Final blogs of RHoNYC – interesting

The last blogs..well there is a lost footage episode so who knows? Some people posted multiple blogs so sit back. I’ve got it semi-covered.

I wanted to say a few words about part II and III of the reunion. I still haven’t seen all part III…Kelly said that Bravo forced her to go on the trip. Hmm, probably not. But did they strongly suggest it? YES. If you listen to the LuAnn and Kelly conversation about choices you can tell that Kelly did indeed feel pressured and LuAnn was telling her she could have gone and laid low or not gone at all. At least that was my interpretation. Of course Bravo wanted all the women on the trip. That’s why they paid for it!

As far as Kelly goes, I think it is helpful (if they care to get her) to understand that she doesn’t communicate well and never engage with her in a group setting. I don’t think the Kelly thing is all that serious. As far as I know, she’s great when with her kids and that is all that matters, not what happens on some reality staged trip. And I wouldn’t call what happened on the trip bullying because she was (understandably) on the defense but she was being the aggressor a lot of the time. However, I think it is great that she is doing anti-bullying PSAs.

Onto the blogs:

Alex talks Bethenny’s new show, Jill’s change of heart, and Kelly’s bullying claims

Do I think Jill was happy for Bethenny when she got her own show? Yes, actually I do. I also think she was jealous as h-e-double hockey sticks, because she wanted it to be a show for the two of them, like Laverne and Shirley. Yes, she really did tell us to boycott Bethenny. Yes, even recently Jill also called places like the Wendy Williams show to complain about Bethenny getting airtime and not her. She made that call this spring – a couple of months after the season was filmed. That leads me to believe that all this remorse and change of tune is based on the viewers’ reaction, not a real change of heart about the loss of a friendship.

Onto the (alleged) bullying. I was very disappointed that Kelly chose to diminish a real problem that exists in our schools, and more recently on the internet, in order to deflect criticism of her own behavior. We all wanted to have fun with her in St. John with the best of intentions, but from the very moment we landed at the airport she kept saying contradictory things and getting randomly aggressive. It’s as though she has a threshold of what she considers inappropriate conversation that is different from anyone else in the cast, and once she is uncomfortable she will do anything, rational or not, to stop the conversation.

Alex explains why she’s tired of playing nice with co-star and “mean girl” Jill Zarin.

Next, Jill says I hate her, and that she can’t film with me in the future. She’s attempting to play chess with me and with Bravo here, which is typical – she’s done it with Bethenny and with Kelly in the past. There have been a few people recently who have asked me why Jill gets me so upset, and tonight we saw an example. Because Jill was angry with me, when the subject of nude photos and hypocrisy came up, she started shouting that I had “spread eagle pictures in the hallway of my husband’s hotel.” Number one, that is not true and she knows it. Number two, she chose her words specifically to cause trouble for Simon, because perhaps someone out there would wonder whether it was true and ask his business associates about it.

This is an example of the way Jill plays. Jill is a mean girl, not a stupid girl, and she knows exactly what she is doing. Every time she goes on the attack against me or anyone else, she says something that she hopes will damage her target’s life or career. It’s really, truly dirty.

Jill: after the storm

There are still things I wish I could have said and things that were cut out. For example…Alex had NO PROBLEM asking Bobby and I to give her $2000 worth of fabric for FREE for her fashion show. Why did Bravo cut that out?? Because it would make me look good? Because it would show that I was trying to be her friend and the audience would see through her plan? Alex’s plan was to make noise to stay on the show. Jen Gilbert was cast to be a potential replacement. I didn’t do it. Bravo did.

I really thought B and I were friends. I think I was the last to know that we never were. A real friend, not matter what, would have let it go and made up. B never wanted to make up. It was all for a TV SHOW and that’s what I was saying last night. I wanted to talk off camera at Ramona’s house. She wouldn’t. It made me crazy in that moment so no, I was not ready. She said on Andy Cohen’s show that I never asked her because she didn’t know that it was filmed and they were ready to show the footage last night. When she found out, she admitted it. Then changed the subject.

Not sure about that last paragraph. B did admit that Jill may have asked her to talk off camera. I don’t know or care…eh. I do believe Alex knew she had to make a presence this season or she may be replaced. I don’t understand it though. I really enjoyed Alex & Simon during season 2.

Kelly says a final farewell to fans and is ready to finally move on.

We fought, we moved on. This season was cathartic. We fought, we talked, we moved on. We are all unpredictable and that’s what makes us fun to watch. Season 4 is going to excite you even more. Happy summer.

After a wild and crazy reuinon, Ramona reacts to Jill’s apologies, Kelly’s “wackiness,” and more.

I found it very sad that Kelly does not realize her problems and tried to spin it as though we bullied her, four against one. Bullying is a very serious issue that is happening to young children and young adults and she is making a mockery of it by her claims. I always knew something was off with her, but now all of America can see how really out there she is in “Kellyland.” I do only wish her the best and one on one she is quite lovely. When she is in a group situation something snaps.

Sonja talks reunion drama and the evolution of her castmates this season.

I am very self-conscience about seeing myself on television but I do feel people relate to me so it’s worth it. If I can share something that is helpful, enlightening, make someone laugh, and maybe even make someone laugh at themselves, then I am happy. At least at this point! I have really mixed feelings about the show, but I have picked my poison and took it, and now I will see where it takes me. I say that with gratitude.

Whatever defenses Kelly had up during the reunion, I like and agree with what she said at the end. She said she grew. Besides, I also liked her switching the words to describe us from aggressive to assertive. So maybe I was right in the beginning. Real Housewives of NYC is the best of the franchise because we EVOLVE!

I will post blogs from BMG? later

real blogs of NYC reunion/bethenny

Only two housewives have blogged about the reunion so I decided to post BGM (Bethenny Getting Married) and the reunion blogs together.

Reunion of NYC part I
Kelly speaks to the insecurities of her costars.

You don’t look better when you try to make other people look worse, you just look insecure.

Compete with yourself, and cooperate with others.

