Many Americans tuned in Sunday evening to watch one of the many great sporting events that grace television. Flat screens were being sold left and right, pizza shops were bustling and eyes were glued to the television screen as the Patriots and Giants tackled one another for the NFL Super Bowl XLVI Championship title. Although many die hard football fans sat on the edges of their seats, arguing with the ref or yelling at their favorite players through the screen, many spectators were watching solely for the entertainment of the commercials and the infamous half time show.

The halftime show has always been a spectacle and highlight of the Super Bowl with legendary performances by Michael Jackson, The Black Eyed Peas, Prince and many others.  This year Madonna took the stage singing her hit songs accompanied by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, Cee Lo Green and many others. She managed to mix her old tunes with today’s popular recording artist and gave a great show. One of the highlights of her performance was when she danced to the “Party Rock Anthem” with LMFAO, proving that despite her age she has still got some moves. She ended her performance with the song “Like a Prayer” and had a message promoting World Peace.

Of course, there is always a controversy with Super Bowl halftime shows. We all remember the 2004 wardrobe malfunction performance with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake.  According to many, M.I.A (one of Madonna’s guest performers) was caught flicking off the camera and cursing on screen. Apparently the show wasn’t as smooth sailing as the Material Girl would have liked.

All in all I found Madonna’s performance entertaining and definitely recommend that you check it out. There were times when her lip syncing was noticeable but for the most part she stayed on track with the music. I was definitely surprised by her dancing, she really kept it together. The graphics were awesome and I think that the addition of other artist was a plus, and definitely was key to holding my attention. I also lover her costume; it was classy yet edgy and was appropriate for all of her dance numbers. Props Madonna!

See below for the link to Madonna’s “Party Rock Dance” with LMFAO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGYnQRlHnvw

What do the cards hold for poor Sarah?

It’s summertime, but Gwen is oh-so-very cold. Sarah keeps calling, but Gwen has been totally dodging her calls for WEEKS. Her super shady, or as we like to call it, “up to no good behavior”, is getting worrisome. How dare she pass off her phone-tagging duties to her no-so-enthused NYC roomie! Going camping?! What is that all about? What is she trying to hide? What’s in the cards for Gwen + Sarah…?

This episode displays a prime example of life: ups and downs. We go through the joys of love at first sight and we go through the woes of loveless fights. We’ve been through the beginning and nearly the end of Gwen and Sarah’s relationship. The sun must set eventually, no matter how beautiful the sunrise is.

It’s a new day and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing what’s in store for one of our favorite couples.

I have this project, which I’ve started. It’s really rather fun. I have to take at least one photo every day.  The end result is an often charming, sometimes weird & wacky photo-journal. All the images are from my cellphone & un-retouched.  I really rather love it.

So, in lieu of the typical “Top 10″, I presenting this week’s top 10 — in photojournal form.

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•            2/1/12

1. Fun Bright Bedding...it's cold, so snuggle up.

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•           1/31/12

#2 Chicken & rice...Peruvian style

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•            1/30/12

#3 Vinho verde and pretty labels

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•            1/29/12

#4 Enter the Dragon ... lunar new year

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•            1/28/12

#5 Loving reflections & light through glass

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•            1/27/12

#6 Food truck renaissance... Red Hook Lobster Pound

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•            1/26/12

#7 Spartacus: blood and sand. (on Netflix)

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•            1/25/12

#8 Old school Pepsi sign in Baltimore

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•           1/24/12

#9 Beautiful cookies & cakes from Berger's in B'more

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•           1/23/12

#10 The night sky... in the form of an ya dystopia ("A Million Suns")

#10 Strawberry ice cream

1. Release of Lana Del Rey’s Debut Album

Oh, Lana. She already shook up the world when she impersonated Cher on SNL, but now the biggest day of her career so far has officially arrived. Lana Del Rey’s debut album has been released, readily available for download on iTunes. I’m sure there are already thousands of fan videos on YouTube dedicated to the vixen songbird’s newest tunes. I have only listened to a couple of the tracks, but “National Anthem” and “Without You” make my ears smile.

