LuAnn On Combining Families & Memorial Day

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess discusses a royal diss and firming up for summer. 

Any tips on combining families — whether it’s becoming a step-mom to your new husband’s kids, or dealing with your children having a new stepparent?

Today’s families often include children from past marriages and relationships and the blending process can be challenging. The best advice I can give to new stepparents is to relax and not force yourself on your spouse’s kids. Never criticize their birth parent or expect that they will love you. Instead, be happy if you can establish a harmonious and trusting relationship built on friendship.

Tip: Your stepchildren will come to respect and admire you if you give them time to adjust to their new situation.

How to throw a classy Memorial Day party that’s fun for kids as well as the adults — any tips to keep it elegant without feeling stuffy?

Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays and I love to have friends over to BBQ. If you are inviting kids to your party, have activities for them like badminton, swimming, croquet or volleyball and make sure that you serve kid friendly foods and drinks. For the adults, I serve fun cocktails, like mojitos and watermelon martinis and I always have chilled salads and grilled chicken or steak.

Tip: When serving dinner outside, keep it simple and keep it chilled! Use non-breakable plates and glasses in fun, festive colors.

Credit: OK! Magazine

New York Housewives Want To Make You Sweat

The stars of Real Housewives of New York City get plenty of exercise shopping, pointing fingers, flipping their hair and catfighting. But sometimes, they've got to do a little bit more to really feel the burn.

Out promoting NBCUniversal's Healthy Step-a-Thon in Times Square, Kelly Bensimon, Jill Zarin, Ramona Singer, Alex McCord, Cindy Barshop and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps opened up about the workout and diet routines they follow to maintain their—love 'em or hate 'em—toned and slim selves.

"I do work out a lot compared to some people," LuAnn says, describing her Pilates-tennis-crosstraining routine.

And whether it's Ramona's attempt to work out in heels, Jill promoting her new line of shapewear or Cindy showing off her Jimmy Choo sneakers and emphasizing the importance of spray tans (instead of real ones) and drinking lots of water, all of the regimens sound about right for the Housewife in question.

"If I walk home, that'll be the best exercise ever, but I'll probably take a car service," laughed Jill.

"It's definitely bikini time, so it's not just about being fit, it's about looking hot," Kelly admitted.

Credit: E! Online (Natalie Finn)

Photos by Wire Image

Coutness LuAnn Attends 'Paws For Style' Event

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps attends the 11th annual Paws for Style fashion show benefiting the Humane Society of New York at Ink 48 Hotel on May 23, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Wire Image

LuAnn de Lesseps: amNewYork Welcome Party

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps attends a welcome party for new columnists at The Chelsea Room on May 18, 2011 in New York City.

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NY Housewives At A Beach Bum Tanning Event

Sonja Morgan, Countess Luann de Lesseps and Jill Zarin attend the Mobile Spray Tan Unit launch at Beach Bum Tanning Salon on May 18, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Wire Image

LuAnn Keynote Speaker At NYU Nursing School

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps was the keynote speaker at the NYU College of Nursing graduation today and she credited her nursing degree to the success she achieved as a model.

“I worked part time as a nurse when I was scouted to model, and I am convinced I got many of my jobs because I was not just a waitress,’ LuAnn told Radar Online after her speech.

“Think about it, the people hiring would rather go on the plane to Aspen with a nurse than with someone who was just waiting tables.”

Known for her role on the hit show, the Real Housewives of New York, the Countess said she found her love of nursing when she was a teenager.

“I worked in a home for the elderly when I was only 14 years old, my job was to wash dishes in the back but I would chat with everyone there and I just fell in love with the elderly.”

Credit: Radar Online

LuAnn On Disappointments, Swimsuit Season

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess discusses a royal diss and firming up for summer.

 

Sarah Ferguson wasn’t invited to the royal wedding — although her daughters with Prince Andrew were there — and she told Oprah the slight upset her. How would you deal with such a public disappointment?
Sarah Ferguson’s disappointment at being excluded from the Royal Wedding was understandable since she remains close to her ex and I’m sure she would have loved to be with her daughters on such a special occasion. Maybe sharing her feelings with Oprah helped her move past the royal snubbing? I guess the royal family has trouble forgiving and forgetting.

Tip: Avoid the spotlight when dealing with disappointment.

Do you have any tips for ladies trying to firm up to look their summer bikini best? How do you handle shopping for swimsuits — probably one of women’s most dreaded shopping trips?
With summer right around the corner, the best way to get your body bikini ready is to combine cardio and toning exercises like running or walking and Pilates or yoga. Also, eating lean meats, fruits and vegetables and limiting carbohydrates is key if you are going to lose fat and build muscle. Since we all are built differently, one bikini does not fit all. I suggest that you consider your body shape and age when choosing a swimsuit. Many suits come in separates that can accentuate what is positive about your body.

