So far in Season 5 we’ve discovered that Gwen has made a big move to NYC and she and Sarah are trying out a “LDR” (Long-distance Relationship, obvi.)
Gwen will make a grand re-appearance in this Friday’s episode… & perhaps we’ll find out more about the future of Sarah + Gwen. Until then, watch Gwen fight off the advances of mysterious gentlemen in her alternative life as a telenovella star & read more about her character: http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/gwen/
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By: Samantha
Bodega
My roommate and I would constantly notice the ornate exterior of this Georgetown restaurant every time we went for a walk around town. Finally, we decided it was time to make a reservation and find out what the interior looked like. We got all dolled up for a girl’s night out and to little surprise, we discovered that Bodega was precisely the right location for a classy night in D.C. The restaurant is richly decorated in dark tones and decadent wallpapers and the tapas compliment the décor with their bold flavors and interesting combinations. The New Year deserves some adventurous new cuisine, and I suggest you start off with Bodega.
*Tip: The Arroz Meloso al Azafrán con Gambas, or the creamy saffron rice with grilled shrimp tapas plate was our favorite. Perhaps it will be yours too.
http://www.bodegadc.com/home.asp
Award Season
It is my personal favorite time of the year because it is AWARD SEASON. With the Golden Globes this Sunday, and the Oscars soon to follow, it’s time to catch up on this year’s best films, television shows, and performances before they announce the winners of those coveted golden statues. My personal favorites for this year include The Help and Midnight in Paris. What were yours?
*Tip: For those teens reading this that will be going to prom in the spring, the best inspiration comes from award shows. Pay attention to the star’s dresses, jewelry, shoes, bags, makeup, and hairstyles. It is way easier to develop your own look with a little inspiration and the award shows can give you HOURS of it.
The New Year
We are already a full two weeks into the New Year. Perhaps it’s the optimist in me, but I think the New Year is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your life’s course and change some things that may not be beneficial to you and your well being. Whether it’s a change in jobs, a new hobby, revamped eating habits, more exercise, a new haircut, or any other form of change, the time is now for a terrific new year.
PR at Partners Salon and Spa
If your New Year’s resolution is to revamp your look, you should head over to the PR at Partners Salon in Foggy Bottom. I recently visited the salon to correct a botched hair-dye job and I could not have had a more pleasant experience. The hair stylists take the time to discuss with you your concerns, desired look, hair type, and management time before they touch anything. Aside from haircuts and coloring, the salon also does hair removal, facials, and other spa services. There are 14 other locations throughout D.C. and Virginia. This salon and spa also specializes in rejuvenating clients’ entire looks, from their hairstyle to their makeup and clothing through makeup and stylist consultations, perfect for New Year makeovers. For more information, check out their website.
*Tip: Jonathan was my hairstylist at the K Street Salon. He was fabulous, extremely receptive, and most welcoming. He walked me through every step of the process, answered all of my questions, and was full of conversation. Plus, my hair looked excellent when he was finished. I highly recommend him.
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By: Samantha
Prepare yourself: here is one of my many shameless attempts to come to publicize the five upcoming performances of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the George Washington University. Your loyal and devoted blogger, yours truly, Samantha, will be performing in the show, so I ask any and all of you out there to PLEASE head on over to Foggy Bottom this weekend for a night filled with juvenile hilarity.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee debuted on Broadway in 2005 and was nominated for six Tony Awards. The basic premise of the musical is six middle school children competing in a county spelling bee in the hopes of winning and going on to compete in the national spelling bee. Each of the six children have their own quirk, which continuously adds to the comedy of the one-act performance. The unique aspect of the show that many people may not know about is that four audience members are selected to compete in the spelling bee alongside the actors, giving the characters added competition in winning the bee and achieving their greatest childhood dream.
The show is full of vibrant, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching musical numbers including “ I Speak Six Languages,” “My Friend The Dictionary,” “”Pandemonium,” “Prayer of the Comfort Counselor,” “Woe is Me,” “I’m Not That Smart,” “Magic Feet,” and the well-known “The I Love You Song.” Each song adds a new layer to the children’s personas, offering a greater explanation of who they are as children and how they ended up at the spelling bee.