2. Annie Leibovitz: Pilgrimage Exhibit at the American Art Museum

Annie Leibovitz’s newest photography venture is on display at the American Art Museum. Oddly enough, the new exhibit does not boast photographs of iconic and disgustingly gorgeous celebrities in tandem with Leibovitz’s usual style. Instead, Leibovitz chose to focus on the environments of famous individuals such as Sigmund Freud and Elvis Presley by photographing furniture, rooms, houses, and landmarks she felt were significant in their lives. The exhibit will be available to the public in the American Art Museum until May 20^th.

*Tip: The American Art Museum boasts a lovely courtyard that all museum visitors are free to use to eat a packed lunch or lounge around. Take advantage of this option and pack a PB&J sandwich for that beautiful spring day spent at the museum.

http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/leibovitz/

3. The Superbowl

For those of you who have been living under a rock (like myself), you may have just realized (like myself) that this Sunday is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY. This year it’s the Patriots and the Giants. That’s as much as I know on this subject- I really only like to watch the quirky commercials. Get together with friends and family, eat and drink way too much, scream obnoxiously at the television screen, and have yourself a ball- pun fully intended.

*Tip: Here’s some handy dandy recipes for the salt addicts in all of us: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/super-bowl-food-top-10-best-super-bowl-recipes/story?id=9745102#.Tyl_A5j8rao

4. Fogo De Chao

If you’re going to Fogo, I suggest two things. Don’t eat anything all day and wear elastic pants. Also, if you’re a vegetarian, this probably isn’t your best option, although Fogo does have a terrific salad bar. For those of you who do not know how this restaurant operates, imagine a room full of waiters carrying around sticks covered in various types of meat. You turn over a card on your table, and behold, the waiters flock to you, drowning your plate in slabs of perfectly seasoned and cooked meats. It’s a carnivore’s dream and it can be yours for a price and reservation. But really, make a reservation ASAP because this place books up fast.

*Tip: Nothing beats the lamb chops. Nothing.

http://www.fogodechao.com/

 
I have two major obsessions this week: Kate Nash and the Sock Bun. Let’s begin with Kate Nash. This Duffy meets Ingrid Michelson British goddess came into my life through my roommate’s computer speakers. She was blasting “Navy Taxi,” a track from Nash’s EP. I fell madly in love. It was about 1 a.m. and I needed something calming, but with a kick to get through a Modern American Studies chapter that left me nearly comatose. Needless to say, this song was able to resurrect me from the dorm room dead and I have listened to it 136 times since. It was two nights ago. This gorgeous, red-headed Brit has released two albums since 2007 and is currently working on a third scheduled to drop this year. Fun fact: Her biggest single, Do-Wah-Doo, was featured on the Bridesmaids soundtrack. Another one of my personal favorites from her is ‘Nicest Thing’ from her Made of Bricks album. It’s an infectiously stunning song that makes you want to bawl your eyes out. If you are a victim of unrequited love, put down the Ben and Jerry’s and put this song on-it has no calories. 

SOCK BUNS. They’re excellent. I am currently wearing one and Otessa (Creator of OJBG) walked into the office and said that my bun looked PERFECT. Otessa, there’s a sock in my hair. Response: What?! No way! Yes, there is currently a sock on my head which keeps a nearly perfect circular nest on top of my head all day long. Pair your bun with a pair of statement earrings and some winged liner and you can have a SPICY look in five minutes. They are incredibly easy, quick, the perfect mask to a bad hair day, and the style works on any kind of hair type, as long as your hair is long enough to put into a pony tail. Here is a link to a great YouTube how-to video on sock buns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfMlMhSACCE

A couple of tips for Sock Buns:

1. Make sure your pony tail is TIGHT (so that is doesn’t fall down during the day) and at a height that you want.

2. The bigger/thicker the sock you’re using is, the bigger/thicker your bun will be.

3. Don’t be afraid to use bobby pins or hairspray to tame fly-aways, baby hairs etc.

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/

Super Tacos

Don’t let this discreet “Mom and Pop” small Mexican restaurant fool you. It’s delicious. It may seem ordinary  from the outside, but Super Tacos is home to traditional Mexican food that will melt in your mouth without melting your wallet. The food is cheap and the owner is friendly and, as an added bonus, totally cute. The restaurant also has a full bakery offering up traditional cakes and pastries all week long.

