real blogs of nyc ep 14

So will Jill come back after exiting the finale early? I’m leaning towards “no”.

LuAnn reflects on her relationship with Jaques, the release of her hit single, and her favorite moments this season.

Jacques is a good man and he’s got my back. We share many of the same interests. He makes me very happy and I’m lucky to have him in my life. Also, Jacques is French and very sophisticated, which I love and he is a successful businessman, which I respect.

I was a little disappointed when Alex, Bethenny and Ramona didn’t come out to support me at my CD release party. The girls knew how important this night was to me. They missed all the fun, their loss.

To check out LuAnn’s video, click on Bravo’s link.

Sonja gives her take on Bethenny and Jill’s relationship and recalls her fave moment from the season.

Ramona’s renewal of vows was first class from beginning to end. I have cherished the Pierre for many years and can’t think of a better place to have a celebration. She looked gorgeous and Mario and Avery were proud of her, as was I. I like the way Bethenny handled my pointing out the feathers on her dress when she represents PETA. Drama per usual, but it was an accident and she rolled with it. She is cool in my book.

Jill thought we were seated on teams at the renewal? I know Jill calls her fans the Jill team, so I am on THAT team, but as far as housewives being on teams? That is just silly. I am hoping to develop all our friendships as time goes on.

Ramona describes her emotional vow renewal ceremony.

When Avery and I looked through the trifold mirror in our suite, she took my breath away. The moment was surreal and tears welled in my eyes. I saw a younger version of myself and it was as if I was seeing her for the first time as the woman she had become. I am so proud of her and the person she has become through the love Mario and I have given her. Walking down the staircase to meet Mario and Avery, I was glowing like a first-time bride. I felt more beautiful that day than the day I got married 18 years ago. I basked in the love I felt coming from all of our friends in the room. When I walked up to Mario I saw such intense love in his eyes it was caressing my entire body. I started to tremble. We each prepared our own personal vows and I was hoping I would not forget them.

Kelly shares her final thoughts on a tumultuous season and cautions fans to avoid conflict.

As the season closes, so does a lot of the animosity. Acquaintances can become friends. Ramona’s wedding was a nice close to a season filled with anger, bitterness, and a lot of misunderstanding. Learn from us, don’t engage when someone you know pushes your buttons or jabs you. Walk away, and be with those who like you for you. J’aime que m’aime. I love those who love me. Life is short, and relish and enjoy every moment for it will never come again. Happy Summer.

no blogs from Alex, Jill & Bethenny

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

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 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?

real blogs of nyc ep 7

Bethenny talks about her first reaction to the pregancy, if “bayboo” is a boy or a girl, and baby names!

I’ve intellectually always wanted to have children. What I mean is that it was something I knew I wanted to experience. However, I never really felt that maternal urge. My age and the clock were more the driving forces. I’m not really the warm and cuddly goo goo eye type, so I didn’t know where I fit into motherhood. That has changed now because I have completely embraced my pregnancy and marriage and the meaning of it all. This really is such a beautiful, vibrant time and I love it. I can’t wait to meet my baby.

When I finally got a hold of Jason to tell him the news, he was thrilled, but also quietly in shock. We were the two most single people you can imagine. We’ve both doubted whether this could happen, we’ve dated so many people and we really have no experience with any of this whatsoever. I think we wanted to act towards the other person like we were thrilled, but we were processing. Jason was the one rushing to try to get pregnant. I wanted to wait until well after my skinnygirl Dish book and skinnygirl margarita tour. Jason wanted to get right on it. We never thought it would happen instantly

LuAnn talks about her new relationship, Ramona’s big mouth, and more.

I know that Ramona was angry with Jill after the fashion show but I don’t think that she understood how hurtful she was being when that she insulted Kodak and Jill, and then started a fight with Kelly. Ramona needs to edit herself and exhibit some self-control. This is why Ramona is so unpredictable; you never know what is going to come out of her mouth. She is unaware of how her behavior affects others. Clueless!

Mario talks about Ramona’s runway walk, the Kodak throwdown, and Jill’s “disgusting smirk.”

