LilSugar

Plastic Surgery Book: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

LilSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:36 -0700

If mommy's going in for a lil nip and tuck, there's no reason to hide it.

Or so believes, Michael Salzhauer, M.D. who wrote the new children's book on plastic surgery, My Beautiful Mommy! ($20) published by Big Tent Books.

The text is intended to help kids cope with their altered mama -whether she's two sizes smaller, invested in ballooned breasts or a different nose - in a nonthreatening way.

The story and coordinating illustrations walk wee ones through surgery and recovery.

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.

Honest to Peet: Amanda Peet in SELF Magazine

babysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:43 -0800

Not one to shy away from controversy or the honest truth, it's no surprise that mommy Amanda Peet is the cover girl on the December issue of SELF. The sexy mum shows off her postpartum bod and dishes on her role in the vaccinations debate, her typical date night and how she stays in shape. As the star in the flick 2012, she's a busy mom who somehow seems to keep her priorities in line all while maintaining a beaming smile on her face. Here's highlights:

The affectionate mom on how her outlook has changed since having her daughter, Frances, in February 2007:

Generally, I've become much more corny since I've had my baby girl. I think it's important for her to know that you can fail and then recover and that failure is important. It's part of the thing. You cannot escape it. There's no way you can control everything that much. It was also really important to David and I that she have a sense of silliness. We resolved to have a silly child and she is pretty silly!

On body image and having a daughter:

I do feel like it's important for her to have me be as healthy as I can be. So, you know, I don't want her to have horrible eating habits. I don't want her to never exercise. But obviously I'd much rather have her play a sport than have a gym membership before she's 20. I mean there are kids in LA who go to the gym and they have a trainer. I'm like, Play a sport!

View 5 Photos ›

To see how she spends her date nights and her stance on vaccines, read more.

On date nights:

I’m obsessed with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. If she knew how much she was in my household late at night or in the wee hours of the morning, she might be disturbed. David [her husband] and I both have a crush on her.

The child-vaccination controversy spurred her to become an activist:

I got involved because it scared me when I learned how many parents were withholding vaccines from their children. [Peet is the spokeswoman for the Measles Initiative as well as the organization Every Child by Two.] It made me frightened of the possibility that some of these diseases are coming back. This is about the future of our children’s health. It’s about what happens when you become complacent and you’re not vigilant as a community.

To see how the beautiful mom stays in shape, check out what our girl FitSugar has on the subject and see more photos, quotes on Self.com.

Photos courtesy of Mark Abrahams

Mommy Dearest: Taking Children on Business Trip

LilSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:58 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

I have an overseas business trip coming up to a beautiful European city. While I will be working during the day, my evenings and weekends will be free. In the past, I have used this time to sightsee and shop for gifts for my family back home. This time, I'd like to mix work with pleasure and bring my elementary-school-aged kids to experience a new country and culture. My husband would watch the kids during the day and we could take family adventures in the evening. He doesn't like the plan because he thinks a vacation should be free of distractions and that my colleagues will think it's unprofessional. What do you think?

– Jet-Setting Mommy

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Jet-Setting Mommy,

Combining business and leisure is not a new concept. Plenty of parents add a few days onto a business trip for a little vacation time in a unique location. Adding kids to this equation can work, if it is done properly. First, you should ask your boss if there's an office policy and abide by it. If it's permissible, you can set up a schedule that provides ample time for you to concentrate on work and then allots for fun periods with the family. Also make sure your spouse is up for the challenge, otherwise it's best to schedule a work-free vacation.

– Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Things to Make Mom Smile

babysugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:18 -0700

Try as we might, moms know that sometimes we just can't do it all. That's why we get by with a little help from some rad baby and mommy products. For starters, I'll buy just about anything that promises to make me rest well so that my parenting capabilities are top notch every morning. I have found the Beauty SilkZzz pillow helps me do that. And while I can make a decent Rice Krispie treat with the basics, the Milk and Krunchies desserts are far superior and I don't even have to clean up. Check out my other picks!

