The rich and, um, real housewives of Beverly Hills are back

First thing's first, Bravo did a tasteful job of confronting the issue that we've all been wondering about and that is how they were going to deal with Russell Armstrong's death with the entire season having been filmed prior to it.

So let me begin by saying that all comments in this blog, related to Taylor or her marriage or late husband, are based on a series of filmed events that occurred prior to his death.

Ok. I'm pretty sure Kim and Kyle were on good terms at the reunion but apparently not. They are sisters though and I'm sure a little time and one situation where they need to stand up for each other (or at least Kyle for Kim) and they'll be back to norm...yes, normal. Sure, we'll go with that.

So I ended the first season of RHOBH feeling so sympathetic for Camille so I'm going to give her a chance this year. That said, one comment needs to happen before my "benefit of the doubt" begins: I think she is happy to be on her own, single. Hell, she acted like that before. But I digress...

On to the scene where Kyle is shopping and Taylor comes running in talking about Cedric. Wow did that seem staged to anyone else? It was the perfect opportunity for them to discuss her tension with Lisa. But with that and the chef at Adrienne's, it feels like they are going to make her out to be the bully.

And with Taylor building that in before the dinner party, the underhanded tension was unbearable. I think people just don't understand how to accept other people's opinions. Kyle said that she can't use certain words but it's other people, like Ken and Lisa, who are crucified for expressing their honest thoughts. At least there a couple of people on this show who can be truthful.

But without backstabbing, lies and deceit, there would be no drama. And without the drama, there would be no show - and by the looks of it, we'll have plenty of that all season! So I will see you in a week Housewives fans. Until next time...

Caroline rules, family drama drools

We finally get to see Teresa and Joe hash it out and I was hoping we might be able to move on but it looks like we will have to wait one more week to see the results of "battle of the sister-in-laws." Now I love Teresa but I can't tell if this is her fault or she's not quick enough to come up with a response when she's talking to Joe. It is so sad that they can't get along. I hope that they can get through this. Melissa seems sincere enough in wanting them to resolve the issue in her confessionals and her conversations with Joe but we'll just have to wait and see. I'm still undecided about Kathy.

I feel like Jacqueline and Caroline are tired of hearing about Teresa's family drama and I don't blame them. Its one thing to help a friend but when they rarely take your advice, its hard to keep listening and be willing to help.

Caroline is so great. I want her to do so well in her show. I think she has a lot to offer. She's an incredible mother, wife, sister, all of the above -- her family  and friends don't just love her, they respect her. And now her fans can get the great advice she offers to them. I'm jealous I can't listen. Maybe she will get her own talk show?! Come on Bravo!!

But back to the problem at hand -- Melissa and Teresa. I hope they can just be honest and move past this. Jacqueline's a great friend for allowing them to talk it out at her house. Next week looks good and at least we know Teresa and Melissa make it out  of their conversation alive. So until then....

Another day in Jersey...

I’m a little disappointed with this week’s episode but, as always, it looks like it’s just prepping us for the drama that will ensue next week. So let’s just dig into what happened…

I have to admit that while I didn’t like Melissa and Joe Gorga in the first episode, I’m learning to love them. They are a cute couple. They seem to just adore each other and I think it’s sweet. I like when married couples are supportive of each other and I think that she is supporting him reconciling with Teresa and he supports her in starting her singing career.

Caroline and Albert are the same way and look at how well that turned out. He’s still supporting her starting a new career because he knows she is missing something with her kids gone. Though, I think it’s odd that they talk about “empty nest syndrome” but they still have Lauren at home.

So I think it’s ridiculous that just because Ashley wants a car, she is getting one. I really like Jacqueline but I feel like she doesn’t stick up for herself enough when it comes to Chris going around/above her when it comes to Ashley. I get that sometimes it isn’t worth the argument but I think this is a pretty big deal. Ashley thinks she deserves a car because she “isn’t in rehab.” Since when should people be rewarded for not doing something bad? I thought you are supposed to get rewarded for doing good – for going above and beyond. Even the way she acts in the car dealership is ridiculous. She is beyond spoiled. She’ll have to get a reality check sooner or later – once mommy and daddy stop coming to her rescue.

