It’s as if one franchise slowly rose up after hearing that other (more blonde and tan) franchises were getting more press. So here we are, back with the Real Housewives of New York, fresh with some new gossip…Zarin style.

After the firing heard ’round the Bravo world, Radaronline.com is reporting that the Queen of Mean Princess of Park Avenue Jill Zarin has been asked to rejoin the cast. The season seems to be taking an exceedingly long time to wrap, leading some to believe that there’s just no excitement with the new ladies. It would make sense that Bravo wanted to bring back the franchise’s resident pot stirrer.

Jill, who claims she was contacted by a show insider, explains that the offer was too little too late. She maintains she was happy to get the boot along with cast mates Alex McCord, Cindy Barshop, and Kelly Bensimon.

Jill insists, “I thought about quitting the show during season 4, because my husband wanted his wife back. I had such anxiety and pressure to act a certain way and I was paranoid for a reason, because people were planning and plotting against me.” Planning and plotting? Sounds like a James Patterson novel, not a trip to Morocco to break up the monotony of Upper East Side luncheons and weekends in Quogue the Hamptons!

“I’m too old and have grown up too much to do Real Housewives anymore, I want to set an example to my kids and my grandkids,” she continues. Not to mention that she doesn’t need RHONY to be in the spotlight…she has a new show for that.

Jill will be returning to the small screen on the Cooking Channel, starring in Iron Chef America’s Top 5 Moments in Kitchen Stadium History. I remember her being quite the Paula Deen of the Housewives…um…And, if you miss her on Iron Chef, you can still catch her on the Home Shopping Networking, hawking her Skweez Couture shapewear line on February 10th.

However, Gossipcop.com is saying that the offer never happened! The site claims to have been told by a true Bravo insider that Mrs. Zarin was never contacted to return to the show. Other media outlets are also reporting Bravo is adamantly denying Jill’s claims. Hmmm…something sounds fishy. Is the source insinuating that Jill Zarin would actually make up a story to get press and remain relevant? I don’t buy it…much like I won’t be buying anything called Skweez. If only there was someone who could shed some light on this confusion. But wait…

THERE IS!

After all the hullabaloo, Jill felt the need to take to her personal blog to respond to such preposterous claims. Personal blogs are way classier than twitter, you know. Get the memo, Atlanta! After seeing Radaronline.com’s story, Jill was quick to address the gossip (or is it?) on–where else?–jillzarin.com. Part of that statement, typos and all, is below.

“I have to admit that most of it is….TRUE! Shocking..I know. but…most of the questions I answered a long time ago from and older interview. I was asked but someone I can’t mention..if I would be interested in coming back for a cameo. That is all I will say right now . I won’t say when or by whom..actually , ironically it was more than one person. It is true that Bobby asked me not to come back. Actually that was reported in the NY POST on Page 6 in July 2011. We were overheard at a restaurant talking and he begged me not to go back on the show but to please quit. I NEVER told any one this but…I actually emailed some of the ladies and producers a goodbye letter, wishing them all well and why I wanted to leave while we were still on top. Maybe I will publish the email one day. But then I didn’t quit. I will save that story for another day…”

Somewhere Simon van Kempen is wearing a dashiki and calling Andy Cohen on speed dial wondering why he and his Brooklyn bride were not asked to make cameos. Y’all know I’m right!

Not one to be left out when the “brunettes” are making news, Kelly Bensimon is also making headlines for committing the ultimate in celebrity cardinal sins…dating one of Madonna’s exes. And not just any ex, she’s reportedly seeing the father of Madonna’s tween daughter Lourdes, Carlos Leon. #dontcrossmadgesheisfrightening! The huffingtonpost.com has the deets.

The potential new couple was spotted walking together–gasp!–in the East Village this past weekend. Kelly’s “friends” predict that we will be seeing even more of the twosome in the future.

One such pal reveals, “They started out working on a project together but have since gotten very close. Kelly always says that if you are not married or engaged, you are single. So, technically she is still single, but we all know that they are together.”

While Kelly herself declined to comment on the nature of the relationship, she did admit, “We met seven months ago. I’m casting him for the show I Can Make You Hot. Have you met him? He’s an amazing dancer and athlete and jelly bean connoisseur.”

