Tag: Divabetic

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Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 8

It’s now or never. Should I tell my husband, Jasper what I did earlier today to save our marriage or not? The successful and wealthy chanteuse Dominique Deveraux confronting Alexis Carrington on the TV show, Dynasty would probably be calm, relaxed, and collected in my situation, but I’m a basket case. Hopefully, my inner Diahann Carroll, with her alluring elegance, glamour, and grace that made her a force to be reckoned with, will inspire me. 

Just as I think a bit of liquid courage would help my situation, my favorite cocktail, pink champagne, appears in front of me thanks to our waiter. It’s the perfect cocktail for the best time of the year. Something about the fabulous pink color and all those tiny little bubbles feels like the holidays to me. What could be better than drinking a glass filled with glitter? And let’s not forget, it contains fewer calories than wine! Red or white wine has between 135 and 200 calories, a glass of pink champagne clocks in at only 95.

Jasper must have ordered my cocktail for me before I arrived. The thoughtfulness of his gesture makes me melt inside. He knows me, my likes, my dislikes, my interests, my passions, my moods, and my heart. Emotions surge inside of me. The ice around my heart begins to thaw. I can’t help feeling that Jasper is deliberately trying to woo me. 

My husband’s eyes drink me in as I take a sip. I ask Jasper about his day. He seems a bit flustered at first, grasping for words before the smooth tenor of his voice returns. He doesn’t mention being at the restaurant earlier or with a woman, which doesn’t surprise me. Jasper doesn’t like to cause a scene in public. He’ll do anything to avoid it. Anytime our kids would cry in public when they were younger, Jasper moved mountains and earth to get us somewhere private as quickly as possible. He might be one of New York’s most successful ligators in court, but at home, he shies away from confrontation. I guess I do too. After all, I have never mentioned how I really feel about his early morning departures and late arrivals. 

It’s actually a relief that Jasper doesn’t mention his lunch date to me. On the one hand, it means he didn’t see the children or me earlier, which means my surprise is still a surprise. But, on the other hand, if I can be so bold, his date doesn’t warrant a mention, which means we may not have a confrontation after all. Now perhaps that’s hope talking, but I am getting a strange feeling that my husband chooses me. He’s leaning forward in his chair, looking directly into my eyes and attentively listening to every word from my lips. If I believed in paranormal and mythical things, I’d say a time machine has sent us back to our first Christmas Eve together. Back then, we were so in love with each other that nothing else in the world mattered to us. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other. 

While I take another sip of my pink champagne, Jasper shares the astronomical amount of money his client received in a settlement he negotiated today. Jasper talks with his hands as he describes his closing argument to the judge. I’m caught off guard by how my husband is talking to me. He’s not condensing, not cross or irritated. In fact, he seems determined for me to understand him as if my opinion truly matters. When I offer my praise, he seems genuinely grateful to be acknowledged.

His voice cracks when he mentions that he’s hiring a new assistant. I’m a bit surprised because I thought he loved his assistant, Monique. Monique always seems to know exactly what my husband needs before he’s able to tell her. It doesn’t matter if it’s a client file, a phone number, an internal memo, or even a take-out menu from a nearby restaurant. She’s always one step ahead of him. Although I have only met her once, I like Monique immensely. Jasper tells me that Monique left three months ago to be closer to her aging father. Apparently, she works for a law firm in her hometown, down South. I’m surprised I didn’t know sooner. Then again, we’ve said more to each other in the last thirty minutes than we have in the past three months.  

I practically spill my pink champagne when Jasper asks me if I would consider coming to the office and helping him out until he finds a replacement. A wide smile spreads across my face. Jasper hasn’t asked for my help since he started practicing law. He couldn’t afford to hire anyone back then, so I readily agreed to be his assistant. I actually enjoyed the work. We were so close back then, working together as a team. My husband returns my smile when he hears my response. I agree with his request. He’s elated. 

What’s going on here? Jasper is looking at me like I’m the only person in the woman. Now, I’m in a quandary about what to do. Do I go through with my plan? Do I tell him why I didn’t buy him a Christmas gift? Or do I make an excuse and pretend I forgot it at home? 

