The Real Housewives Blog: April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Kim Zolciak Says Life After Real Housewives of Atlanta Is "Awesome”

Kim Zolciak’s spin-off, Don’t Be Tardy, is a few episodes into its first real season and Kim couldn’t be happier, but how does she really feel about saying goodbye to Real Housewives of Atlanta, the show that started it all? NBC’s Janine Brady sat down for a chat with Kim (and Kroy!) and the wigged one’s thoughts on life after RHoA may surprise you.

“It’s awesome. I always wanted to do my own show,” Kim revealed. “Filming with my family is really different, it’s not a whole lot of drama. Housewives is a different feel, sometimes I’m stressed and it can be combative.”

However, Kim did admit to getting a bit emotional as she finished filming her final reunion special. “Life’s been good since I left, but it was definitely hard for me to walk off the stage at the reunion. I was a little bit sad. I was like, ‘Whoa, this is kinda weird,’”

We feel ya, Kim. It was hard to watch you walk away, too! Luckily, we can still get our weekly Kim fix thanks to DBT, and a new episode airs tonight at 9:30 p.m.

Marisa Zanuck Confirms She’s Leaving "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"

Celebuzz.com:

After one season as a Beverly Hills housewife, Marisa Zanuck is saying goodbye for good to the ladies of 90210, she confirms exclusively to Celebuzz.

After hinting about a departure in her blog late last month, Zanuck says she is not going to make up any excuses about why she won’t be back for season 4 of the hit Bravo series: “I wasn’t asked back,” she revealed. “It's as simple as that and I'm okay with it.”

While rumors have run rampant that celebs like Lisa Rinna and Leann Rimes might be filling some empty stilettos, Yolanda Foster has confirmed she’ll be turning up the drama queen for a fourth season. As CB! reported, Adrienne Maloof won’t be part of the new cast, and Lisa Vanderpump and Taylor Armstrongare still up in the air.

As for Zanuck, she’s at peace with Bravo’s decision and looks forward to the next chapter in her life.

“Housewives was a once in a lifetime experience and I am grateful that Bravo gave me the opportunity to step into their crazy world,” said Zanuck. “I have no regrets and nothing but love for the amazing viewers that were so kind to take time out of their day and reach out to me on Twitter and comment on my blogs. We will definitely keep in touch."

In fact, Zanuck’s candidness is quite the departure from former housewives Sheree Whitfield and Danielle Staub, who had reportedly both claimed they quit the series despite numerous reports that they were unceremoniously let go.

The only housewives that are known to have quit the series for their own spinoffs are Bethenny Frankel and Kim Zolciak, while Zanuck's former co-star Camille Grammer and former housewife of New Jersey Dina Manzo left to start a clean slate.

“Let’s be honest, nobody is going to quit the show unless they have a spinoff because they either need the money or have a business to promote,” Zanuck told Celebuzz. “If a housewife doesn't fall into those two categories, then perhaps she was attracted to the show by the lure of fame and in that case won't be giving it up anytime soon."

Monday, April 29, 2013

Kenya Moore Disses Apollo Nida, Says "Real Men Don't Fight With Women"

Wetpaint.com:

The scene got downright ugly during Part 3 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Season 5 Reunion when Kenya Moore accused Phaedra Parks' hubby, Apollo Nida, of texting her. Apollo immediately turned the situation around and claimed that Kenya's been hitting on him nonstop since the group trip to Anguilla, while Phaedra rolled her eyes and reminded everyone why she thinks Kenya is a whore.

Kenya's come to expect the claws from the other women, but she was appalled by a man fighting with her... and not just Apollo either. The newcomer took to her Bravo blog to vent her frustration over her experience with the guys at the reunion.

"No real or decent man verbally attacks a woman," she stated. "The truth is, Peter, Apollo, and Kordell have all shown unacceptable aggression and intimidation toward women. Only cowardly men raise their voices in anger, physically act aggressively, or angrily shout at and attack women. Real men stay out of their women’s business and they don’t engage in repugnant hostile actions or words toward a woman whether they know, like, or dislike her."

Of course, she also gave props where props were due by praising the guys who were too scared respectful to confront her at the reunion.

"I applaud Gregg and Todd for the classy and appropriate way they refrained from attacking me unlike the others to get camera time. The others are always looking for their moment, which is why they all bonded with my groupie ex. As badly as they all want to hold a peach, they never will," Kenya wrote.

Adrienne Maloof Talks Life After Real Housewives: "I Am So Excited About The Future"

EOnline.com:

Adrienne Maloof is only looking forward.

"I am in a great place and so excited about the future," the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star exclusively tells E! News. "I am working on some huge projects for television and also concentrating on producing a film, so it's a very dynamic time right now."

But doesn't she miss the life she was enjoying as a castmember of one of the most attention-getting reality-TV shows around?

"I am grateful for the platform Housewives gave me," she admits. "It was a fantastic experience, but now it's time for something new."

