By: Edward Almonte Being a step father wasn’t something that I aspired to do. In my late teens and early twenties, my mother warned me to not get involved with someone who already had children, as it complicates every relationship. Taking into account the fact that this was coming from someone who already had a child herself by the time she met my father – I

By: Carolina Pichardo Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com If the Kim Kardashian Kardashian and Kris Humphries proves anything, it's that most Hollywood marriages are doomed from the start. Unfortunately, these brief marriage - as ugly/odd as they end - often bring about some beautiful kids. Let's take a look at some of Hollywood's young, famous parents and step-parents, their kids and how they've managed it all. Britney Spears: We've followed this

By: Carolina Pichardo We’re told that we have it as soon as we become moms. Although at first we doubt it, it’s there when we need it the most. It helps us navigate the mystifying terrain of parenting. This young moms, is what we call - instincts. The other day I was talking to a friend. She has a young step-daughter that she’s been raising and caring for

By: Carolina Pichardo With the costume and candy shopping complete, all we could do now is wait. Maybe enjoy a few spooky classic films or two, finish the pumpkins, and sign up for the Halloween events around the neighborhood. It's the best we could do for now, because once we've passed that threshold and we're in November - the official holiday season begins. And let's face it,

By: The Refined Chef Editor's Note: That's it's for this week's dinner recipe week. Thank you to Seth of The Refined Chef for sharing with us such great recipes! Fairy Tale Eggplant with Pea Shoot Salad and Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients 7-10 fairy tale eggplants (they are about 2-4 inches in length) 1 medium size heirloom tomato - diced Handful of pea shoots (washed and dried) 1/4 cup reduced balsamic vinegar Olive

Editor's Note: We're switching it up a bit, because we just want a sweet excuse - like this one. This is a must-do for your family this week! By: The Refined Chef Homemade Pumpkin Pie Ingredients 1-2 small to medium sized Sugar Baby (you need 1 16 oz cups of pumpkin puree) 1 cup per pie 3/4 sugar 2 large eggs 12 can evaporated milk 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp

By: The Refined Chef Lamb Rib Chops with Rainbow Swiss Chard Ingredients 4 lamb rib chops 4 cups chopped rainbow swiss chard 1.5 tablespoons diced shallots 1 clove diced garlic Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional) Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste The mild lamb pairs nicely with the slight bitterness of the swiss chard (and the colors really make this dish pop.) This is a great meal for a

By: The Refined Chef Chicken with Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Over Wild Rice Ingredients Mushroom Soup 4 cups raw sliced mushrooms (2 cups baby portobello, 2 cups crimini) 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth 1.5 teaspoons fresh thyme 2 tablespoons chopped shallot 2 tablespoons butter Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup wild rice - I like Minnesota wild rice 1 lbs - skinless/boneless chiken tenders The hearty rice and earthly flavors of

By: The Refined Chef Broiled Hake with Rosemary Mini Potato Medley Ingredients: 2 pieces of Hake (1/3 lb each) 1/2 lb - mixture of mini potatoes 1 medium shallot - sliced into rings 5-10 grape tomatoes A few sprigs of rosemary Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Lemon wedges You can find this potato mixture at local farmers' markets. I think they work well with the fish (but also enjoy just roasting them and eating

By: Carolina Pichardo Halloween is right around the corner. Before you know it, you'll be sledding down department stores with a shopping list, travel plans and wondering what hit you. Are our lives soon bound to get that busy? Chances are that, yes. Well, in order to make at least some part of your routine a little easier, all this week YUM will be posting some delicious dinner