Catherine Schuller – Page 4

03/29/202403/29/2024

Divabetic Salutes Deborah Cox

“I prefer Princess. I would love to be known as a diva later on in life when I’ve had far more experiences,” says Deborah Cox.

With six top-20 Billboard R&B singles and an impressive eleven number-one hits on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play, Deborah Cox can call herself anything she wants, including a multi-platinum selling artist.

Deborah Cox, inspired by her idol Whitney Houston, began performing in television commercials at age 12. “I remember wanting to be a singer from when I was a young girl,” she recalls. “I would sing a lot in my room as a kid and just fantasize about being an entertainer.”

She was hired as a professional backup vocalist for Céline Dion.

Clive Davis was signed to Arista Records by Clive Davis. Her debut album featured an infectious mix of pop and R&B and her first dance hit, “Who Do U Love.”

From there, Deborah Cox’s career hit its stride on the dance floor. he released a string of dance songs, “Things Just Ain’t The Same,” “Absolutely Not,” and “It Could’ve Been You,” that stormed the club scene. Some artists look down on being categorized as dance artists or having their songs remixed, but not her. ” I think it’s about reaching everybody on every different plane and every different level, and if I could remix the song and do a dance remix, that’s great,” she said. ” f I could do a classical version, that’ll be great too. It’s all just about expression.”

Her sophomore album produced the slow jam hit “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” The soulful ballad became an instant sensation and held the then-record for the longest-running No. 1 R&B single of all time. But then, it got a second life on the dance floor and topped the Dance Charts.

When asked about reworking her signature ballads and dance floor stompers, she said, “My opinion is that music is music. As long as you approach doing a remix with truth, I don’t see the dance remixes being any different than a hip-hop remix—it’s really a different version of the song.”

Deborah Cox lived out her fantasies when she worked with her idol, Whitney Houston, on the song “Same Script, Different Cast” for the album Whitney: The Greatest Hits. Working alongside her idol, she said, “

It gave me a chance to really sit one-on-one with her and have that mentor-to-student sisterhood moment where we could just talk, kick it, and have raw conversations about the business, family, and so much more.”

She took another leap by performing Whtiney’s role in the musical rendition of the classic film, The Bodyguard. She performed the singing vocals on the Lifetime film, ‘I Will Always Love You: The Whitney Houston Story. “I knew I had some big shoes to fill,” says Deborah Cox.

I’m looking forward to seeing Deborah Cox on Broadway, starring in the revival of ‘The Wiz.’

Luther Vandross wrote “A Brand New Day,” also known as “Everybody Rejoice,” for the musical.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

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

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

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

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

03/28/202403/28/2024

Divabetic Salutes Shirley Brown

“You can go around all your life singing stuff that’s just basically a song,” Shirley Brown said. “But I think you are supposed to relate to what’s happening—inner feelings.”

Shirley Brown sang in church in West Memphis, Arkansas, until she was discovered at age 14 by Albert King, blues guitarist, and singer, singing at the Harlem Club in Brooklyn, Illinois. She worked with Albert for nine years (where he was her manager) and rubbed elbows with Soul luminaries such as Johnnie Taylor and Little Milton.

Blues legend Albert King persuaded Shirley Brown to sign with Stax Records and release her smash single “Woman To Woman.”

Soul Express Magazine describes Woman to Woman as a milestone in the history of Southern soul music. Starting with a dramatic rap, it tells of a woman determined to hold on to her man and tell it over the phone to her rival.

Hello, may I speak to Barbara. Barbara, this is Shirley. You might not know who I am, but the reason I’m calling you is because I was going through my old man’s pockets this morning and I just happened to find your name and number. So, woman to woman, I don’t think it’s being any more than fair than to call you and let you know where I’m coming from.”

Woman to Woman, lovingly referred to as the soul soap opera, was written by James Banks, Henderson Thigpen, and Eddie Marion. The songwriters offered the song first to Inez Foxx, who passed on it. “She didn’t want to do it. She felt like the rap part in the beginning of the song was for a male artist, and a song like that with a rap would be better for a person like Isaac Hayes,” James Banks told Soul Express.

The song’s recording took more than one session. But Bobby Manuel, who played guitar on the sessions, said, “The recording session (for Woman to Woman) was magical. We all knew it was a hit record. Everybody was really excited.”