I don’t know how I feel about Kathy yet but I’m a little surprised by the contracts that she and Rich make their kids create and sign. I was truly caught off guard by it, but in the end it made me realize that it allowed the kids to open up to their parents.

It’s still sad to see the tension and awkwardness between Teresa, her brother and the entire family. I agree with Melissa that the impact it’s having on the kids is the worst part. Seeing their first true attempt to work this all out will be interesting next week and hopefully a little more entertaining! Until next time…

Old faces, new drama

So now we get to witness the fallout of the giant blowout that was Joe and Melissa's son's christening. I'm not sure we will ever find out what the true cause of this problem but I guess we will have to watch it play out.

Halloween in New Jersey - definitely different. Joe dressed as Snooki, an old lady dressed like a kitten, just strange. And of course Kim G is trying to get involved in all the drama.

And way to go Caroline! I love that she stands by her friends. Ms. Jaclyn is hot stuff! And wow Melissa moved around way too much!

Kim G. needs to, in the words of my friend Aly, take her drama to a retirement home.

And I can't believe Kathy. She tries to be everyone's mother but she is totally taking sides. I love that the family comes to back her up. Well, no more Danielle but now we have the Gorga family drama.

Until next time RHONJ fans...




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Oh, New Jersey - you never disappoint

I have to say that I have been so anxious to watch the season three opener of RHONJ. Literally (imagine Rachel Zoe here) lit-ter-al-lee dying. But the boyfriend’s been home, quality time, yadda yadda yadda – you know the drill.

So I finally sit down to watch and it definitely does not disappoint. Let’s start with the Battle Italia between Teresa, Joe, her snobby sister-in-law and awful brother. Loyalty people. Loyalty. And can I just say how much I love Teresa with straight hair. What a difference it makes! It’s nice to see them taking everything, the bankruptcy and everything else, so well.

And Caroline – she has lost so much weight! I mean, she looks amazing but I liked her with a little more meat on her bones. Either way – she’s still incredible.

Ok – it’s been two seasons and it’s time for me to admit something. I think I can finally say, without regret, that I have an absolute crush on Albie. He’s gorgeous, comes from a good family, great teeth and great personality. Sure, he has mommy issues but when your mother is Caroline, I don’t blame you for wanting to live at home that long. Besides, he’s Italian – it’s expected that they live at home and have abnormally close relationships with their moms.

So I can’t imagine how Jacqueline’s daughter landed a job with Lizzie Grubman, Hollywood PR guru. I’m sure I could probably connect the dots if I tried, but I won’t. No time to do that as I work my way up the ladder like a normal person. I’m just saying…

But I digress. Really though, who cries in front of their boss like that? Ashley is upset that her mom talked about raising her and working for her money at her job but she’s the one who brought up needing money to move to the city in the first place. I love Jacqueline but her daughter is a major drama queen.

So meeting the new women is interesting. I feel like Melissa is the New Jersey version of Alexis. I’ve joked about wanting to just sit around and be a housewife while my husband works and brings home the “bacon” but these women make it seem like you have to be a slave to your husband in exchange for nice clothes, nice cars and big houses. Um, no thank you.

And Kathy is a strange one. Her grocery store slash cooking experience was just odd. It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out with this whole Teresa/Kathy/Melissa triangle. Nothing good can come out of it, I can tell you that much.

So I thought it was a little petty that Joe G. didn’t go to the church but I think fighting with your family like that is just horrible. You don’t get to choose who you fall in love with and you definitely don’t get to choose their family but you do need to learn how to live with it.

They have a ridiculous amount of family drama. It makes for good TV, though.

So everyone is making it seem that Joe G. is the bad guy here. But all that alcohol mixed with the family drama definitely caused this craziness.

