But since Philly is such a comfortable city for you, you could always stay at home with a book. Maybe even your new memoir, Burnt Toast. What was the inspiration behind writing the book? When I was on the Barbara Walters special post-Oscars show last year, I mentioned the phrase burnt toast to her, and how my mom thought she was doing the best thing by giving her all to my dad and me, but she actually, in a backhanded way, taught me that I didn't deserve the best. I've felt guilt about striving for the best ever since then. Turning 40 allowed me an opportunity to reassess how I treat myself and ask a big question about how I want to do it for yet another decade. Well, when I said that, Barbara's producers were all in the background and began saying, "Oh my, that's me, that's how I am." So we knew I had a relatable idea. As I began working on it, it just became broader and ultimately turned into what I hope is a fun and enlightening insight into me as well as women in general.

What exactly is burnt toast? Burnt toast is a syndrome that I think most women can relate to, in that, we, as wives and mothers, tend to give the best away and have trouble taking care of ourselves, putting ourselves first - which we deservedly need to do at least some of the time.

Sounds like a perfect Mother's Day gift. You don't have to be on the cover of People to understand that juggling act. I think that is so true. The book tells the story of my successes and my struggles with happiness and self-acceptance. But mostly, I wanted to encourage other women, as I encourage myself, to not eat the burnt toast anymore. Even metaphorically, to understand that a woman, a mother, doesn't always have to put herself last and can, without guilt, choose good things in life for herself.

She Said... Where Teri Hatcher puts herself first in
Philadelphia