Bravo! Bravo.

Our clubhouse experience began with the nicest gatekeeper ever. The security guard in the building that houses the Bravo clubhouse was named Mike, and he was the nicest guy.

The next nicest person in the world was Anthony, a production assistant, who tended bar for the very small studio audience, there were about 20 of us. Anthony was so friendly and personable. He did a fabulous job of corralling us all into the studio and prompting us to clap when applause was required. He also gave us great swag as a parting gift.

We just happened to start a conversation with this guy who turned out to be the on air bartender for the night, a model promoting underwear, which he wore on air. His name was Austin, and he told us he was also an ex marine who did a tour in Iraq. He was a great person to talk to, and he showed us a picture of his beautiful daughter. Good luck to him in his career and with his family.

The moment of truth came, and the live show began on time. The guests were the ladies of Jersey Shore who were all beautiful, genuine, and great sports for Andy's game which tested their vocabulary skills. It was great laughs. While in the clubhouse, they still offered and served us drinks. It was cool.

The show wrapped and then they filmed the web show. We got a full hour of the festivities wrapping up with the ladies doing a shot ski with Andy. Good luck Jersey Shore ladies you have definitely left your mark on American TV.

We were asked to stay behind while everyone else exited with their giveaway so Andy could say hi and take pictures with us. It was great. He remembered us from the auction and gave us more swag to take home. Andy Cohen and his staff are what's all good about reality TV. They were all so gracious and down to earth i.e. 'real.'

Andy even signed a copy of his book, Most Talkative, for me personally. Thank you Andy Cohen for being the host with the most. You represent St. Louis well.

NYC on a Wednesday 11/28

A whole year ago my husband and I failed miserably at an attempt to cash in on our best charity auction item to date. We won the bid to visit Andy Cohen at the Bravo clubhouse for a taping of his talk show Watch What Happens live!

Well I say failed because my son fell ill and I raced home to take care of him, missing our scheduled time to see the show. But the charity and the very gracious Bravo team extended the privilege. So here we are a year later in NYC. 

So the hubby and I just landed at Laguardia airport. We had two hopes as we checked in at St. Louis airport. My husband's wish, "please let there be an option for an upgrade." My wish, "please let there be good magazines on the shelves." 

There was no upgrade available so I suggested to my husband that we buy the one day pass to the Admiral's Club, we did. Going through security proved to be a slow and necessarily arduous process. We smiled and complied to the end; but I thought I wouldn't have time to shop for mags; and my husband thought he wouldn't get the chance to try the Admiral's Club. We prevailed. 

I was fortunate enough to get an Ebony with Ms. Bravo herself on the cover, NeNe Leakes. I also got two St. Louis specific mags, great research for a hopeful socialite. My husband got his free Bloody Mary, and I was even able to join him when I checked at our gate and saw that boarding hadn't begun. 

Our fabulous flight to NYC ended with my husband suggesting we go to the Admiral's Club again instead of rushing out of the airport. It is 3p on a Wednesday,  my son won't be done at school until 7, and we don't head to the Bravo clubhouse until 10p so why rush. 

The Admiral's Club is awesome but the one at Laguardia is better than awesome. Can you say marble steps people and a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. Life is truly better than good for this girl from the west side of Chicago. Let's hope it gets better once we see Watch What Happens live with the Jersey Shore ladies as the guest.