Hometown Hollywood

Bravo’s “The Real Housewives Of New Jersey” Premieres TONIGHT!

Posted on 12. May, 2009 by CSS.

The Real Housewives franchise on Bravo heads to The Garden State this week. The newest installment of the reality smash follows the lives of five affluent Jersey Girls as they live the fab life as only Real Housewives can. Look for big hair and even bigger drama when The Real Housewives of New Jersey premieres on Bravo tonight May 12 @ 11PM.

Check out Jersey Housewives Bio’s Here!

Related Story Here!

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It’s Official: Kelly Killoren Bensimon Has CRAZY EYES!!!

Posted on 01. Apr, 2009 by CSS.

WOW! Please tell me you all caught the Kelly vs. Bethenny episode of Real Housewives on Bravo last night!

Holy Shenanigans! Kelly pulled the classic move any insecure and quite frankly unstable 10 year old little girl does. Kelly wised up to the fact that Bethenny wasn’t part of her fan club, so before Bethenny could continue living her life the way she was Kelly had to swoop in and make sure she knew that they were not friends!!

I mean seriously this woman is on national television calling another grown woman out to a restaurant for the shear purpose of stating “We Are Not Friends’ & basically “I’m better than you!”

I have to be completely honest here I am not a total Bethenny fan but last night I had her back in an instant! I mean seriously, Kelly what were you trying to prove?? You just exposed your lack of character/mental illness in less than 5 minutes to the world! How does that feel I wonder??

Also, Kelly- if your on a date with a man and he compliments your hot pink knee high boots(Galoshes), chances are he is playing for the opposite team! The way she kept saying Maxamillion and talking about how great he looks made me want to toss up my dinner! You can totally tell from watching her interviews during the episodes that she is someone who drops lines for effect. She wants to give off a certain impression and she definitely wants us to see her in a certain light… only problem is her scheming master plan is dramatically backfiring in her model face!

Bensimon is someone who I could see having had something traumatic happen to them in their early teens that forever stunted their emotional growth. She may be in her 40’s but she runs around acting like an unstable teenager. Seriously!

On to the other ladies off the episode last night…. Ramona’s hubby Mario is ridiculous!! You play tennis and your good- WE GET IT!!! He acted like such a little girl last night because he couldn’t orchestrate another match with himself against Jill… give me a break! If I were married to this guy I’d tell him to go grow a pair and stop acting like a whiny baby!! Hey Mario, a little tip- “You gotta control yourself a little more!”

And the fact that Ramona felt betrayed over Alex’s topless photos… icing on the cake! The Singers are ludicrous!!

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‘The Real Housewives Of New Jersey’ Photos & Clip Video

Posted on 19. Mar, 2009 by CSS.

On Tuesday, I told you about Bravo’s plans to bring its insanely-popular Real Housewives franchise to the Garden State. We’ll we’ve got even more info on the hot new series, debuting later this year.

That’s right, The Real Housewives of New Jersey will kick off its run on Bravo on Tuesday, May 12 at 11 p.m. ET/PT, and I just got my hands on the official promo pics and sneak peek videos for the new show.

Gear up for big hair and even bigger drama…

For the first time in franchise history, the socialites are more than just friends–they’re family. Joining the cast are two sisters, who are married to two brothers, and one sister-in-law.

According to a statement from the network: The series follows five of the most affluent Jersey Girls as they live lavish lifestyles and deal with all the drama that money can buy. ”

Let’s meet the ladies:

Teresa Giudice is a true Jersey girl born and raised. Her parents emigrated from Italy and raised both Teresa and her brother Giuseppe, in an Italian Catholic home. She grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where she met her husband, Joe. The couple played house together as children and now after being married for more than eight years, they are in the process of building their own massive dream home. Joe, an entrepreneur, owns several successful businesses throughout New Jersey and Teresa spends most of her time raising their three beautiful daughters Gia, Gabriella and Milania. She manages each of the girls’ busy schedules, shuffling them from dance, gymnastics, acting, voice and guitar lessons – and Teresa herself teaches them all how to be “fabulous.” Before becoming a housewife, Teresa earned a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management from Berkeley College. She worked in the fashion industry in New York and hopes to one-day return to the fashion world, but is focused for now on raising her children. She’s also involved in community service, and serves as a committee member for Project Ladybug, a foundation created by Dina Manzo. Teresa is proud to be from the Garden State and happy to live and raise her kids there. She has a beach house on the Jersey Shore and loves to entertain her family and friends while enjoying all that life has to offer.