I’m sure Madonna isn’t batting an eyelash at this news. She’s probably used to it seeing as another of her former flames was linked to former RHONY’s Bethenny Frankel. When the Material Girl split from baseballer Alex Rodriguez in 2009, he reportedly found comfort in the arms of a Skinny Girl. No word yet as to whether Madonna ever dated Ross/Jacques.

Photos of Carlos are below!

[Photos Credit: WENN]

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JILL ZARIN’S INTERVIEW? DO YOU BELIEVE SHE WAS CONTACTED BY BRAVO OR IS SHE JUST TRYING TO GET MORE ATTENTION? IS KELLY DATING CARLOS LEON?

According to reports, the single mother of two has listed her Hamptons home for sale. The listing price? Just a mere $12 million!

Kelly’s two-story East Hampton mansion is 5,800 square feet with five bedrooms. The home also has a sun-filled formal living room with fireplace and French doors, a luxurious master suite with fireplace and private terrace leading to a bonus office or guest space as well as a sleek stainless steel kitchen, which opens up to a spacious family room with fireplace and dining area.

There’s even more as the home boasts a pool and pond on 1.2 acres. Back in 2010, the home was listed as a summer rental for $300,000! The property taxes alone? Over $4,000 a month.

The property is located on Further Lane in East Hampton which is considered one of the most exclusive streets in the area and home to a number of celebrities. More photos of Kelly’s home below!

Some are also speculating on whether or not Kelly is having financial problems due to the home listing, but who knows. She could also be trying to capitalize off her RHONY fame by selling the home now. Kelly’s ex-husband is famed photographer Gilles Bensimon and the property was reportedly part of her divorce settlement.

[Photos Credit: WENN, Furtherlanesouth.com]

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON KELLY’S HOME? YAY? NAY?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE THE REST OF THE HOME PHOTOS!

Kelly Bensimon’s Hamptons Home

Beautiful view!

Hot on the heals of news that the indomitable Jill Zarin is in talks with Fox to get a new show based around her moving to Beverly Hills, here come the rumblings of other fellow firees seeking the spotlight again.

First up is Silex! Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen circulated an email amongst their friends pitching a new reality show. The crafty NY Post was able to obtain a copy of said email, which basically calls Bravo out for creating “faux reality shows.” You don’t say! Alluding to their experiences on RHONY and referring to their former job as a “trainwreck!” You mean the friendship between Bethenny and Alex wasn’t real!?

“While we were sad to lose the dollars . . . we weren’t sad to be off that particular show,” Alex and Simon’s email reads. “Now that we are free-and-clear of our Bravo contracts, we have been meeting with . . . just about every cable network as well as a couple of the main networks,” in the hopes to interest someone — anybody, really — in a reality show about 30-something parents in Brooklyn. “We would never expose ourselves to another faux reality show,” the email reassured prospective castmates, alluding to the behind the scenes magicians at Bravo!

Despite their unsavory experiences in front of the camera broadcasting their basement office and munster shoes for all the world to see, Silex still craves the spotlight and is hoping to start a new show based upon their fabulous Brooklynite lives of raising kids, hawking towels, Twittering and dishing about being the daughter of an oil barron (remember Alex like grew up super rich in Kansas, ya’all!). Except this time Brooklyn isn’t going to be the laughingstock of said show; this new show is going to prove to Americans that Brooklyn, and it’s inhabitants, are really, really cool. Hey, I like Brooklyn!

The show, which is tentatively titled “Based in Brooklyn,” seeks to shine a light into the culture Silex dubs “Brownstone Brooklyn” a.k.a. yuppies converting the borough into a trendy place to live.

When the Post asked Alex if she would consider selling her new show to Bravo, you know that network that produces faux reality shows, she suddenly got flustered. “I don’t know, I hadn’t, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t, it’s not just me either if we did this it would be Simon and me together,” Alex confessed.

Next up, Kelly Bensimon was apparently overheard talking about her new reality venture while she judged the Miss New York USA pageant this past week. The New York Daily News eavesdropped on the cray-cray one asking a famous blogger if he would be interested in a guest appearance on her new show.

What new show, you ask? Supposedly Kelly, who is a self-proclaimed expert on hotness, is working on a TV project to coincide with her upcoming book, “I Can Make You Hot!: The Supermodel Diet,” which hits shelves in April. Well, in my mind the first element of hotness is being sane, so I don’t think I could take any of Kelly’s advice seriously!

