Her.ie Meets Television Chef Lorraine Pascale

Lorraine Pascale is best known for going from the catwalk to the kitchen and has become one of the most popular television chefs of our time. But she has just added a new title to her long list, that is a Pandora Essence ambassador. The PANDORA ESSENCE COLLECTION is a series of bracelets and charms, designed to allow women to express the very essence that characterises them, reflecting who they are and what they strive for. Lorraine chose the Belief, Caring and Dedication charms as representative of her key life values. We caught up with the 41-year-old to talk about her charms, the Pandora brand and her new book (which we are hoping will teach us a few things in the kitchen).                                                                         Being a Pandora Essence Ambassador It feels amazing to be an ambassador for Pandora Essence. It’s a shop that’s everywhere, all around the world, and that’s a real privilege. The thing I like most about the collection is the variety and every piece of jewellery is so delicate. It’s nice to have something that you can wear every day but that is also occasion jewellery. Also, the fact that you can change it is great. You can buy a few charms and be versatile. Choosing Her Charms Belief - It's important to always believe in yourself and what you are doing. There will always be people around who will tell you that you should be on a different path, that you shouldn't be doing what you're doing. But always remember to follow your heart and what you believe to be true. If you think you're on the right path then follow it through with a strong sense of self and purpose. Caring - I have personal experience of being in care, and now do charity work with children in care. It's cases like these where it's important to remember to care for yourself and have a supportive voice within yourself even if the world outside of you is not showing you that it cares for you. Of course this goes for everyone. Sometimes we forget to care for ourselves and remember that we're important and loveable. Dedication - I think it's important to be dedicated to what you decide to do. When I changed careers from a model to a chef so many people were giving me a hard time and telling me that I shouldn't change careers. But I was dedicated to the path that I would not give up regardless. So whatever it is you believe, I feel it is important to be dedicated in your goals but flexible in your approach. Her New Book My new book How To Be A Better Cook  is more about increasing confidence by practice and taking things step by step and not doing something new when you have lots of people coming around. It’s more about competence through practice and confidence. It includes everyday recipes which are mostly quick and some for special occasions. There’s a lot of lunch recipes in there as well. What Comes Next I just take it day by day. I’ve got this book out and then I’ve a new show coming out. I’ve also started a YouTube channel doing fitness and health. That’s my more personal stuff and I’m really enjoying doing that as well. I also do a lot of charity work. I just finished a documentary this year on fostering. Her Favourite Meal It would have to be fish and chips for main, apple crumble for dessert and a really fresh langoustine cocktail for a starter. Lorraine Pascale is an ambassador for the new Autumn/Winter 2014 Pandora Essence Collection. The new values are available in store and online now.