One on One with Kyle Richards - she is one FAB housewife!

We are all big fans of Kyle Richards from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Every week, we can't wait to see what is going on in her life and of course, what she is wearing! We couldn't wait to share our one on one with the FABulous and uber-stylish housewife! Read on to see what you can find in her make-up bag, where she loves to shop and what advice Paris Hilton gave her before the show. 

1.)  This season has already been a show stopper. What has been your favorite part of filming this season?

My favorite part has definitely been just the fun girl time- when we get to travel together and just have fun with each other.

2.)   Besides Beverly Hills, what other housewives do you love to watch?


I watch all of them! Especially OC, New Jersey and New York.


3.)   What can we find in your make-up bag?


Tons of different lip glosses—I am obsessed with lip gloss. Bobbi Brown cream concealer. The Balm blush in “Hot Mama.” Clear mascara for my eyebrows.


4.)  What is your favorite item in your closet? What is it and who is it made by?


A bright disco-silver-colored classic Chanel bag.


5.)   We must say - you have a pretty fab wardrobe! What are your favorite places to shop?


My go-to places are Neiman Marcus, Intermix, Madison, House of Petro Zillia, Barney’s.


6.)  We loved watching your niece, Paris Hilton on her reality shows over the years, especially The Simple Life. Did she have any advice for you when you started filming? 


I asked Paris for advice when I was going through difficult times on the show that were unsettling to me and said “how did you do this?” She told me, “This should be a fun time in your life. Don’t stress about every little thing. Just be yourself and go for it!”

1-       I’m named after a football player- Kyle Rote. I was supposed to be a boy!

2-       I can do the Chinese splits

3-       I am allergic to bees

4-       My favorite food is sushi

5-       I am a lot smaller in person than people think- I am only 5’3”

Make sure you tune into The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills every Thursday night on Bravo and follow Kyle on Twitter! 

DIna Manzo: Life on Reality TV & her passion with Project Ladybug

Dina Manzo is one of the most beloved housewives from Bravo's hit series, The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Not even considering herself famous, she is one of the most down-to-earth and passionate people we have ever met  - a  joy to talk to and a wonderful person to work with. We can't wait to share our one on one with the one and only Dina.

We miss you on the show, so much! Would you ever come back on the show?

Reality TV and that form, ummm no. I have to say that is hard - the fame that came along with it makes me uncomfortable because I would rather be famous for what I am talented at rather than for arguing with someone. That is what I am working on - and I appreciate our fans, they are so amazing and they are the biggest supporters and especially the Ladybugs but there is always that why, why do you want me to sign it, I didn't get it, it made me a little uncomfortable like I felt like there is no reason for me to be famous. I don't mind the fans coming up at at all - I LOVE them and it is one of my favorite parts.

Now that you are off the show, is Project Ladybug your main focus?

Project Ladybug has always been my main focus - I started this fund before I was a Bravo Housewives so it was something that I was really passionate about to be quite honest with you I never thought it would get as big as it was - it started off being like one event a year that I wanted to just throw this for the kids and it grew into something bigger and the more I started doing it the more passionate I became and the more I feel like it is my purpose in life. Not only does it feel good to do things for these kids but it really builds me up. My favorite thing is meeting people who think the same and  truly want to help people and to surround yourself by the people that really get you - that is really the key to happiness.

You have a passion for creating a beautiful home. Your house as we see on TV is beautiful. 

Do you have any decorating tips you can share with your readers? 

I actually have been doing a You Tube series on decorating tips - I get a million questions so I decided to make these little clips to address the questions I am getting and of course a lot of them our decorating because I did it for 20 years. My philosophy on decorating is to surround yourself by things that really mean something to you and things that you love and you're drawn to. I mean, you're drawn to a certain color for a reason. I believe in past life and all of that so if your drawn to a period of furniture or a certain color - there is a reason why you are. If you surround yourself with stuff your just drawn to and stuff that brings you happiness it's really going to bring your happiness because when you open your eyes the first thing you see in the morning is your home. And for me if you can make your home a happy place that  makes you feel good and nurture your soul you're going to carry that with you throughout the whole entire day. My best advice is to follow your gut - even if it is something that isn't in trend or if it makes you feel good just do it. The way I decorate my home people, a lot of people don't necessarily agree with the concept but I find something I love and find spot for it. If I see something that speaks to me I will buy it and even if it sits downstairs for a year - it does. 