(full entry)
Alex talks ‘Housewives’ teams, Jill’s insincere apologies, and more.

From the beginning of the season, LuAnn and Jill had a ‘team” that they tried to recruit others to join – Jill on the phone Labor Day weekend and LuAnn asked me on camera at Ungaro in September which “team” I was on. Ramona, Bethenny and I didn’t form a team with Sonja joining later. We didn’t make jackets; it’s not like we’re in the Pink Ladies. We just understood each other.

Bethenny Getting Married
Bethenny thanks fans for their support of her new “reality sitcom” and talks walking the runway at five months pregnant.

Thank you so much to my fans who have taken this journey with me. You are the reason why Bravo gave me a show and why I am so successful. I put my heart and soul into this show and left nothing on the field. I am trusting you with my personal life.

Bethenny Getting Married? is a complete departure from Housewives. It is emotional and dramatic, yet very cute and funny. I think of it as a reality sitcom. I’m so proud of it, and I can’t get over all of the incredible reviews. This really is so exciting.

Julie shares behind-the-scenes deets on what it’s like to work for Bethenny!

A lot of people ask me what working for Bethenny is like. It is most likely exactly what you would imagine it to be. She is a tough boss, with a lot of quirks, but very kind and encouraging. She wants me to succeed and is very thankful for everything I do – even if things sometimes move too fast to stop and smell the roses.

When Bethenny decided to hire another assistant, I was of course thrilled to have the help. Although sometimes I can be a control freak and want to do everything by myself, I knew with all that was going on that it would be nice to have someone to lean on. Although I did not directly interview Max (I was listening from the office) – he gave a great interview and won Bethenny and Cookie over.

Max talks about his first day on the job as Bethenny’s new assistant.

Fist pounds are a staple in the bro community, and this is something Bethenny will have to get used to. I think Jason realized the upside of having me around – he would get a piece of his manhood back, something I’m sure he’d been missing as a result of being around Julie, Bethenny, Cookie, and Skinnygirl Margaritas all the time.

heh.

Real Blogs of NYC ep 13

5 Days until the finale! The reunion show was recently taped.

Bethenny looks back on the emotionally draining vacation to St. John.

I did mention to Ramona that I thought Jill might pull something like a surprise entrance. When she arrived, I thought to myself, “Why must Jill always manage to make herself the center of attention?” She never wanted to come on the trip. She was very negative about it from the beginning, but when life went on without her, she felt that she had to insert herself. Unfortunately none of us believed that her intentions were pure. It was such an incredibly stressful trip, and we just wanted a moment of peace. The whole ordeal was a nightmare. It really was emotionally draining, particularly with my being pregnant.

Alex recaps Kelly’s meltdown and Jill’s ambush in the “Verging on Crazy Islands.”

We had all reorganized our lives for a week to take this trip. When we planned it, Jill told everyone for various reasons that we shouldn’t go. To me in particular (before we stopped speaking) she had said, “I am planning my own trip and you all should go with me; don’t go on Ramona’s trip.” When it became clear that we were all going, she decided she couldn’t get away and I for one was relieved.

If Jill wanted to see Bethenny she could have done that in New York. If she wanted to make a grand gesture of apology to Bethenny she could have said that to begin with, maybe come in on bended knee with hearts and flowers and perhaps riding a horse with some skywriting behind her. She didn’t do any of that. She came in saying “I came to surprise you, Ramona.” Guess what, if there’s one thing I know about Ramona it’s that she doesn’t like surprises.

Kelly calls for an end to bullying and reveals her emotional state after a traumatic vacation wtih the Housewives.

Stick with your instincts.

I was still shell shocked by the events over the weekend with the four women. I had a great Thanksgiving dinner with my parents, my sister, her family, and my girls the night I got home. I then spent the rest of the weekend riding horses, and going to the beach with my girls.

Stop systematic bullying! Tell a teacher, friend, or adult. Everyone deserves to be loved. Four against one is never OK.

Ramona tries to understand the motives behind Jill’s surprise visit.

Now on to the show. I have to say each episode gets better and better. I was so relieved Kelly had left St. John. I no longer wanted to be responsible for her as she was having serious issues and it was scary (much scarier than you could ever imagine!) I had called Jill the evening before to ask her to please meet Kelly at the airport. I was so concerned for her and wanted someone to meet her and make sure she was OK. Jill had conveyed to me that Kelly was sending her strange texts and wasn’t making any sense. I wonder why Jill did not tell me that night of her plan to come to St. John. Is is because she knew I would say it wasn’t a good idea? I think now that has to be the case. She got it in her head she was coming and did not want me to say no. What is even more strange to me is that Jill didn’t meet her friend Kelly at the airport. If you’re my good friend I would do anything for you and be there. Why wasn’t Jill there for Kelly?

The Countess weighs in on Jill’s St. John surprise.

I told Jill from the very beginning that it wasn’t a good idea to go to St. John. It wasn’t fair to the other women because they might not have gone if they knew Jill was going. Jill should have called Ramona to ask if it was OK to visit instead of just popping in on the girls’ vacation. That way, Ramona could have prepared everyone for Jill’s visit and Jill would have been greeted much more warmly than she was. Nonetheless, the girls should have welcomed Jill and Bobby or at least offered them something to drink.

Initially, I felt that Kelly was bullied a bit during the St. John trip but after speaking to Bethenny and the girls and seeing the footage, I realized that Kelly was being antagonistic. She was out of control and let her emotions get the best of her. I think that Kelly doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, but she contradicts herself all the time, making her hard to believe.

Sonja talks Jill’s surprise entrance, recovering from vacation, and her charity event!

I arranged badly needed manicures, pedicures, and massages together. We really deserved them. We were taping a lot and that is tiring, believe this old lady. Especially for the newbie! I want to be natural, give my best, but at the same time keep up with the drama. Yikes!

