I like to create what I call 'tablescapes.' It's so much more fun when you organize your table around a theme, don't you think?

I had to be frugal, thoughtful, resourceful. I didn't have anyone to tell me, 'You can't.' When you're young, you think you can do anything, and that was really a gift. That's why I can never understand someone telling me 'no' today. 'No' just isn't an option.

My audience knows me, and I wear beautiful clothes as a badge of honor. They remember where I came from.

The issue I have always felt most strongly about is hunger in America, in particular the children.

How do I cope with stress? I clean and organize.

My secret to survival has been embracing life's challenges and not letting them dictate my frame of mind or determine my fate... Learning to stand strong in the face of challenge and adversity is the only way to get through the tough times.

I can certainly be part of the socialite group and walk those carpets every day, but I choose not to because I prefer to be grounded. You can't be at home and on the red carpet.