I am a true reality TV addict and so excited to see Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York return tonight with a highly anticipated new season and cast! Aviva Drescher, Carole Radziwill and Heather Thomson are the new Housewives on the scene. The smart, accomplished and sophisticated new ladies are sure to make an interesting addition to the show. Aviva is a stunning, well-educated New York City native, philanthropist, mother of four and an amputee (she lost her leg in a terrible accident as a child). Carole is a three-time Emmy award winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author as well as the widow of Jackie O.’s nephew. Heather is the founder of the successful shapewear company Yummie Tummie and has worked as a designer and stylist with Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé and Sean “Diddy” Combs. I caught up with the reality TV newbies to get the inside scoop on them and what they do to stay perpetually camera ready. Read on RHONY lovers…you will be psyched to watch the premiere tonight on Bravo at 9 p.m. EST!
Melissa Meyers: How did the opportunity to become a new Real Housewife come up and why did you decide to do it?
Aviva Drescher: A childhood friend of mine in PR named Jake Spitz urged me to let Bravo interview me. Reluctantly, I did the interview and I was handed a contract. After one month of no sleep and thinking I could not do the show, I decided: “no risk, no reward.” I took the gamble that helping other amputees by using the TV platform would outweigh the consequences of becoming a caricature.
Carole Radziwill: I know Andy Cohen and we were having dinner last summer and he asked if I’d be interested in doing the show. My immediate response was “Umm…no.” I didn’t think he was serious until he sent me an email the following morning asking me to think about it. So I did. First, I looked at it as a job opportunity…an odd job made more interesting by the fact that I am a writer. I get that it’s a risk, but I’m not afraid to put myself in different situations and this was one very different situation. Sometimes you just have to say yes to what the universe is putting in front of you.
Heather Thomson: I was sitting at my desk and I got a call from a casting director saying they were kicking my name around and would I be interested in joining the cast of RHONY. My first instinct was wow, thanks so much for thinking of me, but I initially didn’t think it was the right choice for me or my family. However, as I learned more, and understood that they wanted to change the direction of the show, I auditioned and it started to peak my interest. When I really thought about it, being given this incredible opportunity on Bravo would allow me to bring real issues that working mothers face on a daily basis to the forefront. Raising my two children and being a wife to my amazing husband, starting and running my own fashion business Yummie Tummie, creating awareness for charities that are near and dear to me and doing it all, while trying my best to be glamorous and balanced is all I could ever hope to achieve.
MM: What was your favorite moment from the season?
AD: My three favorite moments of the season were charity related. One was an event that I created to benefit One Step Ahead (this charity helps pay for prosthetics for children who can’t afford them and creates sports opportunities for them). It was a spin class that we created into a fundraising event. The second was Heather Thomson’s charity event benefiting children who need liver transplants. There is one special experience at that event that I NEVER thought I could/would do! Tune in to find out what it is! My third favorite experience was giving a surprise gift to Jake, a very special boy who was born missing two limbs above the knee. Tune in to see our special time together.
CR: My favorite moment was the finale party. It was at Norwood, a private arts club on 14th Street. We were there to celebrate the completion of my new book, The Widows Guide to Sex & Dating. Yay!!
HT: There is a particular episode that focuses on an event that I am personally involved in which helps to raise awareness and money for my charity, The Kellner Liver Pediatric Foundation, a charity that is extremely personal and dear to me. I think that it s by far the most special moment for me this season because it the very reason that I wanted to go on the RHONY journey from the beginning.
MM: Give us a hint as to what juicy drama we are in store for this season. What is the nature of your relationship now with the new housewives? The other originals?
AD: I knew Luann for several years before I joined RHONY. I had met Sonja once through my ex-husband since they are friends. There are rich new storylines to look forward to. Lots of gossip and drama! It wouldn’t be RHONY without it! It was NOT “old girls” versus “new girls.” Some people organically got along and some did not. The one hint I can give you (I don’t want to spoil any surprises!) is that lots of relationships CHANGE throughout the season as we all get to know one another with time and travel.
