Role Models

Although I am guilty of being one of the people who glance through the gossip magazines while standing in line at the market, I am not a crazed fan of any celebrity that I can think of, nor do I agree with the things that some of them are doing nowadays. However, there are a few exceptional women in pop culture that I look up to and like to know about. These are ladies whose style, work, and public persona are admirable to me.

One of them is Giada de Laurentiis, petite powerhouse Food Network Chef who is probably the object of what is closest to being considered my celebrity crush :)


I lovelovelove her shows. I've been watching them since the early days of "Everyday Italian", when her hair was still dark brown and the videography was still average. After school in high school, I used to try to make it home on time to catch an episode before doing homework haha. I would definitely attribute part of my love for food and cooking to Giada's show. She began to make other ones, like "Behind the Bash", "Giada's Weekend Getaways", "Giada in Paradise", and my most recent favorite "Giada At Home". Throughout the years, even as her hair lightened and the videography got even more stunning and artistic, I could always count on her show and recipes to help me create some pretty memorable meals. She is definitely what I consider a good role model. Plus, she also went to UCLA as an undergrad! That's why a few weeks ago when I found out that she was going to be at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (also held at UCLA!) to promote her new cookbook, I just had to go meet her! :)

This is the view from where I was standing in line to wait for her to come autograph cookbooks. If you look very closely, you'll see the sign that says Cooking Stage. That's where Giada was giving her talk!!!


While in line I got hungry so I got a grilled corn on the cob slathered with cheese and spices. SO GOOD.


After what seemed like HOURS, I finally got to meet Giada! She was even more pretty in person that I thought she would be. Super sweet, happy, and welcoming. The only reason why I didn't get an actual picture with her is because the security guards were rushing people along since there were so many fans there to meet her :(


I felt so nervous approaching her...but she was really friendly! I think I stammered something like "Hi, nice to meet you, I LOVE your stuff! You're an inspiration." Hahaha :D

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Another celebrity that I like is Gwyneth Paltrow. Actress, mother, wife, role model!!! She's beautiful, classy, talented, down to earth, and married to Chris Martin. Lead. Singer. Of. COLDPLAY!! One of my favorite bands :) Did you know that the he wrote the song "Fix You" for her after her father died? Isn't that sweet??


Another cool thing about her....she BLOGS!!! In fact, I just ran across a beauty post from her site today from the Allure website. I started browsing through it, and realized it was more of a lifestyle blog, full of fashion, food, shopping, crafts, travel, and personal tips. Great stuff from an intelligent, strong woman! Her site is definitely on my blog roll now!


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Before I end this post, here's something really freaky cool for all of you to check out :) Just click on the link, put on some headphones, close your eyes, and enjoy! I had so much fun with this link :)