Camila Alves, wife of Oscar®-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, may be a red-carpet knockout in public, but at home she’s a devoted mom of three, a gifted hostess and a whiz in the kitchen. Camila will be partnering with Target throughout the year to reach other moms with tips and ideas about everything from beauty must-haves and baby advice to throwing the perfect Easter brunch!
To get to know the real Camila, the one who makes her home in Austin, Texas, wears yoga pants from Target and always has a pot of feijões on the stove, check out our interview with her below and stay tuned for more in 2015!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Lots of things! It’s hard to pick just one…
- I moved to the U.S. when I was 15 years old, I didn’t speak a word of English.
- Before starting my modeling career and launching my business, I worked as a housekeeper, hostess and waitress.
- I cook for my family pretty much every day.
- I love a bargain! It’s rare to see me shopping at expensive stores; I only do this on special occasions and most of the fancy things I have were gifts or work related.
- I can’t go anywhere without flossing my teeth!
Describe your proudest moment.
The moment I became a mother and started my own family! Things I thought were important no longer had that weight. The most important things were right there in front of me…my husband and my kids.
What’s the most challenging part about being a mom?
Let’s start with the hormones, body changes, lack of sleep…if you are a mom you will know what I mean! I have a six year-old, a four year-old and a 22 month-old and there’s so much I love about being a mom, but no one can prep you. You have to really get in touch with your true self to figure out how to make it work for you AND your family. Their smiles are the most precious things for me!
You’re originally from Brazil. How does your heritage surface in your everyday life— are there certain customs or traditions that you uphold and have introduced to your family?
I try to keep my South American heritage part of my kids’ everyday lives through music, religion, soccer, language and food. I sing Brazilian lullabies for them before they fall asleep and I always have a pot of feijões [beans] on the stove!
As a seasoned hostess, do you have any signature entertaining touches that your guests have come to expect and look forward to?
I love flower arrangements! If we’re having a party, I’m at the flower market at 5 a.m. and I do all the arrangements myself. When it comes to setting the table, at each place setting I tie a string around the napkins and put in some flowers or greens to add dimension.
If you could give your 15 year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do not worry: “This too shall pass.” Learn from your mistakes now so you won’t have to go through any of this again.
You’re a great cook. Do you have a go-to recipe for a family meal that can be whipped up in a matter of minutes and is both tasty and nutritious?
Yes, a bunch of them, but my kids have some favorites and have given them special names: Chicken Honey Chicken, The Best Bolognese Sauce in the World and The Great Branzino (it’s so cute when they say it with an Italian accent). I hope to share some of these recipes and more with A Bullseye View in the future.
As you know, Target is committed to helping local communities. We know charity is also important to you. Can you tell us about a cause that is near and dear to your heart?
My husband and I have had the “Just Keep Livin Foundation” for about six years now. It is an after-school program for lower income kids at Title 1 high schools — the kids exercise, learn how to eat nutritionally on a budget and practice healthy life choices that they can take with them into their lives outside of the program.We are in 24 schools now across the country.
What can we always expect to find in your Target basket?
Well, the One Spot section is always my first stop! After that I’ll buy home goods, kids’ shoes and accessories, paper towels, cleaning products, an item or two from the Mossimo brand and my favorite — nail polish!
What are you most looking forward to in partnering with Target?
I’m excited that I get to share fun projects that can be accessible, affordable and easy for everyone to do…no matter what your age…you could be a mom, or not a mom. It’s easy to make my ideas your own, incorporating them into your life in a way that works for you.
Photo Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for the Annie for Target Collection Launch Event
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