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Well look who’s butting his head in here! I know many of you may well be aghast at me now blogging on BravoTV.com, but just like I held a gun to the heads of the show’s producers to continually film me and foisted my self on to Andy Cohen for the Season 1 Reunion Special, I have now managed to blackmail the people at Bravo Digital to post my weekly episode recap blog here! For all of you who want to know my secrets on how a Real Husband gets to manipulate all the executives at Bravo send me a cashiers check for $10,000 and I‘ll send you the details!

Thankfully in the previous episode’s recap the producers spare us all a final flash of my torso and then it’s straight into the end of summer and this time Bethenny’s staying with Ramona as she’s gearing up for the Social Life Magazine Labor Day party celebrating Bethenny’s cover.

Evidently it is “Be bitchy to LuAnn day” and Ramona and Bethenny both pile on as they walk their dogs. I’m not saying that LuAnn hasn’t brought some of this on herself, but I do think some of the playing up of her ‘Countess’ title this season has been done with tongue firmly planted in cheek (like the pizza ordering), but when these scenes are shown one after the other, the humor is lost and she ends up coming off in a not very complimentary light.

I am firmly in the camp that Ramona’s two flare-ups with LuAnn (boarding school & the Count’s age) were both out of order and while LuAnn handled the first one well, she should have just shut the 2nd one down, at least while they were at Hope Lodge. As for the retouching incident she had with Bethenny, it may have been a little insensitive but as I wasn’t there I don’t know how or in what order it was said and therefore, like you, have only seen the footage that made it to air. Certainly Bethenny was way too touchy on the issue and to me that says a lot about her own insecurities.

Comments

228 Comments
03/18/2009 - 11:16am
Viewer

I LOVE your family on this show. What a refreshing change from some of the other trash talking housewives. Thank You.

03/18/2009 - 11:15am
Bfan

Holy long blog, batman!!!!:)

03/18/2009 - 10:44am
Viewer

I am a huge fan of Real Housewives of NYC. NYC is my favorite place to visit in the US. I love the relationship that Simon and Alex have. They are so in love and it shows. I love doing everything with my husband. We are best friends. I don't see anything wrong with them wanting to do everything together. Perhaps Alex doesn't want to join the women's only night out with the girls because she doesn't want to be hit on like the others have done it the past. There's nothing wrong with that. I think there comes a time when you would be much happier out with your husband then out with the girls having to be bothered with men who really don't care if your married or not. I think they are adorable. Maybe Simon sometimes goes a little far on his fashion. But everyone has their own style. Hope to see you both on season 3.

03/18/2009 - 10:42am
Jules in Michigan

BE YOURSELF and forget the rest! Love your family!

03/18/2009 - 10:42am
Beth

Simon, I love reading your take on the show....the producers should have you doing this every week....a lot of my friends and I have become addicted to the"Real Housewives" and we all agree that you and your family are one of our favorite parts of the series...Some of the people on the show give having money a bad name..Money certainly doesn't buy class for some of these people on the different shows. My family is over 6 generations of "Old Money" and I have never seen anyone act like some of these housewives...Our family never talks about money..we talk about life.....Keep it real....

03/18/2009 - 10:39am
Pamela

Welcome to the blogs Simon! It was so uncountess like to laugh at you & Alex writing a parenting book. Perhaps, she doesn't have a mirror in her house! She is a complete snob!

I was shocked how disrespectful Jill was to your home. I'm excited to see the transformation!

You have the most loving relationship with your wife and children. The others are jealous since they can't buy what you have!

03/18/2009 - 10:33am
Frankfort Mom

Hi there. I get your book. You and Alex seem super involved and invested in your children. I think you are both pretty cool. You have a neat relationship. I think alot of the neg. comments you get are spurned by jealousy. As for the dinner last season, any parent in the world, who actually parents rather than foisting their child on a nanny, can absolutley relate to a screaming kid at a stuffy sit down dinner that has dragged too long. We've all been there. You and Alex are doing a great job. I think you need to hear that.

