Changing our diet or mindset can feel like a daunting task, especially when it seems like others are breezing through the process. For our upcoming fee Divabetic outreach on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, let’s engage in an activity that fosters open discussion and support.
In the comments, think about something you’re considering taking off your plate—maybe a beloved snack, emotion, habit or an indulgence. Then, share something you’d like to replace it with, perhaps a healthier alternative, attitude, or activity that excites you. This exchange can inspire and motivate us all on our journey toward better health.
For example, a friend of mine faced the challenging decision to eliminate gluten from his diet due to celiac disease. While the availability of gluten-free options has grown, it still requires significant adjustment, especially for someone who enjoys Italian cuisine. It’s certainly possible to embrace this change, but it’s important to recognize the difficulties that come with it.
I often recall the valuable insight from a Registered Dietitian who emphasized, “I focus on telling people what to put on their plate, not what to take off.” This perspective encourages us to view dietary changes as opportunities rather than restrictions.
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by managing your diabetes? It’s completely understandable. Instead of focusing on what you can’t eat, why not shift your attention to the delicious options you can include on your plate?
One effective approach is the Plate Method, which can make mealtime both satisfying and manageable! Start by filling half of your plate with colorful non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—these are not only nutritious but also add a lot of flavor.
Next, dedicate a quarter of your plate to lean proteins such as fish, chicken, beef, or soy foods. Lastly, don’t forget the carbs! The remaining quarter should be filled with wholesome carbohydrates like beans, whole grains, or pasta.
Puting The Plate Method into practice sounds simple, but it can be a bit tricky in practice. So, take your time and make gradual changes to your meals. You might find that tweaking your plate is a great way to enjoy your food while taking care of your health!
Let’s support each other by sharing our thoughts and experiences. Your participation can provide the encouragement we all need to make lasting changes together!
I recently learned about a wonderful celebration of Black Women in Fashion at Macy’s, featuring an incredible design by my friend, Evetta Petty, the owner of Harlem’s Heaven Hats. This is a magical, meaningful, glamorous, and empowering showcase of women of color’s significant contributions to fashion during Black History Month.
Her fabulous design is on display to help showcase the impactful contributions of Black trailblazing women in the fashion industry.
I was particularly moved by the stories of influential women like Eunice Johnson, who not only broke racial barriers in media and fashion but also worked tirelessly to uplift her community.
Evetta’s hat is dedicated to Mildred Blount, a remarkable milliner famous for her stunning designs, including those for Gone With The Wind.
It’s amazing to think about the legacy of figures like Zelda Wynn Valdes, who was the first Black designer to open a boutique on Broadway, and Ophelia Devore, who was a trailblazing model and one of the first to advocate for diversity in modeling.
Ann Lowe also stands out as a designer who created elegant pieces for some of America’s most notable figures, including Jacqueline Kennedy.
Lastly, Lois K. Alexander Lane made significant contributions to fashion and community advocacy.
It’s a beautiful way to honor their achievements and remember the strength and creativity of Black women in fashion history! If you have a chance, definitely go see these window displays; they’re a true inspiration.
Divabetic returns to Philadlephia with a free diabetes outreach program in partnership with the Frazier Family. Coalition on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
I was talking to a friend with type 1 diabetes yesterday, and he shared an experience with me that highlighted the challenges of managing diabetes. His insurance company had miscoded his request for insulin, which caused his pharmacy to be unable to refill his prescription. After hours of phone calls, a trip to the Emergency Room, and a lot of frustration, he finally resolved the issue.
This situation emphasized how difficult and frustrating it can be to advocate for one’s health with diabetes. Many people assume that individuals with diabetes should be able to manage their condition without any problems. Unfortunately, empathy, compassion, and encouragement for those living with diabetes are rarely expressed. Instead, there’s an assumption that it’s “no big deal.”
Statistics show that many people struggle with medication compliance, even with oral medications. It raises the question: why don’t others recognize the courage, determination, dedication, and perseverance it takes to manage diabetes day in and day out, year after year? While I don’t have an answer to that rhetorical question, I do recommend giving yourself a pat on the back, encouraging yourself, and appreciating the hard work you put into managing your health.