TO BE CONTINUED …

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 1

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 2

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 3

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 4

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 5

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 6

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 7

Divabetic Holiday Playlist: We’re loving Lady A’s rendition of Paul McCartney’s iconic song,  “Wonderful Christmastime”. Lady A decided to revamp their 12-track On This Winter’s Night Christmas album from 2012. According to Canadian actor Ryan George, it’s actually “about friends practicing witchcraft but then someone walks in and they have to suddenly play it cool.”

 

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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Luther Vandross, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes & Stroke

Yesterday I was interviewed about my experience finding my boss, Luther Vandross after he suffered a stroke in his apartment in 2003.

My memories of that day are still crystal clear. My experience fuels my passion for helping others at risk, affected by and living with diabetes, to ‘keep their house a home,’ specifically by learning how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication.

My learning curve about stroke prevention was dramatic, and I don’t wish that to be the case for anyone else.

Two minutes after Luther, who was lying on a gurney, was wheeled into emergency, the doctor came out to tell me that Luther’s stroke could be prevented. I was dumbfounded. Up until that moment, I didn’t know the link between stroke and mismanaged diabetes. I use ‘mismanaged diabetes’ because well-managed diabetes is the leading cause of nothing. In Luther’s case, he was not managing his type 2 diabetes when he suffered a stroke. Instead, numerous people and media like to solely blame his weight for the stroke. They never mention noncompliance as a risk factor too.

I assume Luther must have felt the sense of overwhelming failure after regaining 125 + pounds. Understandably, he might have avoided taking his diabetes medications, seeking out his healthcare providers, and asking for help from others. As a result, he was alone in his battle. I think that was a mistake.

Luther Vandross, at age 52, suffered a stroke on April 16, 2003. But, unfortunately, his healthy story is not unique. He suffered from diabetes and hypertension, and his weight seesawed between 180 and 320 pounds. Even the term ‘yo yo’ dieting seems a bit naive to me. Personally, I feel Luther suffered from disordered eating behavior. Most of us don’t take time to think about our eating habits like what, when, and why they eat. 

Signs and symptoms of disordered eating may include, but are not limited to:

  • Frequent dieting, anxiety associated with specific foods, or meal skipping
  • Chronic weight fluctuations
  • Rigid rituals and routines surrounding food and exercise
  • Feelings of guilt and shame associated with eating
  • Preoccupation with food, weight, and body image that negatively impacts the quality of life
  • A feeling of loss of control around food, including compulsive eating habits
  • Using exercise, food restriction, fasting, or purging to “make up for bad foods” consumed

Disordered eating behaviors are treatable with the right resources and help. But many people who suffer from disordered eating patterns either minimize or do not fully realize the impact it has on their mental and physical health. Luther liked to joke about his eating behaviors and weight. Specifically, I feel Luther suffered from binge eating. 

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterward; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating. It is the most common eating disorder in the United States.

Sadly, Luther and I never discussed his type 2 diabetes beyond the need to refill a prescription. I didn’t even know he had hypertension. So do I regret that I wasn’t more involved in his diabetes self-care? Absolutely! But it seems only Cher is capable of turning back time. So my time left on earth is dedicated to sharing my experience to inspire others. 

We did discuss his weight. He asked me how I managed my weight. I told him that I exercised. When he said that he didn’t exercise, I suggested that he try step aerobics. Up until that point, Luther relied on liquid diets to maintain his weight loss. Ultimately, Luther liked step aerobics so much that we traveled on tour with a step aerobics instructor.

Unfortunately, his all-or-nothing approach to diet and exercise did not help. He could not practice moderation. I don’t think he is alone in that regard. My friend, High Voltage, abstains from added sugar because she believes her body reacts to added sugar like it’s a drug. She often compares the experience of sugar cravings to cocaine addiction. High Voltage can’t have one teaspoon of sugar and stop. Unfortunately, moderation is not the cure for everyone. Sadly, we choose to beat ourselves up and others for lacking the willpower to stop eating certain foods when the real culprit could be brain chemistry.  

During the interview, I was asked if Luther experienced love. Unfortunately, I think he was lacking in self-love.  

“If I’m emotionally distraught, then eating is my coping mechanism,” Luther Vandross told Britain’s Q magazine in 1991. “For what ails me, it seems to be the only thing that takes the edge off the pain.”

Strokes, the third-leading cause of death for all racial and ethnic groups, killed 18,884 African-Americans in 1999.

Also, in 1999, 11,927 African-Americans died from diabetes, the sixth-leading cause of death for African-Americans.