CR: We bonded in the way people do who go through an intense experience together. Like Sisters-in-Arms. [The originals are] more like moms you love but are sometimes embarrassed by.
HT: You will have to tune in and watch the show to see the details, but I can tell you that there is a lot of drama this season. What viewers don’t expect are some of the close bonds of friendship that are developed out of the drama both with new and returning cast members.
Kim Kardashian and her new husband Kris Humphries and were welcomed to New York with a lavish party at Capitale in New York City Wednesday night hosted by celebrity wedding planner Colin Cowie and Jason Binn. The couple, who just got back from their honeymoon, walked the red carpet and posed for pictures with Kourtney Kardashian. The star-studded event had no shortage of the glitz and glam that can be expected at a Kardashian party. Guests were treated to specialty cocktails from Avion Tequila, custom entertainment including a violinist, flaming bottles of champagne, and professional dancers. Many celebs attended the event including Real Housewives of New York stars Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer and Cindy Barshop, Dina Manzo from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, VH1’s La La Anthony, Lance Bass, Jonathan Cheban and Paul Shaffer from the David Letterman Show.
Filed under Blog · Tagged with Cindy Barshop, Colin Cowie, David Letterman Show, Dina Manzo, Jason Binn, Jonathan Cheban, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Humphries, La La Anthony, Lance Bass, Paul Shaffer, Ramona Singer, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Real Housewives of New York, Sonja Morgan, VH1
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By Melissa Meyers, Founding Editor
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Alex McCord Photo: Ed Garou
One of my biggest guilty pleasures is watching reality TV. My favorite one by far is premiering tonight—The Real Housewives of New York! Some of the gal pals/frenemies shared their favorite things with us.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE . . .
Type of Jeans
Ramona Singer (RS): Jeggings by A & F.
Sonja Morgan (SM): HELLO Skinny Jeans.
Countess Luann Delesseps (CLD): Dark and skinny, Seven for All Mankind, extra long!
Alex McCord (AM): Dark skinny.
Cindy Barshop (CB): AG.
Accessory
RS: True Faith Diamonds by the Yard.
SM: Hats and gloves.
CLD: Pucci scarf (I tie my hair back with this on bad hair days).
AM: Vintage snake bracelet from antique store in Providence, RI.
CB: Oversized gold hoop earrings from Bergdorf’s.
Designer
RS: Tie between Rebecca Taylor and David Meister.
SM: Lavin.
CLD: Magaschoni and Teri Jon.
AM: Rolando Santana.
CB: Rick Owens.
Store
RS: Bergdorf Goodman.
SM: Bloomies.
CLD: Bloomingdales.
AM: Boutiques in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
CB: Intermix or Oak (stores near Completely Bare locations).
Workout
RS: Lunges.
SM: Spin, yoga, urban rebound (small trampoline).
CLD: Pilates at Bridgehampton Pilates and Yoga. Running.
AM: Running 2 miles in 20 minutes on the treadmill every other day, free weights.
CB: 495 on Broadway (with a Brazilian trainer), Soul Cycle.
Travel Destination
RS: Capri, Italy.
SM: Italy, France, England.
CLD: St. Tropez (I love the Côte d’Azur).
AM: Hotel Manapany, St. Barts.
CB: St Barts.
Restaurant
RS: The Standard Grill.
SM: Cipriani.
CLD: La Maison, NYC and Chez Josephine, NYC.
AM: Verde Restaurant in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
CB: Nobu.
Night Spot
RS: Too many to pick from in NYC!
SM: Boom Boom Room.
CLD: La Pomme, NYC.
AM: Our living room or the Clover Club on Smith St. in Brooklyn.
CB: My bed!
Book
RS: Tai-Pan, James Clavellis.
SM: Anything from Dominic Dunne or Candance Bushnell.
CLD: Perfect Health, Deepak Chopra.
AM: Time and Again, Jack Finney (and all historical fiction).