[Photo Credit: WENN.com]

WOULD YOU WATCH ALEX’S OR KELLY’S NEW SHOWS? ARE YOU SURPRISED THEY ARE RE-SEEKING THE SPOTLIGHT?

Bringing you a new photo post this week of your favorite reality stars!

Above is a photo of Real Housewives of New York star Kelly Kra-kra Bensimon who took daughter Teddy ice skating in Bryant Park on December 22.

Below, Taylor Armstrong is pictured shopping with her daughter, Bethenny Frankel is pictured eating a bagel, Kyle Richards is distracted by the paparazzi, Kim Zolciak helps promote Ciroc Vodka, Lisa Vanderpump steps out with hubby Ken, and Phaedra Parks attends an event with hubby Apollo! Plus more photos of Cindy Barshop, Rachel Zoe & more!

Also below Kim Kardashian pictured doing “charity” work in Haiti, plus Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, The Situation, Kendra Wilkinson, & more!

[Photo credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/ Splash News]

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS!

Skinnygirl Bethenny Frankel is spotted out in Soho, NYC tasting a Bagel on December 21. Credit: INFphoto.com

Former RHONY housewife Cindy Barshop seen outside the BOA Steakhouse in Los Angeles, California. Credit: KPX/WENN.com

Kim Zolciak pictured distributing debit cards on behalf of Ciroc Vodka to be used towards a taxi ride home on New Year’s Eve on December 14 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Another shot of Kim!

Rachel Zoe out having lunch at Jack n Jill’s restaurant in Beverly Hills on December 20. Credit: Owen Beiny/WENN.com

Khloe Kardashian watches the NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat in Dallas, Texas on December 25. Credit: Cherokee Michaels/WENN.com

Kendra Wilkinson and hubby Hank Baskett spotted out and about in Los Angeles, CA on Dec. 21. Credit: Jacson / Splash News

Taylor Armstrong and her daughter, Kennedy on a shopping spree at The Grove in Los Angeles, California on December 24. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd Sighted at their Villa Blanca Restaurant in Beverly Hills on December 22, 2011. Credit: Winston Burris / PR Photos

With her daughters in the background, Kyle Richards is busy posing for the paparazzi as she leaves Il Pastiao to go shopping at Phillippe Derey on Canon in Beverly Hills on December 16. Credit: KAT/INFphoto.com

Kim Kardashian pictured doing “charity” work at Port-au-Prince in Haiti with her mother Kris Jenner during her visit earlier this month. Credit: Splash News

Khloe Kardashian pictured apartment shopping in Dallas for her and husband Lamar Odom on December 20. Credit: Brian Prahl / Splash News

Kourtney Kardashian Sighted Shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on December 20, 2011. Credit: Winston Burris / PR Photos

Pimpmomager Kris Jenner leaving BOA steakhouse in Los Angeles, California on December 27. Credit: WENN.com

DWTS partners Cheryl Burke and Rob Kardashian at Macy’s Ideology press launch held at Dream Hotel in New York City. Credit: WENN.com

Phaedra Parks and hubby Apollo Nida attended the Captain Planet Foundation Annual Benefit Gala at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo Credit: TalkingWithTami

Another shot of Phaedra Parks and hubby Apollo!

Jersey Shore’s Mike ‘The Situation‘ Sorrentino promotes Devotion Vodka at Shampoo nightclub in Philadelphia on December 22. Credit: Hugh Dillon/WENN.com

Jersey Shore’s Deena Nicole Cortese at the New York Premiere of ‘The Sitter’ at Chelsea Clearview Cinema in New York City. Credit: C.Smith/WENN.com

Bravo’s Andy Cohen gives us major wonky eye action as he poses with his A-list pals Matthew Broderic and Sarah Jessica Parker at the launch of the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum held at the IAC HQ Building in New York City on December 7. Credit: Jennifer Graylock/INFevents

Kim Zolciak helps distributes debit cards to be used toward a taxi ride home on New Year’s Eve during the Real Housewives of New Year’s Eve Ciroc Vodka PSA promotion on December 14, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kim Zolciak Once Again!

