Crystal Harris, Hef's New Fiancee

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - It was a very happy holiday for Hugh Hefner's girlfriend, Crystal Harris, when Hef proposed to her on Christmas Day. But who is this blonde bombshell, and how did she steal the Playboy mogul's heart?

The 24-year-old former Playmate's parents are from Britain, according to her website . She was born in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., but her family moved back to England for a while before returning to the U.S. and settling in San Diego when she was 7-years-old. This is where Harris says she grew up.

The newly engaged Harris is the youngest of three children; she has two older sisters. Her father died from cancer when she was 12-years-old, and her mom owns a real estate business in San Diego.

Harris went to La Jolla High School and played basketball. For college, she attended San Diego State University, where she majored in psychology. And she also has her real estate license, according to her biography on E! Online .

An animal rights activist, Harris owns a Cavalier King Charles dog aptly named Charley, and has two freshwater fish tanks in her bedroom.

How does she keep her Playboy body? Harris works out five days a week and roller-blades and hikes.

Besides appearing in "The Girls Next Door," Harris can be seen in the latest "Guitar Hero" commercials.

Harris met Hefner on Halloween night in 2008, and they began dating soon after. No wedding date has been set.