I know we're a few days into the month of February, but I wanted to take a moment to bring awareness to a few great African Americans I've always respected and that have had a deep impact in my life. 

Sidney Poitier

He's not only one of the greatest male stars of all time, he was awarded USA's highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, by Barack Obama in 2009. 

Langston Hughes

He's best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He was an incredible writer. He wrote novels, short stories and plays. 

Would love to hear who you're paying respect to during African American month. Tell me in the comments below.

A few days ago, I appeared on The Talk with Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Taylor and Sheryl Underwood to talk about "Chocolate Me!" I had a great time chatting it up with everyone, talking about the positive message behind my book.

My favorite part of the show? Hearing what types of chocolate each of the hosts thought they were and why. Check it out the episode below:

What kind of chocolate are you? Let me know in the comments section below!

2011 was a great year, but I can't wait to see what 2012 brings. Here's a photo recap of some fun times that made this past year an amazing one.

Chocolate Me! Book Signing

Appearance on "American Morning"

Appearance on Tim Daly's "The Daly Show"

Prep for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

On "Live! With Kelly Ripa"

With the cast of "Absinthe" in Vegas

My Trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain

What were some of your favorite memories of 2011? Let me know in the comments below!

We’re about to enter 2012, but before we kick off the new year, let’s take a look at some events of 2011.

In March, a powerful earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, killing nearly 16,000 people.


The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton dominated headlines in April.


On September 11, 2011, the Ground Zero monument was unveiled, marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On October 2, 2011, Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple passed away, sparking an outpouring of sentiment from the public.

What do you think was the biggest event of 2011?

I love reading to my son, Walker. It’s great quality time and with so many great books out there, he’s always excited to for story time. Here are some books I look forward to sharing with my son just in time for the holidays that are worth reading more than once and have great illustrations.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
I have loved all the Peanuts books since I was a child and this book is one that I look forward to reading to my son this weekend.

The Polar Express
I love the imagination of this story that captures the spirit of Christmas and has amazing illustrations.

A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
This book gets me every time! “A Wish to be a Christmas Tree is a must-read about friendship, love and generousity.

Too Many Toys
About charity and generousity, this book teaches an important lesson that is easy for children to relate to.

Which books do you love reading to your little ones around the holidays? Let me know in the comments section below!

Hey y’all!

I recently had a chance to sit down with the folks from Soul Pancake for their Perspectives section where I talk about what it’s like to be different and share some things you may not know about me. There’s also a chance to win a signed copy of “Chocolate Me!”

Here are a couple snippets for your enjoyment:

SP: What are three quirky things about you that make you different?
TD: Hmm, three quirky things about me that make me different: I sometimes like to make up dances and teach them to friends when I'm out at parties or a nightclub. I was born with 6 fingers on each hand. I had the extra digit removed, but you can see where it was on both my hands. Sounds more gross than it is. And the third? I consider myself a highly sensitive person. I play it off, but I'm a very delicate flower.

SP: What's your life's biggest question?
TD: My life's biggest question... right now I'm curious as to what kind of adult my son is going to be. I'm confident and hopeful, but very, very curious.

For the full Q&A and to participate in the contest, click here.

Hey y’all,

We’ve been getting in some great pictures on our “Chocolate Me!” Facebook page expressing diversity. Here are some new ones, including a self-portrait by Malikhai Kolonko that he drew for Black History Month for his kindergarten class. Thank you to everyone who has sent in works of art. Continue to spread the sweetness and keep ‘em coming!

Earlier this week, I sat down with the super funny Ellen DeGeneres to share some laughs. I also got to talk about “Chocolate Me!” and share stories about my 2-year-old son Walker and my wife, Idina Menzel, who recently appeared on an episode of Glee. Check out the clip below and let me know if you caught the show!

I don’t know about y’all who are parents, but with my son, Walker, I’ve somehow started adopting a new “dad”  vocabulary. I have no idea when this started, but it’s something I don’t even realize I’m doing. At least Idina and I don’t get too carried away with the baby talk – we mix things up and sing around the house, too, which is something Walker loves.

Some words I’ve used, translated below…
“pop pop” — pacifier
“banky” — blanket
“baba” — bottle

How about all you parents out there? Have you caught yourself doing this at home with your little one?

Hey y’all!

If you haven’t heard already, I’ve been encouraging everyone to submit “Chocolate Me!” drawings that express diversity. They can be drawings you like, of your family, or of a “Chocolate Me!” world. Here are some great submissions that we’ve posted on Facebook.

Make sure to keep them coming so we can share them over the next couple of weeks!