http://therealdealguide.com Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:25:28 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en If you're like me, you've been having an internal debate over whether to vaccinate yourself and any children you have. And perhaps you're even finding yourself traumatized by the hysteria on the evening news. To counteract that, I provide you with the more mild-mannered medical perspective of Pediatric Alternatives, my ... http://therealdealguide.com/pregnancy-health/to-swine-flu-vaccinate-or-not-to-swine-flu-vaccinate [caption id="attachment_87" align="alignright" width="388" caption=""][/caption] No need to force young family to eat their greens with this genius recipe. While the picture doesn't do the kale "chips" justice, trust me when I tell you that their crisp texture and delicious flavor garners the same adoration as the less-nutritional potato-based bites. Bonus: ... http://therealdealguide.com/recipes/parmesan-kissed-kale-chips-recipe When I’m not child rearing or pontificating on how to improve life as a parent I’m paying the bills as a lifestyle journalist and entertaining expert, which includes developing articles and recipes for Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. I love the job because it allows me to focus on ... http://therealdealguide.com/recipes/chicken-or-beef-bolognese-recipe Let me guess. You're pregnant and hosting Thanksgiving. Or you're simply scouring the web for sensible ways to make the holiday table look lavish without having to work or pay for it. Well, BINGO! You've arrived at the spot that can save you time and money as you put together ... http://therealdealguide.com/random-fun-stuff/easy-and-affordable-thanksgiving-tabletop-decor I have very strong opinions about children's birthday parties: Specifically, there's no reason to hire pro entertainers, blow bucks on goodie bags, and break the bank on over-the-top festivities--unless you are doing it to please yourself. After all, the kids don't care. Give them a patch of dirt and a ... http://therealdealguide.com/recipes/ultra-moist-butterfly-chocolate-cake-recipe I'm deep into my next book, which features the reality of life as a parent, but am still keeping an eye out for Real Deal Guide to Pregancy book reviews. Today I came across one from Mama Divas, which delighted me because the author, Kristina, clearly got the point of ... http://therealdealguide.com/book-reviews/mama-divas-loves-the-real-deal Before I was pregnant I was into fast and delicious recipes. Now that I'm a mom I seriously can't live without them, and this juicy, tasty, lightning-fast preparation is one of my most trusted standbys. No, I don't really use a brick, though I could. Instead I opt for pressing ... http://therealdealguide.com/recipes/rosemary-and-garlic-chicken-under-a-brick I'm not currently pregnant, but lemme tell you what: had I created this sandwich when I was in waiting, it would have been a favorite! Buttery, salty, and refreshing thank to the crisp, clean crunch of cucumber and bright flavor of mint mixed into the butter, it's a winner for ... http://therealdealguide.com/recipes/healthy-craving-recipe-cucumber-mint-sandwiches That's right! I'm writing a new book on what comes after pregnancy. If are a parent and you'd like to participate, please e-mail the following information to me at erika@therealdealguide.com. Participants will take a survey that will result in being quoted in the book, be acknowledged by name, if desired, ... http://therealdealguide.com/news/contribute-to-my-next-book Supercool blog Metropolitan Mama posted an interview with me last week--and is giving away a copy of The Real Deal Guide to Pregnancy to one reader who comments on the interview post before midnight on Thursday, May 29. Check it out! http://therealdealguide.com/news/win-a-copy-of-the-real-deal-on-metropolitan-mama