Forbidden Planet Productions, one of George Washington University’s premier theater companies, will be putting the show up this weekend, December 8th through December 10th on their Mount Vernon Campus near Georgetown. Feel free to visit the Facebook event for more details about times, location, and tickets: http://www.facebook.com/events/254617587924971/
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By: Samantha
1. Ice-Skating at the National Gallery of Art
HOLIDAY DATE IDEA: ice-skating at the National Gallery of Art. “Break the ice” by falling on ice with your significant other. There is no better excuse for hand-holding like grasping each other’s hands for support on the rink. Top off the date with hot chocolate at the Pavilion Café and you can easily guarantee yourself a goodnight kiss.
*Tip: The rink is located in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. It does not get more romantic than that- unless you want to fly on over to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm#admission
2. A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater
For all of the theater junkies out there, Ford’s Theater is putting on the traditional performance, “A Christmas Carol,” throughout December and January. Personally, I think seeing any show in Ford’s Theater is an added bonus considering you’re in the same theater President Lincoln got assassinated in. Maybe I’m a nerd, but that fact just never stops being eerily cool.
*Tip: If you want to see one of these performances, move quickly. Shows at Ford’s Theater get sold out VERY quickly. Visit the theater’s website to purchase tickets.
http://fords.org/event/christmas-carol-0
3. Zaytinya
Behold, my personal favorite restaurant in all of D.C. If you are in the mood for a delicious blend of Mediterranean small plates, head on over to Zaytinya. The restaurant is sleek and stylish, the waiters are delightful, and there is patio-style dining for those sunny afternoons. An added plus: on weekdays, Zaytinya roasts lamb on a spit in the front of the restaurant for those who have a short lunch break.
*Tip: The grilled lamb t-bones are to die for. But, actually. Heaven opens its pearly gates with at the sight of this entree.
4. Holiday Music and Decorating
It’s officially December- December 2nd to be exact. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanza, the time of every year when you are allowed to relish in holiday music, décor, and food has finally come. Whether that means putting up the tree, hanging the stockings and lights, or breaking out the dreidels, get to work. Yes, the holidays are not until the end of the month, but hey, getting there is half the fun.
*Tip: Take this month as an opportunity to learn more about your own family’s traditions. My mom and I bake chocolate covered pecans every year. What is special to your family during the holidays? Find out!
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By: Samantha
Okay, before you read any further, I must preface this blog post by stating that I have yet to actually see either one of the films I am about to promote. Nevertheless, I felt a strong need to highlight them in a blog post for OJBG because they seem absolutely DIVINE. The films I speak of are “Like Crazy” and “A Week With Marilyn.”
I must have re-watched the trailer for “Like Crazy” at least 38 times. From what I can gather from the trailer, it is a tale of a modern romance between a guy from the United States and a girl from Great Britain. She overstays her Visa while in the United States and gets banned from reentering the US again, having been shipped back to her home in the UK. This inevitably puts a whopping strain on the young couple’s relationship and causes some serious changes and reevaluations of their lives’ courses. Here is a link to the YouTube video of the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTUvX_pYNBM
The second film, “A Week With Marilyn,” just hit theaters, unlike “Like Crazy” which has been in theaters for over a month. The film, an adaptation from a book written by Colin Clark, stars Michelle Williams fresh off her last cinematic hit, “Blue Valentine.” If her performance in “Blue Valentine” is any indication of the level of performance she will bring to this new film, I have no doubt that this film will be anything less than spectacular. As a die-hard Marilyn Monroe fan, upon hearing of this film, I was very apprehensive about whether or not Michelle Williams could pull this role off. I suppose I will inevitably have to see it to decide for myself whether or not she did the screen siren any justice. I think the best part of this movie will ultimately be Emma Watson’s premier in a film post Harry Potter. The plotline follows Marilyn’s alleged relationship with Sir Laurence Olivier’s assistant and highlights the trials and travails she faced at the height of her stardom. The link to the YouTube video of the trailer is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_tbnTM7zVE
If any of our readers have seen either one of these movies already, please comment with your thoughts and opinions! We welcome ALL comments!