Caroline Manzo, the epitome of a strong New Jersey woman, is a devoted wife and mother of three, who always puts her family first while making time for her career. Married for more than 25 years, her husband Albert runs a very successful catering facility, The Brownstone. The business has been with the family for over 30 years and is one of the premiere event spaces in New Jersey Caroline tries to instill the value of both book smarts and street smarts in her children. Her oldest son, Albie, is studying to be a lawyer and her son Christopher is a young entrepreneur, while her daughter Lauren is dedicated to helping the family business. Although Caroline spends the majority of her time with her family, she is also the owner of two successful businesses, Opus Properties, a real estate firm and 4 My Mom, a children’s accessories line. In addition, she serves on the board of her sister, Dina’s foundation, Project Ladybug and is affiliated with The Carolyn Gable Expect A Miracle Foundation, which helps single mothers. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family on the Jersey Shore, where she has been vacationing for years. Often described as a feisty spitfire, Caroline manages to have it all – family, friends and a career. In her opinion, that is what makes her a Real Housewife of New Jersey.

Jacqueline Laurita is a former cosmetologist in Las Vegas turned full-time stay-at-home New Jersey mom. Her husband Chris, brother of Caroline and Dina Manzo, owns several wholesale apparel businesses and the couple has been together for more than 13 years. They have a six-year old son, CJ, and Jacqueline has a teenage daughter, Ashley, from a previous marriage. Being a young mother to a teenage daughter has its challenges, but Jacqueline is extremely close with her children. Her family is her main priority, her husband is her best friend and she is hoping to expand on the family in the near future. Jacqueline and her sisters-in-law enjoy spending time together and can often be found shopping at the latest boutiques or getting their hair done for a night out. Aside from spending time with family, Jacqueline enjoys cooking, working out, and going to the spa. She likes to pamper herself with regular facials, manicures and pedicures. She believes in taking care of herself and doesn’t plan on just growing old gracefully. Always looking for a good laugh, Jacqueline tries to see the humor in everything and is often referred to as the peacemaker between her friends. Although she lives a lavish lifestyle, Jacqueline considers herself to be very down to earth and knows that she is blessed.

Danielle Staub is a tough cookie, and she knows it. “You either love me or you love to hate me, there is no in between.” She prides herself on being one of the first women in New Jersey (and 14th person in the country) to have a Black American Express Card and her history of celebrity hook-ups is one for the record books. Known for being brutally honest, Danielle enjoys pushing people’s buttons and doesn’t apologize for it. This newly single mother puts her family first and is constantly on-the-go with her two active daughters, Christine and Jillian. Danielle involves herself in every aspect of her daughters’ lives, whether going to their recitals or attending track meets; she does everything with her girls, whom she considers her best friends. An active member of her local parish, Danielle attends mass regularly and engages her daughters in religious education and community involvement through the parish. While her family takes precedence, Danielle never misses an opportunity to hit the social scene and makes sure to go out and have a good time. Appearance is also paramount to her – she takes a lot of pride in taking care of herself and loves to self indulge by lying out in the sun or the occasional massage.

Dina Manzo is a family woman, a business owner, and the founder of the non-profit organization Project Ladybug. She balances a career as an interior designer and owner of a successful event planning company with being a loving wife to her husband Tommy and mother to her teenage daughter, Alexia. Dina is best friends with her sister, Caroline and both of their husbands work together running one of New Jersey’s premiere catering facilities, The Brownstone. She calls her husband the love of her life and they have been happily married for more than four years. Dina is extremely passionate about her foundation, Project Ladybug, and is dedicated to giving back to children with cancer. Her goal is to one day open “Ladybug Houses” so that these children and their families have somewhere safe and comfortable to call home while receiving treatment.

