Mary, You are my favorite! You are so genuine and classy! You looks great! Enjoy watching you on the show!

Dear Mary,

I really enjoy all that you do on the show especially the closet the episodes. That is the way I feel about my closet; however, I do not have children but I do have a mother that likes to help herself without asking. I understand!

Good luck with the show,

Margaret in New Orleans

Mary, you have the most gorgeous skin! You positively glow on screen. You look like you're closer to your daughter's age, do you get that a lot? Love you and your family on the show.

You're awesome Mary!!

I just love your spirit. BTW - My closet is locked as well. But I like to bio method. That is a true mom of a twenty something. God Bless.

Dear Mary, With blogs like this it only confirmed for me that I really love your personality, you are very educated and a very sweet soul. Of course I know we are not perfect and I am sure you are not either but I wanted to tell you that you are my favorite lady on the show. It almost feel that the show itself doesn't fit you but I guess is fun and an experience.

:) Blessings Ana

Mary, I just love you and your family. I can truly relate to your friendships with the other women, especially Stacie and Cat. Looking forward to watching what happens next.

Love watching you and the other women Mary. I really relate to your personality the most. Oh and I'm jealous because your friend Mr. Will Thomas from the DC Fox channel has been my secret crush for a long time.

I do have a question. Do you have a special hair treatment? Your hair is so pretty and looks so healthy. I could use a little help in that department.

Thank you, from Paula in Reston, VA

I really think true honesty is a hard thing to come by as we watch these housewives shows. However yours comes shining through. Thanks for that. I do have to chuckle everytime I think of you having a full blown sercurity system for your closet. What's next , a tracking chip in every piece of clothing, shoes, handbags, ect.? lol

Mary, do like you but PLEASE refrain from saying you never talk about otheres when you clearly do..its worst when you say you don't then you say nothing at all. Also I personally cannot relate at all to your locking you closet door. I have 3 teenager daughters and they love coming into my closet and checking out all the goodies. We have established rules, of course but if my things are respected and taken care of...I have no problem at all letting them use my things freely and in fact get great pleasure out of seeing them enjoy the very things I have bought and enjoy myself. If I had to lock my things up, it wouldn't make me feel very welcome in my own home...thats no way to live. In any case, all the best and stay real:)

I have to disagree with some of the other viewers comments, and have this to say about you talking of others..... I really do no think you "talk about others", (except for a few who truly deserve it), you are mainly stating facts, I have not heard you speak ill of real friends, and I believe you would say these comments to the persons face if given the chance or appropriate place to do so. Let us all remember, the blog is a space to talk about the show and with that comes comments about the other women, after all that is a huge part of this show and one reason we all watch it! I think you are great! You seem like a very nice person!

Mary, If it isn't about stuff, then why do you have a biometric lock on your closet? However, you have great hair. What's the secret?

Mary, It seems like you have such a laid back attitude and it suits you just fine! I can identify with the clothes issue with my daughter BUT it's the other way around! She just moved out but has left many clothes here that I will try and snatch! lol Your family is great and you're a joy to watch! So what's the deal, does Michaela really have MS? Best of luck!

Mary....it's fun watching you and your family but what a grocery bill! Please get some reusable bags!!! With the amount of plastic you use...please get some! :)

You seem as though you are such a good friend. Dont worry about the closet thing my sister and mother are going through the same thing, so im assuming thats normal. Well keep being you!

I just Love, Love, Love you. You have wonderful spirit and you just brighten up the show:))

You say it has nothing to do with you? Open you eyes. Equality suffers with attitudes like yours.

Rich is spot on and you beter listen to him about Lolly leaving the nest! You don't want a failure to launch do you?

You Go Girl!

"ART ISN'T A CAREER...IT'S A HOBBY" Response to Lolly...PLEASE READ

My family said those exact same words to me at your daughter's age. I was told about "starving artists" and encouraged to pursue art in my SPARE time. I am now 38 year old mother of 3, who after several jobs doing much more "responsible" work, I am finally fully pursuing my art again. I finally realized that each individual has the RIGHT to pursue their passion (regardless of popular opinions). In this day of working for a company located across the country with advertising being one of our largest and most secure industries, art ABSOLUTELY IS A CAREER and has unlimited alternatives that translate into sometimes thousands of dollars for one piece. Please, please support Lolly (sp?, sorry) in the development of her talents, because if she starts developing those now, by the time she is our ages, she'll be renowned in her field....her chosen field of STUDY, her passion, joy and therefore, her best chance of real success. -A viewer with dejavu

Mary, Love you, but please do not confuse the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. While, I personally agree that laws banning gay marriage are unconstitutional, the lines that you and your daughter were quoting are from the Declaration of Independence. While unlike the Constitution this document is not an official source of law, it is declaration of our arguments justifying the existence of this country. Powerful symbolically and historically, but not as legally important as the Constitution. I recommend reading both and refreshing your memory---I think you will find the arguments you are looking for to support your new-found awareness and beliefs.