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Chuck Flowers.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason.

Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 7

I practically jump out of my skin at the sound of the fire snap and crackle in the Champagne Bar’s fireplace.

Just as you could imagine, the Plaza Hotel is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Plaid ribboned garlands, pine-scented wreaths, and vibrant red poinsettias adorn the gleaming entryways. It feels like a tuxedo-clad Cary Grant with Audrey Hepburn on his arm might appear at any minute, carrying a glass of champagne to toast the holidays.  

If I wasn’t so on edge about meeting Jasper, I’d stop and snap photos of the decorations. But all day long, I’ve had self-doubt and worry as my companions as I cross off the steps of my plan. Looking at radiant shades of red poinsettias, I feel my heartbeat grow stronger. To think that it took seeing another woman in my husband’s arms to realize that what I want for Christmas is just what I have. I love my life, my children, and our home. Yes, I love my husband. 

I can’t forget Jasper for what he did earlier today. But I am prepared to forgive him. Jasper stood by me in the darkest moments of my pregnancy. He had lifted me up, believed in me, and supported me when I doubted myself. My gestational diabetes created a storm inside of me. My erratic blood sugar levels wore me down. I felt like I was at war with my body. Rescuing my children and delivering them to safety consumed my life. So I closed my heart to Jasper, trying to protect the little lives inside me.

I’ve got to trust that Jasper can do that again if I let him back into my life.  

The dining room feels like a cozy den in a Charleston mansion with high gloss hardwood floors, crisp linen, and heirloom silver vases and tableware. Everything is just like I remember when Jasper and I were last here. How long has it been? Nine years? Eight years? Taking care of two babies in diapers can certainly derail the romance in your married life. 

I look across the candle-lit room and spot Jasper. He’s dressed in a beautiful navy blue Italian wool suit, pale pink dress shirt, and striped tie. My husband is a sight for sore eyes. Jasper looks magnificent. Not only does he fit into the lush surroundings, but Jasper looks like he owns the place! I see other diners stealing glances at him with the same envy and admiration we had when we gazed across the dining room at others all those years ago. I catch my breath again. Finally, it dawns on me that Jasper and I have achieved the life we dreamed of all those years ago. Actually, our lives are so much better than we could ever have imagined. 

As I cross the room, I can tell my husband approves of my choice of outfits from the look in his eyes. The blood, sweat, tears, and tears it took to put myself tonight seem to pay off. My husband locks his gaze on me, drinks me in, and smiles. My chestnut hair is curled in soft waves, and my makeup looks effortlessly alluring. He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek next and then sits back down. Jasper’s eyes rest on my strand of pearls. 

Jasper jumps up to pull my chair out of me before sitting down. There’s a beautifully wrapped present next to my place setting. I have a pit in my stomach. Doubt begins to rear its ugly head as I question my decision to not bring a gift for Jasper. Is my plan going to work? Will this Christmas Eve lead us to more beautiful memories of Christmas, or will I forever be looking back at last Christmas wishing with regret? 

TO BE CONTINUED …

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 1

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 2

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 3

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 4

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 5

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 6

It sounds like I’m not the only person thinking and writing Christmas break-up songs this year. Kelly Clarkson has unleashed the beast this holiday season with a new Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around, featuring not one, not two, but at three Christmas break-up songs, not counting her rendition of Wham’s Last Christmas. Her Merry Christmas Baby is the ultimate tinsel-laced blow-off holiday tune. You go, girl!

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Divabetic Pink Champagne Holiday Gift Guide 2021, #5

Whether you’re focused on losing weight or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s  Divabetic Holiday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.

Our friend, Rachel Zinman is an internationally renowned yoga teacher and writer. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2008. She started her Yoga For Diabetes blog to share with the diabetes online community how yoga has helped her manage diabetes.

Rachel’s gift suggestion is a Manduka yoga mat.

“As far as Yoga Mats go you can’t go past a Manduka mat, Rachel says.

Durable, eco-friendly, and ultra-dense cushioning for superior stability and joint protection. Manduka has a range of mats that are specific to a personal practice. If you need more grip, something eco-friendly, or a mat with a line down the center to guide you with alignment – they’ve got it! 

New to yoga? Manduka offers two Foundation mats that provide an ideal combination of cushioning, durability, and performance at excellent value.

