Are You a Mom with an Allowance?

August 25, 2010

I remember when I was a little girl my grandfather used to give my grandmother an allowance of $50 per week to manage the house, that included her spending money, as well. I remember her cutting out coupons and checking her bank interest all the time (interest rates were a lot higher back then). When she passed away, we were all shocked that she had saved over $100,000 from that allowance! My little grandma was a financial wizard. She always managed to have her hair done, dress nicely, put balanced meals on the table and still have enough for a pack of cigarettes (she and her sisters used to smoke like chimneys - I guess they didn't know better.) She used to always say what a "good provider" my grandfather was.

I think back then the expectations of marriage were different. It seems marriages today (mine included) are more about having a "partner," and if you want to be a true partner, you need to have a clear understanding of what it takes both financially and labor wise to make a house and family run. So I would hope 40 years later we can change the word from "allowance" to "budget." Since my husband and I both work, we divide up the responsibilities of the household according to who does what best. I created a budget for the house and then we reviewed it together discussing ways we can lower it and/or change it according to what our needs and wants are for the month, year and future. That budget includes how much money is coming in so we both know what is left over. We are both responsible adults and know the parameters of what we can spend or what we can’t spend (so we eliminate the asking of each other).

Believe me: Knowing your finances is a sobering experience and it will make you become the most fugal person on the planet!

- Barb

The episode about women who are sick of being given an allowance by their husbands really resonated with me. For five years, I was a stay-at-home mom. My husband didn't give me an allowance per se, but he did give me a hard time when the bills came in. It really felt like I was getting scolded... like he was my dad, not my husband. I will admit, however, that during that time, I really kept my mind on the kids and not the big picture financially, which is what he was trying to do. During the episode, Manisha said something that I wish I heard during that time. She explained the importance of understanding what the other person is going through and to have real communication about it. I am much happier now that I am earning my own money and contributing to the family. I think my husband is, too, but for all the stay-at-home moms, I would recommend telling your husband that you want to be partners; that just because one of you is making the money doesn't mean the other's contributions are less valuable. Good luck and remember that you are not alone. This is a very common issue amongst spouses.

- Jen

Who holds the keys to the budget in your family? Join the discussion here!

Reinventing Yourself After Becoming a Mom

August 17, 2010

By the time I had my twins at age 35, I had spent 13 years building my career. Five days a week, I got to work at 6 a.m., I managed employees, put out all kinds of fires, met deadlines, reached goals ... I knew I was good at what I did, and I had every intention of maintaining both the respect and independence that I'd worked hard to achieve. I would be a working mom, and that was the end of the story. Besides, I thought to myself, 'How hard could motherhood be anyway?' There was no reason I couldn't be an attentive, loving, available mom and continue to build my career. One day when I was pregnant, my mom -- who never had a career and dedicated all of her attention to my sister and me -- said to me, "If you're not going to stay home and take care of your kids, why even have them?" Moms say a lot of judgmental things, but this one stuck with me. You see, I had a great childhood, in large part because I was my mom's primary focus. Although she couldn't balance a checkbook and she wasn't kicking butt in the board room, she got an A+ in the mom category. I was determined to prove to her that contemporary motherhood had changed. I wanted her to see that I could be a great mom and still hang on to my fulfilling career. I wanted to see that for myself, too, but the day my twins were born, everything changed. I not only found out that being a mom is the most challenging job in the world, but I also knew that I needed to be with my children. This was one experience I didn't want to miss. I was able to work from home, but I was left feeling like I was failing at everything. I was no longer inspired by my career in the same way that I had been for years. Why wasn't I happy? I had a great husband, two healthy, beautiful kids ... what else could anyone want? The answer is that life had completely changed for me. I was obsessed with being a mom and with trying to figure out how this whole "mommy thing" worked. I joined a Mommy & Me class, where I met Jen. We started sharing the hurdles and the guilt we felt; we loved being moms, but we still wanted more. We brainstormed about the perfect job: how much we would make, how many hours we'd work, what would inspire us, where we'd find meaning ... and our fantasies went on and on ... and then we decided it was time to give it a shot. I told my husband that I wanted to take a year off to try a new career, which would mean that our family would have to live without my income. He agreed and we started planning our financial lives accordingly. Then, when my kids were entering kindergarten, Jen and I went full force to make our fantasy come alive. I have never felt more stimulated or excited than I have on this new journey. Not only am I doing what I love, but it continues to make me a better mom, wife and person. It hasn't been an easy ride and of course I'm still faced with challenges both professionally and as a parent every single day, but I know I've created the path that's right for me. If you're a mom who is looking to reinvent yourself or if you've had success starting a new chapter after having kids, please share your story with us! We are all in this together ...

