Shakira: 5 things I love about her...

The best moments of my life were celebrated with Shakira. Virtually, of course! After watching 'La Tortura' for the first time, I wanted to take up Latin dance and since then have had an amazing love of Zumba.

I thought 'Waka Waka' was just going to be another World Cup song but only Shakira can make the World Cup such a celebration. That was the best day at work as all of us danced to the song throughout the morning.

The sultry songstress recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy Milan who helped score daddy Gerard Piqu's first goal after her birth. So cute!

Shakira isn't 'just another singer'. She has never been afraid to experiment with a wide variety of musical styles and unlike many manufactured bands, she writes her own songs. 'Underneath Your Clothes' is still my favourite love song for its unforgettable, beautiful lyrics.

In honour of her 36th birthday this month, here are 5 more reasons why I adore the Columbian musician:

Her 'virtual' baby shower showed us that she likes to help others rather than herself

Before Milan was born, Shakira and her husband hosted this virtual baby shower with UNICEF so that fans of this couple can buy presents for the neediest children and communities. These communities will benefit from food packages, vaccinations and re-hydration salts. All I have to say is that if more celebrities gave up these types of privileges, the world would be a better place! This is a celebrity who still has humility after years of success. I think that is so hard to find these days in the land of the rich and famous.

She was s! till competitive and had loads of energy even when she was pregnant!

She said that it wasn't easy to coach on 'The Voice' during her pregnancy but also mentioned that she could work for long hours as she has a lot of energy. Mind you, it definitely wasn't easy to keep the energy up with naughty fellow judge Adam Levine teasing her that the new baby's name was going to be Adam! But, you got to love Shakira. She can compete with the rest of the boys even with her pregnancy. It is these competitive, strong actions that make me proud to be a woman.

She's proud of her shapely body

In 'Whenever, Wherever', she says that she's glad that her breasts are small and humble so we don't confuse them with mountains! I laughed at this when I first heard it but also thought it was very refreshing that she wasn't one of those celebrities that are always trying to lose weight and get skinny. She is one celebrity who is an actual role model for girls as she tells us that we should be proud of our body. Besides no one could belly dance as well as her if they were too skinny!

She owns three development advocacy foundations!

Phew! Someone likes to keep busy! Despite having worldwide success as a musician, Shakira has never strayed too far from home. She owns the Pies Descalzos Foundation which helps improve the nutrition, health and education of children in Columbia which she founded when she was only 18 years old. Obama has also recognised Shakira's campaigning for a proper education and let's face it, he speaks the truth. Can I get a massive shout for this amazin! g entrepr! eneur?

She never fails to surprise

Over time, celebrities do begin to be predictable and then are only new and exciting when they have a new product to promote. Not Shakira. She once told a journalist that after 20 years in the business, she still feels like she achieved nothing. You have got to love her for her humility and I wish that I have achieved that amount of 'nothing' in 20 years time!