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By: Samantha
I have a slight problem when I read books. After the third or fourth page, if my mind has wandered off to what I am going to eat for lunch or the shoes I have been saving up for, I quickly close the book shut and never reopen it again. Sadly, this scenario plays out far too often between a book and me. However, I broke this horrible habit over this past summer when I fell truly, madly, and deeply (cue Savage Garden) in love with Wally Lamb’s bestseller, She’s Come Undone.
The book chronicles the life of Dolores Price, a blunt, cheeky, in your face, incredibly wonderful human being who is unlike anyone you have ever met before. The book debuts her at around five years old and follows her through to her later adult years, describing every poignant moment of her life as she endures love, heartache, rape, obesity, abuse, depression, and death. You grow to like her childhood innocence and love her adult cynicism. However, please do not mistake this book for a deep, dark endless black hole (astronomy lecture was this morning). This book tells the story of a life. It is not forced, it is not staged, and it most certainly, is not sympathetic. Much like Dolores herself, the book tells it like it is, granting very few second chances and shining a fierce light on the events of ordinary life most people would rather bury under the carpet. Most importantly, Dolores easily identifies with almost every problem one may encounter during life, which helps to ultimately shape her into one of the most relatable fictional characters that exists in literature today.
The best news? I recently read that the Gods of Cinema have decided to turn this beautiful creation into a major motion picture starring A-lister, Reese Witherspoon. I sincerely hope, wish, and pray that the film does not make a complete crapshoot of this wonderful book, and instead, illuminates it to a greater brilliance than the book has already done for thousand and thousands of people.
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By: Samantha
1. Reel Fest D.C.
The weekend we have all been talking about is finally here! Reel Fest D.C. is in full swing this entire weekend. At the festival, there will be a screening of Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden Episode 4.02 “Sarah Live! At Comet Ping Pong” as well as works by some of Washington, D.C.’s most inspiring up and coming filmmakers! OJBG is being screened Saturday night at 9 p.m. and Monday afternoon at 12 p.m. at the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts. The address is 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW,
Washington, DC 20007. Visit the Facebook event for more details! To purchase tickets, head to the Reel Fest D.C. website: http://www.reelfestdc.com/
*Tip: Note the location change in the Facebook event. It would be tragic if you showed up to the wrong place and missed this splendid event.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151617208263790
2. The Reel Fest D.C. After-Party
We have raved about the actual event, but the After-Party is just as important! Right after Reel Fest D.C., head on over to the D.C. Jazz Loft this Sunday night, November 13th, for some sweet tunes, a cool atmosphere, and great conversations with inspiring D.C. natives who love the arts just as much as we do!
*Tip: Check out the Facebook event for all the little details regarding the After-Party.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=283110075063089
3. Free Burger at Z Burger
Who doesn’t like getting stuff for free? OJBG certainly does! Z Burger in Tenleytown is offering its customers a single patty burger 100% free of charge. The offer is available from now until November 18th. Why are you still sitting here reading this? Go get that burger.
*Tip: OJBG heard of this deal through ScoutMob. Download the app to your smart device and easily stay informed about all of the hot deals circulating D.C. every day.
4. Make a wish! It’s 11/11/11.
It’s okay to give in to the camp tradition of kissing the clock and making a wish at 11:11. Take this once in a lifetime opportunity to make a wish at 11:11 p.m. on 11/11/11.
*Tip: Be careful what you wish for- it may actually come true this time around.
5. The Harry Potter Finale
If you’re like me and enjoy a cozy night in on the couch with Chinese food fresh out of the carton and your best pals next to you every once and awhile, I suggest making a night like this happen this weekend in celebration of the DVD release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Who would give up an opportunity for relaxation, quality time with the pals, and a night to relish in the FINAL CHAPTER OF HARRY POTTER? I certainly would not.
