Danielle's BFF Kim G., should she replace Dina Manzo?

Kim Granatell tells Zap2it her thoughts on being a RH.

Bravo

By Jethro Nededog
You know Kim G. as Danielle Staub's partner in crime. And, Kim Granatell will freely admit she has stirred the pot on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Her name has been floated in the media as a strong candidate for Dina Manzo's vacated spot. But as Staub's sidekick, viewers also find her guilty by association. She says she expects the hate.

"You know what? They're going to trash me," Granatell tells Zap2it. "They're going to trash Jacqueline [Laurita]. They're going to trash the other girls. When you're in the public eye, that's what's going to go on. I'd be on medication if I read [all the opinions of me]. I know who I am."

In fact, after speaking to Granatell, we've learned that the story is always more complicated than it seems with the Franklin Lakes, NJ mother of three. And she'd love if the cameras could capture the other sides of her story, as well.

"They really haven't exposed my life in terms of my everyday living," Granatell says. "You know you see Jacqueline with the kids. You see Teresa [Giudice] going to the store. Well, I do that also. I'm a real, real mom. I have beautiful things. I have a driver, but my life isn't about cruising around with him."

Granatell has two sons who are college age and her daughter is in high school. She has been separated from her husband for seven years and she doesn't see the point of ever actually divorcing. "If it ain't broke," she tells us. Her money comes from her husband's company, which produces a cosmetics extract for Estee Lauder. Her other source of income comes from rental properties.

Like we said, there's always more to the story. You know Kim D. (or Kim DePaola), the other half of what we call, "The Killer Kims"? She is Granatell's sister-in-law, which Bravo hasn't seen fit to share with us yet.

"We are the two K's! The two backstabbing Kims," laughs Granatell. "I don't know what [Bravo is] waiting for. I thought maybe they were going to [reveal] it last week when we were sipping martinis together."

When we wondered where she was all of Season 1, Granatell let us in on an interesting factoid. Bravo once considered her for the cast.

"I was actually interviewed [by Bravo]," says Granatell. "But I have to tell you I was very skeptical, because my life was about to become an open book. I got very, very nervous."

At the time, she was dating a man that didn't want his life on television and whose entertainment friends warned Granatell against participating. She was actually relieved when the network told her they had found someone else.

Well, obviously things have changed. Today, Granatell says she would definitely join the cast next season if the network asked. And with people like Elvira Grau already throwing their hats in the ring, Granatell feels pretty confident she can deliver what the series needs.

"Quite frankly, I have the goods," she says. "Does Elvira have the goods? She couldn't play in my ballpark. I'd annihilate her in every which way."

Andy Cohen talks about The Real Housewives of D.C.

Article about the RHODC, Andy Cohen spoke to Zap2it about the ladies of D.C.

Bravo

By Jay Bobbin
Thanks to an alleged party crasher named Michaele Salahi, Andy Cohen knows, possibly better than anyone, how much more "The Real Housewives of D.C." has become than when it was hatched.

Cohen -- Bravo's senior vice president of programming and development, and also the host of the network's show "Watch What Happens Live" -- was in the thick of the controversy that exploded last November over the White House visit paid by Tareq Salahi and his wife Michaele, one of the Washington-based "Real Housewives"` in the franchise's latest unscripted series, premiering Thursday, Aug. 5.

"We want people to know about this show for the five women who are in it, not just one," Cohen tells Zap2it, emphasizing the White House incident "happens within the latter part of the series. So much more happens in the show -- outside of what happened with the Salahis -- that I think when people see the first episode, they'll say, 'Oh!'

"You certainly get a fuller picture of Michaele," Cohen adds. "I think the fact that she's known (fellow D.C. 'Housewives') Lynda [Erkiletian] and Mary [Amons] socially for 15 years, and that they have interesting points of entry to her, helps complete the story."

Having showcased "Real Housewives" of New York, New Jersey, Atlanta and Orange County (Calif.) already, with Beverly Hills to come later, Cohen says the idea of making the nation's capital one of the sites "popped up after the (2008 presidential) election.

"The casting was really good; we really responded to everyone who made it into the show. They seemed larger-than-life and independent, living aspirational lifestyles, and they all were really rooted in D.C. They had something to say about it. And I think D.C. looks more upscale and sexier in this than it has in a while."

The Jersey girls rumble again

Good write up of tonight's RHONJ episode from the Star-Ledger.

Bravo

By: Vicki Hyman/The Star-Ledger
Well, no one can accuse Teresa Giudice of not trying to earn her keep, and Lord knows, she needs the money. That was some vigorous pot-stirring on tonight's episode of "Real Housewives of New Jersey." She almost made Danielle Staub seem sane by comparison. Too bad we won't get to see the actual blow-up at the North Jersey Country Club for another two weeks; we do know the outcome, however.

The stage is set: Kim DePaola, proprietress of Posche in Wayne and professional-grade instigator, asks Teresa and Jacqueline Laurita to attend a fashion show at the North Jersey County Club. Danielle may be there, she warns/incites. They’re not sure if they’re going to go … but of course they’re totally going to go. They do conference with Caroline Manzo, who isn't going to the fashion show but tells them not to let Danielle rule their lives.

Danielle gets the finger: Danielle finds out that Kim D. has asked Teresa and Jacqueline and heads to the store to confront her about inviting “enemies.” When Danielle shows up at Posche, Donna, who works for Kim D., tells Danielle that Kim isn't in, which for some reason perturbs Danielle, who storms out of the store and calls her daughter to tell her there’s “a situation.” Is there any human interaction for Danielle that doesn’t qualify as “a situation”? Picking up her dry cleaning, maybe? Danielle: “The lady’s behavior at the desk I found to be unacceptable behavior for somebody who is supposed to be greeting a money-paying customer.” As opposed to someone who pays in livestock? Danielle asks Donna to have Kim D. call her when she gets in. Kim D. returns and gives Danielle a call. Danielle goes ballistic on her, saying she got Donna to be rude to her. Danielle returns to the store and says she's furious that Donna held up a finger to her (the second one, not the middle one) while she wrapped up a phone call. “This is what she did to me," Danielle freaks. "This is rude. This is wrong. And this was your way of saying, 'I can have my employees treat you anyway I want.'” She says she's hurt and betrayed. Kim D. basically tells her to take a hike, but Kim D. calls her later to ask her to let bygones be bygones. Come to the show, Kim D. says. "There's not going to be any craziness. It's a country club ... I'm not going to let anything bad happen." Yah. Kim D. has no idea what kind of crazy she’s invited to her fashion show, Danielle says. So Danielle does have at least an ounce of self-awareness.

Yes, they are all in junior high school: Kim D. has invited Teresa and Jacqueline to sit at her table. Danielle shows up late, a bodyguard (not Danny "A punk is a punk is a punk" Provenzano, thank goodness) in tow, along with Kim Granatell and other friends. Teresa, Jacqueline and Kim D. discuss who's going to say hello to who and how and whether they're going to walk over, etc. Meanwhile, Danielle pretends to talk on the phone. They are 12 years old. Danielle is angry to see Teresa and Jacqueline by Kim D.'s side -- "They're so desperate to get at me that they have befriend somebody that was my friend" -- and when she sees Ashley Holmes, Jacqueline's daughter, walking in the show, mutters, "Coke whore." It takes one to know one. Kim G. tries to get Danielle to pay attention to the show, but Danielle's having none of it. "These people harass me, terrorize me, threaten me, throw tables at me, call me a prostitute and a whore in front of my children?" Ashley, meanwhile, appears to be staring at Danielle and waggling her fingers at her. Real mature.

