LilSugar

Lil Loves Of Our Lives: Ben Murphy of TheFatherLife

LilSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:00:36 -0800

Ben Murphy and a couple of his buddies, started a TheFatherLife for dads that love their kids, but aren't willing to surrender themselves.

The free online men's magazine covers topics from how to help a wife with postpartum depression to kids and football for good guys who double as great dads.

Who is the lil love of your life?
My wonderful wife and our two girls; Emma, age 4 and Erin, 18 months.
Which came first, the baby or the blog?
The baby. TheFatherLife.com actually came about because I had kids and was looking for a men's magazine geared towards fathers --- and there wasn't one. So myself and a couple of friends started TheFatherLife.com!

To see what Ben misses most about his pre-baby days, read more.

What was the most shocking part of becoming a parent?
No sleep.
If you could have one aspect of your pre-baby days back, but keep the kids, what would you choose?
Being in shape.
At what moment did you fall in love with your child?
Before they were even born.
Do you have Valentine’s Day plans?
Laying low (hey, "doing nothing" is a welcome break from the normal craziness of small children!)
Anything else you want to add?
Ladies, tell your husbands about us!

Jennie Garth Gives LilSugar the Exclusive Scoop - Part Two

babysugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:52 -0800

In case you missed it, Jennie Garth took some time out of her schedule to chat with LilSugar about her life as a mommy of three. She answered our four lil questions and then some. Not surprising, she shot straight from the hip and revealed that she is a down-to-earth kind of lady who is keeping a good head on her shoulders while teaching her daughters to do the same. Here are some of the questions the cute mom answered for us:

In light of all of the reality TV shows following families and your stint on Dancing With the Stars, would you ever want your children to be in the spotlight on a TV show or actors on their own show?

I hope not. I would never discourage them from what they want to do but hope that they aim a little higher. Being an actor is not a bad profession by any means but the easy way out, it seems right now, is to do a reality show so I'm hoping Luca - she wants to be an actress I think but she doesn't want to tell me - that they study and learn a craft and become really, really good at it.

Which one of your characteristics do you wish your children would inherit from you?

I can do anything. I can change the oil in the car. Honestly, if it put my mind to it, I can do anything and I hope that they have that. I don't want them to just call the repair man. I want them to try to fix something first. I hope they get a hands on, get it done, I can do anything mentality.

Have you let your kids watch your old 90210 days or the renewed show?

No, no, no. Absolutely not.

Have they seen any of your work?

They've seen a couple of things. They've seen some of my work. They watched What I Like About You sometimes, but even that one was a little too risque at times. But, they come along to a lot of the charitable things I do.

To see what the hot mama has to say about being pregnant again and how she and Peter bring the sexy back, just read more.

Speaking of, how did you get involved with Smiles Across America (SAA)?

As a mother, I sort of saw an opportunity. There's inadequate dental heath care and children are not being taught by their parents to take care of their teeth. SAA goes into schools and teaches kids how to take care of their teeth and they provide them with services.

Who is your role model in motherhood?

I really rely on my girlfriends a lot. We do it together - bounce ideas off of each other. They pick me up when I'm at my lowest point and feel like a terrible mom. We talk about stuff and it helps me to continue on. I just sometimes need a pep talk.

Were you a lover of pregnancy or were you dying to get it over with?

I loved it! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Will you do it again?

I hope so! I don't know. It depends on my husband being in town.

How do you and Peter bring the sexy back to your marriage with three kids and both of you working?

We do a lot of texting and a lot of flirting by texting and making each other laugh a lot. A good sense of humor keeps each other laughing.

How has the whole Twilight craze affected your family life? Are the girls into it? Do they have crushes on Rob?

They're younger. They don't really care that much. Plus, we really instill in them that they're not goo goo crazy over actors. We try to keep them in a realistic mode. They're a little young... but I'm crazy coo coo for vampires! But, what I do and what I teach my kids to do are two different things.

Amen to that!

Delilicious: Wholesome Energy Balls for Tots

babysugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:00:16 -0800

This post comes from the group The Children's Table from member GirlC.

Okay I haven't been uploading recipes for some time, sorry. Life got busy. Here's one that J loves.

Wholesome Energy Balls
http://wholesometoddlerfood.com/

Ingredients

1/4 cup finely grated carrots
1/4 cup rolled oats or Granola*
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 Tablespoon honey
3 Tablespoons peanut butter

Directions

Mix and roll into balls. *Granola makes these Energy Balls more tasty and adds a nice crunch.

Print recipe with images | without images
There's lots of fun stuff going on in our community - join it, check it out, share your posts or advice in the great groups and maybe we'll feature it here on LilSugar!

