OC Vicki Tells Brandi Glanville To "Be Careful"

Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson has strong words for Brandi Glanville, the ex-wife of LeAnn Rimes’ husband Eddie Cibrian, who is joining the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

“Be careful,” she tells me at the Mint Jubilee Celebration surrounding the Kentucky Derby. “It’s not all glamour. You’re going to shed some real tears. You’re going to see people hurt you that you never thought could hurt you before. I think she’s in for a rude awakening. It’s not all fun at times, but the experiences have been that of a lifetime. I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s been great.”

Hm, what does he think of her Beverly Hills counterparts?

“I met all the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and they were lovely ladies,” she says. “It’s interesting that they would throw another franchise in the same one-hour distance from us, but we’re very different in regards to lifestyle and money. I mean, I wish I had their money. I don’t. We’re more of the middle-class of California, whereas they’re absolutely the upper class. I think that the viewers like California, they like the lifestyle, they like the color scheme, and both of our shows are being a hit because of that.”

Vicki, who debuted on the show in 2007, confesses that her portion of the reality show is as real as it gets.

“I just know my story’s all true. I don’t know what the other girls are doing. This is a reality TV show, and I feel like a lot of it is being lost in this pre-thinking about what we’re going to film. I don’t do that; my life is my life. When I cry, I cry real tears. When I laugh, I’m woo-hooing. I don’t know what the other women are up to; I stay focused on myself, my career, my family, and I try to do the right thing.”

What misconceptions could she clear up about herself?

“I think people love me or hate me,” she says.  “There’s no middle of the road. I’m lucky today at the Oaks, I had so many people come up and cry and say I’ve given them inspiration as a woman, and taught them good work ethic. They complimented me on being a good mother. If there’s anything negative, I don’t hear it. I try to stay away from the blogs and the bad things. I think the bad would be that I’m insensitive and I’m too hard, but I’m not. I’m compassionate and caring about other people. I give back to our community, and I love my work and my family. If that’s what makes me a bad person, then so be it.”

Credit: OK! Magazine (Valerie Nome)

Vicki Gunvalson: The Mint Jubilee in Louisville

Vicki Gunvalson, The Mint Jubilee co-founder Tom Thieneman and wife, Judy Thieneman attend The Mint Jubilee at The Palace Theatre on May 6, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Credit: Zimbio

Photos by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images North America

Vicki Gunvalson Melts Down Over Marital Woes

Real Housewives of Orange County's Vicki Gunvalson just isn't "woo-hooing" with as much vigor as she used to -- and with good reason.

As a new clip from Sunday's episode shows, the 48-year-old has had it with pals who prod her with relationship questions.

Recounting a dinner party Gunvalson attended with fellow wives Tamra Barney and Peggy Tanous, Gunvalson's husband, Donn, quickly becomes the lead topic of conversation. But when Tanous brings up how lively Donn was at the bash Gunvalson changes the subject.

"Every time someone would bring up Donn, I'd see Vicki get tighter and cringing," says Barney in a voiceover, as Tanous presses for more and her pal finally cracks.

"The reality is, my world is falling apart," the insurance executive -- who wed Donn in 1994 and filed for divorce in October -- laments. "My marriage is falling apart, my security is falling apart, and I'm miserable within my own mind and my body. I don't know where I belong anymore!"

As the couple's rocky romance crumbles on camera, Gunvalson admitted to Us Weekly in March that she and her estranged spouse were still living under the same roof.

"My love tank has truly been empty for many many years," Gunvalson said. "We stopped communicating. My happiness came from my work and my children," she explained of Michael and Brianna, her grown kids from her first marriage.

"I didn't go to Donn for friendship or companionship, and he didn't with me either," she told Us.

Credit: Us Magazine

Vicki Gunvalson: Derby Poker Championship

Last night's Derby Poker Championship was a charity event to benefit Blessings in a Backpack. It wasn't uncommon to hear celebrities and pros alike shouting "Re-up! It's all for the kids!"

Among the first to go out were Real Housewives of Orange County's Vicki Gunvalson and Blue Collar Comedy's Ron White. Still going strong toward the latter part of the evening were Coach Denny Crum and Melissa Biggs from Baywatch.

When Phil Helmuth arrived on the red carpet I made sure to ask him whether or not he'd be on good behavior for the night. He said he hadn't decided quite yet. He was an entertaining emcee and frequently interviewed other poker pros and celebrities during the event. He was quick to give Ron White a hard time for going out so early, and even handed off the mic to Robert Williamson III so he could play a hand or two himself.

Everyone was in great spirits and took advantage of the bars on both levels serving Jim Beam and other drinks that helped party-goers get loose on the dance floor.

Surprising celebrity encounter of the evening was an impromptu chat with Ron White at the pizza place next to the Palace, where he told me I had cute boots and I told him I liked his Prada carryall (i.e. purse.) He was quick to respond, "Indiana Jones carried one just like it." He's funny even when he's not getting paid.

Credit: Louisville.com (Elise Jenkins)

Ramona Singer Opens Up About 'Roofie' Incident

The Real Housewives of Orange County got an unwelcome dose of reality the other night after an unidentified man at a bar allegedly “roofied” a couple of the leading ladies, enticing Ramona Singer to urge fans: “Never take a drink from a stranger”, she tells Radar Online exclusively.

News of the incident surfaced when Tamra Barney chatted with Andy Cohen on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live! last Sunday, claiming: "I got roofied,” referring to the date rape drug Rohypnol.

The reality stars from west and east coasts, including Orange County’s Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra, and newbie Peggy Tanous, met up with Ramona at a bar in New York City a few days ago.

“So many fans came over and said ‘we love you guys,’” recalled Ramona.

