Tag: Christmas

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Pink Champagne: Christmas Song Of The Week

Fresh off the success of their UK Soul Chart smash hit, Mama’s Kitchen Table, singer-songwriter Paulette McWilliams, multi-Grammy nominated Ivan Hampden Jr., and lyricist Max Szadek present the self empowerment anthem, Pink Champagne — a celebration of overcoming heartache during the holidays!

“This song is a heartfelt shout-out to anyone navigating the tough waters of heartbreak this season,” declares Paulette McWilliams, who powerful vocals have backed up many musical icons such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, and Luther Vandross.

The moving tale of resilience in Pink Champagne has captured the attention of UGONE Radio Host Toni B, who proudly named it the ‘Christmas Song Of The Week’ for her show from December 16-21, 2024.

Additionally, Pink Champagne has been added to RhythmAndSoul’s festive holiday playlist, proving its resonance!

Breakups can be challenging, but the holiday season magnifies those feelings of loneliness.

Surrounded by couples at festive gatherings, playing romantic holiday tunes, and reading cheerful family updates, it’s easy to feel isolated. The airwaves are usually filled with upbeat classics, leaving little room for reflection—until now!

“Outside of Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas, I can’t think of any holiday classics that resonate with those of us feeling low,” says the talented Ivan Hampden Jr. “With Pink Champagne, listeners can find solace and realize they’re not alone in their struggles.”

This empowering track narrates a woman’s journey from heartache to triumph at Christmastime. Paulette envisions it as a source of strength for anyone hurting, encouraging them to embrace their feelings and transform them into joy. With inspiration from the vocal greatness of Nancy Wilson, Marlena Shaw, and Eartha Kitt, Pink Champagne is a fresh and vibrant take on the traditional holiday tune.

“You simply can’t savor the joy of the holidays while clinging to painful emotions. It’s time to release them!” she emphasizes. “I truly believe Pink Champagne will help those who are hurting move forward with a brighter outlook.”

Expertly arranged and produced by the gifted Ivan Hampden Jr., known for his work with Luther Vandross, Ashford & Simpson, Roberta Flack, and Eartha Kitt, this track promises to be a new holiday favorite. His previous Christmas classic, Mistletoe Jam, featured on Luther Vandross’s platinum-certified This Is Christmas album, continues to delight fans.

Pink Champagne is poised to follow in its footsteps with joy and assertiveness!

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Holiday Podcast With Music From Leona Lewis


We’re talking about coping with diabetes, depression and shame during the holidays on Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from Leona Lewis.

‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and temptations that may disrupt daily diabetes health routines. That means it’s also the season when eating healthy, staying active, and taking medication on schedule is more challenging.  The added stress and anxiety of staying on track with your diabetes self-care may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment.

Several studies show that people with diabetes have a greater risk of depression than people without diabetes.

Just like denial, depression hinders good intentions in self-care. It can even make it harder to do things you enjoy. 

“I have a best friend who has severe depression, who takes medication and still struggles, so I know how bad it can be,” says Leona Lewis.

Leona’s friend describes herself as having “highs and lows” brought on by circumstance, not a clinical illness. 

If you’re feeling down, remember you’re not alone. It’s important to share your feelings with your healthcare team. Seeking help takes courage and can be the first step toward feeling better.

Leona Lewis’ holiday song, One More Sleep, sparks our discussion about how the holidays affect your sleep. Insomnia during the holidays is quite common. The holidays bring parties, overeating, later bedtimes, shopping, overspending, and traveling, which may bring on jet lag. The financial pressures associated with gift-giving can also cause sleep disruption during the holidays.

Changing your behaviors and attitudes and adding more physical activities can go a long way toward eliminating insomnia so you can enjoy a deserved and joyous holiday season.

Traveling or spending time with family can shake up our usual meal routines, too. Megrette Fletcher, a diabetes educator, mentioned in an interview that everything changes and can be quite stimulating when we’re away from home, which might lead us to let our guard down a bit. Common sense says eating too much doesn’t improve the food experience, but when faced with an array of delicious treats, it can be hard to resist. As Megrette says, “Food is part of the enjoyment.” Just because you can’t take the food home with you doesn’t mean you have to eat everything in sight if you’re already full. It’s okay to savor the moment and stop when you’ve had enough!