*Tip: Watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone first. Your mind will be blown by how young the trio was, how sucky the special effects were, and how incredibly wonderful the series’ beginning still is.
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**PS psst extra addition by Otessa:
#6 see kimya live at the black cat. minus the bunny suit
#6 Kimya Dawson is playing tonight (11/11/11) at the Black Cat… doors are at 9pm. Check it out, get tickets & info HERE.
It’s been a while since I saw her live…actually it was several years ago, when she and Adam Green were still Moldy Peaches. There was a bunny suit involved & the drinking of (fake/real?) pee on stage. Quite memorable. I also have one of Adam Green’s sweaters. Long story. It was bought from off of his back.
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By: Samantha
1. George Washington University’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show”
The cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has taken over Washington, D.C. just in time for Halloween. With performances tonight and tomorrow night at the George Washington University Marvin Center 3rd floor Grand Ballroom, you can rest assured that you will be completely prepared for Halloween Sunday night. The show boasts the traditional film projected behind the actors and encourages audience call-lines, but also provides a modern twist on the cult ritual with racier costumes and the authentic GW “Virgin Games” 15 minutes before the show starts which are designed to get the audience’s blood flowing. Trust me, your blood will definitely be flowing. The show’s motto is after all: Give yourself over to absolute pleasure.
*Tip: Get there at least an hour early. This production is not only widely-known throughout D.C., but it is one of the biggest traditions at the university for GW students, so anticipate crowds.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=311262868888049
2. Trick-or-Treating at the Embassies
One of the wonders of D.C. is Embassy Row. You can walk on the property of many different countries without ever having to board a plane and leave the District. However, the Embassies are especially fun on Halloween when each of the individual buildings open their doors to Trick-Or-Treaters and send them off with tasty treats (and sometimes even items unique to that individual country). You can even get a sneak peak into the Embassies when they open the door. Candy and an inside look? In the words of Charlie Sheen: winning.
*Tip: Don’t be lame and wear a costume. Seriously, being 40 does not excuse you from having to make a complete fool of yourself on Halloween. Start at the Embassies around 3 p.m., if not earlier, since some Embassies stop answering their door around 5 p.m. Also, some Embassies do not give out goodies. Here is a list of the ones that definitely participate in the festivities:
The Republic of Cape Verde
The Republic of Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
The Republic of Croatia
Finland
Greece
The Vatican or Apostolic Nunciature, the Holy Sea
The Republic of Indonesia
Ireland
The Republic of Korea
Lesotho
The Republic of the Marshall Islands
Paraguay
3. The Crime and Punishment Museum
Every Halloween, the Crime and Punishment Museum plans a theatrical and themed week of events for its visitors. This year, the museum has centered its week on the Electric Chair that is housed within the museum. Little is known about what actually will happen once you step foot inside the museum on the nights of the Halloween-themed events, which makes the entire night all the more terrifying. Just don’t pee your pants. That would be embarrassing.
*Tip: No person under the age of 17 will be allowed admittance, so leave the little ones at home with a babysitter. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
http://www.crimemuseum.org/Fright_at_the_Museum_Info.html
4. An Ouija Board
Some of my fondest memories of the days before Halloween include a Ouija board. Get a group of pals over to your place, shut off all the lights, and present your questions to the all-knowing glow-in-the-dark Ouija board. No matter how old you are, it’s almost impossible not to get a little freaked out by the board’s messages, even if they are completely absurd.
A special note from OJBG creator, Otessa: The Meatpuppets are playing at the Rock & Roll Hotel this coming Tuesday, Nov 1st. Finish off Halloween weekend with a bang, literally, on the drums.
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By: Samantha
Every week when I have to think up a new topic for a blog post, I find myself reminiscing about my own childhood during the (very) late 90s. More often than not, I quickly end up spending way too much time rewatching YouTube videos of my personal favorite 90s TV show episodes. After I’ve had my 90s TV show fix, I start to wonder: What ever happened to these quirky teens we grew up with? Well, for all of you who ask this same question, I now have the answers:
Ben Savage played the adorable Cory Matthews on Boy Meets World. After the show ended, he graduated from Stanford University. Smarty pants. He has done some guest stints on other television shows and had a couple of roles in pretty much non-existent movies. Hey, at least he’s an intelligent lad.
