Five Favorite Things Friday

Happy Friday! It's the last Friday before October rolls in and also one day before a full moon. Enjoy your weekend and hope you enjoy this week's edition of FFTF!

Favorite Travel Picture

Last week was all about sunrises. This week, it's about sunsets! Check out this awesome sunset I captured at Brandenburg Gate, in Berlin, Germany.

Favorite Quote

Not all those who wander are lost. -- J.R.R. Tolkien

Favorite Recipe

For my Meatless Monday this week, I tweaked a recipe from allrecipes.com. This is my version of Spicy Peanut Noodles. Mmm, spicy!

My Own Spicy Peanut Noodles With Kale and Carrots

 

Favorite Story

Never let a disability get you down! Check out Moose and Maverick, abandoned two-legged puppies, who are thriving and doing just fine without all four limbs!

Favorite Random

Getting to listen to Michael Jackson's 25th special edition anniversary album during my commute. Totally Bad!

http://www.michaeljackson.com

Over the hump, relax and refill

Now that we're over the hump and on our way to the weekend, here are a few no frills, easy-on-the-schedule (and wallet) options to make sure that the momentum doesn't stop.

Get a no-frills massage at Opt Massage in Oldtown, Alexandria

PT - MASSAGE

If you feel that knot on your shoulders or that kink in you neck starting to cramp your style, it's time to make a stop at Opt Massage & Spa. Now, I use the word "Spa" because it's the official name, but don't expert to be pampered  here: You go to Opt Massage to get a massage--you're in, and then you're out. The prices are almost half of what you'll find in this area (59 bux for 1 hour and they have frequency/membership plans which lowers some massages to 39 bux each). So if you want luxury, you'll have to pay for it elsewhere.

Opt Massage, Oldtown, Courtesy of Yelp Reviewer Mike S.

Here's my experience during a recent trip (thanks to the thoughtfulness of my sis-in-law!):

• The location was very convenient--it was within minutes walking from King Street Metro.
• I was greeted by two employees when I arrived, one happened to be the owner and my masseuse (which I soon found out). It was a cordial greeting; don't expect ooze and forced smiles.
• The interior was clean, nice, but nothing over the top. It was dimly lit and there were a few massage chairs out in the open behind the reception area. These were set up for clothed massages, obviously, like for your feet!
• There were a few private rooms behind these chairs, which I had my massage in. But be aware that the doors are glass and only half of the door panel is etch-a-sketched for semi privacy.
• If you get the owner, don't expect to have a full-on convo or a lot of niceties (language barrier) but do expect to get a solid massage. Be prepared to be annoyed when he stops to peek out of the room to see if his partner is up front greeting customers (a chime comes on when someone opens the front door).
• When the time clock buzzes indicating time is up, it's UP. 

Online reviewers generally give this place good reviews. So, if you want a solid massage and to skip all the frills that come with the price of a Spa, give Opt Massage a try!

If being tenderized by a stranger's hands isn't your thing

Looking for a laid back spot to tip a few back with your friends after a day at the Farm? Head over to the Black Rooster Pub (1919 L Street NW) and grab a table outside while the weather is nice. 

The Rooster has been around before some on you were even born and has been dubbed the Cheers bar of DC by local fans.

The Rooster boasts an extensive line of Irish whiskeys, scotches, vodkas and other quality spirits. The Rooster also offers good pub eats and runs daily/nightly specials. If you’re in the mood tonight, go for their Guinness Steak.

It's open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

And don't miss out on happy hour--the Rooster's generously lasts until 8 p.m.! Cheers!

Quick read to get you over the hump

How to poo at work. Have you ever wondered about this? Wait, wait, before you shudder at my chosen topic and click away, consider the practicality of knowing what your options are. Every employee has encountered at least one of these uncomfortable, pardon the pun, (and potentially job-threatening) situations at work. But every good employee should know how to successful manage these for a smoother experience.

Read on...

The book, "How to Poo at Work" by Mats & Enzo, was a gift  from one of favorite friends (or perhaps he wanted to pass on the knowledge), who in his less unfortunate moments, should have had this in his back pocket for reference. It is aptly subtitled, "The golden rules of relieving yourself in the workplace--don't get caught out!"

I found the entries to be quite practical in solving many potential poo problems. For example:

• There's not toilet seat
• There's only one bathroom for 50 people
• The toilet paper escapes from the stall
• Your boss enters at the same time as you
• Caught in the act: how do you reestablish your good name?
• And a few dozen more real-life scenarios!

The authors have carefully crafted their expert opinion about each scenario, provided testimonials, listed potential dangers, and even judged the difficulty levels in executing the solution.

Get your hands on this book. And get on with your week!