According to research, yoga therapy increases the number of insulin receptors and increases the proportion of receptor binding in patients with type 2 diabetes.  It improves insulin kinetics by reducing fasting insulin levels, shifting the peak insulin level to the left, and by normalizing the insulin-to-glucose ratio. Read More

“I’ve been teaching and sharing on Manduka mats for years and it’s the preferred mat in many yoga studios so they have a proven track record too,” Rachel adds.

 Retail: $55- 90. Visit Manduka

Rachel Zinman is absolutely passionate about Yoga, its true meaning, and its message. She first came across Yoga at the age of 17 and has never looked back! In her book, Yoga for Diabetes, Rachel shares her personal journey and her hard-won wisdom gained from her own experience of yoga and diabetes.

“If you are at all open or curious to learn about an ancient holistic way of healing and supporting the body, this book is for you. Zinman is clearly an expert and looks so glowingly healthy at 50 years old, one may wonder just how much benefit we too can get from incorporating some yoga into our lives.”—Diabetes Daily

Retail: $22.43  Amazon

For information on Rachel Zinman’s yoga classes, workshops, retreats, and training are designed to lead you step by step to the total understanding of Your Self visit: Rachel Zinman Yoga.

Our friend, Yoga For Diabetes Author Rachel Zinman shares a guided mediation on Divabetic’s popular podcast. Check out Diabetes Late Inspired by Aaliyah with  Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Pendulum Therapeutics CEO, and Co-Founder Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph. D., (the maker of Pendulum Glucose Control), Virginia Valentine, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE, Dr. Darren Wayne from MealBetix and featuring music from Aaliyah’s Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Pink Champagne Christmas Story, Part 6

“Last chance,” says the Christie’s auctioneer before banging her gavel. I’ve been unsure of myself since the moment I arrived. Why did I even come here? Two hours of intense bidding wars have done nothing to calm my nerves. My stomach is in knots. Every time I’m about to make a bid, someone else lifts their paddle or one of the staff members on the phone with overseas bidders makes a bid. By the time I look around to see who is bidding, the piece has already been sold. 

I can’t believe the astronomical amount of money people are spending. Nothing has sold under five million dollars. No one seems to bat an eye about raising the bid by a half-million dollars either.  I must be crazy. What on earth was I thinking? A dull headache takes hold of my medulla. I try to take a deep breath to stop the scene in the restaurant from playing over and over and over again in my mind. Unfortunately for the last three hours, it’s been on repeat just like ‘The Christmas Story’ on TBS on Christmas Day. My kids love that movie. With each pound of the gavel, I see the flash of the photographer’s camera capture my husband kiss that woman in a lovely embrace. 

The auctioneer’s voice shocks me back into reality. Suddenly, I’m done letting my reactions – the fear, the hurt, and the panic – control me. If I deserve love and passion, then indeed I have the strength to fight for it. I quickly throw my paddle up and make the final bid. I briefly remember Rudolfo pointing it out in the catalog and telling me that my husband will love it. “Sold. Thank you all for your bids,” says the auctioneer with a wink to me. I just bought my first major piece of artwork. My heart leaps at the sound of his words. I can imagine Jasper feeling the same way I do right now. The sense of conquest. The way everyone in the room turns to acknowledge you. The envy in their eyes slowly fades as they silently nod their head to you in approval. The victory is all mine. It’s exhilarating!

After I collect myself, Rudolfo escorts me downstairs to pay for and pick up my item near the main lobby. Before I leave, I make a small request. “Can you gift wrap it for me?” A wide grin spreads across Rudolfo’s face in silent acknowledgment as he informs his staff to carry out my request. No one asks me who my purchase is for – they know I brought it for my husband.  A few moments later, I walk out the gleaming doors with a masterpiece wrapped Christmas paper under my arm, and jump in an Uber. 

In less than two hours I’m meeting my husband, Jasper. I’m taking a huge chance at what I’m about to do. There’s no guarantee Jasper will have a change of heart. But if I don’t make a bold move on Christmas Eve, then my marriage won’t survive. Can a glass of pink champagne save us?

TO BE CONTINUED …

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 1

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 2

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 3

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 4

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 5

I’m in Nashville, TN for work this weekend so I’ve been listening to more than my fair share of Country Music. In fact, I just got back to my hotel room after visiting the Country Hall Of Fame Museum. It was amazing! American singer and songwriter Thomas Rhett has released five studio albums but his Christmas song caught my ear. Enjoy!

