Jennifer Garner Answers Your Questions!

01/26/2007 at 06:00 AM EST

When we asked PEOPLE.com readers what they wanted to hear from Jennifer Garner, more than 1,100 questions poured in, pleasantly surprising the star of the new romantic comedy-drama Catch and Release. "Wow!" said Garner. "Thank you, readers!" Curled up on a Santa Monica hotel-room couch, Garner, 34, talked to correspondent Alexis Chiu about downtime with her and husband Ben Affleck's 1-year-old daughter Violet, her essential comfort foods and how her skin gets that Garner-ific glow.

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?–Jessica Ross, Independence, Ky.
Having a new little pal who goes with me wherever I go.

Your skin is always so beautiful. Do you use anything special?–Janet Orfitelli, Southington, Conn.
Thanks! I always have really good hair and makeup done before an appearance, so don't think that my skin is perfect. But I try to take care of it by getting enough sleep and not drinking too much coffee or alcohol. And I have a great facialist. If you're ever in L.A. and want to treat yourself, her name is Nerida Joy and she's magic.

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What's it like balancing work and being a new mom?–Catrina Carroll, Pearland, Texas
It's definitely a struggle. You're pulled in so many directions, and you want to do 100 percent everywhere. My sisters (Melissa, 38, and Susannah, 32) are working moms, and so are my friends. Any working mom – it's hard for all of us.

How was it working on Catch and Release while you were pregnant?– Caroline Slyman, Pittsfield, Maine
It was actually perfect timing. It was in between nausea and getting big, and I felt really emotional, so I could cry easily if I needed to.