High noon: Danielle gets up to leave, and suddenly Jacqueline notices that both Teresa and Ashley are nowhere to be found. Jacqueline finds Teresa perched on a chair in the lobby. She innocently tells Jacqueline that she just wants to say hi to Danielle. And then Danielle walks by without a word. We'll just let their exchange speak for themselves:

Teresa: Danielle, hi! ... We're sitting across from each other, no hello, no nothing?
Danielle: I just said hello.
Teresa: Yeah, but I had to say hello first, right?
Danielle: I gotta go.
Teresa: Ah, what's the matter? You're running away?

(Danielle, in voice over, says, "You don't run at a psychopath, you run away from a psychopath." But the ever conciliatory Kim G. urges Danielle to talk to Teresa.]

Teresa: What's going on? I haven't seen you.
Danielle: No, you haven't.

[Teresa congratulates Danielle on daughter Christine's fashion show gig and tells her Gia also walked during Fashion Week. Danielle icily offers her congratulations.]

Teresa: So what else is going on?
Danielle: I really don't find this to be a friendly conversation. I find it to be too game-y.

[Kim G. tells her that Teresa is making an effort. Yeah, an extravagant effort to recreate her lightning-in-a-bottle table-flip moment.]

Teresa: After I flipped the table, you knew I was pissed, but I was like, Let me make things better. I was like, you know me, I'm like the sweetest person, I'm the nicest person. And I am the nicest person.
Danielle: I don't really know you that way.
Teresa: But I am. 'Cause you got me to that point.
Danielle: No, Teresa, you make your own decisions.
Teresa: No, honey --
Danielle, interrupting: Don't call me honey.
Teresa: I don't want to call you honey. (Something indecipherable, perhaps, "because you're an old hag." Teresa really needs to enunciate better when she attacks) I don't want to call you honey, bitch. Is bitch better?

And scene!

How about a couple of Emmys ... for the writers who scripted that exchange.

Elsewhere, Caroline is suddenly working the empty nest arc, which is almost as random as Danielle's "I'm not comfortable with my body" storyline. She asks Al Manzo to retire. He won't, and points out that all three kids are still living under her room. "The clock is ticking. If you don’t retire, I’m going to be crazy. You want a crazy person to come home to?” Looks like he already has one. How about getting a job, Caroline? Volunteering? Heck, beekeeping?

Lynn's new post

Click on THIS link to read Lynn's new post titled I Hate Jill Zarin RHONY Final – Sonja Morgan June 28, 2010.

Looking for drama

I will be writing a recap of the RHONJ tomorrow, but all I can say is how old are these women?  Nasty stares, pointing fingers and basically looking for a fight. Theresa said she gets soft and forgets, if that is the case why did it go to nasty with her so quick? She was looking for a fight with Danielle and Danielle was looking for trouble also. These housewives are my least favorite, the show tonight was a build up for the last 10-15 min. and we have to wait 2 weeks to see Ashley rip out some of Danielle's weave. And Danielle with her bodyguards, WTF. If she is so afraid and so annoyed with Kim D. why the hell did she go? The only thing that interested me tonight other than the fight was the food, it all looked good and made me hungry. Going to go grab something now.

Kandi talking men and BS

Click on THIS link to see Kandi talk about men and her low tolerance for their BS.

Kelly in Red

Tweet/pic. from Kelly.

Kandi from the RHOA on the town.

Tweet/pic. from Kandi, she looks fabulous.

Everybody follow @Joeyie he's the executive vice president of asylum & warner bros urban & a great guy!

Simon/Alex give support to the American Cancer Society

Interview from Appetite for Good.

By Francesca Bartolomey
It’s Real Housewives week here at Appetite for Good and I recently met husband and wife team Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen as they lent their support to a very worthy cause. The famous duo – and Brooklyn-residents – came out for the American Cancer Society event Eat, Drink, and Be Hopeful held at the lovely BellTel Lofts in downtown Brooklyn.

I got the chance to meet Alex and Simon and chat with them about what brought them out to the event.

“Cancer is a disease that touches so many people,” Alex began.

“[The caregivers are] often the rock supporting the person who’s been diagnosed.”
“Too many people,” Simon chimed in. He revealed that his first wife was a victim of cancer – who survived, fortunately – and continued, “When someone is first diagnosed, it’s often difficult in a different way for the caregiver to go through their own grieving process. They’re immensely worried about the person who’s been diagnosed, but they have all these questions as well. And so the great thing that American Cancer Society does is that it looks at not just the [research and development], but the mental support for both the person that’s been afflicted and the caregivers because they need the support as well. They’re often the rock supporting the person who’s been diagnosed.”

Not to miss a chance to laud their own borough, Simon enthusiastically added: “And of course this is the Brooklyn chapter of American Cancer Society and we love Brooklyn!”

I asked them what other organizations they support and Alex responded, “We try to mix it up.”

And they certainly do! Among the causes the pair supports besides American Cancer Society are the American Heart Association, the Brooklyn Style Foundation (which puts on Brooklyn Fashion Weekend to benefit struggling designers), Robin Hood Foundation (which fights poverty in New York City), New York Foundation for the Arts, and the New York City Opera.

But one thing Alex and Simon were adamant about was remembering the arts during the economic crisis – “It’s important not just to support the charities that help those who are ill…but we also need to look out for those that are nurturing the arts…Not only do we need healthy bodies, but we need healthy minds as well.”

“Absolutely,” agreed Alex. “And you have to feed both of those.”

“There are so many opportunities to do good.”
Alex also discussed the positive effect The Real Housewives of New York City has had on her ability to bring exposure to her causes: “One of the great things about having an elevated profile due to reality television [is that] a lot of what we film – we don’t control what makes it to the show whatsoever – but we can try and film things that will get publicity for organizations that need it, whether it is a charity or a brand new designer and you want to wear their clothes on the show. There are so many opportunities to do good.”

They hadn’t eaten yet so I didn’t want to monopolize them much longer so I ended on a fun – yet highly appropriate – note. I asked the two to name their favorite restaurants in Cobble Hill, their Brooklyn neighborhood. The interview quickly evolved into a We-heart-Brooklyn love-fest:

“Just one?” Alex inquired.

“It depends on the night,” said Simon, diplomatically. “Honestly, if we’re coming back late and we’re hungry, eleven o’clock at night you can’t beat Bar Tabac for a good quality, fast-but-good food.”

“I have to give a shout out to Watty & Meg,” said Alex after thinking it over for a moment.

“We had dinner there Sunday!” Simon added.

“We did, and the food’s really good and it’s really close…One of the great things about Cobble Hill is that we know our neighbors…We love the camaraderie and the amazing food. You really don’t need to leave the neighborhood for anything.”

“Brooklyn is a village.”

“We’re spoiled for choice!”

Simon even addressed the show: “You know when we first got on the show people were like ‘why are you on that show, you don’t even live in New York City.’ Uhh, yes we do…Look at where we are!”

At this point, my friend (and photographer for the night) Stephanie interjected: “If Brooklyn were it’s own city, it’d be the fifth-”

“Fifth-largest city in the country!” Simon finished. “Absolutely! It’s true!”