Now check out the video clips:

Ummm after viewing the first video where Danielle discusses going on a blind date with a man she has already had phone sex with yet has no idea what his actual name is? Pricelessssss- Thank you Bravo for continuing to bring the crazy!

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‘The Real Housewives Of New Jersey’ Coming To Bravo May 12

Posted on 18. Mar, 2009 by CSS.

Meet Bravo’s latest cast of Housewives.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey will showcase the lives of women from the Bergen County township of Franklin Lakes, NJ, the network confirmed Tuesday.

Five Jersey girls in furs and high heels are all set to join the reality franchise that gained popularity for shadowing socialites and drama queens from affluent communities across America.

“Big homes. Big drama. Welcome to New Jersey: home to five fabulously wealthy best friends who like [to] do everything BIG — whether they’re decorating, dating, or just doing their hair,” Bravo boasts in its official tagline for the series, which joins Orange County, Calif., New York City, and Atlanta, GA. as part of the network’s Real Housewives family.

The Jersey show was reportedly shot over 120 days from June to September of 2008.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey premieres May 12 (11 p.m. ET) on Bravo.

Can’t wait to find out what a delight these ladies are going to be!!

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‘W’ Magazine’s Interview With Luanne deLesseps, THE COUNTESS!

Posted on 15. Mar, 2009 by CSS.

Okay, so I cant stand the ladies of ‘Real Housewives of New York!’ However, I also can’t stop watching! Its like each week I get to see these ladies make complete fools of themselves on national television- which is too good to pass up!

It is amazing to me to see how entitled these ladies think that they are- I’m pretty sure they assume everyone is overwhelmed with jealousy that they are who they are- when in fact i pity these ladies! To go through life on such a high horse… there is no where to fall but down “My Darlings!!”

So when I came across this article in “W” I had to throw it up on my site! W Magazine snagged a 3 minute interview with The Countess herself, Luann deLesseps, where they grill her on her new book, “Class with the Countess”-try not to laugh, it is the real title!  Check it out:

Did you enjoy the book-writing process?
I’ve always wanted to write a book. And people have always asked me to do one, too, because it’s every girl’s dream to become a countess. You’ve seen it? What do you think?

Well, I have to say I’m confused as to the target audience. You’re really covering the waterfront from teen stuff and parent-teacher conferences to advice on landing a hubby.
The target is the audience for the show. It was inspired by my audience — my fan base, really. So that’s the 18 to 49 crowd. I had a lot of questions and requests: “Please write about manners for children,” “write about countesses,” “write about dating.” So I did a little bit of everything. And I wanted it to feel like my personal story at the same time.

So viewers actually ask you nitty-gritty questions about which fork to use at dinner?
No. The questions are more about how to do things appropriately — how to dress, how to deal with their kids and manners, how to deal with certain social situations. I have an “Ask the Countess” column on the Bravo website, and people write me.

But you still felt it was important to get the table etiquette in there? Because I have to say, your daughter and her friends did not seem to appreciate all that in the episode at the Hampton Classic. Your daughter was a little, “Hey Mom, back off…”
It was edited to look a certain way. It was a long lunch, we were watching the show-jumping, we were talking — they really did have a great time. But they were all excited to be on the show, and then [the cameras] got there and they just froze. And I don’t think that joke I made about “You don’t want anyone to think you have an eating disorder” worked very well. [Laughs.] Oh well, it all winds down to the editing.

You and Kelly [Killoren Bensimon, the newest castmember] seem to have hit it off.
[Laughs again. Loudly.] Poor thing, did you see the papers today? [Killoren Bensimon was charged this week for allegedly assaulting her much-younger boyfriend.] But yes, we hang out on the show more than probably the others do.

Why so?
We have friends in common so we move in the same social circles. I’m the only one she really knew when she decided to do the show. I think when she’s with the other women it’s awkward. I have to do a lot of teasing to get her to loosen up a little. It’s all new to her.