We are really trying to bring more home into cupcakeMAG  - everyone is trending in fashion but their house as well. 

Sure. I mean we are going back to that. With this economy we are back to our homes. We are staying in more so it is more important then ever to make it a sanctuary. You don't do that by picking room number 2 in Ethan Allen. You have to make it your own. 

You always look so great - your hair is always perfect, your make-up, so flawless. What can we find in your make-up  bag? Certain things you can't live without? 

I am addicted to Carmex, I hate to tell you for $1.69 a tube - that is with me at all times. I love Makeup Forever's HD Foundation - especially being on television, it was a lifesaver. And I love my staple that I have been using for years and years is MAC Powder. 

What is on your Christmas list? Anything you are dying for? 

Well, I have to tell you, I am building this magnificent closet and that to me - I can't thank my husband enough for doing this. I mean, I am not going to lie, I love my shoes, I love my purses, I love everything but the fact that there is some clutter going on in my current closet, it just doesn't feel right to me so I am not asking for anything for Christmas - I am just so grateful that he is building me this closet. It will also be in a couple magazines as well. 

As for Danielle, Dina says she still receives links with Danielle still talking but she does her best to ignore it. As Dina says, "I left for a reason and I am not allowed to officially announce if I am part of season three or not but leave me alone. It doesn't bother me what she says because everyone knows that there is no truth to it - it just bothers me that she can't move on, I want her to move on and I want her to be successful and I want her to make millions so she is finally at peace." 

I hate talking on the phone with the passion. This interview is probably the longest I have been on the phone. I have actually lost friends from not talking on the phone. I am just not a  phone person. I will sit with a glass on wine and talk for hours but don't call me. 

I am fanatical about soft material. Like if my shirt is itching me I will stop and buy something else. 

I love the smell of horse breath. Sometimes I will pull over and pet the horses just to smell their breathe. 

If I see an old person walking on the side of the road, I will break down in tears. I don't know what it is. Old people really get me. My daughter is the same way, I don't want her to be as crazy as I am like if we see an old person walking with both look at each other and cry. 

I only drink water. No carbonation, no soda, no nothing. 

My favorite room is my bathroom - it is the prettiest thing ever. 

Pet peeve? Liars really get me. 

I hate surprises. I need to know every Christmas gift, I just need to know. I am good at finding out everything too and don't ever through me a surprise party because I am too good of detective. 

I love blues. 

I have the worst memory in history. 

Favorite place in NYC to eat? Upstairs at Bergdorf - I actually crave them.

All things Dina! 

{Twitter}

{Facebook}

{Website}

{Project Ladybug} 

Chatting with Taylor Armstrong from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Mom, wife, entrepreneur, philanthropist and reality star- Taylor Armstrong can do it all! The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star was kind enough to chat with us about everything from what's in her make up bag to her charity work. With a barely noticeable Midwestern accent, Taylor even filled us in on a few things you may not know about her! With fingers crossed for a second season, we'll definitely continue to tune in to Bravo every Thursday at 10:00pm EST.

We wondered- before you started filming, had you watched the other Real Housewives shows? Did you have any favorites?

I really liked New York. I think that because it's filmed in a large city, it's more similar to LA than the other cities. Theres so much in NY with charity events and society events and it reminded me of what LA is like.

How is filming going? Are you all hoping for a second season?

We’re always hoping for a second season. We were originally slotted for 8 episodes and we're now slotted for 13, so I think viewers are enjoying it and our fingers ore crossed.

You always look so flawless on camera. What’s in your make up bag?

Wow that's so nice of you to say. I like to use smashbox products a lot. On camera I use their HD products. Off camera I use their tinted moitsturizer, sheer focus.

We’d love to know more about your personal style- you always look so effortless and put together. What are your go-to outfits or favorite designers?

Oh my goodness there are so many. I am a huge fan of YSL shoes and handbags. I am in love with everything YSL right now.  I really like classic looks with a little bit of an edge. I'll throw on an edgy accessory for more of a rock and roll vibe.

Recently on the show, we saw you give Kennedy one of the coolest birthday parties we’ve ever seen. We wondered how Kennedy and Russell are doing now.