Remember, it starts with you. Take a minute to love yourself, and let this post be a reminder to you that we see you, recognize your commitment to your health, and love you too. You are amazing!!!
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. BUY NOW
BEST OF 2024: Challenging myself to create an unconventional wedding dress with corrugated cardboard, magazines, newspaper, and Fed Ex envelopes for the Here and Now Fashion Show at the Luther Vandross Style & Music celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City in April 2024.
Luther Vandross’s song, Here and Now became a wedding song anthem for couples in the mid 80’s and 90s’.
Luther’s idol, Dionne Warwick played a role in her son, David Elliott and Terry Steele’s song, “Here & Now” landing in Luther’s hands.
“I was at the house of my Godmother (Dionne Warwick). Her son David and I were fooling around in the basement, playing music; and I asked him to listen to this song I had just written for my pastor’s daughter’s wedding, “said singer, songwriter Terry Steele.
“Davie heard it and said it would be really good if I put a little groove under it. Then Dionne, being the proud Momma, took it to Luther, and Luther liked it,” responds Terry Steele.
In 1985, Luther Vandross released the song, Here and Now his Greatest Hits album, The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love. Luther Vandross won his first Grammy for Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song.
Special thanks to Alicia Nelson, Verna Henry, Pam Lewis, and Joe Murray for their help in bringing my creation to life. Photography: Carol Seitz
I’m looking forward to hosting the Second Annual Luther Vandross: Music & Style Celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City.
CNN Films examines the captivating story of the iconic Luther Vandross as he paves his own course to become one of the most decorated and influential artists of all time in Luther: Never Too Much. From award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (CNN Films’ John Lewis: Good Trouble) and produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, the film will premiere on January 1, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.
“Fashion is everyday theater,” says Tony Award-winning costumier and fashion designer Bob Mackie, who, at 85, is experiencing a career renaissance. He is still designing clothes for Cher, starring in the new Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion documentary about this life and work, and auctioning off some sketches, historical memorabilia and costumes for Cher, Raquel Welch, Diana Ross, and Diahann Carrol at Julien’s Auction.
“I love doing the work” is how he explained his extraordinary career longevity to fashion insider Fern Mallis at their 92 Y Talk. Bob was joined on stage by Tony Award-winning actress Bernadette Peters, Tony Award Winning costume designer Gregg Barnes, Bob Mackie Design Director Joe McFate, and documentarian Matthew Miele.
“We have been approached to do another documentary, ” said Joe McFate when Fern asked about what led them to make this new documentary with Matthew Miele. However, Matthew’s approach to filming the documentary first and then worrying about selling and distributing it later synced the deal. After watching the film, one can assume that Bob Mackie and Joe McFate are executive producers and have final cut approval. Bob’s professional and personal conflicts are glaring omissions.
During their interview, Bob Mackie admitted that Carmen Miranda, her ruffles and platform shoes, and the film American in Paris fueled his interest in designing costumes as a child.
Bubbly Bernadette Peters said Bob Mackie is great at what he does because ‘you trust him’ as a performer. While working on the Carol Burnett show, she remembered how Bob would watch her scene run through to get ideas and often would come up with costume suggestions to help elevate the comedy with a sight gag. She admitted Bob Mackie has a great sense of humor, beauty, and sensuality; above all, he has taste. That’s what sets him apart and makes him so successful.
Costume Designer Gregg Barnes stole everyone’s heart in the audience, sharing fond memories of Bob Mackie. Bob Mackie mentored Gregg as a teenager about being a costume designer. Gregg recalled that Bob had given him advice that had guided him throughout his career. He said to be curious and kind and do the work to succeed in the business. Gregg alluded that Bob Mackie represents the LGBTQ+ legacy of creative geniuses in the arts.
