Dina Manzo Warns Other ‘Housewives’ Ready To Quit

Popbytes.com:

Ex “Real Housewife” of New Jersey, Dina Manzo, told me backstage at “New York Live” that other ladies currently on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” are not having fun anymore and might follow Manzo’s precedent and say goodbye to the show.


“Well it didn’t feel good anymore,” Manzo told host Sara Gore and me, while promoting her new HGTV reality show “Dina’s Party.” “It wasn’t fun and I woke up one morning and [thought] ‘what am I doing? I don’t like doing this. I don’t have to do this.’ And that’s where that fine line comes. You can leave. I wouldn’t put my daughter on anymore [during] season 2, my husband never wanted to be on. So you have that choice. I don’t blame Bravo. I don’t blame production ’cause at any time you, you do sign a contract, but you can play chess. Say, okay fine come on over and film me washing my dishes.”


And although the current cast was rushed back into filming another season before this one, which captures Teresa Giudice’s financial disaster, has even finished airing, Manzo tells me it might be the last for more than one of the housewives. She also confessed that, in her opinion, Bravo was too quick to air “The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills” after the suicide of Russell Armstrong.


“I really thought it was going to [be] postponed a bit … People forget that it’s really our lives it’s not just a scripted show,” Manzo said. “So it’s a very hard thing for the audience to remember for that second. This really happened in someone’s life … So, I thought they would wait a little bit longer but my god, what a situation.”

Dina's full of it and she's clearly not telling the whole story here. First, Dina tried to pin Danielle with being the sole reason she left (that along with all the supposed negative energy RHONJ was bringing to Project Ladybug) RHONJ. Come to find out later that as much Dina claims to not like drama (much less the spotlight), now she's about to do her 3rd different reality TV show. Then too everyone knows that Dina and Teresa are besties so clearly there's some underlying drama with what's now happening on the show and Teresa's relationship with Caroline (who just happens to be Dina's older sister and who has time and again shown that she has the balls to call out Teresa's stupidity on air). I mean, who knows if Dina's relationship with Teresa is effecting her relationship with Caroline, but what we do know is that the Manzo family isn't as innocent and tight as they like to claim. And Dina, instead of just moving on with the life, doesn't need to be speaking negatively about Bravo or RHONJ unless she has a bone to pick (i.e. Teresa's true colors coming out and how that puts a bad light on her BFF).

Dina Manzo Speaks On Entertaining And Her New Show "Dina's Party"

ShelterPop.com:

The event designer and former housewife of New Jersey has teamed with HGTV for show on party-planning. We sat down with her to chat about the new series and got some pointers from her on how to entertain on the fly.


Dina Manzo might be most recognized for her brief stint as one of the ladies on the Real Housewives of New Jersey, but she's a lot more. Manzo, a designer who runs the event-planning firm Design Affair has put together lavish dinner parties and soirees for some of the most fashionable A-listers coast-to-coast. Now she's coming out with Dina's Party, a series about throwing glamorous parties on the fly, which premieres on HGTV this Saturday at 10PM/9 central.


Manzo took some time out of the busy schedule to talk to us about the show, the emotional men on it, and how to entertain...the right way.


1. Were there any memorable homeowners that you worked with on your new show?
They were all wonderful but I was lucky enough to do some parties for some personal friends. The pilot is for one of my very best friends who's moving to Dallas, TX. It was his surprise going away and he had no idea. I put it together with his partner and he had no idea at all! When I have a connection with the person, that's when it's the most amazing.


2. What's your favorite part of every show?
The reveal. It's when I finally get to surprise them and people can't even believe it.
Especially the men involved...they got quite emotional about the reveal.


3. What was your favorite party theme in the show?
There was a Vegas episode that was lots of fun. It was a birthday party for a gentleman who loves Vegas. Being married with children, it wasn't as easy for him to get away so we brought Vegas to New Jersey. And one of the things we did was recreate the hand-blown chandeliers in the hotels and hung them above the dinner table.


There was also an episode in the Hamptons when I was actually on vacation during month of July, and they tricked me into throwing a party there. It was for a socialite who's used to the red carpet soirees but we gave them a homegrown Hamptons for something a little different.


