Ridiculous Rumors

Ciao Tutti!

I can’t believe the season is over! And I can’t believe how it ended! I was totally NOT expecting Danielle to come over and give me a hug (um, Andy, I thought you said no one could get off the couch and “cross you” again?). I didn’t expect it at all, but I’m not going to turn her away (and no, I didn’t bathe in holy water afterwards, but those of you who told me I should—it did make me laugh). I know she’s still going after all of us in the press, still lying like she always does, but I really do forgive her. I feel sorry for her that she can’t move on with her life. I hope she does. I wish her and her girls every happiness in the world. My focus is my family, my beautiful girls, my amazing husband, and moving forward with my life.

I know there are a million crazy stories in the press about me right now, but none of them are from me except the cover story I did with “In Touch” magazine. If you hear it directly from me, you can believe it. Otherwise, it’s garbage. I wouldn’t even address the rumors except so many of you are asking and I do want you to know the truth. So, here we go:

I only have one brother—his name is also Joe—and I love him and his family. His picture is in my cookbook! They have been invited and attended every family event I’ve had, the stuff that made it on air for the show and the stuff that didn’t. If you go back and watch, you can see them at my Housewarming party, Gia’s birthday party and Audriana’s Christening.

I don’t have an African American nephew on mine or Joe’s side, but if I did, I’d welcome him with love like I have all my other nieces and nephews and cousins. I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, I have always had lots of African American friends and still do. The story that I wouldn’t acknowledge someone, let alone a family member, because of their race is horribly untrue. I love people for their hearts, not their appearance.

I was in Las Vegas last Sunday and Monday for an event to promote my book “Skinny Italian.” I was at Revolution at the Mirage and the Abbey beach at the new Vdara hotel with my fabulous gays. It was a great Labor Gay Weekend! I love you all, especially you, Eduardo! Thanks for taking such great care of me. I took the red-eye home so I would be there for my kids’ first day of school. It’s exhausting being a working mommy, isn’t it? But I wouldn’t trade it for the world! They all had a great day! I posted pictures on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

I also just starred in the charity performances of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” for marriage equality Off-Broadway. It was so fun and yes, Joe was there to support me and support the wonderful cause.

Oh, and I’m NOT claustrophobic. ;)

I think that takes care of all the crazy stories for the week. I expect the stories next week will have me hooked on drugs or abducted by aliens or something. But I promise you all, I’m great, Joe is great, our kids are great, and we are so blessed by your wonderful messages and support!

Some real good news: “Skinny Italian” is back on the New York Times bestseller list again – this time at #6!!! I’m so excited! Thank you all, my sexy Italian cooks! Visit my website www.teresagiudice.com for sample chapters, photos from the book and a list of all the recipes. They are simple, healthy, budget-friendly and so delicious! Lots of veggie and non-dairy recipes in there as well. And it has the complete nutritional info for every recipe, so it’s Weight Watchers-friendly as well. If you can’t find it in your local bookstore, try the Bravo online store or Amazon. And yes, I am working on my second cookbook right now. It will have 60 more, all new family recipes, new stories, new photos, new fun facts. It will be out in Spring 2011!

Follow me on Twitter @Teresa_Giudice or my public figure Fan Page on Facebook here: http://tinyurl.com/39sa5da (I’m sorry I can’t make you all “friends” but Facebook has a limit of 5,000. Boo!). I answer as many messages as I possibly can, but I do read every message and love you all!

Thank you for letting me and my family into your house and your hearts. It’s been a wonderful, crazy ride. Xx

Tanti Baci,

Teresa