BCNY Talks Love With Project Soulmate's Lori Zaslow And Jennifer Zucher !

    Poject Soulmate's Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher

                             

Love is in the air! Last week was Valentine's Day and pretty soon  people everywhere will be catching
 " spring fever" ! There couldn't  a  better time to chat with Bravo TV's resident LOVE BROKERS,  Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, of  
Project Soulmate,  to get a few tips should you find your self single and looking for that special someone! 
Lori and Jennifer are very busy gals...balancing personal  relationships ( both happily married to their own soulmates) , between motherhood, working , appearances, and giving back through various charities! 
Here Project Soulmate takes some time out  to answer a few questions as they are always happy to help anyone find a soulmate of their own!  


BC: Tell me about Project Soulmate and how it started?
PS: We started 4 years ago. We were always setting up friends and thought it would great to turn our passion into a business. We are a matchmaking service based out of NYC catering to the relationship minded individual looking for their special someone.

BC: How long have you to known each other and worked together?
PS: We have worked together for 4 years and have known each other since sleep away camp (close to 30 years ago). We reconnected after many years at the gym, right after college.

BC: How did Bravo TV find Project Soulmate for the reality show  Love Broker?
PS: They had a casting agent looking for a matchmaking company in NYC. A friend of ours made the introduction and the love affair began!

BC: Tell me your thoughts on soulmates ... do you believe that you are you with yours?
PS: Yes we definitely feel that our husbands are our Soulmates! Both of us believe that there is more than one Soulmate out there for us. You never know when you are going to meet a Soul mate. Always keep your heart and soul open, the universe can surprise you.

BC: How do you think dating has changed since you started Project Soulmate?
PS: Online dating has taken a piece of the pie in the single arena. For that reason our business has evolved into guiding and collaborating with people’s online profiles. Originally, when they first came to us they were only able to do a selective search.

BC: What do you think about the book “The Rules"? ...and speaking of rules what are a few of your rules or commandments of dating?

PS: We are not a big fan of that book although we do have our own dating etiquette...
No Ex talk! No one wants to hear about other dudes and ladies on a date, especially your "Exes". It's an
instant turn off. The more they like you, the less they want to imagine you with someone else. And it won't
make them like you more, no matter what angle you take!
Live in the moment. Don't talk about the future with your date. A fast way to ruin a good thing is to put pressure on the future too soon. Dating should be fun! Save the future talk for when it's really necessary, and in a less formal setting.
If you know you like the person before the first date ends, you should subtly express interest in another date. Also a hug and a casual kiss on the cheek at the end of every date will end it warmly and make you look good. Even if it wasn't a good match...you never know who they may want to introduce you to!
You must spend no less than one hour on your blind date. You do not leave your date after 15 minutes even if you think it's not going well. Open your mind to giving it ONE hour of your undivided attention and energy!

BC: Are you in to astrology and do you think that really matters with comparability?
PS Lori : I am  more into astrology, where Jenn is more traditional. I do believe that people have certain traits of their sign, although , in my opinion,  that does not come into play when it comes to love.

BC: What are some great first date ideas?
PS: Ice skating, bowling, ping pong…any physical activity, but not too physical save that for later!

BC: Who should secure the second date and when?
PS: We generally recommend letting the man initiate the invitation for the 2nd date, for most cases. He should do that on the first date if there is any connection/attraction. No point in waiting and playing phone tag. Don’t want too much time to pass so the momentum is no longer there!  Someone else could snatch her up!

BC: Valentine’s Day was last  Thursday what are some ideas for my  readers to make sure that in the future that the day is successful and special?
PS: Thoughtfulness is priceless. A card, a box of chocolates, or a cute sticky note to say something authentic from your heart. Your partner knows you, so if you are not the type to bring diamond earrings, don’t. Stick to who you are!

