The Real Housewives Of Orange County Return For An Eighth Season on Bravo TV!

The Real Housewives Of  Orange County premiered  tonight on Bravo TV for an eighth season!
Returning to the show are  " The OG of  The OC"  Vicki Gunvalson,  Gretchen Rossi, Tamra Barney, Heather Dubrow , and despite rumors last year  that she  wasn't returning,  Alexis Bellino has  made a comeback as well. New to the cast this season is Lydia McLaughlin and we also see the return of another Orange County veteran Lauri Peterson. I will be recapping the show live weekly Wed 11am EST with Gina Cutillo,  the star and host of  The Gina Show, on www.inravio.com ( Internet TV and radio )  on a segment called Reality Reel.

The show picked right up after last year's  explosive season seven  reunion where we saw relationships take a turn for the worst and new ones begin. It will be interesting to see how season eight plays out. Vicki Gunvalson and Tamra Barney, who used to be the best of  friends, had a falling out last season and their relationship at this point is in the same place...non existent. Alexis Bellino, who came on the show originally as a very close friend of Gretchen Rossi, also had a falling out with Tamra Barney.
Alexis suffered a troubled friendship  with  Heather Dubrow and Gretchen as well  last season and we see that carrying over into the new show. Heather Dubrow makes it clear right out of the gate that she is not a friend of Alexis Bellino's by saying so and not inviting her to a clam bake at her house where she has invited all the other ladies.

Heather Dubrow returns for  her second season of RHOC 

 Vicki Gunvalson and Alexis Bellino have formed a new friendship which is interesting because when Alexis was new to to the show Vicki gave her a hard time ...she has since apologized and realized they had more in common than she originally thought.

Off camera BFFs Tamra Barney and Gretchen Rossi

Tamra Barney and Gretchen Rossi have become close friends despite the public and relentless media attacks that Tamra launched on Gretchen  trying  to defame her prior to season seven airing. I find it incredibly  confusing that Gretchen forgave such craziness regarding Tamra  but can not move forward with Alexis ( who did seemingly  nothing in comparison )  and who also had her back during that time. I guess we will have to wait until I release my interview with Alexis Bellino to see where their friendship lies now. Along with co owning and opening  a gym... Tamra  and Eddie Judge , her fiancee, have moved in together after Tamra's divorce from Simon and we already hear Tamra calling him controlling in her first interview about their relationship.

Vicky Gunvalso, Briana, and baby Troy!

Briana, Vicki's daughter, gives birth  to a new baby boy named Troy and Vicki couldn't be more thrilled!
We also see that Vicki Gunvalson has had some minor work done ( I think she looks great!) to feel better about herself  after feeling insecure with comments made by viewers of the show and by Slade Smiley, Gretchen Rossi's boyfriend.  Alexis Bellino also debuts a new look which is a shorter hair style sans extensions which I found to be fresh and make a statement in and of itself. Alexis is back and her confidence is showing!

Alexis Bellino and her Fab new hairstyle!

The " OG  of The OC" Vicki Gunvalson

Alexis has purchased a new home with her husband Jim Bellino and things she tells us things are going great!
 In an interview Vicki announces that she is no longer seeing her former  boyfriend, Brook Ayers, with whom she was smitten with last season . Previews of the upcoming season as well as Vicki herself on tonight's Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen had another story...stay tuned.

Lydia McLaughlin and her beautiful family!

 Lydia McLaughlin, owner of Lydia M Jewelry, is  the newest cast member to The OC ,  we will find out that she is also a  friend of Alexis Bellino's ( we have yet to meet her at this point ) . Lauri Peterson, who is no stranger to Reality TV and The OC,  will return to stir things up with the ladies...Vicki Gunvalson in particular. Gretchen and Slade are still going strong as is Gretchen's fashion line " Gretchen Christine" . Slade Smiley is now a radio personality and no longer Gretchen's " honorary assistant" so that will be interesting to see what is in store for them.

Season 8 ski trip with the ladies!

