I’m thrilled to share that UG-ONE Network radio host, Toni B. chose my Christmas ballad, Pink Champagne, as her Christmas Song of the Week. She’s planning to feature it every day this week on her Sparkle & Shine radio show in between a great mix of old and new R & B songs and holiday tunes.
Today she shared a heartfelt introduction encapsulating the song’s victim to victory mindset that had me smiling from ear to ear!
The inspiration for Pink Champagne came to me while I was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. I thought, “What if the heroine ran into her (future) ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve and told him she gave his present away?” Something about that idea made me think of Nancy Wilson’s iconic Guess Who I Saw Today? and the lyricist’s brilliant storytelling approach to songwriting.
When it came to selecting a cocktail for this song, I found myself drawn to pink champagne for a variety of reasons. Not only does it evoke a sense of celebration, but it also embodies a spirit of self-empowerment.
There’s something about the effervescence and vibrant color that feels uplifting and invigorating. Pink champagne is often associated with special occasions and moments of joy, making it the perfect choice for someone taking a bold step forward to move on with their life.
In addition to its celebratory nature, pink champagne exudes elegance, class, and sophistication. It can turn an ordinary moment into something truly extraordinary. The way it sparkles in the glass and the delightful bubbles that dance on your palate create an experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
I wonder what other cocktails you might choose. Would you lean towards something equally festive, or perhaps opt for a drink that reflects your personality or mood?
Once I chose my cocktail, the lyrics just flowed out of me like a story. I first reached out to my friend, Ivan Hampden Jr. to see if he’d be interested in working on a Christmas song, but he initially said “no.” Not one to give up, I called my friend, vocalist, Paulette McWilliams next, and she also said “no,” but before hanging up, I asked her if I could share a few lyrics. By the time I finished, she was asking me to send the rest!
A few hours later, Ivan called back and said, “We’re going to do your Christmas song!” From that point, the song blossomed week after week. Ivan layered on beautiful orchestration while Paulette played with the melody and ad-libs and helped fine-tune my lyrics, bringing her insights into the character.
When Ivan sent me the mastered track, I was absolutely blown away by how my words transformed into this lush and elegant Christmas song.
It turned out to be a truly beautiful collaboration!
Divabetic’s podcast series is about energizing and empowering listeners living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes! We provide expert advice, inspiring stories from peers, stylish tips, and even some fun music and games.
We aim to encourage everyone to take charge of their self-care, boost their confidence, and truly embrace wellness. Tune in for a fun and uplifting experience!
Founded in 2005, Divabetic was inspired by music legend Luther Vandross, whose personal battle with diabetes ignited our mission.
We proudly bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, translating complicated medical language into accessible knowledge while boosting confidence and hope.
Recognized by leaders like President Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Divabetic champions our “Glam More, Fear Less” philosophy, encouraging women to become wellness ambassadors in their families and communities.
Join us on the journey to glamorize good health! Visit Divabetic.
Living with Type 2 diabetes doesn’t compromise the Diabetic Pastry Chef,Stacey Harris’s creativity in the kitchen. After attending culinary school, Stacey taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbohydrates in traditional bakery items.
If you’re feeling deprived of your favorite holiday treats because you’re living with diabetes, then check out this new recipe from our friend, Stacey.
From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar-free!
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube cake or bundt pan. Cream butter and gradually add sugar substitute. Continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Blend in extracts and brandy. Gradually add the flour and beat until smooth.
Pour the cake batter into the tube pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean and the edges of the cake have come away from the sides of the pan. Cool for 20 minutes in the pan before unmolding. Cool completely. Add glaze and arrange apricots and mint on top.
Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar-free apricot preserves
1Tbsp. apricot brandy or leftover apricot nectar from the can
1 8-ounce can of apricot halves, drained
fresh mint for garnishing
Directions
Heat the apricot preserves until melted. Remove from heat and stir in brandy or nectar. Spread the warm glaze over the cake and sides. Garnish with the apricot halves, which can also be glazed, and garnish with the mint. Enjoy
Stacey Notes for the Best Results:
This recipe is revised from an old Ebony magazine recipe. It is a showstopper! It works well for holidays. I have made it as is. I have also made it using canola butter in place of whole butter. I have successfully made the cake by cutting the butter to 1 cup and adding 1/2 cup sour cream. I suppose yogurt would also work in place of the sour cream. You can read more about Stacey’s experience making her Sugar-Free Apricot Brandy Pound Cake recipe on her blog.
I generally mix my sugar substitutes to get the best flavor, baking properties, and health results. For this cake, I used 1 cup of Splenda, 1 cup of Stevia in the Raw, and 1 cup of Whey Low. Do not try to use Splenda alone unless you’re using Splenda for Baking.
If you’re interested in making over one of your holiday specialties with sugar substitutes, Stacey recommends using a blend of sugar substitutes in your recipe rather than just one for the best results.
Yesterday, I had the absolute joy of visiting Santaland at Macy’s, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical!
This enchanting wonderland is a delight for kids and adults alike, bringing holiday cheer to everyone.
Did you know that children first met Santa at Macy’s way back in 1862?
For decades, Macy’s was known as “The Headquarters of Santa Claus” and later dubbed “The Home of Santa Claus.”
Most of us always look forward to Santa’s arrival during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade—it’s a tradition that started in 1924 and charmed its way onto our screens in 1948!
This year, my friend Nolan is lending a helping hand to Santa by keeping track of all the good boys and girls, snapping photos, and listening to their wish lists right in Santaland on the 8th Floor of Macy’s in Herald Square.
Nolan is the perfect helper, bringing his big heart and creative spirit to life, thanks to his background as a former Cruise Ship entertainer!
While we waited in line, we were completely mesmerized by the sights and sounds of Magicland.
The dancing ballerina pigs, the twinkling toy trains, the festive scenery, and the cheerful elves (not to mention Mrs. Claus) made the wait fly by in the most delightful way!
Thanks to the beloved 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street” featuring the fabulous Natalie Wood, Macy’s is now the second most popular spot for Santa, right after the North Pole!
If you’re thinking about visiting Santaland, just a little heads up—be sure to make your reservation online in advance. You won’t want to miss this holiday adventure!
I’m excited to be Toni B’s Special Guest on her upcoming show this Wednesday, December 11, on UG-ONE! I can’t wait to share stories from my incredible experience working with Luther Vandross.
I started working with Luther in 1993 on the Never Let Me Go project in the wardrobe department and eventually became his assistant until he sadly passed away in 2005.
In the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, I discuss my traumatic moment of finding Luther after he had a devastating stroke due to complications from mismanaged type 2 diabetes. It was a wake-up call for me that inspired the creation of Divabetic, a national nonprofit aimed at diabetes outreach.
I truly believe in empowering Luther’s fans and their families to keep their homes healthy and happy by learning to prevent complications like strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and more.
At Diabetic (Divabetic.org), we take a unique approach to traditional diabetes education, offering fun, upbeat, engaging makeovers, music, and games. I’m thrilled that our resources—like podcasts, videos, and online support—are free!
I’ve also enjoyed collaborating with my talented musical family from Luther’s world. With Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, I’ve written songs like Mama’s Kitchen Table and Pink Champagne.
I’ve worked with incredible artists like Cindy Mizelle and Brenda White-King on That Man Of Mine and Pat Lacy with Lisa Fischer on I Wish At Christmas I Could Bring You Home.
A couple of my singles, Mama’s Kitchen Table and Standards by Crystal Penny, even charted on the UK Soul and BCFM Soul Charts! That Man of Mine was a big hit on the Billboard Dance Charts in the 90s and was especially popular in Provincetown.
I can’t wait to share more on the show! I hope you all tune in!
