No Phone Zone, Mama's Day, Art & Soul Premiere

NATIONAL NO PHONE ZONE DAY:

LISTEN TO OPRAH!!!!

Today is NATIONAL NO PHONE ZONE DAY. Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Studios are taking a stand against distracted driving, launching a new public service announcement campaign and joining forces with some of the country’s preeminent transportation safety organizations to declare Friday, April 30 th the first national “No Phone Zone Day.”

Today's Oprah Winfrey Show will be dedicated to raising awareness about the problem. “A call or text isn’t worth taking a life,” said Winfrey. “We must not allow more mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers to die before we take action against distracted driving. Let’s put a stop to it now, by joining together on April 30 th for national ‘No Phone Zone Day’, and by making our cars a ‘No Phone Zone.’”

I am glad Oprah is shedding some light on this subject. We do need to take this seriously. The statistics of how many deaths have occurred because of texting while driving is alarming. So lets be aware and make a life changing decision. No more texting, talking, eating, or applying makeup while driving! Thanks Oprah for raising awareness and making this your personal plight. And speaking of amazing women. Don't forget what's right around the corner...

MAMA'S DAY:

With mother's day right around the corner, May 9th to be exact, we all want to get that perfect gift for mom to show her how much we appreciate her. So what will your gift be to the one person in this world who knows you better than anyone else and who changed your dirty diapers?? Well I have the perfect personalized gift. (Mom DO NOT read any further if you are reading this post) This year I am sending personalized M&M's to my mom. Now you can upload a photo of yourself and write out a little message that is shown on each individual M&M. So if you don't live nearby mom, she can reach her hand in the candy bowl and see your pretty little face everyday. What a great personalized gift!

Perfect for all occasions

Even rock-band Kiss got in on the action and teamed up with Wal-Mart to show their faces on the classic treat

So don't wait. Order now online http://www.mymms.com/

ART & SOUL RED CARPET PREMIERE:

Last nights' photography exhibit held at the Library of Congress, had the stars right here in our backyard, and all for an artistic and necessary cause. "Art & Soul" is the cornerstone of The Creative Coalition’s arts advocacy campaign to focus national attention on the need to secure federal funding and support for the arts. Here's a look at some of the stars who were on hand to support this cause.

Actress Patricia Arquette

Funny man Marlon Wayans

Entourage hotty Adrian Grenier

Cutie Pie Omar Epps


Dazzling Cheryl Hines

--Vanessa xoxoxo

Top 'Top Model' Video Interviews

Tyra, we did all of the hard work for you...

Vanessa and I scoured the line of hundreds and hundreds of Top Model hopefuls in DC to see who we thought was worthy enough to "walk the walk" before you, Ms. J and Mr. Jay. [Insert two finger snaps here].

Below is a rundown of the top girls we found.

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. -- Buff Body of the Week will be back next week. Send your nominations to: thetravelingtalkshow@gmail.com

BS'n on Fashion BS, and the White House Pet Correspondence Party

FASHION BS: WHERE BEAUTY MEETS STYLE

Our radio interview is out on the airwaves! Click HERE to listen to all the fun we had with Elaine and James from Fashion BS. Stay tuned for an upcoming video piece that we will be embarking on with this dynamic duo. You won't want to miss it. Markette and I dished it all out including: what are plans are for the future, fashion trends for the Spring, celebrity crushes, and a potential pie eating contest??!!!

WHITE HOUSE PET CORRESPONDENCE PARTY:

If you love animals and what to come to a fabulous event and potentially take home and adopt a pooch then join Markette and I tonight at the Hotel Helix from 6-9 p.m. as we get to hang out with some furry friends, to benifit the Washington Animal Rescue League Adopt Adopt Adopt!! Don't pay hundreds of dollars for your future canine or feline companion when you can adopt and pick out your furry friend online from the WARL . Wendy Diamond, founder and editor of Animal Fair Magazine and her adorable Maltese "Lucky" will be hosting the event. Wendy will be talking about her latest and greatest book It's A Dog World" about her 10 years of experience in the industry. And mechanical engineer, U.S. Air-Force pilot and the second person to set foot on the moon, and former DWTS contestant Buzz Aldrin will be there tonight too!