Danielle Fishel, the beautiful Topanga Lawrence on Boy Meets World, ended up becoming a spokeswoman for Nutrisystem and hosts a show called “The Dish” on the Style Network.
William Daniels, the unforgettable Mr. Feeney on Boy Meets World, is, in-fact, still kicking at 82 years old. I think that’s an accomplishment in itself.
Melissa Joan Hart, the spell-bounding Sabrina the Teenage Witch, currently stars on another ABC Family sitcom, Melissa and Joey, starring fellow 90s star, Joey Lawrence. She also competed on a season of Dancing With The Stars. She is a mommy of two boys and has an extremely sexy husband, if I do say so myself.
Candace Cameron, the bright-eyed D.J. Tanner on Full House, also stuck with ABC Family and acts on it’s gymnastics oriented television show, Make It Or Break It. She also got married to a hockey player and has three kiddies.
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By: Samantha
1. Circa (Foggy Bottom)
I know I raved about Burger, Tap & Shake in last week’s Weekend Walk-In’s edition, but I have discovered yet another food paradise in the newly-constructed The Avenue restaurants: Foggy Bottom’s branch of Circa. The restaurant features traditional lunch and dinner. However, my personal fave is it’s weekend brunch. Brunch kicks off at 10 a.m. on the weekends, and lunch starts at 11 a.m. daily. The Foggy Bottom branch flaunts an outdoor dining area that is loud, crowded and happening straight until closing. There are also Circa locations in Dupont Circle and Clarendon, Virginia. The prices are pretty reasonable and the food is splendid. I consider that a win, win.
*Tip: The banana stuffed French toast for brunch is as delicious as it sounds. Order that sucker and enjoy every bite.
http://www.circaatfoggybottom.com/
2. Backstage (Capitol Hill)
Halloween is next weekend. If you’re like me and have grand plans for a new and original costume, but nothing to show for your imagination, have no fear. Capitol Hill hosts the well-reviewed theatrical store, Backstage, which is not only a source for traditional off-the-rack costumes, but also houses an extensive collection of wigs, masks, and theatrical makeup. Because Backstage works as a legitimate costume store for actors and theaters, be confident that you will find authentic costume pieces and props to fulfill all of your Halloween costume dreams. Plus, if nothing works out, Backstage also does individual made-to-order costumes that will fit your vision and body just right.
*Tip: Backstage also has hundreds of costumes available to rent, even if it’s just for 24 hours. So, if you’re on a budget, but still want that traditional Marie Antoinette ball gown and matching tiered wig, you can make them yours without breaking the bank.
http://www.backstagecostumes.com/
3. The D.C. Drag Queen Race (Dupont Circle)
It’s time for everyone’s favorite DC race of the year: The Drag Queen Race! On Tuesday, October 25th, everyone gathers in Dupont Circle to enjoy the fiercest high-heeled running race in America. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to run in the race, but men, feel free to throw on your hottest sequined micro-mini, grab a pair of platform stilettos, and get your fabulous bootay onto 17th Street between P and S at 9 p.m. sharp. Needless to say, it is probably the best thing to see in the District all year long.
*Tip: Get to 17th Street EARLY. The race itself starts at 9 p.m., but because it’s a happening tradition, hundreds of people are expected to line the streets. Therefore, get there a couple hours early if you want to get the best view of their favorite queen.
http://dc.about.com/b/2011/10/21/high-heel-drag-queen-race-in-washington-dc.htm
4. Silver Springs Zombie Walk (Silver Springs)
The Silver Spring Zombie Walk is expected to turn-out over 2,000 zombies walking the streets of Maryland this Saturday, October 22nd at 8:45 p.m. Embrace your inner zombie, put on your best zombie garb and makeup, and get to walking.
*Tip: Get there a little early if you want to partake in some mingling with your fellow zombies before the chaos ensues.
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