You know, I just got off the phone with Kennedy because I’m in New York right now and I just miss her like crazy. And it's funny because she's so much bigger now than when we saw her on the show with her birthday party that watching it pulled at my heart strings a little bit! She's growing up too quickly! And Russell is doing well, he’s home with her and it's nice they get to spend some time together while mommy works. They're going to see a Disney show tonight.

Do you still have the puppy?

You will have to stay tuned for that.

When you’re not filming Real Housewives, what else can we find you doing?

Well I work- I have a management consulting firm called eImplement (www.eimplement.com). I also do a great deal of work with domestic violence shelters. I’m a big supporter of the 1736 Family Crisis Center which has 5 shelters , and1 runaway homeless youth shelter. We’re in the process of building a new runaway shelter with sustainable materials. We hope it will be a model for grain initiatives within the shelter world. We’re hoping other shelters will follow suit.

 And lastly, we always have celebs tell us a few things readers may not know about them.

Hmm, this is tough! When your life is on a reality television show, there's not much left that people don't know! Let's see.

1.  I am a fan of country music, which may be surprising to some people.

2.  I am a big online shopper. I love to shop online.

3.  I was a competitive cheerleader.

Check out Taylor's website and follow her on Twitter! 

Skinnygirl Dish with Bethenny Frankel -- plus we are also giving away her MUST-READ!

Just last week, January 5^th to be exact, one of our favorite housewives of New York City and natural food chef, Bethenny Frankel, graced us with her second book - The Skinnygirl Dish: Easy Recipes For Your Naturally Thin Life. We were lucky enough to have a quick chat to catch-up and get the dish.

Cupcake Mag: When did you first become interested in cooking?

Bethenny: I became interested in cooking when I was a very young girl. I would watch cooking shows endlessly but never watch cartoons. My very first purchase ever was a jar of maraschino cherries for a recipe, and I begged my mother to let me go to the store to buy them.

CM: You have fed some of our favorite stars who continue to rave about you. What was your first break as a celebrity chef and who would you LOVE to cook for?

Bethenny: I don't love focusing on celebrities because everyone is a VIP, but cooking for Denis Leary was my favorite gig. He is the most real, nice, down to earth person who gave me free reign of the freezer box.

CM: We love how you don't starve yourself when it comes to being "Naturally Thin" and you don't make food your enemy - you have a great knack for making healthy food delicious. Do you have one all-time favorite recipe you enjoy cooking?

Bethenny: I love my crab cakes and old school Caesar salad

CM:Managing weight and eating during pregnancy can be a serious challenge but you seem to be doing a FAB job as you look great and glowing. We follow all your food tweets on twitter and seem to be craving the same! How has pregnancy changed the way you eat?

Bethenny: Your diet is a bank account and I just spend more freely. By no means is it license to be a full fledged animal. I think most people are always restricting themselves so they make pregnancy one long binge which is something to deal with later. I don't skip meals, I eat what I crave, but when possible I check myself when I wreck myself and have dessert only once a day.

CM: What are a few things some people may not know about you?

Bethenny: I'm very frugal, I rarely if ever, pay retail, I live on eBay and if i'm not dressed up for an event, I'm in pajamas. I hate getting dressed up and 90 percent of the time I'm a slob.

CM: And lastly, as big fans of Bravo's hit show, what do you enjoy the most about being part of The Real Housewives of New York City?

Bethenny: I enjoy the opportunities it has provided me and I really love the fans who have come to know me, who I've come to know and who have inspired me.

As for the upcoming season? It will be a season to remember that can't be topped.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Bethenny doesn’t just have a knack for style on the hit Bravo series The Real Housewives of New York; she is known for making healthy food taste delicious. With cooking starting out as a hobby, the celebrity natural food chef, creator of the phenomenal Skinnygirl Margarita, and The New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin has given us her second book in her no holds barred style. As for Bethenny's personal life – she lives In Manhattan with her dog cookie and will be marrying her other love, Jason, this spring. They will welcome their first child in early summer.
Click here to read more about her new book and check out THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES and how you can WIN your very own copy of the MUST READ!

Bethenny Frankel --- THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES (PLUS we are giving away 2 of copies of her NEW book!)

THE SKINNYGIRL DISH: Easy Recipes For Your Naturally Thin Life is the next step on the Skinnygirl journey and helps you get in touch with your inner chef while putting an end to the anxiety about what and how to eat.

