BC Magazine Fall2012 Constance Zimmer

the best choices for your family

Preventing Fires at Home Keeping Your House Spic and Span for the Holidays Wallet-Friendly Dating Tips Throw a Successful Daddy Shower

185 the bc LIST

Amazing Products, Ideas That Made Our Cut for The Best Choices for Your Family

HEATHER MCDONALD

The comedian and best-selling author talks about fishing out toy cars from the toilet, celebrity impersonations, and little league traditions FALL 12 www.bc-mag.com

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Constance Zimmer

The “Entourage” and “House of Cards” actress talks about motherhood to Coco, how having a husband in the same industry is a bonus, and getting away with cuss art (for now)

Our Premium Grass-fed Organic Steaks, are as tender BUT healthier than ordinary beef. Spend less, and eat healthier at The Farm.

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It is a nutrient-dense, health-promoting food which contains more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which supports the immune system and helps fight cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease.

If you’re gonna feed your kids meat, why not give them the best and healthiest?

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The Healthy Meat

INSIDE BC contents 10 drew powell An exclusive on the actor and musician, who opens up about his career and family

14 it’s walking pneumonia An introduction to the disease, and how we can keep our kids from getting sick this cold season 16 give it a shot?

We discuss and reveal pertinent info on having your child vaccinated

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26 becoming a first time mommy A holistic pediatrician talks about becoming a mother 22

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On the Cover: CONSTANCE ZIMMER WITH DAUGHTER, COCO

INSIDE BC contents

18 happily ever laughter A look into the family life of comedian and best-selling author, Heather McDonald 32 tv and tots One mom shares her reasons why watching TV is regulated in her household 34 scrumptious snacks attack Check out these healthy, snackable treats for your little ones

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38 constance zimmer The actress talks about parenting her daughter with husband Russ, and upcoming projects 52 bc 185 list Check out our highly-regarded products, services, and activities that foster your family’s health and togetherness

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On the Cover: CONSTANCE ZIMMER WITH DAUGHTER, COCO

Available online at select stores and boutiques nationwide.

Visit LaPiccolaDanza.com for a location near you.

Photography by Dana Colwell

editor’s note

with cover mom, constance zimmer at an event; constance zimmer with her daughter, coco

especially with two little girls in school (and an asthmatic husband) needing my care.

Falling Over This issue is pretty exciting to make—not just because we love making lists, but due to what we were able to unearth in the industry that made the cut. The family “trade” has evolved so much over the years that all the parenting equipment is out there. Nowadays, the only problem is the actual childrearing itself.

Speaking of parenting, our cover mom, Constance Zimmer, is obviously enamored with everything to do with her daughter, Coco. And how could she not be?

Check out their story on p. 38 to have a glimpse of the BFFs domestic life. Constance is a ladies’ and guys’ girl—she crosses over seamlessly like that. She’s cool and carefree enough that you would want to be mommy friends and have playdates with her, and hot-looking in that way that men probably secretly wish their wives would have her type of body after childbirth. I know I covet those toned arms and flat tummy.

On the topic of birthing, I am well on my way to expanding our family for the 3rd time. This brings our brood tally to 2 daughters, 1 coming son, 1 labrador, and 1 golden retriever. I’ve said before that having two kids was enough, but I’m sure my youngest will complete our family even more. However, the experience might be different, because this little tyke is lying transverse, and I might be having a C-section. After two vaginal births (with epidural), I am hoping he will still turn, as I don’t have the time for bed rest post-surgery,

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For the meantime, I am obsessed with trying to get to 40 weeks, so baby’s lungs are developed as much for the outside world (earth-side, as others so suitably call it). Apart from the deadlines for the magazines, and helping out with our new family business in organic beef called The Farm (thefarm.ph for those of you in Asia—you can order online for delivery to your friends’ and family’s homes), I am consumed with poring over recipes and just salivating—over most foods, actually. I guess this is where my third trimester “surprise” weight gain stems from. Must stop ogling food porn. Next issue, I’d love to tackle your odd gastronomic pregnancy cravings (largely to make me feel better)—mine turned out to be corned beef, cream cheese, and fried white rice with garlic for breakfast, all in one spoonful.

Before my back breaks in half, I will force myself to stop working for a bit, and be in touch with you online. Please find me on Facebook as karizfavisofficial, or on Twitter and Instagram as karizfavis. If there’s anything that BC has given me, it’s the gift of friendship with other like-minded parents that would have just been complete strangers.

Thank you again for all the support, and please pray for my delivery, or at least, just wish me luck.

editor@bcmedia.ph facebook.com/karizfavisofficial twitter.com/karizfavis

Kariz Tanya Favis Editor-in-Chief Martin Favis Creative Director

Valerie Anne del Castillo Senior Editor

Mark Cabalang Production Manager & Graphics Artist

Bridget Denese Bautista Editorial Assistant

Jalu Pauline Ramirez Graphics Artist

Contributors Barbara Ambrosio, Joanna Angela Cruz, Marge Enrique, Jonn Martin Herman, Benjamin James, Robert Nickell, Cristina Peczon-Rodriguez, Meeno Peluce, Rosario Santiago, Francoise Shirley, Jovan Townsend, Andrea Woroch

BCMEDIA INC. Martin Favis Vice President & Publisher

Kariz Tanya Favis Chairman & President

Victor Aliwalas Group Associate Publisher

Charina Mitra Finance Manager Maricel Bancolita Account Manager

BC (Baby Couture) is published by Medina Favis Publishing LLC, P.O. Box 1227 Fort Pierce, FL 34954. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. For advertising, subscriptions, back orders or other inquiries, please call 1.877.386.0209 or e-mail info@bc-mag.com. Visit us at bc-mag.com, facebook.com/bcmagUS, or twitter.com/bcmagUS. Opinions expressed in this publication are that of the writers’ and are not necessarily endorsed by Medina Favis Publishing LLC. BC is not responsible for unsolicited samples, products, work and materials, and submissions are non-returnable. If you wish to submit written work, photographs, artwork, products, samples, other services, etc., please accompany with a self-addressed envelope, postage paid, or a prepaid return label.

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drew powell

The TV, film star (and musician) opens up about how he drove from Indiana to Los Angeles to launch a successful acting career, his experiences working with big names in the industry, and what it’s like being a husband and father

+ HEATHER MCDONALD AND family...WALKING PNEUMONIA...VACCINATing YOUR CHILD...

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Drew Powell

“I was a showman all my life, really.

Whether it was local talent shows, school plays, or singing or break dancing for my parents and aunts and uncles in our living room, I got the performance bug early.”

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takes a lot of courage and skill to bravely pursue one’s dreams, but for Drew Powell, it was make or break, so when he decided to move to LA to pursue an acting career, he was definitely in it to win it. His big break came when producers of the Emmy Award-winning sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle took notice of him and wrote his character into the series. Since then, Drew has been appearing in numerous shows, including the highly followed House, Leverage, ER, The Office, CSI, and Grey’s Anatomy. Aside from television, Drew is also a talented stage actor, appearing in the stage revival of Pee Wee’s Playhouse in LA’s Nokia Theater in 2010. But despite his already full schedule, Powell is a dedicated husband to his wife, Veronica, son, Leo, and their furry family member, Elsie. Drew talks to BC to tell us more about his latest film, Straw Dogs,

his love story with wife, Veronica, and how fatherhood is the most important role in his life.

What was it like growing up in Lebanon, Indiana? Any fond memories as a child?

I didn’t realize it at the time, but in a lot of ways I was lucky to grow up in a place like Lebanon. The town was equal parts farming, commuter (it’s only 30 miles from Indianapolis), and local business, and only about 12,000 or so of them so you really knew your neighbors. I rode my bike to school sometimes, we played football and baseball in the park in the summer. I spent time playing with my buddies in their various barns pretending we were the “A-Team” or making forts in the hayloft. Just like the old movies, when it was time to come home for dinner, my friend’s mom would ring a big bell that they had in front of their house. It was country living, but the city wasn’t

too far away. Living in LA for the last 12 years has made me miss that a lot.

How did you decide to get into acting?

Describe your first big break. What were the challenges you had to overcome as an actor?

I was a showman all my life, really.

Whether it was local talent shows, school plays, or singing or break dancing (I know right?) for my parents and aunts and uncles in our living room, I got the performance bug early. Right after college, I got an offer for a part time job in LA and that was the only excuse I needed. I give my parents credit for not freaking out when I told them that I was taking my $100,000 education and going to LA to take a part time job making $15,000 a year.

But luckily I got my first job on (at that time) a new show called Malcolm in the Middle. My character “Tough Cadet #2” turned into a recurring character bc-mag.com { FALL 2012 } b c

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“Cadet Drew” and the rest is history.

The initial challenge of packing up my life into my Honda Accord, leaving my family and friends, and driving 2,000 miles to a place where I didn’t know anyone and then braving the moments of loneliness and self doubt was the toughest. Getting through the first year felt like a real victory. I knew then that I would be in it for the long haul.

Biggest accomplishment so far?

Highlights of your career?

I’ve been lucky to have a lot of highlights so far in my career. Playing a young Hoss Cartwright in the prequel of Bonanza called Ponderosa was an amazing experience. Not just because I got to go to Australia and play an iconic cowboy for a year (though that has to be on the short list of dreams for a lot of kids) but it’s also where I met my wife, Veronica, who was a makeup artist on

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that show. That job changed my life in a lot of ways...I know my son Leo will always be glad I got offered that job since it lead to his being born and all.

Can you describe your character in Straw Dogs (which also co-stars Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgård) and how you landed the part in the film?

My character, Bic, wasn’t in the original movie but was added by writer/ director Rod Lurie in this remake. Bic is, in many ways, the comic relief in an otherwise very intense film. He’s the member of the “Straw Dogs” who is the laziest and first to crack wise. I actually was home at my folks’ house in Indiana when I got a call from my manager to put myself on tape for the role. I landed at LAX a week later and my manager was there to meet me and tell me to get back on a plane the next morning to Shreveport, Louisiana to

start the film. It was a crazy whirlwind to be sure. I really enjoyed playing that character with those other actors in that film. Definitely a highlight of my career. We all still stay in touch, which is rare in this business.

You starred in the film Touchback with Kurt Russell. How does it feel to be working with such prominent names in the industry?

Working with Kurt was fantastic. He’s a real pro and I learned a lot from my time with him. He was celebrating his 50th year as an actor, which is unbelievable to me. He gave me great insight and advice not just as an actor, but as a father and grandfather and husband (or partner in his case!). I’ve always felt it is important to glean whatever info I can from actors that have been working and have been successful for a long time. Kurt, James Woods (in

Drew Powell Straw Dogs), Daniel Hugh Kelly (in Ponderosa) and many others have been very helpful to me in my own journey as an actor.

You film both movies and TV series. How do you find time for your family, and what do you enjoy doing during your spare time?

Part of the blessing and curse of this business is that you spend a lot of time out of town. It’s a blessing for me because I love to travel, and when the family gets to come with me, it’s that much sweeter. It’s a curse when the family doesn’t get to come, and we have to spend an extended period of time apart. I’m lucky that my wife was in the business as a crew member, so she really understands the craziness. We love to take the baby and the dog to the beach. I also play the guitar and sing—and with a new baby in the house, it’s fun to see Leo’s face when the music starts! I’m also a sports junkie, both playing and watching.

Any funny or amusing dad-to-be stories you would like to share?

I did a show on Broadway last year, so we were in New York City for the three of the last four months of Veronica’s pregnancy. She gets a medal (as do all pregnant New Yorkers) for doing all the walking and stairs in the freezing cold rain and snow! We had a mouse in the apartment that we were renting, and my wife was sure it was going to end up giving her some disease that would harm the baby. So I was determined to get that mouse. Of course you know how this ends...the mouse won, and I failed my first job as the protector of the family!

Haha! How has parenthood changed the way you see your life?

Being a father has really made me appreciate my own parents. I already loved and respected them, but now that I understand what it means to give selflessly and do anything for your kids, those feelings have deepened. It’s one of those things that you can’t understand until the doctor puts that little—or not so little, in our

case!—baby in your arms. And, as many friends and family who have been just of my friends with kids have said, it truly where I am now and lived to tell the tale! is the toughest job you’ll ever love!

It’s always comforting to know that I’m not the first, and won’t be the last to take What daddy duties do you really enjoy? on the challenges of being a new parent.

I love putting Leo to sleep. Very often, when I’m home, you’ll find me in What are the funniest things your son my favorite rocking chair with ESPN does? on the TV, with the baby asleep on We are lucky to have a happy baby my chest. Diaper changing? Not so in our house! Leo wakes up smiling much... and pretty much smiles all day long.

We call him “Bam-Bam” because he One thing you wish you knew about being seems to be abnormally strong for an a dad?

11-month old, and is built like a tank! I I wish I knew how much energy it was love watching Leo and Elsie, our dog, gonna take. I would’ve prepared for it play together. She’s a little terrier who like a runner trains for a marathon! looks like a muppet, and when they’re in play mode, Leo just laughs and Who do you look to for parenting advice? laughs while they chase each other. It’s I look to my parents of course, but also endlessly entertaining! bc

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e’ve all heard of pneumonia before. A dreaded lung disease, feared because of the possible outcome of death. Every one of us have known and followed preventive measures, whether they are based on superstitions such as shielding your back from cold air for risk of getting sick, or, through more scientific ways, such as getting a vaccination. However famous this illness is, it has a brother that few know about, and its name is Walking Pneumonia.

Before we all break out in a state of pandemonium and start hiding the kids in fear of them contracting this illness, we should first know what we are up against. Walking Pneumonia, contrary to its name, is not a creature that spreads the disease; though it is caused by living microbes, rather, it is only one of the many forms of pneumonia.

It is called such because persons

“There are over thirty possible causes of pneumonia, including the inhalation of dust particles, foodstuff and/or stomach acid.

