After lying low during the pandemic, my friends were getting restless for Halloween. So for the past few years, I have hosted an adult pumpkin carving party that I like to call ‘Prosecco & Pumpkins’. It’s the perfect way to kick off fall and get excited about the upcoming holidays. Even better, it’s a low-key, easy kind of party to throw, busy schedule and all.

Of course, I had to decorate my apartment to get everyone in the mood. I made this gigantic tarantula! It was easy! I used my co-workers black tights and a hefty garbage bag, stuffed with assorted paper and plastic grocery bags.

This year I bought smaller-sized pumpkins because I’ve learned that larger-size pumpkins translate into more post-party cleanup. And smaller-sized pumpkins require less time to carve and design, so it’s not a super late night for your guests.

My party started with cocktail hour. I made my first charcuterie board using tips from Brenda Novak‘s online Book Club party and YouTube. We also had some excellent Gotham Volleyball Sangria Showdown-worthy Sangria made by my friend, Jeannie. If you’re living with diabetes and enjoy an occasional cocktail check out this Divabetic podcast featuring expert advice on the subject.

I made Chef Robert Lewis, aka The Happy Diabetic‘s Iowa- Style Apricot and Onion Pork Chops, a big hit for dinner! My sides included roasted Brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes.

Then, we got down to the main event, Prosecco and Pumpkin carving. Again, everyone was quiet, sipping on bubbly as they focused on their designs.

Here’s my pumpkin design! Judging by the smile on my pumpkin’s face, you can tell I was in a good mood after spending time with friends and celebrating again!

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic plays his newest nutrition game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash’ with everyday people at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, PA.

Here’s how you play: Mr. Divabetic lists 3 fruits and vegetables. Among the three choices, you have to choose which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste, and which one you’d be willing to trash. Your options are cantaloupe, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.

Get inspired to eat more fruits and vegetables. Mr. Divabetic is the host of the free monthly podcast, Diva TalkRadio: Diabetes Roundtable. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include health care professionals, beauty, image/style, and fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and affected by diabetes.