In addition to her upcoming small- and big-screen projects, Maloof is working on a jewelry line for Bloomingdales, which she is "thrilled about."

"I can't wait for everybody to see it," she added. (And since she knows a little something about bling, we can't wait, either.)

So, overall, life is "fantastic" for Maloof right now.

Perhaps not least in part because the divorced mother of three truly has turned a corner. A Real Housewives insider tells us that Maloof has not been in touch with any of her former castmates.

"Adrienne is in a different place now," the insider says, "mixing with a different crowd. [She] has her sights set on bigger and better things than Housewives."

Maloof has also rekindled her romance with Sean Stewart, who is 19 years her junior. "Sean and Adrienne support each other and have fun and both understand the world of entertainment," our source says.

The couple were out Thursday night having dinner with Sean's dad and stepmom, Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster; and his sister, Kimberly Stewart, and her new flame, Harry Styles.

A different crowd, indeed.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

44-Year-Old Kyle Richards Wants More Children: "Halle Berry is Older Than Me!"

USmagazine.com:

Kyle Richards isn't afraid of a challenge. And the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, who is already mother to four children, already has her eyes set on two new goals: to get into shape a la her celebrity body crush, Jennifer Aniston, and to have more children.

"I think that Jennifer Aniston has an amazing body," she told Us Weekly on Thursday, Apr. 25. "I like her body a lot. The reason I like it [is] because I know that she used to be heavier before, and I know that she is not naturally like that. I know she has to work to get it like that, and I have to work really hard to try to be in shape and keep my weight down."

Richards, 44, added that she herself has been on a strict workout regimen in hopes of staying in shape despite her very hectic schedule -- everything from circuit training to yoga several times a week.

The payoff, however, is that she has more energy to tackle housework chores and look after her four children, who range in age from 5 to 24. The Real Housewives star's youngest, Portia, recently got sick and threw up all over her, Richards explained, but she's since learned to roll with the punches.

"I mean, if your kid throws up, you are not asking someone else to clean it up," Richards told Us (The reality star contributes to site The Clorox Icktionary, which tackles "icky" issues that parents tackle on an everyday basis.) "That's disgusting. Like, even my husband I don't think could handle it. And I couldn't clean up someone else's child. It has to be my child."
And if Richards has her way, Portia won't be the last one she and husband Mauricio Umansky have to deal with for very long.

"Yes, I want more babies," she told RadarOnline.com in a recent interview. Richards is currently mother to Farrah, 24, Alexia, 17, Sophia, 13, and Portia, 5. "I wish I'd done it right after Portia."

The reality star noted that she had their first child when she was just 19, and so she's been noticing the disparity between her situation and those of her friends, who "are just starting to have kids."

"Halle Berry is older than me," she reasoned of having another child at a later age. Berry announced that she and fiance Olivier Martinez are expecting their first child together earlier this month. The Cloud Atlas actress is already mother to daughter Nahla, 5, with ex Gabriel Aubry.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Alexis Bellino Says She Had To Use Xanax After Being Kicked Out The Dinner Party From Hell

RadarOnline.com:

We’ve got a first look at the upcoming episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County, which picks up in the wake of last week’s dinner party from hell, where Tamra Barney kicked out rival Alexis Bellino.

In the clip, Alexis — who was told by Tamra to “get the f*ck out” of the swanky bash — is seen in a limo outside, in a heated discussion with new castmate Lydia McLaughlin, over whether her claims she was being bullied were valid.

“People commit suicide …” Lydia said before Alexis cut her off, saying she “had to go on Xanax” as result of past struggles stemming from the drama when the ladies went to Costa Rica.

Tamra heard it all, and when Vicki Gunvalson — who brought Alexis to the affair in the first place in hopes of smoothing things over — told her “Shush for a minute,” an enraged Tamra snapped back, “No, I’m not gonna shush!”

Heather Dubrow said Bellino’s claim of a temporary Xanax dependency was nothing but bad melodrama.

“There are many people who need to be medicated in this world, for many reasons, and her little rich girl problems aren’t one of them,” the beautiful brunette groused.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Aviva Drescher Signs Last-Minute ‘Housewives’ Deal

NYDailyNews.com:

“Real Housewives of New York City” star Aviva Drescher, who has signed a last-minute contract with the show and will return when filming begins May 6, will visit Boston, either this weekend or next, to meet with marathon bombing victims.

“This isn’t about getting press or attention for herself, this is about helping others,” a friend of Drescher’s tells Confidenti@l. “Four different hospitals have asked her to visit and she has said, ‘Name the date. I will do whatever I can to help.’ ”

Drescher knows what it is like to lose a limb. She was involved in a farm accident at the age of 6 and her left leg was amputated. Now she wants to help others who are suffering, because she understands the questions they will have, says a friend of the reality star.

“Aviva will not be bringing the Bravo cameras to follow her on the visits. This is about helping others, not her, and certainly not about Bravo ratings,” says her pal.

