Project You Magazine, Back AT School issue, Starstruck Section by Project You Magazine

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Star-Struck My Mom Crush... I Sarah Jessica Parker

By Beth Feldman

Sarah Jessica Parker puts being a mom first.

out a video k c e h c to re e h k c Cli ssica Parker! featuring Sarah Je

don’t know about you, but while most people first fell in love with Sarah Jessica Parker when she took the fashion world by storm as Carrie in “Sex and the City,” I developed my girl crush many decades ago. From her roles in “Annie,” to “Square Pegs” to “Footloose” to “I Don’t Know How She Does It,” I have always been a lifelong fan of this ultimate Role Mommy who has proven you can do what you love and be a great mom too. “Who I am as a mother, as a wife is very similar to millions of women who work outside the home,” Parker revealed recently after taking time out of her breakneck schedule to appear as a guest speaker at Power of the Purse, an advertising event for women hosted by NBC Universal. Parker, who looked positively ethereal in a flowy autumn colored dress with fabulous shoes to match, participated in an intimate conversation in front of her adoring fans with Bravo executive vice president, Andy Cohen. Sharing a glimpse into her family life, Parker reacted to the findings of a new study about today’s busy moms that revealed that 77% of women would prefer their kids have good manners over good grades. When Cohen asked her personal preference, she smiled and confessed, “I would love for James to get A’s in civility, decency and good manners.” She continued, “I don’t think you can keep a child from coveting things. We just talk a lot about what it means to earn something. Because he’s growing up in a house one might call privileged, doesn’t mean that he’s entitled to it.” While Parker revealed that nine year old James still believes in Santa Claus and makes a list every year, he is quite aware of the fact that he needs to be “responsible and respectful” and credits her husband, actor Matthew Broderick with playing an important role in keeping her family grounded. What she loves loves most about her multi-talented husband is that he shares “real genuine love and romance with my family.” As everyone knows, behind every amazing mom is an incredibly supportive husband. Now I know how she does it! ■ projectyou

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“A” for Avon

The 125-year-old company remains committed to women

By Jeanne Muchnick

omen empowerment. Belief in your- - smart, savvy, professional women who are self. Surviving and thriving. That a far cry from the famous “ding dong” Avon was the message at The New York Ladies of years past. These women are pasStock Exchange September 15 when Andrea sionate, entrepreneurial, and fiercely loyal. Jung, the Chairman & CEO of Avon Products I met people yesterday—all moms who have rang the closing bell at The New York Stock been with the company 25 years, 14 years, 40 Exchange. And I have to say I couldn’t help years—even one women who has been sellgetting a little teary-eyed. Especially since ing Avon products for more than 60 years. Jim Clark, the grandson of Avon’s Founder No wonder they call it the company for David H. McConnell, was there, along women. And no wonder, after a few with numerous Avon representaminutes speaking with Haizel tives - everyday “RoleMommies” McIntyre, one of the reps, I was like you and me. Women who took seriously thinking of joining the on the job of selling Avon products JeanneMuchnick.com sales force (you can make a deas a sideline to help support the cent salary!!!). I was also—truth be family. I was also impressed with told—eager to leave the festivities the number of women who followed and try the various lipsticks in my their moms into the business, establishgoodie bag—which I received as part of ing Avon as a generational company built on my attendance at this event (I’m officially “in a deep dedication to improving one’s status. love” with the superSHOCK liquid lip shine) September 15th was the company’s 125th and lotions (hello Skin So Soft body wash). year in business - and though it is widely suc- The piece d’resistance, however, is Anew cessful and global—and filled with male execs Genics, a new line ( just out) with patented —it is still, at its heart, a company built on the YouthGen ™ Technology that helps stimulate power of its female sales representative. (I was the Youth Gene to help women look up to ten most impressed by the fact that the company years younger. At only $38 a jar, how can you was founded in 1886, 34 years before women say no? earned the right to vote.) To locate an Avon rep near you, call Today, there are 6.5 million reps worldwide 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com. ■

Jeanne Muchnick

Jeanne on NY Stock Exchange. 14

A Role Mommy Magazine l Back AT School 2011

Budget Beauty So what’s the best way to save on essentials without resorting to dollar-store cosmetics? Here are nine tips to keep both your beauty and your budget intact.