And we all shared a laugh! We shook hands and I bid them farewell. I have to say, I was pretty surprised by how sweet Alex and Simon were. They seemed genuinely pleased to be there supporting such an amazing cause.

This article wraps up the three-part series on the American Cancer Society’s “Eat, Drink, and Be Hopeful” event at the BellTel Lofts in downtown Brooklyn.

Salahis featured in US Weekly

From Michaele Salahi's facebook, not sure why some of the article is whited out

How to make the most buck out of being on The Real Housewives

Post from Styleite.

By: Ruthie Friedlander
Ah, the side projects of the Real Housewives. Keeping up with what those women do in addition to their respective reality shows is almost as difficult as keeping up with their drama.

Kelly and Ramona from the New York cast; Gretchen from Orange County; Shereé from Atlanta; Teresa from New Jersey — it seems these women just can’t get enough of the side project businesses. And that’s not even including the array of singers (Kim and LuAnn), sex tap stars (Danielle), and authors (Jill and Alex).

So here is a rundown of some of Bravo’s Real Housewives’ fashion and beauty-related businesses.

Kelly by Kelly Killoren Bensimon is the New York Housewife’s navajo-inspired jewelry line which consists of pieces made from metal, leather, feathers, and crystals. The collection, priced at $50 to $150, is currently being sold country wide at Intermix.

Gretchen Christine Beaute is O.C. Housewife Gretchen Rossi’s makeup line, which she launched with the help of controversial boyfriend Slade last season, despite fellow cast member Vicky’s disapproval. We haven’t heard much of the makeup company, nor do we know if it’s sold anywhere other than her own website (we weren’t able to find it).

It’s impossible to talk about any Bravo Housewife series without mentioning Ramona Singer. Last season, Ramona spoke repetitively of the complete “renewal” of her life. Following the death of her father, she renewed her image by cutting her hair, renewed her marriage by having a second wedding, and because she’s so generous, wants to renew you as well, with her skin care line, Tru Renewal. This is Singer’s second side project, the first being her jewelry line — Ramona Singer Jewelry — with the Home Shopping Network.

She by Sheree is Atlanta Housewife Sheree Whitfield’s clothing line, which her website claims is “coming soon.” After the success of her Atlanta-based boutique, Bella Azul, Whitfield decided to give into her passion for fashion and launch her own line, which will consist of “stylish dresses from day to evening.” We’ll believe it when we see it.

TG Fabulicious is New Jersey Housewife Teresa Giudice’s e-commerce shop. The products consist primarily of hair accessories modeled on her children along with some New Jersey and Italian pride t-shirts; a lucrative business endeavor, we’re sure.

Is the Real Housewives franchise toxic?

Great article on DBKP-Death by 1000 papercuts.

                                                                      Bravo's Phenomenal Ratings for Toxic Real Housewives

By LBG1
With the last episode of season three of Real Housewives of New York City, the 3-part reunion episodes, and lost footage aired, some viewers were dismayed by the level of “toxicity” between the NYC Real Housewives this season. Viewers who watch Bravo’s Real Housewives franchises based upon Bravo’s premise of “real” housewives and their fabulous lives. Across the Hudson River, the second season of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey franchise has, in my opinion, proved Bravo has officially jumped the shark, dropping all pretense of the fabulous lives meme with a level of toxicity which makes the cast of RHONYC look like pikers in the game of holding grudges and carrying out revenge. Beginning in tonight’s episode of RHONJ, viewers will see a midseason climax, the culmination of the script Danielle Staub wrote and has been acting this season. A script where Danielle claims the Manzo mob is out to get her.

Tonight’s episode will make Bravo Real Housewives franchise history: The first time, during Bravo’s reality show franchises about real housewives , a Bravo Real Housewife called the cops and pressed charges against fellow cast members with Bravo cameras there to record the altercation and Danielle’s first day in court.

The altercation occurred on November 11, 2009 at a fashion show held at Hamburg Turnpike Country Club. An altercation which was filmed by Bravo for season two. After the “altercation”, Danielle called the cops then signed complaints against Teresa Giudice and Jacqueline Laurita for harassment and harassment and assault charges against Jacqueline’s daughter Ashley Holmes. On December 3rd, Bravo cameras followed Danielle to court where Danielle dropped the charges against Teresa and Jacqueline. Danielle kept the charges of harassment and assault against Ashley Holmes, telling the judge, Danielle felt “threatened” by 19-yr-old Ashley.

From NorthJersey.com:

But Staub pressed ahead with her complaint against Holmes, which alleges the teenager threatened “I’ll get her” and “I’ll kill you” before yanking Staub’s her hair so hard she ripped out a hair extension by the roots.

She told the judge that as she was leaving the ladies room after the fashion show “Jacqueline and Teresa were waiting for me and began yelling at me.”

Straub said she began to walk away but became frightened and started to run through the country club.

“I felt a little threatened,” she said. She claims she was pushed and scratched and broke her heel as she ran.

On January 30, 2010, the New York Daily News reported Ashley Holmes plead guilty to simple assault:

The daughter of cast member Jacqueline Laurita has been found guilty of simple assault for yanking out another housewife’s hair extension at a fashion show.

Ashley Holmes, 19, was fined $189, including $33 court costs, by Wayne Court Judge Lawrence Katz on Friday following the November ruckus with reality show star Danielle Staub.

As someone who has watched both seasons one and two, here’s my take on the real reality of the Danielle Staub, Jacqueline Laurita, Teresa Giudice, Ashley Holmes altercation.

This season on RHONJ Danielle has been busy padding a case against the Manzo’s, of Danielle “feeling threatened”. Danielle’s claims of a potential Manzo mob ambush at the Brownstone at a charity event held for a child with a rare form of cancer. Of Ashley Holmes sending threatening text messages to Danielle. Of Dina Manzo being a potential threat during a one on one meetup with Dina at a local restaurant. Of Danielle bringing on the show convicted felon and former member of the Genovese crime family Danny Provenzano for “protection” against the Manzo crime family.

The Brownstone episode proved Bravo’s premise of fabulous lives of real housewives had gone straight to the gutter. An episode where a real housewife–Danielle–brought onto the show a convicted felon, Danny Provenzano. Provenzano, who served time on racketeering charges, admitted during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live prior to sentencing that he “beat up” a man “badly” and smashed an associate’s thumb with a hammer.

During the Brownstone episode Danielle appeared with an “entourage”: Danny Provenzano and up to 20 men for “protection”. Another member of Danielle’s entourage, Danielle new BFF this season, Kim “G” Grantell, middle-aged socialite and mother of Caroline Manzo’s son Albie’s best friend. Viewers watched Danielle and Kim “G” as they gleefully watched Danny Provenzano threaten (on camera) to bust up the joint. (Danielle told Danny it was okay as long as he didn’t include the family of the little girl with cancer.) Later, Danielle and Kim “G” listened to Danny call Caroline Manzo’s son Albie a “faggot”. (Last season Danielle gave Teresa’s husband Joe a stern warning she wouldn’t tolerate Joe’s “gay slur” of “he’s so gay” directed at a dance instructor. This season, Danielle claimed Danny’s “faggot” comment was okay because 1) Albie wasn’t gay, and, 2) Danny was protecting Danielle.)