03/18/2009 - 10:25am
MDHousewife

Simon,

Thanks for chiming in here. You are a part of the show, you have been made such. I'm glad to see your marriage portrayed as it is, and it's annoying to hear people still complaining 2 years later about you being on it. I LIKE hearing you explain things that we didn't see, or correct things that came out wrong in editing.

And if the viewer who posted their comment at 03/18/2009 - 10:17am had bothered to read your blog instead of just tramping in to bash you, they'd have seen that you explain that you don't own the hotel, that it was simply portrayed that way in editing. Funny how that b***hy comment reminds me so much of Ramona.

The more I watch you and Alex together, the more I like you both. Even my husband commented that the 2 of you really seem in love 10 years later, and that you seem to really LIKE each other. I hope you keep coming 'round!

03/18/2009 - 10:24am
amy

yeah! Glad you are posting! Keep being a great husband and father. You never throw stones and that is admirable on this show!

03/18/2009 - 10:18am
Oh brother

I am surprised so many people claim to be fans of yours and that you and Alex keep it real. It seems to me that whenever you and Alex talk to each other on the show it sound uncomfortable and rehearsed. You come off as completely pretentious and shallow. Alex on her own talking to Bethanny is likeable, and seems much more genuine and spontaneous. I think it's rather pathetic the amount of energy you seem to put into getting invited to things and having your picture taken. Yeah, that's what makes life worth living.

Why do you have a blog? Are you an aspiring housewife? Not that I read yours. Not interested.

03/18/2009 - 9:49am
Viewer

Your children should not have been residing in a home that renovations of an older home were taking place.
Read up about the dangers of lead poisoning, it is in the air that particulates are generated in.

Best of luck.

03/18/2009 - 9:47am
Lisa

Alex is a much better person when she is not around Simon. I was never a fan of these two, but after last night, I am beginning to like Alex, she seems to be a very kind person; in this case the spouse is not a positive addition, but a drag to Alex's disposition.

Please, Simon, go away!

03/18/2009 - 9:34am
FanFare

Wow! I could see this blog coming - from Mr. Fashionista. Are you just one of the gals after all? Your slanted take of these eps is long winded and boring. You have such a big head, I wonder how you fit through the door...
Honey, I wouldn't pay you 10 cents for your secrets.

03/18/2009 - 9:25am
NYC Fan

I just want to say that I think you and Alex get a bad rap on the show. I do see where some of the pretentious blather and the like can be off-putting but when you put it together with every other aspect of your (and Alex's) personality you really have to take the pretentious talk with a grain of salt. You guys are really the realest people on the show - you are who you are and you don't care what people think. Those are qualities to be admired, you don't mind showing your imperfections. I also like that you're down to earth enough that you guys would be willing to sleep in cramped quarters while renovating - just like everybody else. Jill was out of line for being so critical of that - and why waste money living elsewhere for a month? There is really nothing wrong with going without creature comforts for a little bit.

03/18/2009 - 9:17am
Viewer

This comment is about the Van Kempen family, I understand that Simon is supposed to be the owner of a hotel...why are they staying at their house during renovations and not their comfy, clean, child-safe hotel? And for people that shop all the time at such expensive name brand stores...why did it seem like all of their clothing was able to fit into that little space, shoes and all? I don't think they are as well off as they are trying to appear to be. They may be rich but not wealthy, people that have serious money tend not to be flashy. Sounds like they are trying to keep up with the jones's. And why didn't the camera crew go to St. Barth's this time? Did they really even go? And don't make me laugh with wanting to write a child rearing book, just because you're teaching them how to speak French doesn't mean you're fit to write a book on raising kids. Get real! They didn't even reach high school yet!LOL And by the time they do you'll probably have a nanny who should be writing that book!LMAO

