MommyQ » Celebrity Scoop

Beyonce’s Baby Drama: Welcome to Crazyville, Blue Ivy

MommyQ — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:02:25 +0000

It seems Beyonce spared no expense when it came to her baby girl’s birth. Any why would she? She’s Beyonce. TMZ has released photos of her beautiful hospital suite which costs around $700-$800 per night. A tad expensive, yes, but that’s not an insane amount. Her posse used about four rooms during her stay – evidently her entourage travels with her for her birth – ew. Why? In case she decides to record an album during delivery or needs a sequins bodysuit? Anyway, so four rooms would’ve run her about $3,200. Again, not a big deal when you’re sitting on kabillions of dollars. Click image below to see more of her hospital suite!

So why so much drama about Beyonce’s baby? It really didn’t cost a ton if the above info is correct. Wait, there’s more! On Wed. of this week the NY State Health Department got “complaints from new parents who claim they were mistreated by the staff at Lenox Hill Hospital while Beyonce was giving birth in the VIP room.” The parents who were having babies in the hospital while Bey & Z were there said, “they were neglected by staff and prevented from visiting their newborns … due to the drama surrounding the superstar.” Gee, ya think?

Let me tell you this, had I given birth at my hospital while a HUGE superstar like Beyonce was there, I would’ve delivered my baby myself with a bedpan and a sheet. I’m 1,000 times certain I would’ve been totally ignored. They ignored me most of the time anyway! Talk about ruining a special moment for you and your family. Who cares about your normal, boring baby when BEYONCE and JAYZ are birthing royalty down the hall. Seriously? You know I’m right.

The baby rumors continue to swill about and who knows what’s actually true. All I know is that kid is gonna hear the most unbelievably cool nursery rhymes ever.

My Take on Kourtney Kardashian’s Mommy Blog Featured on HLNTV.com

MommyQ — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:34:54 +0000

No matter how much you boycott the Kardashians or how many petitions you sign, they just keep coming. And not only that, reproducing at a quick pace to ensure their continued world domination, um, I mean survival. On Wednesday, the eldest Kardashian, Kourtney, announced that she and Scott Disick — America’s favorite Vegas-loving, hair-slicking, baby daddy — are expecting bambino numero dos.

Wait, what’s that noise you’re hearing? That would be the sound of “cha-ching” from Burberry, because they get to dress another designer-clad munchkin. Score!

Isn’t it interesting how well-timed her baby news is? It’s almost like her new pregnancy is part of the grand Kardashian marketing plan since she just launched a mom focused web series called Kourtney’s Mommy Blog at E! Online (the very company people have been petitioning to drop Kardashian nonsense.) I guess you aren’t a legit mommy unless you have multiple kids…

Get the full scoop on HLNTV.com

Image: HLNTV.com

Good Gawd: Gwyneth’s Mid-Drift Bares All at Emmy Awards

MommyQ — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:42:13 +0000

Gwyneth Paltrow arrived at the Emmy Awards wearing a 2-piece Pucci. Oh, wait…er, uhm, sorry…that’s actually a one-piece dress. Oh, I get it now. It’s a tummy-baring dress, the epitome of classy. Right. Because when you’re decked out in a gorgeous red carpet gown, you often say to yourself, “This would be magnificent if we were back in 1993 and my mid-drift was exposed.” This dress was as much of a fail as Charlie Sheen’s boring and insanely unfunny apology. He didn’t even toss us a “winning” or mention “tiger blood” or slip into a coma. Come on.

Hadley Freeman said it best, “Paltrow is wearing officially the most ridiculous thing she has ever worn to a fashion ceremony, and that is saying something. It is not only see through but it is a crop top and a high waisted skirt, ie the two most unflattering garments of all time.” Amen, sister.

What do you think? I think it’s hideous. Here’s a link to E! so you can see all of the gowns of the evening.

Image: Steve Granitz/WireImage

MommyQ is Getting HGTV’d: Part Deux

MommyQ — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:10:49 +0000

The dust has been vacuumed, the dumpster has been removed, our POD has left the driveway and all of our new pals at HGTV’d have moved on to their next project. I hope it involves a few naps, because those folks are worn out! The BIG REVEAL was this past Sunday and my head is still spinning! I keep walking into my ultra-fabulous, posh, functional and sparkling, new rooms and wonder, “Whose house is this?!? It certainly isn’t mine!” I’m still not touching anything out of fear that I may mess up something. Although the fresh flowers are starting to wilt, so I’m going to have to replace them. Even the flowers are cool. I mean, really? These folks are goooood.

I’d like to give a special thanks to four local companies who helped us survive and enjoy this surreal experience:

#1 – Austin Paperhanging for the stunning, precise and perfect job they did hanging all of our new wallpaper. You won’t fully understand until you see the room in person. It’s a HUGE area and DIFFICULT job and they did SUPERBLY. It’s mind boggling.

#2 - Aero Designed Systems who installed our brand new AC unit. Yep, our AC broke right in the middle of filming our episode of HGTV’d. It was about 103 degrees outside too. Aero worked quickly and the customer service was outstanding.

#3 – Let Us Do The Cooking was possibly the highlight of each day. This is a catering company located in Killeen, TX, and they brought us the most mouth-watering, fantastic food I’ve ever eaten. Yes, ever. (Sorry, mom!) The corn casserole was stupendous, the green bean casserole was heavenly, the desserts were insane, the entrees were perfection, etc.

#4 – Central Market made the most beautiful & tasty HGTV’d cake. I had to print the logo from the hotel’s black & white printer, but Central Market was like, we’re so awesome, we’re going to do it with all of the red shades anyway! Not only was it pretty, but also yummy! We walked around with red lips all day and didn’t even care.

Here's a pic of the old chandelier coming down. You should've seen how high they had to go to make this happen. My knees were weak!

Here's a shot of David with Austin Paperhanging doing what he does best. You should've seen the precision. If you ever decide to this, leave it to the pros.

We took a million pics in front of that truck. We also saw various neighbors posing it with as they walked by...

Another shot of the gorgeous cake. Central Market knows dessert!

This pic was taken on my way out of the hotel on reveal day! I was a nervous, excited wreck. This is my annoying thumbs-up pose that I did repeatedly. Yes, that's gonna be a pleasure to watch on TV. Oy!

I’m not able to post pics of the finished rooms, but tune in for my next post when I finally reveal our celebrity designer.

Did ya miss something? Wanna know where to submit your casting video? Here’s MommyQ is Getting HGTV’d: Part One

What do you think? Do you have the guts to be HGTV’d????

Top 10 Most Annoying Things About The Voice

MommyQ — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 03:33:36 +0000

First of all, I’m a HUGE fan of the show. In fact, my husband and I both watched it religiously. We totally freaked out when we realized we missed a show last week. But with all of the fabulousness comes some unfabulousness. In honor of my love for this new show, I will point out its flaws. Just like I do with my husband. Think of it as constructive criticism, NBC.

# 10 – Carson Daly’s smug looks. He always smiles like he knows something really funny, but the rest of us aren’t in on the joke. And it’s something like you have a piece of Arugula in your teeth and he’s secretly laughing at you, but he’s not gentleman enough to point it out, leaving you to look like a fool. He’s that kind of smug.

#9 – CeeLo without sunglasses. It’s just too weird to see his eyes. He looks much cooler with glasses, so there should be a rule about that. It’s like he’s a total rockstar with glasses and just a normal guy in strange outfits without them.

#8 – Twitter updates with Alison. I get the whole “let’s incorporate social media into a live to show to make it appear really live” idea, but it doesn’t work quite right. The room likes a telethon or something. To make it more cutting edge, they should talk about the bad tweets referencing Christina’s crimped hair or her big mouth or her intoxicating personality. Remember, what makes social media real is the fact that you can’t control it.

#7 – Not enough Adam Levine. This guy is a total babe in a bad boy/hottie/rockstar way. You now, like Carson wishes he could be. We need to have more one-on-one air time with him. Maybe NBC could do a “Deep Thoughts with Adam Levine” a couple of times per show. He just looks so adorable in his tight little shirts and tight cardigans and skinny jeans. More Adam, NBC. More. Adam.

#6 – Less theatrics on stage. I totally agree with Blake. Those goofball dancers are totally ridiculous and unnecessary. They’re incredibly distracting, just like the absence of CeeLo’s enormous watches. I did like the performance with Vicci and her drummers, but the shadow dancing is way too cheesy. I also thought the Mad Max-inspired duet with CeeLo and Vicci was like an explosion of Velveeta. Serious cheese.

