OK, I admit it…

I do enjoy reality television.  I know, it’s crazy.  But some of it is really good.

I enjoy Shark Tank (watch for post on that one soon), Million Dollar Listing, Dancing with the Stars (although we missed this season), American Idol (won’t be the same without Paula), and…Home Sweet Hollywood with Tori Spelling.

Yes, I used to watch Beverly Hills 90210 too – enjoyed her as Donna Martin.  But, she’s “grown up” to be a very savvy business woman and down to earth mom.

It’s crazy, but I really relate to Tori and her struggles.  She has launched several businesses, but still struggles with the whole work/family/money balance.  She is always asking herself, “Am I doing the right thing for the kids?” , “Can I quit working and just be a stay at home mom?” etc.

I have actually learned a lot from her and the way she runs her business and personal life:

1. Do what you love! All of Tori’s endeavors are things she enjoys doing, and that translates to a connection with her customers and fans.  I love her jewelry on HSN for me, and the Little Maven clothing line for my girls.  I actually even submitted my girls’ pictures for her model contest on Twitter. But, the fact that she enjoys all her endeavors is important because at least she’s not miserable with her work.  She misses the kids and time with her hubby, but that’s normal.  I know people who hate their job, and are miserable at work, miss their family and can’t relax when they had time off because they are stressing about work.  YUCK – not a great place to be!
2. Admit that you need help! OK, I can’t really relate to having a baby nurse for a whole year, but, Tori does have sitters for her kids.  She doesn’t try to do it all by herself.  Even though I know this is the right thing to do, I am still struggling with accepting help.  Why? I have no idea!  Part of it is probably a pride thing, like I should be able to take care of the girls, run my businesses, clean the house and cook.  Major confession, I do have help with the housework; otherwise, it simply doesn’t get done.  And, my hubby does most of the cooking.  I love to watch Food Network. I would love to learn how to cook, but I am afraid of screwing up and some things about cooking gross me out.  (Yes, this is on a list of things to post so I can explain further.)
3. Find time for yourself! Another thing I really struggle with, but Tori does a good job of taking time for herself to spend with her hubby, friends, and by herself.  I admire this because I know it’s a good thing (makes us better mommies and wives) and I should do it.  But again, it’s just a struggle with giving myself the permission.  I am working on that for 2010.  Just so hard to justify when there’s a million and one things to do.
4. Admit your mistakes and learn from them! It’s so nice to see someone who’s successful and famous admit their mistakes and learn from them.  Even when she makes the same mistakes, she tries again to do it differently.  I screw up all the time, and I readily admit my mistakes.  It’s a great process and very enlightening, but not easy to do.

OK, so for the record, I am not some crazy Tori Spelling fan.  I am not in her fan club, I don’t send her emails and I am not obsessed with everything Tori.  But, when I watch Home Sweet Hollywood, and I see her interactions, struggles, successes and defeats, I can relate.

It doesn’t matter that she’s famous, or that she has money, or that she has access to resources that I don’t.  In the end, we are the same:  working moms, trying to figure out how to be successful and balance work and the kids.  The kids are our priority, and that’s why we work so hard and push ourselves to do better, because we want the best for them.