Star-Struck

By Andrea Woroch

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Hair Products Consider extending the life of your shampoo (and hair color) by using dry shampoo or baby powder in between washes. When using shampoo and conditioner, check out these great tips and best bargain buys from DailyFinance.com.

Hand Soap Foam hand soap is all the rage these days, and one of the easier beauty products to DIY. Refer to EHow.com’s recipe for specific instructions, but ultimately all you need is a lot of water, a bit of soap and a few drops of essential oil.

Makeup Brushes In addition to extending the life on pricey makeup applicators, regularly cleaning your brushes is just the sanitary thing to do. And if you really need replacements, consider a tip given to me by a MAC Cosmetics artist; buy art brushes at craft stores for a fraction of the price! Foundation Whether you’re a liquid, powder or mineral foundation girl, you can use less of this beauty staple by applying a base before application. The Magic Perfecting Base by L’Oreal is a favorite among top fashion magazines, and is available for less than $12 from Walmart and Target. Fragrance Let’s be honest -- designer fragrances are among the most expensive beauty purchases, with $80 buying less than 6 ounces of product. If you can’t part with your signature Chanel scent, buy gift cards at a discounted rate for retailers selling your fragrance and enjoy immediate savings. Body Lotion Moisturizing is a must for anyone who wants to avoid the shar peilook at 50, but lotion gets pricey when you see the words “illuminating,”“firming” or “age-defying” on the label. Unless you have a serious skin issue, consistent use of most drugstore moisturizers is sufficient. Hair Color Prolong your color-treated hair between salon visits using household ingredients. Brunettes can use a strong pot of cooled coffee and blonds can use a lemon juice-water mixture. Apply the treatment after shampooing, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse, condition and style as usual. Hair Accessories Today’s trendy hair accessories can be homemade for a fraction of salon and department store prices. Channel your inner domestic goddess and create one-of-akind hair candy with beads, feathers and artificial flowers found in craft stores.

Less is More There’s no need to wear your entire cosmetics collection every day of the week. Consider giving your wallet a break by opting for the basics during mellow workdays or lazy weekends. For tips on how to pull off the “au natural” look, refer to Real Simple’s step-by-step instructions.

Andrea Woroch is a nationally recognized consumerssavings expert, and is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. projectyou

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Tuning In (or Out!)

How does your parenting stack up next to these TV moms? By Jeanne Muchnick

o matter how many carrots and sliced apples you pack in your kid’s lunch, or how many times you drive your tween to yet another soccer practice – during rush house and dinner time no less – you can’t help but worry that you’re somehow screwing them up by not doing everything “right.” Which is why, with the start of the Fall TV season, we decided to see what lessons we can gauge from some of television’s most beloved moms.

June Cleaver, Leave It To Beaver

Carol Brady, The Brady Bunch

Edith Bunker, All in the Family

Debra Barone, Everybody Loves Raymond

Claire Dunfey, Modern Family

Rating

Three out of five chocolate chip cookies. June was always there in her pearls, apron, and fancy dress, ready to soothe hurt feelings by gathering around the kitchen table. She was the epitome of “wait till your father gets home,” deferring all decisions to Ward. But at least she baked—and always served everything with a cold glass of milk.

Five out of five station wagons. Worth noting: she never referred to the boys as stepsons; instead she warmly embraced them as if they were her own (who cares if Marcia and Greg were involved on the side?)

Three out of five burnt toasts. Who cares if she never brushed her hair and wore the same housecoat day after day?

Three out of five lemon chickens. She’s emotional, moody, has a wimp for a husband, and an ultracontrolling lives-nextdoor mother-in-law. Enough to drive anyone to drink…or, in her case, nag.

Five out of five minivans (with lots of fender benders included). How can you not love Type A parent Claire? She’s read every parenting book there is and tries really hard to be a good mom/wife/ daughter/sister -- the wine helps.