Jill arrives at the show and immediately begins to literally “trash” the event and makes snarky remarks. She didn’t have one nice thing to say to any of the housewives who were part of the show and especially Alex, who had worked so hard to make the show a success. I certainly did not appreciate her telling Ramona how great she looked and then turn her back and make that disgusting smirk. Jillously was not part of the event and she could not be complimentary to anyone. She made it very clear that the show was below her standards and couldn’t wait to head for the exit. Why bother coming at all?

Alex talks Fashion Week(end), new Housewife Sonja, Simon’s shopping spree, and Ramona’s runway walk!

I had organized hair, makeup and a dress from Loris for Jill, and she was nothing but complimentary to me backstage so I was a bit surprised to see the footage and discover that she was so cranky at the show. Jill didn’t seem to expect that she would see edgy young designers at the show; I really don’t know what she thought she was attending. Maybe she missed the other fabulous dresses because was looking at the floor or maybe she was mesmerized by Ramona’s walk. Something really did click into place though – when I walked she said I was channeling the devil. I’m going to ask you to remember that phrase, as you might hear it again from someone else. Things that make you go hmmmm. I was so happy that Ramona and Kelly walked in the show, and even though Ramona got nervous, she put her heart and soul into Brooklyn Fashion Week{end} for that evening and I appreciated that.

Ramona talks about her embarrassing runway walk, renewing her vows with Mario, and more!

Well, let’s talk about Brooklyn fashion week. Or can we forget I ever walked down that runway? How embarrassing. It’s a good thing I do not make my living walking the runway, as I would starve. I was a deer in headlights. I was so frightened and nervous and was mortified later to see how I looked and so was my daughter Avery. I was sooo scared! Me, usually Miss Confident, Miss I Can Do Anything, totally freaked.

On a better note, I thought Alex looked beautiful! I was so proud of how she pulled Brooklyn Fashion Weekend together. I must say I am enjoying our friendship and we are taking it slowly. She impresses me every step of the way and we are evolving and deepening our friendship in a meaningful way. I am not even going to comment on Jill’s behavior. Some people have a bad hair day or days; well this was a bad Jill day.

Simon talks fashion shows, shopping sprees, and Kodak meltdowns.

Jill and LuAnn meet for a quiet stroll in Central Park and I must say it does irk me when I hear the constant reference to the titles of Count and Countess as being ‘Royalty.’ Irrespective of whether or not these titles have any meaning here in the USA, being a Count indicates that you’re a part of the Nobility not Royalty. And with that, let’s take a walk in the park. After a quick lesson from Jill on atonement we then, for the 1600th time, learn that LuAnn was married for 16 years. Did you get that! Seemingly the psychic was well briefed as not only did she know so much about Bethenny and Jill but LuAnn is now seeing a man who name starts with J.

Kelly talks shopping with Simon, walking in Fashion Weekend, and diffusing Bethenny’s attacks!

I felt horrible for Jill Zarin at her Kodak party. I was so proud to be invited to such a prestigious event. Ramona is so jealous of everyone. It makes me sad when I film with her, because there is a pain that wine cannot mask. It was also fun meeting Sonja Morgan. I was shocked that she called Max her ‘Thursday.’ I never went out with Max and we are great friends, but still, and I would never want anyone calling me their ‘Thursday.’ No one deserves that. He has a new show coming out. GO MAX! I felt badly for him and was embarrassed for her. Sonja is a colorful addition to the show. Keep it real, and take a breath when someone goes kookie. Diffuse, diffuse, diffuse. Remember, you create your own memories.

Sonja and Jill did not blog. One that confuses me is when Kelly talks about Bethenny ruining her life. I am so glad that contrived storyline is over…so I may have missed an article or two. I do remember B making comments about her “beating up her boyfriend”. And she alluded that Kelly may have faked it for the press. What else happened? Is that it? Her ex did file charges…Bethenny didn’t make that up. I don’t know. Kelly will never talk about it because it will just bring up the negativity. I hate when people keep alluding to things knowing they will never say what happened. (That goes for Bethenny & Jill “something happened off camera” too).

Oh well. I’m glad Sonja finally made her first appearance.

real blogs of episode 6 nyc

Ramona apologizes for her hurtful words to Bethenny, and explains why she set up the meet between B and Jill.