Of the many different causes, the most common are bacteria, viruses and fungi.”

it’s walking pneumonia

Learn about the obscure disease that could be silently plaguing you and your family W O RDS b y J oanna A nge l a C ruz g r a p h i cS b y J onn martin herman

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P RE V E N T I O N with this malady are only mildly sick and can still go about their daily businesses and activities. It is more formally named as “atypical pneumonia” because the causes and symptoms are very unlike those of the conventional type. The traditional or typical pneumonia in general, is an infection that affects the alveoli, which are the small air sacs in the lungs, where red blood cells deposit carbon dioxide through the sac’s thin walls, and pick up the inhaled oxygen. In fighting the invasion, white blood cells swarm the infected area and fills up the tiny air sacs, together with pus, mucus, and other fluids. Another possible effect of the infection is that the walls of the alveolus swell up or ruptures, causing blood from the lung capillaries to flood the alveolar spaces. Either way, this causes the alveoli to get clogged and oxygencarbon dioxide exchange cannot occur in the impaired area, making it virtually dysfunctional and solid.

There are over thirty possible causes of pneumonia, including the inhalation of dust particles, foodstuff and/or stomach acid. Of the many different causes, the most common are bacteria, viruses and fungi. For the typical pneumonia, the most common cause of it is the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Walking pneumonia is brought on by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which can only exist in living cells because of its simple structure and lack of a

cell wall. Frequent contractors of this bacteria range from school children to young adults, while toddlers, preschoolers and the elderly often get viral pneumonia such as influenza. Despite being unfamiliar, walking pneumonia is very common. Although it takes a long exposure from someone who is sick for a healthy person to acquire this disease, because of the mild symptoms, afflicted persons often don’t stay at home, increasing the chances of others to be infected as well. It spreads much like how an ordinary flu does, only, it takes a longer period of time before you can acquire it.

Signs and symptoms of this dreaded disease, as mentioned earlier, are milder than that of the typical pneumonia, but can be just as annoying. Similar to colds, the symptoms include sore throat, dry cough, headache, chills, fever, and malaise, with the inclusion of rashes, lump in the neck, ear pain, and increased respiratory rate in some. The distinction between a cold and walking pneumonia is the severity and the time frame, whereas colds and flu lasts for a week, this illness’ symptoms may linger for up to a month. What’s more is that flu and cough medicines won’t easily alleviate its symptoms, particularly coughing. The best way to treat this disease is to take antibiotics and rest in bed, but since some antibiotics can be too strong and be too harmful in large dosages (especially for kids),

consult your doctor at the slightest sign of this illness, or even for just a cold, so he could recommend and prescribe the proper medication.

Aside from pharmaceuticals, prevention is still better than cure. The pneumococcal vaccine, is against most types of pneumonia-causing bacteria.

This boosts the body’s immunity by exposing it to the inactivated form of the bacteria. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccine, PPSV23, which is recommended for the elderly and high-risk or sickly individuals aged two and above; and PCV13, an improved version of the PCV7, routinely given to two month-old infants up to five-year old kids.

Of course, it goes without saying that a healthy lifestyle is the best option to avoid illness. Since persons with weak immunity are more vulnerable to the various pneumonia-causing bacteria, it is ideal to build up your immunity by eating vitamin rich food and citrus fruits, and having ample rest and exercise. Avoid vices and cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief when in polluted areas to filter the air you’ll breathe in. It has also been found that sneezing on the crook of your arm rather than your hands is more sanitary, so you don’t spread germs through handshakes and the like. Keep your home free from dust and molds that could weaken the lungs. bc

COLD SEASON HEALTH RISK

Aside from the dangers of walking pneumonia, parents should also watch out for the cold and flu season, as it poses risks for kids with asthma. Its symptoms can be worsened, creating a potentially dangerous situation for children. Dr. Beth Allen, a physician of pulmonary medicine and faculty member at Ohio State University College of Medicine, said in a news release that 30 percent of kids who are admitted to the hospital with the flu have asthma, putting them at risk for also developing pneumonia.

"All it takes is one trigger—a common cold, a change in the weather, allergens that kids are exposed to, cigarette smoke—any of those things might trigger already irritated airways to become even more agitated," she said.

To protect your little ones and avoid ending up in the ER, here are some preventive measures: Kids should get a check up during the colder months to assess their condition ahead of flu season.

Children who are prescribed a daily asthma controller should be monitored to make sure they are taking their medication—even when they are feeling well.

More importantly, Dr. Allen advises, "Parents should be able to recognize the symptoms, know which medicines to use if they develop, and know when to call the doctor if that medicine is failing. Ideally, they should walk away from a doctor's visit with this all written down in what we call an asthma action plan."

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give it a shot?

The discovery and development of vaccines over the past century have changed the way we ensure our children’s early years. Learn how this process could serve as a smarter choice for today’s parents

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W O RDS b y rosario santiago a d d i t i o n a l t e x t b y va l erie anne de l casti l l o

’s difficult not to be swayed by the hard-hitting facts that numerous studies have yielded about the benefits of vaccines. In over half a decade, the number of cases of various diseases have gone down by as much as 90% (or more), thanks to the proliferation of various vaccines developed and implemented throughout the early part of the 20th century. So what is the process of getting vaccinated, and how does it protect our children from diseases?

Nearly all of us come out into this world with a full immune system. This means that our cells, glands, bodily fluids, and various organs already had the capacity to fend off viral and bacterial

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attacks at the time of our birth. Even as helpless infants, we already possessed an immune system that could readily produce antibodies to counter germs, toxins, and organisms that entered our system. Once the invading antigens were destroyed however, those antibodies also vanished. What they did leave behind though, were the cells responsible for producing the antibodies in the first place. These are called “memory cells,” because they remember the original antigen they fought, and will spring into action anew against future invasions. This built-in system of protection is what we call our immunity.

Why then, you might ask, is there a need for vaccines? The answers are simple. While our children are born

with a full immune system, this only lasts anywhere from a month to a year, and it is no match for certain diseases against which they do not have maternal immunity, or antibodies inherited from us mothers. Measles, mumps, polio, diphtheria, smallpox, and whooping cough are just some of the more common diseases that used to pose the greatest risk to babies, before vaccines were developed against them.

On a broader level, immunizing our children also promotes better health for our community, as it decreases the chances of people coming down with infectious diseases, making outbreaks and epidemics also less likely to occur.

But just how do vaccines work? In much the same way as our natural im-

IMMUNITY munity does. Vaccines work by introducing a weakened version of a disease-causing bacteria, virus, or germ into the body. This is usually done by injection, although in some cases, it may be administered orally, or even via nasal spray. Once we’ve been vaccinated, we start developing antibodies to fight off the introduced antigens, which, although aren’t strong enough to cause sickness, still have the potency to spur on the production of antibodies to combat them. And here is where vaccine-induced immunity differs from, and is arguably better than natural immunity.

Despite the attractive and scientifically proven benefits of vaccinations, however, a number of parents still opt out of the choice for fears that their child may be affected by some adverse effects following the immunization. In 1998, a controversy was spawned by researcher Dr. Andrew Garfield’s study published in the British medical journal The Lancet, which linked the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) with autism and bowel disease. To this day, a number of parents still decide not to vaccinate their children, or even deviate from the recommended immunization schedule of health authorities, despite the fact that the study has been debunked and officially retracted by the journal’s editors. Nonetheless, the advent of such medical findings has taught us parents to be more inquisitive and meticulous with what we put our children through to ward off illnesses. Besides, it is our utmost responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being, especially in their early years.

So whether you choose individual or combination vaccines, experts seem to agree that the important thing is to get them into your children as soon as recommended by the local and global health authorities. Of course, ultimately, the choice of when to vaccinate, how many vaccines to get, or even whether to do so or not, is yours as a parent, and yours alone. Such guidelines and recommendations are only to help you arrive at an informed decision. If and when you do decide to get your child immunized however, here are some important things

to remember: First, don’t get your child vaccinated when he or she is ill, or still recovering from an ailment. When your child is sick, his or her immune system is weak. An immunization shot, which will deliver a load of viral, bacterial, or germ antigens, while significantly diluted, may still be too much for your child’s already compromised system to handle. Wait until he or she has fully recuperated before taking him or her to be vaccinated. In extreme cases where the child has a suppressed immune system due to serious diseases like cancer, leukemia, or AIDS, or as a result of treatments such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation, certain live vaccines should not be administered.

Second, consider whether your child is allergic to any substances or food items. Take note of your child’s allergies, especially severe ones, and report them to your doctor. This is particularly useful in screening which vaccines the doctor can safely administer, so he or she can avoid those containing the substance(s) to which your child has severe reactions. Part One of The Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunizations (cdc.gov) cites the example that if your child is severely allergic to eggs, he or she should not receive the flu shot, which contains egg protein. In the same light, inform your doctor of any adverse reactions your child may have had to previous vaccinations.

Lastly, don’t forget to ask for an immunization card to ensure you have a complete record of your child’s vaccinations. Finally, should you choose not to get your kids vaccinated, be responsible by keeping informed. Make use of all resources around you, such as print and online literature, resource people like doctors, nurses, and other health practitioners, and even your neighbors and online communities, to learn and discuss the reasons for and against vaccination. Bear in mind that your choice affects not only your child’s health, but your entire family’s and those you will come in contact with. bc

Hepatitis B is one of the world’s most serious chronic diseases. Although available vaccine for Hepatitis B virus will not be able to cure it, it’s still 95% effective in preventing chronic infections from developing. Additionally, medicinenet.com states that, “Persons vaccinated prior to age 65 should be vaccinated at age 65 if five or more years have passed since the first dose.”

Make use of all resources around you, such as print and online literature, resource people like doctors, nurses, and other health practitioners, and even your neighbors and online communities, to learn and discuss the reasons for and against vaccination. bc-mag.com { FALL 2012 } b c

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happily ever laughter Comedian and best-selling author, Heather McDonald, opens up about impersonating Hollywood celebrities, being a mom to three children, and why her family lives next door to her parents I nterview b y K ariz T an y a F avis W ords b y V a l erie A nne de l C asti l l o

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H e a th e r M c D o n a l d

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ou may have seen Heather McDonald on Frasier, Malcolm in the Middle, Reno 911, and Drake and Josh, but this comedian is highly acclaimed for her work in E! Channel’s Chelsea Lately, where she is a full-time writer and story producer. She was previously a series regular and writer on MTV’s Lyricist Lounge, and has performed to sold-out venues like Carnegie Hall, The Borgota in Atlantic City, The Pearl in the Palms Casino, and The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Nowadays, the You’ll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again author can be seen shuffling from Chelsea Lately to various locations in the country to perform stand-up. BC takes a closer look at this mom of three who discusses why poop will always be funny to kids, her upcoming plans, including another book in the works.

How did you get into writing and comedy, to be specific?

I was working as an assistant buyer at Robinson’s May, and a co-worker threw a Learning Annex magazine on my desk and convinced me to take a class on stand-up comedy. I did, and from there, started doing stand-up.

I also enrolled in the Groundlings Theater, where I began to write comedic sketches and monologues. My first real writing job was writing for Keenen Ivory Wayan’s late night talk show. I got this job by submitting writing samples through my literary agent.

are Drew Barrymore, because she is always so positive and I like expounding on that when I do her, and Celine [Dion]. I’ve never met Celine or Drew, so I don’t know what they think, but the Kardashians (who I also do) and various Real Housewives love it and are flattered. Even Geri Jewell from Facts of Life (who has cerebral palsy), who I have done on Chelsea Lately came to my book signing to tell me how much she loved my impersonation and that I did her the best of anyone she’s ever seen.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

What’s it like working with Chelsea Handler?

Writing my book, You’ll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again and having it be on the NY Times Best Seller list.

It has also led to a second book deal, which I’m working on now.

It is great working for Chelsea. She is a girls’ girl who always has your back.

I admire her work ethic and her ability to recognize talent and foster it. She also is super fun to hang out and I love having long juicy conversations with her.

Who are your favorite celebrities to impersonate now? What do they have to say about it?

My favorite celebrities to impersonate

You’ve been married for 11 years.

What are the most valuable lessons

you’ve learned about yourself and your husband?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is, life is short and marriage is long, so it is best not to make too big of a deal out of disagreement and try to make the fight end as soon as possible.

You look like a tough act to follow. How does your husband make you laugh?

My husband, Peter makes me laugh all day. When I get mad at him and he knows he is wrong, all he has to do is make some goofy voice and say something ridiculous like, “Why is the mommy mad?” and I start laughing and can’t stay mad anymore.

Describe your parenting style.

My stepdaughter lives with us full time now, so starting this year, we have 3 kids—12, 9, and 5, all at the same Catholic elementary school—so it’s very important that we keep to a schedule as far as no TV during the week, bedtimes, etc., in order just to get out the door in the morning. We aren’t too

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strict, but we do practice time outs and take away toys and privileges. We will not tolerate fighting, and as much as I try to be fair, I often throw my hands up and proclaim, “I’m not Judge Judy, I don’t want to hear your case!” in my Judge Judy voice, of course.

Your official website says that you live next door to your parents “in case you run out of milk, Chardonnay, or if you need one of your dad’s Vicodin.” Why did you decide to live close to them, and what are its advantages?

We lived about 5 minutes away prior to buying the house next door, and when it became available, it

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H e a th e r M c D o na l d

made sense mostly because they have a pool and we don’t, and I really like pool parties. Other advantages are free babysitting, especially in a jam, and my kids really getting to know their grandparents.

daughter, she loves leggings, longer sweaters, and boots. She has her own style, so I won’t buy any clothes for her without her consent.

points taken away for talking about gross things, but I have to be honest, I haven’t marked it up since 20 poop jokes ago.

Any funny or gross stories about raising the little ones?

What is your most ridiculous mom-ent?

Describe your mommy wardrobe.

When my son Brandon was 3, he called me into the bathroom in a panic, “Mommy, Mommy help!” I got in there and he was sitting on the toilet. I looked in between his legs and parked between two giant poops was a Hot Wheel car. “Mommy get it, it’s my favorite one!” My first instinct was to call my husband, but he had gone golfing, which can go anywhere from 3 to 13 hours—why that game takes so long, I have no idea. Also, are you aware that there is no cell reception at any golf course in all of America? So I got a ladle and tried not to gag. When my husband finally arrived home, I offered him some soup.