03/18/2009 - 8:36am
Viewer

Hi Simon, I just wanted to say that you and Alex are wonderful people with a loving relationship, and thats so nice to see. The only negative thing I could even say is that you may want to rethink the swimwear. I do love that you care about your appearance and fashion...doesn't make you gay, maybe a little metro, but so is my husband , and I'm proud that he dresses well and takes pride in his appearance. I know that you have impeccable manners, but I do hope that at some point , you put Ramona in her place! I about died when she told Bettanny that having class is making everyone feel welcome (jab at the countess), all the while she has never treated you with an iota of class. She's just white trash with a martini glass, if you ask me. You and Alex, and Jill and Bobby are my favs. Bethanny is hilarious, but insecure. Can't wait till next episode!

03/18/2009 - 8:16am
Viewer

Simon, please post pics of the renovation. As a designer, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. I am sure it is beautiful.

03/18/2009 - 8:13am
Viewer

KEEP BEING YOURSELF! You are a ROLE MODEL to all of the husbands out there. Try to forgive the mean housewives and the rude comments. All of the cast get mean e mails/comments. When ever there is a good spirit a bad spirit has to come and try to crush it. (spiritual law)
It is so good to see REALITY on these housewives shows. You and Alex are the REAL DEAL.
You and Alex are special and I hope that you two will enjoy a tremendous life! (i forgot how to spell!)
WHO CARES ABOUT FIFTH AND PARKS HIDDEN PEARLS!

03/18/2009 - 8:13am
BravoRocks

How is it that you and Alex appear to be the normal people this season?! Oh, but I do LOVE every minute of it! The Countess has taken center stage this season in "who is the fool now?".

I think you and Alex are great because you know what? You can laugh at yourselves. Most people can't. Kudos!

03/18/2009 - 8:04am
Viewer

Hi Simon. Usually (for some odd reason) by comments do not post, so I hope that is not the case this time. I have to say that I had my doubts about yourself and Alex in Season 1. However, at this time, I find both of you to be truly kind people. I am so sick and tired of the other nonsense that takes place on the program. For example, Ramona is so shallow and ignorant that she could not come up with a viable reason for disliking you. She sounded absolutely ridiculous when she was confronted by you. I would not waste one moment of your or Alex's precious time on this fool and her husband (talk about shallow).

On to Luanne - she is absolutely hopeless. How dare she write a book on manners. When invited to someone's home (Kelly's for lunch), did she ever hear of bringing a hostess gift??? Maybe she should put that one in her book. Her manners are atrocious. She is a boisterous bore.

It was very kind of Jill to come to your construction "zone". However to arrive in a designer dress (clevege and all) and have the audacity to bring a hard hat looked totally ridiculous. Also, what qualifies her as a designer. Just because her husband runs a family fabric business does not qualify her to be a designer. Trust me I know because I spent many years in design school. Things she describes as "total pressure" are absolutely ridiculous.

Kelly is a bore. Also, you do not offer food to your children before you offer it to your adult guests. Also, teach your children some manners and introduce your guest to them. Do not make the guest do it themself.

Bethanny is a nice girl who unfortunately needs intensive therapy.

I like you and Alex the best. You never have a harsh word for anybody. This is most likely what bothers everyone about you two. You have your own life and truly love each other.

03/18/2009 - 8:02am
Val

Honestly, I truly enjoy watching your family and hope nothing but the best for all of you. I am the stepmother of 2 teenagers, but when I first met their father they were much younger. The best advice I ever got was "anecdotal" stories told by other families in the same situation. Much luck on on your book and I will be looking for it.

03/18/2009 - 7:40am
Jennifer

Finally Bravo has allowed you to blog!! You and Alex are by far the most honest, down to earth real people on this show, I think you both are fabulous and can't wait to see how the renovation turns out!