#5 – Christina’s hair. One of my hilarious friends @WendiAarons tweeted this, “Christina Aguilera’s hair is so pretty. I wonder what it’s made from.“ That pretty much sums it up for me. The only thing worse than Christina’s awful hairdos was the stress her boobs must have been feeling, knowing they could be popping out on national TV at any moment. Those braids – the big one on side and the tiny one on the other – forced me into therapy. They looked like alien tendrils and now I have nightmares about them.

#4 – Too many bald women. If there had only been one, it would’ve been totally neat and hip. But with two beautiful bald-headed women battling it out, they kind of killed each others’ thunder. It’s like when my husband and I get ready to go out to dinner and inadvertently wear the same color, looking like the world’s dorkiest couple ever. I can tell him to go change, but Frenchie couldn’t tell Beverly to go grow some hair real quick.

#3 – The way Carson Daly holds a microphone. He looks like a creepy dude trying to choke a …uhm, er…wait a second. Sorry, already griped about him.

#2 - CeeLo without both watches. In addition to the sunglasses, he should have to wear two diamond encrusted watches at all times. I saw him with one on each wrist in one show, so it was distracting to see him without them. I was thinking,” Poor CeeLo. Is he having financial trouble? Where’s the other watch. Did he pawn it? I’m worried about CeeLo, gosh darn it. Is he okay? CeeLo!?!”

#1 – Lack of a tacky trophy. With all of the glitter, sequins, shadow dancing, costumes and alien tendrils, there should’ve been a huge trophy presented to the winner. How do you know you’ve won something unless you get a crazy, horrific, worthless trophy in the shape of The Voice hand-with-microphone? The first thing that should go through your head after wining is, “Holy crap! I won!” The second is, “Where am I going to put this awful thing?”

In all honesty though, a huge congrats to Javier Colon. I honestly believe he has won the toughest singing competition ever. His duet with Stevie Nicks was epic. Dia Frampton is a stunning, unbelievable star too. My heartfelt congrats to them both! Until next season…

Celeb Wardrobe Malfunctions: 5 Ways to End Fiascos

MommyQ — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:38:08 +0000

As a woman who appreciates taking risks with fashion, I’d like to make a quick comment about the continual celebrity wardrobe malfunctions involving a ~~voluntary~~ involuntary flash of nipple AKA nip slip AKA shirt and/or dress fail. First of all, I’m not talking about the ones that happen in a bathing suit. I don’t think they count. Wearing a bikini is tricky business, especially if you take a dip in the ocean with fully functioning waves. Or if you have young children.

My son accidentally pulled my bikini top down at the pool once and it took me a few seconds to realize what happened. Had I been a celebrity, that would’ve been TMZ homepage material for sure. I probably had a scowl on my face and my hair was in a bad ponytail. Had it been captured on film, it would’ve been an “Antarctica sounds like a fun place to live” kind of moment. I’m talking about this….Oh, and why in the world is she squeezing into the dress like it’s a sausage casing. Huh?

I’m talking about non-drunk moments when celebrities other than Pam Anderson, Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton pick out an outfit that costs more than your car, wear it and still suffer from nip slips. This makes zero sense to me. I think they’re all planned. Shame on you, Milla Jovovich, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Keira Knightley, Martha Stewart, Oprah, Brett Favre, Anthony Weiner…whew, I’m getting tired.

Seriously, how can you not know your nipple will be or is currently exposed? What celebs and their stylists fail to recognize is there are, in fact, multiple solutions to ~~planned staged~~ dreaded wardrobe malfunctions.

5 Surefire Ways to End Nip Slips:

#1 – Use toupee tape or electrical tape or duct tape. It’s sticky. Really? I don’t think I need to explain tape.

#2 – Stop wearing ill-fitting outfits. If your try on a dress and your boobs are instantly hanging out, the dress does not fit. Don’t buy it. End of story.

#3 – Wear a bra. If you’re going on national television, about to strut your stuff in front of millions of viewers, drop the “I like being natural bit,” get your skinny butt into Victoria Secret and buy a bra. Then, after you purchase it, take it out of the pretty bag and put it on under your outfit. This goes for strapless dresses too, Jessica Simpson.

#4 – Use a safety pin. Wow, this is so genius. I bought a box of safety pins five years ago and it’s still 90% full. One tiny safety pin can do the trick. You can pick a silver one or a gold one if you’re feeling fancy.

#5 - Don’t tweet about it. What’s even worse than seeing Khloe Kardashian’s nipple on a morning show is how much she tweeted about it. See one of her nip slip tweets below. No, they aren’t that special. Trust me.

My apologies to those of you who are reading my blog based on my previous blog post. I know you were expecting something heartfelt and you got this instead. Welcome to my brain. You never know what’s going to spill out.

Images: The Frisky and TMZ

Celeb Moms Sizzle at Golden Globes: Red Carpet Photos

MommyQ — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:58:57 +0000

It’s one of my favorite times of year – AWARD SHOWS! Oddly enough I rarely watch the actual show, but I do love me some Red Carpet fashion. At the Golden Globes this year, what many consider the precursor to the Oscars, Hollywood’s most beautiful moms are shining brighter than ever. We’re seeing a bit more black than usual at this event, but you’ll see lots of pink. You know, one of the “in” colors for 2011. Let’s see which mommies are wearing it best and which ones are strutting their own unique style…

Pregnant mom-to-be Natalie Portman is glowing in this beautiful pink gown. I love seeing her look like the opposite of her psychotic Black Swan persona. Yikes, that was unsettling. I’ll never look at a hangnail the same again.

Proud mama and timeless beauty Nicole Kidman looks stunning in this neutral dress. I wish she had a few more curves – like 20 pounds worth – but she still looks amazing. Her cutie hubby Keith Urban is probably wishing her heels were a bit lower though.

Boogie nights, one, Julianne. I love the fact that Julianne Moore went for hot pink. I love the contrast with her red hair and, of course, the nude shoes. I’m a sucker for nude shoes with bright colored dresses.I’m sure Joan Rivers will have something bad to say about it, but I give two thumbs up!

Jane Krakowski poses with her growing baby bump in a gorgeous light blue gown. I love how the style of the dress accentuates her curves and her wonderful statement earrings. Pink is for suckers, perhaps? This mommy thinks so.

America’s favorite mommy, Sandra Bullock, is pulling a Khloe Kardashian by giving us a new hairdo for the Golden Globes. I’m guessing she didn’t actually cut bangs for real… I think those are fake. She looks beautiful in this nude-tone dress with delicate embellishment. Oddly enough, Ryan Reynold’s ex, Scarlett Johansson, showed up to the Globes in a lookalike gown. Ouch, that’s awkward.

You can catch all of the excitement as it happens HERE on the AP’s Livestream!

Images: WireImage

MommyQ’s Faves & Flubs: People’s Choice Awards 2011

MommyQ — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:46:52 +0000

Fave – Rowdy in Red
I actually saw the tweet about Kloe’s big change from her sister, Kim, on Twitter. She said something about Kloe debuting a new look for last night’s People’s Choice Awards. I didn’t even have to change the channel to know what the new do was all about. Thanks, Twitter! It seems one Kardashian sister is stepping out of the velvety world of brunette and into the fun realm of red-head. Above is a pic of her new sassy self in a gray, floor length Alexander McQueen gown.

Fave – Thinking Pink
These gals and award winners, Taylor Swift (Famous Country Artist Award Winner) and Selena Gomez (Favorite Breakout Artist Award Winner) both wore one of the hot new colors for 2011 – pink! Doesn’t it crack you up when people say “new” color? Who makes these decisions? Anyway, both gals were spotted looking gorgeous in muted shades of pale pink. The only thing missing from Selena’s outfit was a famous hand on her booty…and that would be the hand of Bieber himself, her new bf. You’ve seen these pics, right?

Flub – Vampires & Wolves Can Get Along
This Twilight trio, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, shared an awkward almost-hug-turned-pat-on-the-back after beating out ‘Inception’ and ‘Iron Man 2′ for the Best Movie Award. I don’t know about you, but I’m still not totally getting this Twilight thing. And I’m a huge fan of vampire lore. Twilight is over…next!