BC: What can we expect in the future from Project Soul mate ?
PS: We have our new love oil (filled with aphrodisiacs) for women called Gravitate. We are big believers that smell is a big factor in attraction!
BC: Every please check the Project Soul mate website below for details!
PS: Thank you Billy!
BC: Thank you for chatting with me!  I am sure we will be seeing and hearing a lot more about
 Project Soulmate soon!


There you have it! Knowledge is power... especially in affairs of the heart! There is someone for everyone so don't give up! If you find that you are in need of assistance the ladies of Project Soulmate  will definitely help you put your best dating foot forward and lead you to love ( and maybe your own soulmate) what they are doing is a wonderful service  and that's the way I see it Xx Billy Charles

                     Learn more about Lori Zaslow, Jennifer Zucher , and  Project Soulmate here:

 

 http://www.projectsoulmate.com

                              


Follow Lori Zaslow on Twitter @LoriZaslow
Follow Jenn Zucher @JennZucher

Follow Project Soulmate @ProjectSoulmate

Serving Up Spicy Dish With Real Housewife Of Miami Ana Quincoces!

The Beautiful Ana Quincoces

This past season  of  The Real Housewives of Miami on Bravo TV  brought us many twists and turns, laughter and tears,  as well as the addition of some new cast members...one of which was Ana Quincoces. Ana Quincoces  is a lawyer, chef, author , mother, and all around fabulous woman! I was immediately smitten by Ana's feisty yet down to earth attitude. I tweeted Ana back in October after I saw some photos of some delicious caramel apples that she was making and the rest , as they say, is history. In the following interview Ana opens up about The Real Housewives of Miami, her history , and her life...



BC: Tell me about where you grew up...
AQ: I was born and raised in Miami, Fl.
BC: What was your childhood like?
AQ: My parents emigrated from Cuba in 1960 and settled in Miami where I was born several years later. My childhood was pretty typical of a first generation Cuban American. My parents worked very hard and took many odd jobs to make ends meet. My childhood was not Norman Rockwell by any means but it was idyllic by Cuban immigrant standards.
BC: When you were growing up what did you aspire to be?
AQ: Well I can tell you from  the time I was 9 years old I knew that I would be a lawyer! I was obsessed with the show Hill Street Blues and thought that someday I would be just like the DA played by Veronica Hamel!
BC: Maybe you can play her part  if they ever make it into a movie ( both laugh)

BC: I know that you had  a very successful career happening prior to RHOM which includes being a lawyer, chef,  as well as best selling  author of  the cookbooks  Cuban Chicks Can Cook and  Sabor! A Passion for Cuban Cuisine...  for the readers  who will be just " meeting you " for the first time on my site please tell us how you came to be on RHOM on Bravo TV

AQ: Well lets see...I have had a successful career as a lawyer for two decades before RHOM. The books happened quite by accident.  They were borne of my passion for cooking and as a way to leave a lasting legacy for my girls. As a result of the success of the books, I began doing regular cooking segments on television. That led to a guest appearance on Season 1 of RHOM which coupled with my existing friendships with the other cast members led to my being cast.


BC: The experience of being on reality television has to differ vastly from what you are used to doing  as editing comes into play and reality is no longer reality when the show airs...in your opinion did we get a real feel for who you are? if not what would you like people to know about you that we didn't get to see on The Real Housewives of Miami?


AQ: I was surprised to see how organic the process of filming a reality TV show is. I believe that for the most part what the viewers saw is who I truly am- although the view was perhaps more of a glimpse.  There were a lot of ladies on the show which made each of our story lines a little narrow. There is a lot more about me that the viewers have not yet seen. That's the beauty of being multi-faceted  ( both laugh)

BC: Your passion for cooking has garnered you much attention and success...you were even named
" Miami's Hottest Chef " ...when did you develop this passion for cooking and what is your absolute favorite thing that you like to make?

Ana doing one of the things she does best...cooking! 