Finally after discovering Kelly has left, and we can relax, in walks Jill. Nothing against Jill, except I knew Bethenny didn’t want to deal with this confrontation. Alex was upset with Jill as well, and Ramona as a hostess was strapped at this point! Ramona did harbor resentment towards Jill already since she wouldn’t come for the full trip. As you know, Ramona felt Jill didn’t want to come because it wasn’t Jill’s trip.

no blog from Jill

Alex tells all

Alex & Kelly

Alex McCord: Kelly Bensimon Was “Much Crazier” in Real Life Than TV

You call that crazy?

According to Real Housewives of New York star Alex McCord, fellow castmate Kelly Bensimon’s erratic behavior documented on Thursday’s episode was nothing compared to unseen footage left on the cutting room floor.

“It was much more [crazy] in real life,” McCord tells Usmagazine.com of Bensimon’s freakouts during a group vacation on St. John’s. “Much more crazy!” McCord claims that the editing actually made Bensimon look “better.”

On the instantly-infamous episode, Bensimon called McCord a “vampire,” accused Bethenny Frankel of trying to stab her to death in a dream, and randomly burst into tears.

“I remember the first time that Kelly mentioned that she thought I was channeling the devil. It was in the middle of the soup course!” McCord tells Us. “That wasn’t the first time that had happened. Throughout the trip, it just came out of the blue.”

Although McCord and pals Sonja Morgan, Frankel and Ramona Singer initially found Bensimon’s outbursts amusing, they quickly realized her tantrums were no laughing matter.

“Sonja was the one who pegged it at one point, saying, ‘Wow. We’re dealing with someone who is not being rational. We have to stop,’” McCord explains. “There was definitely a moment when we all clicked into realizing we had to stop picking part all the insane things being said because there’s a reason beyond anyone’s control, beyond her control.”

Bensimon, 42, sees the situation a bit differently. On Friday, she told New York magazine’s Vulture: “Some people are like, ‘You had a breakdown,’ and I’m like, no, I had a breakthrough!”

And even though the trip took place back in November, McCord and her castmates remain mystified by Bensimon’s disturbing behavior.

“We’ve all talked after we saw the episode,” McCord recalls. “We just said, ‘Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Are we on the same planet?’ When things that happen that are that irrational, you think it’s you. We thought maybe our memories had distorted. But when [my husband] Simon saw it he said, ‘Okay. Now I understand what you were talking about!”

Kelly seems to love the press she is getting. Here is the US article (from Kelly’s twitter). Say what you will but at least she looks great. lol.

To read more of Kelly’s People interview, pick up this week’s issue. Here is more of the excerpt:

Kelly Bensimon wants to be clear about one thing. She’s not crazy — and that wasn’t a nervous breakdown you saw on The Real Housewives of New York City Thursday, as she blew up at her costars during a trip to the Virgin Islands.

“It was a nervous breakthrough,” Bensimon tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview appearing in next week’s issue.

“I learned don’t do it. Don’t be around people who don’t like you. I will never engage them like that ever again. I learned my lesson, as should everyone.”

The lesson involved comes as a result of what Bensimon, 42, calls the group’s “systematic bullying” of her throughout the vacation, during which she and costars Ramona Singer, Alex McCord, Sonja Morgan and her former rival Bethenny Frankel were sequestered on a yacht.

“It was four people against one. I go on this trip, I’m trying to be open. I have no expectations. I’m trying to be nice to these women who clearly don’t like me,” Bensimon says. “But the minute I got on the trip, they went after me. It was constant.”

Being away from her children Sea, 12, and Teddy, 9, was an added stressor. The isolated maritime setting didn’t help much either. “It’s an awkward position. Normally you’d be like, ‘I’m not dealing with this… I’m leaving,’” she says. “But this is not a situation where you can leave. You have to stay and you have to police them otherwise then you’re not a part of what’s going on and then they go off.”

I hope one day she realizes that policing other people doesn’t work. They will still talk about you. Nothing will stop that. Her staying didn’t really work for her. I’m glad she decided to leave one day early. (or whatever happened).

real blogs of nyc ep 12

LuAnn explains why she declined Ramona’s invite, and is baffled by Kelly’s behavior on the trip

I encouraged Kelly to pass on this trip because I knew that she couldn’t defend herself. I’m still baffled by how antagonistic she was at the dinner party. I think that Kelly may have had other issues going on at home that pushed her over the emotional edge. Kelly’s lack of empathy makes it hard for her to be a good girlfriend. After watching this episode, I can honestly say, I’m glad I stayed home! I don’t think anyone could have helped Kelly in this situation.

Alex talks vacations, villas, vampires, and vindication.

Each day one of us prepared a surprise or an activity for Ramona and the girls, and this week you see Kelly’s offering, the photo shoot. I’ve been in front of hundreds of cameras in my life; at most shoots I had a great time and was completely comfortable, but as anyone who has ever modeled knows, sometimes you just want to take the damned picture and move on. This time I was definitely not comfortable, and it showed in the way I styled myself for the shoot, my posture, everything. Just not good. The night before at dinner was the first time Kelly had said I was channeling the devil, and by the end of the night she had nicknamed me Encyclopedia. That in and of itself is fine and actually pretty funny, but instead of it being cute, it was more like a weapon.

Kelly regrets joining the Housewives in St. John.

I have never endured such a difficult time with four women.

Trust your instincts.

The only thing I really thought was over the top that the other women did (besides B yelling at her and continuously telling her she was crazy) was when Ramona told her to go into the hallway to call her kids. If Ramona had any sense of anything, she should have known that would set Kelly off. As soon as I saw that I just thought, “can anyone let one thing go?” Just ignore it! Was it really that bad? You think she’s crazy yet you pick, pick, pick! Do you need a PHD to figure out that you don’t mess with someone when they are unstable?? Or just compassion and a little empathy? /end rant. I would’ve been fine there because I would have stayed in my room but this is Kelly’s “job” and maybe she felt she couldn’t do that but she should have. She kept going on about how she was tired. She definitely needed alone time. Yet she kept coming back. Assuming she’s an introvert, being around people always makes bad moods/irritability worse.
Ramona describes the dramatic events that transpired in St. John.