The good news is I apologized to Bethenny at a later time and we got past it. I went to her fabulous wedding to Jason and we are now genuine friends. What is a friend? A friend is someone who is there for you through the good, the bad, and the ugly, someone who allows you to express yourself, and someone who forgives you for your mistakes. No one is perfect. I know I still have a lot of growing to do, but I am trying. I am a very emotional person. There is nothing wishy-washy about me – I am very passionate about what I do, the way I feel and even in the way I express myself. There’s no grey area with me – only black and white. I am an extremist. I can argue hard and make up harder. I ignite quickly, but when a disagreement is over, it’s over. I do not hold grudges – life is too short.

Alex talks about her own modelling work, her emotional talk with Bethenny, and more.

That conversation touched me so deeply – when I understood that her dad was still lucid and would be able to know she was there, I really wanted B to go and tell him everything she had to say. I wasn’t just giving blind support either – my father suffered from Alzheimers, but in the end he died very unexpectedly of a heart attack. There are things to this day I wished I could have shared with him and that’s where the “go clear the air” pep talk came from. Although I loved my father so very, very much, that disease did its dirty work and by the time of his death I felt wronged by him and didn’t trust what he said anymore, so I could relate to Bethenny’s non-relationship with her dad. Even if you think you can’t stand someone in your family, it still feels like being hit in the face with a two by four when you lose, or realize you’re going to lose them. I was sorry to hear when she got back from that trip that he hadn’t been willing to see her.

Simon talks about Kelly photography skills, Jill and LuAnn’s sleepover party, dysfunctional dads and more.

Bethenny is either one of the world’s best actresses or her monologue about Jill ‘winning’ the argument was heartfelt and honest. And I really wonder if at this stage whether a face to face meeting is going to solve much. But if it happens it’s important that no one else is there; and certainly not LuAnn to egg Jill on from the bleachers.

Bethenny talks marriage, riding the Ramonacoaster, and her showdown with Jill.

Nothing shocks me or anyone else when it comes to Ramona. As I said, she is the Ramonacoaster and you never know what you are going to get. Her comments that I would end up alone and that I’d screw it up with Jason were very hurtful. Last season she told me I didn’t know how to date for marriage. I’m happily married now, so contrary to what Ramona thinks, she doesn’t know everything.

That said, she came to my wedding, we’re in a good place right now and I really can’t focus on the negatives. I’m focusing on my swollen feet, hands and face at the moment. This last leg of pregnancy is challenging.

Kelly talks about her foray into street fashion, the hardships of reality TV, and more

As far as the rest of the show, I refuse to comment on scenes I wasn’t in. I wasn’t there, therefore, I cannot judge. You shouldn’t either. Have fun with each of our characters and stop taking sides. We all work really hard, and have a lot of fun making the show. Enjoy it, eat lots of popcorn, and drink beer or take a shot every time I touch my hair or say, “like.” It makes it more fun.

I get her point and agree but Jill, Ramona nor Bethenny would call all these episodes FUN. Losing friendships, dealing with death, saying stuff on TV that will get replayed and could affect your reputation etc. is not so fun.
LuAnn gives her reaction to Bethenny’s ambush.

After Season Two ended, Bethenny disappeared from our lives. I understand that Bethenny was busy and in love this past summer, and I’m very happy for her, but I don’t think being too busy is a good reason to drop your friends. In the beginning of this season she said she wasn’t my friend, and it hurt my feelings. Jill and I have been friends since the before Housewives and I consider her a true friend and will remain loyal to her.

Henry Buhl is an old friend of mine. We met in Europe through mutual friends and I’ve always admired his work for New York City’s homeless. The Soho Partnership is not new to me, I’ve volunteered with them for many years. I was delighted to help obtain donations for the Use Your Head Shop for a Cause boutique.

Use Your Head Shop for a Cause is located @ 262 Mott St. (bet. E. Houston and Prince Sts.). I’m going to New York next month and I love thrift and vintage stores. I’m adding this to my list of places to go but the list is pretty long and I won’t be there for long. Their profits go towards the Association for Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.). It seems pricey but I still want to go. (example: $400 for boots that probably go for $800+ retail ouch!) It was funny when Ramona was pulling stuff and LuAnn said “this is high end”! Now I get it. LOL. It’s for a great cause if you can afford it.