We also have some fantastic guests on the Divabetic podcast, including experts like Debby Kay and Megrette Fletcher, and inspiring people like singer Leona Lewis, who will be sharing her music from the Christmas, with Love album. Plus, don’t miss our chance to win 6 months of mySugr Pro access in our INSTANT WINNER challenge!

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Leona Lewis’s Christmas, with Love album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Pink Champagne Is Toni B.’s Christmas Song Of The Week

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! 

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12 DIVAS OF THE HOLIDAYS 2014 Poem by Lorraine Brooks 


12 DIVAS OF THE HOLIDAYS 2014 Poem by Lorraine Brooks 

Our braveness showed amid the snow

In January’s days.

And Sara Bareilles brought us

Happiness and praise.

In February, we discussed

How not to label things

Fantasia’s music filled the air

And gave our spirit wings.

Sometimes, life can throw us curves

And threaten our self-worth,

But March gave us the Sapphires

With models of rebirth.

My favorite radical, Nina Simone,

Was all about the fight.

Her April’s jazzy vocals did

Fill us with much delight.

And then in May, Doris Day did prove

Her unconditional being.

She gave us strength to recognize

The things we weren’t seeing.

A Legend was and legend is

The John of the same name.

In June’s fierce heat he told us how to

Win at our own game.

We looked back at the life we’ve lived

The things that went awry,

But Lisa Stansfield ‘s message was

Reversal, in July.

Miranda Lambert’s Platinum!

She’s like a shooting star.

In August, we did celebrate

How precious we all are.

September’s game was mystery

And mayhem, to be sure.

Pink Panther’s message was to be

More trusting and secure.

Lisa Lisa, Cult Jam too

With Anger we did deal

And in October, we all learned that

It’s OK to feel.

Barbra Streisand, what a voice

And what a partner too.

Our friends and healthcare partnerships

Were in November, true.

And now the holidays approach

December’s faith and hope,

Religions, cultures, and beliefs,

They give us strength to cope.

Kwanzaa celebrates the fruits.

A banquet from the earth.

Channukah’s the feast of lights

And Christmas signals birth.

We flavor life with Seasonings.

Add flavor to the fun.

And so December’s diva is

Anthony Hamilton.

A joyous time to everyone!

May you be energetic!

Let’s join together one and all.

Let’s all stay DIVABETIC!

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Don’t Miss Bergdorf Goodman’s Holiday Windows 2024

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. 

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Mystery Podcast: A Christmas Peril

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

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Cozy Up With Divabetic Mysteries: A Christmas Peril

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies.

Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic and our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons they teach.

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Toast the Holidays with New Christmas Song, Pink Champagne!

Please help me toast the holidays by listening to my new Christmas song, Pink Champagne, by Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams. 

The song is a passionate story of self-love and a woman’s journey from victim to victor at Christmastime. A mindset that I hope anyone who feels brokenhearted can find comfort in.   

Breakups are hard. But the holidays seem to magnify the loneliness of heartaches: parties with everyone coupled up, romantic Christmas music and movies, and those annual Christmas letters brimming with friends’ burgeoning families. The airwaves are filled with upbeat holiday classics leaving little room for sadness and contemplation. 

Take it from me, you can’t experience the joy of the holidays unless you let go of the painful emotions instead of holding them in. Hopefully, Pink Champagne can help bring joy and help those of us experiencing the same to move on during the holidays.

If you like my new release, Pink Champagne. please ‘like’ and share

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Divabetic Mysteries: A Great Way To Learn About Diabetes!

Divabetic Mysteries are podcasts that use a cozy mystery format to educate people about diabetes and diabetes self-care. Our goal is to encourage people with diabetes to act like detectives. When unexpected issues related to your diabetes health occur, search for clues, take notes, consult with your healthcare team and work together to solve problems.

Hopefully, the intrigue and deception will draw you in and challenge you to see if you can figure out the puzzle before it’s revealed.  Our stories always end on a positive note to wrap the story up with an important life lesson and bow. Invariably, Mr. Divabetic’s dreams of becoming the Next Food Network Star remain intact thanks to the encouragement of his friends and mother long enough for another misadventure.

We hope you feel like you’ve just spent time with some good friends by the time you reach the end of the podcast. Our team enjoys rehearsing and performing these podcasts for you annually. Thank you for listening!

Our ‘A Christmas Peril’ podcast was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir. Video by Joe Hackney from Pixabay.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

 

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