Danielle asked Danny Provenzano for “protection” when Danielle met Dina Manzo for a one on one talk at a local restaurant. (Bravo cameras recorded Danny and Danielle’s phone conversation of Danny telling Danielle he had his cell phone on his lap while he and his pal were stationed in their car in the parking lot.)

In another episode, Danielle showed Kim “G” a text message from Ashley Holmes, a message where Ashley told Danielle she was “going to hell”. Danielle asked Kim if Ashley’s message was a “threat”. Wise guy Kim “G” told Danielle to talk to the cops.

In tonight’s episode, Kim “G” accompanies Danielle to the fashion show. Also accompanying Danielle, a “bodyguard”. Since I’ve yet to see the episode it will be interesting to learn who approached who at the fashion show. Who was minding their own business and not, initially, looking to start a fight. Who escalated the fight? The answers will be revealed in tonight’s episode.

As for Danielle’s new BFF, Kim “G”, during a recent live episode of Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live!, Andy asked Danielle if she and Kim “G” were still friends. Danielle gave a rather emphatic “no” while refusing to divulge why she and Kim “G”–the socialite who was Danielle’s BFF this season and who accompanied Danielle to court–were no longer friends. I can’t help but wonder when the split between the two former BFF’s occurred? Did the split occur after filming for season two ended? And, the reasons behind the split?

Season two of Real Housewives of New Jersey proved Bravo had officially dumped the fabulous lives of real housewives premise. Dino Manzo opted out claiming Danielle Staub’s on camera and off camera antics were too much for Dina who claimed she signed on believing the show would be “fun”. Danielle, while appearing on Andy’s show, claimed she might reveal the real reasons why Dina left with Danielle alluding to far more sinister or shady reasons which Danielle might reveal on the reunion episode. Which leads back to Bravo’s original premise and the reasons why Bravo continues to feature Danielle Staub as a “real housewife”. The answer: Phenomenal ratings for Bravo.

According to Live Feed, last season’s RHONJ reunion episode, which aired after only six episodes, had 3.5 million viewers, the highest rated season finale of Bravo’s Real Housewives reality show franchises.

According to Hollywood Insider, the third season of Real Housewives of New York City averaged 1.3 million viewers, the highest rated season of RHONYC. The final episode, 2.64 million. Part one of the reunion episodes, 2.24 million total viewers.

On August 5th, Bravo is set to premiere Real Housewives of D.C. featuring White House gatecrasher Michaele Salahi. For details on Michaele and her husband Tareq, a couple with a track record of lawsuits and bankruptcy read the article written by the New York Times. Over at the Washington Post, Michaele Salahi’s claim she was a former Redskins cheerleader with Michaele going to extraordinary lengths to perpetrate the “I was a Redskins Cheerleader” falsehood for the benefit of a Bravo production camera crew.

While the Salahis were busy making Bravo reality show history gatecrashing a State Dinner at the White House in November seeking reality tv celebrity fame, the fallout wasn’t so fabulous for Desiree Rogers, Obama’s social secretary and the Secret Service. In February, Rogers resigned.

The Washington Post:

An administration official noted that Rogers was an especially hard worker who had many successes, including the National Governors Association dinner at the White House on Feb. 21.

Still, the security fiasco at the state dinner for the prime minister of India proved to be an embarrassment, and when she tried to reassert herself, she was quickly shot down, forced into a lower profile.

“Once the state dinner deal went down,” said the official, “people who had other political agendas started micromanaging every part of her business.”

Danielle's protector Danny on Jimmy Kimmel

Video taken before Danny went to jail. Danny was promoting the film "This Thing of Ours" Starring Frank Vincent, Vincent Pastore, James Caan, Eddie Lynhc, Danny Provenzano, and Paul Vario AKA "Big Paul".

Jill on Wendy Williams talks about Bethenny

Just found this clip, it has been out there over a month, but I thought I would throw it up here anyway.

RHONJ financial troubles detailed

Article from Reality Tea detailing the financial troubles of the housewives.

Caroline Manzo – Caroline’s husband Albert Manzo has been involved in over 30 judgments and liens (one brought on by a family member) since the early ’90s up until two years ago . Throughout the ’90s and into 2000, there were several judgments against Caroline for nonpayment of hospital and doctors’ bills, as well another judgment involving “Church Chronicle Publishing.”

•A state tax lien for $10,546.17 was filed against Albert Manzo in 2000.
•A judgment in favor of the Federal Mortgage Association for $148,000 also against Al.
•A few judgments in favor of the First Bank of USA and North Jersey Federal Credit for a combined total of over $10,000.

Dina Manzo – Jezebel reports out of all the housewives, Dina is the only one who has a clean slate when it comes to her financial history. Her husband, Tommy Manzo, is however a different story. Dina married Tommy (the brother of Caroline’s husband) in 2006 in a lavish wedding that reportedly cost $1.5 million. The wedding was featured on VH1’s My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding. You can watch that here.

•Tommy was sued by American Express for $12,599 in 2007
•He was also sued by the Bank of America for an undisclosed amount.

Jacqueline Laurita - Similar to Dina, Jacqueline also seems to have a clean financial slate. However as we reported this week, the company of Jacqueline’s husband, Chris Laurita, filed for bankrupty last year. The company, Signature Apparel Group LLC, was behind the Rocawear and Eve’s Fetish clothing brands. The financial issues found on the Lauritas were for the years 1988 and 1990.

•United Jersey bank successfully won a judgment against Chris for over $18,000 in 1988.
•American Express also successfully won a judgment against Chris for almost $3000 in 1990.

Danielle Staub – Danielle has been very vocal about her financial troubles on the show despite carrying designer bags, wearing $500 leggings from Neiman Marcus, getting Botox and lip injections, and having (her fourth) breast augmentation. Jezebel also shuts down Danielle’s claim that she was the first woman in New Jersey to own an American Express black card, something she bragged about in season one of the show.

•A federal tax lien was placed against Danielle in March 2006 for $111,161 by the IRS.
•Also in 2006, a civil suit was filed against Danielle by an attorney for an undisclosed amount, most likely stemming from nonpayment of legal bills.
•In February 2007, a different federal tax lien was placed against Danielle— filed in a new county—and her ex-husband, Thomas Staub for $130,577 by the IRS.

Teresa Giudice – Thanks to the uncovering of her 2009 bankruptcy filing, most of Teresa’s financial troubles have now been made very public. The only new information uncovered about the Giudices comes via PEOPLE magazine’s cover story on the couple which accused Joe Giudice of being a slumlord. Jezebel confirms this and shows court documents that go back well over 10 years showing the Giudices have been sued by numerous tenants and a heating company. A small sampling of nearly 20 civil cases were uncovered.

Bethenny at NY pride march

Pics. from Bethenny's twitter.

Sonja Morgan toaster oven chicken parm

This video has been out for a while but I just tried it and loved it, maybe you will also. I have never had chicken parm without breading and was suprised at how good it was.

Dina Manzo in NY at pride march

Tweet/pic. from Dina.

Is this the best or what???

Buy a piece of Tamra Barney's wardrobe

Tamra is selling some clothes on e-bay if you are interested in taking a look click HERE.

Michaele Salahi giving away 8 tickets to Real Housewives of D.C. premiere

The Salahis are having a wine label contest, below is the info. if you want to try to win 8 tickets to RHODC premiere.