- Barb

Of course I knew life would change when I had kids, but I had no idea that so much about how I existed would be completely at odds with the demands of motherhood. For example, I thought that being a casting director (my former career), would be a perfect fit once kids were in the mix. Why didn’t I imagine that leaving work five days a week after 6:30 p.m. would never work? Why didn’t I imagine that the desire to be with my kids would outweigh my desire to be at work? With a 5-month-old baby at home and another on the way (yes, I’m serious), I did a lot of soul searching and found myself - to my surprise - deciding to be a stay-at-home mom. Shopping excursions and fancy dinners would be out of the question, but I was fortunate that we could live off my husband's salary. I got exactly what I wanted, and yet, a few years later I began to desire more. I was confused. Wasn’t being a mom enough? Was there something wrong with me? Why was I still searching? One option was to go back to casting with my former business partners (who were doing very well), but I wasn’t ready or willing to put in the endless hours that the field required. If not that, then what? I was lost, and I didn’t know to whom or where to turn. What could I do that would fulfill me and still give me time with my family? I wasn't just looking for a hobby; with the kids now enrolled in private school and the need to support my mom, I needed to be a breadwinner once again. That's when Barb and I took a leap. After many different ideas, we came up with the concept for our show. We feel so lucky to be fulfilled professionally while also being able to spend time with our kids, and we love having the opportunity to guide other moms who struggle to find balance in their lives, are working to re-invent themselves after motherhood, or who need support when facing all the other challenges of modern motherhood. We don't have all the answers, but we'd love to hear your stories, challenges, and any questions you have about filling a void, re-discovering who you are, and realizing your full potential as a woman while still maintaining your joy as a mom and wife. Together we may discover that you CAN have it all!

- Jen

What kind of changes did you make in your life after having children? Talk to other moms here!

Sex After Baby

August 10, 2010

My kids are 8 and I am still wondering where my sex life is! When my twins were born, I felt the same way as Heather. All day I was holding them, kissing them, and giving them so much love that by the time they went to sleep I just wanted to get to my side of the bed and not be touched (that's if I wasn't passed out with them). It's hard to feel sexy when you haven't showered, you're exhausted and your body has turned into an alien vessel. So for the first few years my husband and I had date night once a week. I would have a couple glasses of wine and sex would be a lot easier to have -- actually great! Afterward my husband and I would always ask, "Why don't we do this more often?" But then we would fall right back into the routine of taking care of the kids at the expense of our intimacy. Still, it reminded us that the sparks were still there, even in the midst of utter chaos. Now our sex life goes through cycles (daytime sex seems to be working the best these days; by night time I am just too beat up). What my husband and I have realized is that marriage is not a race but rather a marathon - so we don't beat ourselves up over it. We just do the best we can and know we love each other. P.S. I would encourage women to get their hormones checked as that has a lot to do with your mood, sex drive and depression. I found out that my testosterone level (which controls your sex drive) was unusually low.

- Barb

It took my husband and I five months after our son was born to have sex again. I know this because that one time, I got pregnant with our daughter! Yes, two babies in 14 months. There is no question that those first couple of years didn't do much to help our sex life. We tried to take time to be together, to have a date night here or there, or to squeeze in some intimacy when the kids were napping (if ever it was at the same time!). Over the past few years, we have found new ways of being intimate with each other – even just a snuggle in bed or holding hands - to help our bond. We also have had to really make an effort to actually have sex. Even though we are both tired and have a lot going on, we have tried to "just do it." Nike knew something so true when they came up with that slogan, didn't they?! I also want to say how much I admire the couple on the "Sex After Baby" segment on today's show for their honesty and willingness to share their story with the rest of the country. That is hard to do, but knowing that you are not alone, should also ease this adjustment.

- Jen

How did having a baby change your sex life? Talk to other moms here!

Where's the Appreciation?

August 3, 2010

After watching the Mother/Daughter Wedding War, I think the solution is simple. Chrissy should get what she wants on her wedding day but within her mom's budget. Anything over that Chrissy and her husband to be should pay for. Her poor mom is spending all this money (the most people ever spend on a party) and is getting no appreciation for it. As a parent, you want your kids to be happy and give them everything they want, so to feel you're coming up short has got to be very hurtful for her mom. Chrissy should be grateful and thankful that her family is giving her any money (my husband and I paid for our own wedding.) That said, the mom needs to let Chrissy spend the budget on whatever SHE wants -- not what mom wants. No giving gifts with controlling strings attached!

- Barb

Having your own wedding budget dilemmas? Join the discussion!

