BritneySpears-related stories
Sleepovers, Sonogram Cufflinks and More - Links We Love
Not sure what to get that dad-to-be for Father's Day? How about a set of custom sonogram cufflinks? -- Boing Boing
They come by it naturally: Britney Spear's boys groove backstage while on tour with their mom. -- PopEater
Tired of arguing over who's getting up with baby night after night? LilSugar has some inventive methods for deciding whose turn it really is.
What are your rules for sleepovers? Do you have an age limit? Do you let your kids sleepover with families you don't know very well? And what about co-ed sleepover? Momversation talks it out.
Neanderdad uses humor to describe how he feels when his wife gets everything "right," and he always get it "wrong." A great discussion starter on how moms and dads tackle parenting in different ways. -- Motherlode
Now this is cute: This little cutie pie -- not even two -- is American Idol alum Adam Lambert's biggest fan. -- MomLogic
Graduating from community college -- pretty common. Graduating from community college -- with honors -- when you're only eleven years old? That's something to talk about. -- Strollerderby
It's sandal weather, but your budget won't allow for a pedicure. No worries -- here are some tips for DIY beautiful toes and feet. -- Work It, Mom!
Britney Spears Gets Parenting Advice From Madonna
Britney gets parenting advice -- from Madge? Photo from Getty Images.
Spears, whose exploits landed her on countless tabloid covers, is traveling with Sean Preston, 3, and Jayden James, 2, on the U.S. leg of her latest tour, "Circus." According to some reports, former arch enemy and ex-husband Kevin Federline also turns up from time to time. Spears' sister, new teen mom Jamie Lynn, says Spears and Federline have mended fences and that they are "best friends."
Spears told "Hello!" magazine that "It's all about history. What we as mothers are doing is creating history with our kids that we can look back on." She adds: "When they're adults I want my kids to say 'Mum worked so hard, but she was always there for us'."
Hmm, let's see-parenting advice from a woman you once made out with on national television? Oh, and that woman recently showed up on a few tabloids herself, for alleged infidelity that allegedly busted up not one, but two marriages? Maybe not who I'd turn to when looking for tips on child rearing. That said, you almost never see Madonna's kids in "The National Inquirer," so maybe old Madge is on to something.
It's awfully easy to judge Britney Spears, because we all need someone to point to as "the worst." When she's out all night, partying without her panties on, our little meltdown over marker on the walls seems minor in comparison. I do believe that we tend to forget just how young she really is, and just how much her sons need her. I might be in the minority, but I'm pulling for Britney. It takes a village, y'all.
Kevin Federline Launches Kid Clothing Line
Celeb parenting, Weird but true
According to Women's Wear Daily, K-Fed was in Las Vegas to check out the Project trade show "in the interest of research...looking around at the styles...hoping to be inspired by what he saw."
Celeb Fashion Lines
These days, no self respecting celebrity can hold her (or his) head up in Hollywood without a clothing, shoe, handbag, or home furnishings line to call their own. But are these stars really qualified to add designer to their resume? StyleList puts them to the test. First up...
Celeb:Taylor Swift
Fashion Line: L.E.I. Sundresses by Taylor Swift
Qualifications:The young country singer is releasing a line of frocks this February that her die-hard fans will love and moms can afford. We're sure Swift's brand will expand into denim.
Charley Gallay, Getty Images
Celeb: Dita Von Teese
Fashion Line: Science of Sexy for Wonderbra
Qualifications: This burlesque bombshell spends most of her time in scanty skivvies, so we're absolutely confident she is capable of creating amazing lingerie! Of her '40s and '50s-inspired line Von Teese says "Underwear isn't just something that you put on for your lover -- you wear it for you."
Mike Marsland, WireImage
Celeb: Lauren Bush
Fashion Line:Lauren Pierce (hits stores in Spring 2009)
Qualifications: An alum of both Parsons New School for Design in NYC and Central Saint Martins College in London, first niece and former model Lauren Bush definitely has a solid design foundation. Add to that an internship at Zac Posen, a boyfriend with a designer dad (her main squeeze is Ralph Lauren's son) and the success of the popular FEED bags she designed to benefit the U.N.'s World Food Program, and it looks like Ms. Bush has the chops to make her ready-to-wear sustainable fabrics line a hit.
Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images
Celeb: Eva Mendes
Fashion Line: Vida for Macy's
Qualifications: Calvin Klein's latest controversial ad campaigns features a naked Eva Mendes rolling around on a bed, so perhaps her new venture isn't really all that surprising. The actress and her boyfriend, film producer George Augusto, are launching a collection of sheets and comforters. While neither has any design background, we're betting the betting the lovebirds know how to make a cozy nest.
AFP/Getty Images
Celeb: Mischa Barton
Fashion Line: Mischa Barton for Stacey Lapidus
Qualifications:The former O.C. star gets more ink these days for her hair accessories than her acting jobs so maybe this is a brilliant career move: She's coming out with a line of headbands made from a wide array of materials including silk, feathers and crystals, ranging in price from $40-$200.
Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images
Celeb: Janet Jackson
Fashion Line:Pleasure Principle
Qualifications:Named after her 1987 hit, the fancy pants (and matching bras) will all retail for under $40. "There's something for every woman, and that's very important to us," Jackson says. "I've always hated when lingerie is uncomfortable, so the fit and comfort was key." Nothing nasty about that, Miss Jackson.
Arnold Turner, AP
Celeb: Lenny Kravtiz
Fashion Line: Inspired by Lenny, Worn by You at Kohls
Qualifications:Hmmm, we're not sure that even Lenny's biggest fans would be inspired to wear this denim, fringe and wings ensemble, but fortunately for those who do want to emulate the the rocker's style, his jeans and t-shirts line for Kohls is a bit more traditional.
Kevin Mazur, WireImage
Celeb: Tara Reid
Fashion Line: Manta
Qualifications:Sometimes an actress, always a party girl, and now a designer. According to Reid her little triangles of Lycra are more than simple poolside attire, "It's about putting into the universe what you want in life: Red means love, pink is friendship, green is lucky, black is protection. You're gonna have a story when you wear this bikini or when you put this dress on: You'll either get love or meet a new friend or you might meet a guy." Big promises from little bikinis!
Casey Rodgers, WireImage.com
Celeb: Katie Holmes
Fashion Line: Holmes/Yang for Giorgio Armani
Qualifications: Mrs. Tom Cruise created her own storm at the LA premiere of "Tropic Thunder," debuting the first piece from her collection with stylist pal Jeanne Yang. But given the dress's sleek lines and navy blue fabric two Giorgio Armani trademarks it's a good bet that Katie got more than a little help from her silver-haired mentor.
Wireimage.com
Celeb: La Lohan
Fashion Line: 6126 Leggings
Qualifications:Lindsay Lohan's collection owes its name to Marilyn Monroe born on 6/1/26 but it doesn't look like she captured what made the '50s bombshell so sexy. Does the modern American woman really need leopard print "ankle gloves"? Or glimmer leggings? Seems like La Lohan is channeling no one but...Lindsay.
Bauer-Griffin
The part that intrigues us, as parents, is the idea that Kev wants to make affordable designer children's wear.
Britney Says "No Kids, No Tour!"
Celeb kids, Life & style, Celeb parenting
Why the fuss? Britney is concerned about who will watch her kids while she is gone.
Britney, her father Jamie Spears, and Kevin Federline had made an amicable agreement that would allow the kids to travel with their mother. In exchange for the privilege, Brit would allegedly pay Kevin $4,000 a week for each week she's on tour.
And although Britney would have homes across the country within commuting distance of her shows, when K-Fed's lawyers heard about the proposal, they flipped -- and refuse to say why. No final agreement has been made, but Britney posted this message on her website earlier today: "Both Sean Preston and Jayden James will, in fact, be joining Britney throughout the duration of her tour." We'll have to wait and see.
But one thing is sure. Britney is finally making an effort to be in her boys' lives, to be a mom.
But Britney isn't like you or me. Sure, lots of mothers travel for work, close to half of all business travelers, according to the Travel Industry Association. But the vast majority cannot and do not bring their kids. In fact, they relish the peace and quiet of time away from the nitty-gritty of domestic life. That is exactly the one thing Britney doesn't have. Maybe, just maybe, she wants to create a home life on the road.
