Jessica Alba on parenting the second time around: “I’m more relaxed”

Jessica Alba covers the January issue of InStyle magazine to promote something other than her usual brand of crappy romantic comedy film. Wait, that sounded worse than I intended, but really! Jessica’s taking some time off from Hollywood after having her second daughter, Haven Garner, and she’s using this down period to launch a new company of environmentally-friendly baby and household products. While the InStyle cover shoot is just fine (yet not remarkable), the interview reveals a slightly different side of Alba than we’re used to; that is, she doesn’t sound entirely vapid and self-absorbed while discussing her new business. Also, she doesn’t really say anything childbirth related that would gross out poor Kaiser, so that’s a plus too:

On Her New Business Venture: “It’s an eco household-and-baby consumer product line,” she explains proudly of The Honest Company, a web-based enterprise situated here in Santa Monica. Set to launch this month, it will be marketed with the tag line: “honest baby products for the next generation.”

“Our core item will be diapers,” says Alba, adding that the idea behind the brand came when she was pregnant with Honor. “We also have household cleaning products and bodycare products.” Alba is quick to stress that the range of environmentally-friendly items, to be available through the site thehonestcompany.com, will be “accessible and affordable. If something is healthy and non-toxic, it is usually at a premium price point. We aren’t going to be the cheapest, but certainly not the most expensive.”

It’s Not A Vanity Project: “When I started to talk about doing something with consumer products, a lot of people were like, ‘Huh? Why not fashion or bags like most actresses?’ But this is what I am passionate about; it affects the health of not only my children, but all children.”

On Her Pregnancy Style: “I didn’t want to feel frumpy. I still wanted to feel beautiful, elegant, chic and playful-if I could. Especially because you feel so sick, hot, achey, swollen and all of those wonderful things that come with being pregnant.”

On Losing Weight Again: “[When I was pregnant] with Honor, I didn’t make the healthiest choices when it came to eating. All of a sudden, I had gained over [30 kilos]. I stopped weighing myself after that. With Haven I didn’t gain as much, so [afterward] I was closer to where I felt comfortable in my own skin.” She also works out with a personal trainer three times a week, often alongside Cash. “It’s fun and another way we get to spend time together.”

Even With A Nanny, Mothering Is Hard: “It’s overwhelming. I don’t consider myself a lot of the time. I think a lot of mums do that, try to be everything to everyone all the time. I make mistakes. I do try to do way too much.”

On How A 2nd Child Is Different: “I’m more relaxed. Every sneeze or runny nose or little bump on the head that would have freaked me out before…I am more easygoing with that sort of thing. And the sense of knowing that I can get Haven to stop crying. It was all new with Honor and I wasn’t confident, and she could feel that so she continued to cry. That didn’t happen a lot, but when it happened I felt like I would crack.”

On Cash Warren As A Dad: “He’s totally great and a real hands-on dad. He’s just such a nice, good person…His biggest thing is that he doesn’t like the idea of them growing up and dating! He’s kidding, but I can tell he’s kind of thinking of the future already.”

[From InStyle]

Okay, so the nanny thing coupled with “mothering is hard” sentiment won’t win Jessica any new fans, but I’m slightly impressed that she’s considering her career options outside of acting. Honestly, I didn’t know that she had it in her. Also, it’s nice to see that she and Cash are still going strong. Still, I wonder if there was ever any truth to the rumor that he made out with Lindsay Lohan in a nightclub a few years ago? God forbid.

From what I can tell (and there isn’t much to go from), this InStyle photoshoot is pretty airbrushed up, which is only to be expected. Jessica looks good though.

Here are some photos of Jessica and Cash out with Haven on 12/4 for a bit of grocery shopping.

Photos courtesy of InStyle and Fame

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

25 Responses to “Jessica Alba on parenting the second time around: “I’m more relaxed””

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. Justalark says:

    Jessica always looks stylish and sexy (even while pregnant), but what’s up with Cash’s unflattering outfit?

    Looks like he borrowed Jessica’s white cardigan and Honor’s red tennies…Not an appealing look on a grown man! Yikes!

  2. Eve says:

    I know she’s a bitch. And I haven’t forgotten her quotes regarding her ethnic background (she sounded like a self-loathing dumbass to me) BUT I have to say this: I think she’s f*cking beautiful.

    I’m going to put her in the same category as Halle Berry: can’t stand them and think they aren’t talented actresses, but…damn, they’re beautiful.

  3. Love Angie. says:

    She is neither ugly nor beautiful..just bland like some watered down curry.

    • lily says:

      Get your eyes checked asap!!! Jessica has the most numbers of the sexiest woman alive title! She is actually NATURALLY beautiful! Unlike many Hollywood actresses

      • Love Angie. says:

        You should get your eyes checked. This girl and that KStew emo are insipid and bland as Tofu.