This season, it’s as if all the personality quirks and neuroses have been magnified about 100 times.
I feel that’s happened with me, too. They’ve caught every “Countess Moment” I could possibly have, you know? Which I never have. Like when I ordered pizza as the Countess. I said “LuAnn de Lesseps” and he didn’t understand, so I said “Countess” for the fun of it. And you know how at the beginning of each show I say don’t feel guilty about being privileged? What I said was, “I never feel guilty about being privileged, I feel lucky.” But they just whack off the “lucky” part. Editing.

You mentioned the Bravo website earlier. Ever read the message boards?
I don’t read the blogs anymore. I just get … I take things personally. So I don’t even want to go there because I know there’s a whole Countess-bash thing going on. And Bethenny is now “the poor girl” — and she’s making more money than all of us put together with all the deals she’s doing! She cleans up because she doesn’t have a husband, she doesn’t have children. That seems to be her M.O. this season.

There’s definitely a round-robin punching bag thing going on.
There really is. It’s like, “Your turn this week!” I sit there watching and say, “What am I gonna see this week?” Once the crews have left us, I don’t know what the heck they’ll do.

-From W Magazine

It is absolutely hilarious to me that Luann blames all of this on editing!! Um what about last year? My favorite was how she instructed Bethenny to introduce her to the driver by calling her ‘Countess’ and added that you do not mingle with the help in such ‘familiar’ ways. Nice Luann! If you didn’t always act a certain way, then their wouldn’t be footage of you to edit in that light! I can’t believe she thinks anyone will actually want to buy this book!

I love that she gives advice on dating- seeing as how she married herself off to an older man at 22! She must have a wealth of knowledge on that subject!

If your bored and up for a good laugh, head on over to Luann’s website and check out her Blog- it’s filled with laugh out loud moments!

Check out this story from NYMag.com that details Classy Luann getting Trashy at a friends wedding last August!

Thanks for the entertainment Countess LuLu!

Sidenote: Fun Facts about the New York Housewives:

For their first season, Bravo only paid the ladies $8,000 each to appear on the reality series.  However, for season two the salary is said to have gone up a just a bit-no word on exactly how much!

The ladies ages(Reportedly):

• Luann de Lesseps: Rumored to be 43-44
• Bethenny Frankel: December 1970, making her 38
• Alex McCord: October 1, 1973 making her 35
• Ramona Singer: Allegedly November 18, 1956 making her 51
• Jill Zarin: November 30, ???? Is rumored to be 45 However, her official Myspace page lists her as 33… Hmmm…sneaky!

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Kim Zolciak Photographed With “Lee” Tattooed On Ring Finger:

Posted on 10. Mar, 2009 by CSS.

So my favorite Bravo train wreck that is Kim Zolciak was photographed sporting a new tattoo.  The classy bravo star has “Lee” Tattooed across her ring finger, which she tried to cover by adorning a big chunky ring.

I blew the cover off “Big Papa’s” Identity back in November.  I also received an email from a fan back at the beginning of January that told me Kim had secretly married Lee over the holidays- However, I was never able to substantiate that claim so I held off on publishing the story.  But, now that the Lee tattoo has leaked I am really starting to wonder if their was more truth to that e-mail than I gave it credit for….

Usually their is only one reason you would get some one’s name engraved on the flesh of your ring finger- my guess is Kim’s got more going on with Big Papa than we are all aware of.

Stay tuned….

Related Story Here. HERE. And HERE.

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Bravo Reality Star Kelly Killoren Bensimon Arrested For Abusing Boyfriend Nicholas Stefanov

Posted on 10. Mar, 2009 by CSS.

A Bravo star has been busted…this is almost to good to be true!!

Real Housewives of New York City star Kelly Killoren Bensimon was arrested last week on charges that she assaulted her estranged boyfriend.

The 40-year-old reality personality’s boyfriend Nicholas Stefanov told police that Kelly punched him in the face, causing a laceration below his left eye.

She turned herself in on Thursday and was slapped with a misdemeanor charge of assault.