In the latest, Jill spoke to Rob Shuter via his HDNet show Naught But Nice With Rob and talked about how she’s changed since leaving the show. “Whatever I say no one will believe me, but I never lie. I am so happy to be off that show,” Jill starts off by saying, adding that she’s sad to lose her paycheck!

As to what’s different now that she is no longer beholden to Bravo, Jill insists she’s back to being “me”. “I got my happy back,” she explains. “I didn’t realize it when I was in it, but I think I became like a monster to the people around me because I was under so much stress.”

Jill goes on to describe the filming process as leaving the ladies “strung out,” due to stress. “It just takes so much energy; this manipulation, of trying to figure out whose team you’re on and who’s your friend and who’s your enemy. It just sucks up all the air in the room,” Jill elaborates.

To illustrate how happy she is, Jill explains that at a recent dinner party for her birthday (which was attended by maybe “life-long” friend Kelly Bensimon) her guests kept telling Jill how much she’s “changed,” with her friends mentioning that she was calm and relaxed. Former cast mate LuAnn de Lesseps was also due to attend Jill’s birthday, but arrived too late because of a scheduled filming.

Jill also mentioned her plans to film her own reality show, claiming it will be filled with less drama! But the question is will there be any takers?

“There won’t be any puppeteers pulling strings to make fights, and there won’t be jealousy,” explained Jill. “There wont be those kinds of things that change who people are. I just really want to do my own thing. I just really want to be with my family. I had a lot of anxiety. I had no control and I’m a little bit of a control freak.”

While the world awaits the verdict on whether any network will pick up Jill’s proposed show, she will be returning to TV on Dec. 25, as a judge on “Iron Chef” alongside Art Smith.

In other RHONY news, Jill may not miss being part of the cast but it seems her former cast mates certainly miss her, surprisingly. “It’s different. The girls are different so it’s a totally different experience,” LuAnn said, speaking to HollywoodLife. ”I always miss the girls. We worked a long time together. You miss people you’re comfortable with.”

Ramona Singer agreed, commenting: “It’s sad not to have all the girls that I grew up on the show with. We all did this together. But change can be good.” Admitting that she misses fellow blonde Alex McCord the most, Ramona promised the upcoming season will still be good! While she isn’t revealing who’s in and who’s out as far as casting, saying: “We’re not allowed to talk about the new girls,” Ramona promises, “It’s going to be a great show [though].”

[Photo Credit: WENN.com]

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JILL IS HAPPY TO BE AWAY FROM RHONY? ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT SHE ADMITTED THE SHOW TURNED HER INTO A MONSTER? DO YOU THINK RAMONA AND LUANN REALLY MISS THEIR FORMER CO-STARS?

The NY Post is reporting that Annie Churchill was on a short list of contenders to be added to the newly revamped Season 5 cast when producers discovered a dirty little secret; her husband Andrew Albert was arrested and charged with grand larceny and fraud after several investors accused him of using over $600,000 collected for a proposed online-shopping website for personal expenses. Wow! Here comes the NY version of Taylor Armstrong!

According to sources the network made the decision to avoid mingling with anyone else facing criminal charges given Russell Armstrong‘s recent suicide, thus Annie was given the boot. Michael Farkas a lawyer for Andrew confirmed that Bravo decided not cast Annie in the wake of what happened adding that his client is completely innocent and currently working to fight the charges, which he claims are “baseless.” Although Annie is not included in the cast full-time, her rep is claiming she may still make a small appearance in the upcoming season.

Bravo is not commenting on the latest gossip. “We haven’t finished shooting this season yet, so we haven’t made any kind of casting decisions for season five yet,” a rep for the network stated.

In other RHONY news one of the new Housewives has a famous relative! Fran Dresher is known for her role as the nanny turned housewife on The Nanny, but now she’s also gaining some attention for being the cousin of new RHONY Housewife Aviva Drescher. Speaking to the Huffington Post‘s Rob Shuter, Fran talks about how reality TV isn’t really her cup of tea, but she isn’t going to pull a Real Housewives of New Jersey and start some televised family drama over the ordeal.

“I would never [do a reality show],” Fran told Rob, adding that she’s been approached several times to become the subject of one! “During the times that reality was so big, sitcoms were so not en vogue. ‘We should do a reality show with you,’ [I was told] and I said no,” Fran relays. “First of all, I don’t like them. It appeals to the lowest common denominator. It’s not really reality, because they have to have conflict in them to have people sitting there.” Wow! She really, really doesn’t like them.