AQ: My passion for cooking started at a very young age. My mother is an excellent cook and I witnessed how her passion for cooking brought our family and friends together. I loved how my childhood home was always the venue for all the family gatherings and how the controlled chaos in the kitchen, the sound of clattering plates, and smell of home cooking contributed to the ambiance. I wanted to have that feeling in my own home. I can't identify one specific dish as my favorite to cook but anything that takes a little time is something I enjoy tremendously particularly because cooking relaxes me so.

BC: It is so refreshing how open you are ...so , if I may...regarding your personal life ...you came on to RHOM at a time that most people would not have ( with publicly going through divorce) what was that experience like to watch back as it is hard enough to go through in real life?

AQ: It was a heart wrenching experience as you can imagine. Filming it didn't make it more so because more often than not I was unaware that the camera was even there. Reliving it months later was particularly painful.

BC:  Personally  I feel like  the silver lining was that it allowed the viewers to see  that although sometimes things do not work out as planned in a relationship both parties can  still  be amicable for the greater good of all involved... after all we choose our partners and loved them at one point in time  ..still it's always sad when that doesn't work out.

AQ: Very true... I have received hundreds of emails from newly divorced men and women seeking advice and commending  us for doing divorce right. I'm not sure divorce is ever right but the fact that we did it in the most humane way possible and committed to making sure our daughters were not the rope in a tug of war between us is something we are all very proud of. 

Ana's beautiful daughters

BC:  As you should be! You also had your beautiful daughters as part of the show do you regret that in any way?

AQ: I have no regrets about that. My daughters are the most extraordinary young women I know.  They are smart and industrious. Great daughters, granddaughters, siblings, friends, and students. They are strong and compassionate and I am certain the universe is a better place because they are in it. 
BC: That is very sweet and I love it when families get along and are close!
AQ: Yes I am blessed!

Proud Momma!

BC: After  The Real Housewives of Miami Reunion show aired  the feeling in  social media about you  was that you came out " guns blazing " ...did you suffer a backlash from viewers as a result?

RHOM Ana Quincoces, Marysol Patton, and Alexia  Echevarria

AQ: That is a very tricky question to answer. Suffice it to say that I did not actually come out "guns blazing". I will always defend myself when the situation requires it. And the situation (because of editing and the limits placed upon the editors) did not air exactly as it occurred but it most definitely required it. The reunion was more than 10 hours long and there is A LOT that the viewers did not see. Fortunately, the backlash was limited to one or two women (from Texas) who repeatedly accused me of being an ageist. I usually don't dignify silly accusations with a response and because the sources were so specific and suspect, it seemed pointless. I will say this, fighting is never fair. The spoils usually go to the honest and quick witted. I did not have to resort to a tired old Gordon Gecko line ("if you keep spreading lies about me, I will start telling the truth about you") to garner oohs and ahhs. It was clear that Lea was shaken to the core. And it had little to do with any digs about her age. It was deeper than that and much more serious. The age comments were spread out over the 10 hour period and the motivation for them had almost nothing to do with the fact that she is the oldest housewife in the franchise. It had to do with the fact that her flimsy house of cards was built upon this cosmetic line that she credits for her line free sexagenarian skin. She did not admit to the face lifts or even botox or fillers and even refused to divulge her real age when Andy asked during the reunion (that part did not air either). The "digs" were meant to hit her where it hurts and to divulge yet another aspect of Lea that lacks veracity. I believe I had enough "credit in the bank" with the viewers from the 15 episodes before the reunion. For the most part, the consensus was that whatever I did was justified because gratuitous attacks are inconsistent with the person the viewers had come to know throughout the season.

BC: What can you tell us about  ( you prob get this all the time) about what was in the folder concerning
 Lea Black?  I was disappointed that editing chopped that up.

The RHOM Reunion Alexia, Ana, Marysol , and Adrianna

AQ: The network and producers had their reasons for not airing the contents of my folder. I cannot comment on whether extraordinary measures were taken by Lea and her husband to keep viewers from seeing them. I have been contacted by national media to "hand over" this now infamous file. I have chosen not to do so for now. The contents of my file are all records that can be easily attained by anyone who knows where to look as they are all public documents. I would never jeopardize some one's career or ask that they share privileged information about another person or entity.


