Around the globe, there are more than 300,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year, yet childhood cancer research is consistently underfunded. For that very reason, actress, singer, television host and fashion designer Haylie Duff has partnered with Nonni’s Biscotti’s “Dip and Donate” campaign to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), an organization that funds research that will aid in finding a cure for childhood cancer. Now, as the mom of two beautiful little girls, Duff is more committed than ever in helping to advance causes that will benefit in finding a cure.
Back on Feb. 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day, Duff began encouraging fans to host Dip and Donate parties to showcase how they use biscotti to entertain and celebrate all while donating back to ALSF. For every social post that used #DipandDonate and tags @Nonnisfoods and @AlexsLemonade through Dec. 31, 2020, Nonni’s will donate $1 per social share to ALSF.
I recently spoke with Duff about her mothering journey thus far, her women and children’s brand Little Moon Society, and her partnership with Nonni’s Biscotti.
You’re Now The Mom Of Two Little Girls. In What Ways Has Motherhood Changed The Way That You See Life?
Motherhood has changed every way that I do everything. It has changed everything that I thought I knew about the world. I mean, these babies really have a tendency to come in and turn your world upside down in like the most wonderful ways. One of the things that I’ve really noticed more recently for me especially has been how much my almost five-year old watches everything that I do, and everything that I say. One of the biggest changes have been that I’m much more aware of my actions and my language specifically. Some of the bad words that used to come out of my mouth, can’t come out my mouth anymore. It’s really wonderful to have those little eyes on you all the time. It really makes you step your game up a bit.
Yes, Indeed. Now, What’s The Best Piece Of Parenting Advice That You’ve Ever Received, If Any?
I mean when I first had my own children, I wanted advice from anybody that was going to give it to me. Then, I started noticing that maybe not all advisors knew exactly how I wanted to do things. One of the things that my mom said to me was, “Hear the advice and listen to it. Then take away the stuff that you feel is right for you, because at the end of the day your own mom instinct and intuition is usually the best.” So, I think that that was nice advice for me too, because we can get a little too caught up in all the ways that people tell us how to do this and to do that. Sometimes, just taking a step back and looking at everything as a whole, and saying “I know the right way here, because this is my baby and my heart’s telling me the right way. Trusting those mother instincts was pretty good advice for me.
I Read That You’ve Recently Partnered With Nonni’s Biscotti. Do You Have Any Personal Experiences With Cancer Or Family Members Who’ve Had Experiences With Childhood Cancer? And What About This Brand Initiative Inspired You To Want To Partner With This Brand?
Thank goodness, I have not been directly affected by this. However, as a mother, I have such a big place in my heart for the families that go through this and the children that have to go through this. I really felt called to this campaign. I’m so grateful that this is not something that my children deal with, but I do think that it’s important for us to support, to help and to give back in any way that we can for those families that do. This is not just like a one or two-month initiative, but they’re going to donate $1 per social share all the way through December 31st, all you have to do is tag @Nonnsfoods and @AlexsLemonade stand and the hashtag #dipanddonate. I thought that this is such a beautiful partnership between the two, because it really has the time and the legs to make a really big impact.
I Had A Chance To Look At Little Moon Society, And Your New Brand Is Really Cute And Bohemian. Um, Two Of The Words That You Use To Describe The Brand Are ‘Unique’ And ‘Thoughtful’. How Have These Qualities Manifested In Your Own Children So Far?
That’s such a good question. Little Moon Society has served as such a big inspiration for me in so many ways without even me noticing it, or realizing it. My daughters really were kind of the initial inspiration for Little Moon Society and what it was to represent, which was like clothes that were made for children to play in and to be comfortable in, and be happy. Also, clothes that were good for the environment. You know, not like a fashion brand, but something that was more thoughtfully made. All of our manufacturing is done here in Los Angeles from family-owned businesses and there’s very little waste associated with it. Our fabrics are very sustainable and made here in the U S which was like such an important thing for us too. It serves as an inspiration for me in my life, because it’s made me feel like making more responsible decisions when it comes to what I buy, and the types of products that I’ve put on my kids’ bodies, buy for them, and feed them. It really has trickled down into many aspects of my life as a mom.
How Has Your Self-Care Regimen Changed Or Shifted As A Result Of Motherhood?
I love self-care. I have to tell you that I love this self-care topic and question, because so often I feel like I always have thought of self-care as getting to go on a vacation, or sitting and reading a book by myself for a little while, and those sort of things. When my babies were first born, then my definition of self-care was kind of like quiet time, or time to sort of just think about something other than what I was going to feed my kids, or changing diapers or whatever. Now, that my kids are getting a little bit older, my self-care really has turned into fun for me. If I can go out to a concert or go out and have an evening with some girlfriends, or even hosting my dip and donate party for Noni’s as was a good reason for us to get together and have some fun. That to me, has now become my self-care. I know that sounds so funny, but I want to get out and have a little fun. Having fun for me is a form of self-care.
A Lot Of Women And Moms Look Up To You. Is There Any Piece Of Advice Or Inspiration That You Would Just Leave With Moms To Encourage Them On Their Mothering Journey?
Well, I’m so flattered. First of all, thank you very much. I think the only thing I would tell people is we’re all in this together and we all have the same struggles as parents often. We all need each other when happy, exciting things happen as well as during the hard times. I think it’s a beautiful thing that we have the ability to share so much with each other now, and to support each other in the ways that we do. It’s a beautiful thing to get to reach out when you need the help. So, definitely reach out to others when you want to share something. And remember to pat yourself on back, because you’re doing a great job.
This article by Lynnette Nicholas was originally posted on March 3, 2020 on Moms.com.
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