Director Matthew Miele also directed Scatter My. Ashes At Bergdorf’s and Always At The Carlyle had plenty of material to work from when making the two-hour Naked Truth documentary. At times, the film could be more cohesive. Bob’s origin story is scattered throughout the movie at the oddest times. The viewer is left filling in the blanks regarding Bob Mackie’s personal life. Bob Mackie is guarded and tight-lipped. He can barely admit to being involved with his business partner, Ray Aghayan, an American fashion and costume designer, after his divorce from singer and actress LuLu Porter.
Ray played a pivotal role in Bob’s career. He introduced Bob to Mitzi Gaynor, who hired him as the costume designer for her TV show, which kicked off his career as a costume designer.
Sadly, Ray died in 2011, so Joe McFate is tasked with pulling personal details about their relationship from Bob in a very awkward scene. LuLu appears briefly in the film but never discloses any information about their romance, marriage, or enduring relationship. I would have enjoyed hearing her discuss how their sixty-year relationship transitioned from lovers and spouses to best friends and grandparents.
Sadly, LuLu and Bob are unable to discuss the death of the son, Robin Mackie, who died in 1993 after a history of substance abuse. Their inability to discuss their son sitting at a table with Robin’s daughter is uncomfortable to watch. Although it feels intrusive for Matthew to pry, you can tell he’s desperate to make Bob Mackie less one-dimensional. I was rooting for Matthew to crack the code and get Bob to discuss his son’s death. This tragedy, coupled with his lonely childhood with a despondent mother and hyper-masculine father, seems to fuel his undying desire to masterfully help audiences escape their grim lives and journey into a world of beauty and spectacle.
If there’s more to Bob Mackie’s life than his work, your guess is a good as mine which is a shame. Younger generations have little or no respect for the previous generation’s closeted lives because no one who lived that lifestyle can articulate their struggle. Bob Mackie and other successful gay and bisexual men, Rock Hudson, were forced to live in secret to keep their careers. Unfortunately, their pain, suffering, and struggles sound cliche without personal reflections, insights, and disclosures. People who love Bob Mackie may hate his documentary for not revealing more about his process or his romantic life.
Younger LGBTQ+ viewers, especially, might be disappointed in Matthew and Bob’s inability to discuss his personal life or disclose how his sexuality influenced his work beyond Bob’s midwestern crack about fashion and costume design fields being populated by gay men. Bob is part of the long history of gay and bisexual men creating glamor and feminine allure on screen.
Thankfully, Gregg Barnes masterfully helps the audience connect from the mega-musicals at MGM, Bob’s creations for the Carol Burnett Show, to his stage designs for the Kinky Boots musical. Watching the documentary, you get the sense that CAMP is not going anywhere and, like Cher and cockroaches, will survive long after the rest of us are gone.
Strangely, although Bob Mackie resists and seems to resent being associated as the Master of CAMP, the film opens and closes with Bob, John McFate, and Bob’s publicist attending the MET ‘What is CAMP?” Gala 2019. Yet, Naked Truth does not disappoint sparkle, sequin, rhinestone, and CAMP overs.
The film gives us a glimpse into Bob’s design process and the incredible work of his team of LA-based beaders for Cher’s ABBA-inspired outfit worn on multiple TV appearances. It also treats us to a glorious feast of Bob Mackie’s most iconic CAMP moments for television working with the 70’s most prominent female stars, Cher and Carol Burnett. Carol testifies that Bob’s best-known design, the Scarlett O’Hara dress for the Gone With The Wind sketch, brilliantly captures his wicked sense of humor and superb craftsmanship.
Carol Burnett mentions that Bob Mackie made 1700 costumes while working on her show. Cher admitted in the film that people tuned in to see Bob’s designs for her opening sequences on the Sonny & Cher Show and The Cher Show. Vicki Lawrence said she ran over from the Carol Burnett Show to stand in the wings of the next door Sound stage to see what Cher wore week after week.
The film includes numerous live performances and interviews with divas like Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Mitzi Gaynor, Miley Cyrus, and P!nk in Bob Mackie designs.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo misrepresent the environmental impact of their plastic bottles.
I used art, creating my Halloween displays with single-use plastic, to draw attention to the alarming prevalence of single-use plastics in our lives.
