Dina Manzo headed into 2026 with a positive outlook — not that we expected anything less.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum reflected on the past year in an empowering December 31 Instagram post, in which she alluded to some of the hardships she endured over the past 12 months. Dina did not get into specifics, but suggested she had experienced a series of lows that resulted in undesirable lessons.
Dina Manzo reflects on the ups and downs of her 2025
“Some years don’t sparkle as much as they sand you down,” she wrote. “Looking back, 2025 humbled me, tested me, pushed me and taught me things I maybe didn’t want to learn.”
But, in true Dina fashion, she refused to let the setbacks crush her optimism; in fact, they seemingly strengthened it.
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“I’m Still here. Still growing and still choosing truth over comfort,” she continued. “Being human is a school with no graduation day, every joy is a lesson, every wound a teacher, and LOVE is the final exam we keep retaking until we remember who we are.”
Dina Manzo shares a recap of her travels
Although some of her 2025 lessons weren’t easy, Dina suggested she would use the experience to help her reach new heights in 2026. And she called on others to join her on the journey.
“2026 let’s do this with creativity, community, understanding and most importantly with ease with ease with ease,” she wrote, before concluding with “Amen.”
The carousel featured photos and videos of Dina’s 2025 travels, including her time at Casa Sangha in Santa Barbara, the Sunstone Villa in Santa Ynez, and the Basilica of Our Lady church in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Dina Manzo enters the new year with an exciting creative venture
In the weeks leading up to 2026, Dina officially launched Montecito Social — a retail and gathering space she curated with Jen Huang Bogan. The venture offers creative workshops and a selection of artisan goods, antique furniture, and more.
“A new creative door is opening in Montecito,” she announced in a December 13 Instagram. “A place to shop, gather inspiration, and create together. Come in, slow down, and experience the heart and rhythm of this sweet coastal town.”
Will Dina Manzo ever return to New Jersey?
Dina moved to Orange County, California, about 10 years ago with her daughter, Lexi Iaonnou, from a previous marriage. In 2023, she and her current husband, Dave Cantin, purchased a $16 million home in Montecito, just 10 minutes outside of Santa Barbara. Dina spoke about her living situation in a 2024 Q&A, saying she’s always wanted to live in the picturesque town, which is home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Gwenyth Paltrow, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.
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“I’ve always wanted to be in Montecito,” she said before insisting she had no plans on returning to New Jersey. “It’s not for me.”
Get more details about Dina’s life today, including her daughter Lexi’s thriving career.