Raven Flies the Coop
Oh no she didn’t! I’m sorry, but this outfit is totally wrong for That’s So Raven star, Raven Symone. I get it. She’s 25 now, no longer the little cutie on The Cosby Show. But this is too dark, evil, Lady Gaga-esque for me. Is she making a statement? Yes. If that statement is I’m a dominatrix headed to a Stevie Nicks concert.

And the Winner is…

Favorite Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Favorite Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
Favorite Movie Actress: Kristen Stewart
Favorite Action Movie: Iron Man 2
Favorite Action Star: Jackie Chan
Favorite Drama Movie: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Favorite Family Movie: Toy Story 3
Favorite Comedy Movie: Grown Ups
Favorite Comedic Star: Adam Sandler
Favorite On Screen Team: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner)
Favorite Movie Star Under 25: Zac Efron
Favorite Horror Movie: A Nightmare on Elm Street

Favorite TV Drama: House
Favorite TV Drama Actor: Hugh Laurie
Favorite TV Drama Actress: Lisa Edelstein
Favorite TV Comedy: Glee
Favortie TV Comedy Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
Favorite TV Comedy Actress: Jane Lynch
Favorite Competition Show: American Idol
Favorite TV Crime Drama: Lie to Me
Favorite TV Crime Fighter: Tim Roth
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Fringe
Favorite Talk Show Host: Conan O’Brien
Favorite TV Obsession: Dexter
Favorite TV Guilty Pleasure: Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Favorite TV Guest Star: Demi Lovato (Grey’s Anatomy)
Favorite TV Doctor: Gregory House (Hugh Laurie)
Favorite TV Family: The Simpsons (The Simpsons)
Favorite Family TV Movie: Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam
Favorite TV Chef: Rachael Ray
Favorite New TV Drama: Hawaii Five-O
Favorite New TV Comedy: $#*! My Dad Says

Favorite Male Artist: Eminem
Favorite Female Artist: Katy Perry
Favorite Song: “Love The Way You Lie” (Eminem featuring Rihanna)
Favorite Rock Band: Paramore
Favorite Breakout Artist: Selena Gomez & the Scene
Favorite Pop Artist: Rihanna
Favorite Country Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite R&B Artist: Usher
Favorite Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem
Favorite Music Video: “Love The Way You Lie” (Eminem featuring Rihanna)
Favorite Online Sensation: Katy Perry
Favorite Viral Video Star: Tarp Surfing

Images: Getty

10 Factoids about Kim Kardashian: Highest Paid Reality Star of 2010

MommyQ — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:57:41 +0000

You may laugh at reality shows and call them stupid, but the stars of these shows are laughing all the way to the bank. And talk about bank! This year, Kim Kardashian is the highest paid reality star, bringing in about $6 million. You may think you know everything about Kim thanks to Keeping Up with the Kardashians, her new book, “Kardashian Konfidential” and of course, her sex tape. (Okay, let’s not go there.)

Well, here are a few factoids you might not know:

1 – Kim Kardashian’s name is searched on Google over 9 million times per month

2 – Kim got married in 2000 and divorced in 2004 (She was only 19 when she got hitched)

3 – Kim was the third contestant sent home during the 2008 season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”

4 – Her dad, who passed away in 2003, was Robert Kardashian, an attorney in the O.J. Simpson trial

5 – Kim’s sisters, Khloe and Kourtney, bring in about $2.5 million each per year

6 – In 2009, Kim released a workout DVD called Fit In Your Jeans by Friday (Am I the only one who finds this to be hilarious!?!)

7 – Kim has a cupcake mix called Va-Va-Va-Nilla

8 – Kim’s zodiac sign is Libra. (She was born on October 21, 1980) Libras are flirtatious, self-indulgent, gullible, charming, elegant and good looking.

9 – In an interview with Matt Lauer, Kim called herself a “loner”

10 – Kim earns as much as $50,00 per appearance. She shows up somewhere, take pictures, has fun and gets paid. For example, she got paid $25k per hour to party at Tao nightclub in Las Vegas in 2009. Not too shabby…

Bethenny on Turning 40; Padma on Baby Weight; Alison on Snacking: REDBOOK January Issue

MommyQ — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:26:58 +0000

It’s a trio of reality show beauties! Some of your favorite reality stars dish about keeping fit and motherhood in the January issue of REDBOOK, which hits stands on December 21, 2010. My favorite Top Chef judge and hostess, Padma, talks about how she gains 10 pounds during every season of Top Chef. I always wondered if they even ate enough to pack on a little extra poundage. I guess all of those tastings add up!

Bethenny talks about turning 40 and wanting to have another baby. She also discusses how she feels about leaving the Real Housewives of New York City. She seems pretty happy to put all of that Big Apple nonsense behind her. And if you’ve ever cried watching Biggest Loser, you’ll recognize hostess Allison Sweeney, who is also on the cover of REDBOOK.

Here are a few highlights:

Bethenny Frankel

On turning 40: “I would love to have a second child, and it’s not something I have time to wait for. You really experience your biological clock if you’re my age.”

On staying fit: “You shouldn’t dread working out. Exercise is like an old friend: You may not be able to see that friend all the time, but you’re not mad when you see them, you’re happy, and you get right back into it. I do yoga at night with my husband [after] we put the baby down. I say, a family that namastes together stays together.”

On leaving the Real Housewives of New York City: “I’m completely done with women being rewarded for bad behavior. I’m happy, and I love my life. . . It was fun the first season. Then it got not fun, and then it got scary and unhealthy and disgusting.”

Padma Lakshmi

Her biggest surprise about her body post-baby: “That I liked myself at a bigger size. I wanted to lose the weight, but I thought I was doing something more important than tending to my vanity. You look at your body totally differently. It created this life and brought it into the world.”

Alison Sweeney

Her best Biggest Loser weight-loss tip: “I was a really conscientious eater during the day, but then at night I found myself snacking on the worst stuff. [Biggest Loser trainer] Jillian Michaels said I was just tired and craving energy; my body needed more fuel to stay awake. So now, when I crave sugar at night, I go to bed.”

Images: Giles Bensimon for REDBOOK

Actress Nancy Travis Dishes about Motherhood & her New Movie, “A Walk in My Shoes” with Blogger, MommyQ

MommyQ — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:40:47 +0000

I’m so excited to see Nancy Travis visit Wisteria Lane as Keith’s outspoken mother on Desperate Housewives this season. I’ve always thought she was a talented actress and quite funny too! From movies like “Three Men and a Baby” to sitcoms like “The Bill Engvall Show,” Nancy brings us lovable, memorable characters. This summer, I had a chance to sit down and talk with Nancy in person, while she was filming her new movie, “A Walk in My Shoes” in Portland, Oregon. “A Walk in My Shoes” is part of a combined effort by Walmart and P&G to bring back family movie night entertainment. Both companies treated me and other fabulous mom bloggers to a unique behind-the-scenes movie experience.

Nancy was funny, personable, sincere and totally grounded. For someone who has been acting since high school and even married former President of Savoy Pictures, Robert N. Fried in 1994, she shows no signs of being affected by the Hollywood scene. We discussed why she took the role in this made-for-TV movie, how she balances being a mom and an actress, how being a mom has impacted her acting and she listed some of her favorite actresses.

Why she liked this role: The role Nancy plays in “A Walk in in My Shoes” is a stressed-out high school teacher, Trish. Nancy’s character can’t understand her students’ lack of effort in the classroom and why their parents don’t seem to care. Without giving away the whole movie, let’s just say a little bit of magic happens, giving Trish the chance to take a walk in one of the mom’s shoes and experience a new perspective. Nancy said she wanted to work on this movie because she was happy to work on a project that not only brought family-friendly programming to television, but addressed special life lessons.

Life as an actress and a mommy: Nancy spoke about her life as a mom and working actress. She said of a work/life balance, “You can have it all, but not at the same time. You have to figure out your priorities to make it all work.” She said motherhood has helped her become a better actress because, “every part of acting is drawing on your life experiences.” Nancy said she’s very picky about the roles she accepts because she must always take her family and community into consideration. “Nothing shameful or embarrassing,” she smiled.

Thoughts about the biz: When I asked her how she’d feel if her children wanted to pursue acting she said, “They should if they come by it naturally and decide they want to do it by themselves. Then I’ll support them as best as I can. It’s tricky as a parent, because for a child, there’s a lot happening in the business they aren’t ready to fully understand.”