Jill hasn’t blogged yet. If she does, I’ll add it if I remember. Her blog from last week probably still stands. She talked about being ambushed etc.

real blogs of NYC ep 5

I finally got around to reading Naturally Thin by Bethenny. My review is coming soon. (Jill & Alex have their first books coming out this month).

Here are excerpts from the latest blogs:

Jill talks about her first real fight with Bethenny, and wonders if they will ever reconcile.

It was a difficult time for me and Bethenny. I had NO IDEA what was going in her life. It had been four months since I had last spoken or seen her. Ramona and Alex did not tell me anything. I guess I should have picked up better “cues” from the ladies, but with cameras in your face you can imagine the distraction. I was absorbed in my own world of “stuff” and just needed time to think. No one would give it to me. Everything you see happened within a matter of a few weeks. Not months. Everyone keeps ambushing me. It was awful. If I could have just talked to Bethenny without cameras in my face I think we would have made up. It was just too much pressure for me. I was very wounded and needed some time to think. Remember, this was all happening very, very quickly.

Alex gives her take on Bethenny and Jill’s relationship, and reacts to the Brooklyn fashion meeting bickering.

How did all this go so wrong between Jill and Bethenny? Jill is a giver. She gives relentlessly, whether you want it or not, and expects equal payback as though friendship is a stock she’s optioning. Some people find that comforting; others don’t. There was a time in which she took over Bethenny’s life, and gave her love and good times and a place to stay in the Hamptons and her mother Gloria’s advice. I think they had fun together. I also think that Jill expected Bethenny to take Jill along with her as she grew her brand and career – that somehow to Jill the friendship she gave Bethenny was an emotional investment from which she wanted business dividends. To me that’s faulty logic. Most of us on the show are working as hard as we can to grow our businesses or otherwise better our lives for our families and ourselves by hard work and creativity, not by hitching our wagons to our castmates. When Bethenny fell in love, her heart found a home in Jason and she felt complete. Friendships always go through the ringer when people fall in love, and that’s when you see whom your real friends are. The ones who are superficial fall away, and the ones who are in deep stick around.

She said it better than I ever could.

Kelly talks about what she’s looking for in a man and shares her reaction to Jill’s email.

Bethenny brought up the Daily News article. None of us wanted to give it oxygen, because Bethenny is infamous for putting herself in the press and giving slanderous articles to gossip reporters. I had to endure her press smackdown all last year, and it seriously affected my reputation and my children. I will never forgive or forget what she did to defame my reputation or hurt my children. Gossip is ugly. I needed to clear up the “I’m up here” statement I made last year for the viewers, because it was clearly misinterpreted. A lot of times when I am around Bethenny I feel like Crystal Carrington. She needs drama to stay alive on the show, starts fires, and then becomes the victim. I like to foster and hone creative ideas, not start fires or placate victims. The drama bores me.

When I got Jill’s email, I was disappointed. I have been trying to make an effort with all of these women. I understand that Bethenny and Jill are both upset about their friendship, but it’s their friendship. I am not known for being an intermeddler. I will continue to be polite to Bethenny until she proves me wrong. And I will continue to be friends Jill until she proves me wrong. Life is too short. We are all so lucky. Stay real, and tweet me anytime @kikilet. I prefer your impressions to mine.

LuAnn talks city living, dating, and weighs in on Bethenny and Jill’s conflict.

I was surprised that Bethenny called Jill to try to work out their differences. I think it deserved a face-to-face conversation. Bethenny is in denial about how her neglect of Jill and of Bobby while he was recovering from cancer affected her relationship with the Zarin family. She may feel that Jill is blowing this situation out of proportion, but tracking Jill in the papers last summer rather than calling her to find out what was really going on should tell us something about who was at fault here.