BC: Will you return to Real Housewives of Miami to  film another season?

AQ: I hate to give you the canned response but as far as I know, no decision on season 3 has been made. Given the projects I am working on, the timing of all things would have to coincide in a manner that would make filming another season beneficial for both me and the franchise.

BC: What projects can you discuss with my readers that are in the works?

AQ: I am working on the final edits of The Versailles Restaurant Cookbook. It is the most iconic Cuban restaurant in the world and I am very proud to be part of that project. Book number 4 is also in development and I will begin recipe testing for it soon.
BC: Ooh sign me up! ( both laugh)
AQ: My Million Dollar Marinade should be hitting the shelves in the next couple of weeks followed by my spice line.
BC: You are one busy gal!
AQ: Yes and I am grateful for all the opportunities... I  also have  an espresso maker in development which should be ready by April 1st and will be the perfect complement to Mama Elsa's Havana Elsa coffee.
BC: I love Mam Elsa and her coffee!
AQ:  Yes she is wonderful!
BC: I heard that you may be opening a restaurant...
AQ: We shall see! I am talking to several investors about opening a restaurant in the Design District /Wynwood area or in the alternative a pop up restaurant with another celebrity chef. Meanwhile...
I will also be participating in several SOBE Food and Wine Festival events at the end of February. Sobefest.com   
BC: You are going to need a vacation after all that! ( both laugh) If you had a dream vacation or a good few days off where would you be and what would you be doing?

AQ:I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively and visit some pretty amazing places. Kenya was a surreal experience and I can hardly wait to return.  But perhaps the place I would most like to spend a short vacation is Big Sur.  I was there on a very special trip last year and just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.

BC: Final thought...In my opinion you are a great role model for women...smart, sexy, strong , and successful...what message would you like women who look up to you ( and there are many) to receive?

AQ: Thank you Billy! I feel blessed that so many women see me as a role model. Perhaps it is because I am not perfect nor do I pretend to be. I  have always been willing to share my struggles as well as my triumphs with them. I would love to tell them that it is never too late to try something new, to pursue a dream, to reinvent yourself. That confidence is a work in progress and that it is only through both success and failure that it is built and strengthened. I would tell them that enjoying the journey (while cliche) is so very important and that the unknown while scary can also be very exciting.
BC: I agree! Thank you so much for allowing me to get to know you better!
AQ: Thank you for sharing my story with your readers!
BC: The pleasure was all mine!


As you can see Ana is very straightforward and candid on who she is and what she feels! I hope you all enjoyed getting to know her as much as I did. Ana is successful because she is a hardworking woman who lives her  life to the fullest and makes her passions and dreams work for her! She is serving up " Spicy Cuban" realness making us want to come back for more and more ... and that's the way I see it !
Xx Billy Charles

Follow Ana Quincoces on Twitter @AnaQooks and visit her web site to find the latest news about her and her life :

http://www.anaquincoces.com/?limitstart=4

Drake Jensen ; Country Music's Latest OUTlaw talks to BCNY

Drake Jensen's new album OUTlaw will be released officially March. 12, 2013 although it  is available for
pre- release here: http://www.drakejensen.ca/store.html

In honor of his new single being released next week " When It Hurts Like That" I recently had the pleasure
 of having " Q and A"  session with Canada's country music sensation Drake Jensen. Drake talked to me about his life, his music, and the release of his upcoming album OUTlaw .

BC: So I know you are from Canada but some of my readers may not...Tell me a little about growing up there and what that was like...

DJ: I grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, which is a small coal-mining town by the ocean.  I grew up modestly, the grandson of a coal miner, and entertained myself by listening to all types of music.

BC: I heard that you mother loved country music as well...who were some of her favorite artist to listen to  and who are your inspirations?