Fall, beer, and cherries jubilee

Happy Monday! And hello again Cube Farm: Please be pleasant this week; I promise I will try to stay calm and blog on.

Official Poster, Courtesy of  oktoberfest.de/en/ 

I hope you enjoyed the weekend. Fall turned up nicely in Virginia (hooray that Mr. Weatherman was wrong about the rain!) and Oktoberfest started worldwide. For those who celebrated: cheers! And for those who still want to: you have until Oct. 7 before this festival ends! If you’d rather celebrate in the most authentic way, grab a plane ticket and a friend, and head out to the birthplace of Oktoberfest: Munich, Germany. You’ve already missed the traditional tapping of the keg by the mayor to open Oktoberfest, but you still have time to get into the festivities. If you go, expect a carnival atmosphere with lots of beer, food, music, and dancing! (Share your stories if you have been!)

Cherries Jubilee, Courtesy of foodista.com

And if you want something to celebrate today: it's Cherries Jubilee Day! If you can’t get your hands on some cherries jubilee ice cream, try making an adult version of the real stuff:

• can of cherry pie filling
• cognac (or brandy)
• vanilla ice cream

 Mmm, that’s a great way to start a Monday!

Five Favorite Things Friday

Happy Friday! I can't believe it's already Sept. 21! Wow, I totally agree with the saying, "the days are long but the years are short!" It reminds me not to fuss too much on the turmoil and nonsense that happens every day at the Cute Farm and to focus more on the things that bring good cheer and make happy memories. So I hope you enjoy some of my favorite happy things! 

Favorite Travel Picture

I have a thing for sunrises this week! Here's another beautiful one I saw in Mykonos, Greece.

Sunrise Over Mykonos; View from Our Inn

Favorite Quote

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” – Dalai Lama

Favorite Recipe

Bellini Surgelato (Frozen Peach Bellini), courtesy of Chef Alexis Starkey at Farm to Feast Catering. A Bellini cocktail is a mixture of Prosecco sparkling wine and peach purée which originated in Venice, Italy.

I Made These Peach Bellinis!

Bellini Surgelato (Frozen Peach Bellini)

Serves 4

1/2 cup peach puree - chilled 

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice 

1/4 cup peach schnapps 

1 cup crushed ice - more if necessary 

1 cup Prosecco - chilled - more reserved for topping off glasses 

Add sugar to peach puree and place in refrigerator to chill completely.

When your Prosecco and peach puree are completely chilled and you are ready to make drinks, add: peach puree, lemon juice, peach schnapps, crushed ice and Prosecco to blender. Pulse to combine.

Pour mixture into champagne flutes and top off with additional Prosecco. Garnish with thinly sliced peach wedges if desired. Enjoy with good company!

Favorite Story

Patrick--the deserted pit bull, found emaciated and almost dead--has fully recovered. Hooray Patrick!

Patrick, the Miraculous Pit Bull

Favorite Random

My favorite season is just around the corner. Come on Autumn!

No sew eyebrows

These are someone else's perfectly groomed eyebrows!

During my time away from the Cube Farm, I stopped by Dupont Threading (1314 18th Street NW) for a quick maintenance on the ol' eyebrows. For those who are still reading this (gasp!)... the method the beauticians use at Dupont Threading is, well, called threading. I prefer threading over plucking and waxing because it's quick and less painful. So what is threading? It's a quick (I was in and out in 10 minutes) and near-painless method of removing hair using thread! Dupont Threading defines it as "an ancient and traditional art of threading, a hair removal process that is fast, meticulous, and minimally invasive."

Wait, don't stop reading! Threading doesn't just groom your eyebrows, it can be used to remove unwanted hair almost anywhere. It's just not for women; men also can enjoy the same benefits. It's also a great method to use if you have sensitive skin. And, there's no hot wax burns! Ouch!

Have you tried it? What did you think?

So thrifty

We did find time during our Colonial Beach trip to do a little shopping in the form of thrift shops and antique stores. My hubby is not really into shopping so I enjoyed this more than he did—but he did get into the spirit for a few minutes and walked away with an electrical wire stripper for two bux from the Red Barn.

I scored this authentic 1950s gold plated clutch/coin purse from Esco Limited for under ten bux:

And got a steal on these vintage liquor bottles along with a dozen one-of-a-kind books (a couple from the 1800s!) from McGinniss's Barn, located on Rt. 3, four miles east of U.S. 301 (tele: 540-775-7710). He has rooms and rooms and rooms full of furniture (seriously think some are from when the first president was in office), glassware, and a gazillion other unique finds. You won't be able to find this place using a web search (thanks to innkeeper Anne for the tip) so put this on your list. The nicest, most charming man by the name of Murray (I don't know how old he was, but he was definitely grampa old) runs this antiques shop—and only during the weekends. Happy hunting!