Shirley was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance, Female, but Aretha Franklin and Ain’t Nothing like a Real Thing won that year.

Millie Jackson, who was also nominated in the same category that year, told QuestLove on his podcast that Aretha should have been excluded from being nominated in that category because her recording failed to meet the qualifications.

“Woman to Woman” reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 22 on the pop charts. The song proved so popular that Country Music legend Barbara Mandrell covered it, and Lonnie Youngblood talked to Barbara and blew his horn on the mid-tempo answer song, Man to Woman. A year after the song’s success, Stax Records folded.

Shirley Jones chased her dreams to New York City, where Clive Davis signed her to his Arista Records label. . “I was one of the first soul singers he (Clive) signed. I was there before Whitney and Aretha. Clive said that if we could ever get the right material, we could have a hit. But he felt that the material was too Southern. He didn’t want that Southern soul sound.

Clive and Shirley Brown didn’t agree on the direction of her music. “Clive Davis wanted me to do a Bette Midler song or something like Barbra Streisand. I could probably sing those kinds of songs, but I didn’t feel them.”

In early 1977, Shirley’s first Arista single, a soul ballad called Blessed Is the Woman (With a Man like Mine) was released. “I’ve always been a great admirer of Aretha Franklin,” Shirley Brown admits. Some people feel that Shirley Brown and Aretha Franklin are similar to the Isaac Hayes/Barry White situation.”

Some speculate that Clive felt she sounded too much like Aretha Franklin, and he jeopardized her career to boost Aretha’s.

“Clive wanted to make Shirley like Whitney, “says Bobby Manuel. “He wanted to take somebody that had those chops, who could sing like that… and take them pop. The marriage really didn’t work. He was sending us pop songs, and she just wasn’t into them.”

Luther Vandross loved Shirley Brown. I would buy up all her albums in the UK for our tour bus and his dressing room.

After Shirley left Arista, she signed with several other labels. She continues to make beautiful music. Some wonderful songs in her catalog include “I Ain’t Gonna Tell”, “Love Is Built On A Strong Foundation,” and the soul ballad “I Need Somebody to Love Me.”

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

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

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

03/26/202403/26/2024

Divabetic Salutes Lizz Wright

“When you want a great show, it’s not ‘entertaining’ the audience – it’s you sharing with them… an experience of communion,” says Lizz Wright. “Music is primal: when it’s done without pretension, you can feel the shape of someone’s soul.”

Through a voice that The New York Times describes as “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America.

“I’ve followed my voice rather than forcing it to emerge.”

I became a Lizz Wright fan when my friend, Carol, turned me on to her rendition of Nina Simone’s “Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You.” You can feel the emotion she pours into every note of this ballad.

Lizz Wright’s 20-year career transcended social divides with her offer of love and a deep sense of humanity. She told NPR she is a big Otis Redding fan and finds inspiration in how he leaned into a song’s lyrics.. “

He sounds like he’s always at the end of a long day, and he just won’t give up. I just love his wearied devotion — that beautiful, beautiful, weathered sound.”She first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. Lizz Wright released her debut album, Salt, on Verve Records, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. On Concord, Lizz Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016)—featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist—and Grace (2017).

“I started really opening up as a songwriter and an interpreter and taking songs from all kinds of genres and stripping them down to just lyrics and the story inside the lyrics, and trying to make them really mine.”Lizz Wright launched her own independent record company, Blues & Greens Records a few years ago. She released the album Shadow, which features five of her original compositions and

celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing.

She avoids pigeonholing her music taste and instead listens to and appreciates all types of music. “What I like is not a particular genre; it’s storytelling,” says Lizz Wright. “There’s a lot of great storytelling in jazz, folk, and country music.”

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

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

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

03/23/202403/23/2024

Divabetic Salutes Jean Knight

“Mr. Big Stuff is better to me now than 31 years ago,” said singer Jean Knight about her biggest hit. “All I have to do is sit at home and wait for the mailman.”

The New Orleans singer reached #2 on the Billboard charts in 1971 with”Mr. Big Stuff.” and received a Grammy nomination. But a decade before her success, Jean Knight cut her first demo recording in 1965, a cover of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.”

One of her biggest musical influences was Etta James. “The first time she heard “All I Could Do Was Cry,” she said in an interview on YouTube, “The first time I heard that song, I wanted to be like her.”

