BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Samantha:  Seeing your own child’s personality being shaped every day gave me the drive to put aside my own emotional needs for those of my children. I want them to have the best childhood possible and that often means not indulging in a bad mood and going with the flow to create a great environment for them.

BCM- What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?

Samantha:   Probably watching my two young daughters become friends. Their relationship grows every day and it is an amazing thing to witness.

BCM- What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Samantha: The lack of every day time alone with my husband. I really miss that. Now even when we aren’t with our kids, we are usually talking about them!  Also, the guilt that comes along with being a working mom. I find every day a bit excruciating in terms of having to make constant choices with my time. Just today, my baby was clinging to me when I was leaving for work. It tortures me but at the same time I know that I am a happier person when I feel more fulfilled and my work does that for me. I love what I do.

BCM - What inspired your newest book - The Experts' Guide to Doing Things Faster?

Samantha:  We are all more time starved than ever. Especially as busy moms. So I set out to create the Cliffs Notes to doing things faster. I approached 100 experts to write chapters on everything from cooking a meal to getting through airport security and finding a lost child in a crowd. Everyone from Richard Branson to Laura Mercier contributed chapters. The results have been amazing. I have definitely changed things I do every day as a result of reading the advice in the book

BCM – Can you name a couple of things you picked up from the experts?

Samantha: Well, I love the advice on finding a parking spot faster – they encourage using our ears along with our eyes so I now look for spots with my windows down. I also love the chapter on discussing a difficult issue with your spouse. The other night my husband and I settled an argument with the book in hand. No joke!

BCM - How do you manage your work/life balance? Any advice for moms?

Samantha:   I think having a husband that is a true partner and supports your career is more than half the battle. If I have a TV shoot my husband will change his schedule to pick up our daughter from school during the day. I am also a big believer in planning ahead. Having a set schedule makes everything better for the whole family. So I now spend the mornings with my kids and I work in the afternoons.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?   What do you do for fun?

Samantha:   The weekdays are booked with school, classes and play dates so the weekends are our free time. It is funny. We used to plan every part of the weekends and lately the four of us have had so much fun just spending time at home. My older daughter loves to bake so that is something we now do together regularly.

BCM- What are your favorite Mom Essentials and why?

Samantha: My pediatrician – Barbara Landreth! As for products…I love Babiestravellite.com for sending all of my baby needs to our travel destinations ahead of time.

I swear by Born Free bottles and Seventh Generation wipes. And I love Jaio – the hand sanitizer with essential oils.

BCM- If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Samantha:  Take care of yourself as well as your child.

BCM - Do you have a motto you would like to share with other moms?

Samantha:  Happy moms make happy kids.

BCM - Which BCM event was your favorite? 

Samantha:  I am a big Rockin with Andy fan so maybe those. And I have fond memories of attending an expectant mom’s dinner when I was  pregnant.