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Gretchen Rossi

Burlesque Bash!

Gretchen Rossi explains going from hostess to house nurse, and responds to hurtful gossip.

December 23, 2008

I was super surprised to see my burlesque party show up in this episode because we filmed it much later in the series, and there was so much more that went on that night! I had tons of yummy food and one of my best girlfriends made the most amazing desserts ever! They were beautifully displayed on platters in the kitchen and they were the highlight of the night it seemed, because they were so delicious! Her company is called Sweet Spills. Go visit her website to see her yummy creations: http://sweetspils.com

The whole theme of the night was to teach me and my girlfriends a few fun things about burlesque style stuff - to learn how to do some fun burlesque/pin-up sexy girl makeup and learn a little "shimmy" dance from the burlesque girls. We actually all did get up and do a shimmy together, so I was super bummed they didn't show it because it was cute and funny. My girlfriend Ally Fisher who works at Holiday in Newport Beach did a little lesson on makeup application and was so sweet and brought all the girls makeup bags full of goodies. All my friends are super talented and gifted and I felt they showed too much of me and missed so much of them! What really made the party fun was the interaction and everyone participating in the fun!

The peacock outfit I was wearing was from my 30th birthday bash that Jeff threw me last year and it was custom made! It is one of my favorite outfits ever! However I didn't wear the authentic panties that came with it because it probably would have been too revealing for television (that outfit was already a little over the top, so it was probably a good idea I didn't wear the original ones I got to go with it.) I had so much fun with my girlfriends at the party, and seeing the footage makes me realize how truly blessed I was to have so much love and support from friends and family this past year while Jeff was sick. My friends and family encouraged me constantly to do things outside of taking care of Jeff, in order to take care of my own spirit through it all. Most of them saw the constant pain I was dealing - they saw me worried all the time, stressed, constantly crying, upset and depressed often, and just the physical drain of taking care of someone so sick. They really wanted me to get away at times to have fun, which is what Jeff wanted for me as well. So the party was a perfect way for me to do that. It was hard sometimes to relax because I wasn't sure if it was right, but once I did, I was happy because it revived me.

You get so caught up in the routine of the hospital, doctors, IV and TPN administration at home, what meds to take, worrying if he has taken his pills today, has he eaten (if he could) today, up all night with him checking for fever, or helping him to the bathroom, grabbing a throw up bucket and helping him through those tough moments etc. etc. that you sometimes even forget to stop and make sure you ate yourself. So I am glad I had friends push me to take time off to do things that were fun and took my mind off of things.

You will see in the series that I travel to a few different places due to encouragement from both Jeff and friends and family to get away and get refreshed, but I always made sure he was well taken care of. His kids would come out and stay with him when I went out of town with family or friends for a quick reprieve. Jeff always encouraged it and I am grateful that he understood that sometimes I needed time away from it all. You see with cancer, you eat, live, and breathe it. The illness becomes your life - no matter how far away you travel or how much fun you try to have to forget about it, it's always there in the back of your mind.

Next:
No One Is Perfect
No One Is Perfect Go with Gretchen Rossi behind the scenes of the Indy 500! December 23, 20086 Comments The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 4 / Episode 3 / Gretchen Rossi