Even if she totes the boys right along with her, backstage and all, how much time could she really have with them? And given the nature of her concerts, would it be more appropriate and less selfish for Brit to leave them home?
Britney Spears Seeks to End "Amy" Controversy
Behaving badly, That's entertainment
"If U Seek Amy," Britney' Spears's new single, is about to be released. Catchy little tune -- and if you say the title fast enough, it sounds just like she's saying F--- me. This, of course, could present a problem for radio stations that want to air the song but still have to abide by FCC guidelines. What to do?
Rather than be dropped by U.S. radio stations (ka-ching), Britney has decided to drop the "k" from "Seek." Now, the chorus goes: But all of the boys and all of the girls are beggin' to If You See Amy."
"It's a potential issue for every station," said John Ivey, program director for Los Angeles' KIIS-FM. "I'm certain that I would run it by my legal department first. My first job is to protect [the station's] license. ... It's better to be safe than sorry."
Britney, you are finally growing up and taking the youth of America as seriously as you take your own boys. Back in December we wrote about that Rolling Stone where she confided, "They're starting to learn words like 'stupid,' and Preston says the f-word now sometimes. He must get it from his daddy. I say it, but not around my kids."
As to whether or not I would let my kids listen to it, probably not. But only because I don't care for Britney's music. What's your take on all this?
Sex After Baby, Holiday Lights, and Gavin Rossdale - Links We Love
Sex after baby ... does it exist? If your answer is a sound no, then you might want to read this. -- Work it, Mom!Think you're married to Clark Griswald? You aren't alone. Check out the best and worst of holiday houses. -- Lemondrop
The economy has us all taking a long, hard look at our budgets. How has it affected your choice in childcare? -- AlphaMom
Babble talks to rocker dad Gavin Rossdale on life Gwen Stefani and kids Kingston and Zuma. -- Babble
Nicole Kidman shares her plans for Sunday's first Christmas. How did you celebrate your child's first holiday? -- Celebrity Baby Blog
Letting kids pee in public -- disgusting or an occasional necessary evil? -- LilSugar
Got a beauty buff on your shopping list this holiday season? Check out these eco-friendly stocking stuffers. -- MomFinds
What happens when your child's classroom is celebrating Christmas ... but you don't? One mother would like to see a little more Hanukkah in her daughter's preschool. -- MomLogic
Books make a great gift, especially for that hard-to-buy-for kid. Check out the best of 2008 booklist before you buy. -- OffSprung
Britney Spears claims her sons "didn't learn it from her." How do you feel about swearing in front of the kids? -- Mommy Track'd
P. A. K. S. A. (Parent Against Kids Seeking Amy)
In 1984, Madonna's "Like a Virgin" was banned from many a young girl's home, including my own. Even though none of my parochial school peers were quite sure what a virgin was (and if Jesus' mother was one, how could it be so bad?!) we got the message loud and clear. Virgin was not a word a word to be carelessly bandied about and it was definitely NOT something to be sung about if you if were wearing stacks of cool plastic bracelets had and a lace headband tied in your bleached and permed hair.
Nearly a quarter century later, today's children have been exposed to Janet's Jackson's nipple piercing, seen the crotches of some of their favorite female celebrities, and heard words in movies, television, songs and on the sidewalks of American that never,ever used to be uttered in public.
Society's acceptance of coarse language has even affected Britney Spears. In her blitzkrieg of Not-Crazy-Anymore! interviews, the singer and mother of two shared some of the vocabulary issues she's been having with her young sons.
"They're starting to learn words like 'stupid,' and Preston says the f-word now sometimes," Spears confided to Rolling Stone. "He must get it from his daddy. I say it, but not around my kids."
If your immediate reaction was to think what sort of loser would talk like that in front of a three year old, your not alone. I mean, it's KEVIN FEDERLINE, for goodness sake, the dude who left his pregnant first girlfried for Britney. He's not exactly a shining example of fatherhood at its finest.
Only here's the thing: Britney's new album contains a catchy little song with lyrics that at first glance make no sense whatsoever. However, when you hear the song it's clear that the lyrics are actually spelling out that same word she's upset HER kid is using.
