I'm an activist for gay marriage equality and children's rights. I'm the face of Share Our Strength.

When I came to the Food Network, I didn't want to do a cooking show. I told Kathleen Finch for nine months I didn't want to do a cooking show, I wanted to do a home-and-garden show.

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.

Yes, I love white, and I'd wear it all the time if I could. Some people think I have an issue with cleanliness, but to me it's just so pretty.

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

As a kid, I thought John Denver was the perfect Prince Charming.

It's really easy to figure out why I love what I love, the holidays and food. I know the difference between having them and not having them.