Entertainment

This Is What Jill Zarin Has Been Up To In 2016

I'm not one of those people who spends time obsessing over what my former high school classmates are doing. Not because I'm mature, but because I'm putting that energy elsewhere, like into wondering what Jill Zarin has been up to in 2016. More specifically, I put my attention toward keeping track of the alums from all the Real Housewives franchises. Which is a lot of work, sure, but so is finding anything to talk about with my old classmates when they're getting married and having babies, and I'm renewing my vows with my couch and reality television. So let's check in with the former Real Housewife of New York City, to see how the chips have fallen for her so far this year.

The short answer is: pretty well. Even though she left RHONY back in Season 4, Zarin has had no shortage of adventures, and this year has been no exception. Whether she's throwing charity events, jetsetting around the world, or just spending time with family, Zarin's life is jam-packed with excitement. Even just scrolling through her Instagram, I have to admit I'm pretty jealous. She has an enviable lifestyle, and I would do just about anything to trade places with her for a day. I hope she's excited to spend 24 hours promising to clean her apartment while I'm Instagramming my Michelin-starred dinners on another continent. Should be a real rollercoaster for both of us.

Until then, here's a summary of what Jill Zarin has been doing with herself so far this year.

1. She And Ally Saw Hamilton

No big deal, just the biggest musical of the century, complete with the original cast and meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda backstage. It's fine, I'm not jealous.

2. She Toured The Globe

Get ready for a string of vacations to make even the most worldly traveler feel jealous. Zarin has already run the gamut this year, from feeding an elephant in Thailand...

To raising a glass (of mudslide, of course) in the Dominican Republic...

To snuggling up with her husband and a panda in China...

To ringing in the New Year with family in Aruba.

3. She Met A Legend

That glossy beauty is none other than Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh, in the flesh.

4. She Filmed A TV Show Spot

It wasn't a return to Real Housewives of New York, sadly, but instead a stint on David Spade's show Fameless, which aired on Jan. 25.

5. She Bonded With Housewives From Other Cities

Love seeing these ladies all stay in touch, even across franchises.

6. She Continued Promoting Her Book

Zarin co-wrote Secrets of a Jewish Mother back in 2010, but that doesn't mean she's done putting in work to make sure people read it; she did a book-signing in New Jesey in March, because she's all about that hustle.

7. She Took In Some Culture

Never one to miss a giant party, Zarin made her way to Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival this year.

8. And Always Manages To Give Back

Whether at her fourth annual Jill Zarin lunch, or hosting a charity fundraiser to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Zarin is always using her influence and her resources to look out for others.

It's already been a big year for Jill Zarin, and it's barely half over, so be on the lookout for even more excitement from the former reality star. And try not to be too jealous.