Melissa Can Handle Herself

Hello Loveys!
 
I loved how this episode started: with my kids and my niece and nephews having a play date. I love when my family is together -- nothing makes me happier!
 
Milania sliding down the banister in a stuffed bra -- there are no words. That kid. She's so funny. I never know what to expect from her. She is full of energy, but she's also one of my snuggliest kids. She loves to cuddle. Out of all my 4 girls, she gives me the most kisses, and tells me she loves me the most. She drives me the most nuts, but she makes up for it by giving me the most love. She was upset that she didn't get to come to the hair care launch party since the public picked her name for the first release of products, but it was an adult party, and I knew she wouldn't have any fun.
 
The Youthful 8 - Milania Collection hair care launch party was amazing! I was so thrilled that so many salon owners and press and my family and friends were able to come. I wish you could have seen the product more since the bottles themselves are so beautiful, but trust me, it's the greatest product I've ever used on my hair. It makes my hair so soft, and it smells so, so good! To celebrate the launch, this week only you can get a free full-size bottle of your favorite product. For details, go to www.milaniahaircare.com.I was sorry that Melissa got into a fight with one of her best friends at the launch party. For the record, I didn't invite Jan or Penny. The party was open to any salon owners who called in and spoke with the Youthful 8 company reps. As soon as I found out Jan had RSVPed, I called Melissa to warn her and make sure she would be OK with it. If Melissa didn't want them to come, believe me, I would have uninvited them immediately!
 
I don't really know Jan, I just know she was one of Melissa's best girlfriends, and they were in each other's wedding. I have no idea why Jan and Melissa would have a falling out, but like I said in my interview on the show, I have Melissa's back. Like Dr. V suggested to us, I thought it was best that Melissa confront Jan directly, and I was happy to support her. When Jan and Melissa were talking, I was right there to make sure it didn't get out of hand. My brother was right there too, and he wasn't upset, shrugging it off as crazy talk, so I did too. My main concern was that Melissa knew I was there for her.

Melissa and Jan have a history. They've been best friends for 12 years. That's why Melissa invited Jan to lunch to talk about her new book (and me...). I'm there for Melissa, but I wasn't going to get involved because it didn't it have anything to do with me. And Melissa's a big girl. I know she can handle herself. We all saw that at Lake George.  
 
Penny is another salon owner that I have met a few times at public events. As she said, we're acquaintances, not friends. It was kind of awkward to ask her that to her face, but I wanted Melissa and Joey to hear it directly from her since they were convinced Penny was talking badly about Melissa and that she was my friend. For a whole year, my brother and Melissa believed I had something to do with Angelo showing up at the fashion show and saying hi to Melissa, when I didn't. But them believing that was hurting our relationship. I wanted to fix that more than anything. I told them I had nothing to do with it, Kim D told them, and now Penny told them too. What more can I do? I'm done trying to defend myself. If my brother doesn't believe me by now over strangers, there's nothing I can do.

Watching myself on the episode, I look so uncomfortable because I was! My launch party was very important to me and I was praying it would be successful and not end in a big "white trash" brawl. I never know who's going to attack who, and people came prepared for a fight! Penny even came with a bodyguard! When asked who he was, he answered, "I hurt people for a living." A bodyguard and my brother in the same room? They were eyeing each other and I was freaked out. It was nerve-wracking having my brand hang in the balance of people who just want to fight.
 
It's been really exhausting these last few seasons to be constantly accused of everything that ever happens to other people. Trying to constantly vindicate myself to my only sibling, to watch my family get ripped apart by rumors from strangers, it's not a good feeling. I'm so tired of walking on eggshells. I just want this all to be behind us.
 
I know it must be frustrating for Melissa to have people say bad things about her, believe me, I know! But I don't think she was targeted this season or last season any more than any of us. It kind of goes with the territory of being on TV. People like to say stuff about you, magazines like to write stuff about you. As I told Melissa, you have to shrug it off. Life & Style has done 2 untrue cover stories about cheating in my marriage, so I know first-hand that they are full of crap. I hope you are all enjoying your summer! I've been down at the Shore grilling up a feast every day. You can get my favorite summer recipes, including a grown-up Fabellini sorbet, in my newest cookbook Fabulicious!: On the Grill available now in bookstores and on Amazon: http://amzn.to/RtCq8e.
 
Visit my website www.teresagiudice.com for my latest appearance information, and please follow me on Twitter @Teresa_Giudice. I love love love to talk with my amazing fans!
 
Tanti Baci,
Teresa xx