Read more: Local, Community, The Real Housewives of Orange County, Bravo, Alexis Bellino
You've probably heard about the hit show, Real Housewives of Orange County, even if you haven't watched any of the episodes.
The reality program's fifth season premiered earlier this month on Bravo.
The newest member to join that cast grew up in Hannibal.
KHQA's Rajah Maples talked with Alexis Bellino on the phone Thursday afternoon about her experiences on the show, on the West Coast and how her Midwestern roots keep her grounded.
She may not look the same as she did in this 1994 Hannibal High School yearbook. But Alexis Bellino, then Alexis Dietrich, insists she's the same person.
Bellino said, "I am still the same Alexis. I'm very much a peace maker. I don't like to fight. I'm still fun. I like to party. I'm just happier and more settled."
Bellino graduated from Hannibal High School in 1995. She lived in New York City after that, then moved to the West Coast about 4 or 5 years ago. She says she's much happier in Orange County.
Bellino said, "I love New York City, don't get me wrong. New York City is fun to visit and then come back to the West Coast. I'm just a West Coast girl. I like the fact that it has a ton of glitz and glam, but you can be casual and war your sweats to Starbucks and wear your hair on top of your head. And the weather, you can't beat the weather. I need sunshine. It's a perfect fit for me."
There's been some talk about how Bellino's appearance has changed since her days in Hannibal, and the newest Orange County housewife is up front.
Bellino said, "I have had an obvious breast augmentation. I've had fillers put in to get rid of wrinkles in my face, and a little bit of filler in my lips. I've never had a nose job, although I want one. But I don't feel embarrassment, because I believe in preserving myself, and I want to do what's going to keep me looking young for as long as I can."
With a husband and three young children, Bellino also is up front about her priorities.
She said, "My husband and I are very structured. We make sure that God is first, our marriage is second, and our kids are third."
As for Bellino's extra-curricular activities in high school? Quite fitting -- she was in Future Homemakers of America.
Bellino makes her second appearance on The Real Housewives of Orange County Thursday night.
It airs on Bravo at 9 p.m. central time.
