Tag: Evetta Petty

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Evetta Petty’s Amazing Luther Vandross-inspired Hat

Here’s a preview of one of the fashions that dazzled at our Luther Vandross “Never Too Much” Celebration on Wednesday, April 17, at Thread Lounge. Our celebration featured a music panel (with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and choreographer, James, Evin), live performances (by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Fiason), a fashion show (curated by Catherine Schuller), a beauty transformation and health testimonial (by Alicia Mitchell), a vendor bazaar (with True Serenity Teas) and DJ D.A.N.C.E.

The genius milliner and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner, Evetta Petty, designed the fascinator from vinyl records. But not any records. She melted Luther’s ‘Give Me The Reason 12 ‘ vinyl, Dionne Warwick’s “House Is Not A Home” 45, and Aretha Franklin’s “Jump To It” 45 into a beautiful flower design.

Evetta, who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, was inspired by the exuberance of the Poppy Flower for this unique collection. Her hat designs are fierce! “The creative and artistic side of the business is definitely my strength, ” says Evetta.

Harlem’s Heaven designs have been featured in various newspapers and magazines, including Vogue, the New York Times, Crain’s NY, and the New York Daily News, and on Television, including Europe’s “Shop the World” fashion show with David Emanuel.

“We have a very wide range of styles from a classic fedora to a high fashion feather crown Runway style. I sell hats for everyone, for sun protection, for horse race enthusiasts, for church attire, and for when you just want to make a fashion statement,” adds Evetta.

We will share more photos from our Luther Vandross Music & Style celebration next week. 

Evetta Petty partnered with us on Divabetic’s successful diabetes outreach program, Hat Boxing for NYC faith-based. communities. Participants would decorate plain hat boxes with motivational and empowering statements about diabetes self-care.

The Hat Boxing winner’s grand prize was a hat designed by Harlem Heaven’s Hat. 

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Beauty Transformations with Alicia Mitchell at our Luther Vandross Never Too Much Celebration

Certified Beauty Consultant Alicia Mitchell shares her Small Steps to Big Rewards health journey at my Luther Vandross Never Too Much celebration on Wed, April 17th, at Thread Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in NYC. Register at Eventbrite.

It’s a full circle moment for me because Alicia volunteered at my first Divabetic – Makeover program at MESS Makeup Studios in NYC in 2005. We both believe beauty and makeup services can spark interest and motivation in taking charge of your health. When you love yourself, you take care of your health. It’s hard to believe that our small little program turned into a national program reaching thousands of women at risk, affected by and living with diabetes, in the U.S.

Since then, we have stayed in touch mostly through Facebook. Recently, I saw her incredible health transformation and reached out to her. She graciously agreed to share her journey on stage and give a beauty and makeup demonstration.

I am forever grateful to Luther Vandross for the opportunity to serve one of the world’s greatest entertainers. He also inspired me to advocate for those at risk, living with and affected by diabetes.

For the past 20 years, I have been greatly rewarded by providing diabetes outreach Luther-style. I am profoundly grateful to my wonderful team of collaborators who helped me educate and entertain them about diabetes self-care and stroke prevention.

At the top of the list is Catherine Schuller, a bright ray of sunshine daily. She’s an incredible inspiration to live life to the fullest. Thank you, Catherine, for providing me a stage to celebrate my boss, idol, and friend, Luther Vandross.

His music touched my heart, his health ignited my fire, and his legacy motivates me to celebrate the joys of love and life.

oin us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style and Tea Vendors, and DJ DAN. C.E..

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

uther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss working on his recordings and stage shows.

MAKEOVER: Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell demonstrates the power of beauty to transform your health. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem Heaven’s Hats, S Designs, Dig Ferreira Kynetik Soundz, Teresa Marie Collection, JM Designs, Tashii Couture, LPF Collection, and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalists Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison.

DJ DAN.C.E. has developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted. He developed his style of open format DJing, RetroFitted, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”

SHOP VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs, including True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend), Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Luther signature cocktails and delicious appetizers are available for purchase.