03/18/2009 - 7:02am
Scarlett

Hi Simon - you and I met backstage after the Malan Breton show at Fashion Week in September. I've been really enjoying your blogs of each episode - it's fun to get your take of the editing. Love the show and I have to say you and Alex always keep things interesting. Above all it is obvious, both in person and on the air, that you and Alex love each other. And your little boys are so fortunate to have such devoted parents. Can't wait to see your renovations (even though it isn't a historical 5th Avenue townhouse). Yes, I'm laughing with both you and Alex as well as with darling Jill.

03/18/2009 - 6:51am
Viewer

Simon, I'm not sure if it's the editing or not, but you and Alex do come across as fake people trying to fit in with the rich and famous. But your parenting skills are great. Raising your children without a lot of TV and focusing on education. You allow them to be kids and educate them at the same time more people should be like you. They are toddlers so their behavoir is normal LuAnn should understand that.

03/18/2009 - 2:50am
Viewer

I'm sick of reading you complaining about what clips ended up on the air and telling us which clips you wish DID. You're clearly trying to portray yourselves as someone whom you're not, and you are bashing each one of the housewives in your blog as if YOU'RE the one still stuck in high school. If you're not going to provide and intellectual insight about the episodes, maybe it would be best now to blog at all.

03/18/2009 - 2:21am
Jeanne Johnson

I enjoy watching Simon, Alex and the boys. Everyone seems to be overly judgemental when it comes to them. Alex's scene tonight about their wedding night was very touching. And what she said about finding the right person, so thoughtful. I think she is very attractive and has a fun personality...very real and relaxed. Simone seems to know how to relax too (spa treatments). More men should be like that! Good luck on the remodeling, it's never easy, even if one is there watching every step! I think Simone, Alex and Ramona just got off on the wrong foot last season. Too bad.

03/18/2009 - 2:20am
karen lee

Simon, I have definitely revised my opinion of both you and Alex. You were brave to show your back yard with the pool when most of the other people that go to the Hamptons would look down their nose at that. For those that think you're social climbers that certainly didn't endear you to them and by your honesty, you showed you didn't care what anyone else thinks. It's obvious you love one another and your in the middle of re-doing your home, to make it warm and tasteful and functional for your family. I think it will be lovely because you both have great taste and I notice that you display your children's artwork. That's what loving parents do.

03/18/2009 - 2:11am
Viewer

I really can't take this show anymore. Too much Simon, not enough housewives.

03/18/2009 - 2:06am
Viewer

I don't understand why you're on here?

03/18/2009 - 1:57am
watchthis show

I like you and Alex's easygoing attitude. Though it might seem strange at times, I think you guys might be better friends than Ramona for sure.

03/18/2009 - 1:29am
Mee

Way to go, Simon! Love your blog and next time when I am in NY city will be staying at your hotel!:(

03/18/2009 - 1:11am
louis1970

You are NOT A HOUSEWIFE, rant somewhere else.

03/18/2009 - 1:04am
Viewer

Funny! Love your take on the show and Alex was funny this time also.

03/18/2009 - 12:27am
Stacey

Simon,

Glad to see your blogs here. I've been reading them since episode 1, and have to say they're my favorites! You're funny and keen on what's really going on with everyone.
I enjoy you and Alex on the show, and think you're (actually along with Jill sometimes) the most polite and dignified, which speaks of good character.
And, like I said, funny too.

03/18/2009 - 12:11am
Raya

yeah... I dont think anyone wonders why you are so much involved in the show compared to the other husbands. We know. You are one of a kind!!

03/18/2009 - 12:08am
Viewer

You're ay ok Simon! Thanks for the laughs!

03/17/2009 - 11:53pm
BravoWatchin50

I am thrilled you have a blog here Simon and enjoy reading your web site blog as well.

You and Alex have a wonderful relationship that is a joy to watch. I am looking forward to seeing your remodel come to completion and have no doubt it will be perfert for your family.

You two are a breath of fresh air on this show; thanks for being so interesting and for being yourself!

03/17/2009 - 11:51pm
~L

Simon,
The love between you and Alex is truly astonishing. I think you two, along with your delightful boys, have a lovely, amazing life. Your love for your family is true and real and most people will never be fortunate enough to experience what you have.