Mary it is not your fault that your daughter takes from your closet because you left it open! She can not go in becuase you've told her too! She's not 4 years old, she was told, tell her to move out if she can't follow the rules.

Hi Mary, WOW!! I just read alot of comments from viewers. I think it is sooo funny, how some can not understand why you have locks on your closets. I have 3 daughters. When they were teenagers, thats what we argued about the most! The 2 oldest were always in my stuff!! And most moms are neater than kids. It is fustrating to go get a certain 'sum-n sum-n' and it not be there, but you find it on the girls bedroom floor!! My girls & I wore the same size & liked alot of the same classic clothing. And some of my nicer, more exspensive items, they were locked up! I do agree w/ yo hunny, about kids, leaving the nest. The way I believe is, what if I died tomorrow? They can carry on with out me. Thats the best thing I could teach them, besides love & respect yourself, the rest will be fine. I will tell you like I wrote to Cat, I love how ya'll all, well, you, Cat, Lynda & Stacie stick up for each other when some drunk ss wine-o attacks you or your children. No, no one agrees on everything, but thats great! You can still discuss it. I really love you, well the ones I mentioned aboved anyway. And the mentioned names, oooh your hubbys are soo yummy!! I love them too. Please keep them on the show too!!! Good luck!!

I am glad you retracted your statement about gay issues not being important to you, because it doesn't impact your life...yikes, sort of like saying starving children issues aren't a concern because it doesn't impact our lives. All things impact our lives. Some are more obvious than others. It is always best to error on the side of compassion and thoughtfulness. My husband makes this same statement at times and it drives me crazy, because it makes him seem selfish and a bit self-centered. Do love you DC girls...not as much nuttiness and you actually cover issues that are intelligent and thoughtful.

Just wanted you to know that Lolly's response to the gay marriage issue made my night. She's right on. Gays are not only hairdressers and wedding coordinators and a host of other misleading stereotypes, they are people and fully deserving of equal rights. The younger generation recognizes and accepts this, and is not threatened by it. And that makes me incredibly hopeful and humbled. Lolly heard the "debate" over the issue and didn't hesitate. You should be proud for having raised such an empathetic, open-minded and caring young lady, even if she does raid your closet from time to time...

Mary, I just love your hair, especially when it is blown out really straight and blonde. You should get tougher will Lolly. A girl of her age should not have to be locked out of a closet, a simple off limits should be working. It is very natural to want to help our children out financially, so I can totally relate to you wanting to help Lolly while she gets hersef situated.

I raised my daughter to 'know better' but she constantly took my stuff when she lived at home. A very precious necklace that I bought in Copenhagen was lost by her. If could have afforded a biometric lock when she lived at home, I would have!! Even now, when she comes for a visit I watch her pack to make sure my things don't get mixed in. I really want to say that enabling her is not good for YOU or her. My daughter would love to come home, but she was raised knowing that the time would come where she would become responsible for herself. It is hard to stay back and let her experience the things that she sets herself up for with her bad choices, but I can see that she is indeed learning, growing and maturing into a beautiful, responsible, APPRECIATIVE woman. Good Luck

WHY DOES EVERYONE PICK ON LOLLY??? The other ladies make Lolly out to be a much older, burdensome child, someone who was set on automatic pilot to move out and support herself the day after college graduation, but failed. Mary, I think you are a compassionate and great mom who wants her child to leave the nest when she is fully ready and able. Kicking kids out any earlier than they are truly ready is not giving them a "gentle push in the right direction". That's a revolving door, and they will be right back. Of course, Cat and Stacie have YOUNG CHILDREN, who are still in the golden years. Just wait!! Fast forward ten years and let me see how quickly their kids have left the nest. Maybe they will be entering the real world in a better economy. Maybe there will actually be jobs available for them, too. Kids want to be out of the house even more than parents want them gone. There is a reason some kids have to return home after college. Lolly is one of them, and she should not be made out to be problematic, and Mary should not be constantly berated by the other ladies for welcoming her child home and giving support to help her get on track.

Mary your are the best mom, but you need to pick a side. It appears that you take the side of the person you are with at that time. It's okay to tell someone they are wrong.

I support you as a mom welcoming her daughter back home after college, and after a time when she could not get out in the real world and jump start the career, apartment, and so on. But in the case of Lolly always taking your clothes without asking, that's just not right. She should respect your wishes on that.

I totally agree. There's no "gossip" or intentionally hurtful words from her, but rather honest assessments and fact. She says it like it is, but doesn't go out of her way to be hurtful or nasty.

Mary you do like talking about people one for sure M. why dont you leave her along. You act like you like her ,but talk about all the time. Like last night when no one was talking about her you had to bring up her name. If she wants to work out with the cheer leaders that his business. You sure like talking about her, the look on your face you are enjoying it.

Mary The comments that Cat made about Lolly were not mean intended it was what friends say sometimes Do you guys not ever tease one another. Believe me as a 51 year mom your doing a fantastic job with your children. And do with your children what you feel is right and it shouldn't bother what anyone thinks except your husban. Good luck on this show. Stay away from that Ericka and what we call woman like her is a Hater.