Disney Costumes For Your Little Princess or Mermaid

LilSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:41 -0700

Once upon a time there was an adorable little girl who loved fairy tales, happy endings and Disney princesses. What did she want to be for Halloween? Why Bella, Cinderella, Snow White or the Little Mermaid, naturally!

Like their inspiration, Disney princess costumes are always a classic. You can make your darling's wishes come true with an official Disney costume (they sure know how to make a mama's life easy!) or make your own using the character's token colors and style. Either way, she'll be the Bella of the ball.

Share a past pic of your wee one in their costume in our Sugarbabies group in the LilSugar Community! Your little darlings could be featured on the site.

Disney© Belle Costume - $54.99	Disney© Cinderella Costume - $54.99
Disney© Ariel Costume - $44.99	Disney© Sleeping Beauty Costume - $54.99
Disney© Jasmine Costume - $29.99	Disney© Ariel Costume - $54.99
Disney© Snow White Costume - $44.99

Source: Flickr User jepoycamboy

Lil's Top Three Favorite New Mom Shows!

LilSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:33 -0700

Set your DVR or put the kids to bed early so you can turn on the boob tube and enjoy some mom-me time watching LilSugar's three favorite new mom shows! After hearing all the hype about the networks' most anticipated sitcoms and dramas that centered around matriarchs, we tuned in and then narrowed down the choices to our top three must sees. Check out our picks! Drum roll please . . .
Second Runnerup: The Middle
Why we like it: Patricia Heaton is back on the small screen as Frankie Heck, a mom of three who has more than her share of realistic haggard-mom moments.
Why we love it: While all of the characters are lovable, Brick's creepy habits, from talking in a low voice to "soothe" himself to copping feels on his teacher, make him the center of attention. Just when a viewer's skin begins to crawl, the youngster tells his mom that she's his hero, and it's impossible not to melt.
Rating:

To see which shows got the second and top spots, read more.
First Runnerup: The Good Wife
Why we like it: We've all wondered why real-life women like Elizabeth Edwards and Silda Spitzer stood by their men despite being humiliated. Julianna Margulies's character, Alicia Florrick, give us a better understanding.
Why we love it: Alicia is both a strong and sympathetic woman. While her circumstance is one most women hope to never find themselves in, Alicia is someone we all can relate to, because despite the enormity of some of her issues, she also deals with the everyday stuff like protecting her children from the media, enduring an overbearing mother-in-law, and competing with co-workers half her age at the office.
Rating:

Best New Mom Show: Modern Family
Why we like it: The sitcom showcases three related families: a "traditional" couple raising three tween and teenagers, December/May newlyweds who have a young son, and gay partners with an adopted baby girl.
Why we love it: The show had us in stitches through its entirety. Each family has been so carefully crafted that there's no clear favorite. And, in all of the hilarity, there are sentimental moments interspersed that hit viewers in their heartstrings. Rating:

If you have strong opinions on other moms of the small screen, mosey on over to the Television Moms group on the LilSugar Community, a place to discuss the parenting styles and practices of the small screen's matriarchs along with the topical issues from recent episodes of shows.
Photos copyright 2009 ABC, Inc. and Photo courtesy of CBS

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Stay-at-Home Mom

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:10 -0700

I'm about to pop which means my maternity leave is likely just days away. While I've always been a working mother, I can't wait to gain stay-at-home mom status for a few months. I've done it twice before when my daughter and son were born and loved every minute - even those that were covered in spit-up. While spending so much quality time with my kids is the obvious perk, there are others that are often overlooked. Here's my list!

I get to drop off and pick up my kids from school and get more involved in their daily activities.
Impromptu trips to the park don't revolve around my work deadlines.
An 8 a.m. trip to the grocery store is less stressful than weekend ones.
Forget scheduling meetings or appointments, life is all about playdates!
Sweats and sneakers is a totally acceptable outfit.
My kids will get my undivided attention (well, it will be divided between the three of them!)

What is or was your favorite thing about being a stay-at-home mom? Join our The Mommy Club over in our LilSugar community and share your stories! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

We've Got a Place to Hide When Things Get Too Hot

babysugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:00:06 -0700

Many a mother likes to say, "If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen." But the truth of the matter is that moms are often the ones who need a break from the cucina. Hair-pulling youngsters, whining toddlers and colicky babies can drive a mommy crazy. Add to that the everyday worries of planning birthday parties, a stressful job, putting food on the table, and maintaining a healthy sex life, and mama may find herself at her wit's end.

Instead of taking it out on her loved ones or saying things she may regret, she can come to our new LilSugar community group called a Place to Vent, where she can discuss overbearing in-laws, the preschool grind, babysitter woes, and anything else under the motherhood sun.

