LilSugar

Would You Tell Potential Employer You Were Pregnant?

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:00:53 -0800

It's a tough economy and some pregnant job seekers are pushing hard to find employment before their babies are born. Mamas-to-be aren't legally bound to tell potential bosses that they are expecting and until the women show there's no way the "powers that be" know.

Would you spill on your situation or keep it under wraps? Source

How Does Your Work Influence Your Choices?

babysugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:31 -0800

A woman's got to do what a woman's got to do. Whether she's stripping to pay for her daughter's education or arguing court cases in front of the Supreme Court, moms often find a way to make ends meet to take care of their cubs at home. Some mommies are more proud of their professions while others try to hide the truth from their children. As one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Angelina Jolie's job makes it quite difficult for her to keep her job a secret.

Not ashamed of her roles, the mother of six sat down with UK Harper's Bazaar and chatted about the movie roles she chooses to play.

I tell stories that are about the type of woman I'd want to meet. The type of woman where I think, even if it's silly characters I've played, like in Tomb Raider, there's something about her that will be fun for my daughters to see one day.

When you clock in every day, do you consider how your job affects your offspring and their opinion of you?

Marcia Cross Gives Thanks Early This Year

babysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:53 -0800

Known as the buttoned-up and tightly wound kitchen queen on Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross appears to be quite the opposite when seen about town toting her two tots to the local playground for a swing in the park or a roll in the grass. Though the multitasking mum certainly has her hands full and plenty of mouths to feed in her own home, the drama mama took time out of her Sunday afternoon to dish on motherhood, balancing a career, her fortunate life and how she gives back to the community.

How do you teach your children about giving back?

I have to be very honest and say that I'm in this very strange interim of wanting the world to seem like this perfect lovely place because they're 2-and-a-half... to then introducing them to the idea that other people have less. It's going to start soon, I think around the holidays. The way I try to do it is in simple ways. I have things in the house and I say, "Why don't we give this to so and so?" And I will say somebody else's child and "If you're finished with that, why don't you give that to so and so?" I've noticed that they'll come up with that on their own now, which makes me so happy... I can't yet go to the place where there are other kids that are hungry... maybe in another year. I don't know exactly. I think just teaching empathy and then teaching giving in that sort of way is how I've started and hopefully it will grow from there in terms of how lucky we are... We say Grace and we say prayers at night. Prayers to me is just sitting around and saying what you're grateful for. One answer that my daughter Eden says all the time, which I love, is "Outside," which is such a beautiful thing to say thank you for, which we take for granted.

What kinds of things do the girls do to make you laugh?

My girls are really funny. They're actually little jokesters. They do twists on words already, or I call them my little minxies. They dance, they do imitations of other kids dancing, they make up songs, they make up lyrics. It's all so silly but I think every mother just adores their own child and I'm the same way. They make me laugh all the time.

To see what the striking redhead has to say about balancing motherhood and her career, her character Bree, and what she is most thankful for, read more.

Are there any similarities between Bree and Marcia Cross?

Wow. I wish there were more because she's so organized and such the domestic diva, which I am not. But I think in her own twisted way, Bree has a big heart and a passion for life. Although, I'm thinking about what she's doing right now and we don't have that in common... she's having a little extra passion right now (giggle). At the moment, I'm going to say there's a little less in common than more.

How do you raise your kids and have a career?

I think some days I do it more gracefully than others. And other days it takes its tolls. Like any parent, I go through times where things are going great and then I have a week where both of my daughters are sick and so I'm trying to juggle work and home-life and it's hard and it's stressful and I think it would be unrealistic to say otherwise. I think that mothers manage an incredible workload. Whether you're a stay-at-home mother or you have a job as well, it's a very full life and certainly one that I dreamed about and always wanted. And even given that there are days that are challenging, because you can only be in so many places at once... whether it's at work or with your kids, or sometimes you just really want a nap so it's a full-time job.

What are you thankful for?

Health. Health of my family, health of my friends, health of my parents, who thank God, are still with me. I'm grateful that I have a family that I always dreamed about. I'm grateful for the job that I have. I get to do what I love. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to be a spokesperson for things I feel are important.

This Thanksgiving, Marcia is encouraging all Facebook mommies to go to My Chinet's Facebook page where they can pick a plate, decorate it and show it on their profile page. By doing this, mommy will feed her soul and donate to the cause of filling someone else's stomach this holiday season.

Does Your Family Take Professional Photos?

babysugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:00:08 -0800

'Tis the time of the year for professional photographers to make their bundles of cash. Families are taking to the parks and beaches in their ironed shirts and their coiffed hair in hopes of taking the perfect photo for their holiday cards. While they make for gorgeous cards, the glossy black and whites also make ideal gifts for grandparents and they may make the spot right over the fireplace more attractive than ever. Those not willing to pay extra cash on the shutterbug have learned how to use the self-timer mode on their own camera and jump into the shot at the last minute often making their family portraits more realistic and even entertaining. (If you do take your own, make sure you read these tips!)