Which actresses inspire Nancy? She named Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett, Bonnie Bedelia and Vivien Leigh. In fact, Nancy laughed and said of Leigh, “I wanted to be Scarlett!”

You can see “A Walk in My Shoes’ on Friday, December 3rd at 8/7C on NBC. The movie will also feature a soundtrack produced by music mogul Randy Jackson that will be available at Walmart starting December 4, 2010. For more information visit the website!

Hey Stud: Sporty Boots with Rocker Attitude

MommyQ — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:35:55 +0000

Once in a while I wish I were a more adventurous dresser. You know, like a rock star. I look in the mirror and think, “Would Avril Lavigne or Pink or Courtney Love wear this?” The answer is always the same. Lots of laughter followed by, “Nope, not a gazillion years.” I don’t even have the guts to get a tattoo. I’m so tough. Ha!

Have you ever wondered if you can find shoes with lots of attitude, but they are actually functional? Well, there are quite a few brands that give you a rocker-esque look with crazy studs and chains, but the shoes actually look comfy. Weird? UES doesn’t think so.

Avril Lavigne was photographed wearing the UES Forsyth Wedge in Snakeskin ($335), while shopping at The Grove with her boyfriend Brody Jenner, on November 7th, 2010.The founder of UES, Seth Campbell, sought to bring a unique concept to the casual footwear market. With his introductory line of “shoewelry”, a collection that fused hardware jewelry embellishments with comfortable sneakers, this young designer proved himself as a pioneer in the industry.

Is that an “ah-ha” moment or what? So that’s how you strut around town if you have pink hair. Of course. Take a look at a few other wild options.

How about a studded clog/boot from Sam Edelman for $249 or, my favorite, the studded sensation in the boot world by Guiseppe Zanotti for a cool $1,580.

Teen Choice Awards: Winning Looks & Wild Shoes

MommyQ — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:04:55 +0000

If you haven’t heard, because your issue of Teen Beat hasn’t arrived in the mail yet, the Teen Choice Awards were on recently. Not sure what time or when, because I didn’t watch it. I’m a bit too old, a tad too busy and mostly, too uninterested. I did look at the Red Carpet outfits and I was expecting typical teenage-like controversy in the form of skimpy, leather and angry. Oddly enough, I was happily surprised.

Here are a few of my favorite looks. Plus, find out who rocked the cool ugly cute odd pumps pictured above:

Ashley Greene in Valentino
I have no clue who she is, but she looks amazing. I love the dress, the color, the fit, etc. A++ for lil’ Miss Ashley

Kourtney Kardashian in Sass & Bide
Kourt looks stunning. She puts the MILF in MILF, for sure. I love that she isn’t wearing black because her dark features look great in lighter shades. Kudos to the hot mama!

Kristen Bell in Stella McCartney
The sheer top and pattern in the dress is sophisticated and stylish. As Heidi Klum might say, it’s unexpected. The nude accents really make the dress pop. I want one.

Leighton Meester in Pucci
The dress is cute and it looks great with her dark hair and extremely l-o-n-g legs. I’m a fan of short skirts, so I certainly won’t knock her for that. But what about these shoes?
Winner, winner, chicken dinner?
OR
Uhm, eww?

I’m unable to make a firm decision, so I need your help. Do I love ‘em or hate ‘em?

Images: UsMagazine.com

Miley Wears a Bodysuit because Gazillionaires don’t have to Wear Pants

MommyQ — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:36:56 +0000

Miley Cyrus is going through her bodysuit phase – just like Madonna, Britney, Beyonce, Gaga, Pink and Rihanna. Who really cares! I understand, she’s only 17 years old and maybe it’s not appropriate for a girl that age to dress so seductively. Plus, she’s a role model to a young generation of girls.

All of this in incredibly legit, but what people fail to realize is if you’re a superstar, you don’t have to wear pants. That’s pretty much the point. Pants are optional when you make a gazillion dollars. When female celebrities stop wearing pants, they are sending out a sign of success. As soon as you see MommyQ strutting around without pants, you’ll know I’ve made it big.

Is there more to debate here? Is Miley a teen dynamo who wants to shed her Disney-created, squeaky clean image? Of course. She wants the world to know she’s an independent tween. It’s her party and she’ll cry if she wants to. Is she making bad choices? Absolutely. Will the public forgive her? Minus the moms of impressionable young girls, uhm, yes. Until all of that happens, she’ll keep strutting her stuff in a form-fitting garment that covers the torso and not much more. Let’s talk about something just a tad more important now, okay?

Chill Baby Style: What Did Sandra Bullock Buy for Louis?

MommyQ — Wed, 19 May 2010 23:39:19 +0000

According to the May 31st issue of US Weekly, Sandra Bullock spent some time in the Music Capital of the World – Austin, TX – and did some shopping for baby Louis. On Friday, May 14th, Sandra & friends popped in Austin’s Izzy And Ash, a hip baby and kid’s boutique in Westlake, and picked up some cute finds.

The store owner, Jennifer Mazuelos, said Sandra was an easygoing mom and really seemed to enjoy shopping for baby stuff. Her fave items were baby hats and tees. (Sandra happened to be wearing a hat that day too!) Jennifer said Louis was a big baby, so Sandra was buying 18-24 month clothes. Okay, let’s cut to the good stuff. Here are some items she bought:

Chaser Tees Peace American Flag, Vintage Black Tee
Retails for $25 at Izzy and Ash.

City Threads Striped Blue Polo Shirt
Retails for $20.25 at Izzy and Ash

City Threads Charcoal Plaid Jersey Shorts
Retail for $23.25 at Izzy and Ash.

Want to see more items she bought, including the most adorable plaid baby cap you’ve ever seen? Check out this blog post on Droolicious for more of Louie’s goodies!

Kentucky Derby Odds: Fab Fashion is a Winning Bet!

MommyQ — Sat, 01 May 2010 21:08:43 +0000

It’s a rainy, muddy, dreary day for the running of the Kentucky Derby. The track is wet & sloppy and there is a brisk rain and a cold wind. Yuck! I feel so bad for all of my friends who are there right now. Hopefully they are enjoying plenty of Mint Juleps and feeling no pain. Maybe they’ll win a few bucks too. That would help.

As you know, the Derby Hat Parade is practically more thrilling than the race. You can see all of the magnificent hats by clicking here. It’s like Carnival for your head! Want to see some of the celebrities who have graced Churchill Downs for the “Run for the Roses” – Brooke Shields, Kim Kardashian, Danica Patrick and many more!

I came across this hat last week on Etsy and just had to blog about it. I was reading about all of the women looking for that PERFECT Kentucky Derby hat and I thought this was a great fit. What a lovely hat for baby girl! I’m just amazed at the yarny goodness. You can read more about this beauty on Droolicious.

Sandra Bullock Files for Divorce & Baby News Breaks: Good for Her!

MommyQ — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:50:10 +0000

It is now official! America’s Sweetheart, actress Sandra Bullock has filed for divorce. According to Us Magazine, she filed April 23rd in Travis County Court in Austin, TX. And we are so happy to have her here!

The eight-page document states: “The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities that destroys the legitimate end of the marriage/relationship and prevents any reasonable expectations of reconciliation.” The papers — filed under “B.A.S.” (Bullock’s initials backwards) — state that the actress and James, 40, who wed in 2005, “have ceased living together as husband and wife.”

On a bright note, Sandra recently announced that she has adopted a son, 3 1/2-month-old Louis from New Orleans. This news is flying around the Internet at a high rate of speed, but I think it’s because everyone is excited for her. As moms, we know how much love and joy enters your life as soon as you become a mother. Luckily for Sandra, she doesn’t have to worry about most struggles a single mom might face like working/income, etc. Anyway, she brought little Louis home in January and has been keeping it a secret until now.

From one mommy to another, congratulations!!!! Life tests you, but there is always a shining star somewhere in your midst. I think Sandra found hers!

Image: Us Magazine

Stepping Out In Style Like A Jolie-Pitt

MommyQ — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:39:29 +0000

Spotted in Italy last weekend was Angelina Jolie and her sweet little girl, Vivienne. Vivienne is wearing the Nicolette in navy suede by Stride Rite, one of my favorite shoe brands for kiddos. This shoe is one of their classic mary jane styles, updated with a flower accent. Other colors and leathers in this style include pearlized & patent leather (for a little dressier look) and berry, dark brown and black tones. Beautiful!

