These days, our knowledge of celebrities too often originates with paparazzi images and snarky quotes by anonymous "insiders." After a while, it's easy to forget that stars are real people. That's why HuffPost Celebrity decided to launch its all-new #nofilter quick-fire question and answer series. Because how well do you know someone until they've shared their guiltiest pleasures?
"Real Housewives of New York City" alum Jill Zarin stands by her Season 4 tagline, "Good or bad, I know who I am and I own it." "I learned from my mother, Gloria, it's all about the truth," she says. "We're too honest for people; they can't handle it. We say it the way it is." The Bravo personality, entrepreneur and co-author of "Secrets of a Jewish Mother" brought her trademark candor to our conversation about fellow reality stars, must-see TV and holiday indulgences.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Eating frozen yogurt, every day.
If you weren’t living in New York, where would you live?
Boca Raton, Florida. I’m here right now, in the Boca Town Center Mall. I’m in Heaven.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
J.Lo.
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
Pinkberry, chocolate. However, as a carnivore, it would probably be Peter Luger, with home fries.
How did you get on death row?
I killed one of the “Housewives.”
What shows are always on your DVR?
“Law & Order,” almost every reality show, “Judge Judy,” “Dr. Phil.” I also love the show with Kerry Washington, "Scandal." And I love Piper Perabo on that USA show "Covert Affairs." She’s unbelieveble.
What's your dating deal-breaker?
I hate cheap.
What's your go-to excuse?
Someone gave me one and I never really used it, but “I have a conflict.”
What's one thing you do when you're alone that you wouldn't do in front of someone else?
What I used to do was pull out all my in-grown hairs, but I don’t get them anymore. And probably use a sex toy.
If failure weren't an option, what's one thing you would do?
I’m doing it. I’m living the dream. I don't think there's anything I wanted to do that I'm not doing.
What's one thing from your childhood wardrobe that you wish you could wear now?
E.G. Smith slouch socks.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Chicken matzo ball soup at a Jewish deli in Boca.
What's on your nightstand?
Diet Coke, a book by the women who started Gilt Groupe. I love reading books about successful business people--biographies and success stories, business books. But I did finish “50 Shades of Grey” --all three -- in three days. My jewelry, watch, pens, remote control -- all on my side of the bed.
Have you ever stolen anything?
Yes. Clothes from a store when I was, like, 14.
Did you get caught?
Yes, and I never did it again. I wasn’t a good thief.
How do you feel about scooped-out bagels?
I only eat scooped-out bagels. And I like flats. You know what a flat is? Imagine if they took a hammer to a bagel and flattened it out.
What would people be surprised to know you've never done?
I don’t know if they’d be surprised, but I’ve never done heroin. I’ve never jumped out of a plane, nor do I want to. I’ve never skied double diamond. I’ve never been to the North or South Pole, and I want to go. I’ve never been to China or India. I’ve never been on an African safari. Those are all on my bucket list.
What's one item that's always in your refrigerator?
Orange juice. Bobby can’t live without it. And Diet Coke. I can’t live without it.
If you could ask Kim Kardashian any question, what would it be?
Who? Just kidding! I actually respect their success and how hard they work. I would ask, do you resent the fact that people don’t give you credit for how hard you work? Because I know how hard they work. In spite of being known for doing nothing, it’s far from it. Does she resent that, that she doesn’t get appreciated for what she’s accomplished?
If you could rewrite your high school yearbook quote, what would it be?
My college yearbook said “Least likely to hear the following words said: 'Attention, Kmart Shoppers! Blue Light Special.'” If I could rewrite it, it would be “most likely to succeed.”
Who's your ideal drinking buddy, living or dead?
I don’t drink. If I had a drinking buddy, it would be Bobby [Zarin, her husband]. Bobby talks a lot when he’s drunk.
If you were undead, would you be a vampire, zombie or ghost?
Vampire. I’m obsessed with the "Twilight" series.
What happens in your recurring dream?
The people I have conflict with, I make up with. When I have a conflict with someone, it comes back in my dreams and it really bothers me. I'm not going to mention names, but I think you know what I’m talking about.
When do you lose your temper?
When people don’t think that I’m right. And I’m always right.
What’s your secret hidden talent?
I’m an ice skater.
Didn’t we see you skate on “Real Housewives”?
I guess it’s not that big a secret. I’m a really good dancer.
What do you think of Honey Boo Boo?
I think that people who want to watch that show for entertainment shows you how our society has been dumbed down. I actually think she has a great mother who’s trying to keep her as grounded as possible, considering the circus that surrounds them. I think the mother’s doing a really good job of keeping her in school and not letting it get to her head, from what I’ve heard.
What’s the dumbest thing you’ve read about yourself?
That I’m mean. I’m the opposite of mean.
What New Year’s resolution do you never keep?
That I’m going to lose weight.
What’s your biggest holiday extravagance?
Eating potato latkes. They’re very fattening.
What’s the best gift Bobby’s given you?
I just got it. A Cartier diamond watch. He bought it for me for my birthday, November 30.
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