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Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration In April

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ Dan C.E.  on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 9 PM

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

“When I listen to Luther Vandross’s music, it makes me happy. I want to sing along and move to the beat, snap my fingers, and stomp my feet. There is joy in his music,” says Harlem Heaven’s milliner, Evetta Petty. “When I design hats, I want them to make the customer happy. I am dressing people for important events in their life. I want them to smile when they see the hats and look great in them. I want my hats to evoke that same joy that I feel from Luthers’ music.”

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

Dan C.E. has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. Throughout his career, he developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, by has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. He developed his style of open format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, over the course of his career, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Fashion Talk With Todd Synder

I attended the creator of New York Fashion Week and author of two volumes of “Fashion Lives, Fern Mallis’s interview with menswear designer Todd Synder at 92Y.


These Fashion Talks are something I always look forward to. You won’t find talks like these anywhere except in New York. 

Fern described her special guest as the patron saint of approachable menswear. She said Tood Synder’s clothes embody ‘cool’ and ‘classic.’ 

I don’t think anyone would consider his clothes edgy. He’s known for turning the J. Crew menswear collections, mostly preppy dressing, into a big business. According to Todd, his customers are looking for beautifully constructed basics. He doesn’t push color, print, or silhouette. As Fern said, his clothes resemble those of an elevated Mr. Ripley.  How many shades of beige are there? Todd Synder probably knows. 

It’s fun to catch Fern during these Fashion Talks, not listening to her guest’s responses. With her head down, looking at her notes, she seems more focused on the next question than the discussion. I’ve seen her do this more than once during the evening.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a big Fern fan. I love what she’s doing and getting top designers to discuss their processes. 

The good news is Todd Snyder has a lot of personality. His down-to-earth, friendly mannerisms made his story so compelling. He was born on a farm in the Midwest, not in a fashion capital as he shared insights into his life, inspirations, and professional milestones. you could tell the key to his success has been hard work and determination. 

From his humble beginnings in Huxley, Iowa, to being voted Best Dressed in high school, reading GQ for the first time was an eye-opening experience that ignited a passion for fashion. While working in retail, Todd Synder hung out in the tailor shop, learning the tricks of the trade. He applied to all the fashion houses in New York before landing his first intern job at Ralph Lauren.
His big break came when one of his bosses noticed the shirt he was wearing in a meeting. It was one of his designs. He said his weekend sewing hobby helped him relax and quickly moved up the design ladder. 

He ping-ponged back and forth from Ralph Lauren to the Gap, J. Crew, and back to Ralph Lauren. Eventually, he left J. Crew in 2009 and launched his label. J. Crew’s success had a lot to do with it. “I wanted a chance to have my own crack at it,” he said. His goal is to create clothes that help guys look their best. Todd mentioned firsthand how clothes transformed lives when he worked in retail. 

Craft is essential to him. He told Fern that tailoring is front and center in all his design collections. 
He told Fern he’s always looking for people who ‘go the extra mile’ to join his team. 
He has been part of my successful fashion collaborations. First and foremost, L.L. Bean creates high-style New England outdoor gear. Most recently, he started designing for Woolrich’s Black label. He chose to work with Woolrich because he feels the pandemic turned outdoors into a trend. Todd Synder’s outerwear embodies the fusion of Woolrich’s rich heritage, quality, and craftsmanship. The Woolrich Black Label comprises two distinct and complementary lines: Heritage and Technical.

Since becoming an impactful presence on the global fashion stage, Todd Snyder has branched out to create twenty interiors for rustic Maine bungalows for the Hidden Pond resort.  He saw this new collaboration into interior design as an “opportunity to really take a deep dive into Maine aesthetics,” he told Architectural Digest. “What’s so interesting and remarkable to me about this place is that it’s so diverse, area by area. You drive half an hour, and it’s totally different.” Snyder’s narrative is a testament to the blend of heritage, hard work, and visionary creativity.

If you’re watching any of our videos embedded in this post, the American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar daily and women consume no more than 6 teaspoons. If the numbers seem tricky, a 12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons (32 grams) of added sugar!