And, as always, the shoe includes Stride Rite’s Natural Motion System technology, padded collar and cradled footbed, ensuring a comfortable fit for the little ones. Shop them at Stride Rite for $50.

Top Image: MatrixPhotos.com

Madonna Shares Spotlight with Daughter Lourdes: MommyQ Weighs In

MommyQ — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:10:05 +0000

It comes as no surprise that Lourdes, Madonna’s 13-year-old daughter, is now dipping a toe into the fame pool. She has been dabbling in acting, fashion design, dancing & singing. And why not? If Madonna was my mommy, I’d be all over that stuff too. But Madonna is one smart lady and has been taking every exciting step with Lourdes, serving as the ultimate stage mom.

I chatted with Paul Harris, a reporter for The Examiner, on Sunday about Madonna’s choices for her daughter. My main feeling (as the biggest non-celebrity ever) is Madonna cares deeply about Lourdes and her safety. Being thrust into the spotlight is one thing, but growing up in it is quite different. I think Lourdes already knows a lot about what to do and what not to do — much more so than many new actors twice her age. Madonna is watching over her like a hawk and that’s just what any good mother should do.

My quotes in the article is, “At the end of the day, if you are Madonna or any other parent, you are still all dealing with diapers and kids falling down and scraping their knees.” Okay, so maybe Madonna didn’t change diapers back in the day or put Snoopy Band-aids on boo-boos, but maybe she did. My point is all moms (and parents for that matter), deal with the same issues whether you’re famous or not. We worry, support, laugh, cry, comfort, help, nurture and protect. Madonna wants the best for her daughter and we can all relate to that.

Read the full article here. Image: Matt Baron/BEI / Rex Features

Sandra Bullock Stays True to Herself in SUCCESS Magazine

MommyQ — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:10:11 +0000

I’m thrilled to see Sandra Bullock in the next issue of SUCCESS Magazine, available April 6th. If you haven’t heard of SUCCESS, it’s a magazine that brings you the thought leaders and success experts, both past and present, and reveals their key ideas and strategies to help you excel in every area of your personal and professional life.

In the May issue, the Oscar-winning actress reveals that before she was one of Hollywood’s leading ladies she was picked on as a child by her classmates for a speech impediment. Can you believe that? It was her mother who encouraged her to embrace her uniqueness, “Uniqueness is something my mother pounded into me,” says Bullock. “I’ve made peace with the fact that the things that I thought were weaknesses or flaws were just me, and I like them.”

As the mom of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, knowing someone as talented as Sandra Bullock had obstacles to overcome as a child gives me more hope for my own son. It helps me remember things may seem insurmountable at the moment, but in time they will just be memories. I hope we all provide our children with the ability to embrace their uniqueness.

The article is uplifting and honest, a great read for parents. Bullock’s advice for little girls? “Don’t change. Be who you are.”

Image: SUCCESS Magazine

Get more celebrity scoop from MommyQ!

Country Bling: Carrie Underwood Wears 152k Swarovski Elements

MommyQ — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:26:51 +0000

No wonder singer Carrie Underwood is such a star. She is draped in bling – literally. Emmy award winning costume designer Soyon An has created a ground-breaking wardrobe for country superstar Carrie Underwood using Swarovski Elements.

The sparkling costumes of Carrie Underwood’s “Play On Tour”, are encrusted with over 152,000 Swarovski Elements, debuting a new, glamorous look for the artist. Soyon An’s experience of designing for shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol enabled her to develop innovative creations that dazzle the audience.

Want to find the individual Swarovski crystals used for Carrie’s costumes? Just click here.

Image: Matt Sperling

Ellen Pompeo Dishes with SELF Magazine

MommyQ — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:08:35 +0000

The April issue of SELF features a really great interview with Grey’s Anatomy star, Ellen Pompeo, where she dishes on her secrets to handling marriage-motherhood-career while staying sane and enjoying it. That sounds heavenly to me!

She reveals her pregnancy truths (“I was like, ‘Oh, God, it worked! Oh no!’”), her brown-bag lunch strategy, the 6 foods on her personal “energy diet,” and lessons she’ll teach her daughter (“I hope Stella has more self-confidence than I did as a child.”).

What does she have to say about happiness? “It’s easy to get lost in the baby. But you have to make the time for your relationships. You have to make sure you give your husband attention. And I still see my friends all the time, too. It’s important to have a well-rounded life. You learn things from your friends, and they bring you joy, and you bring back all that happiness to your baby.”

The actress, known for her sexy,casual style, showed up to the SELF shoot in a black leather jacket, a black jersey dress by Jay Ahr and black ankle booties by Madison Hardy. On set, she personally introduced herself to each and every crew member. Get more behind the scenes goodies by visiting www.Self.com.

Image: SELF

Top Chef Hot Mama with Baby Krishna

MommyQ — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:35:27 +0000

My favorite Top Chef mommy, Padma Lakshmi, was seen playing her new baby girl in Manhatten. This is little Krishna Thea who is only 3 weeks old. Look at that teeny tiny pink onesie!

Padma, 39, welcomed her first baby into the delish world on February 20th. I just love Padma and she looked so beautiful when she was hosting Top Chef while pregnant. She certainly did it Heidi Klum-style.

Image: People Magazine

Batter Up with a Bite: Celebrity Vampire Baseball

MommyQ — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:42:10 +0000

I’m not joking. You know vampires really do rule the world when you see charity events like this – Celebrity Vampire Baseball ™ to be held in New Orleans on March 20th. You can meet Twilight, New Moon and True Blood fang-faves, as well as other athletes, actors and randoms. My outspoken, gold-pants-wearing boy, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) will be playing too!

The event is brought to you by Twilight Fan Trips and yes, that’s real too. Highlights of this unique baseball adventure include watching an exhibition game, getting autographs and photos with the stars, meet and greets, and an exciting after-party and concert. 25% of net proceeds from each celebrity baseball ticket sale will go towards Haitian Relief organizations to support their ongoing efforts to rebuild lives destroyed by this disaster.

This is my favorite part for sure. A portion of proceeds will also be used to support New Orleans non-profit organizations such as The Blood Center, which will host an on-site blood drive. Yummy.

Celeb Baby Gayheart Comes Home in Giraffe Blankie

MommyQ — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:16:54 +0000

According to my source (SaraGNYC), Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane are to be bringing home their new baby girl in a pink Little Giraffe baby blanket! The luxe, ultra-soft blankies are available at Nordstrom for $62. These new parents join other celebrity fans of Little Giraffe like Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Garner, and Jaime Pressly.

Posh Blows $1.5M On Shopping Spree

MommyQ — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:36:01 +0000

What happens when Posh needs more signature, over-sized shades? She hops over to Milan, Italy, where her hot hubby plays soccer (on loan) and buys a new pair. Or twelve.

Rumor has it she bought a $700k Rolex watch (for Becks), an insane amount of handbags and 20 new pairs of 5-inch heels. In fact, the couture house of Dolce & Gabbana (or maybe it was Armani) on Via Montenapoleone closed so she could shop in private.Oh, you can add evening gowns, cocktails dresses and luxury luggage to the list too. On to the furniture. She picked up five bespoke sofas from Natuzzi. And two bespoke suits for Becks.

This should make you feel much better about your $100 splurge at Target. Wanna see a hot D&G shoe option? The one listed below retails for $995. Yummy!

Tiger Woods Drama: We Care Because We’re Nosy

MommyQ — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:06:01 +0000

If you haven’t heard all of the D-R-A-M-A surrounding Tiger Woods and his recent little car accident you must be living under a very large rock. With very large soundproof headphones. Whether you Google “Tiger Woods” as web results, news results or blog results, the stories are swirling. In addition to the gossipmongers like TMZ and Perez Hilton, major news networks are weighing in. He’s wrong. He’s right. He’s entitled to his privacy. He should set the record straight. His “brand” is in jeopardy. The tree should press charges.

Is it our business? Of course not. What happened between him and his wife (and the tree) is totally NOT our business. Humans, being the flawed people we are by nature, want to know about it because we’re just plain nosy. We like to think ultra-rich, ridiculously famous people have problems in their lives just like we do. It makes us feel better about ourselves. Yes, in some sick way maybe we’re all looking for an interesting distraction that makes us go, “Hmmmm, maybe my life is peachy-keen just the way it is.