Watching the mother/daughter wedding war between Chrissy and Barbara made me think about the relationship I have with my mom. Mother/daughter relationships are extremely complex. When we are young, our mom is our caretaker and guide. Then, at some point during adolescence we try to break free, which is when fights often ensue. As a younger adult, I maintained a certain "dance" with my mom. We would have a great time together, until one of us would say something that would push the other's buttons. Then it was "game on" with a full-on fight and plenty of tears. I have tried very hard to change this dynamic. It entails a lot of biting my tongue (which is not my strong suit) and setting boundaries (now it's my turn). As a result, our relationship has flourished. I am not saying there aren't moments when we get on each others' nerves, but we really try to have a loving, supportive relationship. Sometimes it's a challenge, especially because my mom is alone. (My parents divorced over 25 years ago, and my mom, who has many health issues and needs financial support, never remarried.) I hope that what I've learned from my relationship with my mom will help me be a better mom to my almost 7-year-old daughter Lilah. I often have to remind myself that right now Lilah needs me as her mother -- not as her friend -- and I hope that someday she'll be thankful for the discipline and boundaries I have needed to set. My goal is to raise a young lady who is self sufficient, is successful in whatever she discovers her passion to be, is a good person, has love in her life and is happy. I also hope that we'll always have an open, caring relationship. I am going to try to do my best to help her along the way ... which, I've learned over the years, is just what my own mom tried to do for me.

- Jen

Can you relate? Share your strategy for communicating with your mom or daughter here!

Squeezing In A Workout

July 28, 2010

I am not a big fan of working out. As a matter of fact, when I see the other moms at drop-off in the morning with their workout gear on, I think, what a waste of time! That said, I do like to look good! I prefer a more traditional approach to keeping fit (you know the one June Cleaver used). Cleaning your house - mopping the floors, doing windows, even making beds -- can be as good a workout as any class you'd take at a gym. When my children were small, carrying them around was the best workout ever! I swear my arms looked like Madonna's from that. Since then, I've made little changes that can make a big difference. For example, I have 10-pound weights that I lift while I am watching Rachael Ray in the morning, and I also wear these Reebok tennis shoes that are supposed to help tone your butt and legs. Also, I always try to take the stairs instead of an escalator, and most importantly, I am careful about HOW I eat -- not necessarily WHAT I eat. I try to make lunch my biggest meal of the day and I do not eat my kids' leftovers, especially their half-eaten ice cream sandwich that so many moms finish even though we don't even want it! I am making an effort to try to walk every day but it just takes too much time, which I'm short on, so for now I guess I will have to keep making those beds!

- Barb

Exercise, to me, is like sleep -- if I don't get enough, I don't feel good physically or emotionally. I have been active my whole life. I spent most of my teen years and 20s dancing, and now I hike, do yoga, and take a great class called Cardio Barre (if you're ever in LA you should try it!). I try to work out at least four times per week. Six would be my perfect scenario, but between working and being a mom it is often difficult to find the time. After watching the segment on Rachael's show about how it's really possible to exercise anywhere, I was fascinated by the idea of being able to sneak in a workout wherever and whenever you can grab a free moment. While I get that some exercise is better than none, I have a hard time getting motivated on my own. I especially love classes where someone else is leading me through a routine and there are other people going through it with me. More and more of my friends are using workout videos (like Jillian Michaels and P90X), and I have so much respect for them because I'm not sure I could get motivated at home in front of the TV. But as I get busier with work and want to spend more time with my family, I am starting to consider some kind of home work-out, so time will tell if I can make it happen.

- Jen

How do you squeeze in a workout when you're a busy mom? Talk to other moms here!

Check out design expert Libby Langdon's cool ways to breathe new life into old dollhouses, Slinkies, Twister mats and even Jack-in-the-Boxes! Plus, get a few extra toy tips from her in this exclusive backstage video!

Ask Libby your design questions here!

Moms: What Makes You Feel Sexy?

July 6, 2010

Coming up on the show today is an "Intimates Intervention" for women whose bras and panties are incredibly unflattering or just don't fit. The topic got me thinking: Now that I have children, what makes me feel sexy? Usually, if I want to feel more attractive, my "go-to" tools are getting a hair blow-out, wearing hoop earrings (silly, I know), and listening to one of my favorite songs like “More More More” (the original track for the Sex and the City series). Lingerie just hasn’t been my thing -- for as little sex as my husband and I have now that we have kids, I think being naked with the lights off works just fine! But maybe the sexy lingerie wouldn’t be for my husband; instead, it could be like “clothing foreplay” to make me feel sexy. So I figured I’d give it a try, especially since I literally have two bras (one black and one nude) and two dozen undies that are old and all exactly the same. I went to {Intimacy} bra fit specialists in NYC, and I have to tell you that what I found out was shocking! First, I learned that I wasn't wearing the right size bra. (I am 43 years old, so I’ve been wearing a bra for decades now – how could that be?) Then, when the saleswoman gave me a beautiful black lace bra and matching panties, I experienced how sexy lingerie can transform the way you feel. I left there with some serious pep in my step, and even though I made the effort for myself, let’s just say that my husband didn’t seem to mind it one bit …

- Barb

Quite frankly, I have never been one for sexy lingerie, but I do not do granny panties either! And, if anything is ripped or stretched out, it goes in the trash. The one and only time that I bought sexy lingerie was for my first wedding anniversary. We went to Yosemite, had hiked all day and were making dinner in our cabin. I excused myself and came out in a beautiful aqua lacey get-up, which I actually forgot about until this past weekend – 9 years later! Apparently my husband remembered that night and my lingerie because we were just driving past a sign that said how many miles it was to get to Yosemite, and he said, “Remember when you came out in that sexy outfit?! Wow! That was so sexy!" I really didn’t think that men cared about sexy lingerie – I mean, in the best-case scenario it’s not on for very long, right? But maybe it's time to go get some sexy panties again ... especially since our 10-year anniversary is right around the corner!