What should we ask Buzz? Send us your questions and will ask!

Want to know more Wendy Diamond also known as The Queen of Canine. Then watch this vid.

--Vanessa xoxoxoxo

Kentucky Derby HAT-ittude

Let's face it: There may be a horse race going on, but the real show at the Kentucky Derby is all about the style and HAT-ittude taking place off the race track...

2009 brought us the "Kentucky Kardashians," as mom and daughter duo Kim K. and Kris J. brought Hollywood glamour to Churchill Downs.

In 2008 we saw playful and flirty lids from Hugh Hefner's top bunnies, as new mom and former "Girl Next Door" Kendra Baskett stole the spotlight in this pic by striking a fierce pose to go along with her show-stopping hat. Go Kendra!

Click to discover your personalized style profile today!

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What will 2010's Kentucky Derby bring? Maybe a new princess? Prince William's got the keys to the Chinook, so what are you waiting for, Kate Middleton?

What could be a more perfect addition to this prized American tradition than an appearance by Prince William's rumored fiance, who just might be the most stylish woman to basque in the royal limelight since Princess Diana?

Ponder that thought while I go have a drink...

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - Come this Saturday, this is what I'll be sippin' on:

Mint Julep recipe from Round Robin Bar at the Williard Hotel

Ingredients:

• 8 to 10 mint leaves, plus 1 mint sprig, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
• Sparkling water
• Crushed ice
• Twist of lemon peel, for garnish
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions:

Chill a (tall) Collins glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Combine the mint leaves, sugar, 1 ounce of the bourbon and a splash of sparkling water in the chilled glass. Use a spoon or wooden muddler to gently crush (muddle) the mint into the mixture.

Add a handful of crushed ice and stir vigorously. Add the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon and a splash of sparkling water. Fill the glass to the brim with ice (tightly packed), then use a bar spoon or knife to agitate the mixture ("with relish" according to Jim Hewes) until frost appears on the outside of the glass. Garnish with the mint sprig and lemon twist, and dust the top with confectioners' sugar. Insert a straw and serve immediately.

Transformers 3, Ecobee, and River Monsters

TRANSFORMERS 3:

So the other day I was walking to the parking lot in Georgetown, when 3 gentleman asked me for directions to the waterfront. They wanted to go to have a drink where there wasn't so many college students. So I directed them over to Nick's Riverside Grille, Tony & Joes, and my favorite Sequoia. Long story short, I chatted briefly and made small talk. They were here staying in DC because they were filming Transformers 3. So what's the first question that pops to my mind (of all the things I could have asked)

"So is Megan Fox really a bratty, self centered, demanding diva to work with and are the media reports true about her being a total air-head?"

One producer said that Fox is actually just very shy and introverted, therefore her attitude comes across as snobby and indifferent. The other said that she is not that pretty in person at all, and can't act to save her life, but that she did have really good chemistry with her co-star Shia LaBeouf. They offered me more scoop if I would join them for drinks. "Um no thanks my life wont change that much knowing about Megan Fox." Not to mention I was taught never to take candy from a stranger as a child--I'm pretty sure the same principle applies in adulthood, only with cocktails...

And truth be told I never saw Transformers 1 or 2. Paramount announced a summer 2011 release date for Transformers 3 earlier this week, but director Michael Bay claims it was a mixture between a brain fart and a crappy phone connection.

Paramount made a mistake in dating Transformers 3 - they asked me on the phone - I said yes to July 4 - but for 2012 - whoops! Not 2011!!! That would mean I would have to start prep in September. No way. My brain needs a break from fighting robots. --Michael Bay, Director, Transformers 3

So I guess I have time to rent T1 and T2, until numero three comes out. Until then I guess we can all form our own opinions about Fox. She may not be getting an Oscar anytime soon, but I would def. say she lives up to her last name.

iPHONE APPS: I LOVE MY iPHONE

This weeks iPhone app is called Ecobee

Ecobee is Free* Control your home's SmartThermostat even when you're away. Adjust the temperature right from your iPhone so you can make sure you conserve energy costs but still come back to a cozy house. It's very appropriate given the fact that we just celebrated Earth Day =)

YOUTUBE VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK:

I leave you with this fresh water monster. You can see more of where this came from on Animal Planet. The show RIVER MONSTERS is incredible, I can't believe the monsters they have encountered. Check out this mean 80lb Piranha that needs some serious dental work!!