I did not tell the ladies our next stay would be at this amazing villa. When I saw the majestic villa jutting off the bluff I could not contain myself, I had to give it up. I am not a jaded person or overly impressed, but I have to say, this villa in St. John was beyond anything I had ever visited or seen. The cameras did not begin to do it justice. The workmanship and the attention to detail in the woodwork, stonework, and ironwork was amazing. It was not gaudy – it was completely elegant. I really was in awe and was looking forward to our time there. I was really surprised to see Kelly was feeling alone and was crying in her room to Jill. We all went out of our way to make her feel part of the group and comfortable. I sometimes feel she is at a different place than the rest of us. When we were on the yacht she was speaking to Jill three to four times a day and it was aggravating her. I think some of her agitation was due to Jill stirring her up.

It was a beautiful villa. A nice, big place to lock your self away…I have to admit Ramona planned an excellent trip.

Bethenny weighs in on the chef vs. cook debate and gives her take on Kelly’s meltdown.

For a brief period, it was the most eventful dinner party I’ve ever hosted, however, it took a scary, dramatic turn and we wanted to diffuse the situation. I realized that I needed to reel it in because this wasn’t normal or healthy for anyone. Truth be told, what aired was very tame compared to what actually happened. I think that to air the full scope of it would terrify the viewers. We were truly terrified ourselves, and I must point out that none of us came home from that trip and told anyone about what went on there. We understood how serious it was and we were all scared. That night when I went to bed, I was legitimately scared for my safety as well as Kelly’s. I know Alex felt the same. It was a completely horrendous trip and experience. That is the God’s honest truth.

Jill explains why she declined Ramona’s trip offer and shares her thoughts on the “mean-spirited” season.

I was so disturbed and uncomfortable watching this week’s episode. It is hard for me to watch myself anyway, but this season is so dark and mean-spirited that I don’t feel connected to it at all. We filmed a lot of fun things but most of them ended up on the cutting room floor. There were a few fun or funny deleted scenes online (at bravotv.com) but they too were cut because they were considered “boring” or just don’t fit into the story line. I tried to ham them up (like when I sharpened the knives in the kitchen while Princeton Review was at my house tutoring Ally for her ACT test!) but I guess if we aren’t fighting, it just isn’t good TV anymore.

Eventually this show (all of the HW series) will jump the shark if they only show fighting because people will be obviously creating drama to get time on the show. I think it has already happened on other HW series. And it will go down as fake like some other reality shows. What a shame. There’s a reason why I only love HW of NYC.
Sonja recaps Bethenny and Kelly’s hot mess of a showdown in St. John.

I just wanted to talk hair, fashion, and other light, silly topics with the girls and poor Bethenny was hiding in the kitchen! She was in straight up, undeniable “fight or flight” mode at this point. I was so nervous I couldn’t stop with the hair flipping and clothing fussing. It was painful to watch myself on camera. Ramona must have felt the same because she didn’t want the crab cake to go back to the kitchen. So, I ate it! A third crab cake! Where was my poodle Millou when I needed him? I don’t want the poochie growing!

LOL.

real blogs of nyc ep 11

Bethenny talks about the birth of her daughter and recaps her wild vacation with the Housewives.

First of all, thank you so much for all of your incredible, heartfelt well wishes. Bryn is a tiny peanut of a girl weighing 4lbs 12 oz. When I feel a little better next week, I will write a newsletter and give you all of the details. Sign up at www.bethenny.com.

If you don’t mind, this blog will be brief. I’m writing from a hospital bed in pain from stitches and waiting to be able to visit Bryn in the premature unit.

I’m not sure exactly what set Kelly off. I don’t think you can ever really predict what Kelly will say or do. She certainly doesn’t operate under any normal circumstances nor is she predictable whatsoever. It is a little bit scary. I’ve learned to really just stay away from her.

Alex talks Jill drama, Kelly craziness, and a Housewives vacay to remember.

We needed to address a little Jill fallout. Let me explain exactly why. It was Thursday. Jen’s party (from last week’s episode, death, mean girl, high school, etc.) had taken place on Monday. Everything had happened in the space of four days, and we were all still reeling from it. It wasn’t as though we wanted to dredge up the past for fun; it was still the present and we hadn’t had a chance to sit down with Bethenny, who had just flown in from LA. So when the debriefing began, Kelly became really uncomfortable, and I understood that as she and Jill had become close. Again, no problem. It became weird when she started to narrate a different version of events. And then wouldn’t let us speak. And then said we were making lemonade out of lemons. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do? I understand she was uncomfortable, but that’s when she should walk away and let us finish so she doesn’t have to hear it. Luckily, she did – she gave herself a timeout and came back to a better place. Temporarily.

Kelly is left speechless after an emotional episode.

Always follow your instincts.

I knew I should have never gone on the trip.

I am incredibly embarrassed by how I acted.

Kelly isn’t crazy. She’s a Taurus. (I can say that because I’m one too.) 1 point for Kelly for not making excuses. I made up one for her though.

Sonja gives her take on the wild time the wives had at Ramona’s bachelorette party.

I know Ramona said it was a bachelorette party, but puhleese, after my Martin cocktail and my limit of wine at dinner my friend Kelly “Patron” Bennsimon brought out these espresso shots that turned out to be tequila! I thought the tequila came after, not in! That along with PMS, the time change, the stress of our first day, feeling a little self-conscience seeing how fit the ladies figures were, and the memories that were flooding my senses, I became emotional. Bethenny and Kelly were so kind to stop fighting with each other for once to bolster my confidence by saying I look amazing, hugging me, and actually feeling my pain. Both of them did! Looks are not everything but every woman wants to look, feel and be the best they can.

Kelly throws out a lot of adjectives and at times is judgmental. As this story unravels however, we find out, real or not, that Kelly feels strongly that Bethenny attacked her family in the press. That is very serious. However, she offered no evidence. I am looking forward to getting to know both of them better.