With her nonstop Skinnygirl lifestyle, Bethenny empathizes with people who don’t have the time, patience or energy to cook. In THE SKINNYGIRL DISH, Bethenny walks readers through her kitchen, her cooking philosophy, the way she prepares for special occasions, or for a simple every day snack or meal. Throughout “the dish”, she inspires readers to use what they have, substitute empty calories for healthier ingredients, and create an endless array of simple, delicious, and creative dishes in their own kitchens, rather than limit themselves to someone else’s recipe. This is cooking the Skinnygirl way!

THE SKINNYGIRL DISH is divided into three parts:

• Part one teaches readers how to feel more confident with their cooking, how to stock their kitchen, how to cook by using what they have, and how to think like a chef. Bethenny also shares common cooking mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Part two contains recipes, amusing stories, tips for meals, snacks and drinks, and suggestions for how readers can tailor the recipes to their own needs and desires.

• Part three features chapters on Skinnygirl-style entertaining for special occasions and holidays. She also includes tips for personalizing recipes contributed by Chef Bobby Flay and stars from Top Chef.

THE Skinnygirl CHEF’S TEN ESSENTIAL KITCHEN RULES

From The Skinnygirl Dish by Bethenny Frankel

Rule #1 - Don’t Be a Hero

When convenient, use nonstick cookware instead of stainless steel. Use a quality broth instead of homemade stock. Buy pizza dough from your favorite local pizza joint.

Don’t be afraid to save time when it won’t significantly affect the outcome.

Rule #2 – Use What You Have

Substitute leeks or shallots for onions or scallions, dried herbs for fresh, basil for oregano, walnuts for onions, broccoli for zucchini, chicken for fish, etc.

Rule #3 – Something’s Got to Give

Taste should be your first priority, but being healthy can be delicious. Vegetables sautéed or roasted in oil taste richer. Bread is delicious with a bit of butter or olive oil.

Rule #4 – Embrace the “It Ain’t Worth It” Moment

Don’t torture yourself about every detail of a recipe. Step back and realize when it just isn’t worth the aggravation. You won’t want to cook if you don’t enjoy cooking.

Rule #5 – Taste As You Go

Good cooks always taste their food as they cook it. Amateur cooks simply follow a recipe, mix it all up and pray for the best.

Rule #6 – Mise en Place – the French Cooking Term You Should Know

“Put in place.” Pre-measure and put all ingredients into small ramekins or glass bowls. Line them up in the order you need them.

Take out all the tools you’ll need before you begin cooking.

Rule #7 – Memorize a Few Basics

Memorize a few key basics, like how many tablespoons are in a cup or whether you can bake muffins without using eggs. That way you won’t keep running to the Internet.

Rule #8 – Presentation is Everything

Garnish your dishes with brightly colored raw vegetables or herbs.

Contrast colors in your salads, and between main and side dishes.

Put fresh flowers on the table and light candles.

Rule #9 – Utilize the Leftovers

Use recyclable containers, label, and arrange leftovers into meal-sized portions. Be creative with recipes and substitute ingredients with what needs to be used.

Rule #10 – Minimize Clean-Up

Bribe friends and family with their favorite food. Bribery is perfectly acceptable if used for good, not evil – and cleaning your kitchen is always good.

In Naturally Thin Bethenny taught readers, “Your diet is your bank account.” In THE SKINNYGIRL DISH, she says, “Food is like your wardrobe.” It’s easy to open the closet and say that there’s nothing to wear, just as it’s easy to open the refrigerator and say there’s nothing to eat. With her famous wit and real-world sensibility, Bethenny shows how to start with the classic, base ingredients – the culinary versions of the perfect pair of jeans and the little black dress – and take risks, be daring, accessorize, and remember that even when eating healthy… variety is the spice of life.

We want to you to have your own copy for your coffee table or book shelf so we are giving two readers the chance to win YOUR very own copy! In a sentence below, tell us just why you can’t LIVE without Bethenny’s words of wisdom. Don’t forget to leave an email address too!

*All comments must be received by Monday, January 18th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly. Open to U.S. residents only.*

For more information on THE SKINNYGIRL Dish please visit: www.bethenny.com or www.simonandschuster.com