Jean Knight recorded a series of singles with lukewarm success. When her career stalled, she left the music industry and worked at a bakery.

Songwriter Ralph Williams connected Jean Knight to record producer Wardell Quezergue a short time later. Her recording sessions with Wardell Quezergue yielded “Mr Big Stuff,” which turned around her fortunes. Reflecting on the recording session, Jean Knight said she liked “Mr. Big Stuff” lyrics but not the melody. She felt the melody didn’t match the tone and emotion of the song’s subject. At some point, the producers let Jean sing it her way. She recorded her infamous version of the song in one take. Stax Records bought the rights and released the record, which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Mr. Big Stuff” topped the US R&B chart and crossed over into the main pop chart, reaching No. 2. The Bee Gees’ hit “ How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” kept her from the top spot. Her popularity soared, and she performed her hit on TV Shows like Soul Train and received Best Female R&B Vocal Performance nominations at the 1972 Grammy Awards.

After “Mr. Big Stuff,” Jean Knight recorded a few modest hits, including “You Think You’re Hot Stuff” and “Carry On,” but disagreements with her producers at Stax led to her being dropped from the label the following year,

Jean Knight said, “I’m the type of person that I never get too big for the people that I have been knowing,” explaining why she didn’t get caught in the trappings of fame. “My friends from when I was much younger are still my friends today.”

In the 80s, she joined the local oldies circuits, where producer Isaac Bolden spotted her. He signed her to his label, Soulin. The two produced the song “You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man.” It was a novelty answer song to Richard Dimples Fields’s hit, “She’s Got Papers On Me.”

“You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man” has one of the best sassy monologues ever recorded! Jean Knight’s defiant mistress tells off her lover’s wife, “What you need, girl, is a complete overhaul, your house, your body, your face and all!” It could be straight out of a season finale of The Real Housewives franchise and requires you to fasten your seatbelt before listening.

After reading the wife from A to Z, she sweetly expresses her undying love for her man. It reminds me of Shirley Brown’s “Woman To Woman” song that my friend, DJ Downtown Donna, used to spin at the classic dive bar Pendulum on Castro Street in San Francisco.

Jean Knight also remade the novelty hit “My Toot Toot,” which became her first international hit. It reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and # 3 in South Africa.

The Louisiana Music Hall of Famer’s legacy extends beyond her music. She passionately shared her time and talents with many New Orleans community causes. She represented the heart and soul of her hometown, earning respect and admiration far beyond her musical talents.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

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

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

03/18/202403/18/2024

Divabetic Salutes Natalie Cole

“I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars. You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life,” Natalie Cole said.

When she was a girl, Natalie Cole started singing with her father, crooner Nat King Cole. She made her first recording at age 6; by 11, she was performing on TV alongside her dad.

She won two Grammy Awards, Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Performance, for her debut album, “Inseparable” in 1975.

Her third — and first platinum — album, “Unpredictable,” spawned another No. 1 R&B hit: “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.”

Her fourth album, “Thankful,” features one of my favorite songs, the smooth and sultry ballad “Our Love.” It was written by Cole’s regular team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, both former members of the R&B group the Independents.

In 1979, Natalie Cole received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, signifying and solidifying her prowess as a performer.

But her ongoing recreational use of substances turned into a heavy, crippling drug addiction.

In her autobiography, “Angel on my Shoulder,” she wrote, “I never got to make the transition from little girl to young woman … and that really screws you up.”

Her addiction became so prominent in her life that, on more than one occasion, it nearly killed her. She overcame her addiction after checking into rehab.

Our friend, Jennifer Jacobs, who worked with Natalie Cole on several of her music tours, shares her memories of working with this extraordinary woman on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Adele.

After becoming sober, Natalie Cole returned in the 1990s with “Unforgettable… with Love”, featuring renditions of songs previously sung by her father.

When Natalie Cole began her career, she admitted she was determined not to capitalize on her father’s name and wanted to forge her separate identity. In an interview, she said, “My father led by example. He wasn’t much of a talker—he walked life.” For many years, she also found the prospect of recording her late father’s songs too painful on a personal level. But overcoming her fears certainly paid off.