- Jen

Did you stop buying sexy lingerie once you became a mom? Talk to other moms here!

Kyan Douglas reveals the Internet's top 5 most-searched celebrity hairstyles, and shares the famous look he once tried to achieve in this exclusive backstage video!

Do You Kiss Your Kids on the Lips?

May 13, 2010

I honestly can't believe this would be a question. Of course I kiss my kids on the lips! It is one of the sweetest, most tender things to do in the world. What is wrong with a sweet kiss for your kids? I'm not slipping them the tongue or anything for Pete's sake. Why does everything have to be thought of as sexual or just plain over thought? I'm curious to see if other mothers out there have a different opinion. I truly believe that anyone who doesn't kiss their kids on the lips is missing out on a beautiful, loving experience.

- Jen

The other day my daughter asked, "Why don't you kiss me on the lips?" I explained to her that I only kiss Daddy on the lips. She then asked, "Why does Christie's mom kiss her on the lips?" Of course, I then had to use the old, "Well every family does things differently!" But now she is obsessed with kissing me on the lips - forget it, I am not doing that! So I am curious what you guys think about kissing your kids on the lips and at what age you think it becomes inappropriate?

- Barb

Want to join this conversation? Start talking to other moms here!

Moms, you'll want to check out Tuesday's show for Gretta's fashion tips to make your teen look and feel like a prom queen this year! In the meantime, she's sharing an embarrassing story from her prom, and you can share your embarrassing prom memories here!

Ask Gretta your fashion and beauty questions!

Wow, so much has happened since we spoke last! First of all ...well ... I had a BABY! Little Vivienne was born on Nov. 19 and she is truly an angel on earth! Her big twin sisters Pilar and Sophie love her, too and we are all settling in nicely in our new expanded family! (Daddy is the KING, naturally!) Of course, I am still working ... so happy with my makeup brushes in hand as Rachael and I hit the road for more surprise makeovers, like the one I did for unsuspecting women at a highway rest stop! (I've also had some amazing anniversary shows on QVC - 5 years, can you believe it!) Every day is a blessing! Thank YOU for always being there to share in this excitement and I promise you, there is more where that came from! Happy Mother's Day everyone!

LOVE LOVE LOVE,
Mally

Ask Mally your beauty questions!

Gretta may be Rachael's beauty and fashion buddy, but even she has had her share of style mishaps over the years! Plus, she reveals how Hollywood's biggest stars have enhanced their looks without surgery over the years.

Ask Gretta your fashion and beauty questions!

Gretta waves an enthusiastic buh-bye to some of her least favorite trends of 2009, and shows you what to look for in 2010 fashion, including some looks you may have already caught on the red carpets this year!

Ask Gretta your fashion and beauty questions!

Do you have a piece of clothing that's been stuck in the back of your closet for years (maybe with the price tag still on it!) because you just can't figure out how to wear it? From blazers and bulky sweaters to short skirts, click here to see how you can breathe life back into those forgotten items! Plus, get more of my tips here in my latest video blog!

Ask Gretta your fashion and beauty questions!

Hey guys, it's Libby! I can't wait for you to tune in on Monday, 5/31 when I'm back on the show to perform my tiniest home makeover ever! I'll show you how you can use every available inch of space, even if you've got as little as 100 square feet! In the meantime, I'll give you a few ideas for how you can make any small space look and feel larger:

1. Hang your drapes high. Where does it say in the "drapery rule book" that we are only allowed to hang drapes from the top of the window frame? I'm giving you permission to take them all the way up! By hanging your drapes from where the ceiling meets the wall, you draw the eye upward and visually make the ceiling seem higher and the room feel larger.

2. Hang groups of photos on a wall over a bold paint color. Larger artwork works well in small spaces, but if you don't have large pieces you can hang multiple framed items in a grouping to add depth and dimension to your space. Don't be afraid of using a bold color on a wall; it will add pizzazz and visual interest as well as personality! Then, you can be sure the bold color doesn't overwhelm your small space by breaking it up with pictures and showing punches of color in between the frames.

3. Replace small lamps with tall lamps. I never understand why people with small spaces often have small lamps (and sometimes only one or two of them). Somehow, they think in a small space everything needs to be on a small scale, but actually accessories like lamps and artwork should be large. Not only will tall lamps add scale and height to a room, but they also give off more light, which is important for highlighting dark areas that would otherwise seem like the square footage isn't even there at all.

4. Choose glass top tables over solid wood. Be sure to mix in a few glass top tables in your small space as they will keep it feeling much more airy and open than if you have all wood or solid pieces. End tables, dining tables and coffee tables are great candidates to have glass tops to make them feel less clunky or bulky in a small area.