Drescher, however, will be allowing the cameras in her new Park Ave. townhouse, which she is renting specifically for the filming. She had been left hanging by Bravo until it made a late decision this week to rehire her.

“Bravo deliberately staggered her contract until the last minute,” one insider tells us. “Last season, Aviva and Ramona [Singer] were the stars, and Bravo was scared if they invited them back at the same time they could team up and ask for a lot more money.”

Instead, Singer signed before Drescher for a contract worth $450,000 for season six. Drescher is getting much less than that, about $100,000.

“The difference in what they earn makes them fight even more,” says our source.

We reached out to Aviva, who wouldn’t talk money but did confirm she has accepted several offers to visit Boston soon. “If anyone would like to contact me, they can email me,” she said.

Caroline Manzo Dishes on the Brand New Season of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey'

Kyle Richards Talks Real Housewives Divorces, Says "Don't Do a Reality Show If You Have Cracks In Your Marriage"

EOnline.com:

Kyle Richards and husband Mauricio Umansky have set the gold standard when it comes to a stable Real Housewives marriage.

But that doesn't mean the couple hasn't seen some of the messiest divorces play out on camera (Camille Grammer's and Adrienne Maloof's, to name a few).

So with the latest news of Porsha and Kordell Stewart's nasty split, we had to ask the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star her thoughts on the latest divorce report, and turns out she has a pretty solid theory when it comes to making a reality marriage work.

"I don't know about their situation at all, but that's very sad, my gosh that's terrible," she lamented to E! News when asked about Porsha's situation and the RHOA star's claims she discovered that her husband had filed via Twitter.

"Honestly, you know, there's a stigma…that all the Housewives get divorced," she continued. "My husband and I have a really strong solid marriage, Lisa [Vanderpump] and Ken have a very strong, solid marriage, but I think if you have any cracks in your marriage then you really shouldn't do a reality show. Because it will not survive."

Solid point, especially coming from a reality star with three seasons under her belt. And the mother of four—who is currently promoting her contribution to the new Clorox Ick-tionary—has plenty of insight as to why so many reality couples split:

"It is very difficult to put your life out there," she explained. "I think a lot of these women sign up onto the show as a way out. They're not happy to begin with and they think, ‘Oh I'm going to gain some independence and do the show and this is going to be my out,' and that's why you see so many divorces. It's not that the show is causing these divorces."

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Porsha Stewart Spills On Divorce: "It’s Not Something I Wanted”

People.com:

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Stewart discovered last month that her husband was filing for divorce on Twitter – and she's still getting over the painfully public news.

"When you're married you definitely feel like you have the ability to communicate with your mate enough for them to come in and say, 'Hey, we're going to get a divorce.' But that didn't happen," Stewart tells PEOPLE. "I found out about [the divorce filing] on Twitter, which was surprising. I'm still in total shock."

Yet Stewart, 31, is trying to stay strong after her split with former NFL star Kordell Stewart, 40, and beginning to rebuild her life with the help of family and friends, including RHOA costars such as NeNe Leakes, who criticized the Stewarts' relationship in a blog on BravoTV.com prior to the split.

"I'm definitely blessed to have a strong support system around me," Porsha says. "NeNe, she's been through a similar situation in her past. She's telling me to take care of me right now, and that's what I'm doing."

Now that news of the split has begun to sink in, Stewart is starting to focus on rebuilding her life, and she's reconnecting to her "very independent" formerly single self.

"I had my own businesses and I gave that up to become 100 percent wife," she says. "At this point I am finding my way back to that Porsha, back to that independent woman who makes decisions on her own. I'm not living through someone else's eyes and I'm looking forward to that."

"I didn't get married to get divorced," she says. "This is not something that I wanted. But at the end of the day I feel there has to be a bigger blessing in this. ... There has to be something great for Porsha in the future."

Tamra Barney Admits To Having 'Anger Issues’ After Dinner Party From Hell

RadarOnline.com:

Tamra Barney — following Monday night’s Real Housewives of Orange County, in which she told Alexis Bellino to “get the f*ck out” of her dinner party — appeared on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, and admitted that she has “anger issues.”

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, the OC rivals clashed after Vicki Gunvalson brought Alexis to the bash, held to commemorate the opening of Tamra’s new gym. While Tamra seemed content with Vicki’s decision of a plus one at the outset, seeing Alexis in person seemed to bring out her claws, resulting in a confrontation in which Alexis called her a bully.

On Watch What Happens Live, Tamra said at the time, she was trying to rebuild bridges with Vicki — and had reservations about letting her bring Alexis — but did so in hopes of moving on from any past bad blood.

“I wanted to make Vicki happy,” she said, admitting when she saw Alexis, her temper got the best of her.

“I had to be honest with her and say, ‘Why are you here?’” she said.

Asked later if it’s possible for she and Alexis to salvage a friendship, Tamra said, “I have this tough exterior — and there’s a reason why I have it — but I have a soft heart.