Even when people act like they’re too good to talk about Tiger’s situation – like certain talk show hosts did this morning – they’re still talking about it. They’re still taking part in spreading the story. Like me writing about it right now. Yes, I’m making it worse but I openly admit it. I’m jumping on the bandwagon for sure. I find the whole story interesting in a twisted, unbelievable way. To think even the gorgeous Elin – or Fergie or Gwyneth or a zillion other beautiful celebrities, for that matter – could possibly be cheated on is mind-boggling. You look at picture-perfect couples with fame and fortune and think they have it all. We may be reminded over and over and over again that they don’t have it all, yet we still look at them in awe. I find that slightly amusing in a pathetic sort of way.

Anyway, I’m sure the truth will emerge in the next few days and we’ll all forget about this by next week. If you want to see the most deplorable response to this whole ordeal, check out the article on Eonline, “Five Things You Need to Know About Tiger Woods’ Alleged Other Woman Rachel Uchitel.” This is the most appalling, faux-news, story out there at the moment. That article is the epitome of throwing a bunch of useless facts together for the sole purpose of stirring the pot.

Whether the affair is true or not, my heart goes out to Tiger, his wife and family. Why? Because I’m a wife and a mother. This is horrible stuff to live with no matter what the real story may be. Remember, there is no “delete” button for stories published on the Internet that turn out to be wrong.

Project Runway: Who’s Getting Auf’d Tonight?

MommyQ — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:17:09 +0000

Well, nobody actually.

Tonight is The Finale Part I of Project Runway and I’m so excited. This has been an interesting season, but not due to the contestants. I actually think there isn’t enough drama between them this season. Other than the tiny amount of tension between Irina and Althea because of an enormous sweater thingy, it’s been pretty ho-hum. I think the most interesting element has been the harsh judging. And the fact that Lindsay Lohan was like the worst, most ironic guest-judge of all times. I believe she questioned a designer’s “taste” and that is hilarious.

I’m a fan of Carol Hannah because I love her design aesthetic and her sweet personality. Not to mention she can sew a dress that fits like a glove – flawless execution! Tonight Rebecca Romijn will be the guest judge. I LOVE it when models are guests like last week when Cindy Crawford joined the panel. I am always amazed when someone’s beauty can stand up to Heidi because she is just so gorgeous.

I love Tim Gunn and Michael Kors still has the best one-liners. If you wanna own something cool from Mr. Kors, yet don’t want to spend a fortune, check out this little gem. It’s the Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum Ring and isn’t it a great gift for the holidays? You can find it for $40 at Michael Kors.

Celeb-Inspired Style For Your Ballerina: Totally Tulle!

MommyQ — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:36:24 +0000

Tulle skirts may seem like old news, but they are still hot for little girls. Just take a look at some of the A-list babies bopping around town in their tulle outfits. Nahla Aubrey, Suri Cruise and Violet Affleck are just a few of the princesses who really love twirling in tulle.

Gymboree is making tulle cool for Fall by offering this chocolate-colored skirt in sizes 3-6 mos up to 5T! Perfect for parties or a trip to the playground. On sale for $20 at Gymboree.

A Diaper Bag Just Like Angelina’s

MommyQ — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:52:16 +0000

A few years ago, when Angelina Jolie-Pitt was not a Pitt, this was the diaper bag she was spotted toting around town. I love the fact that it’s Pewter, so it goes with everything! It’s the ‘Emily’ Diaper Bag from Storksak and you can get one for around $175 at Nordstrom. If you’re not a pewter kinda gal, it also comes in a yummy bronze.

It may look like a normal bag, but it has tons of storage compartments and insulated pockets, not to mention a padded changing mat, detachable bag, mobile pocket (who doesn’t need one of those!) and wipe-clean lining. Go ahead, it’s still cool to be like Angie.

If you’re looking for an even more indulgent diaper bag, check out the Felix Ray ‘Emma’ Diaper Bag. Pleated details, a bow and goldtone studs? FUN! And you’ll be paying for that fun too. It retails for $450 at Nordstrom.

Celeb Gossip: Must-Have Hairdo Tops $5k B-Day Cake

MommyQ — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:09:23 +0000

It’s been a while since I dished on celebrities and that makes me frowny face. It seems that any spare time I have to watch E! or flip happily through the pages of People are long gone. Between life as a mom and wifey, work, blogging and running some kind of weirdo cat sanctuary, my know-it-all-ness about vapid celebrity factoids has deteriorated. Well, that’s all about to change as I take you on a wild ride through haircuts, blah, blowouts and babies.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 – I’m sorry, who? I can’t even speak intelligently about this potentially splitting duo with ocho kidlets, because I’ve never watched the show. I have heard that Kate Gosselin has been quoted a bunch because normal women like us (and her) have been requesting her haircut. Not sure if that’s true or not, but Kate needs to walk in Jennifer Aniston’s footsteps on this one and turn the whole haircut craze into pure gold. It’s spiky, soft, dark, light, long and short all at once. Come on, what’s more fun than a bi-polar hairdo?

Jessica Simpson’s Reality TV Show – I’m afraid this one won’t be half as entertaining as Newlyweds, which spawned some of her greatest one-liners ever. “Sorry, I don’t eat buffalo.” This show is about the importance of what’s on the inside as opposed to being judged on outer beauty. No offense, but we all know what’s on the inside – gross-looking, stinky, icky organs and guts. Jess, we’d rather watch you pronounce platypus.

Suri’s B-Day Party – TomKat spent about $100k on Suri’s birthday party. The cake alone was $5k and the catering bill was about $45k. Surprised? Anyone? Anyone? I guess when you have all the money you could ever want from doing movies with a chip on your shoulder and at least one solo running sequence, you can throw a bash like this for your toddler. It will be awesome to see what Suri’s sweet sixteen party will be like. Think about it. If you have to outdo yourself every year with something more extravagant than the previous year, let’s say you have to spend $10k more per year. If my math is correct, by the age of 16 her parties will cost around $240k. And if you nodded in agreement with anything in this paragraph, you need to get help. Seriously, there are clean padded cells waiting for your arrival.

Adriana Lima Gets Fat – The beautiful Brazilian supermodel is expecting her first baby this winter. You’re about to meet the real Mother Nature, Ms. Secret, and she isn’t all that fond of bodies that can rock skimpy bikinis and prance around in a confident non-jiggling way. Say goodbye to fruits & veggies, and say hello to your new diet, muffin tops!

Melissa Joan Hart Gets Thin – I am so tired of trying to keep track of who is fat and who is thin. Why can’t celebs just pick a size and stick with it! It would be so considerate to the rest of us. If you’ve been thin for a long time like Nicole Ritchie or Kelly Ripa, you will be dubbed as “thin” forever, even if you gain like 20 pounds. Anyway, Melissa decided to lose her baby weight and People thought, “Hmmm, photographing a bikini-clad celebrity in a before-and-after weight loss story, what a unique idea!”

Buy Dresses Celebs Designed Because I Know You Want To

MommyQ — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:04:37 +0000

Women are buzzing over the new Jubilee Collection from designer Lilly Pulitzer. In honor of the company’s 50th Anniversary, they teamed up with nine American celebs (and moms) to create a line of clothes for both mommy and daughter. The end-result? Preppy at play. In other words, normal-looking clothes.

The outspoken Elizabeth Hasselbeck came up with this Tunic Dress. Not to be mean, but isn’t this something you learn how to make in Sewing 101? Is a caftan neckline really that remarkable? I don’t know. It looks opinionated and slightly annoying for $298.

Angie Harmon designed this little Shift Dress and I give it two thumbs up. It’s simple, fresh and youthful. I love the mod square appliques mixed with the scroll print. The back of the dress is really pretty too. Yours for $328.

Look at this bikini and tell me what you see. What? Did you say nothing special? If so, I couldn’t agree more. So Gwyneth Paltrow designed this Patchwork Bikini. I’m not really sure how one would go about designing a really cool bathing suit, but this just seems so plain. Swim like Gwyneth for $178.

A $428 ZigZag Maxi Dress. In some way it totally screams “Grace” er… I mean, Debra Messing. In other ways, it looks a bit sad. It’s not really in the Lilly Pulitzer way, but MommyQ was hoping for Bat Mitzvah ruffles and a big wacky collar.