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Divabetic Salutes Randy Crawford


“I always want to associate myself with any piece of music that feels good and sounds good. And a good song can come from anywhere,” says Randy Crawford.

Randy Crawford is an exceptional artist with a remarkable ability to connect with her audience through her soulful and emotional performances. Her pure, warm tone and emotional vibrato can transform any music she selects, creating mesmerizing light and breezy jazz and funk arrangements.

Born in Macon, GA, she started singing in Ohio nightclubs at 15. “Everyone was encouraging me to sing,” Randy Crawford told the BBC. Her collaboration on “Street Life” offered her a chance to join the Crusaders for a tour that gained her international recognition, and she remained more popular overseas than in America. “Street Life was a musical challenge to learn,” Randy Crawford told the BBC. “But it’s still a fun song because people related to it. It gets everybody up and happy.”

Her consequent albums were geared toward a more smooth jazz audience and played well overseas. She wrote the love about two political refugees from Eritrea, entitled “Almaz.” Randy Crawford witnessed an older man’s love and commitment to a younger woman. In the season of love, no song touches the heartstrings quite like Randy Crawford’s ‘Almaz’ wrote Justice B. Hill for Cleveland.com. “The song speaks of love surviving,” she said when discussing the song. 

Since then, Randy Crawford has released over 15 albums and had several international multi-platinum hits. And if she still goes relatively unrecognized in her native land, she has become one of the world’s most successful popular singers.

“I hope I will always sing. I don’t want to do anything else.”

Randy Crawford’s music can transform any music she selects, creating light and breezy jazz and funk arrangements that are mesmerizing. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named the ‘Most Outstanding Performer’ at the 1980 Tokyo Music Festival. With over 15 albums and several international multi-platinum hits, Randy Crawford has become one of the world’s most successful popular singers. She is truly a remarkable artist, and her music will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of listeners for years to come.

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Divabetic Faith-based Diabetes Community Outreach: Hat Boxing

Divabetic’s faith-based diabetes community outreach program, “Hat Boxing Competitions,” was presented in multiple tri-state area churches.

This program celebrates the glamour and style of church hats in a hat box decorating contest. Refereed by healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, this is one competition where everyone wins.

Our program consisted of a Hat Fashion Show celebrating Divas Of Distinction, a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist’s Presentation, a Speed Boxing competition, a Chair Workout,  live entertainment, Hat Boxing Presentations and Speeches, and a Grand Prize presentation.

Several weeks before the program, contestants picked up hat-boxing packets containing plain hat boxes, diabetes information, stroke survivor testimonials, and healthy lifestyle messages at the church sanctuary. We also included tips from our favorite diabetes educators, nutritionists, and workout instructors.

Enjoy this nutrition tip from our interview with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast.

 

Over 30 contenders from Bethel Deliverance International Church (Wyncote, PA) showed off their creativity at one program.

Hat Boxing contestants brought their decorated hat boxes to the competition. Entries were decorated with messages of diabetes information, encouragement, and empowerment and presented to the judges.

The winners received free hats from Harlem’s Heaven Hats.

New York Fashion hat designer Evetta Petty, the New York City Hat Boutique Harlem’s Heaven owner, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.

Carrie Underwood inspires us to discuss Faith and Diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.

Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and special guest Carrie from New York.

Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.

Prediabetes Risk Test

Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery. Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

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Have You Seen Invisible Beauty?

Earlier this week, I saw the new documentary, Invisible Beauty, spotlighting Fashion revolutionary Bethann Hardison.

Co-directed by Frédéric Tcheng (DIOR AND I, HALSTON), the film explores the life and career of the legendary model, entrepreneur, and activist.