View Slideshow ›

Mommy Dearest: Babyless Friends

babysugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

I am a mother to a three-month-old little girl whom I adore. I was blessed with a successful pregnancy on the first attempt with my husband, but sad, a few friends of my friends have not been so lucky. Having tried clomid and several rounds of in vitro fertilization, it is becoming increasingly difficult for my childless friends to see me with my baby. One friend has already cut me out of her life because it is too painful for her to be around any infants and I fear I am losing another one to the clutches of non-motherhood. I desperately want to keep my friends, but don't know how to do it without causing them pain every time they see us.

- Fertile Myrtle

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Fertile Myrtle,

No doubt you are in a tough spot. Your fertility challenged girlfriends may be envious of your life and seeing you and your sweet babe might be too much for them to handle. It has been my experience that women desperate to get pregnant often reach a point where the only people they feel comfortable discussing the issue with are their spouses and doctors. Keep up your efforts of reaching out to them and leave the topic of pregnancy and babies out of the conversation. They will talk about it if and when they are ready to do so.

Try to plan a girls' night with other women where you can reminisce about the old days and have fun without kids on the brain. And until your friend reaches out to you, sit tight and pray that their prayers are answered with a beautiful baby.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Source

Supersize This: Ses Petites Mains Agnys Blouse

LilSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Finding the perfect top that can be worn to accompany your tot on kindergarten interviews and out on date night isn't an easy task. If Ses Petites Mains made this beautiful Agnys Blouse ($44) in mommy sizes, I would buy it in both colors and consider my shopping task complete. The fine wale corduroy shirt, which comes in either light pink or green, has beautiful gathers throughout, elastic cuffs that create a stylish bloused look and a belt that ties in the back. A San Francisco-based company known for their fine fabrics and handmade designs, Ses Petites Mains' designs are classic enough to be passed on to future generations in your family. And if you are in a retail mood, the company's entire Fall line, "weekend in the country," is on sale on their site.

Tunes and Texts: Munro Leaf Books

LilSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0800

I had the chance to peruse some seriously trendy children's stores and boutiques on Beverly Drive in Los Angeles recently and noticed many of them had the somewhat old school Munro Leaf books, Manners Can Be Fun, Brushing Your Teeth Can Be Fun, How to Speak Politely and Why, How to Behave and Why and Reading Can Be Fun (all about $15), on display. Leaf is known to most as the author of the controversial children's book The Story of Ferdinand, but published about 40 kitschy guide books for children in the '30s and '40s, many of which have been reprinted in the last few years. Aesthetically, the books are beautiful, bright and fun to look at (I couldn't help but think they'd look very matchy matchy with a Reading Is Cool poster!), and hidden inside are messages that ring true no matter what the decade. The series features stick-figure illustrations and wholesome, verse-y text aimed at teaching children the rules of thoughtfulness and etiquette. My mommy gift meter says these could help add a serious tone to a goofy present and would be a nice addition to any bedtime story lineup.

View 5 Photos ›

Wonder Woman: Kate Winslet

LilSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0800

What doesn't kill you, earns you a Best Actress Golden Globe! That is, if you are the incredibly talented Kate Winslet. The star of Revolutionary Road, a must-see for all married moms, also took home the award for best supporting actress for her work in The Reader.

Aside from making incredible movies - Little Children, Titanic, The Life of David Gale, to name a few - the British born beauty is raising two children - Mia, 8, and Joe, 5 - with her husband, director Sam Mendes. At last night's awards, the mum thanked everyone from her costars to her hair and makeup artists. But, she saved the best kudos to her kids for last on both occasions, even mentioning that they were on set during the filming of Revolutionary Road. During her first acceptance, she said:

To my children, Mia and Joe, who are watching this on TV. Look. I won! Thank you for coming on this adventure with mommy.

Congratulations to this down-to-earth mama who piggy backs her kids home from school. We can't wait until her next performance!

View 5 Photos ›

Source, Flynet and Bauer-Griffin

Guess the Musical Mama!

babysugar — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:00:25 -0700

Many musically talented ladies share their beautiful voices for our listening pleasure and some have even bared their baby bumps on magazine covers to appease our voyeuristic minds. Like many working women, these moms have kept up their singing careers while being mommy all the while. Take my quiz to see if you can guess the musical mama!

Question 1 of 6

Which mama often likes to sport sweat pants when she's not on stage?