But it isn’t daily sessions at the gym that’s doing the trick — it’s actually dancing.

“I love ballet and it’s a little boring for me to go to the gym because I’m used to the dancing discipline — it’s really hard but much more fun,” the actress, who showed off her dancing skills in Nine, tells the Daily Mirror.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides star, 37, also credits Spanish cooking with helping to shed post-pregnancy pounds after the birth of her boy, reportedly named Leo.

“I love Spanish food. My diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is good food. I eat well, but I try to eat healthy.”

However, that doesn’t mean the new mom denies herself a treat every now and then. She has previously admitted to grabbing food from In-N-Out every once in awhile, including before heading to the red carpet.

“I do it, like, once a week or once every two weeks. It’s my little treat for myself. I love the Double-Double with fries.”

Source: People

Pirates’ newcomer Penelope Cruz stole the show in a Givenchy dress, perfectly framing her ­enviable cleavage and trim waist. Looking at the 37-year-old’s amazing body it’s hard to believe she gave birth to her first son, Leo, less than four months ago.

Most new mums hide their bodies under baggy clothes but not Penelope. As she braved the red carpet looking slim and radiant, it wasn’t hard to see why the Spanish star topped ­a poll of the world’s most ­beautiful women last year, and why actor Javier Bardem is such an envied husband.

In the new Pirates film, Penelope plays Angelica, an old flame of Depp’s character Captain Jack Sparrow, with whom he embarks on a mission to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. But unlike many of her contemporary female stars, Penelope’s not on ­a quest for eternal youth.

“I never want to lie about my age,” she says. “If I look around at other actresses I admire, they’re all women who haven’t fought against growing older, they’ve embraced it – people like Sophia Loren or Audrey Hepburn.”

Refreshingly, Penelope’s never followed Hollywood beauty fads and the curvaceous star has taken an active stand against the size zero trend. When guest editing an edition of French Vogue, she ­featured provocative and almost nude shots of size 12 model ­Crystal Renn.

How she perfected her curves

Unlike many Hollywood health food addicts, Penelope happily ­admits to the odd indulgence – even on the way to an award ceremony! “I ate a burger and then went on the red carpet,” she admits. “I do it, like, once a week. It’s my little treat.”

The actress credits her curvy figure to sticking to the fish and vegetable-packed meals she grew up with, such as tapas and paella. “I love Spanish food,” she explains. “My diet’s Mediterranean. I eat well but try to eat healthily.”

However, since giving birth she’s had to work that little bit harder ­to regain her figure and has ­reportedly been following the high-protein Dukan diet.

Penelope’s lifelong love of dance has also helped to ensure that her ­muscles soon snapped back into shape – she trained as a ballerina from the age of four to 18.

“I love ballet and dancing. It’s a little boring for me to go to the gym because I’m used to dancing. It’s really hard but much more fun,” she says.

Her trainer Gunnar Peterson encourages her to use kettlebells to improve her strength, ­posture and flexibility, and she learned to sword fight on set.

However, her final secret weapon is to simply get more shut-eye! “Sleep is the best way to happiness and beauty,” she says. “My record is 18 hours!”

Penelope’s food rules

1. Have treats

Why it works: Studies show banning ‘naughty’ foods makes dieting more likely to fail as you crave them and end up bingeing.

Try it: Pick one day to ditch the diet and eat what you want.

2. Head for the Med

Why it works: Countless studies show that following ­a traditional Mediterranean diet keeps you slimmer – and protects against heart disease.

Try it: Eat more fish, beans, olive oil, fruit and vegetables.

3. Protein power

Why it works: The French Dukan diet is a high-protein diet similar to Atkins, but the focus is on low-fat protein. This makes your body produce ketonic cells that are an effective appetite suppressant.

Try it: Eat fewer carbs and lean proteins like fish and low-fat dairy.

4. Sleep easy

Why it works: Studies, including one published this year in the International Journal of Obesity, have shown that lack of sleep can slow down your metabolism.

Try it: Aim for six to eight hours each night. Many people find following a bedtime ritual helps ­– a hot bath, then a warm drink and some light reading in bed.

5. Love food

Why it works: Don’t think of food as bad – it’s fuel and one of life’s pleasures. Associating it with guilt can lead you to cycles of overeating and purging.

Try it: Look forward to your mealtimes and savour them.

Source: Mirror

The Vicky Cristina Barcelona actress and her husband Javier Bardem welcomed their first child, a son rumored to be called Leo, in January.

Cruz is relishing her new role as mother, calling it a “beautiful feeling” – and insists parenthood has already had a profound impact on her.

She tells Britain’s Daily Mirror, “Being a mother changes you immediately. It’s hard to explain because it’s so deep. But it’s the most beautiful feeling I have ever had.”