I love Juicy sweat suits, especially with the buttons on the butt because I have a flat butt, so it helps. I also like Hudson stretch boot leg jeans, Shape Ups, and James Perse button down shirts. I wore a uniform for 12 years in Catholic School, so once I find something I like, I get it in a few colors and stick to it. I don’t have to think in the morning, and I know I can pick up a kid without twisting an ankle or flashing my butt crack.

Must-haves for the kids?

I love Lacoste shirts for the boys. They both play golf with my husband, so they’re perfect. They are also nice enough for church or a restaurant.

Unless it’s snowing, I can’t get them to wear a jacket, so I’m all about layering and giving them lots of cool zip up hoodies to choose from. For my

How do you deal with pee and poop?

I think I just told you. According to boys, there is nothing funnier than poop, pee, and farting. We keep charts in their room and they do get

My most ridiculous mom-ent was when I had to coach my son’s little league game. For some reason, it’s a tradition in our league to have only moms coach on Mother’s Day, nice tradition. How about starting a tradition of sending masseuses into the bleachers to rub the mothers’ shoulders on Mother’s Day? For one thing, I’m not athletic at all nor am I into sports, but when I called safe and a mother from the other team challenged me, I got a little heated and said, “Really, I thought I made the call on first base. Well, Happy Mother’s Day to you too!”

Funniest things your kids do?

My boys make up their own words to popular songs. As an improviser, it makes me happy to see them so creative, especially when those words don’t involve bodily functions, but when they do, it is even funnier. bc

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playing with fire We’re transitioning into the dry, cool season of fall, but it’s never too late to be in the know when it comes to fire prevention Wo r d s b y V a l erie A nne de l C asti l l o ART & P H O T O GRA P H s B Y M A R K C A B A L A N G A N D B E N J O B I LL O N E S

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he warm and dry days are the best time to highlight the importance of practicing general safety measures at home and at the workplace. The U.S. Fire Administration reported in their Topical Fire Research Series that as much as 3,650 children (on average) aged 14 or younger are injured every year in residential fires. More importantly, 40% of these casualties are under the age of five.

The organization also reports that “fires and unrelated burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injuries to children.” Additionally, the leading cause of child fire casualties in the home is playing, which is why it is imperative that a parent or guardian must always be present to keep close watch of the little ones.

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Despite the relentless reminders of public service programs and local government units, mishaps still happen. A good way to significantly reduce the risk of accidents at home is to educate the household members (including our nannies) of the safety guidelines we must undertake to ensure our family’s protection. As we look forward to hanging out with our dear ones under the warm sun (and possibly dancing to great music and even grilling barbecue under the evening sky), let us all remember that our family and friends’ safety always comes first. Childproofing our homes is a great way to prevent injuries, but even the most unpredictable accidents still occur when children (and ignorant adults) go a little too far into their exploration.

P RECA U T I O N DEALING WITH BURNS Primary Relief Burns are serious injuries that must be taken care of immediately. Depending on its severity, there are several ways to apply first aid. For minor ones, expose the affected area to cool (never cold) running water for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pain decreases.

Protect it by wrapping in sterile gauze bandage.

Administer pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

CAUTION Never apply ice to a burn, or expose the wound to cold water, as the victim may experience hypothermia, the sudden decrease in body temperature. Instead, cover it with clean, moist bandages, and elevate the affected area above heart level. If blisters develop, make sure these are not touched nor scratched, as it can also develop an infection. Do not attempt to sooth them with butter, ointments, or creams, as these may also cause infections. Never remove burnt clothing, as this may further damage the injury.

Take caution in handling major wounds, and run to the hospital immediately.

Call for Help If you are unsure of how to treat a burn, call an ambulance or take the victim to the hospital as soon as possible. Always keep emergency numbers by the telephone and in your mobile phone for easy access.

Stay Alert The key to survival is awareness. Every member of the family—including househelp—must be aware of the safety precautions and guidelines in making your home a safer place to live.

FIRST AID KIT for burns

clean cloth gauze

Little Firestarter

Older children are often aware that getting too near fire—whether it’s candles, the stove, oven, or bonfire—is a very dangerous thing to do. But for toddlers who are too young to understand this concept, fires may draw them in like moth to the flame. Children may accidentally set fire at home by playing with matches and lighters, which should be kept well away from their little hands at all times.

If your child sets fires on purpose, you must talk to him or her and set clear ground rules. Keep lighters, matches, and other hazardous materials in a secure storage, away from his reach. If fire-setting has become a habit, speak to your doctor, school counselor, or child psychiatrist for advice on how to stop this behavior immediately. Children who set fire on purpose often do such things to gain attention, or to deal with their inner conflicts. Speak to your child to find out the reason behind such conduct, which must be nipped in the bud to prevent more serious harm to your family.

Caution in the Kitchen

Parents and househelp alike must be aware of the possible dangers that the most mundane appliances can cause. For the kitchen, establish a “no kids allowed” area, in which they are not permitted to loiter or play in. You can outline the cooking area—or the general area where stoves, microwaves, ovens, and knives are kept—by placing tape on the floor. Instruct your kids to stay well outside this area,

to prevent mishaps.

Always make sure that gas tanks, electric stoves, ovens, and other cooking devices are turned off after use. Keep knives and other sharp objects in their respective containers, and never leave any utensils lying around the kitchen. Neatly arrange appliance wires using a wire keeper. Keep pot handles facing towards the rear of the stove, as to not cause burns and other injuries.

When cooking, do not use frilly clothing that can easily catch fire. If a pan catches fire, immediately slide a cover over the flames. Have a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, and make sure that your family and house help know how to operate the device, in case of emergencies.

Flammable Decors

Scented and decorative candles can serve as great accent pieces for your home.

However, the use of such must be paired with a strong sense of awareness and responsibility. Don’t allow children to light candles, and never leave them alone in a room with lighted ones. Check the candleholder for sturdiness and durability, and place the candle away from flammable materials such as tablecloths, sofa pillows, books and magazines, etc.

Some candles come with a glass container to protect the flame, but regardless of what type of candles you use, make sure that they sit in the middle of a sturdy table or surface, away from pets and children who may pass and knock it down. If you’re leaving a room unattended, blow out the lighted candles. bc

SAFETY AND PREVENTION 1. If the whole family is leaving the house for a long period of time, make sure that appliances are turned off and unplugged, to prevent fire breakouts. Regularly monitor your usage of extension cords, and don’t overuse or overload them. Check for faulty wirings, broken plugs, and bruised cords. Always use the correct wattage for your appliances, and check for those that cause sparks, emit burnt smells, and overheat.

2. Use safety covers for outlets that are not in use, as children might poke them with toys, pens, or other things around the house.

If you are not sure about how to install an electrical fixture or use an appliance, seek professional help. It is important to read user manuals thoroughly before using a new or unfamiliar piece of equipment.

3. Smokers in the family should also be aware of the proper disposal of cigarette remnants. Do not allow them to smoke in bed, and if possible, limit smoking to outdoors or only one section of the house. Cigarette butts should be completely out before throwing into the trashcan. Clean out ashtrays and put them away after use, to avoid being picked up and played with by children.

4. Awareness is key to survival. Teach your children the basics about fire early on—“Do not panic” being the first rule. In case of fire, cover your mouths and noses with a damp piece of cloth, as you make your way to safety. Crawl as low as possible on the ground, as the smoke tends to move upward. Don’t linger inside a burning place, and try to make your way out through fire exits as soon as possible. If you catch fire, do not run. Drop to the ground and roll around to extinguish the flames.

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healthy home for the coming holidays Find out how you can transform your household into one that is clean, livable, and enjoyable this coming holiday season and throughout the year

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w o r d s b y francoise shir l e y GRA P HI C S b y J O nn M artin herman

ur homes are like our third skin—our actual skin being first and clothes being second. What we have in our homes, how we clean them, and how we decorate are all decisions that affect our lives on a daily basis. We need to take care of our homes just as we do our bodies.

With another year coming to a close, we gear up to get rid of all the things we’ve accumulated over the last 12 months and dispatch the things we no longer need, and in turn, create a better atmosphere at home, especially with the holidays just around the corner. It’s never too early to start cleaning up, especially with the taxing job of preparing for Christmas parties and shopping as the “ber” months approach.

Here are tips from sisters Carlin and Forbes, writers and co-

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founders of Inspired Everyday Living, a home and lifestyle company, who believe that you can use your home as a vehicle for self-transformation—as you change your home, you can transform your life.

Fresh Air.

Open your windows to ventilate your home on a regular basis. Many of the products we use to clean and the materials we use to decorate and build contain toxic chemicals that off-gas and pollute the air we breathe.

Opening windows creates a way for chemicals released from common household items to exit and fresh air to enter. In addition, sunlight can uplift our spirits. It is also an effective way to cleanse linens and blankets, killing dust mites.

home clean home

“use your home as a vehicle for self-transformation—as you change your home, you can transform your life.”

A Shoe Rack.

Have people remove their shoes before they enter your home. By having a shoeless household, pesticides from lawn and garden cannot be tracked inside. This is especially important if you have young children who play on the floor.

Water Filters.

Tap water can contain a host of contaminants including chlorine, lead and organic material. Install filters in your kitchen for drinking water and in your shower for water used to bathe.

your home. A HEPA filter will capture dust and other airborne particulates and Carbon will capture VOCS. Hardwood Floors and Area Rugs.

Opt for hardwood floors and area rugs in place of wall-towall carpets. Carpets house dirt, chemicals, dust mites and mold. Area rugs have the benefit of being easily removed so they can be professionally cleaned, shaken out or placed in the sun. Also avoid synthetic rugs and look for natural floor coverings made of untreated wool, jute, sisal or bamboo.

Healthy Bedding.

Natural Cleaning Products.

Many household cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia and phenol, which can irritate your skin and lungs, and cause headaches. Look for non-toxic, environmentally safe household cleaning products.

You will spend almost a third of your life in bed, so make sure it is a healthy, chemical-free place to sleep. Opt for organic, untreated cotton sheets, untreated wool pillows and a wool or latex mattress.

An Organizational System.

HEPA Vacuum.

Vacuum regularly to keep dust and other allergens to a minimum. The best vacuums contain a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter to remove dust particles.

Stress negatively affects our health, and lack of organization and clutter can contribute to stress. Create a peaceful sanctuary at home by getting organized and eliminating mess.

A Pleasing View.

Low or no VOC paints and finishes.

Many paints and finishes we use to decorate give off toxic fumes known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful. These chemicals can remain in the air even after the paint is dry. Low or no-VOC paints are a healthier alternative to this problem.

Studies show that we relax more when we have a beautiful view. If you don’t have a great view, create one inside your home with artwork and outside your home with window boxes, and landscaping. Bottom-up shades are a great way hide unattractive views.

Natural Materials and Solid Wood Furniture.

Air Filter.

Add HEPA/carbon filter to your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, or place standing filters in room where you spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms, to filter the air in

When purchasing new furniture for your home or office, invest in natural materials such as solid wood, untreated cotton, linen, wool, etc. Pressed wood, like particleboard or MDF, contains chemicals like formaldehyde that can off gas. bc

HEALTHY HOME ARSENAL

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner This botanical cleaner kills over 99.99% of household germs, such as Influenza A viruses including H1N1, Rhinovirus (type 37, the Common Cold virus), Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on hard, nonporous surfaces. $3.49, seventhgeneration.com

Dyson DC39 Animal Armed with Radial Root Cyclone™ technology and a Mini turbine head, this versatile cleaner has a Triggerhead tool that adjusts at the handle, so you don’t need to bend down to clean. $499.99, dyson.com

Buggylove Purelove Organic Universal Surface Cleaner Crisp, organic, tangerine-scented solution for daily on-the-go cleaning. Safe to use on toys, strollers, high chairs, and other household things, as it’s 100% parabenand sulfate-free. $7.99, buggylove.com

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becoming a first time mommy It was during my days as a medical intern when I experienced motherhood. My experience was more vicarious, since I didn’t actually give birth.

I was at the receiving end, catching the newborn W O RDS b y B A R B A R A A M B R O S I O

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medical school terms, being assigned to a particular part of a hospital is called a “rotation,” while doing the actual medical work is called “duty”. So from the Delivery Room, I would then be “rotated” to the Nursery Room to monitor and check up on all those babies. Just like a new mother, I was enormously sleep-deprived doing my “duty” to ensure that all were normal. Despite the lack of sleep, I enjoyed that particular part of medical school.

Five years later, I became a mother to my son, and three years after, I gave birth to my daughter. Caring for my own babies brought me back to my rotations at the Nursery Room. But my duty does not end after my shift. Being a new mother is a 24/7 shift, without a day off, for life…well, I guess until they are adolescents and do not want to have anything to do with you (drive a stake through my heart, please!).

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BEGINNINGS The newborn period (first 28 days of life) is my favorite. Their skin is so soft and velvety. The scent of their mouths—oh so delightfully intoxicating. At this stage, they basically need to be fed, cuddled and changed—and when you leave them in their beds, they stay exactly where you left them.

As they get older, try to ensure that every minute of their lives is spent learning and enjoying. There is story-telling, arts and craft activities, board games, puzzles, Lego, golf, soccer, swimming, bicycle rides, kite-flying, playground time, bath time, and birthday parties.

Now, I am like this mother alien—a happy, beaming, cheerful four-legged creature with octopus arms and eyes at the front and back of my head.

Someone once told me that the ball and chain joke is half true once I get married and have children. It certainly is, but in the most wonderful and satisfying way. My nights out bar hopping have been replaced by bedtime story telling and tucking my little ones in.

Quality time, simple dinner or movie dates with my husband, Job, replaced

sudden out of town trips with friends.

Now you’re probably asking where I get my time to be a doctor. I am in what you would call “private practice”…literally.

I am currently treating just family and close friends. Having children changed my attitude towards my chosen career. I find it difficult to entrust the care of my children to anyone, especially in their delicate growing years. So I decided to put that part of my life on hold to be with them full time. Indeed I am very blessed to have a husband who supports me and allows me to do so.

But despite my mommy duties, I am also taking a course in homeopathic medicine, which is a form of alternative medicine. I have been using Homeopathic remedies since I was in high school, with remarkable results. At present, I use it together with various herbs to treat illnesses of my children. It works wonders and is gentle for their little sensitive bodies. I believe that the body is actually capable of healing itself if only it was given the chance.