Enter our Oasis Winery label design competition for our Real Housewives Chardonnay & Real Housewives Cabernet Wine Label! Send your interest to: events@oasiswine.com

The winning design will receive $1000 gift from Oasis Winery and 8 VIP Tickets to the Premier of the Real Housewives of DC on August 5th in Washington DC! XOX

Real Housewives of Orange County filming

The RHOOC are going to be filming in about a month, and they will be airing that season around January 2011, late start for the OC girls.

Jersey Shore does Twilight

Video of the Jersey Shore cast doing a Twilight parody, nothing to do with RH.

Luann and her dudes

Another pic. from twitter.

@countessluann with her 2 men!!

Jill hanging out with the Jersey Shore Cast

Blurb for Jill's twitter.

Hanging with jersey shore @jenniwoww @vinnyguadagnino !!

Goddess Bethenny

Pic. from nymag.com

 Bethenny, re-imagined as a Dionysian goddess being tended by Jason and Shawn

Photo:Getty Images, Photo illustration: Mike Vilensky and D.J. Baskin

Too Much Salahi Coverage? Interview With The District Dish

Article from the Washington Post.

By Andrew Alexander
The Salahis. Had enough?

Anne Martin of McLean has. She's one of many readers who complained recently after The Post offered still more coverage of Tareq and Michaele Salahi, the White House dinner crashers who have become famous for trying to become famous.

"Enough with the Salahis!" Martin protested. "I am tired of The Post's continuing efforts to give this couple exactly what it wants: publicity."

The day Martin wrote, the cover of the Style section was dominated by a large color photo of Michaele Salahi above two columns written about her selection for Bravo's "Real Housewives of D.C." reality TV show. There was another photo of her inside Style. And all this coverage was teased on The Post's front page, which ran a color photo of the controversial couple.

"If I see one more photo/story/snippet about them, I will cancel the Post subscription I've had since 1978," Martin warned.

Brace yourself. More is on the way.

There will be coverage when "Housewives" debuts Aug 5. And more will grow out of various investigations. A federal grand jury is exploring the White House security breach. The U.S. Agriculture Department is examining Tareq Salahi's receipt of a grant to study the impact of Virginia winery tourism. Virginia officials are investigating fundraising activities of the couple's America's Polo Cup event.

Since the Salahis' White House exploits generated headlines seven months ago, they have been written about in more than 110 Post stories or columns. The coverage totals more than 2,200 column inches, the length of a novel. There have been scores of photos. All told, more than 30 reporters and researchers have contributed.

In addition to believing The Post is feeding the Salahis' hunger for publicity, some feel the coverage has lowered the paper's standards. District reader Ronnie Kweller e-mailed that it caters to "lowbrow taste." In a later phone conversation, she said The Post "should try to elevate the interest and concerns and the awareness of readers, not just give them all this gossip crap."

There have been serious aspects to the coverage, of course. The breach of presidential security, first reported by The Post's Reliable Source column author Roxanne Roberts, resulted in congressional hearings and criminal inquiries. And Post stories late last year revealed the Salahis have left a troubling trail of fractured business relationships, lawsuits and unpaid bills.

But at its core, reader interest centers on the unique audaciousness and astonishing self-absorption of the Salahis. Many object to continuing coverage because they find the couple detestable, especially the Salahis' moth-to-flame craving for media attention. Many readers have told me they view the couple as villainous and some eagerly await the Salahis' comeuppance.

But many of those same readers harbor a what-will-they-do-next curiosity. They're eager for each new episode in what amounts to a serial drama. The Salahis don't disappoint. Journalistically, they're a gift that keeps giving.

"These people are characters," said Reliable Source author Amy Argetsinger, who often writes about them. "People enjoy reading about them, even if it's with an undercurrent of loathing.

"Of all the e-mails we get from people saying 'Stop writing about the Salahis,' I would say that we get slightly more from people who have said: 'Why haven't these people been arrested yet?' "

Ned Martel, an editor of the Style section, believes the Salahis fascinate readers because "they are a couple that says a lot of things about a lot of things . . . about society, about pop culture and reality television, about social climbing, about people who feel included or excluded, about falsity and overextension in terms of personal finance."

Their narrative also reflects a shift in celebritology, in which reality TV personalities increasingly compete with movie stars and pop artists. "It's part of a growing phenomenon," Martel said. And with the upcoming "Housewives" reality series set in Washington, he added, "we're devoting more attention to it."

Some coverage has struck me as excessive. Style's June 15 blowout, which drove reader Anne Martin to the brink of cancellation, seemed over the top. (Martel disagrees.) But mostly I've been comfortable with the Salahi coverage and presentation. Stories appearing in the A section deserved to be there. Items of passing interest were properly relegated to the Reliable Source.

The Post's news focus must always be on the weighty issues of the day, such as the continuing financial crisis, the gulf oil disaster or the fighting in Afghanistan.

But the Salahis offer an entertaining -- if often maddening -- break from the steady diet of grim and gloom that so often dominates The Post. There's a place for their "gossip crap."

The District Dish:

Caroline Manzo drops 20 pounds

Article from Entertainment Weekly about Caroline.

by:Emily Exton
Caroline Manzo of The Real Housewives of New Jersey is turning heads after recently losing 20 pounds. Despite the never ending Italian meals her family and friends seem to enjoy regularly, Manzo has taken control of her body through an emphasis on portion control. “I eat what I want. I just eat the bad things earlier on in the day,” she told People at the New York premiere of Grown Ups on Wednesday, before adding, “Don’t think pasta will never be a friend of me.” Okay, just kidding, she actually said this: “If I want pasta, I have it for lunch instead of for dinner. That’s all. If I want a piece of cheesecake, I have half instead of a whole.” Sounds easy enough, right? Manzo also attributes her new figure to 45 minutes to an hour of exercise at least 3 times a week, cutting out soda and juice from her diet, and drinking lots and lots of water. (I knew there was a catch).

Kudos to Caroline for making healthy changes (and just in time for the upcoming Housewives reunion special!?). But I can’t help but wonder, will this really put an end to the Manzo family “ham game”?

Kelly shooting for German television

Kelly tweet.

Shooting german tv

Kim Zolciak's take on Danielle singing

Article from In Touch online.

The Real Housewife of New Jersey Danielle Staub performed her first single Real Close on Bravo's Watch What Happen Next with lesbian musician Lori Michaels and In Touch is the first to have Kim Zolciak's reaction.

The Real Housewife of Atlanta beauty reveals to In Touch "I was quite surprised that she could sing and she sang great live. More power to her, I hope it does well." The Tardy For The Party hit maker isn't about to give up her spotlight though "I am working on the rest of my album and I feel blessed to have another cast member/friend helping me, Kandi Burruss is truly talented and I'm glad to have been the first housewife to start this trend of becoming a singer. I think they should have a new show called "Housewife Idol".

When asked about her reaction to Danielle getting cozy with her rumored girlfriend Lori Michael's during her performance Zolciak says "I hope that what they have, if they have anything is real, and that she isn't playing gay to get attention."

Kelly marching in GMHC/Whole Foods Market NY pride march

Blog post from IMG models about Kelly:

We are very proud of Kelly Killoren Bensimon’s announcement today to join the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and Whole Foods Market for the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 27 at 12 Noon.

“I am pleased to join these two leading NYC institutions that are committed to health and wellness,” said Bensimon. “As a mother of two daughters, I believe it is important to provide support for youth on making healthy choices related to their minds and bodies, particularly on the issue of HIV prevention.”