The two companies are among the world’s top plastic polluters. Currently, just 9% of the world’s plastics are recycled. The rest are incinerated and set to landfills or in rivers and oceans. Experts say that almost 3.5 billion bottles are left unaccounted for and can only be recycled once or twice.
One of the other major concerns related to the abundance of single-use plastics is our health. The tiny particles in plastics known as microplastics have been detected in every ecosystem on the planet. Microplastics have been found in the brain, heart, lungs, blood, and semen. Microplastics have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes because they contain additives that act as endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which can alter the body’s hormone system and impair glucose homeostasis.
Collecting my single-use plastics, including water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages over two months, really opened my eyes to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis.
My single-use plastic swamp comprises plastic bottles and cardboard packaging that I painted to resemble foliage.
Everything used to make my displays, except the wigs and crowns, is made from recycled materials – water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, damaged comic books, broken lamp shades, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam.
If you’re concerned about the abundance of single-use plastics and their harmful effects, focus on reducing or replacing one plastic item at a time, like your daily iced coffee container. You can also bring your reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and utensils when you go out.
Avoid buying new clothing, especially polyester, which is spun from plastic. Instead, look for secondhand options or natural fibers like cotton, wool, rayon, or silk.
Plastic containers can be reused for years, but don’t use them for hot foods or liquids, and don’t microwave them.
Please do some research to learn more about the harmful effects of single-use plastics.
Finally, all four of my Princess Frog sculptures are displayed for Halloween at West 69th Street in New York City.
I was overjoyed when a young girl pointed at each frog and said, “Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit.”
West 69th Street is one of New York City’s iconic Halloween Streets, where over 2,000 children trick-or-treat annually.
Rapunzel
Once upon a time, there was a little frog, Who lives in a pond, in a cozy little bog One day, she meets a prince who is lost in the woods, And she asks him kindly If she can do him any good.
“Please help me find my way to the tower up ahead, Where my dear Rapunzel lives with her long, luscious hair, unfed.” The smart little frog knows the way, and she hops along the road, Leading the prince until they reach the tower of cobblestone
But when they find Rapunzel l, She is no longer a maid, But a slimy green frog, who has been cursed and betrayed. The prince is surprised, But he takes the frog in his hands, And kisses her on the cheek, Breaking the witch’s spell demands.
And lo and behold, The frog turns into a princess fair, With golden locks of hair and eyes like the sun’s glare. Hand in hand, the happy couple go on their merry way,
leaving the little frog to deal with the tower’s disarray.
On the floor, the frog sees Rapunzel‘s beautiful locks of hair
And decides to make a wig that she can wear Next, she sees a big pile of pretty, lacy dresses All of which seem fit for a Queen or Princess
Beautiful dresses covered with buttons and stripes,
others with purple flowers in designs she likes
The frog tries on a pink dress with long, pillowy sleeves She looks in the mirror and decides it suits her to a tee She hops to the bureau, where she finds a gold crown She stares in the mirror, sees her reflection, and laughs out loud
Suddenly, she hears a creak when the couple opens the door To find the little frog draped in velvet, pearls, and furs galore Rapunzel and the Prince shriek at the frog in delight Thrilled to see the frog beaming in jewels shining bright
Rapunzel runs to the little frog and gives her a squeeze “You saved my life, little frog. Take whatever you please.”
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.
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.
Just wanted to share this amazing experience from Thursday night’s Soul Train Tribute to Luther Vandross at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY.
We kicked off the free outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary with a Soul Train Dance Line, and it was genuinely heartwarming to see so many people, including those using mobility devices, participating with such an upbeat attitude and joyful spirit.
It’s reported that as high as 80% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations happen due to mismanaged diabetes. Regardless of how or why someone experiences a lower limb amputation, it can stop them from wanting to take care of themselves and their diabetes self-care in the future. Allowing these people to still participate in social events and gatherings could boost their morale.
Moments like these remind me of the incredible resilience and determination of people facing challenges. Witnessing someone joining the Soul Train Dance Line on her scooter made me smile and brought back many beautiful memories of our past events.
We can’t wait to return to more outreach events soon to spread positivity and help everyone glamorize good health!