5. Use furniture with legs. In a small space, furniture with legs are a better choice because they allow light to pass through, whereas pieces that are solid down to the floor can feel a little bottom heavy. For example, your room will look larger if your sofa or chair has legs rather than a skirt to the floor, and a buffet or chest of drawers that sits on the ground will make your room look smaller than if they stood on legs.

Thanks for reading my blog! Don't miss Monday's show, and enter here for your chance to win a copy of my book, Small Space Solutions: Secrets for Making Any Room Look Elegant and Feel Spacious on Any Budget.

Ask Libby your questions!

Super Bowl Sunday is almost here! I am not a big Saints or Colts fan, but I do love any championship game. I like to think about how each player has dreamed their whole life that they would one day play for the championship ring. They've suffered through aches, pain and heartache for a game they love, and to finally play it at the highest level is amazing. (I'm also interested to see if all the Kardashians will be there cheering Reggie Bush on!) My husband and I love to have people over to watch the game. However, I feel like there is an unwritten, unspoken law that the husbands do not need to prepare or act like a host. Their one and only duty on this day is to eat whatever is put in front of them and scream at the TV. But I want to be eating and screaming with them, too! How is it that I am the one in the kitchen preparing, serving and cleaning?! No husband bashing here, but what about us girls? I know one thing for sure though: I will be blasting The Who at halftime and singing at the top of my lungs! Pinball Wizard, here I come. Do any other women feel like they get slighted for being female during the Super Bowl?

- Jen

Has Super Bowl frenzy started in your home? (Thanks, Rachael, for all your great party recipes and we loved the Super Bowl Recipe Playoff!) In my house we have started the countdown to the weekend that my husband seems to think he "owns." I am wondering if anyone else experiences Super Bowl weekend the way we do, and I have a couple of questions for you all. When my husband's friends come over to watch the Big Game and I walk in the room to participate, why can you all of a sudden hear a pin drop? All that fun they were having - screaming, yelling, jumping up and down off the couch - abruptly comes to an end! I feel like they are kids and I am their mom, the "grim reaper" if you will. My husband says he wants me to know about the "game" and participate but what I really think he wants, is for me to waitress and babysit! This year, once again, I will let him have his day. But I am curious if any moms get to actually sit down and join their husband's Super Bowl party as a friend?

- Barb

What's Super Bowl Sunday like in your home? Start talking here!

Hello all - Ashley Falcon here! I'm a fashion stylist who writes a column for Marie Claire magazine called "Big Girl in a Skinny World." Perhaps you've read it, and hopefully you caught my last appearance on Rachael's show about plus-size fashions. I heard from hundreds of you with feedback and questions, so Rachael is bringing me back again to offer more tips for the curvy woman in search of her inner fashionista.

Trust me, I know how frustrating it can be to dress a bigger body. I outfit super-slim models for a living and never once had trouble fitting their dainty little physiques. Me? Well, that's another matter entirely. I've been everything from a size 12 to a size 20 and every size in between. (I'm currently an 18, give or take.) Finding clothes that fit and flatter is a epic challenge. But I've watched and learned, and all my know-how is a result of trial and error.

My philosophy is simple: Even plus-size women can enjoy a fun, fresh and trendy wardrobe. For years, we've been relegated to the back of the racks. But style knows no size, ladies! With the right pieces and a fair amount of persistence (try on everything!), you too can build a wardrobe that is the envy of all your friends, even the size zeros.

Tune in Monday when I answer viewers' biggest plus-size questions ... and my style advice ends with a surprise proposal! I'll be back online to answer any questions you've got (you can start asking here), and would also love to hear about your can't-live-without item that I should know about! Be sure to check me out in Marie Claire too. I look forward to chatting with you soon!

- Ashley Falcon

Most of my friends are determined to lose weight, get in shape or be healthier (stop smoking, drink less, and eat right). My New Year's resolution is to smile more - not be so serious and find the sense of humor that seems to have been lost ever since I became a parent. I used to smile all the time, was always happy, care free, and the life of the party! Then I got married and had kids. It seems that life got so serious for me and I turned into a responsible, boring adult. Everything is about getting things done, meeting schedules, and teaching lessons (to both my kids and husband). Rachael just had a guest on the show who said something so simple: Smiling more can actually help make you happier. So, 2010 is going to be all about fun, laughter and SMILING for me. After all, even in a recession those things are free.

- Barb

I personally feel that New Year's resolutions are like expecting our husbands to start helping more: futile and just setting us up for disappointment. Having said that, I just can't help having a few. Here they are:

- To actually follow through with the empty threats that I now give my kids. I have to figure out a way that No means No. Right now it actually means: no in this moment, but if you cry, scream or keep whining, I will be so beaten down, I will say yes.

- To finally accept that no matter how much I want my husband to be involved in helping out around the house or maybe having a clue what the kids' schedules are, that he is deficient and truly unable. If I could do this, I may actually like him again.

