How My Blended Family Is Showing Up for Each other

When one gets divorced, you do what’s in the best interest of the children. Now, in this crazy corona time, four parents are doing just that.

I keep saying everything is day by day. Just days ago, I posted a pieceabout how my ex-husband and I had to make the difficult decision that one home is better than two. We decided for the health of everyone that my apartment would be kid corona quarantine for the foreseeable future. Well, it is a new day and over the weekend, we hit the road to Quarantine together.

Read the full story at Thrive Global

What To Do For Corona Quarantines When You Are Divorced

How this family is coping with co-parenting during a pandemic. 

I’ve been divorced for eight years but today is the first day I feel like a single mom.  I wrote a piece in 2012 titled “Don’t Call Me A Single Mom” because my kids have a dad.  They have an involved, hard working, helpful and loving dad.  We agreed upon a schedule that works with plenty of nights and every other weekend at his apartment.  I have child support and a free babysitter when I travel for work or fun.  

Read the full story at Thrive Global

Dating in Isolation.

Finding connection in a time of self quarantining.

I’ve been on a self imposed quarantine about writing about my dating life.  I’ve told myself for years if I write about dating I become undateable.

It’s not easy to shut myself up.  I’ve written and shared so much about my life in the 10 years since the birth of my media and event company, The MOMS. 

Read the Full Story at Thrive Global

Lea Thompson Reveals She Missed Out on a Role in Steel Magnolias: ‘That One Hurt’

Check out our quote on the Puzzle poster, an item on People.com from our Luis And The Aliens event.

Lea Thompson might have struck gold as the leading lady in the classic Back to The Future trilogy, but the actress recently revealed her biggest career regret: missing out on a role in 1989’s female-centric drama, Steel Magnolias. That movie went on to star Sally Field and a young Julia Roberts.

“I didn’t get Steel Magnolias,” she said during a “Mamarazzi” event in Los Angeles to promote Thompson’s upcoming role in the animated film, Luis And The Aliens. “That one hurt.”

The actress, 57, who played the titular character in the 1990s NBC sitcom Caroline in The City, has a star-studded family. She tied the knot in 1989 to Pretty In Pink director Howard Deutch — and the two are proud parents to actresses Madelyn, 27, and Zoey Deutch, 23.

Despite not being cast in Steel Magnolias, the actress did get her dream collaboration: working with her family. This past June, Thompson made her directorial debut with the comedy The Year Of Spectacular Men, starring herself along with daughters Madelyn and Zoey.

The three previously co-starred in 2011’s Mayor Cupcake, and Thompson played alongside Zoey in ABC Family’s hit drama, Switched At Birth. The best part about working together? “We can talk about it at dinner,” the actress said.

Prior to her film’s release, the star told ABC News. “By the time you get to be my age, the great parts go to women who have Academy Award nominations. I don’t have one! I have a People’s Choice Award but I don’t have an Academy Award,” she said. “I certainly love acting, but I don’t want to just do the parts I’ve already done before. I keep my options open because I know this business can always surprise you. When you turn one corner, something will happen that you never expected.”

Wendy Williams loves Sirius XM

We are fans of Wendy as well! The MOMS with Denise & Melissa are live on Sirius XM Stars channel 109, Mondays at 12 PM.  No worries if you miss us on Monday our show replays Tuesday’s at 5 am, and Saturday’s at 6 am, 5pm.  Tune in and listen up as we tackle topics both big and small, that resonate with moms today. We are brutally honest–and sometimes have conflicting–opinions which are not only entertaining, but also  take the parenting conversation to a whole new level.

Denise Albert on HLN for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I never thought October would be an awareness month that includes ME! I am now and forever tied to #BreastCancer and I’ll be using this month especially to live out loud and tune in NOW on HLN. I try to be honest and make a difference in everything I do, whether on @SiriusXM, on social media, or with my friends and family. I speak out on social media about my life as a mom, my social life, my divorce, and my work (with lots of fun hashtags!), so it only felt natural for me to continue living publicly as a #FutureCancerSurvivor. My public journey, and my work with Ford @WarriorsInPink, has taught me a lot about how to enjoy #MOREGOODDAYS during breast cancer treatment, and how to extend more good days to others in the fight. As I continue treatment and move toward embracing my new #Survivor status, I’ve shared some of the lessons I’ve learned on how to enjoy more good days during my breast cancer journey. Please go to TheMOMS.com to see more tips on how to help your friends have #MOREGOODDAYS #SP

Denise Albert on HLN's The Daily Share: Shannen Doherty battling breast cancer

Denise Albert on HLN

Shannen Doherty is now battling ‪#‎breastcancer‬. Denise Albert was on HLN The Daily Share talking about her own journey and what Shannen may be going through. In case you missed it click on the image above to watch it now.