“I’ve never flipped a table in my life,” Fran added with a laugh. “I’m scared to admit, but one of my cousins is one of the new ‘Housewives’ of New York and yesterday we had my book party at Dylan’s Candy Bar. … Well, I said hello and we talked a little bit.”

Finally some former NY Housewives news, Kelly Bensimon is contradicting herself again. In a new interview with Zap2it, Kelly claims she was never really friends with ex-cast mates LuAnn de Lesseps and Jill Zarin!

When asked if she keeps in touch with any of her former co-stars, the ditzy model replied: “Luann I speak to and Jill I talk to. We were cast mates, not really friends.”

Interesting, considering that in a recent interview with AVENUE Magazine, Kelly revealed that one of the positives of participating in the show was making a “life-long” friend in Jill. Jill agreed, telling the mag, “Our friendship is real. She’s the most loyal, good friend you could ever count on. She’s such a hard worker.” The two have also been photographed together post-Housewives. So which is it, Kelly? Friends or not?

THOUGHTS ON THE LATEST CASTING DRAMA? WAS BRAVO RIGHT TO AXE ANNIE CHURCHILL? DO YOU WANT TO SEE FRAN DRESCHER MAKE AN APPEARANCE ON HOUSEWIVES? DO YOU BELIEVE KELLY AND JILL ARE FRIENDS OR NOT?

Poor Jill Zarin. It seems she can never do anything right! Last Thursday Jill and her husband Bobby attended the annual Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF) fundraising gala, which is a big celeb draw. Performing at the event was the magnificent, amazing Barbra Streisand. Since Barbra doesn’t often perform live and Barbra is amazing (Memories, anyone? “The Way We Were”?) Jill taped a little bit of the concert and in her thrall posted it on YouTube. BIG MISTAKE. Huge.

Well, according to RadarOnline, Barbra‘s attorneys found out about the video and immediately demanded the former Real Housewives of New York super villainess take it down or risk getting sued!

Jill, being scared of a big A-List real celeb, immediately obliged and informed her Twitter followers that their front row glimpse of the glorious Babs was no longer available with this Tweet: “Someone from Barbra streisands company just called my store to tell me to take down my YouTube video or they will sue me. Is that nuts? Sorry guys. I took it down!” Hey, I’d be scared too, Ms. Streisand will cut you.

Things should have ended there but gossip gangster Rob Shuter got involved and despite claims that Rob is a Jill fan, he called her out, Tweeting: “Barbra Streisand threatens to sue ex #RHONY @jillzarin for posting YouTube video of private concert! Not everyone wants to live on camera.”

Jill retaliated, Tweeting to Rob: “It was a 30 second clip of her on a big screen . Lets not get excited. Like video of tv screen. 30 seconds?” Jill also accused Rob of threatening her employees. When one drama queen meets another, madness ensues — see the Twitter chain below.

In order to make nicey-nice with the Barbra, Jill tweeted that her December Newsletter was going to include an apology. Perhaps she can send Babs some Skweeze Couture as an apology gift.

I feel for Jill. I do think she was just genuinely excited and wanted to share her experience, I don’t think she meant to do anything offensive or illegal. Rob continued to make fun, tweeting that he was seeing Hugh Jackman tonight and wondered if he should tape it? Le sigh.

Moving on Kelly Bensimon is returning to a TV screen near you and Jill is going to tape it and put it on YouTube, illegally of course! No just kidding. Actually, Kelly will be part of a new HGTV show called Hollywood at Home. I’m guessing this was taped before she was fired??

Kelly’s NYC apartment will be featured in an upcoming episode which tours the living quarters of the famous (or semi-famous, apparently). Frankly, whether you like Kelly or not her apartment looks pretty amazing. A glimpse of the Cray-Cray’s apartment is below. Sometimes marrying for money pays off…

Hollywood at Home premieres on Thursday, December 22 at 8 p.m.

[Photo Credits: WENN.com]

DO YOU THINK BARBARA OVER-REACTED TO JILL’S VIDEO OR WAS JILL WRONG TO POST EVEN 30 SECONDS OF A PRIVATE CONCERT? WILL YOU BE WATCHING KELLY ON THE NEW HGTV SPECIAL?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE PHOTOS OF KELLY’S HOME!

