Like all TV junkies, we get high just watching Bravo's infinite number of reality shows. And the side effects are virtually the same as cheap meth. It wastes our time and money and contributes to brain rot. But really, can anyone help loving Rachel Zoe's terrible vocabulary or the complete ridiculousness of the Real Housewives of Wherever?
One housewife in particular, Jill Zarin, has won our hearts. She has the voice of an angel -- one from the Bronx who smokes a pack day. She's the ginger-haired vixen from The Real Housewives of New York City, and she has just published a new book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother, co-written with sister Lisa Wexler and mother Gloria Kamen.
Recently, Cultist interviewed Zarin about her book, Miami Beach, and her future with Bravo.
New Times: Hello, Mrs. Zarin. How are you?
Jill Zarin: Good! Just getting home from getting my hair colored. I had to go redder. I have turned blonde since my two months in the Hamptons.
I heard you were just hanging out with our boy Charlie Christ and his wife in the Hamptons. How are those two?
Did you know he likes to tan? He really likes to tan! But, no ... They were wonderful. Just brilliant.
So you wrote Secrets of a Jewish Mother with your radio host sister and your mother.
My mother is hilarious and my sister led the team. We all got homework assignments and the book just came together.
What can we expect from the book?
We put Jewish in the title because we are, but it's just sound advice from three mothers for any point in your life. If you're single, then we have great dating advice. Married? We have great marriage and parenting advice. If you're a man, there is advice there. There is something for everyone. Must haves and must avoids for dating and how to keep your marriage hot. Or how we all feel about plastic surgery, which is that if you don't overdo it, then do what makes you happy.
What is your Jewish mother marriage advice for a single girl living in Miami looking for love?
Just because he isn't perfect, it doesn't mean he won't be perfect for you. A lot of women, especially in their 30s, are really picky. Don't settle, but you have to compromise. A man will take all your craziness, you have to take some of his too. Assuming you have the basics, of course, which are love, kindness, sexual attraction, and all those things. Chemistry on date one, but not date two? Forget it. We think it's important to be fixed up!
More marriage advice?
When I was looking for my husband, I asked my friend: "Do you know any Jewish guys you could fix me up with?" We believe if you're a Jewish, you should be with someone who is Jewish. And if you're not Jewish, you should be with your own kind. And if you fall in love with someone of an opposite faith or race, then definitely talk about how you want to bring up your children before you get married. You have to talk about that before you get married. Never marry a stingy person -- it will ruin your life. Not that he has to be rich, but make sure he is willing to share. A cheater ... Don't want to be with a cheater! Ambition ... Money comes and goes, but it's not important. Character and ambition are important. You want to be with someone who is driven.
What about your girl Patti Stanger? Will you be finding her a new boo?
She knew what she wanted, she thought he was it, and after a period of time it wasn't what she wanted, and she was smart enough to say, "I'm not going to get married and end up getting divorced." I could never walk in her shoes, I didn't know him well enough. Nice guy, great guy, good friends ... Who knows, they might get back together!
I have heard that you and Caroline Manzo from The Real Housewives of New Jersey are friends.
I love her. She came to the Hamptons and her beautiful daughter Lauren stayed with me. Really close family ... Work ethic and all those things. They are great.
I mean, Caroline's son Albie is hot. Why don't you hook up your daughter Ally with him?
He's not Jewish.
Let's talk Miami. Have you ever traveled to our part of the world?
My parents live in Boca. And I love South Florida. Miami Beach is the new Hollywood! Every TV show is in Miami Beach: Jersey Shore, the Kardashian sisters came to you, The Real Housewives of Atlanta came to you. Miami is hot! The weather is great. Everything is great. Everything feels better in Miami Beach.
What about NYC?
It's a much faster pace. The winters are tough. And my daughter is going off to college soon. I'll be having a lot more fun soon.
How do you deal with some of the negative press you get?
I have had a few bumps in the road, but it happens. The negative, I always try to turn into a positive. And the truth is, if people don't care about you, they're not talking about you. Either love me or hate me ... At least they're talking about me and hopefully they will love me again.
The Real Housewives of New York City is one of my favorite shows. Please tell me you will be on next season.
Not sure. Last season was rough. I started to have fun and show my life in a positive way and share a lot of good things. And somehow it got all twisted. The first two seasons, I had a great time. If I knew I could go back to the way it was then, I would come back. But I am so focused on my daughter going to college and my life with Bobby. I want to enjoy it.
Jill Zarin, Lisa Wexler, and Gloria Kamen. Friday, August 20. Books & Books, 254 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. The signing starts at 6 p.m., and it's free with the purchase of Secrets of a Jewish Mother. Call 305-442-4408 or visit booksandbooks.com.