The Oscar-winning star is now scaling back her work commitments to focus on her family, adding, “Working as hard as I did is not for me any more. I was exhausted and had nothing to give. You have to live your life to be able to tell other stories. I’m happy I made that decision. I’ve always measured the success of my work by the experience I had, not by how many awards I got. I hope it will stay like that for me.”

Source: Seattle PI

“It touched me. I saw a lot of things in that movie that resonated with my own experiences,” Penélope said about Black Swan in an interview with GQ. “The discipline that ballet requires is obsessive. And only the ones who dedicate their whole lives are able to make it. Your toenails fall off and you peel them away and then you’re asked to dance again and keep smiling. I wanted to become a professional ballet dancer. And then I had to choose.”

Penélope’s parents encouraged her to take dance classes because she had so much energy. They decided ballet would be a good outlet for Penélope as it is so physically demanding.

“I started when I was four, I danced until I was 17-18, stopped and then picked it up again for a year or so later when I was in New York aged 20,” she explained. “My parents took me as I was something of a handful; not in a bad way, but I just needed focus. I loved it. It was creative and music for me has always been the most powerful form of art, much more than movies, much more than anything. As a kid I had a lot of energy; but the ballet lessons made me calm – this pleased my mother!”

Source: Music Rooms

“Every time I look at that star, I will see the names of all the people that have helped me make many of my dreams a reality,” she said at the unveiling attended by a large crowd, including her husband Javier Bardem and friend, Johnny Depp.

Cruz, 36, thanked her parents, siblings, Bardem and their newborn son, “for making me happy every day.”

Video Source: Reelz Channel

What a cute image! And from my very favorite Disney film at that! ;) Watch the famous clip that inspired the moment here.

Here are some details regarding Cruz’s stunning return to the red carpet look!

One month after welcoming a baby boy, Penelope Cruz dazzled on the red carpet at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Walking hand-in-hand with her Oscar-nominated husband Javier Bardem, Cruz, 36, showed off her enviable figure in a curve-hugging red L’Wren Scott design. The new mom accessorized her awards show ensemble with yellow oval and pear shaped chandelier earrings and a pink sapphire ring, both by Chopard.

It is Cruz’s first red carpet appearance since she gave birth to their first child last month in L.A., reportedly named Leo Encinas.

Although the Spanish superstar couple have remained fairly mum about their new family, Bardem couldn’t help but gush while accepting a Goya Award in his native Spain Feb. 13.

“I dedicate [this award] to my wife and son for awakening my heart and smile every day,” Bardem, 41, said.

Source: US Weekly

Reps for the couple issued a statement Wednesday to People:

“Penélope and Javier welcomed their first son into their family last week. Both parents and baby are doing great.”

On behalf of Captivating Cruz, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on this wonderful addition to their family!

Source: People

According to The Sun, the siblings will change places for some of the film’s stunts in order to hide Penélope’s growing baby bump.

She confirmed that she is expecting her first child with long-time partner Javier Bardem last month.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will hit US theatres on May 20, 2011.

Source: Digital Spy

She posed pregnant, as did other celebrities like Demi Moore, Claudia Schiffer and Britney Spears. It is not known whether she will appear naked like the others or not, but the photos of Penélope are unpationately expected in the magazine.

Rumors about a possible pregnancy of the actress began circulating this year, after the appearance of some of her photos and the announcement of her marriage with actor Javier Bardem in July in the Bahamas. They were confirmed on 14 September, after the actress’ representative Antonio Rubin said that Penelope Cruz is fourth month pregnant.

Source: Fashion.bg

The actor finally spoke about his wife’s baby-to-be during a Sunday press conference in Rome for Eat Pray Love.

“Yes, it’s true,” Bardem, 41, told reporters, according to Access Hollywood. “I am very happy.”

After Cruz was snapped sporting a baby bump, a rep for the Spanish stars confirmed Cruz’s long-rumored pregnancy last week — Cruz is 4 and 1/2 months along. But neither Cruz, 36, nor Bardem have spoken publicly about the good news.

Bardem wouldn’t reveal whether their baby-to-be will be a boy or girl. And what about fatherly words of wisdom? “It is a little too soon for me to be giving advice,” he quipped. “I don’t know yet, But I will found out soon.”

Source: US Magazine

Cruz, 36, was photographed on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in a flowy top and a possible baby bump and today their representatives confirm that she is indeed 4½-months pregnant!

Penélope and Javier, 41, married in the Bahamas back in July when she was two months pregnant. The duo has known each other for many years, they starred in 1992′s Jamón, jamón together in addition to Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008.

Wonderful, happy news!