Kelly in a still for her upcoming HGTV special.

Kelly’s living room. The pillow covers are made from Hermes scarves. shii-shii!

Kelly’s dining room featuring the amazing horse sculpture. How exactly does one access the table and chairs?

Kelly’s master bedroom

Kelly’s closet. Grrr… color me jealous!

Kelly in one of her daughter’s bedrooms.

It appears fired Real Housewives of New York star Jill Zarin is having a hard time accepting that her Housewives days are over!

See, Jill still believes she’s very popular and therefore deserves the freebies and perks that came with being a Bravo housewife! The NY Post is reporting that for her Nov 30th birthday, Jill’s “aides” asked several restaurants if they would be willing to “comp dinner for eight” in exchange for “press and tweets” about her experience.

Sadly, for the once semi-famous Jill no one leaped on the opportunity to be included in her Jill Zarin Newsletter! Instead, Jill and 11 friends dined at Lavo, which Bobby Zarin paid for. Jill’s assistant, Sarah Vitale, claims it was far less outrageous than it appears and she simply “reached out to restaurants who have offered to host dinners for Jill in the past… we went with Lavo because she’d never been there before.”

In addition to wanting free food, Jill’s assistant apparently requested gifts from several P.R. firms. When asked if this is true, Sarah told the post Jill had no knowledge of her requests. “They sent her stuff in the past, so I didn’t think it was a big deal.” To be fair, these are standard practices and most celebs are comped all kinds of things. The big question being, is Jill a celeb?

Kelly Bensimon may be crazy, but she has some smokin’ hot legs — at least when they’re Photoshopped! Kelly recently did a sit down with AVENUE Magazine where she talked about her experiences on the Real Housewives of New York, then did some modely poses in lace underwear!

In addition to telling the mag she wants to get married again and have a baby boy, Kelly discussed how being on a reality show impacted her life and she has nothing but good things to say, including that she made a “life-long” friend in fellow firee Jill Zarin! Indeed, Jill confirmed telling the mag: “Our friendship is real. She’s the most loyal, good friend you could ever count on. She’s such a hard worker.”

As for what she’s gained from the show, Kelly reveals: “I’m a 43-year-old woman who [Bravo] have empowered, who can now support herself and her kids.”

“I wasn’t going into it like it’s my lifelong goal. My legacy isn’t the Housewives. My legacy is the future of my kids.” Which is actually kind of a refreshingly non-fameho attitude.

“I learned a lot from the process, ” Kelly declares. “Can you imagine being in a room with women you don’t know who are screaming and yelling at you for no reason? It took me one scene to recognize that anger came from fear.” And it took her two seasons to realize crazy came from… ? Additionally, Kelly obviously isn’t embarrassed that her very public breakdown will be immortalized for years to come. “The show is going to be on for a long time yet,” she shares. “It’s like Baywatch.” Yeah — with faaar less hot bikini bods! And speaking of bodies, Kelly’s Photoshop Spectacular for the mag is below!

[Photo Credits: PNP/WENN.com & D.Salters/WENN.com. All other photos courtesy of Antony M. Tortoriello for AVENUE]

REACTIONS TO KELLY’S RACY PHOTOSHOOT AND HER INTERVIEW? WAS JILL IN THE WRONG TO EXPECT FREEBIES FROM RESTAURANTS AND P.R. FIRMS OR WAS SHE JUST DOING WHAT EVERYONE ELSE DOES?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE THE PHOTOS OF KELLY!

Holy Legs! Holy Photoshop! Still – a hot photo!

Someone’s blowing sunshine up Kelly’s a$$!

Kelly Channeling Brooke Sheilds. This is my favorite of her pictures.

Kelly’s cover for AVENUE magazine

Ramona, who as we know, hawks quite a few products was recently honored at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business as the 2011 Mogul of the Year. Whoa — So, that uh constant Pinot advertising has apparently paid off! A photo of Ramona receiving her award is below.

And to celebrate her success, Ramona did a sit-down with Celebuzz about what it’s like in Pinot-land! Some excerpts from the interview are below!