Overall I was happy with tonight's season opener but disappointed to find out that the same
 " Mean girls" routine and attitudes were in effect  amongst certain cast members. Judging by  the Bravo TV  previews we are promised an action packed and drama filled season notorious to The Real Housewives Of Orange County  further solidifying the fact  that The OC still has what is takes to be the longest running Bravo TV Housewives franchise and that is the way I see it ! Xx Billy Charles

Follow the ladies of The OC on Twitter:

Alexis Bellino @AlexisBellino
Vicki Gunvalson @VGunvalson
Lydia McLaughlin @ocLydia
Gretchen Rossi @GretchenRossi
Tamra Barney @TamraBarney
Heather Dubrow @HeatherDubrow
Lauri Peterson @LauriFromRHOC

Tune into Reality Reel on The Gina Show Live Wed 11AM EST  www.inravio.com 
Follow Host Gina Cutillo on Twitter @GinaCutillo

BCNY Music Spotlight : Ramona

The Fabulous Songstress Ramona

Ramona  is a singer/songwriter hailing from Queens NY. Ramona's music  has a very soulful sound and I feel there is a raw passion to her music. In my opinion you can tell she deeply feels the songs that she writes and that is apparent while you are listening. I met Ramona a little over a year ago after her song " Love Under The Sun" had already been released. Ramona not only wrote and sang the song....she produced it as well!

She is currently back and forth to the studio working hard on her new EP titled " Rooting For The Underdog",  holding down a FT job, and living a busy life which includes traveling. Ramona captures you with her music reminiscent of the ways of  such other great R and B divas like Sade,  Chaka Khan , Jill Scott , and Angie Stone. I wanted to share her musical talent with you all because I believe in her ability to transcend all limitations, reach many different demographics, and  ultimately touch her listeners where it counts...in their heart... and that's the way I see it Xx Billy Charles

BC: Where did you grow up?
R: I grew up in South Jamaica, Queens and Long Island, NY

BC: What's your nationality?
R I am of mixed Caribbean ethnicity,  translation...I am a mutt! ( both laugh)

BC:  At what age did you start becoming  interested in music?
R: I would say I became interested in music at the age of four. I can thank a close relative for buying me  my first toy microphone back then because that is what fueled my creative/musical journey thus far.

BC:  When did you decide you would pursue music as a career?
R: Music, pretty much decided for me, as odd as that sounds. So at 19 years old I was hired as a wedding/corporate singer and in the same year realized that I was meant to be an independent singer/songwriter.
BC: Was your family supportive?
R: Yes.

BC: Who are your musical inspirations?
R: I have way too many musical inspirations but they range from Bach and Chopin to Stevie Wonder to Chaka Khan to Led Zepplin to Nas to Lauryn Hill !

BC: If you could...who would you love to work with one day ?
R: I would LOVE to work with Jeff Bhasker, the man is a genius, he has produced and/or written for Beyonce and Alicia Keys, to name a few. I would also love to write for a variety of singers and bands but that would be a scroll.  I would love to duet with Jill Scott, that would give me life!
BC: Yes Child! Giving Me life! That's my favorite saying! ( both laugh) .

BC: Describe your sound to me...
R: My vocal sound is rich, full toned alto, and I sing with purpose.  My musical sound is eclectic and soulful.

" Love Under The Sun" by Ramona Spot Is available on itunes for purchase here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ramona/id492453909



BC: Tell me about your song " Love Under The Sun"...what or who were you inspired by?
R: I wrote "Love Under The Sun" while I was at work, it was raining outside, in the moment feeling quite romantic, and for some reason a scene from the movie "Jason's Lyric" popped in my mind...the rest is history!
BC: What music/projects are you working on currently?
R: Right now I am in the process of recording my EP, "Rooting For The Underdog"

Ramona  :  Rooting For The The Underdog

R: I have been in the studio recording my third piece entitled "When I Close My Eyes"...I'm so excited to share it with you all soon.

BC:  I can't wait! When can we expect a new song available for purchase?
R: My upcoming single "Naked", an acoustic ballad, is slated for release in June of this year on all major mp3 distributors.

BC  What do you want fans to know about who Ramona Spot is?
R:  Ramona is a young woman who has experienced many things, good and bad, and I share my music as a way to relate and connect with people. Writing music is my therapy, singing IS my release.  My music is what gels the whole story together. I work full time, and do the best I can with whatever resources I have, regardless of the limitations and I intend on writing songs for the rest of my life.

BC: Thank you for sharing your talent with my readers! I am excited for your new music and I hope you will come back to www. BillyCharlesNY.com when  your new song is released!
R: Thank you as well for the opportunity and that's a guarantee sweets! ( both laugh).





You can follow and connect with Ramona on Twitter @RamonasSpot

Mangia! In The Kitchen With Billy Charles NY " Chicken Riggies "

Welcome back and hello to all my  friends and followers of Mangia! In The Kitchen With Billy Charles NY.

This is my second personal cooking blog and I look forward to many more as the  first recipe that I shared,
 " Spinach Frittata" , received such a great response. You can read all about it here on my site in the archives! This time I have decided to share an "Upstate NY Italian Classic " and my favorite dish to eat and make with you all..." Chicken Riggies".

