TV Weekly Recap: Real Housewives NYC, Sandra Lee and the Cuomos!

I felt a little like an honorary real housewife of New York City after spending two evenings in the presence of the cast, whose series returns to TV next month.

On Tuesday night, Alex McCord and hubby Simon van Kempen threw a book party to announce their next collaboration, a book on parenting.

"We don't consider ourselves parenting experts, but this is a great opportunity for us to share our stories and trials of raising our children," Alex told me as we sipped champagne inside the sleek French Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club on the East Side.

I've sneaked a peek at the premiere episode of The Real Housewives of New York City, season two, where Alex and Jill Zarin have a little bit of a disagreement over a certain newspaper article. So I asked how the gals get through the rough patches.

"Even if we don't get along with everyone all the time, it's a shared experience and we respect each other," Alex declared.

Well, the Housewives definitely seemed to be in harmony the next night as they converged on Jill's fabu Manhattan apartment for an exclusive photo shoot for OK!.

As all six Housewives, including newest entry Kelly Bensimon, hugged and kissed and exchanged pleasantries, I allowed myself to be amazed by the blue and gold trimmings throughout the main rooms.

"The apartment was decorated using Zarin Designer discount fabrics and furniture," Jill said proudly. Hey, can't fault a girl for seeking out a little free advertising!

(Catch the second season premiere of The Real Housewives of New York City on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 11 p.m. on Bravo.)

An hour later I was congratulating Food Network star and lifestyle maven Sandra Lee on the launch of her new magazine, Sandra-Lee Semi-Homemade, in the rooftop lounge of the Empire Hotel.

"It's for 30-something women and beyond who want to bring a little simplicity to their busy lives, but in a great way," Sandra shared.

Is that possible in this conomy, I pondered.

"This magazine will give them tips to save money," Sandra declared.

Hey, we're all down for saving a buck nowadays.

The highlight of night was seeing the Cuomo men: former New York governor Mario (my mom's ex-boss!) and sons Andrew and Chris mere steps away from where I had sampled the chicken skewer platter.

Nothing like being in the presence of political royalty!

Until next week, fellow fanatics!