It’s equal parts memoir, with Bethann musing about her life choices in her various beautiful homes and historical testimony of the prolific racism in the fashion industry.
Bethann Hardison is uniquely qualified to take on racism in the fashion industry as a 70’s top black model. She admits she was the first “black, black” model who shared the catwalk with many women of color. When she stopped modeling to start her modeling agency, she prioritized hiring a diverse talent pool. She succeeded in creating supermodels that didn’t fit the prominent blonde and white cookie-cutter image. Two of her biggest finds were Veronica Webb and Tyson Beckford. Sadly, after she closed her agency, the whitewashing of the runways and advertising campaigns began.
The documentary argues that the trend of heroin-chic, white female models proliferating the runways and advertising campaigns was due to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The tidal wave of Russian beauties erased everything Bethann strived for – more inclusion.
The actual footage from runways during this time is alarming. There is no way anyone can deny the suppression of models of color after watching a parade of lookalike young, x-ray-thin white women on every runway.

How did Bethann address Racism?

She organized. Her brilliance is displayed as she gathers thought leaders and stakeholders in the fashion industry to start a dialogue. She smartly deflects anger, frustration, and short tempers to keep people focused on the goal.  She provokes conversations in every sector of the industry. She expertly switches from being a nurturing, motherly presence in the lives of young models to a powerful activist on talk shows and media outlets.

The documentary makes a point to show that racism is cyclical. Every time Bethann succeeds, a few short years later, her work is virtually erased—two steps forward and three steps back. But somehow, she knows this and can calm the others as she seeks to unify and move forward again. It’s fascinating to watch her turn her thoughts and words into action. She is so clear in her message that her various supporters, including Naomi Campbell and Iman, never waiver in describing her purpose.

The documentary is too long. The last thirty minutes are painful. I kept wanting it to end repeatedly, but Bethann rattled on and on about death.  Afterward, I told my friend I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see her cough; I stopped listening. The good news is she’s still alive and kicking.
The bad news is when it comes to motherhood, she’s right up there with Joan Crawford on the Wall of Fame. She’s elusive when discussing her strained relationship with her son. But clearly, her son bears the scars from his upbringing.
Whether or not she finishes her memoir is never addressed either. Repeatedly, she is seen on screen staring at a blank page, talking to her therapist and psychic about her writer’s block, and meeting with her editor. But we never find out what happens is a misstep.

New York Fashion Icon Evetta Petty, the owner and designer of the New York City Hat Boutique Harlem’s Heaven, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.
We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common on this Divabetic podcast.

How realistic are portrayals of living with diabetes on screen?

How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care?  And how do we feel after viewing them?  With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder Marc Washington.

This podcast features music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their healthcare providers, a translator of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with diabetes and its related complications.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

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New York Fashion Week: Meet Hat Designer Evetta Petty

Evetta Petty, the owner and designer of New York City’s Harlem’s Heaven Hats, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.

She is known for her big and bold hat pins, and her hats have humor, whimsy, rhythm, and fantasy. Evetta’s motto is, “I’ll make a hat out of anything.” Her hats have captured worldwide attention and have been worn to the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot in England.

Evetta designs an extensive line of hats and accessories. She travels to cities like Tokyo, Rome, Hong Kong, and New Delhi, looking for unusual textiles to create a more global headwear experience.

Her hats have been worn by many celebrities such as Patti LaBelle and Star Jones, and featured on TV shows like Anderson Cooper Live and The View. She has created hats for movies, fashion magazine covers, and editorials such as Essence, Jet, and Italian Vogue, it, Mujer Unica, Vibe, Fashion Affair, and The New York Times.

Get a sneak peek at Evetta Petty’s 30th Year Retrospective Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week and hear how she’s living with type 2 diabetes in style in this video.

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) provides leading designers worldwide with an unrivaled global platform to showcase their collections bi-annually every February and September.

For several years, Harlem’s Heaven and Divabetic partnered on a successful faith-based diabetes outreach program, Hat Boxing. Participants enjoyed a Diva Hat Fashion Show, Guest Speakers and a Hat Boxing Decorating Contest. Competitors entered their decorated hat boxes with messages about diabetes and diabetes self-care to win a crown from Harlem’s Heaven Hat.

Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.

Prediabetes Risk Test

Be by their side when they check, and share your successes and struggles of living with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible.

