Bethenny Frankelhas a lot to smile about these days — and much of it is thanks to her boyfriendPaul Bernon.
TheReal Housewives of New York Citystar, 48, spoke to PEOPLE on Wednesday night at the grand opening of the new Godiva Café in New York City, where she gushed about her relationship with the real estate developer and film producer.
“I’m a lucky gal,” Frankel said. “It’s been good. Things between us are really nice.”
Frankel and Bernon have been dating since last fall andwent Instagram-official with their romancein December while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. The two have been spotted on luxurious vacations since, includinga trip to Playa del Carmen over the New Year holiday. And though he lives in Boston and she in NYC, the two have been making the long distance work.
“We’re together a lot,” Frankel said. “I have a really good balance in work, life, love. I’m really happy.”
Bethenny Frankel.Cindy Ord/Getty
That’s a big change from whatRHONYfans are currently seeing on the hit Bravo show, as Frankel works through the pain after the death of her on-off boyfriendDennis Shields. Last August, the businessman wasfound deadof asuspected overdosein his Trump Tower apartment. He was 51.
In addition to that loss, Frankel has also beenbattling a variety of health complications.
Asked how she’s feeling now, Frankel said “much better,” stressing, “my health is getting back in order, so I’ve been taking a lot of time to myself.”
Slowing down has allowed Frankel to enjoy plenty of quality time withBryn, her 8-year-old daughter with exJason Hoppy.
“There’s been lot of mommy time,” Frankel said, adding that Bryn has joined her on a few work trips as well. “It’s been good.”
Bryn has spent time with Bernon, too. During an appearance onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenearlier this month, Frankel revealed that the two have a good relationship.
“Brynknows him and loves him. They’re very, very similar people,” she said. “He’s incredible. He’s a beautiful human being inside and out.”
Bethenny Frankel/Instagram
Also “incredible”? Frankel’sSkinnygirl Jeans line.The collection has expanded since she launched it last January, releasing several new collections and expanding from retail stores like Macy’s to the Home Shopping Network.
“[Customers say] it’s the most comfortable pair of jeans that they’ve ever put on,” Frankel continued. “Everyone loves them because they feel like sweatpants but they look skintight. It’s amazing. The larger sizes sell out first. It’s amazing. Everyone’s unleashing their inner Skinnygirl.”
Bethenny Frankel.Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Frankel herself unleashed her inner chocoholic at the Godiva Café opening.
“I always say: I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like chocolate,” she told PEOPLE at the store’s soirée.
The property, located in the heart of the Big Apple at 560 Lexington Avenue (50th & Lex), is the first American café for the brand. It features a sweet and savory menu of grab-n-go items like salads and sandwiches, specialty beverages, sweet treats, and signature items — like The Croiffle, a fresh-made buttery croissant pressed into a hot waffle and filled with ingredients like cheese, egg, or chocolate.
By the end of 2019, 10 more cafes are slated for opening in the Northeast. The larger plan is to expand the model to 2,000 locations worldwide.
“I love Godiva — I think they’re an amazing brand,” Frankel said. “I love that they’re branching out into cafés. You don’t have to only come here to buy chocolate — you can have a cheeseboard, you can have a salad, you can have a really decadent hot chocolate. It’s so luxurious.”
source: people.com
