Yep, you read that right. While this post is a bit of a departure for me, I couldn’t turn down the chance to do an interview with a Real Housewife of Orange County. Right? And Heather Dubrow was game for all my questions. (Which some of my superfan friends helped me with—thank you, friends!)
For those of you who don’t watch the show, Heather is a mom of four kids, ages 8 and younger. The former actress turned supermom is married to Terry, a highly successful plastic surgeon, and together they’re doing their best to keep their focus on family while juggling their careers. Here’s a peak inside their real, real life. I was surprised to learn how much we had in common (minus our alcohol budgets).
Do you have any regrets about doing the show?
I was really nervous when we started the show, but I think we came out of the first season unscathed. I think that we looked like ourselves. Overall, we were portrayed as a functioning family, and I was happy with the way it came out.
How do your kids feel about being filmed? How has it affected your family dynamic?
The kids don’t film a lot. We try and limit their exposure. Sometimes the kids find it to be a hassle depending on what we are doing.
On the show, you seem very different from the “typical” OC Housewife. Do you think you’re actually the “real” OC housewife? If not, why?
Yes, I am a “real OC Housewife,” and my girlfriends and I all have the same life with all the same the trials and tribulations. I think that the show did not accurately represent our group of women.
How do you feel about overindulging children? How do you try to keep your kids grounded?
It is very difficult to keep the kids grounded. We try to set realistic limits for them. We send them to schools with other families that have similar values. The schools they are in keep them young. I feel that that is really important too. Teaching them gratitude is going to serve them much better.
On the show you’ve mentioned that you do it all with no nanny. How do you balance taking care of your kids, enjoying kid-free lunches out, and making time for the show?
I do have a nanny. I have 4 children under the age of 8 with no family nearby to help me with all their activities. I can’t be in four places at the same time. To me it’s called “help.” I am very hands on, but sometimes I can’t be with them all the time. I try and make sure that everyone has their special time with me. During the show I spend as much time as possible, and I think it makes me a better mother.
What do you think “regular” people would be surprised to learn about the parenting styles of the “rich and famous”?
I don’t know if I would call it the rich and famous. What people would be surprised to learn about us and our parenting style is that we are very relaxed. The biggest misconception is that if you have a nanny you are not with them. Our entire lives revolve around our kids.
What are some of your family’s favorite holiday traditions?
Holidays are very important to us. We love Hanukkah. We always make latkes and are famous for them. We have a family latkes party and peel the potatoes. We always go to the pumpkin patch for Halloween. We celebrate everything. Christmas Day we go through our Christmas cards and talk around the table.
Which non-reality TV mom do you most resemble?
Probably Carole Brady meets Morticia Addams.
If you could join one of the other RHW casts, which one would it be and why?
Beverly Hills because I’ve met a lot of them, and I think I could hang with them.
Can you recommend 3 places to eat and 3 things to do in OC for those of us who will be visiting the area?
Places to Eat- Sabatino’s…best Sausage ever, Mayur Cuisine of India…very good Indian food, and Mastro’s Steakhouse…the only place to go in town for a special occasion. Balboa Island…fun shopping, food, and great to walk around, the Wedge…legendary body surfing spot. And if you have little kids, the Pretend City Children’s Museum is an excellent children’s museum.
What’s your favorite budget Champs recommendation (under $20)?
I don’t have one.
My sincere thanks to Heather for taking the time to connect with me. I hope you enjoyed getting real, Orange County housewife style!
Photo courtesy of Anderson Group PR.
So cool! I’d love to have a battle of the latkes with her.
That would be one fierce competition!
That was fun to read Amy! She’s the housewife that I identify with the most. Except for the no cheap champs thing…
Ha! That seems to be what most people say!