--Vanessa xoxoxo

Deal or No Deal? Tackle Box's Lobster Roll

Lobster Roll, $19

The sign outside of the Tackle Box, a casual dining spot located in the heart of Georgetown's shopping district, says they have "World Famous Lobster Rolls." But at nearly $20 a pop is this meal a deal or no deal?

Here are some details to help you decide:

Menu Item: Lobster Roll

Price: $19

Restaurant: Tackle Box

Cuisine: New England Style American Fare & Seafood

Neighborhood: Georgetown/M Street

What the menu says you'll get: "Lobster Roll" (That's it - no description)

What I actually got: a crisp and lightly buttered French roll (about the size of a 6-inch Subway sandwich) stuffed with chunks of lobster meat atop a basket of fries.

While my taste buds were certainly satisfied, I couldn't help but wonder if my pocket book had taken an unnecessary hit in the name of those glorified critters that crawl on the bottom of the ocean so commonly referred to as, "a delicacy."

What's your opinion: Is this lobster roll a deal or no deal? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

--Markette

ANTM Top 50, Shoelicious Pick, and Fudge minus the pudge

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL: DOWN TO 50

And then there were 50. You saw the lines that wrapped around the malls for this year's tryouts for America's Next Top Model. Well the choices are finally being narrowed down, and there are now only 50 girls left to vote for! Hundreds and hundreds of girls auditioned, so the experts and YOU have skinnied down the girls, I mean choices.. (no pun intended) Ok maybe a little pun.

To Vote for your favorite Top Model click HERE

Now, I am by NO means an expert nor was I a judge of any kind during this year's audition, but I can pick out a pretty girl when I see one, and I think I have narrowed it down to my Top personal five picks. One of the girls, I actually interviewed the day of the tryouts, had already been waiting in line for 3 hours!!! (#3 on the page) I hope she can go all the way and make her wait worth the while! Ok without any further ado here are my TOP 5.

My absolute #1 pick--she is gorgeous

This girl has such a cute look AND that smile!

This is the girl I interviewed who was soo sweet and stunning!

The other Tyra

Wholesome girl next door--Does anyone actually live next door to these girls?

So what do you think? I think any of these girls could be the Next Top Model. Don't forget to cast your vote on DC50tv.com! Who is your top 5?

SHOELICIOUS PICK OF THE DAY:

JESSICA SIMPSON STELANA $76.10

PRODUCT INFORMATION:

Heat things up with these sizzling-hot sandals from Jessica Simpson™.

*Leather upper.

*Hardware accents.

*1" platform.

*Man-made sole.

*4 3/4" heel.

*11.00 oz.

Say what you want about Jessica, but the girl knows her shoes. I love shopping at DSW for some of my designer kicks (without the designer prices.) I always gravitate to JS's shoes. I love the silver pewter color on these sandals. And for $76 dollars on sale and free shipping from Zappos, pick up a pair for you and your best friend!

WANT THE FUDGE WITHOUT THE PUDGE? "RECIPICK" OF THE WEEK:

GUILT FREE BROWNIES

This is a delicious ten-minute recipe to satisfy your brownie cravings and your desire to eat healthy! The recipe, if followed correctly, makes ten servings.

To make these brownies, first preheat the oven to three fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Next spray an 8 inch square baking pan with canola cooking spray.

Combine 1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa , 1 jar (4 oz.) prune baby food , 3 egg whites , 1 cup sugar , 1 tsp. salt , 1 tsp. vanilla , 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup nuts. The nuts are optional.

Bake the brownies for about half an hour or until they have the desired texture. Allow them to cool on the rack and then cut into 16 square pieces.

Each brownie contains only about .3 grams of fat.

And enjoy the fudge minus the pudge!

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   --Vanessa xoxoxoxo