I know the term “design” is used rather loosely here. I’m not envisioning an episode of Project Runway where Debra and Gwyneth are running around with scissors, yelling about finishing hemlines and creases. I’m sure they just gave some input here and there. All kidding aside – the best part about this collection is it benefits a great cause, the EB Medical Research Foundation.

If you’re dying to see the rest of the Jubilee Collection, you can click here. If you buy a regular-priced piece from this collection, you can get a FREE Lilly Pulitzer Signature Bag. Check out Neiman Marcus for details.

Angelina v. Jennifer: Part 421

MommyQ — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:30:06 +0000

Oh, the feud between “frenemies” Angelina and Jennifer continues thanks to cameras at the Oscars. While Jenn was trying to be funny on stage with Jack Black, they panned to Angelina who laughed at all of her jokes. And of course she did. What were they expecting to capture? Angelina glaring at her or possible pretending to gag herself? Come on, people. Angelina is an ACTRESS – she was obviously ACTING for the camera. Or maybe she was smiling for real. After all, Brad is hers now. I’d be smiling too.

Jenn and Angelina were seated just rows apart. Who plans that, by the way? I was wondering what Jenn would’ve done had Brad won the Oscar. My money is on lots of tears. There is no way she wouldn’t have broken down over that little victory for the ex. Let’s face it, she may loathe Angelina, but I’m sure she still has a soft spot in her heart for Brad.

What cracks me up is the so-called fashion experts have declared Jennifer’s metallic gown to be more smashing that Angelina’s black dress. (Hmmm, did Jenn’s face full of fillers also outshine Angelina’s fresh face?)

I’m not sure what’s wrong with an elegant black dress. And I just love the bright green jewelry. Trust me, you’ll be seeing lots of it now. Black with green accessories is the new black with silver accessories. I guess it’s just me who doesn’t get how Angelina’s outfit was drab. I mean, she is the gal who plays with knives. What were people expecting. Fuchsia? Aqua? Ruffles?

I’ve written about this dynamic duo before and practically received death threats for siding with Angelina. I’m just not a fan of Jenn Although I did sport the “Rachel” hair style for a number of years and that was fun. Anway, my vote is for Angelina. I like style that suits the person, not a person trying to suit a style. Sorry, Jenn. You lose again.

Austinites Spring into Fashion, Yet Gwyneth Springs Out

MommyQ — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Ready for bright cheery prints and vibrant colors? You can take a peek at spring fashion in Austin, TX, Thursday, February 19th at 8 p.m. at Molotov Cocktail Lounge. A fashion show and party benefiting the Easter Seals Central Texas – what a great way to celebrate a fantastic organization… and fashion!

Amy Schalk, owner of Soigné Boutique, promises an exciting look at the incoming styles for this spring. “As far as style goes, it is really across the board,” Schalk says.

The show will reflect this diversity, with more tailored European styling of London-based Ben Sherman and more whimsical flair via L.A.’s Voom, just to name two of the designers in the show. Schalk does offer one hint on style: “The asymmetrical kind of look is still in; the one-shoulder or off-shoulder things are still very popular.”

One color that has been hot everywhere else, but hasn’t crossed over into the fashion world, is green. Another hint from Schalk: this could be the year that changes. Learn more about the event here.

And speaking of fashion…when will tights be done? My friend and I were out last week and saw a girl wearing a short green and brown dress with brown tights. They looked totally wrong and my friend exclaimed, “I can’t wait for tights to be over with!” I couldn’t agree more. What’s wrong with exposed legs? Uhm, nothing. I saw this pic of Gwyneth from the Grammy Awards and all I can say is YUCK! Why would she decide to wear those hideous silver tights, especially with open-toe heels. Sorry, they just look so stupid. The outfit would’ve been amazing had she ditched them. Too bad, Gwynny. Major fashion faux pa!

Bathe Just Like Angelina’s Babies

MommyQ — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:55:07 +0000

Celebrity moms like Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez and Jaime Pressley are all using Tiny Tillia bath toys. From bath mitts to waterproof books and skincare items, Tiny Tillia products are people, earth and animal friendly. The family of products include endearing characters like Duncan Dog, Indie Sheep, TT Cow and many more. It’s good clean fun – Hollywood style! Shoptilla.

Hi. I’m Your Baby, and I Want this Stuff for Christmas.

MommyQ — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:26:20 +0000

I’m the sweet, innocent, adorable little light of your life – your princess – and I have needs. Just like you, I desire the finer things in life. A nice crib to yell in. Gourmet foods to spit up. Soft diapers to poop in. Plush friends to boss around. Miracle creams. So this holiday season, here’s my list of demands suggestions that might make me smile. Then spit up.

Dress me in designer duds. My drooling babbling classmates look up to me as a fashion icon. I may be small in stature, but my sense of style is revered throughout the block and possibly the neighborhood. Play dates call for something sporty yet comfortable like this Juicy Couture Baby Velour Tracksuit. It’s only $98. I’m really fond of this Gucci Baby Sneaker for $228. I can already envision quietly taking one off while I’m in the stroller and losing it the very first time I wear it. Fun! And when it gets chilly outside, please keep my tiny feet warm in $50 Baby Erin UGG Boot – pink, of course.

When it comes to the nursery, I’d like Bratt Decor furniture because that’s what J.Lo’s twins have in their room and I’m so much better than they are. Even combined. I want the Chelsea Sleigh Bed and that’s about $1,500. But don’t worry, if there’s ever a huge winter storm and we get snowed in, I can lead us all to safety in my bed. The Discovery channel swears this will happen in the next 100 years. And don’t you dare sleep me on a normal crib mattress. I need a $999 Natural Mat, just like Halle Berry’s kid has – because it’s eco-something. Best of all, it looks like the inside of a Snackwell Cookie. Mmmm…cookies.

We all know German engineering is best. That’s why I’d like a mountain of Baby Dior Silicone Pacifiers. They’re only $45 each. I will lose one every on the hour for about three days. Then I’ll have a whole bunch to play with and then – POOF! – they’ll all disappear again. I’d love to tell you how I perform this trick, but then I’d have to kill you. Sorry. I also need quite a few Baby Dior Crown Baby Bottles – anything with a princess crest on it, you know. It’s odd that you’re paying $45 for a plastic bottle that isn’t labeled BPA-free. It’s not even glass. Oh, I get it. Ha-ha. Those Germans crack me up.

If you must carry a diaper bag, please don’t make me cry by toting a Looney Tunes monstrosity. You may choose a Petunia Pickle Bottom Chocolate Cherry Cake Society Satchel because the name totally defines everything I love. Chocolate, cherry, cake, society and well…okay not satchel, but you get what I’m saying. This is the only bag I’d like to be seen with, especially in the mall where I might run into one of my cronies/friends/enemies, so just deal with it. Oh, it’s $325.

Let’s see where we stand, shall we? I’m just a baby so my math may be off, but it seems like your grand total is $2.1 million. Okay, now let’s discuss the thread count of my blanky…

If your baby could make a ‘Wish List’ this holiday season, what would it be?

Hollywood Baby Bump Radar: Baby Trend Predictions for 2009

MommyQ — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:51:44 +0000

Is Jennifer Aniston really pregnant? Who cares! Let’s talk about real baby bumps in Hollywood. Topping the list of celebrities with baby bumps are Rebecca Romijn, Julie Bowen, Ashlee Simpson and Niki Taylor.

Romijn, the gorgeous 36-year-old model/actress formerly married to Full House star, John Stamos, is expecting twins this winter with actor Jerry O’Connell. She told Page Six magazine, “I have not been without a bra this entire pregnancy. I refuse. I’m not taking any chances. I’m determined to keep the puppies up!” Poor sweet girl. Someone needs to tell this perfectly plump mom-to-be that breastfeeding, while great for the bambinos, is no friend to the breasts no matter how many miracles your Victoria’s Secret bra may perform. Get to know your new best friend, saline.

Bowen, best known for her roles on ‘Boston Legal’ and ‘Lost’ is expecting again according to People magazine. She had her first son, Oliver, in April 2007. I loved her recent guest appearance as Denise on BL last week. She’s quite the clever seductress. My advice in preparing for baby number two would be, buy a great tandem stroller (or tantrum stroller, as I call it) and prepare to meet your new mortal enemy, muffin top.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Jessica Simpson’s little sis and wife to rocker Peter Wentz, is about to deliver any minute. Even as I type she could be in labor. Wow, that’s real news. The former jig-dancer would also like to make some big lifestyle changes, like becoming a vegetarian. Nope, scratch that – sorry, a Canadian? “She’s hot all the time,” said Wentz on the Ryan Seacrest show last week. “She’s like ‘I wish I was in Canada right now.’ Our room temperature is set to, like, 34 degrees. It’s insane!” Eh?