CB: Touchpoints, T. Berry Brazelton, MD.
Song
RS: “Firework” by Katy Perry.
SM: “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga.
CLD: “Rolling In the Deep” by Adele.
AM: “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin.
CB: Anything Beyoncé.
Biggest Splurge
RS: Fendi sequined purse.
SM: Weekly facial with Satoko at home.
CLD: $5,000 long silk Gucci dress to wear to a United Nations function.
AM: Simon’s new crocodile belt from Laurent Effel in St. Barts.
CB: Rick Owens suede jacket.
Best Bargain
RS: Express black sleeveless top.
SM: Woodbury Commons.
CLD: CARGO Bronzer.
AM: Whatever is on special at the supermarket.
CB: Gilt Groupe (Gilt.com).
Can’t Live Without This Beauty Item
RS: Tru Renewal’s Telomere Cream.
SM: Caudalie Crème Premier.
CLD: Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel.
AM: MAC Blot Powder, Dermalogica skincare products.
CB: T. LeClerc Paris foundation.
Guilty Pleasure
RS: Ramona Pinot Grigio.
SM: Endangered Species Chocolate.
CLD: Eating an entire bag of Pirate’s Booty.
AM: Sleep.
CB: Naps.
Watch our fun game called “PageDaily This or That,” where Melissa Meyers interviews some of our favorite Bravo characters and gets the inside scoop.
Have you seen Melissa Meyers exclusive interview with Ramona Singer? Watch our behind the scenes video.
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Filed under Fashion, home_featured-NOT-USED · Tagged with Adele, Alex McCord, Boom Boom Room, Born this Way, Cindy Barshop, Cipriani, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Firework, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Nobu, Ramona Singer, Real Housewives of New York, Sonja Morgan, St. Barts
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On the hit reality series, The Real Housewives of New York City, Ramona Singer is one of our favorites. In addition to her reality star status, Ramona is a savvy entrepreneur, and she’s launching a new product this year. Don’t miss Melissa Meyers’ interview with Ramona at her home on New York’s Upper East Side, where she reveals her best kept fashion, beauty, and lifestyle secrets! Watch the video.
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By Countess LuAnn de Lesseps
Live glamorously like the Real Housewives of New York City with my tips, tricks, and product picks.
Fashion
My favorite: A great pair of straight leg jeans.
Buy Robin’s Jean Marilyn Black Popline, $169.99, amazon.com
My new must-have: Biker jacket meets blazer. Wear with a striking scarf.
Buy Mackage Double Zip Leather Coat, $695, at bloomingdales.com
My tips: Always overdress rather than underdress—put effort into how you look and be original. Buy classics, then work in a few trendy pieces each season to keep your look fresh. I like to change things up with striking accessories such as statement necklaces or belts with interesting buckles.
Beauty
My favorite product: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50—just a few drops balances skin and reduces pores.
Buy Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, $58, at paullabrecque.com
My new must-have: Soleil Tan de Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder, to keep that sun-kissed look into fall.
Buy Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder, $50, at macys.com
My skin-mask recipe:
1 tablespoon Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant
1 teaspoon Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
Leave on for 10–15 minutes. Use 3 times per week and voilà, vibrant skin.
Buy Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant, $58, at paullabrecque.com
My tips: I like a natural look that highlights a woman’s best features in a subtle and glamorous way. Pay attention to eyebrows and use a professional to shape them. Honor the natural shape of your brows and never have them plucked or waxed too thin.
Health & Fitness
My favorite fitness regimen: I love to practice Pilates to strengthen my body and clear my head of distractions. It keeps you limber, which is essential to staying young. When I practice regularly, I am restored to centeredness and wellbeing.
My new fitness regimen: Exergaming! Wii Fit is so much fun, and it’s something I can do with my teenagers.