Alternative

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methods of healing are not so widely accepted yet. At the moment, such unconventional practice is received with the least enthusiasm. Most of the time, I encounter resistance and outright ridicule whenever I employ treatments like Homeopathy, medicinal herbs, or detoxification. No one seems to believe it. A vast majority is still accustomed to symptomatic instant relief. The underlying cause of illness is often overlooked and left untreated resulting in recurrent conditions.

Despite such opposition, I am a firm believer that holistic medicine empowers the individual to make decisions about their health and well-being. It is an ongoing process. It is a lifestyle choice with the ultimate goal of your body functioning in the best possible way.

With the constant encouragement of my husband, I am halfway through my Homeopathy Course. When I finish, I will hopefully be able to convince my children to adopt a healthier lifestyle and more importantly, convince people of the benefits of using natural methods of healing. bc

First Time Mommy Must-haves JOHNSON & JOHNSON HEAD-TO-TOE BABY WASH An ultra-mild cleanser that is gentle even for newborns, and features a No More Tears formula that is soap- and dye-free, and is hypoallergenic and allergy- and dermatologist-tested. $3.99, drugstore.com

MUSTELA DERMO-PEDIATRICS STELACTIV Contains zinc oxide that creates a protective barrier and three anti-enzymatic agents that stop the occurrence of irritation in a non-irritating, non-occlusive, and fragrance-free formula. $12, mustelausa.com

EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY NATURAL NIPPLE BUTTER Made from organic Calendula and non-sticky natural plant butters, this lanolin-free nipple butter comforts and protects the skin and is safe for baby. $14.95, earthmamaangelbaby.com EARTH’S BEST CHLORINE FREE BABY WIPES TRAVEL PACK Gentle enough for baby’s delicate skin, hands and face, these wipes are hypoallergenic, unscented, chlorine-free, and alcohol-free, and has a natural aloe vera and vitamin E formula. $5.06, earthsbest.com

BURTS BEES BABY BEE NOURISHING BABY OIL An apricot and grape seed oil-based formula that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and is free of phthalate, petrochemicals and parabens. $8, burtsbees.com

DIAPEES AND WIPEES CUDDLY WUDDLEES Super soft poly chenille blankets trimmed with two-inch hip designer fabrics and made of 100% poly chenille with 100% cotton trim. $40, diapeesandwipees.com

FLEXIBATH FLEXIBLE BATHING TUB A space-saving baby bath for infants and toddlers up to age 4, the Flexibath is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. $39.90, diapers.com

Tawna Hill Baby Milk & Oatmeal Bath Powder Bath powder that helps purify, calm, and soothe delicate skin. Also helps relieve rashes, eczema, and irritated areas. $18.50, tawnahillbaby.com

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8 frugal dating tips for parents Dates with your significant other does not necessarily have to be extravagant enough to empty your pocket. Celebrate all your other special days with these money-smart ideas Wo r d s B Y A ndrea W oroch

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o maintain a healthy, stable relationship and spark a romantic connection, parents, whether single or married, need a night away from their kids. As exciting as that may sound, tight family finances make it difficult for moms and dads to get out of the house— let alone have fun without the worry of their wallet on their mind. With a little savvy planning though, parents can create magical dates without blowing their budgets.

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budg e t- f r i e nd ly Stop stressing about money by following these 8 frugal dating tips:

Battling Babysitting Costs

Dependable babysitters are often expensive and can quickly hike up the total cost of a night in town. Instead of hiring a teenager or nanny to watch the tots, consider swapping services with neighbors, coworkers, family or friends for a free night or afternoon out. You can also opt to leave them with a trusted relative (grandparents, perhaps?) for the evening, to also give them time to bond with the kids.

Enjoy an At-Home Date

If finding a babysitter at the last-minute is out of the question and budget, put the kids to bed early and create a romantic date-like experience at home.

Set the mood with a candlelit dinner and dancing for two under the stars in your backyard.

Banish Booze

Even if you find a dining deal, like an early-bird special, a couple of drinks can greatly add to the bill.

You might want to hit a restaurant that doesn’t serve booze, or make it an afternoon date. Otherwise, plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices.

Do-It-Yourself

Creativity goes a long way, so plan a picnic and pack a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and portable speakers with your date’s favorite music uploaded to your iPod. Dial Into Online Discounts

Group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals—up to 50-percent off—on such entertainment experiences as wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs. If you’re worried about appearing “cheap,” redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom.

Find Freebie Dates

Not all dates are intended to include dinner and a movie.

For a fun date idea that doesn’t cost a dime, consider events and activities in your area that are free like hiking, biking or browsing a local flea market. Otherwise, many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date.

Makeshift Movie Night

Instead of shelling out money for movie tickets plus the cost of popcorn, soda and candy, consider hosting a movie night at home. You can also pick up free DVDs from your local library. Recreate a theater-like experience at home with fresh popcorn (extra butter per request) and your date’s favorite candy. Then dim the lights and make sure to turn your cell phones off!

The trick to a successful date is having fun and not stressing out. If you find a suitable date, chances are, they will enjoy spending time with you whatever you do regardless of how much money you spend. bc

“With a little savvy planning though, parents can create magical dates without blowing their budgets.”

Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch has been featured as a media expert source on NBC Today Show, MSNBC, FOX & Friends, CNN.com, ShopSmart Magazine and many more. To view interviews or for more savings tips, visit AndreaWoroch.com. bc-mag.com { FALL 2012 } b c

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The latest trend in baby showers Wo r d s b y R obert N icke l l p h o t o g r a p h B Y mark caba l ang

“Be creative, make it fun, and the guys will give it a shot and show up.”

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hink baby showers are just for moms? Not anymore!

The “Daddy Shower” is the latest trend hitting the scene, allowing the daddy-to-be to be “showered” with gifts and fun as well.

The first decision is “who is going to throw” the BSFD. For the mommy, it is usually the best friend, mother, or mother in-law, or combination of the above. For the Daddy, this role has not yet been established and quite often it is simply put together by a pro-active daddy for his

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friends, but here are some thoughts if you are the “best Dad friend” and want to put the party together.

Robert Nickell, a.k.a. “Mr. Daddy,” is the founder of DaddyScrubs “Delivery Room Duds for Dads” and writes a weekly parenting blog from a dad’s perspective. The father of six has been heard on TV and radio shows around the United States, giving his parenting advice. Now, Mr. Daddy has some great ideas for how to throw a great “Daddy Shower” for the expectant dad in your circle of friends.

T H E D A D D Y CL U B First, come up with a cool, manly name. “Daddy Shower,” “BabyQ,” “Man Shower,” and “Cigar and Diaper Night” are just a few. Be creative, make it fun, and the guys will give it a shot and show up. In some cases, it may just be another excuse to get together, swap stories, watch the game, and have a beer.

Once you’ve decided on the name and the basis of the occasion, start your theme for event.

Some suggestions include:

1. Require everyone to bring a case of diapers, and in return they will get a plate of food and a cold beer. 2. Reward them with a cool prize. For everyone that comes, they get their name in the drawing for a gift certificate to Home Depot or tickets to a sporting event. 3. Hold the shower at a favorite venue rather than a home. Consider going bowling, fishing, or to your favorite bar. Guys really do not like to play games, unless its poker or sports, how-

ever, we love to watch the team leader get embarrassed. Suggestions for ways to have the “new daddy” entertain everyone include: 4. Have the new daddy put together a crib, swing or bouncy seat. The guys can take “bets” on how long it will, will he use all the parts, will he follow directions etc. Harassing and heckling are part of the game.

‘Grade A’ embarrassment comes from diaper changing races, eating baby food, or the gross-out “what’s in the

diaper” games. These games require the player to laugh, be loud, and have fun. 5. Have a “bottle drinking contest.” This is good for the whole group.

Drink beer (or any beverage) out of a baby bottle. First one finished wins.

(You may have to cut bigger holes in the bottle to actually make drinking easier, otherwise make sure you purchase bottles for older children, and a shot of your favorite libation works better than a full bottle of beer).

As always, the loser of any bet must have consequences. Suggestions include:

Eat a jar of baby food.

“Yuck.”

Make the food “game day” finger food, keep the theme manly, and expect them not to sit around and ogle over baby clothes and trinkets. Just keep it lighthearted and entertaining. You’ll find it’s not only good for men to be involved in the pregnancy parties; it can also be a lot of fun!

Robert Nickell, a.k.a. Mr. Daddy, father of 6, founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds for dads, and the Daddyscrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective. bc

Wear an adult disposable diaper for the remainder of the party. “LOL”

Keep a pacifier in your mouth for a determined amount of time. “Truly embarrassing.”

Wear a bib throughout the party. “Some guys do this anyway.”

MUST-HAVES FOR DADS-TO-BE Keep these items handy for your baby needs—or keep them in mind as a gift for the next dad-to-be

1. Motorola MBP11 Digital Audio Baby Monitor With an impressive range of up to 300 meters with an out of range warning, dads will love using this baby monitor, featuring 1.9 GHz DECT 6.0 technology for sound clarity.

Whether you’re around the house or in your yard, you’re assured of its reliability, and your child’s safety. $49.99, amazon.com 2. Orbit Baby Stroller Travel

System G2 Dads will love Orbit’s innovative QuadShock suspension, which gives your baby a smooth and safe ride, and its patent-pending soft carrier handle on seat that enables comfortable carrying. $940, orbitbaby.com

3. Scout Rubicon Rucksack in Distressed Brown Leather Featuring two interior linings that can be interchanged, this versatile diaper bag enables dads to easily transition from diaper duty to a day at the office with zero fuss. $271, petunia.com/scout

4. Safety 1st ProGrade No Touch Thermometer This multipurpose thermometer enables you to check your child’s temperature without disturbing them, and can also measure food, formula, and bath temps.

Also features a-second reading and a Proximity Light that beeps and flashes when positioned correctly. $59.99, safety1st.com 5. iPad 3 With a stunning Retina display and over 225,000 apps accessible via the App Store, parents and kids will enjoy play and work on the third generation iPad, which also features a 5MP iSight camera that can capture memories through photos and 1080p HD video. $499, apple.com 6. LEGO City Mining Collection Dads will love bonding with their sons over this super cool game that features an excavator, transport truck, tipper, loader and train, with 5 miners, crew chief, crane driver, driller and 2 truck drivers. $204.95, lego.com

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NT

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bc lifestyle

During the first 2 years of life, your child’s brain is developing rapidly, absorbing information and learning like a sponge. Why watch TV when the real way to learn is to play, touch, explore and interact with the rest of the world?

E PA

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tv and tots

i

Newscaster turned full-time mom shares her opinions on how watching the tube can affect our children’s development Wo r d s b y C ristina P eczon - rodriguez

am not one to find watching TV to be relaxing. Blame it on the many years I spent in front of the camera. But when I watch TV, I find myself analyzing the news, criticizing the production—basically, even if I am just watching a sit-com, I still think of TV as work.

I do not even believe in having a TV set in our bedroom. To me, your bedroom is for rest, reading, and okay, yes, parental recreation. But I find that having a TV in the room prevents me from getting real rest when I need to go to bed. I wouldn’t even consider watching TV until I fall asleep. Even your basic Feng Shui will tell you that having a TV in the bedroom

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is bad for fertility. I’m a believer.

Because of my former profession, you would think that I would have absolutely no problem with the “no TV before 2” rule when it comes to my children. Think again.

Make no mistake, my pediatrician has told me that children under the age of 2 are not to watch TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours on a daily basis. And that includes both TV and video games. The reasoning is simple: During the first 2 years of life, your child’s brain is developing rapidly, absorbing information, and learning like

r e m o t e c o nt r o l educational video that I played for him over and over again.

A playmate of his, only 6 months older, was allowed to watch the educational videos that teach your baby how to read.

When we go to the library together, that older boy reads simple books to my son.

And so, twice a day, my youngest, now 9 months old, watches those same videos in hopes that he, too will learn the same way. He already claps when he hears the song and sees the word “clap” on TV. At the same time, it buys me precious moments to prepare meals while my little one is preoccupied. After all, living in the U.S. without the luxury of help, I need to do what I can to get by.

a sponge. Why watch TV when the real way to learn is to play, touch, explore, and interact with the rest of the world?

I couldn’t agree with that more. In a typical week, my older son goes to swim class twice a week, soccer practice once a week, preschool once a week, and on free days, we go to local petting zoos, children’s museums, the library, and of course the playground (both indoor and outdoor). On weekends, we make sure we do something fun and educational for the kids constantly. I am a true believer in exposing my children to as many educational and enriching activities as we can.

But I’m not the super mom that you might think I am. Because, guilty as charged, I let my kids watch a very moderate amount of TV. Because despite all the studies, I still believe that my kids have picked up some good stuff from TV. My now 2.5 year old can read letters and knows their sounds because of an

My preschooler is also allotted no more than a couple of hours a day for his favorite educational shows as well. While I use the time to work on my chores, I make sure that I stay in the room and watch alongside him so I know what he is watching. I make sure he doesn’t watch anything violent in nature or inappropriate for his age. In fact, his exposure to TV is purely educational programming. We watch our TV shows and the news after the kids have gone to bed.

By no means is the TV set our babysitter. Even some children’s advocates admit that some educational programming can be beneficial. I’d like to think of it as occasional educational entertainment.

I’d like to think that there is a safe middle ground when it comes to the TV rule for your kids. While you don’t want to let them have the TV on all day, just like anything else in life, moderation is okay in my book. And if that means that my other responsibilities will have to wait until the kids are asleep, then that is okay too. The truth is, my kids play better and are happier when the TV set isn’t on.

But I won’t lie. I have long allowed my kids to watch TV. But I hardly think that I am ruining their childhood. There will be no couch potatoes amongst my offspring. And you can guarantee, there will be no TVs in their rooms when they get older. bc

PARENTING GUIDES screening time Letting kids watch television is tolerable, but leaving them in front of the screen for hours is unacceptable.

