The Real Housewives of O.C. Lose a Wife and Gain Another
September 16, 2009 by Faith Whitfield
Filed under Real Housewives, Reality TV
Comments Off
Alexis Bellino Fills the Void That Jeana Keough’s Departure Left
The sun-loving girls of Southern California are back and on the prowl for steamy suburban drama, all against the dramatic backdrop of changing economic times in the wealthy enclave of Orange County, on the fifth season premiere of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” Thursday, November 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Tamra Barney, Lynne Curtin, Vicki Gunvalson and Gretchen Rossi welcome a beautiful new face to the group Alexis Bellino, a 32-year-old stay-at-home mom with a body that defies all logic that she is indeed a mother of three small children. But, changes are in store for the girls this season as they must say farewell to longtime housewife Jeana Keough. In this fifth season of the original series behind the hit “Real Housewives” franchise, the gates have finally swung open and shocking truths are revealed. The series takes an important turn with shifting relationships and the tough economy hitting the ladies and their families hard. The ladies prove their tenacity as they continue to live life unabashedly large and on their own terms as Vicki takes her family on a trip to Italy, and the girls visit San Francisco and Ft. Lauderdale for lavish getaways. The ladies show no signs of slowing down, and shopping, dining, drinking, dancing, plastic surgery and working out continue to remain at the top of their list of priorities. For a sneak peek at “The Real Housewives of Orange County’s” fifth season, go to: http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/videos/this-season-in-the-oc. Luckily Vicki’s workaholic ways have paid off, with her life insurance empire thriving. Vicki’s two kids are working and doing well, taking away some of her self-afflicted pressure and allowing her time to focus more on her marriage to Donn. Tamra is coping with family and financial concerns, along with changes in one of her close friendships. Lynne is also facing financial issues and a possible eviction from her home, but for the first time in her life finds an independent voice, unfortunately perhaps a little too late to help her family. Meanwhile, Gretchen is in the aftermath of the devastating loss of her fianc, Jeff, and does her best to move on both professionally and personally, with a surprising new love interest. But, Jeana Keough’s real estate business has been hit the hardest, and she makes the decision to turn her focus away from the ladies to concentrate more on her work and family. Temperatures rise even more for the complicated circle when the Barneys become friendly with a new couple on the scene, the Bellinos. Tamra is excited to introduce the group to Alexis, a gorgeous honey blonde with legs for miles and miles. Alexis’s husband, Jim, is an assertive man who prides himself on being the head of his household. Alexis is the modern day version of a 1950’s housewife, taking on a very traditional role in her marriage. Even with three very small children and her extensive beauty regimen, Alexis still insists on always putting Jim and his needs first.
Real Housewives pitch in to help injured Marines
February 19, 2009 by Faith Whitfield
Filed under Real Housewives, Reality TV
Comments Off
Although recognized for their enviable lifestyles, Real Housewives Vicki Gunvalson, Tammy Knickerbocker, Jeana Keough and Tamra Barney will soon parlay their celebrity for a cause that extends far beyond the gates of Coto. Joining forces with the Cox Community Golf Tournament to benefit injured Marines, the Real Housewives’ participation is a testament to the power of connectivity and community action.
Made possible by the support of corporate sponsors, participants and volunteers who continue to do well by doing good, this event has raised more than $100,000 for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF), since its inception. In an effort to make the March 9 event the most successful yet, despite a challenging economy, Cox Orange County’s charitable foundation, Cox Cares, is actively pursuing sponsors to join The Real Housewives and align with a special cause that directly benefits heroes in need.
Sponsorship packages range from $500 to $20,000, each offering a variety of publicity benefits based on the level of financial commitment. Individual golfers can register online for $325, foursomes for $1,300, and dinner guests for $100. Visit www.cox-cares.org/golf.
Don’t Miss Tonight’s Episode of Real Housewives of OC
January 27, 2009 by Faith Whitfield
Filed under Real Housewives, Reality TV
Comments Off
Vicki and Jeana take a road trip to Chicago to attend Jeana’s son Shane’s baseball game. Vicki is shocked when Shane “greets” Jeana by saying “Get the f**k away from me” and the air is thick with tension throughout the remainder of his game. YIKES.
As if that wasn’t enough for one trip, the two ladies attend dinner with Vicki’s hometown friends and Jeana and Vicki butt heads over their parenting skills. Back in the OC, Lynne invites the housewives over for her Jewelry line trunk show where Gretchen at last declares Tamra the “Hottest Housewife”. Is their feud finally over?
The Real Housewives of Orange County returns with a new addition
November 25, 2008 by Faith Whitfield
Filed under Reality TV
Comments Off
From Bravo:
On the highly anticipated fourth season premiere of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” Tamra Barney, Vicki Gunvalson, Jeana Keough and Lauri Peterson welcome a new housewife to the block, 30-year-old blond bombshell Gretchen Rossi, who poses an immediate threat with her youth and golden good looks. The ladies continue to strive to live the good life, but in reality the seemingly perfect lives of contemporary women juggling family, friends and careers isn’t always what it seems. The fourth season of the hit docu-series “The Real Housewives of Orange County” premieres Tuesday, November 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.
This season the ladies are tackling greater challenges while coming to terms with past secrets and lingering issues. Vicki is building her insurance empire, sometimes to the detriment of her marriage to Donn; Tamra copes with her relationships with her estranged father and her taxing 21-year-old son, Ryan, while also keeping busy as a stay-at-home mom with three young kids; Jeana tries to figure out her next move following an emotional separation from her husband, Matt; while Lauri continues to enjoy life as a blissful newlywed, but issues with her son, Josh, may tarnish her fairytale.
There is competition in store for this complicated circle of friends. Gretchen is the newest housewife on the block, and a jaw-dropping Orange County bombshell. Gretchen’s fianc, Jeff, is an older man who spoils her rotten with diamonds and gifts. They enjoyed a whirlwind romance and engagement that came to an unexpected and heartbreaking turn when Jeff was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. An outgoing party girl, it’s easy to peg Gretchen as a gold digger (and the other ladies have their doubts about her), but she cares for Jeff and stands by him through very serious hardships that test her character.
As usual, the men and kids are caught in the whirlwind and do their best to try and understand their complicated wives, mothers and daughters, but insight into these women proves once again to be anything but simple. This fourth season will explore the women on a deeper level, bringing their stories full circle to uncover the secrets that often lie behind closed doors. The gates, Botox injections and mansions can’t keep reality from intruding for too long. What will finally unfold when the gates are opened?

