Singer-songwriter Paulette McWilliams recently joined the Black Muse podcast to chat about her delightful holiday ballad, “Pink Champagne.”
This song is more than just a tune; it’s a heartfelt tribute to anyone facing the challenges of heartbreak during the holidays.
“Pink Champagne” has been making waves, earning the title of ‘Christmas Song Of The Week’ on UGONE Radio with host Toni B from December 16-21, 2024! It’s also been added to RhythmAndSoul’s festive playlist and will be featured on Steve Quirk’s Christmas Eve show, highlighting its wonderful appeal.
During her conversation with Black Muse host Clarence Waldron, who has a rich history with Jet Magazine and has interviewed Luther Vandross multiple times, Paulette reflected on her incredible journey in music.
She spoke fondly about her collaborations with icons like Bette Midler, Johnny Mathis, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. To top it all off, she showcased her stunning vocals by performing a few signature riffs that left everyone wanting more. It’s a joyous celebration of talent, resilience, and holiday spirit!
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!
Enjoy Divabetic’s 8th Annual Mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril, packed with holiday tips for people living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes.
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 RoseMarie, 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.
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.
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!
Living with Type 2 diabetes doesn’t compromise the Diabetic Pastry Chef,Stacey Harris’s creativity in the kitchen. After attending culinary school, Stacey taught herself how to make pound cake, pecan rolls, pies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods with about half the carbohydrates in traditional bakery items.
If you’re feeling deprived of your favorite holiday treats because you’re living with diabetes, then check out this new recipe from our friend, Stacey.
From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be as well as … sugar-free!
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube cake or bundt pan. Cream butter and gradually add sugar substitute. Continue creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Blend in extracts and brandy. Gradually add the flour and beat until smooth.
Pour the cake batter into the tube pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean and the edges of the cake have come away from the sides of the pan. Cool for 20 minutes in the pan before unmolding. Cool completely. Add glaze and arrange apricots and mint on top.
Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar-free apricot preserves
1Tbsp. apricot brandy or leftover apricot nectar from the can
1 8-ounce can of apricot halves, drained
fresh mint for garnishing
Directions
Heat the apricot preserves until melted. Remove from heat and stir in brandy or nectar. Spread the warm glaze over the cake and sides. Garnish with the apricot halves, which can also be glazed, and garnish with the mint. Enjoy
Stacey Notes for the Best Results:
This recipe is revised from an old Ebony magazine recipe. It is a showstopper! It works well for holidays. I have made it as is. I have also made it using canola butter in place of whole butter. I have successfully made the cake by cutting the butter to 1 cup and adding 1/2 cup sour cream. I suppose yogurt would also work in place of the sour cream. You can read more about Stacey’s experience making her Sugar-Free Apricot Brandy Pound Cake recipe on her blog.
I generally mix my sugar substitutes to get the best flavor, baking properties, and health results. For this cake, I used 1 cup of Splenda, 1 cup of Stevia in the Raw, and 1 cup of Whey Low. Do not try to use Splenda alone unless you’re using Splenda for Baking.
If you’re interested in making over one of your holiday specialties with sugar substitutes, Stacey recommends using a blend of sugar substitutes in your recipe rather than just one for the best results.
Yesterday, I had the absolute joy of visiting Santaland at Macy’s, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical!
This enchanting wonderland is a delight for kids and adults alike, bringing holiday cheer to everyone.
Did you know that children first met Santa at Macy’s way back in 1862?
For decades, Macy’s was known as “The Headquarters of Santa Claus” and later dubbed “The Home of Santa Claus.”
Most of us always look forward to Santa’s arrival during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade—it’s a tradition that started in 1924 and charmed its way onto our screens in 1948!
This year, my friend Nolan is lending a helping hand to Santa by keeping track of all the good boys and girls, snapping photos, and listening to their wish lists right in Santaland on the 8th Floor of Macy’s in Herald Square.
Nolan is the perfect helper, bringing his big heart and creative spirit to life, thanks to his background as a former Cruise Ship entertainer!
While we waited in line, we were completely mesmerized by the sights and sounds of Magicland.
The dancing ballerina pigs, the twinkling toy trains, the festive scenery, and the cheerful elves (not to mention Mrs. Claus) made the wait fly by in the most delightful way!
Thanks to the beloved 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street” featuring the fabulous Natalie Wood, Macy’s is now the second most popular spot for Santa, right after the North Pole!
If you’re thinking about visiting Santaland, just a little heads up—be sure to make your reservation online in advance. You won’t want to miss this holiday adventure!
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.
To my surprise and delight, I won FIRST PRIZE in West 69th Street’s Halloween Decorating Contest for my “Princess Frogs” display.
Everything, except for the wigs and crowns, was made from recycled materials. I used water bottles, pizza boxes, FedEx boxes, damaged comic books, broken lampshades, paper towels, toilet paper rolls, New York Times newspapers, bubble wrap, coffee cans, lids, and packing foam.
As I collected single-use plastics—such as water bottles, take-out food containers, cups, straws, and food packages—for two months, I was truly opened to the staggering amount of trash I contribute to the environmental crisis.
I created a “Single-Use Swamp” using plastic bottles and cardboard packaging, which I painted to resemble foliage. The extent of single-use plastic consumption is frightening and overwhelming. Like most people, I’m horrified by the billions of plastic items choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers. Recently, I’ve been reading about the harmful effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) on our endocrine systems. I encourage others to research this topic thoroughly, as it requires more than just a quick Google search to understand fully.
Sitting atop my vision of a lily pond—crafted from old T-shirts, pillowcases, and towels—are Queen Elizabeth I and Wonder Woman.
Upon seeing my display, I was overjoyed when a young girl passing by exclaimed, “Princess Frogs!”. Her mother informed me that her daughter loves to dress up as a princess. It warms my heart to know that my target audience appreciates my work!
Janet and Rosetta Van der Voort, born in the 1800s, were two wealthy sisters whose father rarely let them leave the house unaccompanied. The one place they were allowed to visit was Central Park’s Wollman Rink, where they went ice skating in the winter.
The two sisters never married, were lifelong best friends, and died a few months apart. Since their death, their ghostly spirits have been seen periodically skating together on the Central Park Pond, wearing the same red and purple outfits they wore over 100 years ago.
Divabetic pays tribute to the sisters’ spirits, hoping to encourage you to indulge in the creativity associated with Halloween instead of candy. Halloween’s record-breaking sugar consumption and its detrimental effects on overall health are scarier than any ghost story. It’s been reported that consumers gobbled up a record $36.9 billion in candy, gum, mints, chocolate, and other confections in 2021.
High intakes of dietary sugars in the setting of a worldwide pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease have heightened concerns about the adverse effects of excessive consumption of sugars. The American Heart Association suggests limiting adding sugars to no more than 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grams) for most adult women and no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar) for most men.
Credits Producer: Max Szadek Writers: Max Szadek, Wendy Radford, Lorraine Brooks Voice Actors: Max Szadek, Verna Henry, Lauren Ricks Graphic Designer: Max Szadek
Diabetes doesn’t have to dim your sparkle during the holidays. We’re sharing great gift ideas to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy in our upcoming Gift Guide, demonstrating sugar-free baking tips and style advice.
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, at Divabetic free culinary diabetes baking party on Zoom with Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 7 PM, EST
During this fun-filled BakingParty on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chefprepares a Sugar–Free Dessert recipe, demonstrates her favorite kitchen tools, and shares expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and alternative flours in recipes.
Win gifts courtesy of Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes’s Camper Cozy Mystery and Peak 10 Skin‘s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our BakingParty to enter our gift drawings to win.
