We've had the O.C., Atlanta and New York, and now we're meeting the latest batch of housewives, The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Oh mama!

If you're Housewives obsessed like I am, be sure to catch he newest addition to the Housewives franchise when it premieres on May 12 at 11 pm. As always, the next week it will move to its regular slot at 10 pm.

Now for the good stuff. Let's meet the ladies!

Caroline Manzo: Caroline's been married to her husband, Albert, for over 25 years and has three children with him: Albie, Christopher and Lauren. Albert runs a catering facility, Albie is in law school, Christopher is an "entrepreneur" (aka potential strip club owner -- see clip below) and Lauren helps out with the family company. Caroline also owns two businesses -- a real estate firm and a children's accessories line. And, as all the Housewives seem to, she helps out with charities.



Dina Manzo: Like Caroline, Dina has two careers. She's an interior designer and owns an event planning company. She's married to her husband Tommy and has a teenage daughter, Alexia. Actually, Dina is very much like Caroline - if you can't tell from their last name - they're sisters. Sisters on Real Housewives? Well, that's new!

Jacqueline Laurita: I'll flat out admit that I hope Jacqueline does not go by Jacki (or any form of it) so I can preserve the semi-sanity associated with my name. Really though, Jacqueline is a stay-at-home mom who is married to a man named Chris... who just happens to be the brother of Caroline and Dina. They're really keeping it in the family this year! The couple has a son, CJ, and Jacqueline has a teenage daughter, Ashley, from a previous marriage. Jacqueline, who is a former cosmetologist, has no plans to age gracefully and pampers herself with regular facials, manicures and pedicures, though she thinks she's down to earth. Riiiight.

Danielle Staub: Danielle sums herself up this way: "You either love me or you love to hate me, there is no in between." Well, that should be interesting. Danielle is verrry proud of the fact that she was one of the first women in New Jersey to have a Black American Express Card (gag me). She's known for being brutally honest (watch the clip below) and is a recently single mom with two daughters, Christine and Jillian. Danielle loves her daughters and her looks. Unlike the previous three housewives, Danielle is not related to any of them.



Teresa Giudice: Teresa is married to her childhood sweetheart, Joe. They've now been married for over eight years and are building their (gigantic) dream home together. They have three daughters, Gia, Gabriella and Milania. Like Jacqueline (though they are also not related), Teresa's a stay-at-home mom. She hopes to get back into the fashion industry, where she worked before having children. Teresa also says she teaches her kids how to be "fabulous." Anyone else happy that you're not related to her?

I won't be mean about New Jersey because my girls Ysolt and Tracy live there, but I have had enough ex-boyfriends from the state to know that there will be a lot to make fun of.... And, let's be honest, that's the reason we watch the show.

So, what do you think? Can they compete with the other Housewives? -- Jacki Garfinkel

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