"Cancer Is Reality" Bronx Fund Raiser!

"Cancer is Reality" is something we have all learned in our personal lives. I doubt there is anyone among us who hasn't been personally affected by this disease, either we have had it or have a loved one who is or has gone through it. Just last week I lost someone close to me to this disease. No one is immune. 

I am happy to promote events that raise money for this cause. On November 15th there will be a fund raiser sponsored by Krunch Time Fitness, Chip's Gym, and held at LCG Cigar Company (La Casa Grande) at 2344 Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, owned by Paulie Cigars. 

Several reality stars will be there, including our Chicago Mob Wives Leah DeSimone and Nora Schweihs, as well as Mama's Boys Chip and Giovanni. I see Teresa Giudice's husband, Joe, will also be present, if you are a fan of Real Housewives of New Jersey. And, I am told the couple of the bottom are Gigi and Carmine, from Jerseylicious. GFella is an Italian hip hop/rap artist.

As we all know, Leah's mother has been battling breast cancer for several months now. Leah said on Facebook:  "I will be attending a Fundraiser in Bronx, New York, "Cancer is Reality" ♥ Help fight like a real women would ♥ my heart to all the hearts of survivors and currently battling this dirty Bitch ♥ " Spoken like a Mob Wife! 

I hope you will mark your calendars and attend this event on November 15th, which is for a great cause and, at the same time, meet with some well known reality stars.

Picture Credit: Leah's Twitter

Mob Wives: Carla and Joe Visit The Bronx!

Carla and Giovanni enjoying cannoli

It’s no surprise to my readers that I'm a big fan of the Bronx. It’s not only because of the Mama's Boys show, but because that’s where my roots are. Even before Giovanni, from the Mama's Boys, put Arthur Avenue on the map, it’s been my favorite place to shop and frequent restaurants. For those of you who don't know, Arthur Avenue still consists of mom and pop stores. They have some of the finest Italian foods available. So it’s no surprise that another Mob Wife has been here visiting.

Carla with Paulie of La Casa Grande Cigars

Yesterday, Carla and Joe, of Mob Wives, paid a visit to the market. They  met up with Giovanni, the cannoli king. Giovanni says she "loved" his cannoli. Did she eat the whole thing? I heard the day was filled with Giovanni's typical “ball-breaking” antics and a great lunch. I hope Carla took advantage of stocking up on some of the great Italian foods. It looks like Carla enjoyed herself and had some laughs.

Carla with Dave Greco of Mike's Deli

AND

Joe with his paesan, Giovanni

Picture credit: Carmela Corleone

Written by: Carmela Corleone

Mama’s Boys of The Bronx: New Show on TLC

We have a new blogger who has offered to cover a new show that will be airing on Monday, April 9th on TLC. Her name is Carmela Corleone and you can follow her on Twitter @carmelacorleone. Here is her first blog, which gives us an introduction of herself, a brief description of the show and a brief interview with one of the cast members. Please welcome her! ~ Mobwives.blogspot

By way of introduction, I'm happy to join this great trio of Blog Writers. My name is  Carmela Corleone. I am a New Yorker with much pizzazz. I think my warm and friendly way makes me very approachable. From the moment I meet people they feel comfortable and take a liking to me. Coming from a background in the food industry, I am always interested in good eats from NY. I frequent any place that boasts the best of the best.  I will be covering the show “Mamas Boys of The Bronx,” which will air on April 9th on TLC. The show will portray  5 Italian guys from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, in their 20’s and 30’s, who are all still living at home….yes with Mama.  Their names are: Anthony, Giovanni, Frankie, Peter and Chip. Hopefully it will bring us some laughter.  I think we all can relate to or know someone who is a “mama’s boy.”  I am also Mob Wives enthusiast and have been hooked from the very first show.  Coming from a family with to strong ties I was easily interested.  My  resume sports a longtime job, but one of the most active roles in my life is that of a compassionate and caring sister.  I've been lucky enough to meet some of the mob wives and will write about my experiences and interaction with them in the future. I write from the heart that is hanging on my sleeve, but will very much try to tuck it in my pocket. Last I  checked there were a few stitches still attached. I  hope you enjoy my passionate writing. Thank you for welcoming me!

On Saturday, March 24th,  I was able to sit down with one of the stars of the show, Giovanni Paolo, and ask a few questions. We met in the market on Arthur Avenue, sipping espresso and eating mini-canola’s, to discuss the show. Although the show will only air for 4 weeks, with double episodes each evening, I’m hoping this new Italian reality show, featuring life on Arthur Avenue, proves to be witty and brings home all the laughable Italian mama/son charm. Arthur Avenue is one of those places that still has the heritage and feel of  Manhattan‘s "Little Italy.” Although most people think of Little Italy as being in Manhattan, the Bronx actually holds true to the old-time charm and culture of Italy. The stores are still owned by the original families and boasts of some of the best Italian goods New York has to offer. I’m no stranger to this place, my own family originated from here, and I come back home often. Here is my interview with Giovanni:

Giovanni Paolo chats with Carmela

Me: Giovanni, I want to thank you for taking the time to talk with me about your new show. 

G: You’re welcome, can I get you an espresso?

M: Yes please. Tell me, how did you end up being chosen for the show?

G: Somebody came around the avenue and posted some flyers. My friend picked one up and called the number. We all thought it was a joke. She said she was interested, called us back and started interviewing us. 

M: How long have you been living on Arthur Avenue? 

G: My whole life, my parents met here. 

M: Are you an only child? 

G: No, I am the oldest of 6. I have four sisters and one brother all living in the area. 

M: What will the show be about?

G: Five single guys, between the ages of 20-30, living in the Bronx with their Mama's or mama figure. It will show our everyday life here in Arthur Avenue, how we interact on the streets with the old timers, and also what the guys and I do when we go out to Jersey and Atlantic City. You’ll see some scenes from our nightlife. 

M: How do you know the other cast members?

G: I know all of them from the neighborhood.

M: Besides this acting debut, what else do you do, or were you doing before the show?

G: I am partners here at the pastry shop, I’ve worked in masonry and I’m into designing. I am actually working with a few now on some ideas. I am getting involved in putting together a cookbook also. 

M: Wow that sounds interesting, hopefully you’ll be able to get some recipe secrets from down here. How long will the show air?

G: It will air for four weeks with double episodes each night.

M: You’re currently living with your Aunt Gina? 

G: Yes, my mom passed away about a year or so ago. My Aunt Gina is like a mother to me and she looks at me like her son. 

M: What do you think the show will bring to the viewers?

G: Hopefully, season two (he chuckles). No, I think the show will be funny in a lot of ways. The interaction with me and the guys and how we live and get by here. 

M: Well, Giovanni; I look forward to watching and hope its entertaining. 

G: I think you'll love it! 

I stuck around for a while, shared some stories with Giovanni. He told me some funny and personal stories about himself. I hope everyone will be able to relate to the boys from the Bronx as much as I know I will. I hope we all enjoy the show and I’ll catch up with everyone after the first episode airs with a recap blog. 

Here is a sneak peek of Mama's Boys of The Bronx:

Written By: Carmela Corleone