Do you see yourself as a role model for women?
I actually say, for my daughter [Avery], I’m probably killing her as a role model. We actually discussed this. When I first started the show, I already had my own business for 20 years; I was already self made. Being on the show got my creative juices going, and I said, Let me show my daughter first-hand how you can start up a business. And then another business started, and another business started, and I realized that maybe now I’m raising the bar too high for her – or even for myself! [Laughs]

Did any of the Housewives attend the ceremony with you?
Yes, actually. I had Sonja [Morgan] there, who is my good friend on and off the show, and I had several other Housewives [there] whose whose names can’t be mentioned yet, I don’t think. But we did film it for the show, yes. *(The other Housewives are allegedly Carole Radziwill, Heather Thomson and Aviva Drescher).

Did everyone get along?
You know what? We all get along at times and we all don’t get along at times. That’s what happens in life, right?

The Real Housewives of New York City made a lot of headlines when it was announced that Jill Zarin, Cindy Bishop, Alex McCord and Kelly Bensimon would not be returning next season. Has the dynamic of the show changed following their departure?
Obviously, filming the show this season with people not being on that were there last season, and with some other new people [on this season], the dynamics change. I think change is good. I embrace change.

How did you react when you heard the news?
It was a double-edged sword. Part of me was saying, Oh my gosh, It’s going to be sad not to have everyone together again. But the other part of me embraces change. I’m always changing. I’ve changed my businesses, my career, constantly, and I think change is good.

Do you keep in touch with any of the former Housewives?
Alex. Alex and I are still friends.

The show has become known for its big trips. Will there be another trip this season?
We always go on a trip; we’re always going on a trip.

Beyond the Stevie Awards, what will we see from you this season?
Basically, you are going to see me as woman who I think really, truly has it all. I have a marriage going on 20 years. [My husband Mario] is filming more with me this year, and you’ll see how, 20 years later, we still have this love and attraction for each other, and it’s just really wonderful. You’ll see my daughter [Avery] … She’s [now] a junior in high school. She is the apple of my eye, she is just beyond blossoming and she’s just successful in every way … And just my entrepreneurialness and trying to help women. A lot of women are now seeking me out to say, “How can I start my own business?”. I gave a class at the Learning Annex [on] having it all, how I started my business, how anyone can start a business. And I had no connections; I did it with me, myself and I. So, if I can do it, anybody can do it.

Interestingly in the interview Ramona confronted myths that Sonja and her are feuding and that none of her cast mates get along with her; mentioning that they attended the Stevie Awards — although the fact that they filmed it for the show means the other ladies may have been required to attend whether they wanted to or not!

Additionally, Ramona reveals that we can expect the new season to premiere in Spring or Summer of 2012 and she has big plans to branch out into clothing design! Ramona Couture, anyone?

And in other Housewives, well NON-Housewives news, Kelly had a chat with AVENUE magazine about life post-Housewives and she has babies on the brain!

“I definitely do want to have a baby boy,” the 43-year-old Kelly reveals in a sneak peak of the interview featured on RadarOnline. “I definitely want to get married again. I have always wanted to be married. I’ve always wanted to be a wife.”

Kelly is currently divorced from famed photographer Gilles Bensimon who is also the father of her two daughters, Sea and Teddy. Kelly describes her relationship with Gilles, who lives “down the street” from her, as “great” although has no intention of rekindling things “Look, do I want to be married to Gilles? No. Do I adore the ground he walks on? Yes.”

If you really, really want to hear more of what Kelly has to say AVENUE is out on newsstands Dec 5. A sample of Kelly’s photo shoot for the mag is below. She looks good, albeit incredibly photoshopped!

REACTIONS TO RAMONA’S INTERVIEW AND HER COMMENTS ON THE UPCOMING SEASON? DO YOU BELIEVE RAMONA AND SONJA ARE FEUDING? THOUGHTS ON KELLY’S DESIRE TO HAVE MORE CHILDREN?

Ramona receiving her Stevie Award

Kelly from the AVENUE photoshoot

In this totally unstaged paparazzi shot, fired Real Housewives of New York stars Kelly Bensimon and Jill Zarin reunite for attention and bite into a pretzel they bought from a street vendor on Madison ave. in the rain after shopping at Barney’s. Kelly was reportedly carrying a $7,000.00 Prada bag.