According to educational psychologist and author Jane M. Healy, a child’s brain can be molded by activities done for extended periods of time. Let your kid watch in moderation, especially those under two.

parental guidance Though television is not inherently evil, you should monitor and filter what your child watches. A research published in the Academic Journal Pediatrics in 2007 support earlier findings that aggressive behavior in children is strongly linked to exposure to violent TV programs. Also, fast-paced shows have been found to cause short attention span in children.

family affair Watching with your little ones is better than leaving them to watch a show alone. It sends a message that you are concerned at what they are doing and you will always be in control of what they see. Lessening your own TV time would also set an example and encourage your children to follow the viewing limit.

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ASSISTED B Y V a l erie A nne de l C asti l l o

On background: Out of This World bag, $30, Chasing Butterfly, $24, both

by DABBAWALLA, dabbawallabags.com

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CU

the best

or

y

bc delicious

AMILY

P H O T O GRA P HS B Y M A R K C A B A L A N G

uide f

rF

Starting a new school year has never been this animated, with fresh and healthy tummy-fillers that are sure to please your little one’s taste buds

RY g

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scrumptious snacks attack

L

A IN

l un c hb o x t r e a ts

Angry Bagels Here’s a super cute snack that’s sure to wow Angry Bird enthusiasts of all ages.

Get your protein fix in this cute open-faced sandwich.

Ingredients:

Salami Bagels Sliced cheese Carrot sticks Raisins

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Slice a bagel by half and set aside.

Take a slice of salami and cut out a semi circle on the lower part. Make wedge shapes using the cut out semi-circle (you’ll use this for your Angry Bird feathers).

2. Take your bagel and place a slice of cheese. Layer on your salami piece and “feathers,” and cut out the extra cheese, following the semi-circle formed earlier.

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2

3. Create two small circles using the cut out cheese. These will serve as the eyes.

Place them on top of the salami where the semi-circle was cut.

4. Put one raisin on each cheese circle.

Diagonally cut the carrot stick to form a triangle. This will be the Angry Bird’s beak. Cut an elongated raisin in half and place them over each eye. This will serve as its eyebrows. Serve and enjoy.

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lights

de

bc delicious delicio

us

Banana and Apple-pillar If your child is craving for a yummy snack, here’s a healthy alternative to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Fruits like bananas and apples contain Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that will keep their immune system robust, especially during the coming rainy season.

Ingredients:

Lettuce 2 bananas 1 red apple Chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Layout lettuce pieces on an elongated plate. Make sure that these are carefully washed.

1

2

2. Take a red apple and slice thinly, around ¼ of an inch thick. Set aside in water.

3. Peel a banana and lay it on the lettuce bed. Using a knife, create four v-shaped wedges on the banana, making sure that they are around ½ to 1/3 inch apart. Place one slice of apple on every wedge.

4. Take two pieces of chocolate chips and insert the pointed side into one end of a banana for the caterpillar eyes. Serve immediately.

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4

On background: Bottle for kids with leak-proof top

by SIGG, mysigg.com

l un c hb o x t r e a ts Peanut Butter and Jam Ferb-wich Check out an animated twist to an all time favorite! Your kids will love chowing down on this cartoon treat.

Ingredients:

Peanut butter Strawberry jam Sliced bread Apple slices Raisins Parsley (for decoration)

1

2

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Take a slice of bread and spread on strawberry jam. Take another slice of bread and spread on peanut butter.

2. Put together the two slices of bread.

3. Cut the bread according to Ferb’s profile (make sure to create a big, rectangular shape for his nose).

4. Form circles from apple slices.

Place the apple circles just above Ferb’s nose and insert a bunch of parsley underneath the top part of his head for his hair.

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5. Place raisins on the apple circles to complete his eyes.

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Denise: Green laced dress by CHARINA SARTE, stylist’s own .

Necklace by SM ACCESSORIES .

Floral wedge shoes by ALDO, P4,295 Alejandro: Checkered polo by . Blue denim pants by BOBINETTE Coco: Kitty dress by 77 KIDS, .

DIESEL, both ae.com/77kidsstylist’s own White shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS, P1,299

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Constance Zimmer was running late the day of our scheduled virtual “face-to-face” interview. She apologizes profusely and explains that she came rushing from her mom’s house after helping the latter move to the next street, and later on having to brave the freeway traffic. Being no stranger myself to how these domestic changes go (we packed up around seven times in a span of 5 years alone, some cross-country), I know those things never finish on time, therefore it’s all good.

I’m accustomed doing interviews over the phone or in-person so this is a first, and a thoroughly enjoyable one for me. Being that I am on my third trimester and pregnancy, and will be giving birth in another country, this was the most doable way to construct our story, despite the opposite time zones. It was around 3 PM for her in LA, and 6 AM for me in Asia. If you go online to facebook.com/bcmagUS and view some excerpts from our video, we start out with a bit of a frazzled, just-arrived-at-home Constance, freshening up in her bathroom. She slathers on some lip-gloss and mascara as we conversed, multi-tasking (naturally), as any mom should know how to do. Of course, even sans make-up, she looks good—as would be expected from any woman who was able to join the roster of “Entourage” stars.

She steps out into their hallway, revealing a beautiful and now 4-year old Coco, whom I first saw as a chubby baby in her stroller at one of those “Hollywood” events that BC is part of. That’s how far back we’ve talked about doing this cover shoot together.

Funnily enough, due to TV shows like “Entourage,” it feels as if no time was lost in between. Yes, I am a Dana Gordon fan, although it’s hard to reconcile that this easygoing mom is anywhere near the all-powerful studio exec/suit that she so convincingly plays. With a new show in the works including another all-star cast, Constance has been on a steady upswing in her career.

On the homefront, the bedimpled, toned (Ugh—I mutter this lovingly), mother-of-one is content to be just that: momma to her blonde darling Colette, wife to director Russ Lamoureux, and foster parents to endearing cats. Although no plans of adding to the human brood are imminent, she’s clearly head-over-heels with the little lady that “loves her all the way from the bathroom to Africa,”—just a little wary now of the time when the cutie starts to put some letters together on that poster that sits on the bottom of an innocuous deer artwork that hangs on her bedroom wall.

I n t e r v i e w a n d Wo r d s b y K A R I Z T A N Y A F A V I S Photographs by MEENO PELUCE STY L ING B Y K A R I Z T A N Y A F A V I S ( F O R C O C O ) H a i r b y J ovan T ownsend M a k e u p b y M arge E nri q ue

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C: That’s why I had to say “cat.”

K: Haha! And how long have you been in the entertainment business?

C: I have been in the entertainment

business for 10 years.

K: That’s not so long, counting everything you’ve achieved in the industry.

C: It’s funny because it feels like a long

Coco: Kaleidoscope dress by ANITA G., $36, anitag.com .

Peacock Mary Janes

by LIVIE & LUCA, livieandluca.com

K: You were reportedly born and raised in Seattle, and got the acting bug in high school. Is this accurate?

C: Um, no. (Laughs) K: See what IMDB does? (Laughs) C: Exactly, I will expound. I was born in

Seattle, but I was only there until I was 5. We moved out to Sta. Monica and stayed there for 5 years, then we moved to Orange all the way through high school. And it was in high school that I went through everything—gymnastics, dance, and anything that required an audience. Except, I didn’t like anything that required working out as part of being in front of an audience. Like with running track, gymnastics, and dance I had to workout. It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I was in my first play. And I did Grease. Whoo!

K: Wow. Which part did you play?

C: In Grease, oddly enough, I played

Patty Simcox because I wasn’t really

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prepared to do the singing and dancing.

I wasn’t into that. I wanted to be the big, goofy, over-the-top character, which is what Patty Simcox is in the play. Then I was in Peter Pan, where I played Tiger Lily.

K: Oh, cute!

C: The leader of the Indians. I got to

integrate dance into acting, and so once I left high school I was like, “Oh, I know what I want to do.” …My cat has decided to join us.

K: (Laughs) My dogs are barking, too.

C: If you see me doing something off-

camera, I’m just petting my cat. Sorry.

(Smiles)

time for me, but yes, when I sit there and go, “Oh 10 years, okay.” So, it’s alright that I haven’t done this, this, and this. But nowadays, you see these young kids, coming up and doing a movie and then all of a sudden they’ve done 12 movies in 2 years…then it makes you feel like you have not accomplished so much. It’s like, these reality stars, or the dancing reality stars are doing films and you’re like, “Wait, what did I miss?

What happened? What did I do?”

K: Yeah, I understand.

C: But I’m not complaining, by any

means. I’m very proud of my time.

I’ve been in the industry, and what I’ve done, who I’ve worked with, and what I’ve accomplished. As long as I keep working, I don’t complain.

K: Of course, which brings us to your most memorable movie and TV credits.

Aside from Dana Gordon, for now.

C: It’s hard because there are so many

K: That didn’t sound so good, but okay.

(Laughs) C: I didn’t say anything inappropriate.

different categories. But for sure my most memorable TV credit was working on Seinfeld, because at the time it was my second job. My first job was on The Ellen Show back in the day, which actually Jeremy Piven was in.

K: I know. (Laughs)

K: Oh my God!

C: That was when I met Jeremy. Way

back then. So when I did Seinfeld, I couldn’t even really comprehend that I was actually acting on the show, because I had watched it for 6 years and I was on the 5th to the last episode of the final season—

K: Oh man.

C: —of the final series of Seinfeld, and I

had like three lines. I remember walking around and I was like, “Oh my God! I’m in Jerry Seinfeld’s kitchen!” I really couldn’t separate the TV show from the fact that I was actually there working in it. So that, for me, was huge. I think Jerry Seinfeld might have directed that episode—or maybe not. Just ‘cause he was there, I felt like he was a director.

(Laughs) And there’s Good Morning Miami.

K: Good Morning Miami, I used to watch.

I loved that show. My husband’s like, “What are you watching?”

C: That was my first series regular job,

and it was by the creators of Will and Grace. Our stages were right next to theirs, so we all became friends. It was very surreal—all overwhelming and unbelievable. (Waves to Coco off-camera). It’s crazy how much happened, and it felt like it was overnight. Those are two memorable moments.

K: Good ones. And which brings us to, how has Entourage made an impact on your professional and personal career?

And are you anything like Dana Gordon

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at all?

C: I’m not really like Dana. Dana’s a

lot more conservative, and carries a lot more power than I do. (Laughs) So I just feel she’s got a little more of the weight of the world on her shoulders, and I think it shows. She has such a powerful position that it makes her just a lot more closed off and conservative, which I am not. I’m definitely more crazy and lighthearted—and not conservative at all.

K: (Laughs) But you play her so well.

C: (Laughs) Thank you.

K: I feel like, “Oh God, she’s so good as Dana, it’s scary.”

C: Being on that show has been so ama-

zing. I started out as such a tiny, tiny character, and I was only supposed to be in 3 episodes.

K: I wouldn’t have guessed that.

C: When I auditioned in its second

season, they said it was just a recurring character, and it was going to be 3 episodes. They were trying to get more

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women characters on the show, and they were having a really hard time trying to figure out how to integrate them into this very male-dominated show. So three episodes…

K: Stretched to how many?

C: 5 years.

K: Nice! (Laughs) Do people address you as Dana Gordon in real life?

C: They do. It’s actually very funny,

it happened to me a couple of times.

Some people have come up to me and said, “I’m sorry is your name ‘Dana?’”

I have these moments where I wanna say, “Yes, but it’s a character I play.” But I realize, you know what, it’s too much explanation. I’ve had people think that I was actually an agent or that I did actually run a studio. I honestly take that as such a huge compliment because it means that the character is real to people.

K: I love that show. Actually, I know Mark and Rhea Wahlberg [Note: Mark is the producer of Entourage] because our

kids used go to the same school when we were still living in LA. They’re a great family.

C: Oh, Mark is, I think, honestly one of

the nicest people in the world that I’ve ever met.

K: I agree. And there’s so much eye candy on your set. No wonder the show lasted that long, too.

C: It was hard in the beginning, when I

wasn’t on it as much. I felt like my character was just kind of like, “Who is this person coming in and out?” There were all these amazingly beautiful women, and everybody would be naked, and everybody’s coming in suits. I thought it was really hard as a woman to not be completely insecure on that set. I’m sorry, but with the amount of beautiful women on that show, I was like, “If I’m gonna be sticking out on that show, I better be really good, and not because I’m gonna be naked.” I didn’t wanna bank on that. (Laughs)

K: (Laughs) Well, you should’ve! Just have one boob showing or something.

He’s a director, I’m an actor, and we both were like, “Ugh, we do not want to be a Hollywood cliché.” And lo and behold, I met him on my 35th birthday, and we didn’t expect what they said, it just clicked. It worked, we were very similar.

C: And then at the final season, I looked

at my wardrobe rack and it was all lingerie and I said, “Oh wow, who’s wearing that stuff?” They were like, “Um, that’s your wardrobe for the season,” and I remember going, “This is nuts. This is not happening.” (Laughs)

K: Being on that show looked like so much fun, though.

C: It was the greatest job in

C: I know. I think they’re talking about

shooting it in January, to come out next year.

K: Is it gonna be the same cast? It has to be.

C: Yeah. You can’t have the Entourage

movie without the actual cast, ‘cause that would be weird. It’ll be like, the

the world. I got to work with Jeremy, who makes you a better actor—because when he’s there, he’s there. He’s committed, and you don’t get that a lot. I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing actors, but to have been on that show and have gone through that process with him was amazing.

K: So before you two were cast together, did they have you do a screen test? Did he have to approve you, or anything like that?

C: (Shakes head) No, because

in the beginning I was supposed to be in just three episodes. I think what we really benefited from was the fact that I had known Jeremy for so long, and we had chemistry in general, because we were really good friends. God bless Doug Ellin—every year, I would call or email him and say, “Is Dana coming back? Because I think it’s pretty good.” And I would never know how many episodes, or what the storyline was or anything.

K: I miss the show.

C: But you know, we’re doing the movie.

K: That’s so exciting!

gonna be the first streaming-only TV series, as you won’t be able to get the disc or DVDs through Netflix, you’ll have to be streaming it. We have 13 episodes of the first season, and it’ll only be on for two seasons, so it’s kind of like a miniseries of some sort. David Fincher is the producer, and he is directing a bunch of the episodes. It stars Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and Kate Mara, and I’m recurring. I think that the Dana Gordon fans will be very excited because she’s kind of a meaner, edgier version. And I’m a journalist. My storylines take place in the newspaper, because it’s a remake of a BBC show called House of Cards, and it’s a ‘remask,’ they’re calling it, ‘cause it’s not really gonna be anything like the one that was on.

