Lauren Condrad Pens Her First Novel

Lauren Conrad started out like any other ordinary high school girl balancing school, boys, and friendships. Next thing she knew, she was cast in the reality show Laguna Beach: The Real OC, living her high school years on television and for all the world to see. From there, she went on to headline MTV’s most successful reality show: The Hills, grace magazine covers like Seventeen, US Weekly, and Cosmopolitan. But what is it really like to live your life with a camera following you 24/7? To have first dates, relationship drama, and heartbreak played out on national TV? In Lauren’s new novel, L.A. CANDY, she unveils a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the life of the reality star, told through the eyes of Jane. Like Lauren, Jane heads out to LA to start an internship, is cast in her own reality show, and soon becomes reality TV’s hottest star. Though a work of fiction, the characters—their lives, their loves, and their never-ending dramas—are perfectly drawn by Lauren, the only person who can give her readers an accurate and juicy insider look at young Hollywood

Pack the Perfect Back-to-School Lunch

Registered dietician Regina Ragone gives tips on packing a lunch that even your pizza-tarian kids will love.

Check out this video for for:
*Six sneaky snacks that have nutritional substance
*Lunchtime logistics: how to keep cold things cold, hot things hot





Regina Ragone, R.D. is the Food Director at Family Circle Magazine. Prior to joining Family Circle, Regina was the food editor at Prevention magazine and has authored several cookbooks.

The Battle for America 2008: The Story of an Extraordinary Election

A definitive and fresh account of this landmark election, told in real time as the events unfold—not hindsight retelling.

The election of 2008 shattered political barriers, illuminated undercurrents of race, gender, and class, and ignited an extraordinary battle among some of the most formidable political rivals ever to seek the presidency in Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain. It was an election that played out against a backdrop of wars, a shattered economy, and deep pessimism about the future.

Dan Balz (lead political reporter for The Washington Post) and Haynes Johnson (a Pulitzer Prize writer), two of the most well-known and respected journalists working today, followed the 2008 election from the candidates’ first forays into Iowa and New Hampshire to the historic night of Obama’s victory celebration.

Since both men were embedded in the campaigns and observed the elections from the front lines, Battle for America (published by Viking) is told in real time. It reads like a fast-paced mystery--even though you know how the story ends, you still can't put the book down trying to find out exactly how it all happened. This is the full story (including all the major campaigns as well as visits with focus groups) like it's never been told before.

They take readers on a gripping journey through the epic battle for Iowa, Clinton’s dramatic comeback in New Hampshire, the racially tinged primary in South Carolina, the stunning endorsement of Obama by Senator Edward M. Kennedy over the Clintons’ objections. They reveal the strategic mistakes of the Clinton campaign and the story behind Obama’s breakthrough organization. They cover McCain’s struggle for survival in the Republican primaries, McCain’s disappointment over not running with Joe Lieberman, the vetting of Sarah Palin, and the economic meltdown that ensured Obama’s victory.

THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA 2008 is a riveting account of how this election not only marked a new era in American politics but also offered a test of historic proportions at a watershed moment for our nation.
To purchase a copy of the book, click here for amazon.com

Cook it Together with Annabel Karmel

Mother of three and author of 17 best-selling cookbooks, Annabel Karmel understands the importance of encouraging children and parents to HAVE FUN and collaborate in the kitchen. In her newest book, COOK IT TOGETHER, Annabel offers creative tips for parents on how to teach children about healthy food, and how to include these ingredients in daily meals.

With recipes such as Butterfly cupcakes, Banana Bites, and Strawberry layers, Annabel has a knack for incorporating flavors kids crave. There’s even something for the more adventurous “little foodie” - Apple & Chicken Curry or Salmon Skewers.

Here are few simple recipes you too, can try at home:

Banana Bites:
Ingredients:
1-2 Bananas
4 oz Chocolate Milk
Dried Coconut& Sprinkles

1. Peel the banana and peel off the ends. Chop the flesh into 6 pieces
2. Break the chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Put the bowl over a pan of hot water, to melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally. Leave to cool slightly.
3. Push a straw through the banana, then drizzle melted chocolate over each piece. (Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – it will taste delicious!_
4. Roll the chocolate covered banana in the coconut or sprinkles. Let the chocolate harden, then serve.

Strawberry Layers:
Ingredients:
2 1/3 cups (350 g) whole strawberries
4 tbsp strawberry jam
7/8 (200 ml) heavy cream
6 tbsp Greek yogurt
mint, to serve

1. De-stem the strawberries. Put a few aside for decoration and slice the rest into a bowl with the jam.
2. Use a potato masher to mash up the strawberries and jam.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream to stiff peaks. Then fold the yogurt into the cream.
4. Layer the strawberry & cream mixtures in little serving dishes.



For more information, check out: www.annabelkarmel.com