- To learn how to say what people want to hear, not what I truly feel. You may think the way I do it is best and honest, but trust me, people don't want to know what you really feel.

What's your New Year's resolution? Talk about it here.

I've always been the girl who was curious about fashion and beauty, tries everything, discovers something amazing, and then of course can't keep my mouth shut about whatever I've found. So that's basically what I do now - I'm a style scout! I get the scoop on the latest products, try 'em out, and then I get to tell people like you about my must-have picks and when you really shouldn't waste your money. There is so much innovation in fashion and beauty that it can be overwhelming. It's my job to weed through it all until I find my favorites that are worthy of real estate in your closet or your makeup bag. I try to find products that are not only reasonably priced and useful, but will also simplify your life and make getting dressed in the morning easier! Hopefully you already saw my 10 Must-Haves for 2010, and tune in tomorrow for my Best of the Basics" - from white T's and panties to ballet slipper flats and leggings, I'll share my favorite finds and you can even enter to win 'em!

Talk to you soon!
- Jenn

You've seen Carter teach Rachael basic home repairs, make handyman house calls, and transform a soup kitchen to help feed a whole town! So how did Rachael's DIY buddy learn to be such an expert handyman? Get to know him backstage, and tune in Friday when he visits a sorority to demonstrate home repairs every woman should know!

Hi! It's me, Lisa Lillien, also known as "Hungry Girl." You've seen me on the show with my tricks for cutting calories, a supermarket ambush a breakroom bust and more! I love helping people think about ways to lighten up their food choices without having them feel bored or deprived of anything. I'm coming back tomorrow to reveal "food fakers" - you won't believe which foods and drinks you think are healthy that might actually be sabotaging your diet! Tune in Thursday because you'll be surprised by the diet killers I'm exposing, and then I have great alternatives for you to try.

I absolutely LOVE working with Rachael because not only is she so cool and fun, she's also super-gracious and warm to all of her guests. I feel like the segments we do together are just like two pals yapping about guilt-free delicious food at home. And I think the stuff we talk about is truly eye-opening and the recipes we make together are fun and EASY. The entire RR show staff has also been amazing -- they're the nicest humans on the planet. But I have a little confession: Even though I'm all about no-guilt foods, I am (not-so-secretly) DYING to try one of stage manager Veda's Red Velvet Cupcakes. Hey, I'm only human. ;)

OK, I'm off for now, but I'll be back soon with more soon... 'Til then, STAY HUNGRY!
- Hungry Girl

Gretta shares some of her favorite holiday memories, including one of the best gifts she ever received. Plus, find out what's on her wish list this year, and tune in Thursday, 12/17 when she shows off holiday fashions that work on any figure!

Ask Gretta your questions!

Hello! I'm very excited for you guys to see another amazing laundry room makeover coming up Wednesday, 12/16 - and you'll even be able to enter for a chance to win a Kenmore washer and dryer along with a year's supply of Bounce Dryer Bars to spruce up your laundry room! In the meantime, I wanted to give you some more insider design tips on cool and inexpensive ways you can organize any small space, from a laundry room to a home office.

1. Put your walls to work. In any small space it is important to think vertically and get things up on your walls. In Wednesday's makeover, you'll see how shelving on walls can create great storage space. It can even go all the way up to the ceiling to give you plenty of room and make your space look larger by drawing your eye upward. Plus, shelving doesn't have to be expensive and custom - you can buy pre-made shelving units and stack them on top of each other, as long as you secure them to the wall. You'll be shocked by how much space you'll gain! Check out this photo of some floating shelving I mounted on an apartment wall because they didn't have the cash for a big wall unit!

2. Use Color. Just because you are working with a small room doesn't mean it has to be bland and boring! Have some fun with wall color or incorporate a rug with a neat pattern or color; it will add personality to the space and it will feel like it's got more of a design rather than feeling like it's just a forgotten room. So often people are worried that a bold color will make the room look small but you can counteract that by making sure you break up the wall with artwork or mirrors. IN the case of a laundry room, you can use shelving that holds storage baskets and bins as well as the washer and dryer to break up the rich color on the walls.

3. Think outside the box. Kitchen cabinets aren't just for the kitchen! If you have a tiny laundry room or any other small room and you need a lot of storage, consider using some inexpensive pre-made kitchen cabinets (you won't need a lot of them because the room is small; this keeps the cost down). I used them in this other laundry room seen in the photo, but they also work great in a mudroom, playroom, garage or home office. It's a great way to use your walls for hidden storage!

Ask Libby your questions!

Hey there! In case you missed the amazing dorm room makeover I did for my stepdaughter Meghan and her roommate Alex, you have another chance to check it out on Tuesday 12/8! It was such a fun day to shoot and so exciting to be there moving them in for their freshman year at the Ohio State University. I wanted to give you a few quick tips that we didn't feature on the show but were cool things that you can do to any small space, whether you're in a dorm room, a rental apartment (with an uptight landlord who won't let you alter the space in any way) or a house and you don't want to spend a lot of cash!