Jill hanging in the Hamptons

Picture from Jill's twitter.

"Smores anyone??"

Bethenny has not forgiven Jill

Small blurb from Absurd to Sublime.

The online edition is not available yet. This is from the print edition

In the June 28 issue of US Weekly (p. 11), Bethenny says of Jill:
“I think she had a whole plan for the season to have everyone hate me…It backfired, but I took a beating…If I didn’t have my own show, I would have dropped out.”
She goes on to say that she has not forgiven Jill, despite the hug.

Nene makes chocolate at Compartes in Brentwood

Nene at Compartes, her favorite were chocolate covered marshmallow/truffle

Bravo is not casting for Real Housewives Of Houston

Interview from Culture Map with Andy Cohen.

By Steven Thomson
The Bravolebrity himself, Andy Cohen is touching down in Space City to serve as the Celebrity Grand Marshal at Saturday's Pride Houston parade. The media mogul took a few minutes today to speak with CultureMap about his visit, his hit show — and all the Bayou City buzz over the producer jockeying for a Real Housewives of Houston.

CultureMap: Your serving as the Celebrity Grand Marshal of Pride Parade is a bit of a coup for Houston. How did this all come together?

Andy Cohen: They contacted me awhile ago — I'm gonna say it was sometime last winter. Summer was something distant in the future, that I couldn't even imagine happening. I asked around and heard Houston has a great event. The fact that it's at night — I thought it would be fun.

CM: Have you been to Houston before?

AC: My best friend's surrogate lived in Houston. I was there for less than a day to witness the birth.

CM: What is your impression of Houston? Do you have any expectations for the Parade?

AC: I expect it to be big, and fun, and hot, and just bold. Larger than life.

CM: Is this your first time marshaling a parade?

AC: This is my first. I've lived in New York for many years, where Gay Pride is so much fun. It's such an honor to come to Houston.

CM: Do you have any big surprises planned for tomorrow's parade?

AC: I'm gonna wing it. I'm just gonna have fun. I'm coming down with a friend — have a laugh, check it out.

CM: There's a lot of buzz in town about the potentiality of a Real Housewives of Houston. Is there truth behind the talk?

AC: It's not us. We love Houston, and we've done casting in Houston in the past, but we're not casting there right now. Maybe it's somebody who wants to do it.

CM: Your spontaneous Watch What Happens show is quite the hit here. What do you think makes it so addictive?

AC: I think it's fun, and that it's live. It's like a cocktail party, and it's inclusive. It's also a small show, sort of like Wayne's World, in which I'm doing a show from my den, but Jerry Seinfeld happens to be in my den, or Danielle, or Sarah Jessica Parker. I think it's a really specific sort of vibe — as unscripted as it could possibly be. The fact that it's so interactive is a draw.

Cohen told us that he plans on hitting the town after the parade — watch what happens

What the housewives of NJ think of Danielle's singing

Post from Us magazine about the Jersey girls.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Surprise, surprise: Danielle Staub's fellow Real Housewives of New Jersey are less than impressed with her vocal prowess.

Staub debuted her single "Real Close" on Monday's Watch What Happens Live -- singing the romantic ballad with singer-songwriter Lori Michaels.

"I mean, whatever," Caroline Manzo told UsMagazine.com at Thursday's My Big Gay Italian Wedding premiere in Brooklyn, New York. "Clearly she can carry a tune. Is she a singer? I'm not quite sure."

"It wasn't horrible," Jacqueline Laurita added. "It was very breathy. It wasn't a wide range. She was just singing really breathy in the microphone, so it's hard to hear the range of her voice."

"She skated past it," Manzo sniped. "She did what she had to do, and fine. But can she really sing? Let's belt one out."

Added Teresa Giudice: "It's not like she was really singing....Ask Simon from American Idol."

Staub's foes haven't exactly sworn off music careers of their own. "I don't know if I can sing. Maybe I should try it," Giudice says.

Manzo's suggestion: "Maybe we should do a country album or a rap song. Maybe the Spice Girls!"

"I think we should do like a rap song," Giudice continued, "and in the background I'll say 'prostitution whore, prostitution whore'! We could do it with Jay Z."

Recently-departed housewife Dina Manzo thinks her hairless cat should give singing a try. "Grandma Wrinkles is coming out with a single soon," she joked to Us at the event. "She's been in the recording studio for weeks."

The Real Housewives of New York- Lost Footage Review

Parts of the reunion were good, but most was kinda blah. I will break it down by each housewife.

Ramona- That sweat gland operation was gross, I am like Sonja with stuff like that. Wow, she was nonstop talking at the show, she never came up for a breath. The scene with Kelly, Ramona and Alex going for a fitting was interesting.  Ramona walked fine and her facial expression looked good. It must of been pure nerves that gave her that walk and face on the runway. Ramona's friend Marla was making some snippy remarks during the show, glad Ramona said nothing and was sweet. Ramona had every right to be angry at Jill for moving her place settings. Jill knows Ramona is a stickler for seating, why be overhanded? Because that is Jill, pushes till she gets. I loved it when Ramona said no, these are the seats and I am not changing them.

Luann- Tennis with Kelly and Jill was lame. Jill got upset when she saw that Luann's son was driving around on a ATV, it seemed to mess with her game. Very little scenes with Luann.

Kelly- Wow, what she said to Sonja was just plain rude. She talks about the other housewives and how rude they are, LOOK IN THE MIRROR KTWIT. She told Sonja, and I am paraphrasing, are you going to tell your daughter that mommy's lazy, and she doesn't want to workout so she got liposuction. Sonja looked stunned, but handled it with class, as usual. Sonja made a remark that she just ignores Kelly when she rambles and makes no sense. The clip of Ramona and Kelly in St. Bart's was funny. Ramona looked like she wanted to throw that weight at Kelly.  Of course Kelly mentioned Giles and how real and normal she is, I call BS on that one. Kelly's comments at Ramona's birthday were ridiculous, it is her birthday she can do what the hell she wants. Kelly, she was happy till you and Jill put your hands into her seating.

Jill- Her shopping trip for jewels made me cringe. Jill is so much about her things, it turns me off.  She bought a watch, wanted a ring or a necklace also but Bobby said wait until another occasion. Jill then started to bitch about how her anniversary and birthday fall around the holidays and she gets screwed. Once again all about the material things and appearances. I really used to like Jill, I look back at the past seasons and see she has always been this way. I think Bethenny made her more bearable for me, they really worked well off each other. What a shame Jill escalated the disagreement to the point that it can't be fixed. Jill is cooking at home and Ally is with a tutor to help her with college. Jill is banging pots, talking and making so much noise it interrupts Ally. Jill seems amused by this, always needs to be the center of attention.

Sonja- Love her, best thing this season. She is a trip, I laugh when I think of  her Heimlich story about her poodle.  Kelly gives her a cleanse and lectures her about being more healthy. Sonja is recuperating from an operation, not the best time to get on a pedestal and tell her what is wrong with her. Sonja did a dead on impression of Ramona's eyes when she was at Ramona's birthday. Sonja says they look crazy because her brain is pressing on them. Bring Sonja back next season.

