Blake Lively returns to the silver screen in her new film, Age of Adaline. The actress and lifestyle maven spoke about being a new mom and why she took a year off from acting.

After completing Gossip Girl and Green Lantern, Lively decided to take a long break.

“I was just tired,” said Lively. “You work 10 months a year, 16-18 hour days. I took the time off for practical reasons.”

During her time off, she married fellow movie star Ryan Reynolds and had a daughter, James.  Despite their high-profile life, Lively insists that they are an ordinary family.

“We don’t live a public life. We have a public profession,” said Lively. “It’s very important for us to protect her privacy. We made a concerted effort to give her that time. Anonymity is such a gift, especially for a child.”

Lively said she is wary of the paparazzi wanting a picture of James. She’s fiercely protective of her baby’s privacy.

“They actually call it a bounty. Paparazzi said to me downstairs, ‘There’s a bounty on your child’s head. We’re going to get her.’ This is a sweet newborn baby. She’s a commodity to them. But then you sound like a jerk for wanting to protect your child.”

Lively also spoke about her Benjamin Button-like movie, Age of Adaline. In the film, she plays a woman who remains ageless for decades. Lively said she was drawn to the magical aspects of the drama.