I said I loved Sonja because she made the point that, the four sane people were messing with the one insane person (Kelly, I guess). I forgot the exact quote. What she said in context will air tonight. I loved her for saying that because people in groups often gang up on the “insane” or “different” person without realizing it is “the group” against 1. Sonja came across as compassionate at that moment.

Ramona talks about her vacay getaway and getting down with Bethenny and Alex!

Kelly has a hard time conversing in intimate situations. While we were talking about our feelings for Jill and how her behavior has affected us, Kelly kept saying she did not want to talk about feelings. The way I see it, if you have no feelings and you cannot talk about them or be in touch with them, than you might as well be a robot. I have to say it was a spectacular time and the best was dancing with Bethenny and Alex. We were like the Three Musketeers! Not even Kelly’s negative attitude was going to bring me down.

LuAnn talks about her break into the music biz, why she skipped Ramona’s trip, and more.

I decided to skip the St. Johns trip because it was Victoria’s birthday. My children come first.

Ramona referred to me and Jill as “buzzkills,” but I don’t think anyone can kill Ramona’s buzz! I don’t take anything she says seriously, especially when she’s had a few glasses of Pinot Grigio!

Spending time with Courte is always interesting because he’s smart and funny. I just wanted to let my hair down and have a good time with someone who could make me laugh. I loved it when he ordered a drink called the Deal Closer! Dating on camera was a little awkward, especially the kissy-kissy part. He gave me a copy of his new book, Scandolocity as a gift. Flirting with a smart and handsome man is always fun.

LuAnn has a decent singing voice. I think she should stick with it.

no Jill blog. More Kelly V. The Group tonight. I don’t think Kelly will ever forgive Bethenny for what she perceives B did to her and her family.

real blogs of nyc ep 10

I have only viewed the episode once so no extra comments from me.

Alex talks about the Cocktails and Couture drama, her blow up with Jill, and more.

By the time Bethenny’s father died, there had been multiple reports of his illness, that he had retreated, and that he had let his staff go. It was online and on Google Alerts. I thought it was really disingenuous that Jill pretended not to be aware that he was dying. I thought it was pretty horrific that at 4pm that day, Jill texted me asking if I had heard he’d died. Yes, I knew. By 4pm, everyone knew. I didn’t appreciate getting a gossipy text about someone dying, particularly when Jill and I hadn’t spoken for weeks. I didn’t like it that Jill was being a nosy busybody, telling people how they should react and what they should be feeling (which she does all the time, to everyone) … and all the anger I felt toward her just spewed out. I asked Kelly to move; she wouldn’t. She insisted on staying between us. I couldn’t stop myself; I let Jill have it. I then got up, walked out and nearly took the wine glass with me – luckily I managed to give it back to Jen on the way out. Side bar – Jen’s apartment is beautiful – too bad we didn’t get to see more of it.

Sonja explains what a real party is, and no, it shouldn’t feature screaming and fighting.

I was trying to make small talk with Jill about fabric and pillows, but could tell she was upset with Alex being in the room. So I might as well have been talking to myself. Maybe Tinsley heard me. Alex had something to say for the first time and everyone had to scold her? What about Alex’s feelings that are so obviously raw? But the conversation continued on about Jill and Bethenny. When Alex wanted to clear the air with Jill she got shut down, which is what I saw with Bethenny and Jill. Maybe Jill couldn’t deal with Bethenny and Alex’s feelings at the same time.

I loved watching Ramona talk about timing. She is the Queen of dropping bombs at the wrong time, but at least she owns it and moves on. I have to say, Jill always says she is done with a friend when things don’t go her way. I hope we can have better communication since both of us are open, passionate Sag’s. Having said that…when I am a good friend to someone and they do something that is conscientiously planned and disrespectful to me, they ARE over. I don’t have time for emotional vampires. I still am not sure what Bethenny, Jill or Alex did because I was new to the scene and just an observer.

LuAnn talks about her confrontation with Alex, her new man, and Bethenny’s father’s passing.

Alex is usually receptive when I have something to say to her so I felt very comfortable telling her how disturbed I was about her message to Jill. I was surprised that she would deliver such a spiteful message. It was out of character for Alex to do this and I think she used this occasion to get back at Jill.

I wasn’t expecting an apology from Alex; I was expecting remorse. I’ve known Alex for three years now and she is not a mean person. It was totally out of character for her to be so cruel. Jill is my friend so I naturally feel protective of her but of course I would support her if she chose to work things out with Bethenny.

Ramona talks about planning her vow renewal ceremony and her advice to Bethenny.

When Bethenny first shared with me that her dad was dying, I told her she needed to see him. She had said to me she tried to call and he would not take her calls. I told her, “It really doesn’t matter what he wants, YOU NEED TO SEE HIM. YOU NEED CLOSURE. If it means just showing up on his doorstep and knocking on the front door, you must do it. Once he’s gone, he’s gone, and you will regret it the rest of your life, as there is no going back. You are having a baby, you are going to get married, and you need to confront him and come to terms with your father.”

Kelly talks about Jill and Bethenny’s breakup, her spa day with the wives, and more

As the season unfolds, the drama deepens for all the wrong reasons. Most of the women feel like they need to turn up the heat instead of being real. It’s hard for me to be in some scenes, because some of the women are so inauthentic. Bethenny is pursuing her own path, and the playing field is no longer equal. Some of the ladies are jealous, some don’t care, and some feel threatened by the new ladies on the show. It’s all so strange to watch for I was actually there. I honestly just want these women to be real.

Jill felt abandoned by Bethenny. It’s a hard breakup, and Jill is really effected by it. I can’t comment, I can only support. I hope they reconcile and either become friendly or recognize that they don’t get along. You can’t always get what you want, you get what you need.

Bethenny reflects on her relationship with her father.

Everything Ramona said when I called her on the way to see my father was totally spot on. We often know the truth, but we simply want to hear someone else say it. Our circumstances with our fathers are definitely different, yet losing a parent with a tumultuous history between you is something very difficult. I appreciate her listening and I thought her input was sincere.