Love your husband. Lucky you!

Rachel

Mary, I love ya, you're by FAR my fave. I LOVE how you've done your home. The minimalist style that you chose, with a few pop pieces and the lighting is nothing short of pure class!! Just like you!

I want to get the same lock on my closet that you have!

Mary, Love the lock, love the husband, love the hair!!

Mary, I was just watching you on What What Happens LIVE - and I love love loved your braclet. Can you share details about where you got it?

I was dissappointed to see you not say anything when Erika started to attack Cat. Your silence said a lot about you. You knew what Cat was going through and you just sat there and said nothing in her defense. Sorry, I don't think that's being a friend, maybe you're just whimpy.

I dont understand the big deal about a child having to come back home. Times are much harder and you never know what circumstance may be brought about to cause you to have to return to the nest. Mary, i love that you have let it been known to your children, "if you need me, im here" there is nothing wrong with that. At the end of the day, thats your child and she should be able to depend on you. Keep it up!

Mary,

I love your style! Clothes, hair, personality, All of it! I want to know where you get your handbags, where you find accessories, everything. I especially like your tan handbag that looks like it patent leather. I adore that bag. The house looks incredible. Love the style of it.

I'm guessing the amazing hair is the result of a Brazilian Blowout. They cost hundreds of dollars and have to be re-done every few months, but if you can afford it, go for it! Who wouldn't want super-soft, shiny, frizz-free hair?

Hi Mary, I think you are a fantastic Mom, don't let the other ladies tell YOU how to raise YOUR children. I have children in their 20's living at home while they go to school and I wouldn't dream of making them leave. This is THEIR home and they are always welcome to stay - as long as they clean up after themselves and occasionally buy a couple of gallons of milk. LOL. Good luck and God Bless Mary. Michele : )

Mary, overall I love your personality BUT if I hear you say "I was so young when I had children one more time " I'm gonna scream !! Enough already, you don't have to keep saying it UNLESS you were 14. If so, then, that's a really interesting story.

You look a lot like Nikki Newman on Young & the Restless...they should totally cast you as her long lost sister!

Mary could be Stockard Channings twin!

Mary you do have the best hair it is georgeous. I love the relationship you have with your family. Just remember to close the door of the closet.

I so agree, but for a different reason: Mary, I think your hang-up about the 20-year age difference between you and Lolly is causing you to parent out of guilt. How long will you continue to "baby" her? You said she "had" to quit her job because she was miserable. As adults, we know life isn't easy. How will Lolly ever stand on her own if she doesn't have to face any challenges, which will ultimately make her become a more responsible adult? (You said your dad supported you when you had to move back home, so you will support Lolly. Well, the circumstances aren't the same.) You can "support" your daughter and teach her at the same time in much healthier ways that are still loving, rather than enabling her to be lazy and totally dependent on her parents. And the "art career"? Come on! Does she have any schooling in that area? To think she can go out "full force" in the world and make a living doing something that has been no more than a hobby is so unrealistic and childlike. I totally agree with your husband. Time to kick the birdie out of the nest - just do it gently, with guidance and resources. She wouldn't have quit her job if she had to support herself. My nephew comes from a very wealthy family who has given him everything he needs to succeed in life. Unfortunately, he is 28 and lazy, and though he has two degrees and NO COLLEGE DEBT (his parents paid for his education in full), he is currently waiting tables for a living and just "getting by" in life. So sad. I hope you take your hubby's advice and take a different angle with your daughter. You are such a loving, productive family. Don't you want your oldest child to grow up to have at least what you have? You can't keep doing the work for her. She will feel rewarded when she eventually learns to do it herself. Baby steps.

Mary I totally get your letting your daughter come back home to figure out the next move...I had to do the same thing when my married son couldn't tolerate his job and needed to not only quit it, but wanted to move to a better school district for his children starting school....sometimes, others don't understand that these "adults" are actually our children, who are trying to progress with their life in a positive way...it doesn't mean that we are enabling..we are simply offering room and board until all things are manageable...I am always curious why some parents feel their kids are not worthy of that little bit of understanding and help...My son and his wife and 2 kids moved into my house, there was plenty of room, so why not? I wanted them to be able to sell their home, take time to find just the right one, and also get back on track with a new business....five months was not a lot of time to invest in my family...I missed them when they left...never allow other people to give you attitude when they know your daughter is living there...a lot of people in this country will be doing the same thing as unemployment goes up and houses are foreclosed....people better get used to it and keep their mouths closed, because they never know when they will be making room for not only their kids, but thier in laws and grandkids.....it's hard to stop being a MOM..and why should we?

My kids boomeranged back a few times before we nailed the door shut from the inside. Lolly can work & make some money & still be her artist self. And she can use the coin laundry. Most of the world has & it would do her good & she will survive the activity.

I do love that you do not gossip. You keep your mouth shut & keep doing it. I know Bravo will put you in situations to try to crack that but don't cave.

Your family is gorgeous & your home as well. But, the family makes the home.

Now, I have to check out that necklace you wrote about.