4. Funniest moment?
Well it wasn't a funny one, but one of my favorite moments was at the surprise party for my friend. He walked in and had no clue and everyone was crying.


The weather in New Jersey has been insane, from hurricanes and tornadoes coming through. And throughout the pilot there was a blizzard. It's like I've gone through every weather that you can think of. Looking back, it's funny now but not at the time.


5. Was there anything unexpected that came up for you as an event designer?
We had three days to make phone calls and set up everything up and throw the party. Usually I have around 6 months. I have to say I was surprised that I was able to pull everything together.


6. We're quickly approaching the holidays, which is when a lot of entertaining takes place. We'd love some of your tips. First off, how do you get people to RSVP to one of your events?
I'm totally against an Evite. It's so impersonal and you see everyone who's declined. Invitation by snail mail is old fashioned, but that's unexpected and it gets people excited about the theme of the party. I usually put together a little sneak peak arrangement to include in the mail invite to give people an idea of the decor and it gets people to want to see what the party will be like. Just remember to send your invites out 8 weeks in advance so you're the first one that gets to their door because if you're too late they'll have committed to something else during the holidays and all the other events.

RELATED: 'Dina's Party' premieres tomorrow. See our Q&A with the new HGTV star

Dina Manzo Talks About Life After 'Housewives'

TheInsider.com:

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo chatted with The Insider, revealing why she has no regrets about leaving Housewives for her own reality show called Dina's Party.


"[Dina's Party is] less drama," Dina said through a knowing smile. "Nobody wants to skin me ... I don't think."


Dina's new show follows the special events planner as she transforms her clients' homes to fulfill their fantasy for their special occasion, which includes weddings, anniversaries, graduation parties, etc.


Although she's glad to be off the show, Dina still credits Housewives with furthering her career.


"I say Bravo gave Project Ladybug and my foundation for children with cancer its wings and I am forever grateful," said Dina. "As talented as I am, I don't think HGTV would've found me without being on Bravo."


Project Ladybug is a charity that strives to improve the outcome of children with life-threatening conditions by improving the quality of life of those children and their families.


Dina's Party airs Saturday nights on HGTV.

Dina Manzo Debuts Event-Planning Series On HGTV

NorthJersey.com:

She's wearing a second-hand dress — something you'd never have caught her in on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" — as she orchestrates a party on a budget, a clothing swap where each guest will get a purple tote bag that screams, "Recessionista."


HGTV's "Dina's Party" is a long way from Bravo's "RHONJ" — and that's just the way Dina Manzo likes it.


"This is a grueling schedule, but at least I go home with my soul intact," the Franklin Lakes reality-TV veteran says of her new show, which will officially debut Sept. 10 but gets a sneak preview at 10 tonight. "The other one, you showed up, you had the argument, you went home."


Tonight's "Dina's Party" preview — which follows Manzo's appearance as a guest judge on "HGTV Design Star" — features a cowboy-themed bon voyage bash for Manzo's pal Ron Corning, a former "Good Day New York" co-anchor, who took a TV job in Dallas.


"Basically, we throw fabulous events at people's homes," Manzo says. "In every episode, there's some kind of renovation or transformation."

Dina Manzo on Why Teresa Giudice & Melissa Gorga Just Can't Get Along

People.com:

Former The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo has a theory about Teresa Giudice's rocky relationship with fellow housewife and sister-in-law Melissa Gorga. Their rivalry, she says, is actually a result of love.


"It all stems from the love of a brother and sister," she told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live Sunday night. "So they need to step back and all realize that [the drama is] a lot of BS."


Manzo, 39, says Giudice's brother Joe, Gorga's husband, "admires" his sister – but that high regard backfires, as it did at the christening ceremony of the couple's son.


The family feud erupted after Joe called his sister "garbage" at the affair, which was hosted by Gorga. And when it comes to drama, Manzo says, "girls can be bitchier."


"She just blurts it out," she says of Giudice. "There's no filter, so that can piss people off."

Damn, I wish Dina would return to RHONJ, just for the simple fact of how hot she still looks.