I would never have been even remotely resolved in my life (I’m only part of the way there, btw) had I not made that visit. I can’t sugar coat it. It was brutal. My father really wasn’t very kind to me, I experienced a lot of anger, resentment and sadness, and it was complete torture. That said, it did close a horrible chapter for me. For that I am grateful.

No blog from Jill.

real blogs of NYC episode 9

I know holding grudges are bad but if I were Jill, I would definitely hold one against Alex for a few months. It would take some inner work to forgive what she did. And I would never consider her a friend or an acquaintance. There is a way to do things. Using your friend’s “message” to get your anger out? In front of everyone? NO WAY. I guess Alex did chose a side. FWIW, I don’t judge Alex’s character by this. I’m just sayin’ “If I were Jill”. Also, why didn’t Bethenny just hit reply & say “We’re done!”.

My one cent. Here are this week’s blogs:

Jill talks about Bethenny’s pregnancy announcement, Alex’s bombshell message, and “mean girls.”

After I congratulated Bethenny and Jason I felt terrible about the way it happened. I didn’t know Bethenny was coming to Kelly’s party since they weren’t really friends. I called her when we all left the party and sent her flowers to apologize and congratulate her. She texted me that she was away for the weekend but heard I sent them. She said thank you so I thought things were thawing out with her. That is why I texted her when I did hear the rumors were true. Even though we had a fight, I wanted her to know I cared about her

Alex reflects on her confrontation with Jill.

Over this season alone, LuAnn has acted as Jill’s messenger to Bethenny, and also tried to get Ramona to speak to Mario on her behalf, so there’s plenty of message delivery flying around. Should I have agreed to “deliver Bethenny’s message” and done it the way I did? Eh, perhaps, perhaps not. Certainly I would have liked for it to have gone more smoothly. I didn’t expect that Bethenny was sending Ramona a delivery, the bottle of wine, to the same party – prior to that I had planned to pull Jill aside and tell her privately. Once that happened, I knew that if I didn’t spit it out, the words weren’t coming out and I really wanted Jill to hear me – she never listens, or only listens for a nano-second, long enough to form her own opinion and shoot back at you or smother you with apologies. She didn’t even want to listen to me then, and there I was breaking out in hives…so I blurted it out.

Ramona talks about the drama that went down at her skincare event for trurenewal.

It was really exciting for me having my skincare event for trurenewal at Equinox. Bethenny called me right before the event to tell me she was pregnant, I started to cry and then so did she! It was really a big day – me launching my products at Equinox and having Bethenny share her great news. I was full of great anticipation for this event, little did I know there would be drama again. I always say still waters run deep and I guess Alex had enough and reached her boiling point. We all have our moments so she is allowed too!

LuAnn reacts to Bethenny’s pregnancy news and Alex’s “inappropriate” announcement.

Before Bethenny announced her pregnancy, I did notice that she was more emotional than usual and that she was fuller on top, but asking her if she was pregnant never crossed my mind. This is something that you never, ever ask a woman. Knowing Bethenny was pregnant helped me understand why she was so bitchy to me this season because I’ve done nothing to deserve her wrath.

Bethenny talks about the pregnancy news leak and Alex’s message to Jill.
Jill doesn’t possess the ability to keep her mouth closed, which is completely evident in several moments of this episode. She was very interested in this news as gossip and attempted to package it as concern. This is one of the multitude of reasons that she is no longer in my life.

I never intended for Alex to put a hit out on Jill. I think she had so much to say to Jill and I gave her a great excuse to attempt to unleash. I’m happy that she felt liberated in doing so. She has wanted to tell Jill exactly how she feels for so long, and this is the first time she came close. Stay tuned!

By no means was Alex’s message delivered how I intended. I basically told Alex that I was done with Jill and didn’t care if she told Jill to her face. Maybe I was feeling empowered and finally clear that I had closed the door. I was done.

Kelly apologizes for chatting during LuAnn’s event, and rifts about her co-stars’ ridiculous attempts at self-promotion.

Ramona invited me to her beauty launch. Just for everyone’s information, a beauty launch is normally an opportunity to promote your product, where you invite a few friends, press, and editors. Ramona decided to promote her product on the show. This is something that really annoys me about being on the show. I cannot stand how these women promote products so blatantly. Housewives is an amazing platform and I think it’s a great opportunity to show viewers the how-to in creating products and books. I like to inspire, not to exploit. This entire scene took Housewives to a level that was truly embarrassing.

Sonja talks Yenta-ing, plastic surgery, motherhood, and Alex’s “harsh words.”

I was screaming when Jill said LuAnn and I were out Yenta-ing her. How funny! And we really were. I couldn’t stop my mouth. I was excited for Bethenny that she was pregnant, but also nervous because I did miscarry myself, and three months is early. I also felt the tension between Jill and Bethenny lingering, so I tried to make light of it and say Bethenny was hormonal and we should cut her some slack. I truly did deal with postpartum depression and no one pointed it out to me, and when you are in it you don’t know. I figured it out later on my own. Long story.

real blogs of NYC ep 8

Jill talks about the ambush and the toxic effects of holding a grudge

I hope, if nothing else, you each see how holding a grudge too long can destroy a friendship. If the friendship was real one day it will be better, if not, it was not meant to me. I can’t kill myself over it. All I can do is apologize, apologize and apologize. After that, I have to move on as difficult and sad as that is. The truth is, I was mad that Bethenny only decided to talk to me on camera. After my initial shock, I asked Bethenny if we could talk privately OFF CAMERA in the bedroom. That was my test. She said no. She would only talk to me on camera. It just reinforced that this was for a TV show and nothing was real. My head was spinning. I wanted to run away, but I stayed. I was scared. I was in front of a room full of 30 people with four cameras in my face. How was I supposed to act? What do I say? I wanted to make up, but not on TV. I resented it and was not going to be a puppet for anyone. I felt “set up,” “ambushed” or whatever you want to call it.