Drake Jensen as a  younger "OUTlaw" 

DJ: I grew up listening to John Denver, John Conely, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, George Strait.  My major influences in Country Music are Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.  However I listen to many types of music, and some of my other influences are ABBA and Duran Duran.  

BC: That surprising...well not really! ( both laugh)...who would you like to meet someday and perform with?

DJ: Garth Brooks for sure!

                                              Drake Jensen " On My Way To Finding You" 

BC: So tell me about your new album OUTlaw and what makes it different from your previous release?

DJ: The previous release was me getting my footing back after being on hiatus for a while.  Don't get me wrong, On My Way To Finding You is a great album and has re-started my music career on a different level.  OUTlaw, however, I believe is a true expression of who I am musically.  I love this album so much that if it were the last album I ever did, I'd be happy.  I also co-wrote 5 of the songs on OUTlaw, which allowed me to express myself even more. 

BC: I can't wait because I loved " On my way to finding you" !

DJ: Thank you!

Rugged Country Bear  Woof!

BC: Now to the Meat and potatoes ( both laugh) You are very attractive and I am sure you have many fans both male and female...being gay myself  I wanted to ask you  if you consider yourself a " Bear" ?
( an affectionate term used by gay men to describe a rugged and  masculine man with a lot of body hair)
I think you are! WOOF! ( both laugh)
DJ:  Thank you ! ( laughing)  Yes, I do consider myself a Bear, and I have the fur to prove it! (we both laugh)

BC: Are you single or seeing anyone special?

DJ:  I am married, have been for 5 years, to my husband Sean.  We met 6 years ago.  

BC; Congrats, that's awesome!... I am sure some fans will be disappointed!

DJ: Laughing...thanks...he's also my personal manager, handling all my business affairs.

BC: What is your astrological sign? Are you into that at all?

DJ: I'm very much into that.  I'm an Aries.

BC: I find a lot of creative people are Aries so that makes sense!

BC: When did you first discover that you were attracted to the opposite sex?

DJ:  I knew I was attracted to men when I was very young, around the age of 5. 

BC: When did you officially " Come Out" ?...was your family accepting?

DJ: I came out to my family when I was 26, and have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who love me very much.

BC: Me too ...we are blessed!

DJ: Absolutely!

BC: Speaking of " Coming Out"...have you suffered any repercussions due to that regarding your career? I know the music industry in general is pretty open but Country Music is seemingly not.

DJ:  I have never really tired to fit in anywhere.  I believe in destiny and that my music will find its home with the listeners it was meant for.  If the Country Music genre decides it wants to accept me, then that's OK, but I won't be waiting.

                                        Drake Jensen featuring Willam Belli " Stand By Your Man"

BC: Tell me how Stand By Your Man with Performance and Drag Artist William Belli came about....was he fun to work with?

DJ: I have a business associate and very good friend on the west coast who is also friends with Willam.  I just happened to mention that idea, (it was actually our producer's idea to do a duet with a drag queen) and he got the ball rolling and made it happen. 

BC: He was very fun to watch on RuPaul's Drag Race!

DJ:  Willam was great to work with, we had a blast!

BC: It shows!

BC: When is the new album OUTlaw officially being released?

DJ: The album will be officially released on Tuesday March 12, 2013.

BC: What can we expect from you after the album drops ? 

DJ:   We're having a CD launch show and party the next day at the National Arts Centre with 200 friends.  

BC: Will you be touring?

DJ: We do plan on touring the US.  Requests are coming in from all over the country from people really wanting to see me.  You should be seeing me in the US in the Fall of 2013.

BC: looking forward to it!

BC: What would you like everyone reading this to know about you and your music?

DJ: Its not so much about me and my music, but rather about my mission.  I believe that I was meant to fill a void.  A lot of people have told me that they've come back to country music because there is a gay male voice.  Its an honour for me to fill that position.

BC: I agree! Thank you so much for the " Q and A" I really appreciate it and wish you much success with OUTlaw!