K: Okay, just the same name.

C: It’s the same show name,

because the main character who Kevin Spacey plays is the only similarity. The original show was shot in the ‘90s, and this takes place in today’s time. It needed to be revamped, and Beau Willimon, who wrote Ides of March, is the writer. I wish I was in it more, I’m really only in half of the episodes— younger version of the Entourage cast!

K: That’s a lot.

C: Again I’m not complaining. I would

K: It’s the prequel.

C: Yeah, thank God none of us would

never have thought that I would be doing a TV series with David Fincher, you know?

K: But on to more good news, you have an upcoming TV show with Kevin Spacey. Is this correct?

C: Yes, it’s a Netflix TV series. It is

K: That’s crazy.

C: I remember when I auditioned for

be pretending to be in high school.

him, I had told my agents, “You know, here’s the deal. I will go on this audition

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because everybody loves Dana Gordon.

Everybody wants that character on their shows.” So this character was very similar to her, and I said, “Alright, I’ll go in and I will play the game for David Fincher.” Because, come on, I’ll do whatever he wants me to do. And I remember saying, “There’s no way I’m gonna get this job, so as long as I just go in, give a good audition and he likes me, I’d be totally happy with that.” So I went in on the audition, and he worked with me for over an hour and I left the audition feeling like, I don’t need the job—that was the greatest experience I’ve ever had. I just worked for an hour with David Fincher and the casting director, and that was it. I was done.

K: Oh wow.

C: I thought the job was gone, and 3

months later, they called and were like, “Alright, the part’s yours if you want it.” And I thought, “What? I’m sorry, I wasn’t prepared to actually get the part.”

(Laughs) So it was pretty great.

K: It is. A little more on the personal side now, you are reportedly an AIDS activist and are also involved with EMA, and are starting a parent board for that charity.

C: EMA is the Environmental Media

Association, and they’ve been around for over 20 years. EMA believes that through television, film and music, the entertainment community has the power to influence the environmental awareness of millions of people.

K: Right.

C: It’s about making sure that everyo-

ne’s aware—of how we’re all affecting the environment, for ourselves, and for our kids’ kids, etc. I’ve been really involved with them for the last 5 years. They wanted me to be on their young Hollywood board, and I said, “That’s very, very sweet and nice of you, but let’s be real here, I don’t know if the young Hollywood board is exactly where I fit.” That’s my audience, that’s my Entourage audience, God bless them all. I said, “You know, I feel like we need to start like a parent board.

I feel when you become a parent,

even when just you’re pregnant, when you have your kids—as I’m sure you know—you become so much more aware of what’s going on in the world around you. I thought, who better to get a board to gather the parents? I think we’re launching the board in August, with Nicole Richie, myself, Sarah Chalke, Busy Philipps, James Van Der Beek, Neil Patrick Harris, Angie Harmon, Alanis Morrisette, and Gabrielle Reece. We’re really trying to get a good range of parents. The fact

that it doesn’t matter how much you do, you could do one thing, like recycle, and that’s plenty. That’s more than, you know, what 50 million people do.

We’re gonna try and talk about how it doesn’t matter how little you do, just do something.

K: Is it gonna be for speaking engagements? How will that work?

C: E! is a big sponsor of EMA, and

so they’ll probably do some at-home segments with some of the parents,

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talking about what do you do at home, and what kind of parent you are. Are you constant parent, a busy parent? Or whatever, and just try to show people that it’s easy.

K: That it’s doable.

C: Yeah. It’s doable, right? There are a

lot of charities and organizations environmentally that make it seem like it’s so hard to do, so people just don’t do anything. I’m not perfect. I don’t do everything I should be doing, but I do what I can.

and we didn’t expect what they said, it just clicked. It worked, we were very similar. It’s a bonus, being with somebody who is also in the entertainment business because we can empathize with each other. We can talk about our days and the people that we deal with.

Our highs and lows are completely relatable.

K: So how do you divide your parenting roles? I assume you have crazy

K: Russ is more of a TV or film guy?

C: He’s both. He started out

as a commercial director, a couple of short films, now he’s moving into the big time movies. It’s very exciting. Of course, I’ve been in all his short films.

K: Life happens.

C: Yeah, everyday.

K: The benefits…

C: The smallest parts of his

movies. He didn’t want me to feel left out, so I appreciate that.

Balalaika Toddler Screen Cap Sleeve Tee by ZUTANO, $20, zutano.com .

Skirt by CONSTANCE ZIMMER

about it? (Puts her face near the camera) K: (Laughs) What’s it like being married to Russ? How’d you guys meet, and how long have you been together?

C: We have been together for 6 years.

Two mutual friends tried to set us up for six years. They just kept saying, “I swear you guys should just meet. You’ll love it. You guys are perfect for each other.”

He’s a director, I’m an actor, and we both were like, “Ugh, we do not want to be a Hollywood cliché.” And lo and behold, I met him on my 35th birthday,

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king us dinner, so that when she goes to sleep, we can sit and eat right away as opposed to when he’s out of town— forget about it. I do a lot of sleeping and no eating when he’s not here.

kie that I didn’t eat, I’ll have that for dinner.

today. I try and just be a part of charities that I do in my daily life. The AIDS stuff I was doing since I was 18, and it’s more about when I did this campaign with Until There’s a Cure, which is AIDS awareness as well. Again, I just think that a lot of people just forget in our daily lives.

K: Let’s talk about your marriage for a bit.

C: My marriage! Yes, what

K: Same here, I cannot cook. I eat a lot though. (Laughs) C: I can give her a bath while he’s coo-

K: We’re having take out!

C: Exactly. I’ll find like a coo-

K: Right, every bit helps.

C: Exactly. And you can start

I forget where my keys are so it’s nice to just have charities in my life that I feel that I can do something for, you know, when I do remember. But I do think about it. (Laughs)

one female—except that Russ does a lot of the cooking. He definitely is the one that keeps us healthy with the cooking.

K: So after about 4 ½ years as a parent, what have you found true about being a mother?

C: There’s a lot of clichés that

I could say—

K: Which happens to be true.

C: Right. I mean I feel like all

schedules?

C: Yeah, but so far, so good. We’ve been

able to balance that. If I’m out of town shooting, Russ is home. But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way, so if we’re both working, we have a nanny that we’ve had since Coco was 10 days old who is a part of our family. If I can bring Coco, I bring her with me. We try and parent her the same way together, because that way she doesn’t have one person she can run to. Both of us represent the same thing, just one male and

the clichés are true. How you’ll never love something as much as you love your kids, you’ll never stop caring, you never stop worrying. I got it. I figured that that would happen. When you become a mom, you see everyone so much differently, because you realize that everyone is a child of someone.

It made me a lot more empathetic towards strangers, just towards people in general, because I felt that wow, you know that person has a mom, somewhere. It’s something that I didn’t

The best is definitely when she just comes up to me for no reason and hugs me and kisses me and says, “Mommy, I love you all the way from the bathroom to Africa.

And back.

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Coco: Purple swirl dress by ANITA G., $34, anitag.com . Bloom Sandals by LIVIE & LUCA, livieandluca.com

think I was gonna feel as strong as I did because you think, oh you become a mom and oh, you just love your kid.

But I just started seeing everyone so much differently, and for the better. I have a lot of sadness when I see homeless people. I get really upset because whether their mother is alive or not, just the fact that somebody brought or created that person, put them in this world, they went through their life, whatever they’ve been through, you know, and now there they are, and I just—I get really, very emotional.

[Voice shakes and starts to tear up] K: When you become a mother, something turns on inside of you.

C: Yeah, and it’s funny because a lot of

my friends are like, “You’re gonna make a great mother one day.” I never really understood what that meant, until I realized that it’s because there’s a nurturing thing that women do—but what you just don’t realize is how you are able to nurture the whole world when you become a mom.

K: What are your, “I wish I knew that”

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moments about being a parent and a wife?

C: I think the funniest thing is I wish

at 7 AM. So if you wanna stay up late, and be a great wife and like, “Hey, let’s go out and party and have a good time!”

Yeah…not so much, because then you get like 5 hours of sleep, and you’re not nice the next day.

K: (Laughs) Nobody ever prepares you for that.

C: Nobody talked to me about that!

K: Something’s gotta give!

C: Yeah, exactly. Unless we go on vaca-

that I knew being a mom meant that I was gonna be making lunches at 11 o’clock at night.

I was not at all prepared for trying to be creative, cutting sandwiches into shapes, trying to make sure they have a vegetable, and to make sure it’s chilled enough, or, “Oh God, she’s had eggs yesterday.”

K: Yup! Exactly.

C: But then it’s funny because some-

one’s like, they just sign up for the packed lunches at school, and I can’t do that—because of course I can’t control that, and I am a control freak.

(Laughs) I think the wife thing would be that I wish I knew that I could never really stay up late, and try to get away with it the next day. You can’t really have a nice night because your child, no matter what, is always gonna get up

tion, and I knew I could sleep in.

K: (Laughs) What are your must-haves for kids?

C: One thing I do—Russ actually said

that he thinks like every mom should do this—I have like a little zippered pouch…

K: Yeah, like a kit.

C: Yeah, and in

it I keep one of everything: A Band-Aid, wipes, Neosporin. I have one or two toys, a pen and a pad of paper, a lollipop. It’s actually a bag that has one of everything for Coco. Whether it’s first aid, whether it’s keeping her entertained, you know at a restaurant, or God knows where we might get stuck. That pouch kind of stays with me in every purse, everywhe-

re I go. I just realized it came in handy the other day because we were in Sea World and Coco fell, and I pulled out that little pouch and there’s my little Neosporin right in. The Band-Aid and a lollipop, and I was like, alright, there we go!

K: We’re set! It’s like a happy kit (laughs).

C: Exactly. So that, and I learned that

over the years, that showing up in a restaurant where they don’t have crayons and realized I didn’t bring anything and I was like, ugh if I had just like a superpouch.

K: (Laughs) Which will give you like extra 10 minutes of sanity in that restaurant, right?

C: Right! Also, I would say in the begin-

ning when Coco was young, those allnatural, organic fruit pouches in those squeezy things? Those are amazing!

Also they don’t have to be refrigerated so those were in everything I own—purses, backpacks. When Coco was a baby, they didn’t really have those yet and I was making all my own food. That was a lot of work.

K: (Laughs) Yeah it appears like it won’t be so much work, but it is.

C: Let’s see…what else is good? Toys-

wise…

K: I saw her room, and I love it.

C: Her room? It’s controlled chaos. It’s

a little chaotic.

K: It’s very cool.

C: Something that’s been in her room

since she was a baby is that gigantic pin board, which I dunno if you’ve seen it in the photographs, but that has always been important because we always put pictures of family, artworks that she’s done, things we’ve done. We do it all year round so that by the end of the year, you kind of see everything that you’ve done throughout. In the beginning of January, we take everything down and try to kinda relive the year.

K: That’s an amazing idea. Like a memory board.

C: Some of it, she doesn’t even remem-

ber. That has been something I didn’t expect to get much use out of.

K: Is it like a corkboard?

C: Yeah, but it’s huge. It takes up a

whole side of her wall. But you can make those. Nowadays you just put up your cork tiles on a wall, or anywhere.

But as far as going beyond, trying to be a minimalist with her toys, early on I was sent for six weeks in a year to Germany—every year, I think from when I was 4 until I was 18. All my influences are German-based toys, all the wooden stuff.

K: I love those.

C: There’s so much character in it. My

favorite of all time toys that come from Germany are the Playmobil.

K: They’re sort of like Lego, but bigger.

C: Yeah, exactly! I mean the detail, it’s

unbelievable. The prince, pirates, and mermaids. You can get whatever you want, and it doesn’t look cheesy. It’s so classy. I’ve been playing with some of these since she was a year old, and it is

still the toy that she goes to. Everything is organized into hats, jewelries, accessories, and she’ll sit there for hours.

You could take their hair off—it’s the greatest toy in the world. I mean she’s obsessed. I’m obsessed with them.

K: On the topic of kids, are you guys still planning on expanding the family?

C: No. I thought I’d always have two,

but I never thought I’d be this set in my career after I had my first one. I think that made a huge difference in deciding to have another. When I’m not working, I got nervous about splitting that time and either way, I just felt like I want her to kind of have it all, all of my time.

K: The quality of life is sometimes harder with a lot of kids. What is the best and hardest part about being a mom?

C: The best is definitely when she just

comes up to me for no reason and hugs me and kisses me and says, “Mommy, I love you all the way from the bathroom to Africa. And back.”

K: Aww. That’s so sweet.

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When you become a mom, you see everyone so much differently, because you realize that everyone is a child of someone. It made me a lot more empathetic towards strangers, just towards people in general, because I felt that wow, you know that person has a mom, somewhere.

C: Everyday it changes. The other day

she’s like, “Mommy, I love you to death!” And I was like “Ooh!”

K: That’s big! (Laughs) C: Yeah, I’ll take that. Everything about

being a mom is the best. I’m sorry to those, and actually feel bad for those people who choose not to be a mom, although I get it. Don’t do it unless you want to do it. I absolutely 100% agree because you definitely have to want it to enjoy it. But I’d say that everything about being a mom is pretty spectacular. It’s hard to pinpoint one thing, but I definitely think that when she hugs and kisses me and says that she loves me— the simplicity of it is so wonderful.

K: Yeah, and it’s so sincere. It’s so heartfelt. Hardest part about being a mom?

C: The hardest part is knowing that

she’s going to grow up, because you see it happening right before your eyes.

Watching it is great and wonderful, but just knowing that no matter what you do they’re gonna grow up, and one day they’re not gonna want you to scratch their back and they’re not gonna come up to you and say, “I love you to the moon and back.” I think that’s hard to imagine. I hope that day never comes.

I think that she and I are gonna stay best friends for life. Fingers crossed, that’s what I would hope for but that’s definitely I think the hardest—just knowing, realizing they grow up and they’re gonna go…away.

K: Away. Have boyfriends, husbands.

(Laughs) C: I don’t want to think about it.