The album’s breakout single, “Unforgettable,” features a track dubbed over a previous Nat King Cole recording to create a father-daughter duet. The album sold over 11 million copies and garnered several honors, including seven Grammys, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

One of my other favorite moments from Natalie Cole’s career is when you replaced Whitney Houston at the Oscars and performed “Run To You” and “I Have Nothing” from the Bodyguard soundtrack.

In 2008, Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a disease of the liver. She received a kidney transplant after her kidneys began to fail.

I just wanted to say a big thank you for checking out my Women & Music series for Women’s History Month. I had a blast creating artwork for each of my favorite performers and learning more about their amazing lives. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did creating it!

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

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

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

03/15/202403/15/2024

Divabetic Salutes Mica Paris

“I wanted to put British soul music on the map,” says Mica Paris, who first tantalized US audiences with her “My One Temptation” in the late 80s.

She discovered her love of music when she was five or six and began singing in church. “I became this prodigy and [my grandmother] took me around all the churches around the UK. Kids are good. They know what people like. Every time I held a really long note, they’d go crazy,” she told the Irish Times.

By her teens, Mica Paris performed with the gospel choir “The Spirit of Watts.” She then began working as a session singer and landed a job as a background singer for the Brit-pop group Hollywood Beyond.
At 17, Mica Paris signed on with 4th & B’way and worked on a debut album titled “So Good.” Her debut single, “My One Temptation,” was released in ’88 and became her biggest hit, reaching #7 on the UK chart. And the album platinum.

Kris Kirk from Melody Maker described “My One Temptation” as “haunting.”

But after her initial success, she seemed to disappear from American audiences.
“I had everything—the money and the fame—and I was like, ‘ Is this it?'” Mica Paris told the Standard in an interview.

She admits she was disillusioned by the substance abuse surrounding her, so she married and walked away from her fledging career. Years later, she had to file for bankruptcy.

“Last year, someone sent me an article in Smash Hits from when I was 18,” she said in the Standard interview. “It was titled The Making of a Pop Star. And I’m still trying to be successful. This is the joke. That was ’88. I’m still exploring.”

Her four-decade career includes Eighties pop superstardom, hosting a radio show, and acting on TV ( in EastEnders) and the West End Stage. “All I care about is that whatever you have of mine – a book or album or a TV or radio thing – that you’re inspired. That’s my job.” she said.

Mica Paris became an anti-gun crime advocate, lending her voice to the initiative Operation Trident after her brother, Jason Phillips, was shot dead on the street. “I’m 5ft 10in, I’m a black woman, I’m loud. But because I believe that what I’m doing is going to touch you and inspire you, that’s gonna open doors for me. And so you don’t get focused on all that negative stuff. Let that go.”

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

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

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

03/02/202403/02/2024

Luther Vandross Celebration

I miss the glamour and elegance of Luther Vandross’ performances. All of his dressed-up, glitzy, romanticized love songs were performed to perfection night after night. I loved every sparkling rhinestone, crystal bugle bead, luminous pearl, and shiny metallic thread on his breathtaking encrusted tuxedos. Designer Tony Chase’s wonderous mix of sweeping Art Noveau and geometric Art Deco designs helped Luther transport his audience to a magical place.

Since every show had to look like the first show, these costumes were worn, and the upkeep of these costumes was a nightmare for Luther’s experienced wardrobe department. Beads would break, threads would snag and pull, and collars would get stained. It was aggravating!

But, looking back over a glass of wine, I can appreciate Luther’s keen eye for detail and his unique way of putting on a spectacular show. Combine these costumes with graceful choreography, sophisticated orchestration, and glorious backing vocals, and you get every heart in the audience melt.

It’s incredible to think about the level of detail that went into each show, from the costumes and lighting to the choreography and chrome sets, not to mention the phenomenal talents of his band members and backing vocalists. I’m sure Luther’s performances left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.

I’m so passionate about this stuff that I’m hosting a Luther Celebration program in New York City on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This fabulous free event will feature a Panel Discussion with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s choreographer, James Ervin, a live performance by Keith Anthony Fluitt, a Fashion Show curated by Catherine Schuller spotlighting Luther’s timeless elegance (Harlem’s Hats and Modafluer), a Live DJ, and an inspiring weight loss journey with Graffiti Glamour founder, Alicia Mitchell

I remember Luther performing “The Other Side Of The World” a few times in concert. He would sing a verse or two before sequing into another hit song. Why does this stunning song not get more airplay?