Alex- It looked like a great time was had by Ramona,Mario,Bethenny,Jason, Alex and Simon when they were shopping. Alex looked great in that black dress, put together great as usual. Simon was so sweet when he saw Bethenny, he gave her a big hug and was so sincere in congratulating her on the pregnancy.  Alex looked great modeling at the event for Anita Kaufmann, she looked nervous, but was good. I did not care much for Alex and Simon the first season they were on. But I love them now, Simon's blog is always funny. Alex has shown so much restraint and class I have found a respect for her and Simon as well. I just love how they treat each other, so in love, great to see. Did you notice how uncomfortable she looked when Ramona was giving her speech? Maybe Jill one chair away was the reason, she looked like she wanted to run.

Bethenny- Not a lot of her either. She was invited to go shopping by Alex/Simon. She looked great in a yellow dress. Jason also looked dapper. Bethenny's PETA ad was revealed in times square and everyone came but Kelly,Luann and Jill, NO SHOCKER.


Andy finished the lost footage show with a clip from the reunion. He asked Luann about listening to phone conversations on speaker phone and not letting the caller know who is listening. Luann said it is not proper etiquette Jill did not seem very upset about doing it, just that Luann heard. I think she does this often. Andy then asked the ladies what is next for them. Luann has got a record deal, she is excited about that. Kelly has her jewelry line coming out. Jill is taking the summer off to spend with Ally, she is going to India this summer and then off to college. Sonja is going to France with her daughter, then to the Hamptons. Sonja is also writing a sexy novel and working on her toaster oven recipes. Alex will be on a book tour till August and a second printing of her book is being done. Ramona just came back from Africa and she will working on those charities.


Sorry the season is over, I love the RHONY, tied to be my favorite with RHOOC. That is about all I have, so have a great Friday and better weekend.

Elvira is broke and will not be on the RHONJ

NY Post article about Elvira Grau (bitchy party planner for Teresa).

Bankrupt Teresa Giudice isn't the only deadbeat on "Real Housewives of New Jersey." Elvira Grau -- the snarky party planner who debuted on the show Monday and boasted of a lux urious lifestyle replete with nan nies, maids, cooks and drivers -- owes nearly $300,000 to the tax man. Grau and her husband, James, were slapped with massive state tax liens between January and March on various properties, including their $3 million Cresskill mansion, according to New Jersey Superior Court re cords. Grau said she was the newest housewife to join the show, a claim Bravo denied, although she'll appear in more episodes. And despite her boasts to Guidice about having a shore house, property records show Grau and her husband don't own any thing near a beach. Meanwhile, Giu dice's beach house was seized by the banks after she and hubby Joe Giudice filed their $11 million bankruptcy in Octo ber. Bravo wouldn't comment and Grau's reps didn't return calls.

Comment from the NY Post article by someone who says they know her.

Andy's tweet about Elvira's chances of being on the RHONJ.

Danielle's Skin Flick

Here are some promotional shots for Danielle's video. If you are interested in seeing it you can click HERE, it involves joining Hustler.

Kelly,Sonja and Luann at the "Grownups" premiere

A few RHONY made an appearance at the NY premiere of "Grownups", pictured above are Kelly, Sonja and Luann. Caroline-RHONJ attended the premiere but was not photographed. I noticed that Kelly was dressed in a short sexy dress. Remember when she made a point to say how she NEVER dresses sexy at Ramona's wedding. I guess it is just another Kelly contradiction.

Jill taking calls on her sisters show

Video from You Tube of Jill, she talks about the RHONY.

Bravo asked Dina to reunion show

Post from Babble about Dina and the reunion show.

Dina Manzo gave up her Real Housewife of New Jersey title for one very good reason – Danielle Staub. She said, “I tried. I’m done. I’m out.” She wants nothing more than to stay away from her, for her and her family’s sake. “She’s dangerous. I’m not sure what she’s capable of.” But as the wounds from the bitter relationship heal, Dina might just tear them right back open…


Dina was invited to partake in the always ultra dramatic and high octane reunion show. Dina tweeted that “Yes I’ve been invited to the reunion & yes I’m welcome to still blog. Torn~ I really want to be done w her. That won’t help make it go away. What do you guys think??”


She continued to say, “Maybe I should just show up at the reunion dressed like her weave & all & just sit there like nothings wrong…Now THAT would be funny.” But that would be a pretty impossible feat. She added that, “ahhh screw it, I’m sending @kathygriffin w a blonde wig in my place at the reunion. I have a feeling she could shut that Beyotch down.” Not a bad idea.

Jill's new blog

Here is Jill's blog from today.


Happy in the Hamptons
Since my last blog, I have been relaxing in the hamptons with my family. For my niece Jessica’s 13th Birthday, I invited her with 13 girlfriends to have a slumber party! They came for 24 hours and it wasn’t long enough. We went swimming, had a beach bonfire, bagels for breakfast and last few hours on the beach. I posted a few photos on twitter. Spending time with them just reinforced my belief that life is ALL about relationships and the more you put into them the more you will get out.

We watched the lost scenes episode and for the most part, it made me laugh. I loved the line I said to Bobby at Chopard. “If I start feeling jewelry, you might be feeling something later!”. How funny was that! Bobby did buy me the watch ( not the necklace) and I wear it everyday. The scene with Ally and the tutor from Princeton Review was so funny. I have to confess. We wanted this scene to make the final edit because that was our reality at the time..study..study and more studying. That is why Ally was missing most of the season. and watching Ally studying is not what you would call interesting TV..so I came up with something silly to distract her and be funny for TV. I usually left Allyson alone in the dining room with her tutor so I wouldn’t distract her. We also filmed with her college prep counselor at IVY WISE in NYC. I highly recommend them, but you must start early for it to be useful. Sadly it was cut.
Ramona’s Birthday lunch was quite emotional. Ramona shared with all of us the pain she had been carrying for a long time. Though it looked like we had a little “fight” we actually had a wonderful heart to heart that you didn’t see. That was one of the reasons I felt going to the Island was the right thing to do. I am not going to rehash all of it again..but just know my heart was in the right place.
I just came home from a friend’s wedding and was with Luann and Ramona. We had a great time together. Nothing is better than sharing our friends most important occasions together. Tomorrow night we will be together again for another friend’s daughter’s college graduation. Saturday I will be filming for LXNewYork a few hamptons events. This will be my first time doing a remote so I am a little nervous. I will post photos from the parties next week.
Ally comes home next week..I miss her so much!
Please keep checking back as I will be blogging this summer. Sign up for my newsletter if you want to “really” up to date!
If you haven’t read Secrets of a Jewish Mother and want to buy it..we are selling it at www.zarinfabrics.com. As a THANK YOU, we are including a very cute Housewives Key Chain ( retail $19.95) and I will personalize it ( include any special message in comments on order).

Real Housewives Net Worth

Got these figures from Celebrity Net Worth, not sure how accurate they are, some housewives are not listed.

RHONJ:
Caroline   $8 Mil
Jacqueline   $5.5 Mil
Dina  $4.5 Mil
Danielle  $2 Mil
Teresa  NEGATIVE $11 Mil

RHONY:
Sonja  $30 Mil
Luann  $2 Mil
Bethenny  $14 Mil
Ramona  $18 Mil
Jill  $35 Mil
Kelly  $15 Mil
Alex  $400 Thousand


RHOOC:
Vicki  $7 Mil
Alexis $3.5 Mil
Jeanna $750 Thousand
Tamra $10 Thousand
Slade  $100 Thousand

RHOA:
Nene  $1.5 Mil
Kim   $1.5 Mil
Kandi  $35 Mil
Sheree  $50 Thousand

Kelly's feather jewelry

Piece from US magazine about Kelly's jewelry line, she wore a bracelet from her line at the reunion show.