“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.
Yesterday, I spoke to a Divabetic community member with menopause who is struggling with high blood sugar levels. Sadly, some healthcare collaborators don’t discuss the link between estrogen levels and insulin resistance.
If this topic strikes a chord, research and discuss it with your healthcare collaborator. You’re not alone. We believe in you!
Enjoy highlights from Divabetic’s World Menopause Day Panel discussion on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Our panel was moderated by Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller and featured Dr. Julianne Arena,Donna Rice, and Amparo.
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.
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.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to encourage you to not let diabetes dim your holiday spirit with musical inspiration from Mariah Carey.
Mariah Carey’s lasting impact on holiday music, 30 years after the release of Merry Christmas. Her album is the best selling Christmas album of all-time. Merry Christmas boasts a variety of musical arrangements, sounds and genres. Mariah Carey’s goal during recording was to provide an album that would have a “Christmas feel”, providing a mixture of soulful tracks, as well as fun and joyous holiday treats.
In the years since its original release, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become established as a Christmas standard; it was once called “one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon.
Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little preparation, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.
Preparation is the most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities. Know what you’ll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you’re ready to celebrate!
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, ‘Unleash Your Inner Diabetes Dominator’ Author Daniele Hargenrader, CEO of Insulcloud Jose Luis and Mama Rose Marie.
Throughout the podcast we will be playing musical selections from Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas album courtesy of SONY Music.
One of the things I eagerly anticipate every holiday season is the stunning artistry and craftsmanship showcased in the Bergdorf Goodman windows. Each year, they bring a sense of sophisticated and extravagant holiday elegance, making you feel like you’re stepping into a delightful bubble of champagne! There’s just something magical about the way they glow at night, capturing the glamor of New York City.
Did you know that planning for these breathtaking windows starts eight months earlier, back in February?
A dedicated team of about 100 people works together on everything from design to production, with installation taking almost three weeks!
This year’s theme, “Toast of the Town,” is fascinating as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Fifth Avenue and highlights its vibrant role in New York City’s character. Each window tells its own story.
One window, for instance, honors the city’s beautiful parks that line Fifth Avenue, like Washington Square and Central Park. It’s a lovely leafy oasis filled with vibrant greens, charming creatures, and even some statues! I especially love the giant praying mantis they included.
Another window bursts with bright yellow to pay tribute to NYC’s iconic yellow taxis! It features a stunning starburst made from a collage of cab parts.
Then there’s the magnificent red window celebrates the New York Public Library, featuring the dazzling bejeweled lions, Patience, and Fortitude.
Check out the giant typewriter and minature sculpture of the library!!
A dreamy lavender window showcases chic fashion and shopping from some of the city’s most famous department stores, while a brilliant blue window highlights the landmarks along 5th Avenue, including the Flatiron Building, the Empire State Building, and the Plaza.
And let’s not forget to mention the dozens of sparkling couture pigeons by Burke & Pryde!
They’re sprinkled throughout each window, and no two are the same.
Each one is adorned with colorful sequins and unique patterns that truly dazzle the eyes.
As David Hoey, the senior director of visual presentation for Bergdorf Goodman, shared with the New York Post, “The windows will appear to be a collage from afar, but up close, visitors can appreciate all kinds of ‘micro details.’” It’s such a treat to explore all the intricate elements that make these displays so special!
We’re taking about ways to celebrate a Diabetes ‘BLUE’ Christmas with holiday musical inspiration from Elvis Presley.
Are you feeling blue?
The holiday season triggers mood swings for many of us. We may stress about finances, fight with family members, feel overwhelmed with commitments, slip into bad eating habits, ignore blood sugars and/or gain weight.
We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes dim your dazzle during the holiday season with our panel of experts.
Mr. Divabetic’s guests include Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, Mandy Reece PHARMD, CDE, BC-ADM, FAADE, Rachel Zinman, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage.