So tell us, do you hire the professionals to do the job or do you click away yourself?

Source

Did You Take Advantage of Full Maternity Leave?

babysugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0800

Before an expectant working mama checks out to welcome another baby to the world, she usually has a good idea of how much time it will be before she settles back into her desk. In some countries, mothers take the entire first year of their babe's life to stay at home and get to know them. In the States, it's a bit different. While some women have the luxury of taking months off to recuperate from their life welcoming event, others have to jump right back into the game leaving little time for bonding and resting up. While finances, benefits, and childcare are usually the decision makers, many mums are eager to get back to the job for the adult companionship it provides.

So tell mommy, did you take full advantage of your maternity leave?

Jennie Garth Gives LilSugar the Scoop on Her Parenting Style

babysugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:45 -0800

Before there was Summer on the The OC or Blair on Gossip Girl, there was Kelly Taylor of 90210. For many modern mamas, Kelly Taylor was the girl next door. High school girls related to her and tried to emulate her every move. And much like the actress who played her, Jennie Garth is the envy of many a mother. The bubbly blond recaptured America's hearts on Dancing With the Stars and is reprising her role on the old teen fave, 90210. As a counselor on the show, it is fitting that the famous mum has words of wisdom for other mommies. The adorable mama took the time to answer our four lil questions:

1. Why didn't anybody tell me ... about motherhood?

Why didn't anybody tell me it would be so hard? That it would be the hardest job ever.

2. You know you're a mother when ...

When you have a little bit of throw up on you and it's okay and you just keep on going.

3. What's the best trick your mama taught you?

It doesn't matter if the dishes are clean. It just matters that my kids are happy.

4. Free-range mom or helicopter mom?

Free-range mom. I let them run free.

Come back tomorrow to see what the celebmama has to say about wanting more babies and how she and Twilight star Peter Facinelli keep bringing the sexy back to their home life and much, much more!

Have You Gone "Mommy" on a Stranger?

babysugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:56 -0800

Motherhood brings a whole new perspective to a woman's life. Moms jump up to offer their seats to expectant ladies on the bus and rush to aid a lost child at a mall. It is in their nature to fawn over small smiles and get teary when they see a babe in need, but sometimes when they're feeling feisty enough, mamas can huff up and pull out the mommy guns on complete strangers. Mommy may find herself waving her condemning finger in the air and offering "ONE last chance" before all hell breaks loose. In the "Front Door" episode of The Middle, Frankie figuratively takes one of her car shopping customers to school as she berates him for his inability to make a decision and clean up after himself. A conversation that is probably more appropriate for her home works wonders at her job.

Have you ever pulled out the "mummy talk" to get your point across with someone other than your child?

Join our group of Television Moms over in our LilSugar Community!

Ever Left a Dirty Diaper For Someone Else to Change?

LilSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:11 -0800

Parenting is a dirty job, but someone has to do it. When it comes to diapering, many parents use the rule, "He who smelt it, changes it," which usually has both sides equally elbow deep in soiled nappies. However, some sneaky (and tired) mamas and papas looking to score a break from diaper duty have admitted to leaving a stinky one for their counterpart to find and change. There's no shame in needing a break every once in a while.

Do tell, have you ever purposefully overlooked your tot's poopy diaper in hopes that someone else will change it?

Help a Single Mama Out - Be That Woman!

babysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:18 -0700

No doubt about it - parenting is the toughest job... period. The only thing that could make it harder is the prospect of being a single mom holding down a job in a tough economy. Mums who are running the show on their lonesome are admirable and strong and though they may not say it out loud, they can often use a helping hand. This small stick figured animated clip, which was shown at the Washington Area Women's Foundation annual leadership luncheon, serves as a good reminder that it takes a village to raise a child, which results in a happy mother.

What was the last thing you did to help a mom in need?

What Is Your Worst Mom Fail?

babysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:34 -0700

If mama gets one thing crossed off her to-do list in a single day, she's done a good job. Most mothers will admit it's near impossible to keep up with school schedules, the grocery list, car maintenance, birthday parties and everything else relegated to dear old mom. On last night's "The Trip" episode of The Middle, daughter Sue Heck sells enough cheese and sausage for her school's fundraiser to earn her a trip to Indianapolis. Her teacher claims Sue didn't sell anything and is therefore banned from the trip. Like any mother would do, mama Heck gives the teacher, well, heck, and shames him into letting her daughter on board. But as you will find out in the video, it's not the teacher that fails, but the overrun mommy. Typically, the teenage lass will certainly not forget the gargantuan error her mother makes.

What's the worst "mom fail" you've committed?

Join our group of Television Moms over in our LilSugar Community!

Photo courtesy of ABC