DeDe McGuire Headlines Windy City Weekend With New Year Deals

Chicago TV viewers got a jam-packed episode of Windy City Weekend that felt less like a standard morning show and more like a peek into what’s coming for culture, lifestyle, food, and entertainment in the year ahead.

From a radio legend making history, to viral home upgrades, to Hallmark Channel baking stars and movies you’ll want to watch, this episode covered a little bit of everything. It was just the right mix of inspiration, indulgence, and insider tips, all wrapped up in a fast-moving, feel-good showcase that honestly reminded me why weekend TV still matters.

The Queen of Morning Radio Takes Center Stage

One of the biggest highlights? DeDe McGuire. She’s a media powerhouse, and her voice is part of the daily routine for millions across the country.

Her appearance on the Host Chat segment wasn’t just another guest spot. It felt like a celebration of a career that’s broken barriers and redefined what national radio success looks like.

Why DeDe McGuire Is a Living Media Milestone

DeDe McGuire isn’t just a popular radio host. She’s a trailblazer.

As the most successful nationally syndicated African American female radio host in the country, her reach stretches to over 90 cities. Her 2024 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame pretty much cements her legacy.

But what really stood out during her appearance was her authenticity and her commitment to giving back. Beyond the mic, McGuire’s philanthropic work through the DeDe McGuire Foundation has made a real difference for single mothers, students at HBCUs, and families in need.

Her conversation on the show blended inspiration with a dose of realism. She offered a reminder that success doesn’t mean much if you’re not sharing it.

A New Year Reset That Feels Actually Achievable

As the calendar flips, we all get flooded with promises of transformation, right? What made this segment shine was how grounded and doable the recommendations actually felt.

Lifestyle expert Brittney Levine showed viewers some simple upgrades that pack a punch without feeling overwhelming.

Luxury-at-Home Is the New Status Symbol

The Frontgate Resort Collection was a hot topic. Instead of splurging on big renovations, the focus was on everyday items that quietly boost your quality of life at home.

• Resort Collection Towels—these are getting a ton of buzz online
• Wirecutter Best Overall Pick for 2025—which gives them some real credibility
• 600-thread-count cotton sateen sheets—meant to feel like you’re in a five-star hotel

This wasn’t about indulgence so much as reclaiming comfort, turning daily routines into little moments of calm and luxury.

Skincare, Snacks, and the Art of Feeling Better

The reset didn’t stop at home decor. Beauty and wellness took center stage with products that promise results without a bunch of complicated steps.

K-Beauty and the Glass Skin Obsession

MEDIHEAL’s Madecassoside blemish pads were highlighted as an easy entry point into K-beauty, whether you’re new or already obsessed.

This Amazon best-seller does more than hydrate—it targets hyperpigmentation and calms breakouts. The appeal? It’s simple: swipe, glow, repeat.

The Snack That Parents Have Been Waiting For

House of Yes Protein Super Bars brought one of the most relatable moments. These bars are designed for families trying to sneak more veggies into their diets, but they taste like bakery treats.

• 6g protein and 6g fiber per bar
• Vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, and zucchini
• School-friendly, dairy-free, and Non-GMO verified

Kid-approved and still grown-up healthy—no wonder they stood out.

Gut Health, But Make It Simple

Wellness trends can get intimidating fast, but Juice Plus+ made gut health feel pretty approachable with its New Year + New You Reset Program.

The Two-Step Reset Everyone Can Handle

The spotlight landed on the Superfood Powder and the Super-Biome Probiotic + Prebiotic. Together, they’re supposed to fill nutritional gaps and support digestion—without asking you to change your whole life.

Resetting doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. That was the vibe.

Dry January Gets a Glamorous Upgrade

If you’re doing Dry January, the show had a segment that proved alcohol-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free.

The Art of Zero Proof at Toro Chicago

Toro at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is shaking up mocktails with a limited-time zero-proof menu. The drinks are built with the same structure and balance as classic cocktails, but focus on bitterness and complexity instead of just sweetness.

It’s a legit fine-dining experience, minus the booze.

The Baking Twins Are Back and Ready to Inspire

Fresh from their Hallmark Channel success on Baked with Love, twin sisters Renee and Sade brought warmth, creativity, and a little sibling spark to the show.

Finding Your Signature Dish in 2026

The Baking Twins encouraged home cooks to ditch perfection and focus on finding their own style. Their tips were all about confidence, creativity, and making baking fun again.

Honestly, as the year kicks off, their message hit home: cook what you love, and let that become your signature.

What to Watch This Weekend According to Richard Roeper

No episode of Windy City Weekend is complete without entertainment picks, and film critic Richard Roeper had some clear guidance on where to spend your screen time.

Three Titles Worth Your Time

• Primate—a family vacation spirals into survival horror
• The Dutchman—a psychological thriller with marriage and mystery at its core
• His & Hers—a Netflix limited series built on suspicion and dual perspectives

Each pick leaned into tension, complexity, and stories that’ll get people talking.

Why This Episode Felt Like a Cultural Cheat Sheet

What made this episode of Windy City Weekend so compelling was its balance. It celebrated achievement and offered practical lifestyle upgrades.

There were diverse voices, and the show tapped into what people genuinely care about these days. From DeDe McGuire’s historic career to zero-proof cocktails and binge-worthy thrillers, it felt like a roadmap for how to live, watch, eat, and maybe even feel a little better as we head into the year.