Appearing alongside was mental health professional/reality star Dr. Venus Nicolino, who said she feels Tamra has issues with negotiating, assertiveness, and aggression, which Tamra agreed with.

When a caller named Denise asked Tamra if she’ll ever be happy with herself — and “stop being such a mean girl” — Tamra’s aforementioned anger reared its’ ugly head again.

“The difference between you and I is that I don’t play the victim … I’m on a reality show and I’m paid to speak my mind and I did that, so am I happy with myself?” she said. “I am so frickin happy — but Denise, are you happy with yourself that you have to call in and ask me that?”

We lost the caller, host Andy Cohen said, diffusing the situation.

Jacqueline Laurita Denies Foreclosure and Tax Debt Rumors

RumorFix.com:

The Real Housewives of New Jersey have had their fair share of financial failings, and now Jacqueline Laurita is speaking up about rumors of her own recent woes.

Jacqueline and her husband Chris are reportedly being sued by their mortgage company, Hudson City Savings Bank, for missing a payment on a $1.6 million mortgage taken out on their home. However, on Tuesday, Jacqueline was confronted by television station WTIC and addressed the lawsuit.

According to Jacqueline, “My house is not in foreclosure. There is no threat of losing it. We simply modified our mortgage which is a process.” She also adds, “Our mortgage modification has been approved and all is good.”

The Lauritas are also in a dispute with the IRS over $340,000 which is owed from an old 2006 tax audit.
Jacqueline and Chris have taken issue with the amount of interest added to the 2006 audit. She says that they are currently negotiating with the IRS to settle on a more amicable dollar figure and she adds, “Once that new amount is decided… we will, of course, pay the amount.”

“My husband and I have ALWAYS filed and paid our taxes every year. We have NEVER evaded taxes,” says Laurita.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Never Her Fault: Sheree Whitfield Now Pointing Fingers At Iyanla Vanzant For Co-Parenting Issues

AllHipHop.com:

Reality TV star Sheree’ Whitfield’s participation in the recent episode of OWN’s ‘Iyanla Fix my Life’ was not at all what she expected. In like fashion to what rapper DMX experienced on his taping of the show, Sheree’ feels that she too was wooed under false pretenses. She agreed to be on the show based on the understanding that Iyanla would be addressing and helping her and her ex-husband Bob Whitfield, deal with co-parenting issues; unfortunately during the shoot, it was clear that what she was told would be the focus of the show was not.

“Since leaving the Housewives, I’ve been at a different place in my life, a place of healing and self-empowerment, so when Bob reached out to me about doing this show on co-parenting I was excited because I thought we were both on the same page and equally wanted to work towards mending our relationship so that we could more effectively co-parent, and even more importantly I thought it was an opportunity to inspire single parents in our situation,” says Sheree’ Whitfield. “However, once shooting began I felt misled because the line of questioning was centered more on accusations of my shortcomings as a wife versus how we can begin to resolve our issues.”

During the shoot and in communications afterwards, Sheree’ expressed her concerns and displeasure with the taping to Iyanla and the show’s producers and only agreed to continue for the sake of some sort of amicable resolution, which was never realized. “Although I was caught off guard by what felt like a very one-sided and judgmental approach to “therapy,” what I did take away from this experience is that I must continue to take responsibility for doing the work to be a better person. I am completely committed to making sure that I am a positive and healthy mother for my children and being a role model for the young women that I mentor,” says Whitfield.

Sheree’ is committed to empowering and inspiring single moms, divorced moms, and other women dealing with relationship and co-parenting issues. She is working on launching her own foundation which emphasizes the importance of emotional and physical wellness for all women. Sheree is also focusing on her own career and is excited about more opportunities in film and television with her cameo appearance in ‘Scary Movie 5′ being only the beginning.

She is currently seeking speaking engagements to speak with organizations, foundations, and women’s groups about her challenges and to share her insight on surviving her own struggles and rising above them.

Bethenny Frankel Gets Furious As Divorce Turns Nasty With Court-Ordered Parenting Evaluation

RadarOnline.com:

Bethenny Frankel is in the middle of a bitter divorce battle with her estranged husband Jason Hoppy, and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that she’s furious about the latest development in the fight over their young daughter.

“A parenting evaluation has been ordered by the court to try and settle their custody issues,” a source close to the reality star told RadarOnline.com.

“Bethenny is furious that her parenting style and methods are going to be questioned. Bryn is her whole life, and she doesn’t want anyone to assess her mothering skills.”

Both Jason and Bethenny have petitioned the court for full custody of their 2-year-old daughter, and the court making the final decision is frightening for Bethenny, according to the source.

“She does not want a complete stranger to come into her home and pass judgment on the way she nurtures Bryn.

“Bethenny has trouble trusting people she doesn’t know, and this is not making her happy.”

The source also said that neither side is backing down anytime soon.

“Bethenny isn’t going to give up her fight for full custody and neither is Jason. They’re both very stubborn and the court is going to have to make the ruling for them.”