Coming Soon! Divabetic’s first e-book, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love and Intimacy with Diabetes, by co-authors Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, RDN, CDCES, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, available on Kindle.

 

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Sugar-Free Derby Whip Brownie Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef 

The Kentucky Derby is officially back. After much uncertainty and the delay of last year’s horse race due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 Kentucky Derby is returning to its traditional date on the first Saturday in May. Our friends and colleagues, Harlem’s Heaven Hat Designer Evetta Petty and Stacey Harris, aka The Diabetic Pastry, share two great ways to GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS without compromising your diabetes wellness.

When Stacey Harris was studying to become a pastry chef, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Rather than give up her chosen profession, she began creating more diabetic-friendly desserts. Stacey Harris has transformed more than 200 desserts into diabetic-friendly delights using blended flours, a combination of sugar and sugar substitutes, reducing milk carbohydrates, and eliminating trans fats.

FUN FACT: The Kentucky Derby is also called ‘The Run for the Roses’ because the winner is awarded a blanket sewn with over 400 roses post-race. This blanket weighs about 40 lbs.

Stacey Harris went outside the box to create a unique sugar-free dessert recipe to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. If you look closely at the photo, there is a drink at the bottom of each wine glass, and desserts are on the top in ramekins. The drinks are up to one’s discretion. Ice can be added. The desserts are made of sugar-free brownies crumbled into whipped topping or whipped cream and stirred until combined. Cherry is a garnish.

Sugar-Free Derby Whip Brownie Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and hot

1 Tbsp cooking oil

1 1/8 cup dry sugar substitute, such as erythritol

2 large eggs

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 Tbsp. dark rum, optional

1/2 cup all-purpose or white whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably dark chocolate

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 to 1 cup walnuts or pecans, optional

Derby Whip Ingredients

8-oz container of whipped topping or whipped cream

cherries with stems

Directions 

Turn oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.

Mix the hot butter, oil, and sugar substitute in a medium-sized mixing bowl with a whisk for approximately 1 minute. Add the eggs, vanilla, and rum if using. Beat for an additional minute.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add nuts if using. Gently fold the batter just until combined. Do not overmix. 

Pour batter into greased pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the center is set. Remove and let cool to room temperature. 

Once the brownies are cool, remove the desired portion and crumble into a bit of whipped topping or whipped cream; fold just until combined. This is your Derby Whip. Scoop into ramekins and top with a cherry. The remaining brownies are for you to enjoy as brownies. 

The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s Note: “I used wine glasses and ramekins to make this dessert. The wine glasses can be filled with your choice of beverage, and ice can be added if desired. A Mint Julep would be great with some mint to garnish the Derby Whip. The round ramekins should be of the size to fit nicely into the top of the wine glasses. They should be first filled with your Derby Whip and garnished with a cherry. Here I used thin ribbons to disguise where the wine glasses and ramekins meet. Enjoy!”

The Diabetic Pastry Chef’s cookbooks are filled with information on the definition, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and include complete nutritional information (calories, fat, cholesterol, sugars, and protein) for each recipe. She uses Splendar and presents other sugar-free alternatives for pancakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and pies. Stacey Harris 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. Now ‘divabetics’ can enjoy Chocolate Truffle Cookies, Blueberry Tartlets, Cream Cheese Cupcakes, Coffee Bread Pudding, and hundreds of others. BUY NOW

Derby Hats Fit For A Diva-betic!

The Kentucky Derby is just as much about fashion as the race itself. Every spring since 1875 Churchill Downs floods with society’s most fashionable spectators to watch the Run for the Roses  Did you know that wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck?

For over 20 years, our friend, Evetta Petty has designed hats in her uptown New York studio, Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop. Her hats have captured worldwide attention and have been worn to the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot in England. Recently, she’s put her design skills to work making fabulous, functional face masks.

The tradition of the Kentucky Derby hat began at the race’s inception; the founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., wanted to ensure a good crowd at his event. At the time, the race track had a reputation as immoral and dangerous, so Clark used good ole fashion word of mouth advertising to promote the race. According to the Kentucky Derby Museum, “He loaded up a wagon full of high society women, and they went door-to-door telling their friends, ‘We’re going to have a picnic at the racetrack,’.” And it worked! The wealthy class poured into the stadium in their finest, as a place to see and be seen.