Correction: B said she read Jill’s blog during the summer…not a newspaper. I’ve done that too: try to follow so-called friends through their blog. And I’ve found people often misrepresent what is going on in their lives in a blog. Not me. I put it ALL out there…but I’m not a public figure. I’m sure Jill wasn’t doing it with any ill intent. She probably didn’t want the world to know about Bobby’s illness which is 100% understandable. (Btw, I’m so glad Bobby is doing well.)
Simon talks Kellisms, bickering over bad press, and emotional threats via email.

Kelly and her assistant Taryn go over the Playboy interview again when Jill emails Kelly who proceeds to read it to Taryn, and by extension us. It seems a little birdie had told Jill that everything was good between Kelly and Bethenny, and Jill ‘s email clearly seemed to portray dissatisfaction that Kelly could be friendly with Bethenny. The “I thought you really cared” line was the kicker, as even Kelly realized, that line was such an emotional threat. I remember at the time getting a similar email from Jill warning me that Bethenny had been filming with someone who was a friend of Alex’s and mine, as if his filming with her was disloyal to us? I don’t know but even if I have a bust up with a friend I allow my other friends to play grown-ups and make their own decisions about mixing with them. This ‘my way or the highway’ viewpoint just seems to so self-centered and petty.

Ramona opens up about “ugly memories” she has of her troubled childhood.

Even as I am writing this I am crying, crying for the love I never got from my father, crying for the way my mom was abused by my father, crying for the lost childhood I never had because of my father. Unless you lived through this, no one can begin to imagine what it’s like. I thank God every day my loving husband Mario convinced me to have my father at our home over Christmas. I needed closure. It would have been even more devastating if he had died and we never made peace with each other. I encourage everyone to make peace with estranged loved ones. By spending time with my father and forgiving him, it freed me of a weight that was always so heavy upon me. I never realized what a heavy burden it was until his passing. Since his death I have been looking at everything differently. I have a calmness to me I never had before.

Bethenny didn’t blog. She’s on her honeymoon.

don’t have something nice to say

I have no idea what other people take on this season is. I don’t read the message boards anymore. I used to but the nastiness is over the top. I can’t stand the negativity. It used to amuse me but now the message board makes me feel dirty and just as guilty.

LuAnn in '08

Episode four, wow! Why is Bravo not showing LuAnn’s lies? According to Alex’s blog, she approached Jill at Saks because LuAnn had just told her that JILL saw the leg climbing incident. Maybe it wasn’t on tape for some reason but it made Alex look irrational. Plus she was crying. She held that in for what, 2 years? I could empathize with her but if she wanted to get her point out one on one would have been better. I think Alex confronts Jill again later in the season.

Another LuAnn lie: When LuAnn said she didn’t say she ”didn’t want Alex and Simon at her party”. Why didn’t Bravo play that back? That was episode one so I can’t remember it that comment was aired. I just found that odd.

I adored Jill’s Saks outfit. Maybe it was too much in person.

Bethenny not realizing how angry/hurt Jill was at her just confirms to me that they are very different people. I know watching Bethenny get upset after Jill hangs up on her, will make me cry. Seeing Bethenny slowly get it is almost too real to watch.

I loved the B and LuAnn confrontation. Not due to the drama, but it is my ultimate dream to call the fake person out. (I have issues). Telling her that Jill said she sleeps around was harsh but it has been hinted at in the press. At the time I didn’t believe it. I think the one thing everyone can learn from this season: DO NOT SPREAD GOSSIP BEHIND PEOPLE’S BACK UNLESS YOU DON’T CARE IF THE PERSON FINDS OUT. To me that is obvious but apparently it isn’t…How is Jill going to deal with LuAnn? Better question: How can LuAnn possibly trust Jill? Since this is a reality show does it even matter to LuAnn? I’m sure Jill doesn’t want to lie to cover her tracks but she probably has.

It seems like everyone in New York knows about LuAnn. She can’t possibly believe she can keep it hush-hush while being on a reality show. Then she does the whole countess shtick. She is living a lie on the show. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if she weren’t so outlandishly fake.

Enough of LuAnn. I think I can do a summary on Kelly. She is generally easy going, hesitant to let people in and when she gets mad, she gets MAD.

How is Ramona without pinot grigio? I thought the housewives were hinting at some mental problem, now I don’t think that is what they were referring to. I don’t know.