Share with us your fears and worries about your own battles below.  Sharing is so important for helping others as well as ourselves.

Also follow Denise’s story online via Good Housekeeping!

It's a MOMS World!

We are filled with gratitude today! Never could we ever imagine that we would be on the cover of  NY Family magazine and we are so very grateful to everyone who has supported us.

“Partnership comes in many forms. For Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein, the meaning of the word blends the personal and the professional. The two women—both NYC mothers—have turned what was initially a professional relationship built on mutual goals into a fiercely close friendship that’s uniquely merged with the formidable business and media force they co-founded, known as The MOMS.” For the full story visit NY Family Magazine 

 

The MOMS in Daily News Debating Marissa Mayer's Maternity Leave

moms

Marissa Mayer ‘limited’ maternity leave is right on, says ‘The MOMS’ cohost Denise Albert

BY DENISE ALBERT SPECIAL/TO THE DAILY NEWS

Marissa Mayer is doing what works for her, and I completely support her. It’s not for everyone, and no one should feel pressure because of Mayer’s decision.

I took 12 weeks off with my first son, which at the time worked for me and was what I needed. But when I had my second son, I basically went right back to work. I went to meetings. I worked from home, and occasionally went into the office. It was my decision, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I was running David Blaine’s company and producing a TV show, and we were in the middle of a project that I was passionate about and wanted to continue working on. It was another baby for me, and I was going to deliver it!

I assume Mayer feels the same way. She has worked tremendously hard to get to where she is, and she feels like she can do everything in a way that works for her and her family. That’s her choice, and she isn’t setting any sort of negative example for anyone else. Everyone should feel comfortable with their own decision, and should take 16 weeks or a year or whatever their company offers if that’s what works best for them.

While I love what Marissa is doing, and also understand it, I also can appreciate and commend Netflix for what they are doing with their maternity leave. Everyone needs different things, and it’s an incredible option to have. It’s a great way to support women, but I’m not sure I would have exercised my rights if I was working at a company with a policy like that. I was and am dedicated to my career, and taking a year off would have seemed like a professional setback – and truthfully, I don’t know what I would do [AT HOME]every day! http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/marissa-mayer-limited-maternity-leave-point-article-1.2345062

Marissa Mayer’s ‘limited’ maternity leave is disappointing, says ‘The MOMS’ co-host Melissa Musen Gerstein

BY MELISSA M– USEN GERSTEIN /SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
I think Marissa Mayer is doing what is best for her and her family, but I think she also has a real opportunity here to make a difference for so many working moms in the workforce – and I am not sure she is.

I would never judge another mother’s decisions, or Mayer’s choice, but we need more CEOs speaking out about how difficult it is to return to work after having a baby, and to be open about the struggles of expanding a family.

Mayer has privileges and responsibilities that don’t reflect the average person. She has shareholders she reports to, and she is the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world, and Yahoo is at a critical time when they need their CEO.

If she could take the time off, however, she might make a difference in so many other working moms’ lives. She is in a very public position, and one that could inspire change, and by not taking significant time off, I fear other employees will feel guilty with their choices.

I have three children, and every maternity leave was different. I know people who go to lengths and breadths to make their maternity special, from hiring Portland maternity photography professionals (or wherever they live, for that matter) to take just the perfect pictures and capture each moment to making babymoon travel plans. But, my maternity was somewhat different.