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Pink Champagne Christmas Story, Part 5

I make a beeline for Jasper’s Christie’s catalog as soon as the kids and I get home from the city. I got the idea to buy something for Jasper in the car as the twins were talking about what they wanted from Santa. I knew instantly that something from the Cox Collection auction was at the top of Jasper’s list. According to Jasper, it’s one of the most significant American collections ever appearing on the market. Masterpieces by Cézanne and Van Gogh will be on sale. This isn’t the area of my expertise, but I know what I need to do. I grab the catalog, tell my mother I have to run an errand and dash out the door before anyone can stop me. 

I let myself wallow in the backseat of an Uber as I listen to Luther Vandross’s Every Year, Every Christmas song on the radio. Something in the lyrics makes me realize it takes two people to ruin a relationship. My eyes start painting pictures with the snow falling outside. I open my window to catch one before it hits the ground. If I can save just one, then maybe I can save my relationship as well. 

When the cab abruptly stops, the weight is back, pressing on my chest. The scene at the restaurant keeps playing over and over again in my mind. I can’t seem to erase it. A few deep breaths later, I convince myself I’m doing the right thing. I don’t want a bigger family. The one I have is perfect. I figured that much out in the cab. 

My urgency propels me through the Art Deco-style gleaming front doors of the Christie’s Auction House in Rockefeller Center in New York City. To say I’m a bit intimidated would be an understatement. This establishment sells roughly $7 billion worth of art, jewelry, and luxury goods a year. But, thankfully, the atmosphere I find is much more casual than I expected. 

After dodging a few staff members’ prying questions about my husband and his whereabouts, I tell them that I am attending today’s auction in his place. Whether or not the staff buys my made-up story doesn’t matter. My husband’s black American Express card’s ridiculous high credit limit certainly makes up for any lingering doubts. 

A senior sales consultant named Rudolfo takes me under his wing and points me in the direction of the auction floor. From the back of the room, I count about 40 bidders, although several more filtered in late. Most attendees wear jeans, sneakers, hoodies, and UGG boots and sit in the rows of chairs in the center of the room, but I take a seat against the back wall. Rudolfo doesn’t waste any time showing me how the auction works and what he thinks my husband is looking for. First, I circle a few items that I think he might like. Then, Rudolfo urges me to keep looking at more. The dollar signs in his eyes motivate him to stay close by my side. 

On either side of the room are about 25 Christie’s staff members taking bids from clients in Singapore, Germany, and Florida over the phone. There’s tension in the air. It’s both nerve-wracking and exciting. I can see why my husband is so obsessed with collecting now. One man wearing a backward baseball cap bids $88,000 for a ruby and diamond jewels set that ends up selling to another bidder for $112,500. People raise their paddles so quickly and subtly that I often don’t even spot them.

TO BE CONTINUED …

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 1

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 2

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 3

Click HERE for Pink Champagne Christmas Story Part 4

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Sugar-Free Linzer Torte Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris, demonstrated how to make her fabulous Sugar-Free Linzer Tortes at last night’s Divabetic Baking Party. Stacey has mastered the art of substituting sugar substitutes and flours in traditional favorites without compromising taste or texture.

Stacey says, ”To cut back on sugar, I started using all-natural substitutes, like agave nectar, and trying erythritol. I also bake with a store-bought blend of sugars that tastes delicious.”

The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares her recipes in a fabulous book so that people with diabetes and others looking for sugar-free treats can make their own lower-carb versions of baked goods at home. The most common thing she hears from customers is, “I don’t even miss the extra sugar!”

Sugar-Free Linzer Tortes Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients
10 tbsp. butter softened
1/3 cup dry sugar substitute
1 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 cup ground almonds or almond flour
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 raw egg yolks
2 hardboiled egg yolks
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 (12.75-oz.) jar sugar-free raspberry jam
1 egg white, beaten
sliced almonds for topping

Directions
In a mixing bowl with a mixer at medium speed, combine butter and sugar substitute until fluffy. Add flour, ground almonds, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, raw egg yolks, boiled egg yolks, and vanilla. Continue to mix until well combined. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Divide chilled dough into 2 pieces. Roll out 1 piece, and fit it into a greased 8×8-in. pan or springform pan. Spread jam over the dough with a spatula.