*Tip: Super Tacos sells Orange Crush. In the original bottle. Can’t get more old school than that.

http://www.supertacosdc.com/

Founding Farmers

I can’t remember if I’ve ever included Founding Farmers in a Weekend Walk-In’s edition. Regardless, it MUST be mentioned. The restaurant is far from a best-kept secret in D.C. Pretty much everyone knows and loves this restaurant, but for the unique few that are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to enlighten you. Founding Farmers is the Mecca of restaurants in D.C. It’s chic, sophisticated, has a fully stocked bar, and is packed every night of the week. The food is amongst the most delicious I have ever eaten. Mind you, I’ve eaten food from over fifteen different countries- Founding Farmers is just that good. It’s a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. Make a reservation and take the person you like the most out to eat. Or just bring your mom. Just kidding. Love you, Mom.

*Tip: My personal favorite is the Skirt Steak Enchilada. It’s so incredibly epic.

http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/

Beyond Therapy

Do you think your love life has a gone a tad bit awry? Well, join in the company of some eccentric characters as they navigate the complexities of their attractions in this weekend’s performance of Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy produced by Generic Theater Company in Foggy Bottom. Pick a night and be sure to catch one of the four performances this remarkable cast will be putting on tonight and tomorrow night in the Lisner Downstage.

*Tip: Special shout outs to my wonderfully talented friend and fellow actor, Matt Rist! Break a leg, Barfee!

http://www.facebook.com/events/234592563283258/

Pinterest.com

I always like to include an alternative to going out on these blog posts, just in case you’ve had a particularly tiring week and want to lay on the couch for an eternity…or just for a couple of hours or so. If that’s the case for you this week, I have brought you a special new treat: Pinterest.com. I discovered Pinterest back in October and have wasted countless hours on it ever since. The website acts as a virtual pin board where you can collect, organize, comment, and label images for yourself or on other people’s accounts. It’s like Google images meets Facebook meets . Whether you’re planning your wedding, redecorating your home, painting your nails, organizing your office, looking for date outfit ideas, cutting your hair, need a new dessert recipe etc. you can find it on Pinterest. Check it out. You will have a blast.

*Tip: When you’re starting out on the website, you have to be put on a “waiting list” before you can get a Pinterest account. Don’t be discouraged. It only takes a couple of days and then you’ll gain access. Patience is a virtue.

http://pinterest.com/

By: Emily White

An over-sized white sweater has never looked so good. On Monday night at the Rock and Roll Hotel, Twin Sister took the stage and entranced the audience with their shimmering art-pop. The band drifted to and dabbled in disco, dream-pop, funk, freak-folk, and synth-rock– never settling on a distinguishable sound. But lead singer, Andrea Estella was the literal  ’star’

Something about Estella made me feel both uneasy and at peace– like falling into a psychedelic day-dream. Twirling in  her long pleated skirt and playing with her sweater, she cooed through the show. She continually crouched down in her ankle boots in-between sets to take a sip from her Guinness. She is undoubtedly on her way to becoming the next indie darling.

Estella’s odd stage presence paired with the shimmering disco beats, sexy vocals, and a twinkling soundscape left me feeling woozy and enchanted. Definitely check out the bands first full-length album, Heaven. And listen to some of their addictive songs here:

Bad Street

All Around and Away We Go

Lady Daydream

   There is a new television show in town and you need to be watching it. It’s called Smash and I can’t help but think after watching the pilot episode, this show is going to be quite a…well…SMASH. The show stars Katharine McPhee, American Idol old-timer and actress, and Megan Hilty, Broadway star, as two aspiring singers as they compete against each other to win the coveted role of Marilyn Monroe in a new Broadway production based on the screen siren’s life.