For my first born, I was living in Canada where you actually get an entire year of maternity leave. I did not take this because we needed the money, so I returned to work. For my second child, again I had to return to work for the paycheck. I went back when my baby was about 5 weeks old, and I was struggling. I was pumping at work, and feeling tremendous guilt and even anxiety. Without access to a product similar to Social CBD, I felt myself really spiraling mentally. I pushed through it, but it was not ideal. Then with my third baby, I took almost an entire year off, and it was mentally helpful for me and beneficial to my family. http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/marissa-mayer-limited-maternity-leave-disappointing-article-1.2345074

THE MOMS SWEEPSTAKES  OFFICIAL RULES

THE MOMS SWEEPSTAKES

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THE SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

ELIGIBILITY: This sweepstakes (“Promotion“) is open to legal residents of the 50 United States including the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of The Moms Network, Inc. (“The Moms“), NCL Corporation Ltd. (“Sponsor“) and each of its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising or promotional agencies together with their immediate families (spouses, parents, siblings, and children) and persons living in the same households as any of those employees are not eligible to participate in this Promotion. This Promotion is void where prohibited by law. Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding on matters relating to this Promotion. This Promotion is governed by the laws of the United States and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply.

ENTRY: The Promotion begins at 12:00:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on _NOV 11 2014, and ends _____NOV 11_, 2014 (“Promotion Period“). Go to Twitter by posting a Tweet @THEMOMS, #NORWEGIANMOMS #MOMSLETITGO. Your post, whether on the Site, Facebook, or Twitter, must include (x) the hashtag #NORWEGIANMOMS and (y) #MOMSLETITGO @THEMOMS_____ to be eligible. Entries may not contain any profane or vulgar material. Any such entries will not be considered a valid entry. You may enter once each day during the Promotion Period. One winner will be randomly selected to win the prize package described below.

PRIZE: One winner will be randomly selected to win two (2) tickets to the show Frozen FOR NOV 12 AT THE BARCLAY’S CENTER. All taxes, fees, and expenses associated with prize are the responsibility of the winner. Approximate retail value of all prizes is $150. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Sponsor in its sole discretion reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if advertised prizes become unavailable. Sponsor’s determinations regarding the awarding of prizes is final. No prize substitutions except as provided herein. Prizes are non-transferable.

PRIZE WINNER: Prize winner may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility/Release of Liability and Publicity within seven (7) days of first attempted delivery. Noncompliance within time period or return of any reward notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Acceptance of the prize constitutes permission to use winner’s name and/or likeness by Sponsor for purposes of advertising, editorial and trade purposes without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. By accepting prize, winner represents that they have complied with all rules of this Promotion and agree to release Sponsor, The Moms, Facebook, Twitter, prize supplier, their parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors and employees, crew members, media partners, printers of promotional material, promotional material suppliers, and advertising, promotion and other coordinating agencies involved in the promotion from any and all liability for injuries, losses, or damages of any kind sustained in connection with the use, acceptance, possession or awarding of prize or participation in any prize or related activities. Winner further acknowledges that Sponsor has not made, and is not liable or responsible for, any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including, but not limited to, its quality, mechanical condition, or fitness for a particular purpose. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by the official rules and the decisions of Sponsor which are final and binding in all respects. No more than the advertised number of prizes will be awarded. Entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged.

ENTRIES: Entries must be in English. You must have permission from any person who appears recognizable in your entry and you may be requested to provide proof of such permission. Entries may not have been submitted previously in a promotion of any kind or exhibited or displayed publicly through any means. Entries cannot violate any of the following restrictions:

Unless you wish to hear from a trademark lawyer, entries cannot infringe on the copyright, trade secret, trademark, patent, privacy, publicity rights or other intellectual property or publication rights of others;

Entries cannot disparage Sponsor, The Moms or any other person, company, brand, intellectual property or party whether affiliated with the promotion and administration of this Promotion or not;

Entries cannot contain any material that could be considered unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, indecent, sexually explicit, or hateful, or content that refers negatively to people or groups on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or similar characteristics;

Entries cannot include illegal material or encourages, solicits, or glorifies illegal activity; and

Entries cannot contain false statements or misrepresentations that could damage you, Sponsor, or any other party.

By submitting an Entry, you irrevocably grant to Sponsor and The Moms the right to publish, display, and use your Entry in any and all media whether now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, anywhere in the world, with the right to make any and all uses thereof, including, without limitation, for purposes of advertising or trade.

By entering, you grant Sponsor and The Moms the absolute, non-exclusive, irrevocable and unrestricted right, assignment, and permission, together with all associated and required licenses, to copyright and/or publish, utilize, broadcast, distribute, or otherwise use any photograph, endorsement, or other visual depiction or production of you, as well as any other content contained in the Entry, in all forms of advertising and marketing and for any lawful purpose throughout the world and into perpetuity.

