One day I realized no one in my family was benefiting from my hectic race for perfection. And would I even be healthy enough to enjoy my kids' future considering I was anemic, sleep-deprived, out of shape, and kept alive by fast food and diet soda? Here are things that helped me slow down and enjoy motherhood.

In a nutshell: life is chaos, it's all my fault, but I just can't help it so bite me. I'm a busy woman who is chewing what she has bitten off as fast as she can. I'm a hot mess, always in a rush to get where I'm going, dragging my poor son behind me. But damn it, I'm doing it. I'm getting there. There is room for improvement for sure. But at this dawn of a new calendar year, I'm not going to make a grand pledge to change.

I spent the afternoon in New York last week with long distance friend, mom, and actress Denise Richards. We chatted over tea and scones, and then I decided to ask her some questions and find out what it's like to be a single, working mom in the spotlight. Denise was candid, honest and sincere about her life. I give you, our interview...

Balance? Sure. Whatever. Here's the truth: there is no balance. The truth is my needs change year after year and so do the needs of my family. Nothing is perfect. Nope. When I was a full-time stay-at-home mom with young kids, I went nuts. When I worked full time, I was so filled with guilt it nearly killed me.

"I don't know how she does it." It's a line every stressed-out, guilt-ridden working mom has caught herself saying when she encounters a perfectly coi...