As I travel and talk with friends from all over the country I find it interesting that many of them have not heard of this dish but trust me  once they do,  and they make it,  this dish becomes their favorite as well!
 Its' a great Italian dish to share with friends and family and it really is a filling meal. The recipe I am sharing with you will be enough to make two pounds ( maybe a little more ) of  Chicken Riggies! This dish can be tailored to suit all palates and you can make it from mild to very hot depending on the pepper rings that you choose. I prefer mine hot and spicy so I usually make mine with cherry peppers although my hubby like his on the mild side. This time I am making them in between! The longer you simmer the finished sauce and fry the heavy cream and pepper juice will also determine the heat factor as it all ferments. This sauce will last about a good week in the refrigerator and I recommend making the macaroni fresh each time you use it.
I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do and enjoy eating it as well and as always I love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback!
  Mangia! Xx Billy Charles


This dish will take about 45 minutes to prepare ( depending on how fast or slow you are ) and you can cook the finished sauce as long or as little as you want. I make mine ahead and simmer until I make the macaroni when guests arrive !
This dish will feed A LOT of people...

You can use from Mild to Hot pepper rings  and even cherry peppers which they are traditionally made with!

What you will need from your grocery store:

2 1lb cans of  "Delmonte Four Cheese Sauce " ( this is a short cut you can very well use your own homemade red sauce if you have that kind of time...I do not lol )
A three pack of  red, orange, and yellow peppers.
3 Large Green Peppers
A medium or large white onion
1 quart of heavy whipping cream
Mrs Dash Garlic and Herb slat free seasoning
Salt
Peppers
Cooking Oil
Butter ( I use country crock myself)
A jar of your choice of sliced peppers rings in juice ( you will use juice too)
3 lbs of boneless and skinless chicken breast
Two pounds of Rigatoni

Tools you will need:
A large cutting knife for the chicken breast
A cutting board
A spatula
A cooking spoon
A large skillet/frying pan
A colander
A Kettle for the sauce
A separate Kettle for the macaroni to boil in

Step One:

 Open your sauce cans and pour them into a kettle.( My Grandpa is rolling over in his grave as they say)  Make sure that you pass a 1/2 cup of water between the two cans and add as well not wasting any!
My mother always did that growing up and I have also picked it up! Put the sauce on the back burner on low or simmer.

Step Two:

Clean your chicken breast, trim any fat, and cut into " Bite size pieces " making sure that they are uniform in size. I do not like to skimp on the chicken and like there to be a lot for everyone which is why I use 3 lbs. My favorite brand is Perdue Boneless/ Skinless chicken breast as it is always consistent in my opinion. As always use what makes you happy!

Step Three:

Fry your chicken up using a couple table spoons of butter on a high setting. My frying pan is big enough for all the chicken and if yours is not you may end up having to do  two batches! About half way through cooking when it is white on one side begin to season it up good with your Mrs Dash Garlic and Herb as this is the only seasoning you will be using ( a tip that i received from my sister and it makes our stand out from the rest ). Make sure that you flip the chicken breast chunks and it is white on both sides. Don't worry about cooking it too thoroughly as it will finish cooking when you add it to the sauce that is simmering. 

Mrs Dash Garlic and Herb is an amazing seasoning!

Step Four:

Add the finished fried chicken chunks to the sauce that you have on the burner and stir distributing the chicken evenly.

Step Five:

Remove your pan from the stove and rinse and wipe it as you will be using it again! Clean and gut your peppers in cool water being sure to remove all the seeds. You will want to cut these into bite size pieces ( I tear them with my hands ) and also do the same with your onion . I mix mine all together in the colander and after rinsing. You then want to add a few table spoons of cooking oil to your frying pan and get it nice and hot . Once it is ready add the peppers onions and frying them up using salt and pepper to taste.  

Step Six: 

When they are on the softer side and no longer crisp add the peppers to your red sauce with the chicken and stir.

If you could smell this!

Step 7:

Strain your pepper rings being sure to save the juice from the jar. You can now add them to the already hot frying pan and fry them up. Once they are on the slightly crisp side you can add your pepper juice and heavy cream to the frying pan bringing it to a biol and then reducing it.

Step 8: 

Once the mixture of  heavy cream, pepper rings, and pepper juice is good an fermented you can add that to your red sauce which has been simmering with the chicken and peppers and the sauce is finished!

Scrumptious!