You release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless Sponsor, The Moms, Facebook, Twitter, and their respective employees, officers, directors, agents and representatives (the “Promotion Entities“) from any claims and liability arising from or relating to the Entry and the content of each Entry.

GENERAL: Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify, suspend or terminate the Promotion should a virus, bugs or other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the Promotion. In such event, the prize may be awarded by random drawing from among eligible entries received up to the date/time of corruption or modification, to the extent feasible. Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, incomplete, or misdirected entries; computer system, phone line, electronic equipment, computer hardware, software or program malfunctions, or other errors; failures or delays in computer transmissions or network connections; problems downloading entries from the web site; or for any other technical problems related to web site entries. Sponsor is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate entry information, whether caused by Internet users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion, or by any technical or human error which may occur in the processing of the entries in the Promotion. Caution: any attempt by a person to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of this Promotion is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. In the event of a dispute, entries will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

DISPUTES/ARBITRATION: Except where prohibited, all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Promotion, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of Florida or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Florida. Entrants waive all rights to trial in any action or proceeding instituted in connection with these Official Rules and/or this Promotion. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Official Rules and/or this Sweepstakes shall be settled by binding arbitration. Any such controversy or claim shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and shall not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration shall be conducted in the State of Florida, in the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction. Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Promotion or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Promotion, but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (3) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, indirect, punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased.

RULES/WINNER INFORMATION: For winner information or an additional copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed envelope to be received within 30 days of the end date to The Moms sweepstakes, Attn: Marketing, “Rules/Winners List Request,” Norwegian Cruise Line, 7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, Florida 33126.

SPONSOR: The Sponsor of this Promotion is NCL Corporation Ltd.

SiriusXM Announces 7 Days of Style Including The MOMS!

Friday September 5th 2014, The MOMS will be hosting a “Mamarazzi” Fashion Show in front of a live studio audience at the SiriusXM studios in New York. The hosts will interview designers and will focus on children’s fashion and style trends for fashionable moms!

If you’d like to be a part of The MOMS Mamarazzi ® Fashion Show with The MOMS and their special expert guests including Liz Lange, the pioneer of “maternity chic” stylish, body conscious clothes for pregnant women, up and coming mom designer and co-founder of OneClique Sandy Sacculo, Amber Sabathia of CCandy along with the MLB and Alison Brettschneider of 25Park please e-mail alexa@themoms.com!

(NOTE: You will receive confirmation from alexa@themoms.com that your name has been added to the guest list for the event along with additional details)

SiriusXM Announces 7 Days of Style

Exclusive programming to be headlined by New York Fashion Week creator Fern Mallis and Laura Brown, Executive Editor of Harper’s Bazaar

Film director and SiriusXM host Perri Peltz presents exclusive interview with designer Tory Burch to discuss the creation of Burch’s line for New York Fashion Week

Programming will air on SiriusXM Stars channel 109

NEW YORK – September 3, 2014 – SiriusXM today announced 7 Days of Style; exclusive fashion programming airing in tandem with New York Fashion Week, beginning Thursday, September 4.

SiriusXM’s programming will feature interviews, tips, and rare behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s most respected designers and stylists. When it comes to using SiriusXM for business, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages (you could click this to learn more about it). SiriusXM hosts and world-renowned experts will share the season’s latest must-have styles and trends in fashion, beauty, and accessories.

On Wednesday, September 10, SiriusXM will launch a live, one-hour, four-week series hosted by Laura Brown, Executive Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR. Brown, trendsetter, fashion editor, and host of the popular YouTube fashion series, The Look, will talk to listeners about the latest tips on beauty and style, as well as speak with industry experts, editors of the 147-year-old magazine, and celebrity guests. Content creators wishing to utilize the YouTube platform to grow an audience may want to consider something like Getfans to boost their subscriber base and views to promote organic growth.