Kim Zolciak Says She Could Be Back On 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'

USmagazine.com:

With season two of Don't Be Tardy now underway, Bravo certainly hasn't seen the last of Kim Zolciak -- but have the Real Housewives of Atlanta? Although Zolciak, 34, abruptly departed RHOA in the middle of season five amid considerable drama with her fellow castmates, the mother of four tells Us Weekly never say never.

"I can't say that I won't return to Real Housewives of Atlanta," the mother of four told Us during a recent visit to Us' NYC offices for a video interview alongside NFL hubby Kroy Biermann, her low-key costar in Don't Be Tardy. "Housewives brings its own little spice."

One of the things she misses? Margaritas, believe it or not, with NeNe Leakes. She and Leakes -- the only original Atlanta housewife now still on the show -- had a bitter falling out but called a tentative truce, even embracing in part two of the reunion which aired last week. "We're not best friends," Zolciak clarified, conceding "you can't pick up where you left off" after all their back-and-forth. "We just decided to just let the past be that. The reunion was a turning point--i started this whole journey with her five years ago."

Things are less copacetic with Kandi Burruss, who recently sued Zolciak over profits from Kim's single "Don't Be Tardy for the Party." "Kandi doesn't have any ground to stand on," Zolciak charges. "Her claim is so ridiculous."

For now, however, Zolciak and Atlanta Falcons star Bierrman, 27, have plenty of other things to tend to: their young sons KJ, nearly 2, and Kash, 8 months, plus big sisters Brielle, 13, and Ariana, 12, Zolciak's daughters from a previous relationship.

"The boys are huge! Kash wears 2-year-old clothes, and KJ wears 5-year-old clothes," Kim tells Us of the footballers-in-training. Will Kim get pregnant again? "Probably," she tells Us. "We'll try for one more."

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Andy Cohen Says Danielle Staub Is NOT Returning To 'Real Housewives Of New Jersey'

HuffPo.com:

Bad news for fans hoping that Danielle Staub will bring some love and light back to "Real Housewives of New Jersey": Bravo honcho Andy Cohen revealed the former cast member will not be returning to the reality series.

Cohen shut down several reports indicating Danielle would come face-to-face with her former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" co-stars on "Wendy Williams."

But Cohen did tease that the upcoming "Real Housewives of New Jersey" Season 5 premiere will feature the ladies picking up after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Jersey Shore.

Bravo recently released a teaser featuring Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, Jacqueline Laurita, Caroline Manzo, and Kathy Wakile planting a tree with the tagline "Family is a force of nature."

Nene Leakes "Half" Sister Kenya Says Phaedra Parks Is NOT Responsible For Digging Up Nene's Family Dirt

StraightfromtheA.com:

Nene Leakes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta apparently opened a can of worms during Part 2 of the season 5 reunion show last week.

During the show, there was a heated exchanged that occurred between Nene Leakes and her fellow cast member Phaedra Parks, where Leakes accused Parks of going behind her back to ‘get dirt’ from her half sisters, who attended Parks’ son Ayden’s 1st birthday party during the third season of the show.

“The New Normal” actress claims that Phaedra only contacted her half-sisters in an “evil plot” to dig up dirt from her past, while Parks says many from her small hometown of Athens, Georgia and came through to celebrate her son’s 1st birthday.

I revealed during my recap of the argument, that I was in attendance during the event in question and know for a fact that Nene’s sisters were the one’s who were there on a mission and it had absolutely nothing to do with Phaedra.

Now it seems at least one of Nene’s half’sisters is speaking out about the situaiton on her own and wants the world to know she’s feeling some kinda way about what was said on air.

Meet Nene Leakes’ ‘half’ sister Kenya and find out what she wants you to know under the cut…

Kendle Kenya Sparks Davis aka Nene’s lil sister, is an Atlanta hairstylist who shows off her work via her FaceBook page. Kenya recently used the same page to get her message out about how she feels about Nene referring to her as her ‘half’ sister.

Welp… it’s looking like Nene’s reconciliation with her ‘half’ sister isn’t quite complete. Like seriously… if they were as tight as Leakes pretended on the show, dontcha think the sister would have called Nene and cussed her out instead of blasting her on her Facebook wall?? Hmmmm…..

As I stated in my RHOA Reunion Part 2 recap, Nene’s sisters spilled ALL the tea on camera during Phaedra’s son’s birthday party, revealing stories about how both Nene and Greg had scammed several of their own family members out of money in “real life.” The sisters were on a mission… not Phaedra.

Maybe one day y’all will start to take notes and pay attention to what I write.

Anywhoo… we all know who the ‘Queen B’ is on RHOA, so the scandalous footage never aired and was probably destroyed. Whatever the case, it looks like Nene and at least one of her ‘half’ sisters still have some ‘fixin’ to do on their relationship.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Tamra Barney Talks Engagement, Marriage and Working Together

HuffPoLIVE.com:

Tamra Barney, star of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Orange County," stopped by HuffPost Live Monday to dish on her recent engagement to boyfriend Eddie Judge.