Dina Manzo, Caroline Manzo And Teresa Giudice Speak @ Project Ladybug's Wine, Women & Shoes 5th Annual Ladies Night Out

Dina Manzo To Host 'Wine Women & Shoes' Fundraiser For Project Ladybug May 23

PRlog.org:

The Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital announces its fifth annual Ladies Night Out event, Wine, Women, and Shoes, on Monday, May 23, 2011 from 7-11pm at the Brownstone in Paterson, NJ.


Project Ladybug founder Dina Manzo will partner with the Active Center for Health and Wellness in Hackensack, NJ to host Wine, Women, and Shoes an evening of “sole-searching” and wine-tasting to raise funds for childhood cancer patients. Guests will enjoy an evening of wine, food, and luxury boutique shopping amongst the industry’s leading shoe and accessory designers while fundraising to benefit Project Ladybug’s Fund. Attendees will place their bids on an array of items featured in the Glass Slipper Silent Auction and Tricky Tray. Guests will also be invited to purchase keys for the Key to the Closet contest in which one lucky key will open up a closet full of luxury fashion items, gift certificates and other treasures.


“Every year this event draws in more supporters who recognize the importance of giving back to children who are in need,” says Dina Manzo, founder of Project Ladybug. “We want to continue to educate people about the reality of childhood cancer, and how they can contribute to making a difference while enjoying a Ladies Night Out.”


A fresh take on fundraising, the evening invites guest to wear their favorite shoes and shop exclusive vendors including Saks Fifth Avenue, Mallory Musante, Co Co boutique and My Peace and Love. Participating wineries include Opici Wine Group, Blackstone Winery, Women of the Vine and Robert Mondavi Wine. Guests will also be treated to relaxing wellness treatments from Active Center for Health & Wellness including chair massages, hand facials and Reiki. 

For more on Project Ladybug go HERE.

Dina Manzo Lands Show On HGTV

TheCelebrityCafe.com:

Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo announced Friday that she is teaming up with HGTV for her own TV show.


"Yes even tho I'm part of the HGTV family now u will still see me on @BravoTV here & there! Sooner than you think ; )" the 39-year-old wrote on her Twitter.


The untitled series will revolve around Manzo’s event business, Designer Affair, with each episode featuring a different extravagant event for Manzo’s clients, reports Variety.


According to Us Magazine, the series is set to premiere in September.


"Dina is an accomplished interior designer and also runs a thriving event planning business--her Real Housewives fans will be surprised to see this side of her,” HGTV General Manager Kathleen Finch said in a statement.


“Dina brings a unique set of skills to HGTV,” Finch added.

Dina Manzo in Chicago Promoting Charity

SunTimes.com:

When last we saw her, Dina Manzo was renouncing the world of wealth-fueled catfights and marathon shopping sprees, calling it quits on “Real Housewives of New Jersey.”


In Chicago this week, the former cast member of the highest-rated installment in Bravo’s popular reality TV franchise, said her focus these days is raising money to help families fighting pediatric cancer, through her three-year-old foundation, Project Ladybug,


“Thank God I haven’t personally been affected in my own family, but my dad was always a huge supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital when I was a kid,” Manzo said at the Drake Hotel Tuesday. Manzo was in town for three days to promote an April 7 fundraiser for her newly established Chicago chapter of the foundation.


“There are a lot of wonderful charities you can help, but these children don’t make this choice. They should be running, jumping and playing. Instead, their lives are hospitals and treatments,” said the woman known more for the lavish lifestyle she and her sister Caroline Manzo, sister-in-law Jacqueline Laurita, family friend Teresa Giudice and trouble-maker Danielle Staub lead in affluent Franklin Lakes, N.J.


Halfway through last year’s second season, Manzo left the New Jersey series — fourth in the franchise showcasing lives of wealthy housewives in Orange County, New York City and Atlanta — to avoid conflict with Staub.


The Chicago chapter of her foundation, Atia’s Project Ladybug Fund, is named for three-year-old leukemia patient Atia Lutarewych of the West Town neighborhood, who was diagnosed at 17 months and is a patient at University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital.