And right before they called it a night, a middle-aged gentleman came over with drinks in hand.

“He sat next to Tamra and Peggy and said, ‘I have a special drink for you two ladies.’ Obviously he was watching them and decided to buy them drinks.

“Tamra drank only part of her drink, but Peggy drank all of it, poor thing.

“We all left as they finished their drinks and they got back to their hotel 20 minutes later and felt the effects,“ Ramona added.

Vicki was able to take care of the women in their affected state.

“Thankfully, Vicki was there because they almost had to go to the hospital.

“I think it’s a lesson for everyone to learn -- Never take a drink from a stranger,” Ramona said adamantly.

She added that the ladies aren’t pursuing this further, considering they don’t even know the man’s name.

“Thank god it wasn’t more serious.”

Credit: Radar Online

Vicki Gunvalson: I Still Live With My Ex Donn

Real Housewives of Orange County fans weren't exactly shocked when veteran star Vicki Gunvalson filed for divorce from husband Donn last October, after much onscreen tension between the pair.

A bit more shocking: Today, nearly five months after that split announcement, the estranged spouses, who wed in 1994, remain under one roof.

"We're still living together," Vicki, 48, told Us Magazine on Friday.

But the Bravo star and insurance executive was quick to clarify that a reconciliation isn't a possibility. "We're [mediating] our divorce," she told Us. "We still have our finances co-mingled [and] joint accounts."

And, she added, they lead completely separate lives, and that Donn plans to move out within the next few months. "We don't know where each other are, ever. He's always going to be in my life."

Isn't that a little awkward? "It's very hard -- but the reality is, he's not fighting for me, he's not saying, 'Babe I want you back.' He's saying 'Babe, I wish you well.'"

What went wrong?

"My love tank has truly been empty for many many years," Gunvalson said. "We stopped communicating. My happiness came from my work and my children," she explained of Michael and Brianna, her grown kids from her first marriage.

"I didn't go to Donn for friendship or companionship, and he didn't with me either."

Things came to a head late last summer, when the couple didn't speak or see one another for six weeks. Finally, during a blowout family argument back at home, Vicki handed him a letter she'd written weeks before. "I said, 'Here, I want a divorce...I'm done.' It was the hardest day of my life."

But the couple remain on cordial terms. Before Vicki headed out to NYC for promotional duties, Vicki noted, "He said 'Break a leg, I love you, hope you're safe in New York.'"

Credit: Us Magazine

Vicki Gunvalson Opens Up About OC Season 6

Over the years, Real Housewives of Orange County fans have watched Vicki Gunvalson tackle professional to parenting problems, all while navigating the drama synonymous with the entire Housewives franchise. Judging from the previews, Season 6, premiering Sunday at 10/9c on Bravo, may prove to be Vicki's biggest challenge yet.

TVGuide.com: What is coming up for you this season?

Vicki Gunvalson: Each time we get a new cast member, I open my arms and I don't have preconceived notions about them, I just hope we can all get along and that was the case this year. It was just a good blend and a good fit and I was really excited about that. No drama on that end from me, so that was good. There may be some with the other girls, but I stood clear of it.

TVGuide.com: Last year on the show, Brianna was dealing with some health issues. How is she doing?

Gunvalson: Ironically, we are heading to the hospital right now. They found a mass near her lymph node in her neck so we're getting a biopsy done this morning so prayers for Brianna to have it be benign. That's our biggest concern right now.

TVGuide.com: After dealing with your daughter's health in front of the cameras last season, did you have any hesitation about coming back?

Gunvalson: I thought she was healed and healthy. This has just been a new diagnosis in the last month. ... That really didn't have any bearing on me coming back this year. I am kind of the mama bear, I would hate to sit back and not be on this season. I enjoy the show.

TVGuide.com: There is a little bit of friction with you and Tamra Barney. What is ahead for you two?

Gunvalson: I think that viewers are going to be really, really happy about the humbleness of Tamra. I was put in the middle of their marriage and I had nothing to do with the demise of their marriage. I'm her friend, I love her and I want the best for her.

TVGuide.com: What else can you say about the new girls, Peggy Tanous and Fernanda Rocha?

Gunvalson: [Fernanda]'s not really one of the Housewives. She's somebody that comes in and socializes with us, but I don't really know how we're labeling her this year. Peggy is very sweet. She's an Aries, which is fun for me because I always connect with Aries people.

TVGuide.com: Has it been harder to come back every year and film the show since it seems you had more in common with the other ladies in the show's early years?

Gunvalson: The answer is adamantly yes. We don't have any say of who the network chooses. It's not as organic as it used to be. [In Season 1], we all were about the same age, we all had children about the same age. Lauri, Jeana, Kimberly and myself — those were, I think, the best of times because we were good friends. ... We were a really dynamic group, so it's a little bit of a challenge for me. I miss Jeana and I miss Lauri. We had a really great synergy between us.

TVGuide.com: It sounds like you tried to avoid some of the drama, so will we see you butt heads less with Alexis Bellino this year?

Gunvalson: I've got nothing against Alexis. She's very sweet, but I think she's always ready to pick a fight and I'm not. She's always trying to prove a point with me or prove she's a businesswoman. She brings dirt up a lot. I don't want to be around that.

This is now your sixth season of the show. Do you think filming affected your marriage or anything that happened in your life this past year?

Gunvalson: I don't know. All I do know is that I work really hard and filming takes up a lot of time and then you try and fill in your family and your friends and travel and things like that and sometimes the relationships that mean the most to you get compromised because you don't put enough effort into them. It takes two people to get married and two people to get divorced and I'm a firm believer in that.

Credit: TV Guide (Kate Stanhope)