Frances Rivera Interview, Stylish Mom, PIX11 Anchor, & MILF Mom Is Looking Fabulous

When you see moms and moms-to-be looking amazing, doesn’t that inspire you to kick it up a notch? Whether it’s a celebrity, a woman on the street or one of my friends, these MILFs “Mom Is Looking Fabulous”(TM) should be put on a pedestal because it is not easy to carry and care for a child AND look the way they do. In an effort to inspire all of you ladies out there, I’m spotlighting some of my favorite MILFs.

First up, PIX11 Morning News Anchor Frances Rivera. Frances is a dear friend, a talented broadcaster and one stylish mama. She recently came back from maternity leave, after giving birth to her second child. If you live in NY/NJ, catch her weekdays 7-9am on channel 11.

Frances Rivera

Pamela Pekerman: My motto on pregnancy and motherhood is: never surrender! Never surrender you sexuality, style and sanity. How do you embody this motto in your life?  

Frances Rivera: Don't lose your true fab self!  I've seen so many of my most fab friends enter "Mommy World" only to never exit.  You know the type - Mommies who neglect or abandon everything in their previous lives and turn into these unrecognizable Mommy Machines. For them, suddenly the rest of the world no longer exists.  

PP: I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s hard to see someone slip away and not realize how they are impacting their husband, their family and of course themselves.

FR: Yes, I've lost many a friend to that world even if we both have kids in common. I just think moms can strike a balance.  When it's lopsided to that extent, I stand on the other side of that "Mommy World" and sadly wave goodbye to my friend as the door closes.

PP: What was your biggest beauty issue during pregnancy?

FR: Awful nasty nails. I'd skip manis & pedis and use the time to sleep instead. I was that exhausted! Oh and dry knees and heels. It was pretty much impossible to bend over to slather lotion on myself so I went those last pregnant months with ashy knees, legs and feet. So embarrassing!

PP: I’ll forgive you on those two, because you know the error of your ways. Next time, at least with the skin, ask the hubby to lotion you up. It can lead to practice for baby number three!

FR: I’ll keep that in mind.

PP: Now, speaking of those adorable kids of yours, as a mother of two, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned to stay stylish and sexy?

FR:  Don't lose your sense of self and get locked in "Mommy World".  You can pull out and wear those great outfits you've always had - albeit with spit up on them sometimes, but at least you'll still look great. 

Frances Rivera (L); Frances with her beautiful family (R)

PP: What was your go-to outfit/item while pregnant, that made you feel fabulous?

FR: A Maxidress and chic jacket! They give you the versatility to dress for day or night and most importantly they're so comfy.

PP: Sexy and comfy. What a novel concept?

FR: Right?!

PP: How do you balance your time commitments as a mother, wife and anchor on PIX11 Morning News?

FR: I'm still trying to figure out that one. It all revolves around sleep - the kids' and mine. But, I've found that once the kids get over one sleep challenge and you think you're in the clear, then another issue surfaces. Also, the best "training" for me as a mom of a toddler & newborn was a trip to Disney World. It was INSANE, but the best boot camp ever.  After the major juggle you perform throughout that whole trip and travels, doing literally anything with kids after that is easy. 

PP: Good tip. Although, just the thought of taking little one’s to Disneyland makes me nauseous. Wait, maybe that’s just my third trimester talking?

FR: Probably a bit of both.

PP: Now, many women lose site of the fact that they need to focus on themselves, as well as their marriage. How do you make sure that you are part of the equation?

Frances with PIX11 Morning News co-host Sukanya Krishnan

FR: With my Type A personality, I've always gotten so caught up in doing anything and everything as perfectly as possible and now after kids, many times I just throw my hands in the air and surrender to the fact that I can't do it all.  As a result, I'm no longer the diligent "Thank You" card writer or gift giver. Also at home, beds go unmade and my daughter's morning hair rarely gets tamed. But hey, it's the small price to pay to be a more sane and happy mommy!