Dina Is Happier Since Leaving The RHONJ

Post from Hollywood Life.

Chloe Melas, reporting by Lindsey DiMattina
We had a heart-to-heart former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina, and she told us life is so much better now that she’s off the show!

Photo: Splash News

Dina Manzo, 40, is finally back to her pre-fame self! We spoke to the former reality star Aug. 28 at the 2nd Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally at the Hamptons’ super swanky Georgica Restaurant & Lounge, and she looked great! We told you first that Dina was thinking about leaving the show — and we were right! The former Bravo housewife revealed that she doesn’t miss the heated drama with Real Housewives villain Danielle Staub one bit!

“I’m totally getting back to myself,” she told HollywoodLife.com exclusively. “I was back to myself really the day after I stopped filming the show. It was a huge weight off my shoulders. I’m truly at peace … I meant what I said when I left. I was so happy except for that whole situation [with Danielle] I was like, ‘What am I doing? I don’t need this!’”

But she did comment on the recent rumors that Danielle won’t be back for a third season.

“We don’t even know if that’s true or not,” she said. “But if it is, it will be a different kind of show. It will probably be what I initially thought it would be … about a crazy family who likes to have fun.”

But above all, Dina is thrilled that her children’s cancer foundation Project Ladybug, made a name for itself through the show.

“My foundation has gotten so much recognition,” Dina told us. “I don’t regret doing it [the show]. We all grow and everyone comes into our lives for a reason.”