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!

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.

Dining Out With A Dietitian

Some people looking at this photo may see a cozy place to sit and eat, while others see a minefield.

Chances are, if you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, the concept of food and eating may be overwhelming. If you’ve never paid attention before to what you’re eating, you may find there’s a steep learning curve to learning to count carbohydrates and monitor saturated fats, added sugar, and calories. Plus, the chaos and contradictory messages surrounding what to eat and what not to eat can make you want to give up before you pick up a fork or order.

Navigating your favorite restaurant’s menu can prove difficult for anyone with dietary issues and living with diabetes. 

Our Dining Out With A Dietitian segment is among our most popular on Divabetic’s monthly podcast. During the segment, a registered dietitian, like our friend Constance Brown-Riggs,  reviews the menu and advises us on what to order without letting us feel deprived.

First and foremost, we’re told to watch our portions. Restaurants tend to serve large portions, possibly double what you normally eat or more. Eating half and getting a container to take the other half home is better.

Frequently, we’ve been advised to avoid fried and battered options and instead choose grilled or poached entrees. And if we’re going to have a burger,  order it without cheese but with tomato and lettuce; also, look for turkey or veggie burger options.

Don’t search for the parking spot closest to the restaurant. Get a little extra activity by parking farther away, leaving the car at home, and walking. A brisk walk can help you avoid after-meal blood sugar spikes.

Sally Field inspires this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with all the glamour and style of the red carpet hosted by the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic.

Sally Field’s films, interests, and relationships infuse our Hot Topics discussion, Dining Out with A Dietitian, Sexy Little Numbers, and Diabetes Numerology Game segments with Oscar-worthy advice. Go ahead, “Drink your juice, Shelby!”

Did you know the film, Steel Magnolias’ was based on a true story?

Actor and writer Robert Harling wrote the play based on the true story of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, who died from complications related to mismanaged diabetes.

Podcast guests include diabetes advocate, author, and coach Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Connie Elder, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDCES, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA, who is living with diabetes.

Easy To Make Celebrity-Inspired Charcuterie Plates!

Entertaining with diabetes doesn’t have to be bland. Learn to entertain like a Divabetic and turn your everyday meals into occasions.

Make your next gathering more memorable by focusing on ‘fun’ rather than the ‘food’ aspect of entertaining.

One way to host a fun night is by serving celebrity-inspired Charcuterie Boards.

The word “charcuterie” is a French term for a line of cooking devoted to prepared meat products. But today, charcuterie has become synonymous with wooden boards filled with meats, cheese, produce, crackers, artisan bread, and dips.

The key to making a healthy charcuterie board is to use all kinds of fresh produce for your bite-sized goodies. Choose meats that are preferably free of nitrates and minimally processed. Celery and carrots are always a great stand-by option. So are cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, roasted peppers, hot peppers, cucumber slices, cauliflower, and broccoli. Try to use a variety of textures, colors, and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Recently, I made five different Celebrity-inspired Charcuterie Plates. My guests had to correctly identify my celebrity inspirations by the items on my Charcuterie Plates. When they needed extra help, I also allowed them to ask me ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions about each celebrity inspiration. 

Here’s how I created my Sophia Loren-inspired Charcuterie Plate.

I purchased five mini-brownie tin pans at a nearby Dollar Store. Each tin was $1.99. Then, I lined each tin with waxed paper before placing various food items on them.

My Sophia Loren-inspired Charcuterie plate featured black olives, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto-wrapped sundried tomatoes, and Italian bread. Seconds after putting the Charcuterie Plate down in front of them, my friends correctly guessed Sophia Loren! 

We had a lot of fun talking about Sophia Loren’s career, other Italian celebrities, and additional food items.

My celebrity inspiration, Sophia Loren, was born on September 20, 1934, in Rome, Italy. She rose above her poverty-stricken origins in postwar Naples to become one of Italy’s most famous movie stars. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Cesira in the film Two Women (1961), directed by Vittorio De Sica.

Sophia Loren was the first actor to win an Oscar for a non-English-language performance.

Later she earned an Academy Honorary Award in 1991.

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free, fun Virtual Mother’s Day-themed Baking Party with special guests, Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef and Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

Win gifts courtesy of Arthel Neville Design FABULOUS East/West Tote, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Care gift set, Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes‘s Camper Cozy Mystery, Walden Farms Zero Calories, Zero Net Carbs Salad Dressings, 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.

Over 150 people registered for our last Divabetic Baking Party on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW – FREE REGISTRATION