Comments

28 Comments

Going through 2 years of chemo, 3 times per week made me very weak. I had a husband that NEVER took care of me. I could be in bed and ask for a glass of water and get it the next day. I see all that you did for Jeff, and the show gave you guys an opportunity to go out and have fun, regardless of what was going on at home. I admire your strength, your compassion and of course, your love for this man. I remember the nurses showing my ex )(yes, you heard right, my ex, after 22 years) how to give me needles and other injections, and he fainted, and they had to get me out of my hospital bed and lay him down in it until he came to. He was green and swore right then and there that I was going to have to give my own injections, as he would not have any part of it.......if I was in my bed, I would do the injections if he was here, but hated to see that and would yell at me about "could you not do this in front of me, go into the bathroom so that nobody can see.....
You needed to get away to refresh yourself, and no matter what you did, you did it ultimatly for Jeff, so that you could be refreshed and in a good mood when you would get back.....these outings were all planned by Bravo anyways, so it is not like you were actually deciding on going out, your contract probably had you making appearences when you just wanted to be with Jeff. I could only wish to God, to find someone so nice, sweet, loving and funny as you......the next time I will need someone. I always seem to be sticking up for you, as you are really a sweet soul, just wanting to do the right thing......in the end, you did it, you were the only person there for him.....(even though his kids came in to help just a couple of weeks before Jeff expired. I admire you for taking the time out and getting the kids involved in the care of their father.....I dont think that they had any idea of everything you did for him....this really opened up their eyes, and also millions of eyes....no matter what the other wives would say, you stood by your man until the very end. Instead of putting you down, they should have been there for you more, instead of bringing in more drama into your life, which at the time, you did not deserve, let alone be a butt of a joke, was just wrong, especially coming from all of the girls, especially Tamera.....that girl needs to keep her mouth closed at all times, because the bitchiness just seeps out of her mouth, she says what she feels, wether or not it will hurt anyones feelings......one day, all of that crap will come up to her and bite her in the ass. it is called Karma......and you my darling have amassed enough good Karma to last you a lifetime. This is your time to shine......just remember, no matter who you bring into the group (Slade) there will always be catty remarks because believe it or not, you are the ultimate housewife, one with beauty, brains love and an excellent sense of humour........until next time, good luck in your life, and thank you for showing us that women from the OC are more then just shopping mongures, lunch ladies, or spa addicts....and if I hear Vikki say one more time "Im the only one that works" Well, she should be put on a show called the real business women of Orange County, not 'HOUSEWIVES"...She is not a housewife, how did she get this gig? Its not true....and she adds so much drama with her attitude like she is the best one because "she works" well, that is just a suggestion for a new show for Bravo.......the real working women of the O.C. Send this onto your producers, maybe they can make a new show, showing working women in O.C. I would like the credit for it though. lol
Take care my dear, and if you want, you may keep in touch with me reneedaurio at hotmail dot com.....ciao Bella.
Renee

hi gretchen i think your so adorable i thought u had some haters on the show but whatever, btw when your talking to the camera like when your giving your solo input that colorful sundress you have on who is that made by and how can i get one

thanks
hope

Hi Gretchen:
I live in VA and watch your show every week and reruns often. The girls are jealous of you and your beauty inside and out, your hot!

Would you please tell me what color you use on your hair, or is it a highlite. I used to live in the OC and that was the only place I could get a good "weave" as they call it there.

I saw the time you showed how you style your har.

I hope you respond.

Love ya,

Debra

I would love to know what haircolor your stylist uses on your hair. Also, I hope that you are working on a exercise video to sell in the near future. And maybe a book including what diet you follow. Thanks

Hi Gretchen,

I love your hair color. I live close to you and was wondering the name of your stylist and location of where you go. Can you please let me know. I would really appreciate it!!!

Gretchen, please let me know how your stylist cuts your hair or perhaps it would be easier to have your stylist explain by including a simple sketched head diagram of the various lengths and/or cutting techniques used that result in your glorious hair. I see you get a lot of requests about your hair. Maybe if you put the sketch on your website so everyone could see it would satisfy all the gals that want hair like you!!!

Your Dedicated Fan,
Janis

Hi Gretchen,

I was just wondering how you do your hair? It always looks so gorgeous! I know you wrote a bit about it but I was wondering on the parting of the hair and how long you put the rollers in. If you could post more information on you beauty tips that would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Victoria

hi there, i just want to say your have the most gorgeous hair.. i wouldlove to know your haircolorist and salon.. thank you keep up the good work on being strong

Hi Gretchen,please please tell me what brand name Hot Rollers you use as I want to start doing my hair like yours.I saw the episode where you were doing your hair with the rollers,you made it look so easy!Could you or your 'people' please email me back as soon as possible as I'm wanting to get started right away thanks!

Hi Gretchen i just love waching you in the show!! my husband is Older then me Too and I love Him so much..
Just like you a Jeff..
i love your hair and i love to know wich ROLLERS do YOU use???? THANK YOU...
love Camila.

I love your hair, too... What type of hairspray do you use? Thanks

I was interested in how you style your hair. I see that you replied to one viewer "use 1" hot rollers"...how do you place them...do you use any product, brush them out, tease?

Also, way to hold your head high. Jealousy is a disease and I hope the rest of the girls get well soon.

Hi Gretchen,
I LUV, LUV, LUV your show!
The white watch you wear is stunning. Is it a Michael Kors watch? If so, what model is it?
Happy holidays to you and your family!