Celebrity Red Carpet Interviews from Marc Bouwers 3D Fashion Show 2011 (Teresa Guidice, Alex McCord, Jacqueline Laurita & Dina Manzo Interviewed)

Dina Manzo Returning To TV

Popeater.com:

Dina Manzo may have walked off 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey,' but her TV career is far from over. With a project in the works, Manzo is excited to return to TV. "You'll see my face pop up on TV in the near future. I'm working on something very exciting, but it's not reality TV," she slyly tells PopEater.


Manzo, who admits she's "happier than ever" since quitting the franchise, still roots for her former castmates. "I love them all. They're great. The show just wasn't for me. I'm a private person," she revealed at Bravo's New Year's Eve party in New York.


Ringing in the New Year, Manzo, a self-described "workaholic," said her resolution is to let loose and start having more fun.


"I am always so goal-oriented and serious. I want to stop and smell the roses, live in the moment and enjoy life," she says.

Giggy and Grandma Wrinkles Tie The Knot

Source

Dina Manzo To Teen Daughter: Don't Buy Into The Commercialism Of The Holidays

Celebritybabyscoop.com:

Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Dina Manzo is the "happiest" she's ever been since creating Project Ladybug, a non-profit organization that helps enrich the lives of children with life-threatening conditions. The mom-of-one opens up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about the importance of giving back, her "pretty amazing" 14-year-old daughter Lexi, and her plans to return to the small screen soon.


CBS: Tell us about Project Ladybug and the launch of Julien's Project Ladybug Fund at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.


DM: "Sloan has been so welcoming to Ladybug and has embraced our mission by working alongside us every step of the way. Our shared goal is to see these children leave the Center on their way back to full recovery. Their well-being is top priority.


People from all over the world come to Sloan for treatment and Ladybug will raise funds for plane tickets so families can be together during these trying times. Among many other things, we will also host birthday parties and holidays too. I believe that mindset is half the battle, so Ladybug will give kids incentives for treatments. The goal here is to change their mindset of chemo from a negative to a positive.


Think like a kid. If you knew each time you had to do something challenging it might make it a little less scary if there was something to look forward to in the end. On a case by case basis, they will be able to choose a 'prize' that they will receive at the end of treatment. They will receive points towards this prize with each treatment."


CBS: Why is this project so close to your heart?


DM: "Julien’s Project Ladybug fund is named after an 8 year old boy named Julien Collot that was diagnosed with Adult Leukemia. Julien had two bone marrow transplants and is currently free of Leukemia but now suffers from Graft-Versus-Host Disease, a serious complication from the transplant. After all he’s been through, he embodies the spirit of Lady Bug. He makes everyone smile and lifts everyone's spirits!


His mom Jacqueline and I share the same passion for this cause. She has her own foundation that raises money for research at Sloan and now she’s my partner in this NY Ladybug fund. I was so inspired by her and just fell in love with her and her son. I am proud to call her my friend."


CBS: Tell us about your teenage daughter Lexi. How old is she? What is she into?


DM: "I am so proud of her. For a 14 year old girl, it’s pretty amazing that she loves nothing more than to give back. She’s a freshman in high school and has started a chapter for Ladybug there. They organize things like car washes and bake sales and they make cards and deliver gifts too.


She was approached to do modeling etc. when I was on the show, but she wasn’t that interested. She even said to me, 'I don’t want to just be famous - I want to be a role model for young girls and give back.' She is such a good person and she has a huge heart. Don't get me wrong, she's still 14 and loves to hang out with her girlfriends and drive me nuts, but for the most part I think she's a pretty exceptional young lady."

Dina Manzo and Project Ladybug Are Coming To Chicago

Examiner.com:

See kiddos? Christmas dreams do come true. If you've been wondering why my recaps are late this week, it's because I've been getting my guest room ready for my Blesséd Santa Dina de la Ladybug's arrival to our wonderful city December 16th. And by "guest room" I mean futon in my office. I have filled all the bedrooms in this house having babies like it's my job to populate the earth. But I think Dina will like staying here in the good ol' Western Burbs...if she can overlook Mr. Jenn's aversion to bathrobes leading to possible morning nudity, my 421 children, the neighbor lady who stumbles home from the bar and occasionally finds herself sleeping on my porch...it'll be fun, we have wine!