Love me hate me
Say what you want about me
But all of the boys and all of the girls are beggin' to If You Seek Amy
Love me hate me
But can't you see what I see
All of the boys and all of the girls are beggin' to If You Seek Amy
It's an interesting parenting approach, wrapping up the forbidden word in a catchy tune so other kids can join Preston in his f-bombage.
It also makes me nostalgic for those days when songs were about being like a virgin.
Britney Spears Bored With Her Structured Life
Celeb parenting, Behaving badly
Britney Spears has something to say about her new, more structured life. In typical Britney style, she's not holding anything back:"I think it's too in-control," she says in Britney: For the Record, a new documentary about her life. "If I wasn't under the restraints I'm under, I'd feel so liberated. When I tell them the way I feel, it's like they hear but they're not really listening."
"They," I can only assume are her parents and managers. Britney's dad, Jaime Spears, has had control of Britney's estate since her much-publicized meltdown. But far from being grateful for his hand in getting her career back on track and, maybe more importantly, her boys back in her life, Britney takes another shot:
"Even when you go to jail, y'know, there's the time when you're going to get out. But in this situation, it's never-ending. It's just like Groundhog Day' all over again."
Suri Cruise is "Powerful," Eating Worms and Hillary Clinton's New Gig - Links We Love
Suri Cruise can't even tie her own shoes, and she's already being called an influential person?! Forbes has put Suri at the top of their list of the World's Most Powerful Tot Under Age Five. -- MomLogic
Have you ever sedated an infant during air travel? We know a couple moms who have tried it. As for the rest of you, what do you think? -- Cookie
I have to admit, Secretary of State was not a position that came to mind when I envisioned Senator Clinton in an Obama administration. -- BlogHer
Try and answer this one from a 10-year-old about the economy: "But why can't we just fix it? Why can't the government just make more money if everyone needs it?" -- The Mommy Blog
Britney Spears calls her life since the breakdown worse than a jail sentence. (Tell that to Robert Downey, Jr.)
Pick up a worm. Bake a cake. Ride a bike through a puddle. There are 30 things to do before age 10. How many of your kids done? -- KOL
Alllllvin! Everyone's Favorite Chipmunk is Fifty. -- StrollerDerby
The price of food is on the rise, but that's no reason to avoid organic. With a little planning, flexibility and ingenuity, you can keep organics on your list. Here's how. -- Ecomii
Britney Spears' son rushed to hospital
Toddlers, Celeb kids, Celeb parenting
Britney Spears' son Jayden was rushed to the hospital on Sunday, after suffering an apparent allergic reaction. Britney and her sons are visiting family in Kentwood, Louisiana. At some point in the afternoon, he became "vague and unresponsive," certainly alarming behavior for an active two-year-old. He also developed hives.Britney called emergency services, who directed her to drive Jayden directly to the ER. A witness says the entire family went together. "They tore off so fast, it was incredible." The boy remains hospitalized so that doctors can keep an eye on him, but he's reportedly doing fine.
This was the first time Britney was allowed to take the boys out of state on her own since Kevin Federline was awarded custody. If she's doing anything but worrying right now (which isn't likely), she has to be thinking that even when she's not looking for trouble, it seems to find her.
Britney Spears' boys' birthday bash
Toddlers, Preschoolers, Celeb kids, Life & style, Birthdays
Driving around in customized, matching electric ride-on cars with personalized license plates, Preston (3) and Jayden (2) Spears celebrated their birthdays (September 14th and 12th, respectively) together along with their family. The boys' grandparents were there along with their aunt and newborn cousin Maddie Briann.Other celebrity guests included Jenny McCarthy's son Evan and Gwen Stefani's son Kingston. According to a source speaking with People magazine, "The boys received tons of birthday gifts. Britney and her family really made the party special for the boys." The cake was in the shape of a yellow truck to match the cars-and-trucks theme of the party.
You know? Those boys have been through a lot, what with their mum's issues and all; it seems to me they deserve a nice time for a change.