            It’s no surprise to me that I loved the pilot episode of this show because it encompasses everything in life that I love: theater, belting, sequins, lipstick, and Marilyn Monroe. However, no matter your personal interests, I think most people can truly enjoy the drama and unintentional suspense that seems to organically develop within the plotline of this new venture. Simply speaking, how could the tale of two women competing for the big break that will get them out of the ruts of their lives not be suspenseful? I watched the pilot episode with my male friend who is obsessed with politics and has not a clue about anything involving performance, music, Broadway, or Marilyn, and yet, he was completely mesmerized by the TV screen. It was almost uncanny.

Fresh-faced Katharine McPhee is completely charming and wonderfully likeable as she attempts to defy the odds and resist the dirty pitfalls of show business in an attempt to make her dreams come true. The show also stars actresses Anjelica Houston and Debra Messing and Broadway star Christian Borle.

So, basically what I am trying to say is jump on the Smash train and be sure to download the pilot episode off of iTunes for FREE! The next episode will be aired right after the Super Bowl. How fitting: two major performances back to back.

Manouch

Manouch is a legend and it’s likely that if you are not an 18 to 21 year old GW student or graduate of the university, you probably don’t know of him or his hot dog stand. Allow me to shed some light on this infamous late night vendor. Manouch’s Hot Dog Stand is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from about 11 to the wee hours of the morning. He serves the most delicious hot dogs I have ever tasted (even in comparison to infamous NYC dirty water dogs). The food is dirt cheap, you are sure to make friends waiting on the usual line, and if you are dealing with a problem, talk to Manouch about it while he prepares your dog. He’ll definitely have some words of wisdom for you.

*Tip: As far as toppings go, just ask him for “the works.” That usually includes ketchup, mustard, onions, cheese, chilli, and his famous “GW sauce.” Just eat it. It’s heavenly.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/manouch-hot-dog-stand-washington-2

Theater Look-In at the Kennedy Center

If you’re like me and don’t have the $50+ to go see a musical performance at the Kennedy Center, the Kennedy Center is now hosting a series of “Theater Look-In’s” where you can sit in on discussions with the casts of the musicals going up at the Kennedy Center. You have the chance to ask the actors questions and get an “inside look” at the entire process of putting on the show. The best part is that it’s only $12!

*Tip: This season, there are Theater Look-Ins for The Addam’s Family and La Cage aux Folles. Tickets can be purchased on the Kennedy Center website.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=EMETB

Etete

I’ll be honest. I don’t know much about Ethiopian food and I have never been to Etete, but every time I research new restaurants in DC, Etete always manages to show up in my searches. It’s gotten rave reviews from pretty much everyone except the Queen of England. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like pretty good odds to me.

*Tip: Parking seems to be an issue at Etete on Friday and Saturday nights since U Street is a bumping locale on the weekends. Take the metro or hop in a cab.

http://www.eteterestaurant.com/index.html

Bobby’s Burger Palace

Oh, Bobby Flay. Why do you tease me so? Anyone looking for their newest burger addiction look no further than K Street in Foggy Bottom. There you will find Foggy’s newest establishment, Bobby’s Burger Palace, whipped up by none other than celebrity Chef extraordinaire, Bobby Flay. The burgers are super tasty and come in all kinds of combinations, including but not limited to potato chips, blue cheese crumbles, and goat cheese. The shakes come flat or spiked and the fries come sweet or crisped. Plus, the inside looks like you stepped right into Toy Story’s Pizza Planet. I’d say it’s an excellent choice when you need a new spin on your usual after-work drinks with friends routine, or if you just want delicious food.

*Tip: The French fry dipping sauce is the best. Don’t neglect it.

http://www.bobbysburgerpalace.com/index.php

PS: Rest in Peace, Etta James. You were a diamond. 

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