Supermodel Niki Taylor and her NASCAR hubby, Burney Lamar, are expecting a baby in March 2009. Niki has 13-year-old twins, Jake and Hunter. Since Burney is a Nationwide driver, I can tell you a name he absolutely won’t choose for his new baby, Kyle. Here’s another one, Busch. I can also tell you they won’t be decorating the nursery with a M&M theme. Luckily for Burney, he joins Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon in the elite ‘drivers with hot wives club’ without even being a Sprint Cup driver. Now that’s a victory!

MommyQ’s Hollywood baby trend predictions for 2009? The Bugaboo will reclaim its spot as the number one stroller, bumping off the outta-this-world Orbit. Blessed babes will sleep in cribs that cost more than your summer wardrobe and celeb moms will continue to dress their little fashionistas in eco-wear, like this $92 Angel sweater and designer duds like these $195 Prada toddler shoes. Not to mention, Hollywood mamas will be out & about in $238 William Rast jeans, a size 25 please, only weeks after giving birth. Making you feel like wearing this.

People Mag Recap: Cramming 144 Pages into 1 Post

MommyQ — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:47:21 +0000

My trick for this Friday is thumbing through the October 20, 2008 issue of People Magazine. Let’s see if I can cram 144 pages of wonderfully entertaining, yet useless gossip, into one blog post. Betcha I can…

Cover: Nicole Ritchie looks like a 12-year-old hippie. Harlow is a cutie-pie. Cheryl Burke IS NOT fat. Seriously, she’s gorgeous. But I find it odd that her exclusive, “Dancing’s Cheryl Fights Back – Do You Really Think I’m Fat?” is located right under “Wow! Angelina’s Body (& New Tattoos!) After Babies.” So we’re trying to end the obsession with skinny while promoting being skinny? Interesting approach. And by the way, Angelina is skinny because she doesn’t eat. It’s not rocket science.

I’m not shopping at JCPenney, not matter how Polo-looking the ad might be.

Indy’s too old to be back.

Hugh Jackman with gun is yummy. George Clooney with mustache is not.

Victoria Beckham weighs less than the stapler on my desk.

Swedish Fish ad is just plain weird. Is it candy that tastes like fish? Or candy that tastes like cat?

I’m not sure what a Harajuku Girl is, but I don’t think I want to smell like one.

Toby Kebbell is scary.

I’m guessing the PussyCat Dolls sell lots of albums. Or maybe they just have lots of stalkers.

Yes We Can? Really, Obama? Can we?

George Hamilton is so very orange and he says he tans the natural way. I didn’t know sleeping in a tanning bed was natural.

Angelina and Brad…. together…. I’ll let everyone think their own thoughts on this one.

Beth Ostrosky wore a tissue disguised as a stripper costume to her wedding. How romantic.

Suze Orman with a milk mustache? See above about George Clooney with a non-milk mustache…

Paul Newman’s legacy, Hole in the Wall camp, is a great thing.

Wait, Sketchers are still in?

No matter how grown up Rick Schroder may be, he’ll always be “The Ricker” to me.

The best they could come up with for Style Watch is a cropped trench coat? A trench coat. Geez, that’s so creative. I guess if you make it short instead of long that’s news according to the fashion industry.

A dog wearing pearls…not sure what that has to do with Febreze, but whatever.

High School Musical 3 looks nothing like high school. I never got to float around in a pool in an inner tube wearing a cocktail dress. No fair!

Eva Mendez is wearing a killer pair of YSL heels. Mmmm.

The last page, Chatter, is always the best. This week’s deep question is “If you had three wishes, what would the last one be?” Blake Lively is pretty cute with her answer, “To have a hundred more.” Taylor Momsen, whoever that might be, says, “For more time at the beach – I don’t have to do anything with my hair. No styling.” Yea, that makes perfect sense.

Why so Ga-Ga over Celebrity Babies?

MommyQ — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:54:05 +0000

Babies, babies and more babies grace the inside pages of People Magazine. My guess is, it’s one of the hottest issues of the year. And not because of Sarah Palin, although she’s very interesting indeed. It’s because these aren’t normal babies, they are celebrity babies! Which leads me to a simple question, why are we so doggone OBSESSED with celebrities and their babies and their baby bumps?

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a non-celebrity life, so it must be extra-special when it’s a famous belly growing. No matter who you are, if you’ve had a baby you’ve experienced the same life-changing event – a birth! That similar momentous experience makes you feel a connection to someone famous.

Let’s take, Angelina Jolie-Pitt, for instance. She had her twins via c-section so she went through everything all c-section moms did like the scary long needle in the back, the creepy tingling toes, the weird pulling and tugging sensations, the BIG final push so kindly referred to as “pressure,” meeting your baby for the first time with your organs sitting next to you on a table and the sewing-up job that seems to leave you stranded there for eternity. So yea, I could say Angelina and I have something in common. Does that makes us friends? No. But we have a distant connection. And I think most people want to feel a connection and they act on it by mimicking purchases. Orbit, Ergo, Q Collection Junior, Bratt Decor a la J.Lo and so on….

Doesn’t mom get a secret thrill saying matter-of-factly to her friend, “I have a stroller like Tori” or “a Bumble Bag like Reese” or “a Britax like Donald Trump’s kid…” People just embrace it. It somehow makes us all even. See, we’re all special folks. Awe…

Why You Will Be Wearing Leg Warmers

MommyQ — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:31:15 +0000

If you’re a child of the 1980s, like me, you’ve probably worn leg warmers. And you probably (secretly) loved them. I am 100% guilty. I luh-huvd leg warmers. I had a light blue pair that my grandmother knitted for me. They weren’t too thin and weren’t too thick. They were perfection. Then, for my birthday I got this great pink, gray and white wool sweater with – drum roll, please – matching leg warmers. It was like I had died and gone to heaven! I wore them once a week until I outgrew them. Over jeans, under skirts, in 90 degree weather. It didn’t matter, nothing would ruin my love of the warmer.

Well, I have to admit, part of me is kinda excited they’re making a comeback. I’m still undecided as to whether they look cool or stupid, but there’s a goofy kid with a bad perm and big bangs looming inside me that is dying to wear a pair. Ah, the feel of itchy wool against the outside of your calf under your jeans. Priceless.

Lindsay Lohan of all people, figured this out somehow and launched her spin on it, the “Ankle Glove.” By the way, they instantly sold-out at Fred Segal. Seriously! Now it seems you can buy them online for $42. They are animal print and -hate to say it – maybe cute too? Maybe.

Even your tiny little non-Lindsay-like princess can wear them. Baby girls will most certainly be sporting some kind of leg warmer this fall. Baberoo makes 100% certified Organic Leggies for baby girls. They can be worn up to age 5. I must admit, these are CUTE! And you can change diapers in a snap!

Has the leg warmer been slimmed down and sassed up enough to see a happy rebirth? Better yet, will you be wearing them? I will..

Build a Stylish Nursery, just like Gwynny

MommyQ — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:02:42 +0000

Stylish, yet simply. Sophisticated, yet fun. When it comes to understated elegance, Gwyneth Paltrow rules supreme. Now you can build a nursery just like her thanks to BabyEarth. We now carry Q Collection Junior, an upscale eco-friendly line of nursery items featuring furniture, bedding and accessories.

Awards? Accolades? Of course! In fact, Treehugger.com has selected the Solare Crib, the world’s first indoor air quality certified crib, as its “Dark Green” (top) recommendation for new parents in their annual gift guide. Maybe they just like the built-in orb mobiles on both ends of the crib. I mean, we all know how difficult it can be to install a mobile. You have to take it out of the package and twist a knob. Ugh! It takes like, two minutes. Geez. Who has two minutes?!?

Yes, Q Collection Junior is a favorite with Hollywood moms, but more importantly their sustainable furniture marries elements of style, such as classic proportions and modernist inspired details, with non-toxic materials that reduce or eliminate harmful effects to your child’s health and the environment.

The bedding is ridiculously sweet. The Q Collection Junior Celestial Parade Crib Set retails for $395 (trio of cube pillows not included, duh!).