Hi Gretchen,

Keep you head up, live you life how you want. Don't live how other people want you to live. I was wondering what kind of watch do you wear ( the white one) it is so cute. thanks

Hi Gretchen-

I started watching the show last year and I absolutely love it. I just wanted to tell you that you are truly my role model. You are gorgeous, smart, funny, and always see the bright side. I have an 18 month old little girl and I am 28 and just trying to get in shape. I watch the show while I am on the treadmill. You inspire me. How often do you workout? Do you have a set routine every night? I saw in your blog you mention you set your hair in hot rollers. Do you leave them in until they cool? Do you use the whole set? Okay, last question what kind of makeup do you wear on the show? It is so pretty. Love ya girl--keep being who you are:)

Gretchen I just wanted to let you know you are so incredibly beautiful. You are so vibrant and just such a pleasant person. I look up to you and admire you so much. I give you props for carrying yourself like such a lady in uncomfortable situations, you are amazing. We love you and support you! TEAM GRETCHEN!

Hello Gretchen,
I love your hair esp the color!!! What may i ask do u tell your hair stylist color wise to do? I have been trying to find your look (blond wise) forever!! I am a natural blond but still have trouble with highlighting:( please tell me your secret :)

Hi Gretchen I too absolutely LOOOOVE your hair! I would love it if you made a quick video of the products that you use and how you style your hair! Thanks!!!!

Hi Gretchen,

I'm so sorry for your loss of your fiance. You are so much nicer & prettier than Tamra & Vicki, I think they are very jealous of you! Could you please tell us exactly how you do your hair? How many rollers do you use & the exact placement? i love your hair, it's beautiful!!!

Hi

Is there a special way to get my hair cut so I can style it like yours? Would you be able to share the name of your hair stylist? Your hair looks great!

who makes those rollers? they are purple,,, I have looked everywhere, does anyone know? thanks keepin cool

Hi,

Saw you hot rollers on one of the episodes. Please tell me what brand they are. I haven't been able to find any larger than 1 3/4" Yours looked like they 2 1/2 to 3". Thanks

Hey Gretchen, I just wanted to tell you that you are absolutely my favorite on the show.... You are beautiful and I love your HAIR!!!! Lol, I know you get told that ALOT, but I do. If you give your secrets away, what brand name products and hairspray do you use before and after you style your hair and how do you place your hot rollers in your hair. I think you should just make a video of you doing your hair and put it on the internet so that way nobody would ask you about your hair again. Haha. But anyway. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks, Tiffany :)

what kind of hot rollers do you use? how do you do it? what kind of product do you use in your hair? what kind of makeup do you wear? Looks like MAC but I just want to make sure. Your hair is so beautiful, I can't wait to do mine like yours! Thanks

Miss Gretchen,
It broke may heart to heart that Jeff lost his bout with Cancer. My father also passed from Cancer. I even hate saying the word. It's been 6 years. It gets easier but, you still have that void of them in your heart. I never once thought you never loved him. You too were so cute together.
To become a care giver to someone you love is one of te hardest things and one of the most rewarding tings in our lives. It doesn't seemlike it at the time. But, hw wonderful it is that we can be the ones to be there to help them in thier time of need. Not some cold person that doesn't even know them.
I hope you are comforted in the fact that you will see him again in the next life. He is your guardian angel now. It doesn't make it any easier sometimes to think that you can't hold on to him when your lonesome.
You are so beautiful and ou know he would want you to move on with our life and not put it on hold just because he can't be there. Because in a way he is. The memories, his kids, ( what a great relationship you have with them), and you also have the show to look back on.
I hope the other wives will cut ou some slack. I know Vickie and Tamra were not the nicest to you. They of course considered you a gold digger. I hope all that is behind you. You are so beautiful in side and out.
Love a friend from afar. Jolyn

Gretchen,
First & formost you have a beautiful spirit! I can assure you I feel your pain when it comes to defending your position with Jeff. I married in August 08 to a man 20 years older than me. The ex-wife & ex-girlfriends say I only married him for what he could do for me. Lomb story short financial hardship came without warning & I'm still here. I know if I do right by my husband god will bless me. I hope you found that to be true because I know you took exceptional care of jeff. Do you color, highlight, or bleach your hair? Gorgeous!! What kind of hot rollers? How do you roll it? God bless you.

Gretch!!!! I Love u and have been a fan since the first season! I am sooooo sorry for all that was on air. I never thought u were a gold diggin whore. Jeff seemed liked the sweetest guy! I'm sure u knew!

Hi Gretchen,
If you ever come to Alaska. I would love to show you around Sitka. I lived through a friend while he died of cancer. I know what you are going through. Call me if you want some peace and quiet. 907-738-6407

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