Try wrapping paper rather than paint. When you cannot paint your walls but you still want to add some color, look to wrapping paper! I wrapped some leftover picture mattes (or you could use cardboard cutouts) in wrapping paper, then I used them to frame black and white pictures. Since there was no frame or glass, they were super lightweight so we could attach them to the walls with adhesive strips designed for cement walls. What a color punch they added to the room!

Look at ordinary items for extraordinary storage. I mounted some good old-fashioned chicken wire to the side of a shelving unit with some adhesive hooks (wrap the rough pointy edges in black duct tape) and it was the perfect place to store earrings, jewelry or baseball hats with clothespins. This also works well on a wall next to a desk because you can use binder clips to attach note cards, receipts, tickets and general lifestuff into the skinny silver rungs of the chicken wire. Great organization shouldn't cost a fortune!

Turn a twin bed to cool sofa. A great way to make a plain old twin bed look like a sofa is to use 4 king size pillows - just put two side by side against the back side of the mattress against the wall and then place one at either end of the mattress perpendicular to the other two pillows. It will be a cool and comfy area to sit and hang out and it will look like a lounge-y spot rather than your bed!

Ask Libby your questions!

Being a part of Rachael's Thanksgiving on Main Street show in Wilmington, Ohio was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I grew up just a short 45-minute drive from Wilmington and spent a lot of time there as a kid because my dad used to take my brother and me fishing near there. Wilmington is like a storybook town with a quaint main street, old style movie theater, and mom and pop storefronts through the center of town. But the recent misfortune that has plagued the town is definitely not out of a storybook. When the biggest employer had to close their operations, thousands of people lost their jobs at DHL simultaneously. New jobs were few and far between, and the town was sent into a tailspin as families struggled to put food on the table. I was heartbroken to hear about the community going through such a rough time, especially since I know the area well, so I jumped at the opportunity when Rachael asked me to join her team's trip to create a Thanksgiving celebration they'd never forget.

First I went to the Sugartree Ministry Food Bank, where the demand for food had grown so much in the last year that they simply couldn't keep up with it. I got to meet a lot of the folks who just recently started coming in. They are good, kind hardworking people who needed groceries and a hot meal when they were dealt a bad hand. It was awesome to leave that day knowing that Rachael's team was about to pull off the most amazing surprise ... and a week later I couldn't believe it. The transformation was unbelievable! Not only did Carter Oosterhouse renovate the facility with a whole new layout and appliances, but Sara Lee also pledged to keep the facility stocked for the next year with food! It was incredibly moving to see the soup kitchen's staff brought to tears with gratitude. They had dedicated their lives to helping others, and were so thankful that someone had reached out to help them when they needed it most. It was an exciting day - I never would have believed it could get better from there, but it did.

The following Sunday, Rachael and her team created a Thanksgiving meal in town for over 2,000 people who might otherwise have never gotten to enjoy one. The buzz leading up to it was awesome. I even got the local glee club, the Wilmingtones, to come down and entertain everyone as they ate. As the meal was winding down, there was an even bigger surprise in store for everyone: The Fray took the stage and sang a set for the crowd! I can't say enough about how proud I was to be a part of the whole experience. The people of Wilmington are truly a family, leaning on one another through an incredibly hard time, and staying strong together. It was an honor to be there along with Rachael and her team. It truly reaffirmed my faith in people and in the power of giving.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Nick Lachey

Ask Nick your questions!

It's so obvious to me that Rachael truly wants people to have a better life and she's using her talents and can-do attitude to help. I step in when it comes to money. I'm an entrepreneur at heart; it's the blood that runs through my veins. Both my parents are teachers, so education is also in my blood, which is why I love coming by Rachael's show to help people with everything from using coupons to teaching kids how to save money.

I try to give tips that are easy to implement and can really make a difference in your life. Times are tough right now because our economy has been rocked. Anyone who is living the same way they did a year ago is probably doing something wrong. Frugal is fashionable and you can save so much money with so little work. We all have the ability to change our money habits; making the decision to is the hardest part. So I challenge you to make that decision now, and then tune in on Friday, November 27 when I'll be coming by the show to talk about how to start the New Year with your best financial foot forward.

Howdy, I'm Libby - thanks for checking out my blog! I love being an interior designer, and there's nothing better than being able to share my tips and decor ideas with you all so I'm super excited to be one of Rachael's buddies. The first thing everyone asks me when they find out I work with Rachael is, "Is she really as nice as she seems on TV?" The answer is YES! She rocks and I've loved getting to know her and her awesome crew at the show.

