We would like to introduce you to Leigh Donaldson.  Leigh owns her own production company and works primarily with Laird + Partners Advertising Agency producing print and television advertising for clients like Gap, Donna Karan and Nautica. 

Leigh is one of the most  loving, down to earth, tell it like it really is moms we know.  Her kids adore her and the people with whom she works think she is simply the best at what she does.    We suppose at this point it would be fair to disclose that she is also a close, personal friend of the person writing this. 

Leigh lives in Newport Beach with her husband Dave and her two precious daughters, Lucy (8) and Sophie (4 1/2).  Always humble, Leigh describes herself as a chicken without a head.

Do you work at an office, at home, or some combination?
About 8 years ago, when I was pregnant with Lucy, I had a hormone induced nervous breakdown that turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to me. In my crazed state, stressed about my return to work before the baby was even born, I decided that I simply had to live closer to my parents so that Dave and I would have some help with the baby when I went back to work. I also decided that I didn't want to have to go into an office everyday. At the time, we were living in San Francisco and I was working for Gap. While I have no recollection of this, my husband tells me that I came unglued and demanded that he find a job in Southern California. To make a long story slightly less long, we moved to Los Angeles and I was able to continue working for Gap from home. I am lucky; I have worked from home ever since.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?
The best part is that I get to work from home most of the time. The worst part is that because I work from home, I feel like I am always working. I will take calls and check email at all hours because I never want people to think that I am watching Oprah or hanging out at the park.

Would you work if you could afford to stay home? If so, why?
I actually love what I do. My fantasy would be to produce two or three commercials a year and spend the rest of the time hanging out with my family.

Who does most of the domestic duties in your house?
I, like most working moms I know, am responsible for the household insanity. I suppose I shouldn’t complain because my husband is very present and helpful. But I can’t help myself. Here come the complaints. I am the one that makes breakfast and lunch; I take the kids to school; I help with the homework and I’m responsible for cruise directing all the activities and parties. My husband and nanny are great, but really there can only be one person ultimately in charge. Don’t you think?

How often do you have dinner with your kids? What is most often on the menu?