"I don't know what I did in life to deserve such a great man, but I'm so blessed," she said.

Watch the video above to learn more. The couple, who have been dating for two years, got engaged in March. Barney was previously married to Simon Barney, with whom she has three children, and Darren Vieth, the father of her oldest son, Ryan.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Cynthia Bailey's Talks Side Hustle Success Secrets and New Book

HuffPo.com:

NeNe Leakes may be the highest paid housewife in the ATL, but if the latest spinoff news and product launches are any indication, her "Real Housewives Of Atlanta" cast mates aren't too far behind.

For Cynthia Bailey, financial freedom hinges on wearing many hats, including that of spokesperson for a new line of haircare products by SoftSheen-Carson, which she signed on to promote earlier this year.

HuffPost Black Voices caught up with the model-turned-reality TV star to hear more about how she juggles her many side hustles and how she's used the show as leverage.

Is there a secret to successfully wearing so many hats?
I don't think there is a secret. I have a great work ethic. I really am learning how to prioritize things, between being a wife, a mom; I still have my modeling career going on, I have my business, the Bailey Agency School of Fashion, and I'm also on a little reality TV show that takes up a lot of my time. But I do make time for my family and my friends, because I need the balance of both.

The Bailey Agency is approaching its second anniversary this summer. What are the biggest lessons in getting that off the ground?
Even though I like being a boss, it's hard. Sometimes you have to fire people; I want things done a certain way. I love my staff and I have a little problem with being super nice to everybody and I forget that they actually work for me. So when I have to flip into boss mode, it's challenging. I really do only have people around me that I really care about.

Like family? You've definitely learned some lessons about working with family, right?
It's tough working with family and friends. You think that's who you'd be the most comfortable working with, but it's hard to separate that business [aspect]. So I'm more comfortable keeping family family and business, business. For the most part, I don’t think it’s ever a really good idea.

Any highlights in the Bailey Agency's near two-year history?
I really went into this thinking that I was going to change the world and inspire all these young people and educate them about the business, because when I came into the game 25 years ago, I didn’t even have a computer! I just showed up to New York like, “Okay, so what do I do?”

But I am so amazed at how much [my students] inspire me. I have kids from all walks of life that come into my building and everyone has a story. I’m amazed at how the more I do and the more I think I have it going on, they’re like, “Okay, Ms. Bailey, so what are you doing next ... acting classes... photography?"

I just feel like I have to give them everything they want, so I just keep growing in my business and even personally.

What I thought was going to be this little school in Atlanta has evolved.

Surely the show has helped propel some of that success. Any advice on how to best use an opportunity as leverage for the next thing?
I definitely have benefited from the exposure, launching my business on the "Real Housewives of Atlanta," but you do [have to be prepared].

The main thing is don’t overwhelm yourself. Figure out exactly what it is that you want to do, stay focused on that one thing and make that successful. Then you can add things later.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Bethenny Frankel Back In NYC Court With Estranged Hubby Jason Hoppy

RadarOnline.com:

Bethenny Frankel headed back to court on Friday in her on-going divorce battle from her husband Jason Hoppy, in another effort to end her failed marriage!

The estranged couple appeared in a New York City courthouse on Friday morning and to hash out more details in their bitter situation behind closed doors In Touch Weekly reported.

Their fight revolves around custody of their two-year-old daughter, Bryn, with both Bethenny, 42, and Jason, 41, asking for sole custody.

Bethenny filed for divorce at the beginning of the year, and Jason has asked the court to have the Skinnygirl mogul give him “exclusive use” of their NYC apartment, as well as pay for his and Bryn’s medical bills and his lawyer fees.

Jason has been spotted still wearing his wedding ring — a move that Bethenny believes is just a cry for sympathy.

“Bethenny just can’t understand why Jason is still wearing his wedding ring! It makes absolutely no sense to her because they have zero plans for reconciliation.”

NeNe Leakes' Spinoff 'I Dream of NeNe' Set for Fall, Will Chronicle Her Wedding

Zap2It.com:

Following in the footsteps of "Real Housewives" frenemy Kim Zolciak, NeNe Leakes has set her own wedding-centric spinoff series, "I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding," scheduled to premiere this fall on Bravo.

Leakes is preparing her second wedding to former husband Gregg Leakes -- the couple's separation and subsequent reconciliation was chronicled on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" -- and just like Zolciak's marriage to NFL player Kroy Biermann, the Leakes nuptials have been deemed worthy of their very own docu-series.

The show will focus on the build-up to the main event as NeNe works with celebrity wedding planner Tiffany Cook to design a "one-of-a-kind" wedding and will also track the drama in the Leakes' personal lives, including relationships with their children and NeNe's "father figure" Curtis. NeNe's bridal party will include some familiar faces: "Atlanta" co-star Cynthia Bailey and one of the series' recurring troublemakers, Marlo Hampton.