She doesn't know she's staying with me yet...just a detail we need to work out. It was a lot of work booking every single hotel in northern Illinois so she has no choice :)


No, Dina's not coming to town just to have a sleepover at my house, just kidding. She's actually coming here to launch Atia's Project Ladybug Fund at Comer Children's Hospital. The fund is in the name of fellow Chicago Now blogger and newly minted fancy-pants published author Laura Lutarewych's daughter, Atia, a little girl fighting ALL leukemia. You can learn more about Atia's journey by reading Ay Mama! every Tuesday.


In addition to launching Project Ladybug, The Hyatt Regency and Dina are hosting a happy hour meet and greet Thursday December 16th in the Crystal Ballroom from 5pm-7pm. Tickets are $30 at the door and include cocktails and hors d'oeurves. All profits will benefit children battling cancer at Comer's. If you are interested in attending you need to RSVP to chicagofund@projectladybug.org space is limited, no procrastinating allowed!

Dina Manzo Talks Leaving 'Housewives' to Help Children With Cancer

Parentdish.com:

Dina Manzo is no ordinary housewife.


The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star found fame as cameras followed her life, but she decided to step away from the hit Bravo series during its second season. Now she's using her notoriety to launch Project Ladybug, a new initiative to provide resources to seriously ill pediatric patients and their families as they face lengthy treatment regimens.


Manzo has a 14-year-old daughter, Lexi, from her first marriage, and she is now married to Tommy Manzo (the couple tied the knot in 2006 on VH1's "My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.") ParentDish recently sat down with Manzo, 39, who told us why helping others has become her purpose in life.


Parent Dish: How and why did you start Project Ladybug?
Dina Manzo: My dad was always a big supporter of St. Jude. I remember seeing all of these plaques from Marlo Thomas all over my house. When I was young, it was my dad who taught me about giving back even when times were tough. As I grew older and became an event planner I began thinking, "Hey, I can throw a party for a great cause."


PD: Why use a ladybug as a symbol?
DM: I have always had a little something for ladybugs and every time something special in my life happened I always saw a ladybug. The only time I didn't see one was after my daughter, Lexi, was born and that's when I knew Lexi was my ladybug and I started calling her that as her nickname.


PD: So, that's how you came up with the name for your charity?
DM: Actually, the name was Lexi's idea. I was scratching my head trying to come up with a name and Lexi was like, "Ma, Ladybug!"


PD: What is the mission of Project Ladybug?
DM: Our goal is to create a positive environment while the children are being treated. We do everything from decorating the hallways, the treatment rooms and, at our New Jersey chapter, we are raising funds for a rooftop playground. We also do everything we can to keep a smile on these children's faces, such as getting laptop computers so they can be home schooled, purchase their wigs or throw them a holiday party. If we keep their mindset positive while they are in treatment, their outcome will be a good one.

Six Things You Never Knew About Dina Manzo

Hollywoodlife.com:

One of our favorite HollyMoms, Dina Manzo, has a lot to brag about. After leaving The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Dina has been keeping busy as the President and Founder of Project Ladybug, her charity that enriches the lives of children with life threatening conditions. This philanthropist and fashionista is also a full time mom — her daughter Lexi is 14. We thought we knew everything about this Jersey girl, but we were wrong!


* I love the smell of horse breath & gasoline (but not together).


* I had really bad hair for most of my childhood. I was the youngest of 11, and my mom had no time!


* I love children, old people and animals, and will cry at most anything that has to do with them.


* I had a mad crush on David Letterman and King Kong (yes, the ape!) as a child.


* I drive like a man.


* I believe I have truly found my life’s purpose since founding Project Ladybug and working with children with cancer.

Danielle Staub Talks Sex Tapes, Karma, Girl-on-Girl Bullying and Caroline Manzo

Damn, this gets pretty ugly, but we're talking about Danielle Staub here so expect no less:

Remember when being considered a "housewife" was a bad thing? Well, it's 2010 and housewives are considered to be pretty fierce...even if you're an ex-housewife. Danielle Staub, who was part of season one and two of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, was rumored to be fired by Bravo. But that isn't the only recent hearsay about the reality star. There are rumors that she's a lesbian, an ex-con, and possibly the most hated person on TV.