Below, Taylor Armstrong pictured in Utah, Bethenny Frankel kicks off the Skinnygirl Daily Pledge, Kim Zolciak and a pregnant looking Phaedra Parks at a birthday party! Kyle Richards attends an event, Gretchen Rossi dazzles in a sequin dress ! More Kelly Bensimon plus Nene Leakes, Rachel Zoe & more!

Also below Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Snooki, Kendra Wilkinson, Holly Madison, The Sitation & more!

[Photo Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald / Splash News]

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After walking from Columbus Circle with fans in tow, three-time NY Times Bestselling Author, natural food chef and TV personality, Bethenny Frankel (What is she wearing???) kicked off the Skinnygirl Daily Pledge at the General Nutrition Center (GNC) on West 57th Street in NYC on November 21. Credit: Johns PKI / Splash News

Bethenny Frankel as she kicked off The Skinnygirl Daily Pledge at GNC in New York City on November 21. Credit: Swarbrick/INFphoto.com

Kelly Bensimon at the 2011 Wired Store Opening Launch Party, held at the Wired Broadway Store in Times Square on November 17. Credit: D. Salters/WENN.com

Professional fameho Kim Kardashian is all the sudden shy in no makeup and workout clothes as she holds her bag to cover up her face leaving Boom Boom and Beyond Salon in Beverly Hills on November 17. Credit: WENN.com

Kourtney Kardashian signed copies of her new book ‘Dollhouse’ at Barnes & Noble The Grove Los Angeles on November 18. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Khloe Kardashian signed copies of her new book ‘Dollhouse’ at Barnes & Noble The Grove Los Angeles on November 18. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Beverly Hills housewife Taylor Armstrong is pictured doing some shopping in Vail, Colorado on November 20, 2011. Credit: Susan Etter/INFphoto.com

Kyle Richards at The 5th Annual Rock The Kasbah fundraiser supporting Virgin Unite and The Eve Branson Foundation on November 16. Credit:Daniel Tanner/ WENN.com

Kyle Richards closeup. Credit: Daniel Tanner/ WENN.com

Jersey Shore star Nicole Polizzi, aka Snooki at The Grove filming an appearance for the entertainment news programme ‘Extra’ in LA on November 16. Credit: Josiah True/ WENN.com

Michael ‘The Situation‘ Sorrentino at the 2011 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 20. Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN.com

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro at the Launch Party For Google Music Available On T-Mobile held at Mr Brainwash Studio Los Angeles on November 16. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Gretchen Rossi attended Rolling Stone’s AMA after party sponsored by Lady Foot Locker VIP Program and Ciroc Vodka in Los Angeles on November 20. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

A closeup of Gretchen Rossi. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Rachel Zoe is not happy to see photographers as she goes for frozen yogurt in Los Angeles on November 17. Credit: Owen Beiny / WENN.com

Kendra Wilkinson comes out to promote “Ab Cuts” at GNC in Culver City on November 17. Credit: PhamousFotos / Splash News

Holly Madison spotted shopping at Sephora during their grand opening celebration at Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 18. Credit: INFevents.com

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez at the 2011 American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 20. Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN.com

DWTS Winners Karina Smirnoff and J.R. Martinez photographed at ‘Good Morning America’ this morning to discuss and celebrate their win. Credit: Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

DWTS Pro Lacey Schwimmer attended Rolling Stone’s AMA after party sponsored by Lady Foot Locker VIP Program and Ciroc Vodka in Los Angeles, California on November 20. Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Rob Kardashian attended “Winter Wonderland” held at Siren Studios Los Angeles, California on November 16. Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN.com

Nene Leakes and Tatyana Ali, pictured with Andy Cohen, were guests on WWHL. Credit: Peter Kramer/Bravo

Kim Zolciak and her daughters attended the Cinderella themed 13th birthday party for rapper Lil Wayne’s daughter Reginae on November 19. Credit: FreddyO.com

Phaedra Parks and husband Apollo Nida with their son at the Cinderella themed 13th birthday party for rapper Lil Wayne’s daughter Reginae on November 19. Credit: FreddyO.com

Is Phaedra preggos???

Kim Kardashian continues to work overtime to redeem her tarnished image as she joined Jennifer Love Hewitt today (Nov. 23) to prep some food at the downtown Los Angeles Mission for it’s annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the homeless. Ya buying it? Credit: London Entertainment / Splash