Another Atlanta "housewife," Kandi Burruss, is also currently engaged but it's not yet known if her wedding will be featured on "Atlanta," a series of its own or not on camera at all (imagine!).

"I Dream of NeNe" continues a recent string of "Atlanta" spinoffs for Bravo, including Zolciak's ongoing "Don't Be Tardy...," Burruss' music competition series "The Kandi Factory" and Phaedra Parks' in-development "Rich People's Problems."

Leakes also co-stars in NBC's comedy "The New Normal" -- which has not yet been renewed for Season 2 -- and recurs on FOX's "Glee." Both shows are executive produced by Ryan Murphy, who we have to assume will receive a wedding invitation.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Sonja Morgan, 49, Steps Out With New Beau, Benjamin Benalloul, 23

RadarOnline.com:

Sonja Morgan has sunk her cougar claws into a much younger beau and RadarOnline.com has all the exclusive details about her new relationship!

The 49-year-old Real Housewives of New York City star is divorced from John Morgan and she was spotted out on the town Wednesday night at the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation even with a dashing 23-year-old real estate developer and manager named Benjamin Benalloul.

“Sonja and Benjamin came in together, sat next to each other, and left together,” their table mate Tom Murro told RadarOnline.com.

He said the Sonja was acting very “coy” about the relationship and wouldn’t actually admit that Benjamin is her boyfriend, but that this wasn’t the first time they’ve gone out.

“Sonja and Benjamin have been to dinners before but this was the first public event that they attended together, even though they didn’t take any pictures with each other on the red carpet.”

According to Tom, the blonde bombshell reality star met her boytoy in a very swanky place.

“Benjamin told me they met at a cigar bar called Macanudo,” he told RadarOnline.com.

It looks like Sonja can join Adrienne Maloof in the Real Housewives Real Cougars category now!

Teresa Giudice & Jacqueline Laurita Are BFF's Again

RadarOnline.com:

Teresa Giudice and Jacqueline Laurita have had a rocky relationship, but RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that they have finally decided to bury the hatchet — and not in each other’s back!

The Real Housewives of New Jersey co-stars have had their fair share of vicious fights, with both of them swearing that they would never speak to the other one again, but they’ve finally decided to let some of the past bad blood go.

“Jacqueline and Teresa are really trying to repair their friendship,” a source close to the women told RadarOnline.com.

The reality rivals recently made peace at the International Beauty Show in New York.

“I was really happy to support the hair care line,” Jacqueline told Tom Murro from Fox Connecticut.
The women posed together in the exclusive photo obtained by RadarOnline.com, and the source said they’re getting along right now.

“After the crazy fight at the fashion show they’ve been talking more, and even though they have had a lot of bad times together they’re making an effort to not fight and not hurt each other.

“Teresa is a tough cookie and Jacqueline has been on the receiving end of some really nasty actions from her, but she’s letting that go for now and is going to try and move forward with their friendship and not keep bringing up all the old issues.”

Now that season five filming has completed the drama between the women has calmed down but as soon as the show starts airing there is sure to be sparks flying between all the Real Housewives of New Jersey!

Yolanda Foster Confirms That She's Returning To "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"

A bit of a surprise, but she's on Team Brandi so whatever:

Casting rumors have run rampant about the upcoming season of "Real Housewives of the Beverly Hills." Adrienne Maloof is definitely out, while many believe Taylor Armstrong and Yolanda Foster's status is up in the air.

While other sites have speculated on the Season 4 cast, toofab can confirm Yolanda WILL be returning -- from Yolanda herself! toofab's Lawrence Yee caught up with the newest housewife at the OK! So Sexy party (hosted by Brandi Glanville) where she talked about her first season and what's to come:

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Kandi Burruss Defends Porsha Stewart, Talks New Show 'The Kandi Factory'

Gretchen Rossi Proposes To Slade Smiley

Considering both of their incredibly shady past's with other significant others, how could anyone be genuinely happy for this couple?

"Real Housewives of Orange County" star Gretchen Rossi is engaged to her co-star and longtime boyfriend Slade Smiley, according to a report by In Touch. The mag says Gretchen proposed to Slade in a dramatic scene that will be televised.

"She proposed to him on top of the AT&T building in LA," says a source close to the couple. "She had him flown up there via helicopter." A rep for the show declined to comment on the report.

The issue of marriage between this pair has been an ongoing "Real Housewives" storyline. Gretchen announced in a recent episode that since Slade finally has a J-O-B, "marriage is definitely on the horizon."

As for Slade, he wins barftastic quote of the week by telling InTouch, "We have such a fun, outgoing relationship. There isn't any aspect of Gretchen that I don't think is absolutely delicious!" Uh ... yeah.

Slade was at one time engaged to former Housewife Jo De La Rosa, and Gretchen was engaged to Jeff Beitzel until he passed away in 2008. Both of these prior relationships played out on "RHOC" before Slade and Gretchen got together. Gretchen was previously married to Chris Rossi.