It’s really sad watching this family fall apart. I hope it doesn’t continue like this all season. Watching the women fight with Danielle was entertaining but watching a family fight like this is heartbreaking.

The season still looks incredible though. So until next time…

Back to blondes, bigotry and broke boyfriends

Oh and boobs. Can't forget those. Ok, so I know I haven’t really talked about the blondes of Orange County but after last week, I’m not sure I can help it. I’m so looking forward to watching Alexis crumble. Last week was so pathetic. I mean, how ridiculous is it that she can’t go to a dinner without her husband? Her explanation to Peggy was weak. And like Peggy said, isn’t she a good Christian? Then again, I’m sure God doesn’t approve of paid-in-full boobs the size of Mount Rushmore.

There's dependent and needy and then there's independent and demanding. I feel bad for Vicki’s husband. He seems like he is trying, always, and she doesn’t appreciate it. It seems like a two-way thing but I also feiel like she could be a little less, umm, bitchy. Yes, that’s it. Just the word I was looking for. But I guess we only see what is shown on camera.

As for Tamra, the little lesbian devil, I just think it’s funny. These women are going to get so offended by her and I think it’s great. Can you imagine how Alexis will react? She’ll probably kneel down right then and there and start praying.

I’m still not sure how I feel about Peggy. I have a “love her, love her not” emotional roller-coaster with her. Every other episode I like her. This one is going well so far.

It is really funny that Slade’s mom is accusing him of not having a real job. I wish they would have that conversation in front of Gretchen. It just doesn’t seem like they’re really in love and I don’t understand what is keeping her there. He has no money, he’s not good looking and I just don’t get it. Besides, he is more like Gretchen’s assistant than her boyfriend.

Alexis’ photo shoot is a joke. Actually, her whole dress line is a joke. She is NOT a model. She looks like a complete fool trying to pose. She is beyond full of herself and it’s really sickening to watch. That photo with the black and white dress was so scandalous. And then the blue dress with the sparkles looked like she was getting ready to, well, no need to go into the gory details . Alexis is a massive hypocrite. One minute she’s sticking out her butt for some action and the next minute she’s talking about how God meant for men to be the leaders in the relationship. I’m pretty sure the big man upstairs didn’t write the bible to mean women should be slaves to their husbands.

Well, more California craziness next week. Until then…

Nothing like a little bit of Bethenny to get a girl back on track...

I know it’s been awhile but I’m back. Don’t think I’ve missed out on any shows during my blogging absence (never!) but I’ve been so far behind I thought it pointless to share my thoughts on something that happened weeks before I watched it. Even today, I’m writing about the latest in the life of Ms. Bethenny from last Monday. But hey, a girl’s gotta get back in the game at some point.

You better believe when RHONJ starts back up I will be very much on top of my stuff. But for now, I’ll try my very best to keep up.

So Bethenny has just been crazy this season. Not crazy drama, just plain crazy but that’s why we love her. And this episode, she says it herself when introducing her life to her new nanny. “Why sugarcoat it, right?”

The fact that this nanny is also a hairdresser probably makes up for the fact that she is a bit socially awkward. I’m sure a few weeks with Bethenny and she’ll come right out of her shell. I think Jason and Bethenny are the cutest. They are truly best friends which I love. And he knows her so well. Like the number of states Skinny Girl is in. He tells her 40 and she asks about the rest of them – just as he guessed she would.

I am such a PR person because as they discuss how they’ll go from 13 to 40 states, I’m thinking --- you could really use some brand management and promotion. I wonder who her publicist is…

I love her analogy of her life to a 54 year old man’s – cracking me up as always. Her walk on the beach and crazy dance party makes we want to drive to SoCal right now and just forget everything! I think my next vacation is going to be at that beach house. How incredible?

I’m looking forward to the RV trip on the next episode. Love the wrapped vehicle!

Well my reality peeps, until next time…