Roll out and cut strips with the remaining dough to make a lattice top to cover jam. Brush with egg white and sprinkle almonds on top. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes, or until torte is a pale golden color. Cut into squares to serve.

The Diabetic Pastry Chef

The Diabetic Pastry Chef shares the sweet secrets of her simple-to-use formula that will convert most any recipe into a lower-carb alternative without compromising taste or quality in her book. Now people living with can enjoy Chocolate Truffle Cookies, Blueberry Tartlets, Cream Cheese Cupcakes, Coffee Bread Pudding, and hundreds of others.

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 for our next free, fun Virtual Valentines-themed Baking Party with our special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Wednesday, February 9, 2022,  7 – 8:30 PM, EST on Zoom.

REGISTER NOW

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Divabetic Pink Champagne Holiday Gift Guide 2021, #4

Whether you’re focused on losing weight, improving your A1c, or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s Divabetic Holiday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.

When it comes to diabetes, the more you know, the better. You’re probably aware that monitoring your blood sugar levels and A1c levels is important. But keeping track of your heart rate can help you lower your risk of diabetes complications like heart disease. The Apple Watch makes it easy!

Using the Apple Watch, you can check your heart rate at any time. You can view your resting, walking, workout, and recovery rates throughout the day. You can also see if your heart rate remains above or below a chosen heartbeats per minute (BPM), or occasionally check for an irregular heart rhythm. This information, as well as other data it collects, helps Apple Watch estimate how many calories you’ve burned.

“I personally love my Apple Watch SE because it reminds me to move more than I might without it. It measures my steps, other activities (like yoga or a session on my spin bike), and how many hours I’ve stood for at least a minute. If I’m lagging behind in any area, I can add more movement to my day.” – customer testimonial 
Retail $399

BUY NOW

Did you know that your loved ones can get a sense of their diabetes risk by counting heartbeats? 

Healio reports that larger increases in resting heart rate can lead to greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, whereas reductions can have the opposite effect, according to findings published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Divabetic Holiday Playlist: John Legend’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s psychedelic holiday song,  Purple Snowflakes. Co-written with Clarence Paul and David Hamilton, Marvin Gaye originally recorded the song in 1964 and released it as Pretty Little Baby.

It took three decades for the song for the holiday version Purple Snowflakes to be released in 1992. It appears the John Legend included it on his sixth studio album, Legendary Christmas.

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Pink Champagne Christmas Story, Part 3

If my plans make me sound like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, I can’t help it. A lot is riding on our Christmas’ date night’ to get my Christmas wish. Because the only gift from Jasper I want for Christmas is a bigger family. 

Jasper’s constant complaints about the costs of having too many mouths to feed can’t dissuade me either. But, to be honest, the price of a bigger family isn’t the only thing he’s worried about. He’s also concerned about my health. I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy with the twins. I can’t lie – It was brutal. There were times during my pregnancies when it was challenging to manage for me. My insulin resistance worsened around 32 – 36 weeks when I thought I had everything under control. I was literally waking and eating the same breakfast every day for weeks when suddenly I experienced crazy blood sugar levels. I kept thinking, “What the heck is going on, and what did you do wrong???” I was so frustrated, upset, and, yes, very emotional. I felt helpless. 

During my lowest points, Jasper was my rock. First, he dealt with the brunt of my anger and frustration with so much compassion. Then he even paid out of pocket for a therapist, who wasn’t covered by insurance, to help me process what I was feeling. To say I felt like a failure is an understatement. Every high reading on my blood glucose monitor chipped away at my confidence until I was a bundle of nerves. I didn’t trust myself or my body. Thankfully, Jasper found a specialist who helped me when I hit my lowest point. After that, it was a huge relief to learn that my progesterone hormone levels caused by insulin resistance crank up to another gear instead of negligence. Little by little, day after day, I got my blood sugar levels back on track with insulin therapy. Looking back, my initial hesitations to inject myself with insulin seem ridiculous. My insulin dosage even lowered after the release of my hormones slowed down, and my insulin resistance improved. And all that self-monitoring paid off, too, because today, we have two healthy, beautiful children. I can’t imagine my life without them. This is why I am so determined to have more children. Jasper feels the opposite; he isn’t budging either. If I make a sigh when we see a baby on TV, he recites the opinions of every specialist who has advised me against it. I’m more than likely to have gestational diabetes again, according to statistics. But these specialists don’t understand that I am not a statistic either. I have a better understanding of what’s involved and know my risks this time. I know I can do it. 