Tip: A square peg cannot fit into a round hole (or a string bikini)!

Credit: OK! Magazine

The NY Housewives Cast Could Be Replaced

Look out Jill, Ramona, LuAnn, and Alex -- according to a new report, you're all on the chopping block.

Bravo executives were so overwhelmed with the success of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills -- their season finale was the highest-rated episodes in Housewives history -- they're looking at revamping the NYC franchise with all super-wealthy women with over-the-top lifestyles.

Producers believe that the hotel-sized mansions, stretch limos, diamonds, private jets, and record-setting divorce settlements that are part of the Bev Hills housewives' world, that made the show so appealing. They think the NYC show would perform better with that same feel.

So if you have Adrienne Maloof of Camille Grammer-size bank accounts, live in Manhattan, and have always wanted to be on reality TV, you may be in luck, reports The New York Post.

"We're always casting for new housewives in every city," a Bravo rep conceded to The Post. Would the cable net do a wholesale housecleaning and start the NYC show over with an entirely new cast? "We've never done that before," is all the rep would say.

Credit: Radar Online

LuAnn Talks Bin Laden Death; Baby Names

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess weighs in on “celebrating” Osama bin Laden’s death and odd celebrity baby names.

 

As the news of Osama bin Laden’s death erupted across the world, many struggled with the appropriateness of “celebrating” another human’s death. Advice for those who don’t want to be callous about human life, but want to express themselves in the wake of such a momentous event?

As an American and a New Yorker, I believe that there is nothing wrong with feeling joy that Osama bin Laden was brought to justice. Although some people may think that it is callous to celebrate the death of this terrorist who had no regard for the lives of the innocent Americans murdered on 9/11, I think that he got what he deserved. The best way to express yourself in this situation is to thank the brave men and woman in the Armed Forces, law enforcement and emergency services who have sacrificed so much in the war on terrorism and who will continue to defend our country in the face of new threats.

Tip: Patriotism is not just for the Fourth of July, it is for every day that we wake up in a free and democratic country.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon named their twins Monroe (girl, after Marilyn) and Moroccan (boy, after a room in her home and, ostensibly, the country). What do you think of the trend of celebs giving their children odd names?

I wish celebrity parents would think about how the names they give their children affect them for a lifetime. Odd names can make children the target of teasing and as a result, the children often resent their parents for naming them something strange. Parents don’t think about how their children will have to spell their names out over and over to teachers, customer service reps, etc. and how their mail will arrive with the wrong name more often than not. Isn’t there a better way to foster creative in children than by giving them an odd name?

Tip: Before giving your child a “unique” name, think about whether you would like to be called this name for the rest of your life.

Credit: OK! Magazine

Countess: Use Your Head Shop For A Cause

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps attends the Use Your Head, Shop For A Cause benefit at 262 Mott Street on May 4, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Wire Image

Coutness LuAnn: Divalysscious Mother's Day

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps attended the Divalysscious Moms Mother's Day luncheon at Centrolire on May 4, 2011 in New York City. Also pictured, Christy Turlington.

Credit: Wire Image

Countess Talks Royal Life; Community Service

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess weighs in settling in as a new royal couple and doing community service with style!

 

Now that Kate Middleton and Prince William are finally wed —what’s your advice for them to settle into married life after all the hoopla is over?
Weddings are exciting and planning such a huge event most likely consumed much of Catherine’s time before she was married. Now that they are finally wed, I suggest that the happy couple take a breather and relax before beginning their public life together. William and Catherine’s schedules will be filled with many obligations, so it is very important that they carve out time for each other right from the beginning and make whatever private time they have a priority.

Tip: Do something nice each day for the one you love.

Lindsay Lohan has to do community service at the LA Morgue. Tips for her completing her task with grace?
Lindsay Lohan’s community service at the L.A. Morgue will be a humbling and educational experience for her. She should approach her work with a good attitude and keep negative comments to herself. Making a few (living) friends at the morgue will make the time pass faster and the experience more pleasant.

Tip: You catch more bees with honey than formaldehyde.

Credit: OK! Magazine

Cat Ommanney vs Countess LuAnn De Lesseps

If there's one thing we can say for Andy Cohen, he knows how to mix it up on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live. On Thursday's (April 28) episode, not only did he have former Real Housewives of DC cast member, Cat Ommanney, on after the network unceremoniously canceled her series, but he threw in divorced royal, the Real Housewives of New York's LuAnn De Lesseps.

It didn't take long before Cat began showing her dislike for LuAnn when Andy played a game in which The Countess judged the Brit (who made tabloid headlines after making out with Prince Harry) on her royal manners.

Not only that, but Cat took to Twitter and Facebook to make sure her feelings on The Countess were clear.

"Sorry everyone, I just wanted to clarify," she writes. "I REALLY DIDN'T ENJOY at all, being on #WWHL with @countessluann infact thought she was #notmybagatall #condescending and hope we never cross paths again #ever."