(Laughs)

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K: That’s always a hard thought. I already miss my daughters, and they haven’t even reached their double-digit ages.

(Laughs) Anyway, now that you’re a mom, how would you describe your sense of style? How has it evolved? Are you still the same?

C: It definitely evolved.

K: Jeans, shirt, flats?

C: What I try and go for is classic, mixed

ces, but then bring in things like very eclectic art with artwork from the ‘50s or the ‘60s, and wallpaper which is of the period, but bright wallpaper— not choosing something necessarily conservative or one color. We have hot pink, hot orange, and hot yellow wallpaper in our hallway. We have lots of flea market, Ebay finds, as I’m a big Ebay fanatic.

with a little bit of unexpected. I can’t do trendy. It’s just not my personality.

(Whispers) So yes, I’m a big fan of jeans, pants.

K: I saw this very interesting poster, I’m not sure if it’s from Coco’s room. It’s a deer?

C: It’s got curse words on it?

K: Any favorite brands or designers?

C: I really love Karen Zambos. She

K: Yeah.

C: The curse words one, that one’s in

has a couple of lines. She has one that is just Karen Zambos, and then she has Karen Zambos Vintage Couture. I don’t know, but she gets me. It’s totally my style, mixing and matching vintage.

I also like Petro Zillia.

K: So lastly, you have a great home...

C: Thank you, thank you, thank you

very much.

K: Did you hire a professional to design it? Or was it a collaboration of all your tastes?

C: We did not hire somebody, we desi-

gned it ourselves. Russ and I bought this house together so we were able to design it together—which was pretty great as opposed to one of us moving in to the other’s home. It’s a midcentury modern home, and we wanted to stay true to the type of house it was, without it being cold. Sometimes midcentury modern houses can be very cold because their style’s modern, so we really wanted to aim for comfort and style by having great modern pie-

Coco’s room. So as soon as she learns to read that, I’ll have to remove it.

K: It is cool, though.

C: That’s actually done by a friend of

ours who is an artist, and we have two of her prints in our house. A big one over our bed in our room, and one in Coco’s. Her name is Louise Bonnet, and I just love her stuff so much because it’s mixing whimsical with art. Her stuff’s phenomenal, and I highly recommend it for everyone’s home. Except the ones with the curse words, I do have to move that out of her room.

K: (Laughs) Maybe you still have a good two years?

C: I started her on these Bob Books,

which is a reading program, and she’s already read 2 of the books by herself.

K: So that gives you less time then.

(Laughs) C: I might only have 6 months. If she

can put together an F and a U and a C and a K, then I’m in trouble. (Laughs) bc

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LIST

Our meticulously-curated best choices for your family

P h o t o g r a p h s b y M artin and K ariz T an y a F avis Wo r d s b y K ariz T an y a F avis A d d i t i o n a l P h o t o g r a p h s b y M ark C aba l ang A d d i t i o n a l w o r d s b y V a l erie A nne de l C asti l l o

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01

SOLEIL MOON FRYE: BC US cover mom, AKA child star Punky Brewster, with her daughters, Poet and Jagger.

Photo taken at their Venice Beach home

Staying in Bed with Kids It’s the little things that count—and this simple and cost-free activity is best done when the opportunity arises (rainy days most especially, when everyone’s too lazy to get out of bed). Foster togetherness by cuddling with your kids and reading them a book, or even by just talking, whispering, or listening to your favorite tunes together.

P h o t o g r a p h b y M eeno pe l uce s t y l i n g b y K ariz T an y a F avis

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1 Hospital/maternity gown (if you want a personal touch during delivery). Also perfect for breastfeeding use, by DEAR JOHNNIES, $68, dearjohnnies.com 2 Soothies Gel Pads by LANSINOH, $9.19, lansinohprofessional. com 3 Moisturizing Nipple Cream by PHILIPS AVENT, usa.philips.com 4 Manual Breast Pump by PHILIPS AVENT, $39.99, usa.philips.com 5 Sealing Disks by PHILIPS AVENT, $4.50, usa.philips.com 6 BPA-free Breast Milk Bottle by MEDELA, $16.99 for 3, toysrus.com 7 BPA-free Breast Milk Storage Bottles by AMEDA, $7.95, amedaonline.com 8 Folding Drainer for Feeding Bottles by BEABA, $28, beabausa.com 9 Breastmilk Warmer

by KIINDE KOZII, $69.99, kiinde.com 10 Swing Double Electric 2-Phase Breast Pump by MEDELA, $379.99, medelabreastfeedingus.com 11 Purely Yours Breast Pump by AMEDA, $217.95, ameda.com

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Breastfeeding

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1 2

3 4 Maxville Wooden Activity Cube by ALEX JR., $109.95, alextoys.com

1 Butterfly, lady bug, and

sun designs by PUVET COMPANY, $289.99 (comes with duvet cover), roomsnthebox.

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com 2 Maxville Blocks

by ALEX TOYS, $43.95, alextoys.com 3 Padookie in Blush Pink by MY BEATING HEART, $42, mybeatingheart. com 4 D.I.Y. Parrot

by SQUISHLAND, $9.99, sqwishland.

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com 5 Cadaverson Nightshade and Midnight Mori by VAMPLETS, $$19.95 each, vamplets. com 6 Charlie Brown, Linus, and Lucy from The Peanuts Collection 14-inch Cloth Dolls by MADAME ALEXANDER, $26.95 each, madamealexander.com

7 8 9

7 Marshmallow Double Barrel Crossbow by MARSHMALLOWVILLE, $37.95, marshmallowville.

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com 8 Plush Bundle in Dot Celadon by LITTLE GIRAFFE, $105, littlegiraffe.com

9 Soothing Lullaby Arrangements of Songs Made Famous by Lady Gaga by BABY BLANKET MUSIC, $14.99, babyblanketmusic. com 10 Baby’s First Organic Soft Book with Black & White Animals

by WEE GALLERY, $22, weegallery.com 11 Bezzerwizzer game by MATTEL, $29.99, mattel. com 12 Girl Tech Radica Password Journal Design Pack by MATTEL, $99.95, amazon.com

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29 toys 1 Dog Storage Box by 3 Sprouts, $25.99, 3sprouts.com 2 Moose Wall Organizer by 3 Sprouts, $27.99, 3sprouts.

1

com 3 SnuggleBuddy by Rashti & Rashti, $10, rashtiandrashti.com 4 iBedoo Rose Snuggly by Sigikids, $29.99, sigikidusa.com 5 Johnny 12 inch Soft Doll by StinkyKids, $16.50, stinkykids.com

6 5

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6 Jen 12 inch Soft Doll by stinkykids, $16.50, stinkykids.com 7 Ronronos by les deglingos, $39.95, deglingos.com 8 Pink Bag by Company Kids, thecompanystore.com 9 Now I’m Reading Flashcards

by Innovative Kids, $9.99, innovativekids.com 10 Dora: The First Day of School DVD by Nickelodeon, $9.62, nickjr.com 11 Wikki Stix Activity Set by Wikki Stix, $16.95, wikkistix. com 12 Pink Locker Rug

by Locker Lookz, $10.99,

10

lockerlookz.com 13 Wild tree, lion, elephant and baboon by anamalz,

7

$16.95, anamalz.com 14 Light Up Ducks by Elegant Baby, $19, elegantbaby.

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com 15 Roadtrip: The Fast Family Game of Wacky Words

by DADDY-O PRODUCTIONS, $24.99, daddyogames.com

11 Jump & Go Baby Exerciser by EVENFLO, $37.46, amazon.com

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Nurseries

Call it your little one’s mini abode-within-yourabode­—nurseries are a safe and comfortable haven for our growing tykes. Although more families choose to co-sleep in one room, here are some dream sanctuaries and ideas to outfit your child’s fort. Best to do your homework in advance—consider your space, what you’ll use it for, budget, aesthetics, and research on the brand and the materials that go into the crib, beddings, and other accessories.

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Organic Baby Hammock, $195, and Okoa Stand, $298, both by HUSHAMOK, hushamok.com

1 Chalkboard Animals wall decals by WALLCANDY ARTS, wallcandyarts.com 2 Duvet cover by PUVET COMPANY, $289.99 (comes with attachable night and day designs), roomsnthebox. com 3 Dream Baby Cot in Lime by BABYHOME, $299, amazon.com or babyhome. es 4 Licorice the Dog by BLABLA, $44.20, blablakids. com 5 Bad Cat Stuffed Toy

by LITTLE DEAR 6 Contemporary Cradle in American Walnut by SO-RO, $800, so-ro.com

CONTEMPORARY SO-RO CRADLE IN AMERICAN WALNUT Designed with forward rocking motion, the So-ro cradle provides the type of motion most comfortable for babies that has a soothing effect, helping them fall asleep. so-ro.com

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1 Lamp by AMY COE, Target 2 Baby Cakes Swaddle, Classic Muslin Collection (4 Pack) by ADEN + ANAIS, $49.95, adenandanais.com 3 Diaper and Wipes Caddy in Cocoa Stripe by JJ COLE COLLECTIONS, $29.95, jjcolecollections.com 4 Cocoa Butter Formula Bottom Butter by PALMER’S, $6.38, palmers.com 5 Hydra-Mist Changing Spray by TAWNA HILL BABY, $17.50, tawnahillbaby.com 6 Dermo-Soothing Wipes by MUSTELA, $10.50, mustelausa.com 7 Gentle Grooming Baby Comb in Alligator JAPONESQUE BABY, $7.50, amazon.com 8 Air Multiplier Tower Fan by DYSON, $299.99, dyson.com 9 Horse Pull Toy by DJECO, oompa.com 10 Pixie Night Light by BEABA, $50, beabausa.com 11 Vitamin Barrier Cream by MUSTELA, $9, mustelausa.com 12 Secret Spot Remover by GRANDMA’S, $27.35 (6 pack of 2oz), grandmassoap.com 13 Bulb Syringe Nasal Aspirator by Mabis/DMI First Aid, $2.69, amazon.com 14 Baby Safety Nail Clipper and File in Penguin and Duck design by JAPONESQUE BABY, $18.19 each, amazon.com 15 Jungle Jam Giraffe Dream Blanket (Single) by ADEN + ANAIS, $49.95, adenandanais.com 16 Louis Dresser by Netto Collection, $950, modernnursery.com 17 White rug by IKEA, ikea.com

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Pets

Having an extended family in our furry friends brings more than just a feeling of delight and special companionship. In fact, a research done by psychologists at Oregon State University in the U.S. revealed that teaching one’s kids to care for a pet actually enhanced their social skills, and increased their cooperativeness and generosity. Moreover, pets provide comfort and encourage nurturing for members of the family. An added bonus for dog owners is that they encourage exercise. Walk the dog with your kids a few times a week and you get an extra workout. Before choosing a pet, however, make sure you consider what animal would best fit your and your family’s lifestyle and home.

Photograph by

benjamin james styling by K ariz T an y a F avis m o d e l s diether ocampo and sabina favis

GOLIATH GAMES DOGGIE DOO If you can't have real pets, here's the best and most fun practice you and your kids can get—the Doggie Doo features a cute Dachshund that makes farting noises when you press the leash, and must be fed and walked. It even poops! $24.99, doggiedoogame.com, Toys R Us

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Fashion and Footwear 1

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1 Golden Gate Polo Shirt by ZUTANO, $29, zutano.com 2 Long-sleeved Ribbed Cardigan in Pink by PETIT BATEAU, petit-bateau.us 3 AC/DC Short Sleeve Tee

by ROWDY SPROUT, $38, rowdysprout.com 4 Pink Bear Jacket by TWO FLOWERS ONE BEAR, $56, twoflowersonebear.com 5 Classic S/S Polo Tee in Energy

by PAIGELAUREN BABY, $26, paigelaurenbaby.com 6 Golden Gate Cargo Shorts by ZUTANO, $30, zutano.com 7 Simone Pleat Dress by PETIT COUTURE, $82, petitcouture.com

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8 Soft Unisex “Jeans” by SOFT, $28, softclothing.net 9 Onesie Baby Starters by RASHTI & RASHTI, rashtiandrashti.com 10 Brogan in Leaf Green by UMI, $58, umishoes.com 11 Marisa in Chestnut by UMI, $65, umishoes.com 12 Flora in Pewter by UMI, $57, umishoes.com 13 Ellise boots by UMI, $75, umishoes.com 14 Flex Jones in Blue by PEDIPED, $45, pediped.com

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Bathing and Potty

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1 Comforting Room Mist for Baby by BEGINNING BY MACLAREN, $16, shopmaclarenbaby.com 2 Swimmer’s Defense Hair Conditioner by CALIFORNIA BABY, $11.49, californiababy.com 3 Conditioning Hair Polish by NOODLE & BOO, $12, noodleandboo.com 4 Organic Raw Shea Chamomile & Agran Oil Baby Head to Toe Ointment by SHEA MOISTURE, $7.69, sheamoisture.com 5 Fairy Hooded Towel by COMPANY KIDS, $32, thecompanystore.com 6 Baby Bath and Room Thermometer by philips avent, $33.50, amazon.com 7 Shampoo and Body Wash by HONEST, $9.95, honest.com 8 Sweet Pea Serum by HOT TOT, $14.50, hottot. com 9 Baby Silk Daily Skin Protection Moisturizing Balm by MD MOMS, $20, mdmoms.com 10 Luxe Towel Neutral in Celadon by LITTLE GIRAFFE, $47, littlegiraffe. com 11 Spa Baby by SPA BABY TUBS, $37.99, spababytubs.com 12 Chicken Hooded Towel by 3 SPROUTS, $33.99, 3sprouts.com 13 Portable Potty by MY CARRY POTTY, $29.95, regallager.com 14 Bath Towel by ELEGANT BABY, elegantbaby.com