Ramona Singer Talks Season 6 of RHONY, New Ventures and Aviva Drescher

AllMediaNY.com:

Ramona Singer and Aviva Drescher are reportedly still not speaking after their drawn-out season five Real Housewives of New York City feud.

According to Radar Online, the Bravo stars both attended the We Are Family Gala, which honored Sting and Trudy Styler—but though they were at the same event, they made it obvious that the air was not yet clear between them.

“We did not speak,” Drescher told celebrity magnet Tom Murro.

It seems that neither star wants to make up with the other, and their feelings were made known at the NYC event.

“We did not speak. I did not see her nor avoid her. I don’t know what I would do beyond saying hello,” Drescher added, making sure to note that things have not changed between them.

Singer, meanwhile, is glad to return to RHONY for its sixth season despite the tension with her costar.

“As long I have fun doing the show I will keep doing it,” she explained. “My daughter Avery will be off to college this August which is bittersweet for me and all moms watching will see me trying to cope with this as we are so close and she is my only child.”

“I loved the concert and such a great cause,” she added. “It’s tremendous when celebrities use their fame for the good will of our planet. Sting and Trudie are an inspiration to us all, and it really shows how individuals can make a difference!”

As for things between herself and Drescher, Singer noted that the upcoming season will prove to be an “interesting” one.

“It will be interesting to see where my relationship will go with Aviva for as of now we have what viewers saw at the end of season five,” she noted.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Kim Zolciak Gets Back At Kandi Burruss In Court With Payment Check As ‘Proof’

RadarOnline.com:

It’s a battle of the royalties!

Real Housewives Of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak filed her response to castmate Kandi Burruss‘ lawsuit against her on Monday, and RadarOnline.com has exclusively obtained a $6,000 check included in the document that Kim claims proves she overpaid Kandi!

The Tardy For The Party singer claims that not only did she pay Kandi a whopping $23,000 in royalties owed to her for the song, but in fact overpaid her – and has the receipt to prove it.

In a check dated March 11, 2010, Burruss signed over $6,000 for royalty reimbursements from her Bank Of America account to Kim, but is now claiming that she is still owed additional royalties.

But Kim claims the check proves she already paid Kandi…and then some.

As RadarOnline.com exclusively reported last month, Kandi filed a lawsuit against Kim alleging copyright infringement on her hit song Tardy For The Party — because Kandi claims she wrote it – even though Zolciak’s rep says the song was written during season one, before Burruss even joined the cast of the Bravo reality show.

According to a press release from Kim’s camp, there are four people involved in the creation of the song and four people that get paid on it — Kim, her daughter, Kandi and Don Vito.

“To date, Kim has written checks to Kandi and Don Vito in excess of $23,000. In fact, we believe that Kim may have overpaid a portion of their share to date based on the actual record sales,” the release said.

Jacqueline Laurita In Danger Of Losing Mansion

TMZ.com:

A "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star could be downgraded from "housewife" to just plain old "wife" ... because a bank is trying to FORECLOSE on her mansion.

Jacqueline Laurita is being sued by Hudson City Savings Bank. The bank claims Jacqueline took out a $1.6 million mortgage back in 2007 on a 5,600-square-foot pad, but in Feb. 2012 failed to cough up the $10,175 monthly mortgage payment.

Big mistake ... according to the deal ... if Jacqueline misses ONE payment the bank can demand the entire balance -- which it did.

The bank is now asking a judge for permission to foreclose on the home.

It's not Jacqueline's only financial woe -- the State of NJ says she still owes over $340,000 in unpaid taxes.

If only she had a sex tape to hock.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Yolanda Foster and Taylor Armstrong Returning For Fourth Season Of RHOBH

RadarOnline,com:

Taylor Armstrong and Yolanda H. Foster are both returning for a fourth season of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and they’ve already begun taping for the upcoming season, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.

“Yolanda and Taylor began filming for the fourth season of RHOBH last week. It was a bit of a shock to see Taylor in front of the camera again because the crew thought she was a goner for sure. The viewers just don’t like her. But, it has been so hard to find replacements for Adrienne Maloof and Camille Grammer, that producers had no choice but to bring her back. Yolanda is quickly becoming a fan favorite because she is becoming the mama bear of the group, and calls the ladies out on their catty ways when necessary,” a source told RadarOnline.com exclusively.

Kyle Richards rallied producers on behalf of her reality buddy Taylor Armstrong to return, as RadarOnline.com previously reported.

“Kyle really wants Taylor to be asked back for the fourth season,” an insider previously told us. “She believes the producers owe it to her after the hell she went through in the run up to and after Russell‘s suicide. Taylor is really keen to come back too as the show is her only real source of income.”

Lisa Vanderpump, Kyle Richards and Brandi Glanville, are “all expected to begin filming this week. Brandi’s scenes might be delayed a few days because she is still recovering from the laser treatment she had done on her face,” the source revealed.

The fourth season of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is expected to air this fall on Bravo.