        You say..sexiest women list? Angie (Skeletor) and Jen(orange) have numerous sexy titles too. What’s your point?

    • LJ says:

      ok shes not my favorite person but you must be completely blind if you don’t think shes beautiful..

    • lily says:

      Ok, now you’re just talking crazy! Angelina “skeleton” Has the MOST beautiful face in Hollywood no one can touch her! My point is Jessica is what you call universal beauty–she’s appeals to all races! And she is literally flawless! Please show me one flaw on her body or face! We aren’t talking talent, or charisma! Just looks alone! Jessica is tall she has beautiful golden skin, gorgeous hair, cute nose, stunning eyes, amazing bone structure, nice size boobs (no homo lol), small waist, round hips, firm round butt and long legs! That is the IDEAL beauty! And mind you she walks around Hollywood half the time with NO make up on!! TRUE BEAUTY

      • Love Angie. says:

        Anne Hathaway and Keira Knightley’s face will easily beat Angelina’s by a mile and some.

        Jessica Alba is your beauty ideal not mine. She may have the perfect features individually but when they come together she’s just meh–she doesn’t have the it factor.

      • 6 says:

        I’m not trying to split hairs but she is not really that tall. She is reported anywhere from 5’5 to 5’7 on various sights online. I personally don’t find her beautiful either but she is pretty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that doesn’t always involve jealousy. I think she looks best natural as compared to the header pic. It reminds me of a Linda Evans Dynasty cover circa 1980. A lot of women can successfully go without makeup and look stunning but our wonderful society that makes women dependent on superficial necessities to be pretty doesn’t support it. This is no indication of true beauty.

    • Wildone says:

      Anne Hathaway and Keira Knightley’s face will easily beat Angelina’s by a mile and some and Jessica Alba bland.

      Now that is just laughable I think I pee myself reading that comment.

      Angelina “skeleton” I think you need to look at both Anne Hathaway and Keira Knightley also.

      • Love Angie. says:

        Get back to me, when you spot either Hathaway or Knightely with protruding veins or twig arms and legs.

  4. Sakyiwaa says:

    she looks awesome!

  5. rainstarr says:

    He may be a great dad, but he has never seemed like he was ever THAT into her, and she has this quality about her that makes me feel like she should be protected, looked out for . . . I loved the chemistry between her and her co-star Paul Walker in Into the Blue, even with Hugh Dancy in The Sleeping Dictionary (yes, older movies but I really think she was perfect for these parts and I loved watching her), and I always hoped, expected she would end up with a similar mate in real life. I guess I’m saying I thought eventually we would see what she saw in this Cash guy, but I’ve never seen a photo of him looking at her (vs. just cheezing for the camera), at least not where there is any obvious emotion from his end.

  6. Aria says:

    Why is she still relevant? She’s an awful actress who should keep her mouth shut.

  7. oh dear says:

    gosh i have such a girl crush on this woman, ever since dark angel lol
    shes just naturally beautiful.. her brother isnt so bad either lol

  8. Justaposter says:

    Slow day? All the Mommy stories?

    And yes, you are more relaxed the second time around, and yes you do learn to eat a bit more healthy. And yes folks parenting is hard.

  9. Tazina says:

    I think Cash Warren is very much into her. When they’ve been out for an evening just the two of them he’s all over her. Of course it’s a different story when parents are out with the kids. Photos don’t lie.

  10. strah says:

    I find her to be entirely forgettable in all ways.

  11. Nev says:

    she should have a BIG grin or be laughing in every picture…it would help so much and make a great cover/spread…when she isn’t smiling, she looks angry.

  12. Cerulean says:

    Not my favorite actress but she’s gorgeous. She really seems to enjoy being a mother and wife.

  13. Cerulean says:

    The photo shoot is underwhelming and quite pageant contestanty.

  14. Nessa says:

    I can’t really stand this girl. No one can, really. But she is… Gorgeous. Truly. Even if she is a biatch.

  15. luls says:

    I really dont understand why everyone calls her ‘bitchy’. I’v read her interviews, watched some of them live… but still got no bitchy vibe.
    She sounds perfectly decent and common-sensical to me. Same with Katherine Heigl. I agree with most of what they say/think.

    It bugs that beautiful, confident, fulfilled women are labelled ‘bitchy’, by other women, no less.

    • Isa says:

      I think it’s because of her bitchface. She never smiles in pap pics and doesn’t have a very friendly face.

      It’s why MK at Dlisted calls her Miserabla.

      I have a bitchface too. People always tell me that they thought I was a bitch/snob/stuck up until they got to know me. Then they realize I’m a big nerd.