DJ: Thank you it was my pleasure!

This was a fun interview ! I love country music I  believe in what Drake Jensen is doing and his talent.

Drake Jensen is living his life the way he sees fit  which is being true to himself and being driven by what he loves ; his passion for music and sharing with the world. I personally love listening to Drake Jensen's  rich voice and his music definitely evokes feelings from his listeners. I will be ordering his latest album OUTlaw and I hope all you country lovers will too! What's not to love? Drake Jensen is a country " Bear" with a big ol' heart and he's singing it out for you all and " That's The Way I see It " Xx Billy Charles 

Please follow Drake Jensen on Twitter @DrakeJensen and get to know him on his website:

http://www.drakejensen.ca/

Penny Drossos Karagiorgis...A Cut Above The Rest !

The Fabulous Penny Drossos Karagiorgis

I had the pleasure of meeting Penny Drossos Karagiorgis on Twitter last year before all the hype of The Real Housewives Of New Jersey Season 4 finale on Bravo TV. In getting to know her ,  I found her to be fun, down to earth,  someone that will speak her mind and stand by whatever she says. 
Her salon, Le Chateau Allure, was the location where  Bravo TV  filmed  the infamous " set up" scene of Melissa Gorga by Kim D. 

Kim DePaola, Teresa Giudice, and Penny Drossos Karagiorgis Season 4 RHONJ

She also happens to be  a friend of Kim DePaola  ( who will be a regular on Season 5 RHONJ ) and has styled Kim D as well as The Posche Boutique fashion show which aired during season 4 of RHONJ. This season we will see the return of Penny as " friend of the Housewives" on season 5 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I recently touched based with Penny and let her know that many people  have been wanting to know about her and so we decided to do an interview for my site! 

BC: First off thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me I really appreciate it! 

PDK: No problem! I'm happy we finally have the opportunity!

BC: I know!  We were supposed to do this awhile ago but our lives got in the way  ( both laugh) 

BC: So lets get down to business...tell be about your upbringing

PDK: I grew up in Astoria, Queens. I was raised in a typical Greek family. My father owned a restaurant while my mother was as a stay-at-home parent. Her primary occupation was taking care of my brother and I. My brother, who is four-years younger than me, and I attended private Greek-American schools.

Penny, her sister -in-law, and her baby brother Sammy D

BC: Are you %100 Greek?

PDK: I am one-hundred percent Greek which includes the conventional big family. We are big, loud and argue – yet I wouldn’t change a thing about any of us.

BC: Being %100 Italian... I can definitely relate! ( both laugh)

BC: I am big into astrology and always ask everyone that I interview what sign they are...

PDK: My birthday is June 22th 1974...So I’m a full-on Cancer!

BC: I knew we got along for a reason! I have a few very good friends that are Cancers! Virgos and Cancers are a good match.

PDK: I know I also get along great with Virgos! ( laughs)

BC: You have a very long and successful career in the beauty industry ...tell me was this always your passion?

PDK: Yes! By the age of ten every one of my friends had a hair cut by me and all of my dolls were bald – so that pretty much speaks for itself. ( we both laugh)  I was obviously obsessed with hair from an early-age so I think the creative aspect really drew me in, and being able to make people feel better about themselves by recreating thereimage, made me feel especially good.

BC: I know you have worked with an array of clients, including some " showbiz folk" , drop me some names (both laugh)

PDK: Lets see...Regis Philbin, Steven Seagal, Zach McGowen, Joyce DeWitt, Martin Kove,   Michael Pare, Cindy Vero, Teresa Giudice, and Love Majewski

BC: Quite impressive! No wonder why they look so Fab!

PDK: Aw thanks!

Penny and her former students

BC: Tell me about the two boys in the above picture...I found it to be very touching when I heard the story.

