Jessica McFadden

Watching the Oscars in DC

by Jessica McFadden February 22, 2013 Entertainment

I have watched the Oscars live, from start to finish, since I was a young elementary school student. I think it was 1987, after I was deemed old enough to see (or sneak) “Broadcast News,” “Moonstruck” and “Empire of the Sun,” that I became passionate about quality films and the glamor of this annual event. [...]

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Celebrity Crush: Jennifer Hudson

by Jessica McFadden January 18, 2013 Celeb Crush

The endless legs, the tiny waist, the chiseled face…and well, of course, the powerful, emotional voice and acting chops, too. No one who has heard her sing on American Idol or act in Dreamgirls can deny that Jennifer Hudson is in possession of enormous talent. However, it was Hudson’s ability to transform herself from a [...]

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Half-Off Kids Sunday Brunch at Quench in Rockville

by Jessica McFadden September 20, 2012 Around Town

Quench in Rockville loves adults (as evidenced by its beautiful craft cocktails selection), but it also adores kids. The opening of its new half-off-for-kids Sunday brunch this week on September 23 is proof! Each week on Sundays, kids get to chow down for half-off with a paying adult (one kid to one grown-up) from 11 [...]

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6 Summer Beauty Essentials

by Jessica McFadden June 26, 2012 Beauty

Summer in Washington, D.C. means a sweaty, saunaesque season in which the ability to look one’s best is often compromised by the river of perspiration streaming down your face. It makes arriving for that morning meeting after a drenching walk from the Metro a definite beauty challenge. The blessing of a beachy getaway or the [...]

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My Favorite Place in DC: Strathmore’s Sculpture Garden

by Jessica McFadden October 21, 2011 Around Town

The outdoor sculpture garden at Strathmore in North Bethesda (just off of the Rockville Pike) is one my favorite ways to share fine art with my children. Actually, when the kids are running around and even climbing into the exciting structures, they really have no idea that they are “interacting with art.” They just think [...]

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8 Great Children’s Books by Washington-Area Writers

by Jessica McFadden September 13, 2011 Child

Washington, D.C. has a wealth of riches in the way of museums, monuments, and memorable outings with kids. However, this area is also home to many marvelous children’s book authors and illustrators. To pay tribute to their art and in honor of September’s distinction as National Literacy Month, here are eight great examples of local [...]

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Rockville Restaurant Week — Restaurant Review Roundup

by Jessica McFadden September 9, 2011 Around Town

Looking for an affordable fine dining experience in the Washington area? You are in luck: Rockville Restaurant Week starts on Saturday. From September 10th through 18th you can sample special, reduced prix fixe menus at local restaurants. Priced at either $8 lunch/$15 for dinner or $15 lunch/$30 dinner, this week provides the perfect chance for [...]

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My Favorite Place in DC: National Harbor

by Jessica McFadden September 2, 2011 Around Town

One of my favorite places in the Washington, DC area to visit with my family is National Harbor, especially on an idyllic early autumn day. Whether we are riding the water taxi to Old Town Alexandria and back, chasing each other around The Awakening statue or exploring the offerings of the Launch Zone, my [...]

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Celebrity Crush Ryan Gosling

by Jessica McFadden August 19, 2011 Celeb Crush

This Friday night I have a date with a man not my husband. In fact, I am going to make my spouse watch our three children so I can be alone with this other dude for a full 118 minutes. I am going to slip into something comfortable and hang out in the dark with [...]

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