Chances She Screwed Up Her Kids by Age 30

Let’s face it: June’s sons were in for a rude awakening. Not all women are like Mom, waiting patiently at home with their makeup done, their hair “just so,” and the pot roast in the oven.

No doubt it was classic middle child Jan who had to live in Marcia’s long blond shadow. We also think those tight jeans Greg wore had to have done some damage.

Pretty obvious considering the show began with Gloria as an adult who comes back home to roost, new husband in tow.

She didn’t, the mother-in-law did.

In keeping with the new millennium, we can assume the family went to group therapy together before she and Phil decided they needed it more than the kids.

What We Can Learn

Pull something frozen out of the freezer and tell your hubby and kids you’re off to Vegas with the girls. In other words, kill the pearls and skirts – Motherhood is much more comfortable with jeans, t-shirts, a cool Cosmo and some “alone” time.

It’s possible to be a great mother, stay involved in the world around you, nurture your marriage and still look good in polyester.

Don’t be a doormat, Dingbat!

If your mother-in-law thinks she can clean your house better than you, let her. But honestly, with a meddlesome family that close, you’re better off moving far far away. We hear Antarctica is a great place.

Showing your kids you’re fallible and make mistakes is the best lesson there is. After all, monkey see, monkey do.

A Role Mommy Magazine l Back AT School 2011

Star-Struck

High Five

courtesy of Lifetime Television

Why every woman should have a circle of friends. By Beth Feldman

recently attended the premiere of the much anticipated Lifetime Movie, “Five” - a series of powerful films about women battling breast cancer at various stages of their lives. The films, which debuted during Breast Cancer Awareness month on Lifetime TV are directed by Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys, Patty Jenkins and Penelope Spheeris and feature incredible cast including Jeanne Tripplehorn, Patricia Clarkson, Kathy Najimy, Rosario Dawson and Tracee Ross. What struck me most about the films was how they were able to brilliantly inject humor into each of the stories while sharing how a breast cancer diagnosis profoundly affects relationships between men and women - bringing them closer together or tearing them completely apart. What makes it even more incredible was that some of the most talented women in Hollywood played an integral part in making “Five” the success that I’m sure it will be with viewers. After the screening had ended and we had wiped our tears away, we made our way to the after party where we literally star-gazed - Pa-

tricia Clarkson and Kathy Najimy were about 10 feet away from us and over in the VIP room, we spotted Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys and Demi Moore and yes, they are all as gorgeous in real life as they are on TV and film. I also had the incredibly good fortune of meeting Judy, a woman whose daughter had also appeared in one of the films but couldn’t attend because she lives on the west coast. Judy and I instantly struck up a conversation and she shared that her daughter and Jen were good friends. While I didn’t make the connection at first, I soon realized she was talking about Jennifer Aniston! It turns out that Jen grew up with Judy’s daughter and she shared that while their lives have gone in different directions, they still have a strong bond between them. She also shared that her daughter, who is now a mom, spearheads “women’s circles,” where friends get to share experiences with one another in an incredibly supportive environment. Her daughter even has a teepee in her backyard where women get together on a regular basis to connect. projectyou

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There is something to be said about having a strong circle of female friends. Whether it’s the childhood friend you’ve known for decades, or the supportive woman who comes into your life during a painful experience, I feel blessed to have found a group of friends who have been a part of my life for decades. No matter how insane my schedule, I know that I can always rely upon a circle of girlfriends who I can reach out to via email, phone or even on my 8:48 commuter train. My circle is always on hand to swap stories, comfort one another when one of us is down in the dumps, offer much needed 18

A Role Mommy Magazine l Back AT School 2011

parenting or relationship advice and cheer one another on when we’re attempting to tackle a task that seems insurmountable. So whether you’re a celebrity in a teepee, a mom on the carpool lane or someone like me, who rides the 8:48 Metro North train with my “circle,” it’s so important to have supportive women in your life who are always there for you in good times and in bad. In fact, I’ve got the best idea for you to connect with your circle this month - get the tissues handy and call them over to your house so you can watch “Five” together. ■

courtesy of Lifetime Television

Jeanne Tripplehorn stars in “Five,” a powerful collection of short films about breast cancer airing this October on Lifetime Television.