03/17/2009 - 11:50pm
Allison Gallagher

I've come to really enjoy you. Best of luck with the renovation!!Hope its complete by now. You are very sound with your thoughts and I enjoy the comments

03/17/2009 - 11:48pm
Lynn

Simon...you and your wife take alot of heat on the show and alot of razzing. I find you to be decent people just trying to do what is best for your marriage and your family while mixing in a very judgmental and superficial society circle. You seem like you are being more genuine this season and down to earth. It is obvious that editing creates characters...that is part of what you signed up for. I loved Alex's story about how you guys met and fell in love; truly endearing. Ignore the haters...

03/17/2009 - 11:46pm
GiggleSnortFan Club

I'm becoming a bigger fan thanks to your blogging.

Your points are duly noted regarding the producers putting you into so many episodes, etc etc. Of course they know what they're doing!

I am impressed by your class, and in dealing with the really rude and low-class comments you and your family endure every week from a bunch of pretentious condescending harpies.

03/17/2009 - 11:41pm
Amber in Iowa

Simon,
Your posts had me rolling! Both you and Alex seem to have a great sense of humor and take things that people say about you with a "grain of salt." Love that!

03/17/2009 - 11:38pm
Rone

I lived in Sydney for 10 very long years. Yep the beaches, birds and restaurants were the best ever. The major problem I had was the arrogance, insults toward Americans right to my face, insular thinking...Always exactly the same as everyone else in their social strata. No independent thinking about kids, schools, social life or vacations. All the same as everyone you know. Double Bay daily drinking bottles of wine at lunch. That's cool, but every single mom I knew had to pick the kids up at school after that, never ever let them ride the bus or God forbid, carpool. Long school hollies? Gotta go to Noosa for $10,000 to see all the people we try to impress in Sydney.

Just look at Simon if you all think Aussies are cute like Crocodile Dundee. The people I knew all those years were just like him,horrified by that image, even more so by Steve Irwin.

Bottom line, as you can see by Simon, he's extremely pretentious, wants to be famous, and is the most obnoxious parent on the planet. He happened to meet his obnoxious equal, from Kansas, and neither calls the other on how horrible their collective image is portrayed.

03/17/2009 - 11:37pm
Jasper

At Russel simons party you stated that you "owned" the Hotel that you were a manager of, what happend there?

03/17/2009 - 11:18pm
Kate from Hackensack

Welcome Simon-
Glad to see your take on this boring week. I think you & your wife are very kind people and glad that you are blogging now.

Sort of boring shows lately, don't you think. These folks talk a lot behind each others backs, but for some reason they feel entitled to make all criticism's of your family to your faces. Amazing.
Good luck.

03/17/2009 - 11:17pm
CJP

Simon: I love that you are writing. I love that you are such a plugged in father and that you love your wife. I also love that you can overcome so many negative comments about you, it requires a bit of self confidence to just continue on when others are critical. My family also has to undergo remodeling and I will say that those involved with remodeling only want the property owner to be happy. No good architect really cares about the owner being involved. They want to be paid and to have a happy client. It is your house and you live there. A happy client is what they are seeking. We are having yet another remodel and I understand the living conditions. Glad to hear from you. Hope all is well with you and your lovely family.

03/17/2009 - 11:12pm
Viewer

I'm starting to kind of like you this season... and you're blogs are great.

03/17/2009 - 11:04pm
suntio

Simon,

You're right about the discountess, she has no class and her comments about your book proved it once again. Your kids look like normal kids to me, tantrums and all. What happened in season 1 was not your fault. Ramona was incredibly late, the kids got tired and hungry and threw a tantrum. Big deal. I want to hear from a parent whose child has never had a tantrum.

It's nice of you to stand up for the discountess and her relationship with her kids but once again guess who Victoria turned to when her pet died? That's right, the maid. LuAnn didn't even know.

All the best.

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