…As she said on “Watch What Happens (live)”. The past two eps have been funny. The one with Jill and her mom and Bethenny & the guy from Modern Family (sorry forgothisname). Didn’t Bethenny look awesome? I know she can’t wait to have the baby.

Ramona talks about her relationship with her daughter, Avery, and recaps the showdown between Jill and Bethenny.

There could not have been a more perfect time than the Gotham party for Jill to bridge the gap with Bethenny. For goodness sake, last year all summer long Jill was helping Bethenny lick her wounds over her breakup. Bethenny was thinking she may never find the right man and Jill was there the whole time consoling her. How could Jill not go over and congratulate Bethenny?! I was so upset when I saw how hurt Bethenny was over Jill’s lack of acknowledgment. This was never aired and was edited out, but I went running over to Jill as fast as I could and said, “Bethenny is leaving. She is so hurt and upset by you! She’s crying; you must go over now before she leaves!” Jill kept saying to me, “No, I have to wait for Bobby.” I do not know why she needed him. I was freaking and telling her that if she didn’t go talk with Bethenny, their relationship might never be repaired. I went home so upset that night. Poor Bethenny was hysterical in the car with Mario and I on the way home. It should have been one of her happiest nights ever and Jill ruined it.

Alex talks about Bethenny’s engagement announcement, Jill and B’s confrontation, and her book signing tour

Although I had been hearing it from both sides, I couldn’t believe that things had gotten SO bad Jill couldn’t even share a booth with her until I saw it happen. Just the sort of thing you want to experience when you’re over the moon about getting engaged – your former best friend can’t even breathe your air. First Kelly tried, then Simon tried and Jill still wouldn’t go talk to Bethenny, claiming she needed Bobby by her side. If she’d said she wanted him to hear the news and congratulate her at the same time, that would have been plausible but I don’t think that was really it. Bethenny and Jason decided to leave and said their goodbyes, then outside there was Jill again. Wow. Ring – a – ding – ding. Yes, B’s ring is a gorgeous piece of jewelry, but it’s a symbol of the engagement, which comes from the commitment made to spend the rest of their lives together which comes from the love they feel. It’s not just about cut, carat and color – isn’t there another C in there? Can’t remember. Ah yes, clarity. At this point we all could use some. Maybe Jill felt uncomfortable and didn’t know what to say, so she pounced on the ring.

Kelly recaps the Gotham magazine party, and describes the “Renaissance man” she’s looking for

Ramona said I “typically don’t remember women” that I meet. Ramona has a lot of comments about me. It is very clear that she takes stabs at me to get attention. If she talks about me, it appears to the viewers that she has insight, and that she knows me. We met on this show. You know her better than I do. I must say I am so incredibly grateful to have so many incredible male and female friends. I would do anything for my friends, and they would do the same for me. I don’t bad mouth them or ever say anything mean. Your friends reflect who you are, and I celebrate the greatness in all my friends. I feel lucky to know them. I honestly wish Ramona would focus on herself and leave me alone.

Bethenny talks about trying to keep her emotions in check during her pregnancy and her father’s illness.

t really think about how Jill would react to my news. However, I never imagined she would be so dramatic. Silly me. I did find it incredibly hilarious that LuAnn would choose this opportunity to ask me about the “snake” comment. That was really for another day. I apologized simply to diffuse the situation and make it go away. I didn’t want anything to ruin my special news.

Newest Housewife and “lifestyle expert” Sonja Morgan talks sex, relationships, and creating a stir

Max was my Friday then Thursday night date (beach weekends) and I would not miss it for the world. He is beautiful inside and out, charming, smart, plays polo, tennis, believes in God, is worldly, has impeccable manners and knows how to make a woman feel special. I didn’t have any illusions about my future with Max and he understood our time together would be completely separate from my young daughters. It had to be that way with our busy and distinctly different schedules and goals. Also I wanted to keep Max for myself! Not stick him out there like an appetizer in front of the group I run with. It lasted ’til it was time for us to move on. I will always cherish those memories and we remain good friends who are there for each other. Kelly doesn’t seem to want to talk about Max like girlfriends do sometimes, so it’s not my business. I would never ask Max about Kelly. So there we are!

LuAnn recaps her apartment hunt, drinks with the single Housewives, and her confrontation with Mario.

In this episode, I’m looking at downtown apartments because I love going out downtown, but I decided it’s a better destination than a residence. I like to live in a neighborhood that isn’t so casual, where people make an effort to look good when they leave the house. Also, I need a doorman building now that Rosie is gone and the children are teenagers. I was open to trying something new by living downtown but after visiting the neighborhood, I decided to focus on the Upper East Side.

Simon recaps Bethenny’s big announcement and Jill’s awkward reaction.

Finally, and for once Jill feels bad. We’re all over back on the sofa toasting the engagement, but back with Jill again it’s all about Jill – she tell us she should have been there to help Bethenny, to choose the ring, with advice on dating etc. etc. etc. etc. Jill NEWS FLASH – Bethenny survived quite well without you micromanaging her every move. She even managed to find a great man, fall in love, get engaged and get pregnant too. All without Jill’s help. Just how did B manage???

LuAnn sucks it up (for three seconds) and comes over to congratulate Bethenny, but after the swift kiss we’re back at, “You called me a snake,” “Why did you flip out at me?” Gawd – can’t anyone just let Bethenny have one night to celebrate?

Alex and Simon promote their book

simon & alex

Alex and Simon’s new book (Little Kids, Big City: Tales from a Real House in New York City (With Lessons on Life and Love for Your Own Concrete Jungle)) is now ready for purchase. It is getting good reviews! Also, Alex and Simon will be on Wendy Williams tonight (BET).

Realty TV Stars Alex McCord & Simon Van Kempen Book Signing Event, “Little Kids, Big City”

Bravo Realty TV stars and happily married couple Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen launched their much anticipated book “Little Kids, Big City” on Thursday April 8, 2010 at Borders Book Store at 10 Columbus Circle.