PDK: Yes... The two boys pictured are  former students of mine when I worked as a special education teacher at SBJC in Maywood (Bergen County) NJ. The two boys are autistic and a portion of their curriculum incorporated lessons dealing withlife skills. Since the parents had always cut the boys’ hair at home I thought it would be interesting to “test out” the salon facet inside the classroom. Ever since the age of eight, the boys won’t get there hair cut by anyone else.

BC: That's so awesome! You rock!

PDK: Thank you! Yes... it's very fulfilling when you can use your craft to help another when possible.

BC: I agree!

BC: As you know I have been doing The Hurricane Sandy Project with several familiar faces and have appreciated your support...being in New Jersey and so close to all the devastation how were you affected?

Penny's children Maria and Nicholas lending a hand for Hurricane Sandy

Penny's hubby John Karagiorgis helping with Hurricane Sandy Relief

PDK: Your welcome and it's for a great cause! I was not directly affected by Hurricane Sandy but I know many who were, both minimally and intensively. I volunteered for the food and clothing distribution center in Little Ferry at the Little Ferry Baseball field for many days following the tragedy. I also let friends who were without power stay at my home until power came back. 

BC:: That's what I love about you...you are so down to earth and giving! 

PDK: I am blessed to be  raised to always help how and whenever I can

BC: Back before Christmas I was invited to New Jersey to an event for Hurricane Sandy  relief thrown by Elvira Grau and Season 5 Housewife Jennifer Dalton but wasn't able to attend due to scheduling conflict...were you able to attend?

PDK: While  I would have loved to attend the event Elvira and Jennifer put on, the work I had been doing for Hurricane Sandy conflicted with the timing of their event.

BC: There are always events so I am sure we will meet up...which brings me to the next question ( both laugh) Tell me about the type events you usually go to...

Penny with Love Majewski from VH1 MobWives 

PDK: The events that I attend are usually charity affairs,  in particular those that deal with cancer, kidney disease and special needs children. My father passed away from cancer while my mother suffered from kidney disease and breast cancer. Likewise, I worked as a special education teacher for years before I opened up my own business. Therefore, I feel that it is integral for me to do as much as possible, to the best of my ability, to help work towards a cure.

BC: I am sorry to hear that about your family... you are very strong woman and we are lucky that you are so 

motivated to find a cure and make the world a better place!

PDK: Thank you for saying, so sweet.

BC: Now on to lighter affairs ( both laugh)...we have to introduce another " character" here! Your hilarious and infamous husband John Karagiorgis!

PDK: ( laughing) I knew it was coming sooner or later!...John and I have been married for thirteen years.

BC: Congrats! As you know Scott and I have been together 12! We are both blessed!

Penny and her husband Johnny at an event

PDK: Yes very!...We wed on October 24th 1999 (because I thought the world was ending in 2000 ( both crack up). 
BC: How did you meet eachother?
PDK: I met John at Club Abyss in Sayerville during Greek Night. 
BC: Just like a movie!
PDK: ( laughs)Yes!...After him pursuing me for months I finally caved in and decided to go out with him.
BC: What was it about John that made you give in?
PDK: It was John’s personality which attracted me to him the most. 

BC: I think your hubby is a great guy and he definitely has captured every ones attention in the media!

PDK: Don't remind me ( laughs)...we should all get together for drinks soon!

BC: I agree!

PDK: I will apologize for him ahead of time ( both laugh)

BC:  It's a deal! In my opinion, Johnny  knows what life is  about...having a good time! He does everything with a sense of humor and he knows what to take seriously and what not to!

BC: So tell me about your kids and your life away from the spotlight...

Proud Dad Johnny with son Nicholas at a Giants game

PDK: My son Nicholas is twelve and my daughter Maria is nine. As for my life at home, my children are my life. No matter what is going on I will drop what I am doing if my children need me. They are my full-time job before my job...and no ... they do not go to Greek school ( laughs) 

Penny behind the scenes at a photo shoot ! 

BC: I always see you photos of you at events and you always look put together, what is your fashion style?