So when Cultist got the chance to chat with Ms. Staub, whose Miami event (Jersey-ween) was canceled the day of the interview, we wanted to clear the air. Staub was ready to bare all and talked about her sex tape, how being Sicilian helps her understand what it's like to be black, why Bravo should have pulled the other housewives off her, and a few threats about karma being a bitch. The cherry on top? News of a Danielle Staub fitness video.

New Times: We're sad you won't be joining us in South Florida for Halloween.

I know, it would have been nice. I could have gotten a little bit of color.
Does coming to Miami bring up memories of your past?

I have moved on from everything that doesn't make me feel good. There are parts of Miami and my life in Miami that I love. It wasn't all bad. I got arrested, that was the bad part. I went there with my first love; it's in my book. But we were teenagers; we were young. Florida will always be one of my homes.
Did you and Bravo have a mutual break up or were you fired?

Yeah, it was totally mutual. I didn't want to return at all. I realized I can do a lot better. I can take my ratings and go anywhere.
Do you regret doing the show?

Not for a second. I don't live by regrets. I live by experiences. There are a lot of people that truly relate to me. I didn't hide. I didn't run. I embraced it and left my mark. I'm a published author, I'm a recorded artist, I have two incredible children with their own entities going on, I have shown what kind of mother I am through my children. People have nothing but love for me. Gay, straight, black, white, rich, poor--I have been it all, I relate to it all. I haven't been black, but I'm Sicilian.
How do you think Bravo portrayed you?

I think they did their best to make sure their ratings were met. They lost sight of the fact that, and I'm going to say this very delicately, I am a human being and I'm a mother. And they should have corralled up their animals every once in a while. What they allowed to happen to me is bullying. I refuse to believe that is OK in anyone's eyes. I don't care if you hate my guts, it's wrong to do that to another person. What if I were too weak and considered doing something to hurt myself? Because they tore at me enough to do so. They ganged up on me. They never once gave me a chance to breathe and just be me. In the presence of Andy, I think at both reunions that he should have stepped in and said that's fucking enough.
So it's safe to say you and the ladies are no longer friends?

I wouldn't call them ladies, but yes.
Is it hard to have ladies you once had in your home and around your kids betray you, even testify against you in court?

I think all their karma is flying in. I don't have to do much. They keep destroying themselves. People lie about somebody and it's going to come back 10x to you. Look at what's going on with Theresa right now. There's my point. The rest of them have it coming too. Look at Dina -- look how miserable she is. She has no husband, she can't do the show, her ex-husband she fights with, she forged contracts, her Ladybug thing is under investigation. Caroline, your father-in-law was murdered and chopped up and placed in front of the brownstone, your father did time in prison leaving 11 kids behind. Let's see, your best friend is in prison now for taking bribes from the mob and jeopardizing homeland security, but I am garbage? For what I did 27 years ago, when I was younger than your children, who you're still tying ties for and shoes for? Karma is a bitch.

Dina Manzo Place Setting Decor

Dina Manzo teaches you how to decorate your seasonable table with place settings at a very low price. Great way to start the fall and upcoming holidays.

Danielle Staub Says Dina Manzo Still Texts Her

EOnline.com:

Danielle Staub may not be living near her Real Housewives of New Jersey costars anymore, but she says one of them is still in touch.


But they're not exactly exchanging pleasantries...


"Dina [Manzo] texts me," Staub told me the other day. "Yep, Dina—who's not even on the Housewives anymore. She's hanging for dear life. Shut the f--k up, Dina!"


Uh-oh!


"She's threatening me," Staub claimed. "She's an idiot. I don't answer them."


Manzo begs to differ. "I left for a reason to get her out of my life," she said. "I wish she would just do the same and move on."


Staub also said that she was hospitalized during season two when she was writing her autobiography, The Naked Truth. She said rehashing her troubled younger years took a toll on her. "I got to write my book, which was extremely healing and difficult, but there were times when I just got sick," she said. "When you're I was hospitalized for three days, but for three months I was very ill. It was all my intestines and my head hurt. I didn't feel good."

One question for Dina: is husband Tommy still alive? Funny that as much as we continue to see Dina and Lexi all over the place, you never see Tommy anywhere. Hmmm.

Dina Manzo Talks Fall Decorating