This was part of three signings scheduled to promote the book in the New York Area. Park Slope was the first signing where the realty couple originally lived with their first child François and when Alex became pregnant with Johan.

The celebrity couple have been chatting with me at red carpet events throughout the year about their enthusiasm to express their thoughts and experiences on parenting in the big city with a tell all book.

Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen with Cognac Wellerlane Thursday April 8, 2010 at Borders Book Store at 10 Columbus Circle

In our interview at the Depesha Magazine Charity Auction to Benefit Russian Children’s Event last May, Almost a year ago, Simon revealed “It’s really memoirs of the last six years of our lives. It started with Alex’s pregnancy in December of 2002, what we discovered, the good, the bad and the ugly. The wonderful things about being a parent, our pitfalls but its an honest book about what we discovered parenting in New York.”

As breakout stars of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City, Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen have inspired, infuriated, and entertained parents everywhere. Their new book continues that trend, with the added bonus of informing (via the occasional rant,) families dealing with the daunting task of raising children in an urban environment. Writing with unique and humorous insight into the challenges facing city parents today, Alex and Simon use their own hard-won experience as a springboard to discuss a host of parenting topics, including baby’s first six months, traveling with infants, hiring caregivers, disciplining, dealing with accidents, dining out, making the most of urban life, and scheduling time for non-urban escapes. Their informative and often hair-raising stories of life in the concrete jungle, make Little Kids, Big City a must-read for urban parents, as well as for any fan of the show.

Cognac Interviews Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen with at Borders Book Store at 10 Columbus Circle

At the book signing the very fascinating and witty couple read excerpts from their book. Alex reads “You are not bringing that in here are you said by a snarling host at a normally child friendly restaurant. If by that you mean the stroller, No, I am going to fold it up and put it in the coat check. If you mean the baby perhaps you should work somewhere else. I know in the city particularly there are lots of people who don’t like kids and think the stroller brigade has taken over the neighborhood but all I want is a bowl of pasta, I promise I won’t show you my breast.” During the Q&A Simon revealed that Johan’s preschool teacher finally watched an excerpt from the show. She had never seen the show before and inquired “How does he get use to the television cameras in the house?” Simon answers “They have been there since he was one, it’s normal for him. I know it sounds bizarre but for three months out of the year, there have been cameras filming in our house.” Alex went on to say they actually used the show to discipline their children as a teaching tool for them, “There was a scene in the first season of a dinner party, the kids were over tired and you have crazy,” Simon jumps in to say “Ramona was two hours late that night,” Alex goes on to say “Well you know whether she was or whether she wasn’t what I did is I played that segment for Francois and I said you do see how badly they made you look, do you like that, no mommy he answered.”

In our interview that night the couple revealed that they will be touring around the country to promote the book and perhaps may also be going to Canada and Australia to endorse it further.

Celebrities that came to show their support included Celebrity Stylist Derek Warburton, Filmmaker Vince Parenti, Bravo’s TV Host Andy Cohen and Realty TV Star Bethenny Frenkel looking very pretty and very pregnant.

The reviews are also very positive:

“Alex McCord and Simon Van Kempen’s surprisingly down to earth account of their early days of parenting in NYC is as remarkable in its honesty as it is in its detail.”
– Cecily von Ziegesar, New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl novels and mother of two at PS Fab.

“Alex and Simon don’t take themselves too seriously which seems to be essential to parenting. Their fresh “he said she said” perspective on parenting is humorous and insightful.”
– Bethenny Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life

“A fun and entertaining read with an over the top enthusiasm for family and the joys of raising kids in the city. They manage to share lessons without sounding preachy and maintain a humorous light tone.”
– Alison Lowenstein, author of City Kid New York

“Little Kids, Big City is wonderful. Witty, funny, and interesting.”
– Divya Gugnani, host, Behind the Burner

The celebrity family of four (plus two cats) resides in a recently renovated brownstone in Brooklyn.

For more info on tour dates for the book signing at various locations please visit

http://www.mccordvankempen.com

‘Housewife’ Alex McCord sipped champagne while in labor, she divulges in new offbeat parenting book

We’ll give the “Real Housewives of New York” something to talk about on their next episode – we got our hands on fellow castmate Alex McCord and her house hubby Simon van Kempen’s new parenting book – and it’s sure to make Jill Zarin say “oh my gawd!”

The pair, who have been criticized in the past for their child-rearing skills on air (Countess LuAnn Delessepps recently scoffed at their son Francois’s behavior when he climbed up a stranger’s leg in the Hamptons) are adding new fuel to the fire by spilling their unconventional parenting rules in “Little Kids Big City: Tales From A Real House In New York City.”

“Throughout my pregnancy, I gave into every craving I felt,” admits the Housewife in one chapter of the tome, which will hit bookstands April 6th. “When I wanted to have a drink, I did.”

And this includes the night she went into labor with Francois: in fact, McCord says she was sipping on champagne when Simon escorted her to the hospital.

And we have a feeling the judgment won’t stop there: the duo also discusses bringing newborn Johan (when he was just 48 hours old) to the uber-fancy Mercer Kitchen while mom and dad had drinks.

But despite that bizarre outing, the couple insists they know they can’t bring their brood everywhere.

“We’re very lucky that we’re able to pay our nanny extra for two evenings a week to go out,” shares Alex.

Au contraire, say sources close to the fam. An insider with “Housewife” connections dishes that Alex may be a bit confused on the amount of time the duo spend outside their Brooklyn townhouse in the evenings. “They definitely go out A LOT during the week,” says the source. “They’ll go to practically any event to be seen.”

“The other Housewives have all made their own backhanded comments on the show about Alex and Simon’s parenting, and this book is only going to make things worse,” the insider continues. “If anything, it just highlights what everyone has been thinking all along.”

So keep gossiping, ladies! This column was featured on last Thursday’s episode (we had the scoop on the Bethenny Frankel v. Jill Zarin feud this fall) – and we have a feeling it will make it on the air once again!