Yolanda: 50 Is the New 30

Hello Bravo Lovers,

I hope you are well and enjoyed tonight’s calm waters before the storm.

PUMP is such a gorgeous and romantic restaurant; just the right spot for a picture-perfect birthday dinner. Lisa R. looked amazing, and I loved seeing Harry spoil her on her special day. I always say 50 is the new 30, and she is living proof of that motto. It’s great to see a woman just own it, because it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

Gigi going off to college started a whole new chapter in my life. As much as I am trying to roll with it, having her home for a day is still the greatest gift. Even though we speak every day, I really miss her energy and company in my almost empty nest.

It’s interesting as a mom to reflect on your own parenting skills. The core of our beliefs may stay the same, but our perspective changes over the years and evolves with each child that comes through us. I love each of my kids in unique ways and try to meet their different needs, so they can thrive and be their personal best.

I cherish those one-on-one moments with my baby Bella to connect and discuss our goals and plans for a productive future. I never had the college experience, so I have raised my girls to be more work-oriented and motivated to be financially independent. I am lucky that they both have the Mohamed education gene and genuinely want to be in college while pursuing their modeling careers.

After Bella graduated this summer, I felt very confident in dropping the reins for her last month in Malibu before moving to New York. Eleven-thirty curfews seemed needless at that point. I thought if there was anything important that I had not taught her by now, I probably failed at my job.

Traveling without the kids is always a challenge. Living so far away from my family in Holland, it is a juggle sometimes and without each other’s help, I feel I sometimes fall short of being the best daughter, mom, and wife I want to be. I am very grateful for Blanca and her husband Alberto’s help. They have been a great blessing in my life and to our family for many years.

I fly commercial and have my whole life, so I recognize what a crazy luxury it is to travel in a private plane, but that’s what my husband works for. We appreciate every minute flying and never take it for granted. David’s childlike obsession with airplanes is his greatest joy in life. He has been a pilot since he was 20 years old. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if we end up living in a hangar at a cute airport somewhere. 

It was nice to see Brandi make the effort to reach out to Lisa V. I believe forgiveness is the best form of love in any relationship. It takes a strong person to say they’re sorry and an even stronger person to forgive. The truth is that some people never take any responsibility for their actions, never say sorry, and are never able to really forgive and move on. Unfortunately that’s just a fact of life.

[video_clip_url:http://player.theplatform.com/p/PHSl-B/yT7k3t_YLXoZ/embed/select/hmkxYKA_e24D]

Brandi is working hard and has created a beautiful home for her children. I wish she and Eddie could work things out and put all that money going to lawyers into an education fund for their boys, instead. Life is too short.

Look at Kim and Monty. Seeing them puts everything in perspective. Kim has shown such a beautiful act of love by moving her ex into her home to care for him. I am happy to see the sisters pull together in this difficult time. Life is just so bittersweet. 

I can’t even imagine how the joy of preparing Brooke’s wedding is overshadowed by such tragic news. Watching Brooke just made me cry. She showed such inner strength and looked like an absolute angel to me; beautiful in every dress.

I am excited Eileen has arrived. I loved seeing the shot of her and Lisa R. on camera when they were younger. So cute. I like movies but never watched much TV so am not familiar with all the shows. But I do know that winning an Emmy is an outstanding accomplishment, and I am so proud to have this kind, fun, and extraordinary working woman in our group of friends.

Until next week,

Much Love,

Yolanda