Legendary fashion icon Fern Mallis will take SiriusXM listeners backstage during New York Fashion Week as she talks to buyers, bloggers, models, photographers, designers, and celebrity attendees for their perspectives on the collections. Many of whom, enjoy a social media boost by adding free instagram followers instantly every now and then so I hear. It is no wonder that platforms such as Instagram are used by most bloggers and fashion personalities. Since photo and video sharing platforms are great for marketing their brands, it is an inevitable online marketing tool. Engaging the audience might take a good amount of time and using Growthoid or Growthsilo (Instagram automation tools) has become quite normal these days. During SiriusXM’s 7 Days of Style, Mallis will also host fashion roundtables with guests including designers Max and Dao of Public School, Brandon Sun, and Bibhu Mohapatra. Fashion Insiders with Fern Mallis will air daily beginning Thursday, September 4 through Thursday, September 11 at 8 pm ET.During SiriusXM’s 7 Days of Style, Mallis will also host fashion roundtables with guests including designers Max and Dao of Public School, Brandon Sun, and Bibhu Mohapatra. Fashion Insiders with Fern Mallis will air daily beginning Thursday, September 4 through Thursday, September 11 at 8 pm ET.

Documentary film director and SiriusXM host Perri Peltz presents “The Road to Fashion Week,” featuring an exclusive interview with style icon and designer Tory Burch about the process of creating a line for New York Fashion Week from the showroom to the runway. The designer also discusses the great efforts of the Tory Burch Foundation in supporting female entrepreneurs. Airs Tuesday, September 9 at 11:00 am ET.

The Moms with Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein host a “Mamarazzi” Fashion Show in front of a live studio audience at the SiriusXM studios in New York. The hosts will interview designers and will focus on children’s fashion and style trends for fashionable moms. Airs Monday, September 8 at 11:00 am ET.

SiriusXM’s 7 Days of Style is available via satellite on SiriusXM Stars channel 109 and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and mobile devices. For a complete list of air dates and times, please visit www.siriusxm.com/stars. After the broadcast, subscribers will also be able to listen via SiriusXM On Demand. Please visit www.siriusxm.com/ondemand for more information.

Additional fashion programming on SiriusXM will include:

Just Jenny with Jenny Hutt will feature daily segments focusing on fashion for women over forty, advice for time-strapped moms, career women, and everyone in between. Expert guests will discuss jewelry trends, beauty tricks and athletic apparel. Airs Thrusday, September 4 at 10:00 am ET.

Financially Fearless’ Alexa von Tobel will explore the business of fashion including what investment pieces are worth the splurge and ways to save for those must-have items. Airs Thursday, September 4 at 11:00 am ET.

Bevy Smith, co-host of Bravo’s Fashion Queens, shares her street style inspiration with special guest bloggers, magazine editors and Instagram stars to help fashionistas develop their own street style. Airs Wednesday, September 10 at 11:00 am ET.

Dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Fredric Brandt, will offer listeners tips and shortcuts straight off the runway including secrets to supermodel skin and how you can implement the strategies at home. Ask Dr. Brandt airs Saturday, September 6 at 1 pm ET.

Cosmo’s Wake Up with Taylor will be joined by editors and bloggers discussing the process of creating signature looks. Airs Friday, September 5 at 8:00 am ET.

SiriusXM Stars channel 109 features unique and diverse programming for women all in one place, including shows hosted by Dr. Laura, Pia Lindstrom, Fern Mallis, Martha Stewart, and others.

For more information, please visit www.siriusxm.com.

SiriusXM Announces Exclusive, Timely Programming and Includes THE MOMS

In the beginning of August SiriusXM began its exclusive back-to-school programming airing on multiple channels including SiriusXM Stars, Kids Place Live, and Doctor Radio channels that features tips from hosts and world-renowned experts offering parents nationwide practical advice for a stress-free back-to-school season.

Interested in finding out what advice The MOMS and other experts are saying on SiriusXM? Click Here!

Don’t forget to tune into STARS Channel 109 every Monday morning at 11am/EST  and start your week off right with The MOMS!

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Moms Night Out with Patricia Heaton and Sarah Drew

For us, this week, it was along side the cast of Moms Night Out at our Mamarazzi event in NYC with Martini. We spoke to Patricia Heaton, Sarah Drew, David Hunt and Sean Astin about raising kids, working and the feeling of striving for perfection, whether they have guilt… and of course what they do for a night out. We spoke to all of the cast-members live at our screening and also at the same time for our Sirius XM Stars radio show, The MOMS with Denise and Melissa. CLICK HERE for the video on The Huffington Post.