Happy Monday! T-rex hates pushups

And hope you're enjoying your Columbus Day! It's cold and drizzaaaly in NoVa; enjoy some dinocheer!

Thanks Internet for endless sources of dinos. Also, must tell you that these images are copyrighted by their original owners. Rrrrwwwrrawwww!

Five Favorite Things Friday

Happy Friday! Wow, what a week: Syria attacked Turkey, the jobless rate fell, gas prices rose by 20 cents overnight in California, two actors duked it out for the next presidential role -- oh wait, that's not what this blog is for. Sorry guys! Enjoy your weekend and this week's edition of FFTF!

Favorite Travel Picture

Pictures I love aren't always about landscapes and sunsets; sometimes they just tell a story. Like these ashtrays that were made by a St. Lucian resident who worked hard every day, trying to earn enough to feed his family. The ashtrays were made from local bamboo that he hand sanded, shaped, smoothed, and "stamped" using a permanent marker. He gave just as much care to his necklaces, bracelets, and carved art.

He's one of the most genuine and nicest guys you'll meet in St. Lucia. The hubby and I were fortunate enough to have shared a few cocktails and a lot of laughter with him. If you go, look for him!

Favorite Quote

I am not interested in money, I just want to be wonderful. – Marilyn Monroe

Favorite Recipe

Seriously easy breakfast burrito

 

scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and your favorite salsa

wrap it up, chomp, and ejoy!

Favorite Story

This is Tucker. He is a week-old puppy that was found alive thanks to his whimpering. Police who were destroying evidence in a dirt pit heard his cries and saved him just in time. There’s a $2,000 reward being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the jackasses that tried to bury Tucker alive.

Adorable Tucker

Favorite Random

Match book nail files: How cute are these? And practical too. Thanks to my very chic and fun sis, my nails can always look fab. Just drop them in your purse and go!

Greeting cards: when your own words aren't enough

Ever go card shopping and get frustrated that you can't find one that exactly expresses how you feel? Don't fear: I was lucky enough to find the perfect cards on my recent jaunt away from the Cube Farm. Go ahead, express exactly how you feel. You're welcome.

Dang baby, I love us.

I have the power to remember your birthday.

Girlfriend: get over it.

Port of Piraeus: My spot for authentic Greek food

There are a couple of places you can get authentic Greek eats in the Golden Triangle DC. You probably already know (and have stood in line for 20 minutes) about the one on 19th between M and L, but you may not know about the other authentic Greek place a few blocks over: Port of Piraeus at 1125 21st Street NW.

Eating here reminds me of when I was at the real Port of Piraeus in Greece. It's that good. The menu offers traditional sandwiches, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts. The gyros are excellent! And they offer daily specials.

This place is usually busy but the ordering line goes pretty quickly--and definitely worth it. There's seating inside and outside. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner (closes at 6) so grab dinner on your way home by ordering ahead online!

Happy Monday, Oct. 1: holidays and a bunch of things to do!

Happy Monday and welcome first day of October! October is an awesome month: fall sports, cool temps, colorful leaves, and lots of things to celebrate. If you need an excuse for one, here are some special days in October to remember:

• Oct. 8: Columbus Day (some lucky ones get the day off!) If you live in Japan, it’s also National Sports and Health Day. 私は日本の食べ物が大好き！
• Oct. 12: National Holiday for Argentina, Belgium, and Spain
• Oct. 16: National Boss Day (If you don’t like your boss, I suggest you celebrate YOU. After all, aren't YOU the boss of YOU? Cheers!)
• Oct. 22: National Holiday for New Zealand. Cheers, mate!
• Oct. 26: United Nations Day
• Oct. 31: Halloween!

Photo: Mickey Pullen

October also is a busy time for harvest and festivals--there's everything from pumpkin throwing to pie eating contests to wine stompin'. Get out there, eat pie, drink pumpkin beer, pick your own apples, sip a glass of local vino, and enjoy it!

• Looking for something local and low-key? Check out the DC calendar for October, Virginia calendar,  and Maryland.

 By the way, there’s only 91 days left in 2012!

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!