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15 Mio Solo in Flying Saucer by BAMBINO MIO, regallager.com 16 Soft Infant Bath Tub in Kiwi by PUJ, $45, pujbaby.com 17 Play Party Squirties by ELEGANT BABY, $16, elegantbaby.com 18 Ducki by DANO, dano2.com 19 Super Smoothie Cream by TAWNA HILL BABY, $31, tawnahillbaby.com 20 Purifying Bath and Shower Elixir by BEGINNING BY MACLAREN, $16, shopmaclarenbaby.com 21 Citrus Sorbet Bubble Bath by TINY TILLIA, tinytillia.com 22 Bath Time Lullabye All Natural Formula Baby Wash by LITTLE GIRAFFE, $37 (comes with Baby Lotion), littlegiraffe.com 23 Cleansing Baby Bath by EXEDERM, $12.99, exederm.com 24 PhysiObébé No-Rinse Cleansing Fluid by MUSTELA, $14.50, mustelausa.com 25 Pamper Me Talc-free Baby Powder by BELLI BABY, $10, belliskincare.com 26 Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Eczema Bar Soap by SHEA MOISTURE, $9.30, sheamoisture.com 27 Organic 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash by EARTH’S BEST, $8.32, earthsbest.com FALL 2012 bc-mag.com

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Travel with Kids

They say experience is the best teacher, and travel is the only happiness money can buy. We agree. While traveling with the whole brood can pose as a challenge, nothing parallels the amazement and joy in the eyes of our kids when they discover something new. Rule of thumb is to pack light, but bring the essentials. If you’re traveling by road, don’t forget the car seat and other important paraphernalia for entertainment. A stroller is always a good idea if you have trunk space. t r a v e l P h o t o g r a p h s b y M eeno pe l uce

FIRST AID KIT 5

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1 Magic Cream by TINY TILLIA, $10, tinytillia.com 2 All Natural Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink by Zarbee’s, $7.99, zarbees.com 3 All Natural Children’s Cough Syrup by ZARBEE’S, $7.99, zarbees.com 4 Children’s Adhesive Bandages in Disney Fairies (Assorted Sizes), $2.99, drugstore.com 5 Topricin Junior by Topricin, $12.99, topricinkids.com 6 Yummi Bears

by HERO NUTRITIONALS, $10.13, heronutritionals.com 7 Complete Allergy 4 Kids by HYLAND’S, $7.99 for 118ml, hylands.com

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Hoppy Dots Pink Waterproof by DIAPEES AND WIPEES, $19.99, diapeesandwipees.com

Aton 2 Car Seat in Pure Black by CYBEX, cybexonline.com or regallager.com

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1 Eyestudio Color Pearls Marbleized Eyeshadow in Mocha Mirage by MAYBELLINE, $7.29, maybelline.com 2 Advanced Marine Biology Foaming Mousse Cleanser

by LA PRAIRIE, $65, shoplaprairie.com 3 Photoready Airbrush by REVLON, $13.99, revlon.com 4 Pro Longwear Lipcreme by MAC, $18, maccosmetics.com 5 Wild Rose Soap by CATH KIDSTON, $12 (comes with an Enamel Tray), cathkidstonusa.com 6 Honey Mask by PHYTODESS, $21, hsn.com 7 Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart/Valentine by REVLON, $13.99, revlon.com 8 Passions Baby Journal by MOLESKINE, $19.95, moleskineus.com 9 Outlaw Blush by NARS, $28, narscosmetics.com 10 Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks by PALMER’S, $5.75, drugstore.com 11 Get on Board for Sight Soap by L’OCCITANE, $6, loccitane.com

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12 Rejuvenating Neroli for Baby and You by BEGINNING BY MACLAREN, $25, shopmaclarenbaby.com 13 Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator by ESTEE LAUDER, $145, esteelauder.com 14 Ultimate Deep Wrinkle Correction Serum by DIOR, $129.99, dior.com or amazon.com 15 Agua de Colognia Fresca by HIERBAS DE IBIZA, $95, barneys.com 16 Repairwear Laser Focus by CLINIQUE, $47.50, clinique.com 17 Shine Serum for Hair Ends with Kiwi Fragrance by CAMILLE ALBANE, camillealbane.com 18 Kate Winslet Golden Hat Foundation by LANCOME, $89.99, amazon.com 19 High Potency Amine Complex Face Lift by PERRICONE MD, $98, perriconemd.com 20 Orchidée Impériale Longevity Concentrate by GUERLAIN, $499, guerlain.com FALL 2012 bc-mag.com

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04 Babywearing offers an array of benefits for both us parents and our babies.

While it allows moms and dads to move freely while carrying their baby, it keeps our kids close to our heart— where literally and figuratively they should belong.

Because they are in a state of quiet alertness, in which they absorb the sights and sounds in their environment.

Certain baby carriers offer support for your back and neck to prevent aches and pains. Test before you buy, so you can see what carrier best serves your purpose of use.

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1 Belt-fit Colan by Aprica, aprica.com 2 Nordic by

Lille Baby, $80, lillebaby. com or scichild.com 3 2.Go by Cybex, $122.47, cybex-online.com or regallager.com 4 Baby Carrier in black by ErgoBaby, $115, ergobaby.com

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02 CONSTANCE ZIMMER: BC US cover mom Fall 2012, AKA “Dana Gordon” of the hit HBO testosterone-laden “Entourage,” doing her FaceTime interview from her home in LA with BC’s Kariz Favis at her home in Manila, to talk about motherhood and family

FaceTime/Skype If there’s one thing that technology has afforded us, it’s the ability to bridge divides. No matter the distance, quality virtual (face-to-face) conversations are possible with apps like FaceTime and Skype, which enables you to make video calls for free (with Internet connectivity, of course)—with just the push of a button.

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1 Insulated Lunch Box by Arctic Zone, californiainnovations.com 2 Insulated Lunch Box in Cow Design by Arctic Zone, californiainnovations.com 3 Mam Loves Me Tattoo Orthodontic Pacifier by MAM, $2.94, mambaby.com 4 Bib’expresso bottle and food warmer in sorbet by BEABA, $130, beabausa.com 5 Bebek Bottle 5 Ounces by Evenflo, $6.99, evenflo.com 6 Teether by Sophie Giraffe, $14, sophiegiraffeusa.com

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7 Silicone Teether Dual Pack in Yellow and Lime Green by LIFEFACTORY, $14.99, lifefactory.com 8 11oz Infant Bottle in Orange by PURA KIKI, $15.99, purastainless.com 9 Baby Cook in Gipsy by beaba, $119.95, beabausa.com 10 Glass Bottle with Flip Top Cap and Silicone Sleeve 16 oz. in Raspberry by LIFEFACTORY, $22.99, lifefactory.com 11 Nourish Toddler Ready-to-serve water in BPA-Free container by NOURISH BABY, $34.99, nourish-inc.com FALL 2012 bc-mag.com

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1 CYBEX RUBY STROLLER IN LAGOON With a simple and light design, the Cybex Ruby features an extra large canopy, with an adjustable height that can grow with your child, and above average UV protection, best for fun, quick trips during the sunny months. $149.95, cybex-online.com/amazon.com 2 MUTSY TRANSPORTER IN GREY A sporty 4-wheeler that features an easily adjustable reclining seat, a 4-position height adjustable push bar, and a comfortably padded seat suitable for babies 3 months to 55 lbs. $399.99, mutsy.com

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Stoller Accessory Diaper bag by STORKSAK, storksak.com

3 BABY JOGGER F.I.T. SINGLE FOR INTERMEDIATE TRAINING A light weight, easy to use jogging stroller that features the patented Quick-Fold Technology, hand caliper brake, and 16” molded polymer quick-release pneumatic wheels. $299.99, babyjogger.com/joggermom.com 4 CYBEX ONYX STROLLER IN ECLIPSE BLACK Make your baby’s ride comfortable and memorable with the Onyx, which features a 4-position one-hand reclining backrest and a patented one-pull central harness system. $224.95, amazon.com

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11 Prairie Dusty Trails by lalaloopsy, $23.97, lalaloopsy.com 12 Building blocks 100 Pieces in Cool Colors by CitiBlocs, $24.27, citiblocs.com 13 Yeti Bear by Build-A-Bear, $128.97, buildabear.com 14 Rainbow

Collections, $29.95, jjcolecollections.com 18 I Can Cook by Alex Jr., $29.95, alextoys.com 19 Play with Me Toddler Table & Chairs by SVAN, $200, scichild.com

Fabric Ball by HABA, $17.99, oompa.com 15 Musical Zebra by Fisher Price, fisher-price.com 16 Zoo Packs Little Kid Backpacks in Monkey design by Skip Hop, $20, skiphop.com 17 Blanket Coverture by JJ Cole

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19 toys

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1 Bunny Pillow by Godeleine de Rosamel, $42, gderosamel.

com 3 Shake Rattle and Teethe by Alex Jr., $13.95,

com 2 Waverly The Waterdrop by Idbids, $19.99, idbids.

sciencemuseumshop.co.uk 5 Boggle by Hasbro Games,

alextoys.com 4 Science Putty by Science Museum, $4.18,

$2.99, sqwishland.com 7 Pinkalicious Tote Doll by Madame

$14.99, hasbro.com 6 Soft ‘n Squishy Bracelet by Sqwishland,

Alexander, $64.95, madamealexander.com 8 Soft Shapes My First Puzzles Nursery Rhymes by Innovative Kids, $12.99,

innovativekids.com 9 My Smart Pal by WinFun, Toys R Us 10 Bear & Blanket Set by Soft Hugwear, $10, softhugwear.com

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bc reviews

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the best

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ParaNorman

Go on a 3D adventure with Norman Babcock, a misunderstood young man who suddenly becomes the savior of the town as he battles it out with ghosts, witches, zombies, and rather unfortunately, even some humans, thanks to a centuries-old witch’s curse. Norman, who is gifted with the ability to communicate with the dead, is voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee, and is joined by characters animated by Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, and Casey Affleck, among others.

movie madness

+ entertaining apps...chart toppers... hilarious pets on video

Don’t miss out on these upcoming blockbusters that will hit the big screen soon

Sparkle

Indulge your eyes and ears with this musical drama remake starring American Idol alum Jordin Sparks (Sparkle) and the late Whitney Huston as a mother and daughter tandem. This inspiring film shows Sparkle’s struggle to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Sparkle’s mother also tries to balance her romantic life while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life brings.

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

School is out and Greg (Zachary Gordon) is ready for the days of summer, when suddenly all his plans go wrong. What on earth is he to do? Also starring Robert Capron and Devon Bostick, this family adventure film is based on the third and fourth installment in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series, The Last Straw and Dog Days. It is directed by David Bowers.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Here comes an epic fantasy adventure based in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Directed and produced by Peter Jackson, the movie is about a curious hobbit, Bilbo, who journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug. Join Bilbo (Martin Freeman) as he escapes the goblin tunnel and meets the creature that will change his life forever.

un w ind

EAR CANDY Lift your spirits this fall season with these soothing tunes

iPAD APPS Recommended downloads for hours and hours of fun and entertainment Kid Art - $0.99 for iPad

Kid Art is the premier drawing app for children. Let their imagination run wild and let their creativity evolve with its bright, lively colors, simple controls and over 20 different pre-drawn backgrounds.

Kids Song Machine – Free App

A fun and educational app that’s guaranteed to keep your kids entertained for hours as he sings along to all the classic nursery rhymes like Old McDonald, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Jingle Bells. Best part of it all, it’s free!

Where’s Wally? The Fantastic Journey - $0.99 for iPad Brighter Than the Sun - Colbie Caillat

A lighthearted take on falling in love, this track is sure to welcome in the fall season with a guitar-driven pop melody.

You and I - Lady Gaga feat. Sugarland

For the older crowd, here’s an interesting duet by the iconic pop star and country group, Sugarland, performed at 2011’s Grammy Nominations Concert.

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

Part of the soundtrack for one of the Twilight films, Christina Perri sings about unconditional love that transcends time.

Fade Into Me - David Cook

A subtle yet romantic track about how ‘me’ and ‘you’ become ‘us,’ Fade Into Me is the latest single from the American Idol’s sophomore record.

Where You Are - Gavin De Graw

One of DeGraw’s tracks on his latest record, Sweeter, this song is about coming back to the one person you truly love.

Good Life by One Republic

This inspiring track speaks of a young man’s worldly travels, and one can be humbled by life’s experiences.

The first game in the original franchise has sold millions of copies around the world and is now updated for the new generation. It’s the ultimate searchand-find adventure for all ages. Now it’s your child’s turn to ask, “Where’s Wally?”

YOUTUBE VIRAL HITS Check out these hilarious and amazing videos of these pets for an instant laugh Bath time fun with pet dog

If there’s one thing to describe this video, it’s adorable. Watch as their pet dog plays with the baby while he’s taking a bath and see how much he seems to enjoy it. His priceless laughter is definitely contagious.

Molly the cat meets the printer

Cats just do the most unusual things, don’t they? See how this entertaining feline reacts when she hears the sounds that the printer makes. Looks like she’s not into technology that much.

“I love you”

Who says dogs can’t reciprocate love?

Listen closely to the Husky about half way through the video and be amazed (or shocked) at what he does (or says).

They weren’t kidding when they said that this breed was smart. bc-mag.com { FALL 2012 } b c

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haute mama

BC looks back at this Brazilian model’s BC cover shoot, where we learned about her “American Dream”—one that starts off as a teen-ager living in the U.S. who does not know a word of English, to cleaning homes for a living, and finally writing her love story with actor, Matthew McConaughey

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hree years ago, we saw a sexy, charming, and glowing Camila Alves expecting her second child at a cover shoot of our own. The little bun is now a little charmer whom the world has come to know as their adorable daughter, Vida, born last January 2, 2010. Vida joined their eldest son, Levi, with then-partner, Matthew McConaughey, completing the awesome foursome. Fast forward to 2012, we see the gorgeous couple now happily married (the private ceremony took place earlier this year in their home in Austin, Texas), and expecting another child. Congratulations are in order for the Killer Joe and Magic Mike star and the model-turned-host and Muxo bag designer, who are both waiting ‘til the day Camila gives birth to know the gender of their child. bc

P h o t o g r a p h b y martin F A V I S

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diapees & wipees® Hipster Bag designed to hold 3-5 diapers and travel pack of wipes. Features a front pocket perfect for keys, cell phone, and credit cards. Adjustable strap: wear it, hang it or detach it. Available online and at select baby boutiques nationwide. View our collection of bags and blankets at DiapeesAndWipees.com

a little love for little feet™

Back to School just got a

with new fall styles from Umi

umishoes.com