• First and foremost, one of my favorite couples, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem have gotten married! The longtime couple tied the knot earlier this month at a friend’s home in the Bahamas, Cruz’s rep confirmed to E! News July 13, 2010. The bride wore a gown designed by pal John Galliano and only family members were in attendance at the small ceremony. Warmest congratulations to the happy twosome! ♥

• Penélope Cruz is one of the 30 star Hollywood stars, who will immortalized with a signature star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011. She, along with Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Will.i.am and The Muppets are the latest starred celebrities

• Penélope was photographed with a new tattoo early last month. The crucifix tattoo covers a large expanse of her right hand.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides News:
- Shooting has commenced for the film and the first images from the set of POTC have struck the net, none with Pe but still cool. To check them out go to: #1, #2, #3!

- Jerry Bruckheimer had this to say about Cruz’s Pirates character, who is not only his potential sweetheart but the daughter of his nemesis, Blackbeard (Ian McShane): “She’s so fiery and fun. I can just imagine how the screen is going to sizzle with the two of them on it.”

- A while back, Stephen Graham joined the cast. He will play a Sparrow sidekick, named ‘Scram’, this will be a reunion with Johnny Depp after they worked together on Public Enemies. Also added to the cast recently, Supermodel Gemma Ward as a talking mermaid (taking over the before mentioned Megan Fox rumored role)

I believe that about covers it. My apologies for the lack of posting these few months. My real life has been incredibly hectic. I will try to do better here but I don’t want to make any promises and jinx anything which seems to happen a lot, unfortunately! Trust me, I haven’t abandoned the site but there are some serious real life issues that have just been taking my priorities. Just please bare with me at times like this. – Webmaster

On the 9th day, May 20th, she also helped raise $333,000 for the earthquake-stricken nation of Haiti by auctioning off her designer dresses which aide the Jenkins-Penn Haitian relief organization. The Spanish actress stepped out in a gorgeous red wrap dress and silver shoes to mark the occasion. One celeb that really came up trump for the auction was Pe’s good friend, Salma Hayek who donated the first ever Gucci Couture dress, which she wore to day one of the Cannes film festival.

Although there is a good bit of paparazzi candids of her from Cannes, I obviously will not be posting these more intrusive ones as Penélope tried very hard at not being photographed so I wish to respect her privacy. I did however add a couple of shots I felt were okay.

Pe has now left France and is back in Madrid.

The photoshoot inside is nothing short of gorgeous; all the ladies – which are some of my favorite actresses – look beautiful in the black and white spread. I especially love the image with Kate Winslet and the one with Meryl Streep. Cruz’s solo shots are so stunning too! I only wish the article was not in French so I could read it too. But nevertheless, enjoy!

Cruz last worked with Castellito in the 2004 drama Don’t Move which did good business in Italy with over $10 million, but received a cold release in the states, making under $400,000 at the B.O.Don’t Move was also based on a novel by Mazzantini who happens to be Castellito’s wife. Though Castellito is still looking for partners to finance the film, he plans to start production in 2011.

Venuto al Mondo, which can be roughly translated as ‘brought into the world’, takes place during wartime torn Sarajevo during the Balkans 1990s conflict. Cruz’s role will be that of a mother who returns home with her adolescent son in search of their roots.

Venuto Al Mondo sold 600,000 copies in Italy and has also been released in Spain and France. The book will hit U.S. stores in 2011. The movie will be shot between Rome, Sarajevo, Belgrade and Croatia.

Cruz spoke about how she has remained friends with Castellito and Mazzantini since Don’t Move so when they sent her the Spanish translation of the book, which she read in one sitting, it left her enchanted. She just knew she had to do the film and tell the story to the world.

Source: One India

Today, Lancôme has announced that the Oscar-winning actress will be the new ambassadress for the company’s fragrance Trésor, starting later this year.

The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, has celebrities rattle off items that could be bought for 40 cents (the value of one day’s worth of life transforming antiretroviral medication). Penélope Cruz is featured as well as other celebrities like Bono, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Claire Danes, Iman, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Liu, Gabourey Sidibe, Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, Jane Lynch, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwen Stefani, Hayden Christensen, Don Cheadle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ludacris, Common, Benicio Del Toro, Dakota Fanning and Christy Turlington.

The Lazarus Effect documentary will air on May 24 on HBO with director Spike Jonze as executive producer. Watch the PSA after the jump.

Currently, Kate Winslet and Julia Roberts are spokesmodels for the brand, I’m not sure what Penélope’s duties will be as a model or when her ads might start appearing but this is very exciting since her duties with Mango ended and I’m ready to see more regular Cruz ads, in addition to her L’Oréal stuff. Lancôme Paris is a luxury beauty brand. Owned by L’Oréal since 1964, Lancôme is part of the Luxury Products division, which offers skin care, fragrances, and makeup at higher-end price points.