughout her career, Roberta Flack has had 18 Billboard-charting songs, four Grammy awards, 13 nominations, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. 

 Her hits include soul-stirring collaborations with Peabo Bryson and Donny Hathaway and chart-topping singles, showcasing her musical brilliance and emotional depth.

“My music is inspired thought by thought, and feeling by feeling,” she said in the same article. “Not note by note. I tell my own story in each song as honestly as I can in the hope that each person can hear it and feel their own story within those feelings.”

In addition to her music success, she founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, offering underprivileged students a free, inspiring music education. Her dedication to music and welfare culminated in the formation of The Roberta Flack Foundation, which supports animal welfare and music education.

Roberta Flack’s music remains indelible in our lives, touching hearts and minds globally.

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Divabetic Salutes Millie Jackson

Millie Jackson is a bold, brash, and bawdy entertainer called “The Original Bad Girl” by Vibe Magazine. She is known for her unfiltered and explicit lyrical content. Her live performances are known for her storytelling and jokes woven into her songs.

‘I guess the reason I sing about certain thing is because I’m outspoken,” she said. “There are some things that have to be said, and it seems like I’m the only woman saying them right now. In fact, a lot of times, people don’t compare me with other female singers but with my male counterparts! I guess I ought to regard that as a compliment!”

This trailblazer for female recording artists has earned her fans from all backgrounds. It is also rumored that Bette Midler and Roseanne drew inspiration from Millie’s high-voltage approach to sex in their respective careers.

Although her music has been kept off radio playlists due to its gritty R&B style, Millie Jackson added a new dimension to her career by creating, financing, directing, and starring in a hit musical stage play based on her r “Young Man, Older Woman” song. During the play’s touring years, audiences discovered Millie Jackson was equally talented as an actress.

We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.


We love her song, “Love Is A Dangerous Game,” from her album, “An Imitation Of Love,” released in 1986.

At the height of the AIDS crisis, Millie Jackson would stop the music and urge her female fans to practice safe sex at her live shows. She would encourage them to buy and carry condoms rather than rely on their men to take the necessary precautions.

Throughout her career, Millie Jackson released 28 albums that sold 40 million copies, making her one of the most successful female artists of the 20th century. She is most well-known for her hit albums “Get It Out Cha System,” “Hard Times,” “A Moment’s Pleasure,” “Live and Uncensored,” “For Men Only,” “I Had To Say It,” “A Little Bit Country,” and “Live and Outrageous.”

Recently, she has been running her record label, Weird Wreckuds, and has released a single called “Butt-A-Cize” and an album entitled “Not For Church Folk!”


Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public. 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, available on Amazon, offer advice.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic explores issues of love, intimacy and diabetes on this one-hour podcast. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to sexual health complications including vaginal dryness, sensation and performance. Up to 50% of men and 25% of women may experience some sexual problem or a loss of sex drive. 

Don’t equate sexual performance with love or a fulfilling relationship; focus on letting your partner know you care and want to give pleasure as part of your relationship.

Mr. Divabetic’s Guests include Best-Selling Author Lisa Eugene, Jennifer Martsolf from Trigg Laboratories (the makers of Wet Lubricants) and Janis Roszler MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND (2008-2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE).
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Public Art Fund Talk: Clifford Prince King And Lyle Ashton Harris

I attended a Public Art Fund talk between two queer black photographers of different generations this week at Cooper Union.

Clifford Prince King lives and works in New York City and is a self-taught photographer and filmmaker; King documents his relationships in traditional, everyday settings that speak of his experiences as a Queer Black man. Clifford Prince King’s initial success came from Tumblr. He now has 47 million followers on Instagram. 

Lyle Ashton Harris, from the Bronx, is a self-taught photographer who began his art career in the late 80s. His work examines the impact of race, gender, and desire on the contemporary social and cultural dynamic globally through intersections of the personal and the political. Harris has been widely exhibited globally, and his work is represented in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum collections, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and the Tate Modern.

The slides of both photographers’ work appeared on the wall behind them throughout the conversation. Many images capture intimate moments of desire, affection, and self-realization between queer men of color. Both men often appear in photographs with their friends, lovers, and acquaintances. 

Clifford Prince King and Lyle Ashton Harris both have unique perspectives and capture intimate moments of desire and self-realization between queer men of color in their photography.

It’s fascinating to hear about the different concerns and passions that these two artists have regarding their work and how they approach the intersection of race, gender, and desire in their art.
The talk was on the eve of  Clifford Prince King’s first Art Fund exhibition presented on New York City Bus Shelters & Newsstands. None of the photographs that will appear are pornographic. There is one photograph of two adult men kissing. 