Step 9:

Prepare and boil your Rigatoni as per instructions on the bag or box. When the macaroni  is done boiling,  and is cooked how you prefer, strain it in the sink and return it to the kettle.
 I then take a ladle and evenly distribute enough sauce, peppers, and chicken evenly to cover the rigatoni  as I am mixing it with a spatula. All there is to do now is eat ( Mangia ) and enjoy!

" Upstate NY Italian Classic : Chicken Riggies " 

Fun fact :
 I have made trays of these for friends and parties and they are always the first food to disappear!

 Thank you for taking time to read my blog!  I hope you decide to  make this wonderful and delicious
" Upstate NY Italian Classic " and share it with your family and friends!
You are also welcome to share your  thoughts with me!
You can follow me on Twitter @BillyCharlesNY or email me BillyCharlesNY@aol.com Xx BC

Working It Out With Isabela Staycer Creator of " Bela's Brazilian Bootcamp" !

Isabela Staycer

Isabela Staycer is a woman on a mission...and that  mission is to change " The world one fit body at a time". Isabela Staycer is a personal trainer and runs " Isabela's Brazilian Bootcamp" which is guaranteed to get you in the best shape of your life! Isabela is a friend of mine and I wanted to share her story as well as her  enthusiasm for health, wellness, and fitness with you all! Isabela is one of those people who lives her life with passion ...truly savoring all the best that life has to offer! She is smart,  funny, sarcastic, open minded , and we became fast friends! I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did and that's the way I see it !

Xx Billy Charles

BC: Tell me about your background and where you grew up? 

IS: I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and grew up in front of the Beach – my parents still live in the same place where I spent my childhood – Barra da Tijuca – the best surf spot in the city.

BC: What was living in Brazil like and do you miss it?

IS:  I miss my parents, I miss Barra Beach and Buzios. My parents have a beach house there where we spent the weekends. It has since become a destination where you can spot celebrities like Gisele and Tom Brady looking for some peace, sun in a very chic and cosmopolitan setting.

BC: You are living in San Fran now what led up to that? 

IS: One of my favorite stories: my now husband and I met in the OC (cue the many Real Housewives encounters!) but were fed up with the very conservative ways of the area. We decided to get married at the City Hall here in San Francisco as a protest against Prop 8!

BC: Have you always had a passion for health and fitness? 

IS: Yes. My parents are my greatest inspiration: they were macrobiotics before Madonna, took me to the gym as a teenager and encouraged me to dance and body board (I ended up a champion of the state of Rio de Janeiro at 16 years old in body boarding; and have danced for companies in many cities and countries).

Graceful in her movements

BC: Tell me about your training or schooling... 

IS: I became certified in Pilates to improve my ballet career. I was certified by a PMA endorsed studio, worked in a hospital and physical therapy facilities with Pilates for rehab. However, my real passion is using my trademarked workout Bela’s BrazilianBootcamp, Pilates, pure fitness moves to maximize performance and minimize risk of injury in athletes: from the pros to the " average joes" .

With Bravo TV's Emily Morse from Miss Advised

BC: What workouts are you doing with your clients currently?

IS:  I always do a fusion of all of the techniques I have in my bag of tricks. Unlike many trainers that provide somewhat similar workouts for many of their clients, I design specific workouts to address specific goals and needs. In fashion terms: it is the difference between buying off the rack and buying Haute Couture.

BC: What type of workout would you recommend  for people who are just starting out ?

IS: I recommend purchasing at least 1 session with a trainer. That trainer should be able to design a workout that the client can do on his/her own. I encourage my clients to walk/hike for cardio, and give them mini-workouts that they do when they don’t get to see me! I’m a control freak, hands-on trainer, but that quality has allowed me to train clients all over the world. Next: Skype sessions with your favorite Brazilian.

BC: What kind of foods do you eat and what would you suggest to someone just starting out on a healthy lifestyle change?

IS: I recommend what I call 5/2 ratio: 5 days of clean eating (proteins, lots of veggies, whole grain carbs, some healthy fats) and 2 days of allowing yourself to indulge. My clients and I train harder so that we can eat a little more.

Another Bela Tip: when you indulge, you get to pick 1 thing – make it good, make it your favorite. Mine?Cheesecake, pizza, 1 glass of red wine (not all on the same night!).

BC: What are some misconceptions/obstacles about working out and how do you help clients overcome them?

IS: The biggest obstacle is building the rapport with a client. Trust me, I’m the “Butt” Doctor (a well earned nickname), I will deliver results. Don’t deprive of your favorite things; instead make a calorie budget that you can choose from.

BC: Tell me about your personal workout routine ... 