I live in New York, where we tape, but I'm lucky enough to do design jobs all over the country. I've designed homes, restaurants, a clothing store, a golf shop and even a small stone cottage on a vineyard in Italy! Small space design, like what I do on HGTV's Small Space Big Style, is a specialty of mine and I've written my first book, Libby Langdon's Small Space Solutions. I try to help people think outside the box even if they are living in one! There are so many innovative, inexpensive and easy ways to create a beautiful home that looks and feels larger, is functional, fabulous, and somewhere you'll love to spend time. I'm going to keep you updated on cool trends, hot looks and cozy ideas for your spaces so keep checking back here to find out what's coming up on the show. I'll be the first to tell you right now that on Monday 11/16 I'll be showing you how to make your holiday table look fabulous without spending a fortune so don't miss that.

Glad to meet you, and stay tuned for more ...

Ask Libby your questions!

From her affinity for 80s music to her love of cream cheese & olive sandwiches, find out a few things you don't know about Rachael's beauty buddy Gretta!

Ask Gretta your questions!

There's truly nothing like being pregnant and certainly nothing like experiencing the birth of your baby -- it is absolutely the most life-changing experience that any woman can go through. I know first-hand because I have beautiful twins who are almost 3, Pilar and Sophie, and am now in my eighth month of pregnancy with my third girl! I am so excited about the 'New Mom Makeovers' airing 11/5 because I feel strongly about new moms needing a little bit of pampering ' especially in the maternity ward, which is where I'm headed! When you become a mommy, all of a sudden your perspective changes; those little things that seemed to matter so much instantly seem so silly. It's like you never knew your heart could feel so much love. In my case, I have never been more in love with my husband, watching him as he lovingly cares for his daughters. But none of us has to be so selfless that we forget to take a second or two for ourselves. It will make you a better woman and a better Mommy! So why not start in the maternity ward?

Love Love Love,

Mally

Hey everyone! Maybe you've seen me on the show sharing style tips for guys who weren't sure if they could pull off the latest trends, giving a whole new look to a woman whose hair had not been cut in decades, or going head to head with Gretta with our best beauty secrets in Rachael's Ultimate Tip-Off! Being one of Rachael's style buddies is so much fun and there's much more ahead, but first I wanted to tell you a bit more about myself and why I love what I do.

My training includes skin care, hair care, massage and yoga specialties, but I never planned to be on TV. I was working for a hair salon in New York City when one of our clients called me up and said, 'My friend is casting this show called Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and they need a guy who knows about grooming. Get me your resume and your headshot and I'll pass it along.' I thought, 'I don't have a headshot - I'm a hairdresser!' So I literally sent a Polaroid and wrote out a brief outline of my training, and went in for an audition without any idea of what to expect. After three auditions, they hired me!

For me, helping people update their look is about so much more than just the makeover. I really think that beauty is a vehicle through which people can become more of who they are. Something as simple as a makeover can help you change things on the inside; that for me is the power of beauty! That is my passion, and it's one Rachael is letting me share with you by being on the show! Along the way, I'm also going to offer up insider tips, so when you go for that next haircut you'll know the language that hairdressers speak and will be able to get much better results. For starters, check out my segment on the most versatile haircut with a look you can wear five ways and I've got more tips backstage for you right here! Who do you want to become today?

xo Ky

Ask Kyan your questions!

Hi everybody! You may remember me best from my days performing with the boy band 98 Degrees, and since then life has been full of surprises including a solo career and a really cool new reverse auction website I've founded called Winnit.com. Most recently, I've been putting the finishing touches on my next album "Coming Up For Air" and will be hanging with Rachael on her show as often as she'll have me! Rachael is spunky and has a great spirit - it's just the kind of energy I love to be around. There may be things that can get you down every now and then, but we can all laugh and enjoy life for at least an hour out of the day! I have lots of adventures coming up and promise to share them with you ... I'm up for anything as long as I get to be myself and have fun with you guys. So check back here for updates and backstage videos, including this one where I'm transformed into the king of rock 'n roll for Halloween!

Ask Nick your questions!

Hey y'all! I'm sooo excited to be blogging here! I'll be giving you a preview of upcoming show segments, answering your questions, sharing beauty tips, and basically doing anything I can to teach and inspire you because you deserve it, My Loves!! In case you don't know me, I first wanted to give you a little info about who I am and where I come from. I am a celebrity makeup artist, mom to twin girls (with a third girl on the way), and I run an amazing beauty biz (more about that another time). But that wasn't always my path. I was originally following in my parents' footsteps by studying to be a doctor, until I felt compelled to pursue my creative side. My passion led me to eventually spend more than 15 years touring the globe and doing makeup for some of the most gorgeous and talented women in the world (Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez).

I feel so lucky that Rachael has given me the opportunity to touch all of you by being on her show. (You can check out all of my tips and makeovers here!) Like you, I adore Rachael and the way she approaches life. I feel a strong connection to her and feel so blessed that she has become my friend! It's been an amazing, fulfilling and emotional journey because I really believe that beauty is not superficial. How we look on the outside can truly reflect how we're feeling on the inside. We have done so many awesome segments together already that I hope have shown that you deserve only the best for yourself!

Ask Mally your questions!