However, tonight seems like it’s months, not hours away. Nothing has gone according to my plans since we left the house this morning. I’m sure Tom Cruise could rectify the situation quickly without breaking a sweat. Then again, he’s not wearing three-inch heels or wading through the crowded streets of New York City holding hands with two five-year-old children anxious to see Santa Claus. The traffic was bumper to bumper coming into the city. Every store has been jam-packed with people. After waiting for over two hours for Santa Claus, the kids are tired and hungry. My feet are killing me too. All three of us are cranky but teetering towards Grizzly bears grouchy the longer we go without food. I’m in such a rush to feed them and get home that I drag them through the doors of the Windows of the World, New York’s sky-high restaurant. The restaurant’s close proximity to the parking garage was the deciding factor. Usually, I wouldn’t dare take the twins to such an expensive and stuffy restaurant, but their growling stomachs can’t wait. Our twenty-floor glass elevator ride to the top floor is an unexpected thrill for the kids. Thousands of lights twinkle at us when the elevator doors open to a cozy holiday atmosphere where every corner seems decorated in gorgeous evergreen garlands, ribbons, and pinecones. And surrounding windows provide a jaw-dropping three-sixty view of Manhattan. We sit down and order what I can only assume is the city’s most expensive hot chocolates with extra whipped cream and two grilled cheese sandwiches. I’m trying to hold off on food until I go out with Jasper later tonight.

Click HERE to read Pink Champagne Christmas Story PART 1 

Click HERE to read Pink Champagne Christmas Story PART 2

On 22 April 1974, this performance by Love Unlimited (also known for singing backing vocals for Barry White) was broadcast by AVRO television as part of TopPop, the Dutch version of Top of the Pops. Glodean James, the singer in the middle, was married to Barry White at that time.

 

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Divabetic Pink Champagne Holiday Gift Guide 2021, #3

Whether you’re focused on losing weight or want to add a little extra sparkle into your daily diabetes self-care, we’ve got you covered with this year’s Divabetic Holiday Gift Guide 2021. We believe in thoughtful gifts that bring a little happiness and good health into your life.

No one’s disputing the benefits of regular aerobic exercise for diabetes management. Jogging, walking, dancing, swimming, and biking can all help you keep your blood sugar level on target. Even a regular weekend game of tennis or pickleball can help improve your overall health.

But now scientists are finding that people with diabetes can benefit from regular weight lifting, or strength training, as well. according to Everyday Health. Research in the Internal Journal of Cardiology shows that in people with type 2 diabetes, strength training can be more beneficial to blood sugar regulation than cardio,” says Audra Wilson, RD, CSCS, a bariatric dietitian and strength and conditioning specialist at the Northwestern Medicine Metabolic Health and Surgical Weight Loss Center at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Illinois.

Since many of us who are working out at home these days don’t have room to store exercise equipment, we recommend these lightweight, easy-to-store Gaiam Resistance Bands. Once your workout is over, you can just tuck them in a drawer! How great is that?!!!

These colorful, affordable resistance bands from Gaiam are a nice gift option for anyone living with, at-risk, and affected by diabetes working on building their strength. Resistance bands can help them make a more intentional mind-body connection during workouts, as they encourage slower movements.

Increase shoulder flexibility and range of motion, strengthen upper back muscles, improve posture, and condition core muscles with our all-in-one resistance band kit. The Strength & Flexibility Kit will add variety and challenge to your workout with three different resistance levels and our detailed exercise guide. $14.99

BUY NOW

Divabetic Holiday Playlist: Olivia Dean’s rendition of The Christmas Song. The London-born vocalist, who captured our hearts and ears this fall, has spent the formative years of her career breaking down barriers for female and non-binary artists through her music.

“I feel like my music is for everyone to enjoy and I want everyone to feel they can relate to it,” the 21-year-old says. “But I’m a woman, so it definitely all comes from a female perspective.”

Inspired heavily by her mother – who is part of the Women’s Equality Party – Olivia Dean’s commitment to change is threaded through her soulful pop songs, which explore independence, self-empowerment, and tackling misogyny in the music industry.

 

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