I was struck by the different perspectives between the two artists. In his fifties, Lyle was passionate about having the Public Art Fund capture people’s reactions to Cliff’s photographs. Lyle kept questioning how Clifford’s intimate portraits would work in public space, especially in these polarizing times. I understood his concern. Will people who pass by see these photos as pornographic or embrace them? He brought up the topic several times. I felt his passion stems back to his decades working in queer advocacy. When he spoke about his body of work, Lyle said his art saved his life. Having been relentlessly bullied in school, his camera aims to create safe spaces in a marginalized community. His photographs reflect location, space, and time. Lyle is passionate about archiving intimate moments between queer men of color for a lasting legacy. In contrast, Clifford Prince King has less to say about his art. When an audience member asked about the sacrifice of bringing a camera into an intimate setting, he admitted it was hard to date. One of his main concerns regarding his work is his connection to the sites where he photographs. He doesn’t want to betray himself as an interloper. 


I walked away, thinking about why and how we create art. 

Do we create art solely for ourselves or do we also consider how it will be perceived by others? I believe it’s a combination of both, but it’s not always easy to strike the right balance. For instance, last Halloween, when I was creating my art piece, I knew it would be displayed on the street for children to see. So, I took into account the context and the audience before I began working. However, once I started, I didn’t seek others’ opinions as I wanted to stay true to my creative vision.”

Sitting in the jam-packed audience, I wondered how to treat an unexpected low blood sugar. Experts recommend adhering to the 15-15 rule— have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood glucose and check it after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood glucose is at least 70 mg/dL.There always needs to be clarity about what foods contain 15 carbohydrates. Here are a few examples:

  • Three glucose tablets
  • Half a cup (4 ounces or 120 milliliters) of fruit juice or regular soda
  • 6 or 7 hard candies
  • One tablespoon (15 grams) of sugar

Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, book one in the series, written by Janis Roszler and Donna Rice, is your key to a happy, healthy, intimate life with diabetes.

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance. The Sweet Romance series is here to give you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much celebration featuring a Panel discussion, Fashion Show, Luther Games, Live Performances, and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage. He wore Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of wearing bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and/or fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the glitz and glamour that made his concerts more memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

PANEL: How the Magic on Stage happened! Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell help us get a closer look at the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, and Bold Makeup to the Graceful Moves and Tight Harmonies. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by the romance and elegance of Luther Vandross. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, and more! Hosted by

PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt

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Love Across Life Stages Of Diabetes Survey

If you’re living with diabetes, then you know firsthand the challenges it can bring to daily life, including in your relationships.

My organization, Divabetic, is proud to partner with Diabetes Sisters on the first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes, entitled Love Across Life Stages of Diabetes. 

By taking this survey, you can help our organizations better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes and their partners. Your insights can lead to better resources and programming to support you.

Your voice matters, and your participation in this survey can make a real difference. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences by taking this unique survey.

For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object.

Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives. After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.

Podcast guests: 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, available on Amazon.

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I Wrote A Love Song!: Standards

The moment you wake up on Valentine’s Day and realize you wrote a love song!!!

STANDARDS is my homage to many of the greatest female vocalists of all time, who sang with their hearts on the Quiet Storm. Many of these icons’ personal and professional journeys hit close to home to my friends, vocalists Crystal Blackman Wilson and Penny Wilson.

I sent them my lyrics sheet and a recording of myself singing the melody. Penni called me a few days later and said she loved the song, but my vocal skills needed some TLC. Thankfully, Penni and Crystal got to work. They tweaked a few lyrics (Penni came up with the hook, and Crystal came up with the melody). Then, my friend Ivan Hampden Jr. jumped on it and built the song. It was an amazing collaboration. I feel so fortunate to work with talented people I greatly admire. Crystal, Penni, and Ivan bring to life my personal reflections and set them to music. My friend and graphic designer George Corsillo (who designed multiple album covers for Luther Vandross) designed the artwork.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3B1Ash4Rhg7HcZzD3sx4tP?si=f503fb19b9e9409b

“The women mentioned in the song are legends to my sister and me,” says Penni Wilson. “We grew up listening to Sarah Vaughan and idolized Etta James and Dionne Warwick. They inspired us to sing in the first place.”

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Divabetic’s e-book, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES is available on Amazon. Get Your Copy Today!

“Sweet Romance” Co-Authors Janis Roszler and Donna Rice offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause,

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