Divabetic remembers the 10th anniversary of losing a legend, the late Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) with this special podcast, Tribute to Luther Vandross, celebrating his career during the 1990’s. Luther Vandross was a musical master whose style has influenced an entire generation of today’s vocalists. His distinctive brand of smooth satin vocal magic moved international audiences and continues to touch people today.

The happy healthcare host, Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek, who worked with Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this tribute podcast featuring Luther’s former vocalists Paulette McWilliams, Pat Lacy, Tawatha Agee, Cindy Mizelle and Kevin Owens, band member Bryon Miller, Vandross family member, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and David Jones, the Luther Vandross historian, Leon Petrossian and Luther super fan, Jane Goodman from Great Britain.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected Luther Vandross songs that he recorded during the 1990’s courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic, inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey revisits the singer’s career in the decade of hair scrunchies, boy bands, grunge and rave parties. This Luther tribute remembers the moments, the music the man and the motivation to ensure that no one struggles with diabetes alone or in silence. Keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication from occurring. Visit: www.divabetic.org

Thanks for letting me share my memories.

12/15/202312/15/2023

Murder Plain As Vanilla: Mystery Podcast

This year’s Mystery podcast, Murder As Plain As Vanilla, is set in a real place – The Hedges Inn in East Hampton, NY. Our excellent narrator, the lovely Lorraine Brooks, explained how the Hedges Inn was named after one of the Hamptons’ founding families who settled there in 1644.

Two hundred years later, the restored family home became a boarding house. Word quickly spread nationwide about Mrs. Hedges’s delicious New England cooking. Her outstanding reputation turned her home into a place where the elite liked to meet and eat.

When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. After all, it’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother.

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar lying in a bed of roses. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. Rumors start swirling about Max’s past involvement in legendary TV Chef Sweet Sally Buttercup’s untimely demise. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster. Could he be ladling out something lethal?

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying. To win the Visions Of Vanilla grand prize, it will be a fight to the death.

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.

11/09/2023

Free Holiday Sugarfree Baking Party Coming In November

Diabetes doesn’t have to dim your sparkle during the holidays. We’re presenting a Holiday Sugarfree Baking Party on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 7 PM, EST.

During this fun-filled Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef prepares a Sugar–Free holiday dessert recipe and shares expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes in recipes.

Plus, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller shares a sneak peek at Divabetic’s Gift Guide 2023. She showcases her new jewelry line, Power Pieces, made from upcycled comic books. These one-of-a-kind heroic adornments celebrate the inner power in all of us.

Win gifts courtesy of Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes’s Camper Cozy Mystery and Peak 10 Skin‘s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our Baking Party to enter our gift drawings to win.

REGISTER NOW – ITS’ FREE

Over 150 people have participated in our past Divabetic Baking Parties on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

There’s a good indication that murder might be part of the recipe when Nantucket’s ten-time reigning Baking Champion’s last name is ‘Coffin.’ Tune into Divabetic’s Mystery Podcast, Kill Me Madam.

10/28/2023

My Blood Sugar Was 1700!

Amparo revealed her blood sugar level was 1700 when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on Divabetic’s World Menopause Day Zoom program. That scary moment became a wake-up call for Amparo to look closer at her lifestyle. Up until that point, Ampara never drank water. She consumed one Pepsi after another throughout the day.

Before she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Amparo admitted she was constantly thirsty and frequently needed to use the restroom.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include:

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Tiredness or weakness
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Stomach pain
Fruity breath odor
A very dry mouth

Our World Menopause Day panel was moderated by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller and featured Donna Rice, Amparo, and Dr. Julianne Arena.

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.

Catherine Schuller is the go-to person in the image industry for all things style and fashion for the plus-size woman. She began as a former Ford Model and became a spokesperson for the industry, a retail editor for Mode magazine, and wrote the highly acclaimed how-to guide The Ultimate Plus Size Modeling Guide, which has helped thousands of young women who want to enter the plus size modeling field. She is a frequently quoted media expert on the puls-size market and has appeared five times on The View, The Today Show, The Early Show, eight times on Neal Cavuto’s Your World, and many television and radio shows across the United States

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.

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.