Non Voyage: A Capital Celebration Where You Need DC to Be

LilSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:00:16 -0700

If the new administration has your family dreaming of our nation's historic roots, a trip to Washington DC is sure to inspire the next generation of public servants. We continue our week of big-city non voyages in the nation's capital with activities and food that will help families recreate the DC experience without breaking their wallets.

The National Mall is lined with some of the best museums in the world, and one of the most popular is the National Air and Space Museum. Teach your budding astronauts about the history of manned space flight and then have them create their own rocket ship that will transport them to the moon. Rockets can be built out of blocks, cardboard or with any scraps you have lying around.
The International Spy Museum is one of the most unique places to visit in DC, where children and adults alike can learn about the CIA and FBI's covert operations and the techniques used to keep the nation from harm. Recreate the experience with a backyard scavenger hunt where lil ones can search for hidden treasures and practice their detective skills. Don't forget the trench coats and magnifying glasses to make them feel official.
Even in the age of email, everybody still loves to get mail and the National Postal Museum shows kids how their letters get delivered. Visit your local post office and have the kids pick out their own stamps and mail letters to their family and friends. See if the postal workers will allow your tots to view the sorting machines in the back too.
It's hard to imagine what life was like before cars, computers and modern conveniences, but Mount Vernon, George and Martha Washington's home, does just that. Give your children the colonial experience by turning off the phone and computer for an afternoon of retro cooking with recipes from the birth of our nation, including johnny cakes, shepherd's pie and apple butter.
Washington DC brings Southern hospitality and Northern sophistication to the Mid Atlantic and the city's food reflects those cultures. President Obama has already visited the famed eatery, Ben's Chili Bowl, where the deliciousness is used to smother hot dogs, sausages and burgers, so make some of those goodies at home. The Obamas are also ushering in a new era in organic cooking at the White House so take your youngsters to the local green market or farm and let them choose the ingredients they would like to nosh on that night.

10 More Things Mamas Took For Granted Before Children

LilSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:00:36 -0700

Oh, to reminisce about those pre-baby days. Yesterday, I wrote about the things I took for granted before having children. While mamas love their lil ones – and our lives with them – we've given up a few luxuries. Our readers chimed in with some of the things they have sacrificed so check out the list.

Impromptu Vacations: Before kids, we threw our clothes in a bag and headed to the airport for a weekend getaway without thinking about sleeping arrangements, food or entertainment.
Reading on Airplanes: On a business trip or vacation, flights offered time to catch up on our favorite magazines and books rather than tempering cranky travelers.
Music with Explicit Lyrics: There is no way to compare the G-rated sounds of Radio Disney to Snoop Dogg's uncensored lyrics.
Uninterrupted Phone Calls: Hour-long, in-depth conversations with girlfriends were a weekly occurrence before kiddos started interrupting them with endless questions vying for attention.
Laundry: Complaining about having to do one load of laundry each week seems crazy now that the washer and dryer are constantly running.

To read the rest, read more.

Leisurely Car Rides: Sunday afternoon drives in a small convertible were one of life's luxuries before car seats required more space.
Uninterrupted Meals: Who knew sitting through an entire meal wasn't the norm.
Impromptu Date Nights: The biggest dilemma on date night used to be where to go not who would watch the kids and what time we had to be home.
Personal Shopping: Aside from simply hopping out of the car and checking off a list, shopping used to be by ourselves and for ourselves.
Stain-Free Clothing: Before kids, the stains on our clothing were the result of our own accidents instead of greasy fingers and far-flung food.

Source

Sugardaddy: Matthew McConaughey

LilSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

After spending years flashing his six-pack abs and antics in what seemed to be an endless parade of shirtless photos, Matthew McConaughey is creating a different type of stir as father to nine-month old, Levi. The ultimate bachelor, who will always hold a place in our hearts as stoner David Wooderson in Dazed and Confused, continues to play the romantic lead in hilarious movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and next month's Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. But, since he became a parent to his son with girlfriend Camila Alves, McConaughey is a laid back daddy who manages to incorporate his lil guy into all his daily activities from surfing to movie premieres to beach strolls.

Following Levi's birth, McConaughey said:

"Everyone talked about how, oh, you have a kid, life changes, it's like 180 degrees on a dime full stop, wow. And a lot of them had an insinuation under that like, you have to stop living your life as you live it. That hasn't been the case."

While he may no longer embrace his most famous line from Dazed and Confused, "I keep getting older; they stay the same age," his take on incorporating a lil one into your lifestyle and loving it can be heeded by all new parents.

View 5 Photos ›

Source and INFDaily.com