“Last week, Ms. Bensimon was charged with a misdemeanor and has entered a plea of not guilty,” says her attorney. “We are confident that the charges are unfounded and we look forward to a quick resolution.”

Kelly is due back in court on March 31 & I can’t wait!! Oh how the mighty fall….tsk tsk Kelly! By the way, her abused boyfriend looks much much younger than 40 year old Bensimon, who knew she was a cougar as well!

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Oh Geez! The Ladies Of Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives Of NYC’ Are Absolutely RID-IC-U-LOUS!!!!!!!

Posted on 18. Feb, 2009 by CSS.

Why Oh Why were these ladies picked back up???

At least on the other Housewives programs there is humor along with their outrageous behavior.  The ladies in NYC are so bland and boring but yet so insanely entitled!

The ‘Countess’ absolutely takes the cake in my book- my favorite quote of hers from the season opener is,

“For me that’s the worst a person could be, is people that think they are better than other people, that’s the worst”

Um, how do you say pot calling the kettle black?! Now, rewind to last season when the ‘Countess’ scolded Bethany for introducing her to the driver by her first name and not ‘Countess’…. give me a break!!  Then later in this episode, the ever so humble ‘Countess’ refuses service of a bottled beer at the Hampton’s bash citing: ‘The Countess doesn’t drink beer from a bottle!!’ Oh Geeeeezzzzzzz Lady get off your high horse!!

Another favorite part of the episode for me was when Ramona pulls her daughter aside to share the gossip in the Cindy Adams column- Her daughter reminds me of a young spoiled Heidi Montag…. Then later on Ramona takes her husband to a restaurant to discuss the gossip and all he can do is stare at all the ladies walking by!! OUCH! Ramona’s hubby looks like a totally slime ball!

Last night they introduced a new housewife, Kelly. She is by far prettier than any of the other Housewives, that’s for sure! At first, when they introduced her at lunch with Luann I thought they were using her as the type of underdog for this season seeing that she is now a single mom- Then later on in the episode it cuts to what her life is like, and I think she has a lot going for her! She has exciting jobs in fashion and quite frankly may be the one redeeming quality about this season. Kelly’s status seems so far above everyone elses on that show! Maybe she will put some of the ladies in their place (ahem Countess Luann.)

Don’t get me started on Simon, I haven’t completely figured out his damage yet!

I have to say I will probably continue to tune in for the sole fact that watching grown woman act so ludicrous really helps remind me of the type of people I never ever want to end up like!!!! And I can’t deny it can be good material!

Just in case all you Luann fans dream of being just like her, she is coming to your aid!! Luann revealed that she is working on a ‘Manners/Etiquette’ book just for you!!

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“The Real Housewives Of NYC” On The “TODAY Show”

Posted on 17. Feb, 2009 by CSS.

The Real Housewives of New York City are back for a second season on Bravo. As if anyone could compete with The Real Housewvies of ATL!

The cast stopped by The TODAY Show Tuesday to dish on all of the new drama that will jumping off in the Big Apple during Season 2.

If original cast members Bethenny Frankel, LuAnn de Lesseps, Alex McCord, Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin weren’t enough for you, Bravo has added a sixth socialite to the mix. Kelly Killoren Bensimon comes aboard this year as the newest star of The Real Housewives of New York City.

Last season I watched these ladies and to be quite honest it was exhausting to witness. They were incredibly dull and incredibly snooty and I just had no patience for them. I thought for sure Bravo would have dumped them off the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise!!

I think Bravo should tap into the housewives of Dallas/Plano, Texas, I grew up their and those ladies are RID-IC-U-LOUS!!!

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Kim Zolciak May Have Wrangled Herself A New “Big Papa”

Posted on 26. Jan, 2009 by CSS.

Bravo reality star Kim Zolciak has a new “Big Papa.” I hear The Real Housewives of Atlanta non-cancer victim has started dating Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis.

If this is the case we all better brace ourselves for some in your face scantily clad-wig wearing photos of Kim to surface soon…. You can’t hang out with Joe with out getting raunchily over exposed!

Hey atleast this guys not already married- I guess in Kim’s world you could say that is a step in the right direction, right?

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