No blessing goes uncontested. It will take a long time to get your dream.

Manicures: Which are basically just holding hands with a stranger for forty-five minutes whilst listening to Enya.

We are all unique, which makes us beautiful; so never despair, and just chill the hell out about it all.

Look in the mirror and say, 'There is none other like you and for that reason alone you are beautiful.

I think it's sad when people stop dreaming, or start losing hope. Because holding onto the bonkers dream might just turn out to be the most marvellous thing you ever did.

Live in hope. Because things do happen. Things do change. Worry really is futile. Don't fear the future. Dreams do come true.

There are some wonderful aspects to Christmas. It's magical. And each year, from at least November, well, September, well, if I'm honest, May, I look forward to it hugely.

I have written the only diet book that I believe needs to exist, and here it is: CHAPTER ONE: Eat a bit less. CHAPTER TWO: Move about a bit more. THE END.

Also, in your 20s, if you are beautiful, everything comes to you, so you never need to develop a personality. I never had that problem.

We all have our worries about our bodies and our looks. We just need to make the best of our lovely, wonky selves. The key is never to compare and try to be something you're not.

I have a fantastic method for anti-ageing. It's eating. Plumps out your skin beautifully.

I wrote The Same Sea not as a political allegory about Israelis and Palestinians. I wrote it about something much more gutsy and immediate. I wrote it as a piece of chamber music.

Happiness is self-connectedness.

I'm an impulse buyer. There are so many great things online! Having two kids, I feel like that's an easy, fun way to shop without letting it take up your entire day.

I have been very concerned about media bias and the total dishonesty of the press. I think new media is a great way to get out the truth.

But the trees were gorgeous in their autumnal leafiness - the warm odours of flowers and herb came sweet upon the sense.

Portraiture keeps me humble. It's simple and straightforward. There is nothing more interesting I can make up than the figure sitting right in front of me.

It is useless to deny that, unless one has a genius for imparting knowledge, teaching is a drudgery.

I'm sure we're gonna meet some bumps in the road, but if it's meant to be it will happen.

Lady Gaga is a pop prostitute, a satanic b - with her fascist and demonic secret signs! Her pop prostitution has more to do with bikini advertising than with warmth.

And when you feel the heat, the world is at your feet.