Generally speaking, women wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats.

Evetta offers a wide selection of fun, colorful hats and face masks for ladies and gentlemen. She uses the same high-quality textiles for her masks that she uses for her hats which makes them very special. You’ll find beautiful brocades In rich jewel tones and fancy rhinestone embellishments in her sparkling couture mask collection.

FUN FACT: Did you know that the Kentucky Derby was started by Lewis Clark Jr. —grandson of William Clark, half of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clark? The idea came to him after he saw England’s Epsom Downs racecourse.

FUN FACT: Did you know that in 2019, for the first time in the Kentucky Derby’s history, the horse that crossed the finish line first didn’t win? The horse that ran the track fastest, Maximum Security, was disqualified for impeding another horse, resulting in the second-place finisher, Country House, being moved up to the winner’s circle.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat Shop is located at 2538 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.  @W.147) New York, NY 10039. Phone:  212-491-7706. Store hours: 12 PM to 6 PM. Closed Sunday & Monday. Appointments available after hours

FUN FACT:  The traditional drink of the Derby is the mint julep, and over 120,000 are said to be consumed at the race each year. While moderate amounts of alcohol may cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level — sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels, especially for people with type 1 diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

Singer, songwriter, and record producer Evelyn “Champagne” King who is best known for her hit disco single “Shame” offers this musical selection to complete Divabetic’s Derby celebration. Evelyn “Champagne” King lit up dancefloors with the release of her single, High Horse in the 80’s. 

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Divabetic Tea Time Poem by Lorraine Brooks

Last night, the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hosted Divabetic’s free, fun Tea Party in celebration of National Diabetes Awareness Month with special guests: Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, Tessie’s Teas’ owner Rose Hall and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty.

To everyone’s delight Poet Lorraine Brooks shared a poem about each of our guests after their presentation. Enjoy!

Divabetic Tea Time Poem by Lorraine Brooks

Showing hats to cover our heads

Whether we’re sporting a crewcut or dreads

Many styles to make us happier

Looking cool and looking dapper

Plaids and checks and stripes and such

Fabric lovely to the touch

So get your canes and gloves and spats

And visit Harlem’s Heaven Hats!

Join us in a cup of tea

Chamomile or lemon-y

Ways to heal for young and old

Meditate and heal the soul

Sit and think and leave your strife

Breathe and cleanse your spirit life

Only teas can can lift you up

So come and join us in a cup.

Fashion style and a little blush

Make you look exotic and lush

Sport a scarf or wear a tie

A little shadow for the eye

Tweeze the eyebrows and the chin

If you look good you will grin

We all want to look much cooler

So take a tip from Catherine Schuller

Divabetic’s virtual outreach event kicked off with a live Harlem Heaven’s Hat show featuring model Jennifer Lui at the Harlem’s Heaven’s pop up shop in Bryant Park ‘s Winter Village Shops in New York City.  Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Rose Hall, the owner of Tessie’s Teas, shared how simple daily meditations can help relieve stress, anxiety and even reduce your blood pressure over a cup of tea.  Tessie’s Teas are all natural caffeine-free, chemical-free instant crystallized teas that meet all of your healthy-living needs.

Divabetic Image & Style Advisor Catherine Schuller, who is a fashion curator, former plus model, coach, speaker, writer, producer, and image consultant, demonstrated eight different and divine ways to wear a scarf in honor of Dr. Deborah Birx. Dr. Birx’s ever-changing scarves captivate the internet in her daily White House Coronavirus Task Force briefings. One popular scarf was by Hermès, or, to be precise, Hermès’ “Retour à la Terre”, in peach. We know this because there is an Instagram account devoted to Dr Birx’s scarves!

 

Are you interested in learning how to bake with sugar substitutes? Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Baking Party with special guest, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, December 10, 2020, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

FREE REGISTRATION 

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