PDK: My fashion motto is: If I like how it looks and if it looks good on me... I’m wearing it!

My wardrobe features everything from high-end designer labels to everyday department store brands.

BC: That's what true style is about...mixing it up!

PDK: Amen!

BC: There are so many rumors swirling around about your business Le Chateau Allure Salon put them to rest now...whats going on?

PDK: I am in the process of relocating and renovating my business. Le Chateau Allure is a full-service European salon and medi-spa. Beyond all hair services I offer everything from weight-loss plans to botox provided by an M.D. The opening may even be documented for television.

BC: Awesome! I can't wait!

PDK: I can't either...it's exciting!

BC: I feel very comfortable with you and I know you believe in equality...where do you stand on Gay Marriage?

PDK: I feel that everybody has a right to love who they choose. I do not think the government should be able to dictate who can marry who and under what pretenses they can do so. There is no reason for gay people to have lived in hiding for so long.

BC: I wish more people felt like you!

PDK: Times are changing and in the future hopefully it will be a non issue!

BC: I Agree!

BC: There are so many things in the media about who you are but in your words tell me who you are

PDK: I really like to think of myself as a down-to-earth person. I know that I am far from perfect. I do make mistakes but I take ownership of everything I say or do. I am confrontational when need be and do not like people who intimidate others. I am very loyal to my friends and will hold his or her hand through hell and back. However, once I cut you out of my life, you are done for good.

BC: As a true Cancer would!

PDK: Yes ( laughs)...I am just a care-free person who likes to go out and have fun. I have even come across my followers from Twitter at various events andactually had a drink with them. I’m just as “normal” as you. 

Dina Manzo, Priscilla DiStasio, and Penny Drossos Karagiorgis

BC: What can you tell readers about season 5 of The Real Housewives of New Jersey?

PDK: As much as I want to have word-vomit right now and tell you everything…I signed something which is pretty much a “gag” order. All I can say is it will be different from last season in ways your readers may find both positive and negative – as with everything.

BC: Everyone is looking forward to the new season and I now they will be looking out for you too!

PDK: You never know where or when I will turn up! ( both laugh)

Girls just want to have fun!

BC: Well thank you for chatting with me and I hope readers can get a better feel for the real Penny that I am getting to know and love!

PDK: Thank you and it was great talking to you  and I will be looking forward to having those drinks soon!

BC: Me Too! Filakia!( kisses in Greek)

PDK: Filakia! ( laughs)

There you have it! I am glad that I could bring you some facts about  Penny Drossos Karagiorgis straight from the source... her!

Penny  is a mother, a wife, a hard worker, someone who enjoys life and gives back when she can! I am sure you will be seeing and hearing a lot more from her coming up and she is the kind of person who makes the world a better place and that's the way I see it Xx Billy Charles

Follow Penny Drossos Karagiorgis  on Twitter @PDKhair

If you enjoy a  good laugh follow her hubby John Karagiorgis on Twitter @JohnnyTheGrk... don't worry he won't bite, unless you want him too! :) lol 

Shastina Eloff's New Song Come Togther Is Available On iTunes!!!

Shastina Eloff is wearing bracelets by Charmed by Charlotte to support
 The Hurricane Sandy Project  available on etsy.

                                                  www.etsy.com/shop/charmedbycharlotte
                                      The bracelets proceeds help North Shore Animal League! 





      Download Come Together on iTunes here!                     https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/come-together-single/id589667697

Shastina Eloff's new song Come Together is finally available for download on iTunes! Please check it out as %100 of the proceeds are going to disaster relief for Hurricane Sandy victims! The song was written and produced with Teddy Sandman for The Hurricane Sandy Project! You don't want to miss this song as  it is truly awesome and a must have for any play list! It is a song with a meaning and a purpose! Please download it today and help us help those in need! 
Thank you and God Bless XO Billy Charles

Please Follow Shastina Eloff and Teddy Sandman on Twitter ! @Shastina_Eloff  @TeddySandman