Lydia's Journey BEYOND Hollywood

I have always been addicted to TV for as long as I can remember. It's probably one of the main reasons I became an actress.  Growing up, I remember our family TV being on all the time.  I can do everything while watching TV.  Fold laundry, cook, check email, get dressed, all while keeping one eye glued to the TV.  It's quite a skill actually!  I'm the queen multi-tasker! But lately, I felt like my addiction to the tube, as well as the computer, kept me from doing the best job possible as a mom to my babies.  I noticed my toddler's behavior was getting more aggressive and frustrating (to both himself and ME).  I figured it's because of his molars coming in.  And then I thought, I wonder if all this noise from the TV bothers him?  Or maybe he's frustrated at competing for my attention with the TV and computer?  I wonder how different our day would be if I cut all of this out for just one day.  To see. So yesterday, I came downsta...

Guest Blogger, Katie Moore, shares her recent article with my readers.  :) Tips for New Moms: Prevention and Treatment of Diaper Rash Having a newborn in the home can present many challenges for a new mom. Along with figuring out feeding and sleeping schedules, a new mom will also have to learn how to comfort her baby when he is uneasy.   One of the most common problems that results in discomfort for baby, and added stress for mom, is diaper rash. It was long thought to be representative of neglect, but this hypothesis is patently false. Inflammation does result from infrequent diaper changes, but there are many more causes. Prevention and timely treatment are the best ways to minimize or eliminate this problem. Preventing Diaper Rash Contact dermatitis is the inflammatory erosion of the epidermis. It occurs with prolonged contact between skin and feces or urine. This type of diaper rash only affects areas in direct contact, and it is recognizable in ...

Do I still call myself an actress? For many years, even before I was making any money as an actress, I identified myself to anyone who would ask, that yes, I AM AN ACTRESS.  I always felt that unless I claimed it, it wouldn't happen.  So I have been an actress for most of my life.  Getting paid for it for the past 20 years.  It's who I've always been.  And when I made the decision to leave LA and search for something MORE, the next phase in my life, I had no idea that I'd be trading in my title as "actress" for "Mom".   It's funny, because I still have difficulty with that transition.  When other moms ask me what I do for a living, or used to do - I still say I'm an actress - even though I'm not actively pursuing a career.  I coach kids on their upcoming auditions, I do career consulting for new actors, I'll even cast your film if you hire me, or produce a project.  I have worn many titles, but actress has always spilled off my ton...

This weekend, a company arrived in my old hometown and gathered almost 1,000 locals in a "talent search" for young stars.  NOTHING angers me more than someone trying to take advantage of another person, except for when that person is a hopeful kid with a dream.  They promise success and lure these people into paying THOUSANDS of dollars in classes and workshops giving hope that their kid will be the next star on Disney or Nickelodeon or "High School Musical 4". Listen to me:  DO NOT give them your money.  What they are telling you is bullshit. Whenever you run into someone who says that you can be famous or have all these opportunities if you just pay money upfront is a scam.  ANYONE who asks for money upfront is a scam.  An agent or manager will take a small percentag e off of work you book (usually 10-15%).  You do not pay them weekly or monthly. It makes me SO MAD that they sit these people in a room, and they talk a nice talk, and get everyone e...

Ivy doesn't need a helmet! They scanned her head and told me she is not a candidate for one.  In fact, she has a beautifully round head.  The doctor even went further and said she would hope her patients ended up with Ivy's shape AFTER using the helmet!  Great news!   YAY!!! I decided not to take Nicolas with me on the appointment, which meant that I had to drop him off at a playcare facility for a couple of hours.  It's only my second time leaving him somewhere so I'm still a bit nervous.  I want him to not be traumatized and to have fun!  And trusting complete strangers to take care of your baby is TOUGH.  I'm always hoping they treat him well and he has fun.  Since he can't talk yet, he can't tell me.  :(

Between one year doctor's appointments, 6 month check ups, dentist appointments, Baby and Me classes and story time at the neighborhood library, it's no wonder why we need to hire a housekeeper to tend to this house!  I barely have time to shower!  I had to move my daily morning shower to the evening, just so I don't have it interrupt our busy day! Being a mom is exhausting! But I'm trying to find time for me in the whirlwind of parenting.  Whether that means having dinner with girlfriends I haven't seen in a while, or taking off to watch a movie or play.  Sometimes I just need a quick break.  And in the midst of trying to find my groove with all this, I've decided to privately coach and consult other actors in their career.  Not sure when I will find the time to do this, but in a way - this is something for me. My sweet Ivy turned 6 months old this week.  She has an appointment tomorrow to check if her head is so flat in the back that she needs a...