"Real Housewives" gets REAL.

     Interestingly enough, something unexpected happened to me when I watched The Reunion, Part 3 of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. After getting most of  my work done for my job as a Writer and a Mom/Wife, I nestled into my favorite sweats and cuddled onto the couch with my dog for some long overdue entertainment. It wasn't long before I found myself checking e-mails and folding laundry while watching. I was BORED.
     What did I find so monotonous? It wasn't the clothes, hair or make-up which overall looked spot on. Loved all their shoes. Enjoyed some of the snide comments and banter...but I was there and done that with the interactions and pettiness of the conversation. And the truth is we all knew that Kim had a drinking problem at the very least, so Andy's interview with her wasn't as revealing as BRAVO must have thought it would be.
     The bottom line for me is this: Kyle and Kim's relationship as sisters is real and one that all siblings can relate to. In the midst of all this BS and TV farce, the one REAL element in this show is the struggles, hardships and bouts with happiness that family experiences. Like Kyle and Kim, families stick together in times of struggles and celebrate in times of triumph.
     This is why I truly understood the heartache that Kyle felt when Kim was absent during much of the Hawaiian trip because, regardless of all the "friends" who accompanied them, a sister's presence trumps them all. It's also why I understood Kyle's protectiveness and defensiveness when others, Brandi, in particular,were criticizing her sister. And why I totally get how embarrassing it was for Kyle when Kim didn't show up to events or even respond. A sister's love is a visceral thing, stronger than bonds we make with most, if not all, of the friends we make in a lifetime. It's a relationship as complex as those super, carbohydrate foods in the health store, yet as simple as sharing a chocolate ice cream cone with the sweetness of chocolate sprinkles--and a cherry on top!

"Real Housewives", Hollywood and Motherhood in 2012!

     I have a guilty pleasure in watching the "Real" housewives shows, except for the DC and Miami lack luster seasons, which I couldn't even bring myself to view more than twice. Like all moms, I'm busy juggling career and home, so I watch as much as I am able to. For awhile, I liked the NY wives the best because I am a New Yorker and, like several of those housewives, tell it like it is. I can't stand phonies and there are plenty of them where I live, especially if they are trying to get an opportunity for their kids.
     But, an unexpected favorite of mine has become the Beverly Hills version because I feel (and I may be wrong) that the characters are less scripted than the other shows and are a bit more "real."
     Still, part of the lure for me, and I suspect for most moms, is the realization that all these "REAL Housewives" are so far from reality that we use them as a means of escaping to a different planet and vicariously living some of their outlandish experiences. I also have my favs, liking and loathing a few. My least favorite housewives are Brandi (Beverly Hills); NeNe (Atlanta); Gretchen (Orange County) and The Countess (NY). I believe each one of these women is so self absorbed she will do anything to get what she thinks she deserves, and that includes your husband and kids. Right now, Lisa Vanderpump, you truly better watch your step and I'm not referring to those new pumps you're wearing, but rather to being kicked by Brandi's pumps as she desperately tries to lure your husband to assume your matriarch role of fabulous.  
     The recent episode of Brandi strutting around with a dental floss bathing suit showcased her insecurities and narcissistic need for attention. Yes, she has a nice body, a little thin and flat-chested in my humble opinion. But, I know from the years when I looked my bathing suit best, I was humble about it, especially not trying to flaunt my youth to older moms and, most despicable, is her constant attempt to seduce their husbands. Brandi's crude comments, sexual innuendos and ruthless remarks were evident in the first Reunion show last week. I'm going to watch the Reunion, Part 2 now, so I have to go...

*sorry if I misspelled any of the housewife's names, but I'm in a rush...to be continued......................