Photo: Insider Images/Gary He.
How are you doing during the craziness of Fashion Week?
"I would love to be a part of it, but I've been so busy launching Amazon beverages and shooting for Victoria's Secret, before I fly to Paris to shoot for a Victoria's Secret commercial at the end of the week, so [I'm] busy, busy, busy."
How do you stay balanced and centered through it all?
"Organization is the key word. Be organized. I have a great agent that knows that I'm a mom with two kids. I don't travel or stay away from my kids for more than two days at a time. Usually I bring them [when I do travel]. I'm here in N.Y. now and they're here with me. I set out their play dates for school, etcetera — everything has a time [slot]. Valentina, my oldest, started school last week — she's going to miss school two days this week, but that's okay."
Isn't your youngest daughter, Siena, not even one yet?
"She's turning one this week!"
That's right! What are you guys doing?
"We're going to get some friends together and sing happy birthday. Valentina is helping me put the birthday [party] together — getting the balloons, planning all the colors..."
What's the theme?
"The theme is fairies."
So cute. Any tips for the moms who are also full-time career women?"You have to find some time for yourself – even if it's just 15 minutes. Sit down, meditate, read a little bit — try to find some time for yourself to recharge. That way when you spend time with your kids, you have extra energy."
That's the first thing I noticed when I saw you — you looked radiant and energized. What's your secret?
"You know, I love what I do. I love my job, and I live a healthy life. You are what you eat and what you drink. I'm a mom, so I want to be a good example for my kids. I eat healthy, I drink healthy things, and I work out when I can. I try to work out every day. I've been boxing for over 10 years and I don't do it for a Victoria's Secret show or for any particular reason, but just because it's something that I love. It's a pleasure to go to the gym."
Yikes, that's definitely not how I feel about the gym, which is probably why we look vastly different ... anyways, do you cook, too?
"Yes!"
Damn. I live alone and I barely do it.
"(Laughs.) I enjoy cooking! It's like meditating for me. Valentina really does love pasta, so I make lasagna, pasta with [homemade] tomato sauce, and Brazilian dishes from my hometown, like Moqueca de Peixe, which is fish with some palm oil and coconut milk."
Okay, in the spirit of it being Fashion Week, tell me, what's the one trend you're excited about this season?
"I'm a very simple, classic, traditional person. My two favorite colors are black and red, and I'm sticking to them. I love red lipstick and some lashes, and wearing red nails."