So, what did LuAnn have to say in response? "Well that was fun....," she tweets.

Credit: Zap2It (Jethro Nededog)

LuAnn De Lesseps: 'The Normal Heart' Opening

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps attends the Broadway opening night of "The Normal Heart" at The Golden Theatre on April 27, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by D Dipasupil/Getty Images North America

Coutness LuAnn Attends 'The Decision' Premiere

Countess Luann de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York attends the unvieling of "The Decision:" a short film in support of the new Precision Foam Colour hosted by John Frieda and Katie Holmes at Lavo NYC on March 22, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America

Ramona & LuAnn Dish Near-Deadly Season Four

Ramona Singer and LuAnn de Lesseps stepped out Tuesday night for the premiere of Katie Holmes' new short film, 'The Decision,' and LuAnn revealed that season four of the Real Housewives of New York nearly turned deadly!

Of season four, LuAnn promised "shifting of alliances, I would say, and a lot of surprises," and added, "Somebody almost gets killed on a camel in Marrakech, what can I say?"

LuAnn also teased that in season four, it's going to be "blondes versus brunettes."

For her part, Ramona said there will be "laughing," "crying," "jealousy" and "turtle time with Ramona [drinking] pinot grigio" this season.

The new season of the Real Housewives of New York premieres on Thursday, April 7 on Bravo.

Credit: Entertainment Tonight (Lisa Hirsch)

Coutness Talks Tasteful Celebrations; Tattoos

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess counsels tween role models taking on adulthood and handling jabs from the media gracefully.

How do you keep a celebrity event like a wedding tasteful — even if you want it to be a big, grand event, like Kim Kardashian’s wedding will surely be?

Large, celebrity filled weddings can be just as tasteful as small, intimate ones if care goes into the planning. The venue is key and it is better to use a space that just fits everyone, rather than one that has too much open space. Choose tasteful colors that are appropriate for the season and use warm lighting. Music is key to setting the right atmosphere. Centerpieces should be low enough so that guests can see each other across the table. Have an appetizer waiting for guests at the table and keep the champagne flowing.

Tip: Money can buy champagne, but it can’t buy you taste!

What’s your opinion on the multitude of tattoos stars are getting these days?

I believe that your body is your temple and if you want to decorate it with tattoos, it’s your decision. Nonetheless, there are tasteful tattoos, tacky tattoos and too many tattoos. What seems like a good idea when you are nineteen can seem like a big mistake at thirty. Fads, like tattooing, come and go, but body ink is forever.

Tip: Think before you ink!

Credit: OK! Magazine

If This Season Is Boring, No One Told RHONY

Worried that this season of Real Housewives of New York City won't be as juicy as years past? Consider your fears allayed, young Housewives fan, because Jill Zarin herself says, "It's the best season. By far, the best season we've ever done."

We talked to all the NYC Housewives about what's to come when the new episodes premiere, and they promise it's going to be a big year for everybody in the cast—but especially possibly engaged LuAnn de Lesseps, who says, "[I'm] working on my next song during the season…and my romance...I feel really lucky, and it's really going in a great direction."

Credit: E! Online (Jennifer Arrow)

Countess LuAnn At St. Pawtricks Yappy Hour

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, star of the Real Housewives of New York, attended St. Pawtricks Yappy Hour benefiting the Humane Society of New York at the Muse Hotel on March 16, 2011 in New York City.

Credit: Wire Image

Countess LuAnn On Press, Overzealous Suitors

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess counsels tween role models taking on adulthood and handling jabs from the media gracefully.

Justin Bieber was recently videotaped lashing out at a paparazzo for getting close, and Miley Cyrus also lectured a photographer for running into her mom. How do you deal with the press when it becomes that intrusive?

Paparazzi can be downright pushy and Justin and Miley have every right to express their displeasure when photographers get too close. I’m sure the paparazzi involved were just trying to do their jobs; however there is a difference between doing your job and being too aggressive. I always appreciate when paparazzi ask to take my photo first and respect my answer. The hard part of being a celebrity is being gracious even when paparazzi are over-zealous.

Tip: When the paparazzi stop hounding you, it’s time to worry!

Some of your fellow Real Housewives were reportedly slipped Rohypnol at an NYC bar. What are some tips from preventing all kinds of unwanted advances on a night out, from the extreme of being drugged to just turning down overzealous suitors?

It is always best to go out with another person or a group of friends if you want to avoid being approached by strange men. Never sit at a bar alone or accept a drink from someone you do not know. My fellow Real Housewives escaped unharmed from their Rohypnol experience but it could have turned out much worse. Just say “no thank you” and go back to having fun with your friends. Signal to a bouncer if your potential suitor doesn’t get the hint that you are not interested in his advances.

Tip: Don’t accept candy (or drinks) from strangers!

Credit: OK! Magazine