Harry Potter and Britney's mom dish about sex
Celeb kids, Life & style, Celeb parenting
In a week when teen sex is on everyone's mind come these two stories: Daniel Radcliffe (you know, Harry Potter) tells Details magazine that he lost his virginity at 16 to an older woman (the age difference, he says, "would freak some people out"), while Britney Spears' mother dishes on Britney's deflowering at 14, not by Justin Timberlake but by a hometown football stud.Well okay then.
The sex lives of celebrities -- even child celebrities -- are always fascinating, but here's what's so interesting about these two stories: while Radcliffe has only good things to say about his family ("I've got a great family. We're a very tight-knit group-we work very well as a team and as a tribe"), Britney's story of childhood lost is being marketed by her mother, Lynne, in a new book, one which appears to cash in on the fact that Spears and her siblings had little in the way of good parental guidance. According to the New York Daily News' Page Six, "Lynne Spears, 53, confesses her regret of losing control of Britney's career to handlers who promoted her as a sex object and put her in raunchy videos."
I suppose that what strikes me the most about these stories is not that Spears and Radcliffe both had sex young (after all, teens are curious and kids who work in show business are tossed into a very adult world) but that their stories are being told in such different ways. Radcliffe, who is never in the tabloids and is universally regarded as a good kid, gets to tell his own story of losing his virginity, while Britney's saga is being recounted by her mother, in an attempt to make Lynne Spears look like less of a horrible parent.
At the same time, though, I wonder if stories like these -- especially Radcliffe's, which has a kind of romantic nerdy-guy-gets-older-girl twist -- encourages kids to have sex young. You know, because Harry Potter did it and look where he is now. And Britney, well, she wouldn't be such a mess if it weren't for her mom.
What say you -- should we be hearing about the sex lives of teen stars? Or no thanks?
Britney Spears will open MTV's Video Music Awards
Celeb parenting, Behaving badly
Jezebel has breaking news that Britney Spears will open MTV's VMAs this year, twelve months after her performance at the 2007 VMAs left us all feeling a little... confused. She will not be performing, however, so exactly what her role will be remains to be seen.Britney has put in a lot of hard work over the last several months. She's slowly but steadily getting more time with her boys, she's back to work and back to working out, and she's not making headlines every day with erratic behavior that makes us shake our heads and mutter about "that poor girl."
Though fervent fans will be glad to see Britney back up on stage, I can't help but wonder if this is really in Britney's best interest. She seems to me to be in the middle of her recovery. Her dad still has control over her affairs and she doesn't yet have at least joint custody of the boys. Will a "comeback" boost her confidence and help her continue on this more positive path, or does it put her at risk for a relapse?
The mom in me wishes she'd just focus on making a nice, quiet, healthy life for herself and her boys for now, but maybe putting herself back out there is part of her recovery process. What do you think?
Britney Spears interview with OK magazine- sneak peek!
Divorce & custody, Celeb parenting, Rumors, In the news
It's been a long time since we've heard from Britney Spears. Just over a year ago, OK! magazine attempted to sit down with the pop star, but that interview and accompanying photo shoot were scrapped after Spear's erratic behavior (and non-housebroken dog) made it evident things were not going to proceed as planned.
What a difference a year makes! This time around, with her father at her side, a healthier Britney was able to sit down and finally have that talk with OK! magazine.
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline settle custody suit
Celeb parenting, Behaving badly
Britney's fans may be holding out hope for a career comeback, but she's been busy making a comeback of a different type. Last week, the custody case between Britney and ex-husband Kevin Federline was settled. While Kevin will retain primary physical custody, Britney will get visitation with the boys three days a week and two nights, or about 40% of the time. Kevin, on the other hand, will see a "slight" increase in child support payments. Anyone who watched Brit's breakdown a little less than a year ago will know that she's come a long way in her recovery process. Eight months ago, she lost custody of the boys and seemed unable to pull herself together to even fight for them, which, as a mom, was really frustrating and difficult to watch.
Britney's affairs are still under the control of her father, Jamie Spears, but she's slowly been making professional gains as well, with a cameo on How I Met Your Mother and work toward a new album. I think this is a major victory for her personally, and hopefully a sign that she's on her way to a more balanced and happy life.