IS: I workout 6 days a week: doing one of my classes with my people (very often, I’m like: all my god, you’re such a crazy bitch, this is hard, I want to stop, but I don’t. My people look up to me!); I hike and do longwalks 2+ hours with my husband on the weekends.

People: if you just walk to and from work or during lunchtime, you are already ahead of the game!

BC: What are some of your favorite things? 

IS: Sports: I’m a total jock and will watch as many games as I’m allowed (especially my football and my Philadelphia Eagles); the arts (dance, museums, photography…); causes (gay rights, animal rights, HIV and cancer cures); traveling (East Coast and Europe); wine, laughing, being silly with my husband, the color grey (thunderstorms, winter, overcast skies – the only Brazilian who detests the sun!)

BC: What are a few things that bother you? 

IS: I cannot stand bigotry, people who are mean to animals, older people or kids (pick someone your own size, bullies!), dishonesty, lack of authenticity. I dislike people who are dull, obsequious, fake and who overall try to hard. If you’re cool and lucky, we may be friends. Maybe.  

BC: So what do you Like to do for fun?...what are your other passions besides working out? 

IS: Hanging out with my husband (when you’re paired up with the right person, you don’t have to do much); Going to the movies, watching my Reality TV and my sports, being a tourist in our own city and exploring; watching my husband cook (I cook NOTHING because I hate knives and fire – my story and I’m sticking up with it); studying French.

The ever chic Isabela Staycer

BC: What do you want people reading to know about whoIsabela Staycer is? 

IS: I’m a Brazilian/Portuguese/American who has 3 passports, but is not a spy. I moved here as a teenagerand was able to make my own American dream a reality. My soul animal is a cat: don’t come to me, I’ll come to you, maybe, in my own time. I’m like the Mafia: if I like you, you’re MADE for life; if I don’t like you, yeah, I wouldn’t want to be you either.

Isabela takes many of her workouts to the outdoors!

BC:  ( Both laugh) Where can we find you and how would someone contact you to be trained by you? 

IS: You can contact me via email istaycer@gmail.com on Facebook at Isabela Staycer (I post workouts periodically to all of my friends as a gift to the world) or Twitter at @iStaycer.

I’ll find a way to make you fit me in your budget and schedule anywhere in the planet!

My Goal: CHANGE THE WORLD ONE FIT BODY AT A TIME.

BC: I wish you continued success and thank you for sharing your story with me!

IS: Thank you for sharing my story and if your readers ever need tips you know where to find me!

BCNY Music Spotlight: Gina Cutillo

Gina Cutillo " The Lover"

Gina Cutillo's latest collection of songs will get you up and moving!  Her latest CD is titled "The Lover" and
I would describe  the vibe of the music as dance, pop, and rock!  The overall  feel of this album is sexy, upbeat, and gets you moving! This album would make a great road trip CD or a fun party soundtrack!
 Gina is a very talented writer and the  passion that she puts into writing each of her songs is evident!
Some of my favorite tracks on this album are Lets Just Go, Remember You, Get Down , and You and I Forever ( a slower more romantic song written for her husband Craig Seigelbaum ).

                                     " Remember You " is also the theme song for The Gina Show



Gina is very busy these days with a her role as new mother, musician, wife, and now talk show host!
 You can see another creative, as well as very funny ,  side of Gina Cutillo on The Gina Show live weekly Wednesday's 11 am EST on www.inravio.com. Internet television and radio which is  broadcasting to
 6 billion people worldwide!
Gina is also a humanitarian and some of the proceeds of  her songs on Reverb Nation are being donated to
 " Half The Sky Movement"  turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide !

You can read more about " Half  The Sky Movement " here:

http://www.halftheskymovement.org

Quote from her Reverb Nation Bio:

" Signed with APM the biggest licensing company in the world, Gina Cutillo and company are having their way with TV, Film and Commercials. Gina's songs can be heard on Oprah's OWN network, Nickelodeon, Mean Girls 2, Barbara Walters, Hyundai Elantra, MLB baseball, Food Network , Degrassi and more "

I promise that Gina Cutillo and The Lover will not disappoint ! I have been playing it non stop since I received my copy!
Please check out Gina's music today and you can listen before you buy while also helping  a great cause...look for the songs marked with the red heart! Gina Cutillo is a fabulous singer, songwriter, musician and all around fun gal and that's just the way I see it Xx Billy Charles

You can check out " The Lover" by Gina Cutillo here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/ginacutillo


Follow Gina Cutillo on Twitter @GinaCutillo

Check out The Gina show weekly @inravio
www.inravio.com