Real Housewives of New York star Kelly Bensimon is stepping away from the world of reality TV to focus on her new jewelry line, Kelly by Kelly Killoren Bensimon.

"One of the most influential icons for me has always been Raquel Welch," Bensimon, 42, tells UsMagazine.com in a statement. "Wrapped in suede and golden-tanned skin, Welch in One Million B.C. epitomized raw beauty."

The collection mixes metals, leather, feathers and crystals and ranges from $50 to $150 at Intermix stores across the country.

Bensimon also designed a limited number of baubles for charity, including two single feather earrings, white layered ostrich feather and Swarovski crystal earrings and layered black coq feathers with metal. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding America and are available exclusively at Blue & Cream in East Hampton.

Teresa in Miami for a book signing

Post from the Sun Sentinel about Teresa in Miami.

by: Benjamin Crandell
If the whole world is becoming New Jersey – the Marlins are giving away foam fists to pump at Saturday’s game – consider “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice’s new book a roadmap.

On Saturday, Giudice will be at Books & Books on Miami Beach to sign copies of her cookbook “Skinny Italian” (Hyperion, $19.99), filled with the recipes that keep her four kids and hubby “Juicy” Joe Giudice, well, juicy.

She laments that “the Americanization of Italian food has given it a bad rap for being unhealthy,” and reveals her secret ingredient: olive oil, which she says is the most essential ingredient for “getting in and staying in your skin-tight jeans forever.”

Giudice will autograph copies of “Skinny Italian” beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Books & Books at 927 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. Info: booksandbooks.com, 305-532-3222.

Elvira Grau says she in the new housewife on RHONJ

Post on babble about Elvira the party planner from RHONJ saying she is the newest housewife.

by MaraLee
Earlier in the week Elvira Grau, the party planner on last week’s episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey, sent out a press release, herself, saying that she was going to be taking Dina Manzo’s spot on the show. This was weird because the show would have announced it, not the individual.

Andy Cohen stepped in, shooting down her claims with a quick dismissal on Twitter stating “It ain’t true. Ur on 2night’s ep for 10 mins tho. Sorry + Enjoy.”

But a new YouTube is circulating today with the lady herself once again claiming that she is the newest housewife, a “crazy bitch,” and just screaming her name and doing what appears to be an attempt at booty shaking. Does this mean:

A) She was previously told she would be on but has pissed off execs like Andy Cohen by proving herself unmanagable and lost her place on the show before she even started?
or
B) She’s delusional.

Take a look at the video. She kind of acts like she’s on pills,though I don’t think she is (though that would somehow in some waymake this YouTube more comfortable to watch). It’s creeping me out. If I were a fellow housewife I would do all I could to keep her off the show and away from my family.

Check out her video on You Tube.

Salahis writing a tell all book

Post from TV Realityworld about the gatecrashers.

By Christopher Rocchio
Michaele and Tareq Salahi are reportedly ready to tell all about their

The Real Housewives of D.C. stars are working with investigative reporter Diane Dimond to write a new book they claim will provide "behind-the-scenes" details on what happened when they were accused of attending a White House state dinner last November for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without an invitation, The New York Post reported Thursday.

In addition, Dimond said the book will "reveal the truth" of who the Salahis "really are."

"It just never added up to me that someone could sneak in -- past the [security] perimeter, no less!," Dimond told The Post.

"As I began to investigate, I realized the Salahis' story is much bigger than what's been reported."

While the couple left the dinner before the guests were seated, they managed to have contact with both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden during their time at the event.

The Secret Service acknowledged its personnel did not follow proper procedures to ensure the Salahis were on the guest list, however the couple the denied crashing the dinner.

The Salahis were subsequently the subject of a federal investigation and were subpoenaed to testify at a January hearing in front of the House Homeland Security Committee, however they invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Dimond told The Post the Salahi's account of what took place has "genuine intrigue" with twists that "can be traced right back to the White House." The book is currently being shopped to publishers with agent Sharlene Martin.

Sneak peek at Danielle's sex tape.

Perez Hilton has a link for a sneak peek at Danielle's tape, click at your own risk HERE.

Real Housewives of Houston cast finalists

Story from Culture.com about the RHOH.

by: Shelby Hodge
Lucinda Loya is still in. Joyce Echols and Debbie Festari have bowed out. That's the current inside track on contenders for a Houston version of Real Housewives, but there's much more scoop on the players hoping to drop anchor in reality TV land.

Los Angeles-based producer Ron Muccianti, with dreams of a Real Housewives of Houston hit, has been back and forth from LA — wooing high-profile Houston women, auditioning and interviewing them and eliminating those who don't shimmer with the desired star power.

Apparently, it was quite a night of female egos at Mo's recently when Muccianti gave the women the opportunity to show him just how over-the-top/camera-ready they really are. Last week, the candidates did Skype interviews for the producer.

We can't tell you who was dismissed but we can tell you that Hugh Echols put his foot down, which is why his glamorous wife, Joyce, will not be exposing herself, as it were, to prying cameras. As she explained, "Whether you like it or not, you're going to be drawn into something stupid."

When it became apparent that the husbands were expected to have a role as well, Hugh firmly declined.

Jessica Meyer also turned it down and is opting to join forces with an Austin-based filmmaker for a different project. Debbie Festari thought better of it as well.

While Muccianti has asked the candidates to keep everything hush-hush and not give out his contact information, tidbits are emerging. Word is that the remaining contenders for the limited slots are Leslie Tyler Fink, founder of RSVPSocial.com; Patti Murphy, attractive social figure involved with Houston Ballet; Sharon Gaille, a regular at the Houston Symphony events; Crystal Wall, wife of rapper Paul Wall; divorcee Daphne Angelique, Jamie Kelley, wife of weight-loss guru Shaun Kelley; and Loya, an interior designer.

And, of course, the always-colorful, always-camera ready Cindi Rose with cameo appearances by her daughter, reality TV veteran Erica Rose.

The ladies are holding their breath as apparently only six will win the honor of small screen stardom.

Loya takes a cavalier attitude toward the project. 'It's a crazy thing to do and sometimes I'm a little crazy," she said via phone from Aspen. "I don't want to embarrass myself or my family . . . but I learned a long time ago that people are going to think what they want about you."

As long as the project feels right, she's on board. She's talked it over with her husband, movie-star-handsome Javier Loya, president and CEO of Choice Energy, and he is game if she is.

The reality show intrigue is heating up locally as Austin's Ashley Chiles jumps into the fray with her own potential project focusing on what she calls "larger than life Houston women." It sounds considerably tamer and classier than the so-called Real Housewives of Houston action, which despite the confusion, is in fact being considered for a pilot which would then be presented to Bravo for consideration for its copyrighted Real Housewives series.

Meyer signed on with Chiles as did Cindi Rose. It's as if two parallel universes are colliding and sending wannabe reality starlets into a frenzy. The cross-pollination and confusion between the two projects has been something to see.

Chiles separates her project from others, saying that her plan is for something "new and fresh and unique." She adds that it might even result in a collaboration between Meyer's Bullet Girl jewelry line and The Texas Huntress. That Web and DVD project was created by Chiles, a Houston native who happens to be the niece of actress Lois Chiles