My tips: By getting enough rest (at least 8 hours a night); eating healthy meals that include fruits, vegetables, and lean meats; and exercising daily, you can bring balance back to your life. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Epicurean
My favorite restaurant: Chez Josephine on 42nd Street, where you step back into 1930s Paris. The fun host is Jean-Claude Baker, son of the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker, and
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the entire restaurant is a tribute to her. Great food and a truly romantic atmosphere with live music.
My new discovery: La Bonne Soupe on West 55th Street in NYC, where I had the Soupe Paysanne a l’Orge with mushrooms, barley, and lamb. Fabulous on a cool fall day.
My tips: Dining out is a time to relax for me. Avoid putting your phone on the table—leave it on vibrate and keep it out of sight. Unless it’s your children, let whoever is calling leave a message.
Travel
My favorite destinations: My favorite weekend getaway is the Hamptons. When I vacation, I love to go to the south of France and stay at the Byblos in St. Tropez. There is a great outdoor market in St. Tropez, where I love to shop.
My new vacation spot: I just got back from my first trip to San Francisco, and I loved everything about the city. The food was incredible, especially at the Slanted Door, the people were friendly, and I adored the Hotel Monaco, a boutique hotel that was very charming. I love shopping at Macy’s when I’m there. My favorite carry-on item is a good book.
My tips: When you’re going away for the weekend, your travel outfit should consist of the bulkiest items that would take up space in your weekend bag. Wear your blazer and boots rather than packing them.
Living
My favorite home decor: My favorite accessories are an eclectic mix of items I’ve collected through my world travels. My furniture is primarily contemporary.
My favorite hostess gifts: A good bottle of wine. I’ve also given scented candles, gourmet treats, and kitchen gadgets. I’ve given copies of my book Class with the Countess as well.
My new gift: My latest fave gift is sending an orchid. It is an elegant way to say thank you.
Tip: Hostess gifts should require no refrigeration or work on the hostess’s part. Follow the advice of one of our favorite Real Housewives, and remember: “Money Can’t Buy You Class.”
Win a Nook and a Kate Spade Jane Street Nook cover, plus a PageDaily tote, by inviting your friends to subscribe to PageDaily and telling us about your favorite book! For contest details, click here.
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- Line by Ramona Singer of The Real Housewives of NYC
- Jewelry for various religious faiths and occasions
- Customizable for gift-giving
- Comes in sterling silver, gold filled, 24k gold over sterling silver and 14k gold
- Uses cubic zirconia and diamonds
Buy Ramona for HSN Jewelry: True Faith Jewelry, $69, at RamonaSinger.com |
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- DVD with exercise routines shown by Bethenny Frankel and celebrity fitness instructor Kristin McGee
- System of yoga, strength training and “Booty Blast” moves
- Program for all ages, sizes and fitness experience
- Special features on cooking advice and recipes
Buy Body by Bethenny, $16.49, at Amazon.com |
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By Melissa Meyers & Emma Watkinson
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We hate to admit it, but we indulge in guilty pleasures. An extra scoop of Ben & Jerry’s, hours on Facebook, the it-bag we can’t afford. But our guilty-pleasure obsession is reality series The Real Housewives of NYC, whose season finale airs tomorrow on Bravo, at 10:00 p.m., EST. So, if they’re our TV guilty pleasure, what’s theirs?
Ramona Singer, entrepreneur with jewelry and skincare lines:
When she’s not running her jewelry-design business, creating new skincare lotions and potions, or filming The Real Housewives of NYC, Ramona can’t tear herself away from Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Jill Zarin, author:
Jill loves to catch up with her favorite housemates on Big Brother.
Countess Luann de Lesseps, author and now singer:
New York aristocrat Countess Luann happily munches on Snickers bars while watching love unfold on Millionaire Matchmaker.
Alex McCord, author:
Alex McCord is so busy with Real Housewives drama that she barely has time to watch TV. When she does, she loves Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie.
Bethenny Frankel, author and now exercise guru:
Bestselling author Bethenny is inspired by Bobby Flay’s reinvention of classic American recipes on his travels for his Food Network series Throwdown.
Tweet your guilty pleasure @pagedaily.
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