Mellie Dee ♥

A Whole New …. Year

January 3, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

A whole new [year]
A hundred thousand things to see
I’m like a shooting star
I’ve come so far
I can’t go back
To where I used to be
A Whole New World :: Aladdin

How was everyone’s new year celebrations? I hope everyone had a great one surrounded by lovelies!

I’ve always made sure to go home in time to celebrate the new year with my parents and June. Meaning, I’ve never actually celebrated a new year with anyone but them because I feel bad for leaving them behind. But this time around, I actually said yes to an invitation to a near year’s eve party and I’m glad I did! But before I get to the party, let’s talk about dinner with Melissa Z.

I went to her apartment where we got semi ready then headed to:

True Food Kitchen
1700 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, Texas 77056
(281) 605-2505
http://truefoodkitchen.com

Farmers Market Sangria [spiced brandy, citrus, red wine, seasonal fruit smash] | $10

Nothing too special with the drank. Just like any other sangria I’ve ever had. Definitely not better than the one I usually get from The Next Door Lounge but it did the trick in getting my pre-game started.

Seared Spicy Wild Caught Tuna Wrap [radish, avocado, mint, snow pea, cashew, sesame, wasabi aioli] | $15

My taste buds were on fire. FIRE. Not in the spicy kind of way but the holy-cow-on-a-stick kind of feeling. My taste buds were tingling. It’s like a sushi … in a wrap. So freaking good. I got a side of sweet potato hash but after eating the insides of the wrap, I was full enough. Seriously. SO. FREAKING. GOOD.

We headed back to Melissa Z.’s to change into our partying attire and fixed our makeup then got an UBER to Alyssa’s.

Alyssa, my high school bestie, was throwing one at her abode. Her abode is freaking modern and awesomely cool. It’s like something you see in movies! IN MOVIES! So freaking swanky.

Melissa Z. and I got there early so that we could do a quick catch up with Alyssa and meet Cody before everyone came. I miss that little lady and wish we had more time together. Hopefully we get to see each other more in the upcoming future. It’s crazy how she works in my building at work yet we only pass by one another once in a few months. As for Cody, he works on my floor! How crazy is that?!

When people started arriving, I played a game as to whether “that person” works with me. And guess what … majority do! These are just some of the party peeps we mainly talked to. A majority of them work on my floor! Yet we’ve never talked to one another. Just passed by one another. Ah … that is the world of corporate. They’re a cool bunch of poopies and we made plans to do lunch or something in the future. We’ll see if that actually happens. Still awesome that I got to meet them.

I would say my first new year eve party was successful. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of new people which was on my new year’s resolutions. Already on the right path. Holla!

I slept in the day after and just relaxed with Rizzo and had a family dinner that night. I spent most of the day looking at houses/townhomes to buy. Maybe I’ll take the plunge soon especially after seeing Alyssa’s place. But with how oil and gas is … maybe I should wait?

20 Things I Learned in 2015

January 2, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

or continue to remember in 2015 …

It’s never too late to do the things you missed out on the first time around.
Accept people for who they are, and if you can’t, then perhaps change your perspective. No one is boring.
If you’re still angry, it’s too soon to talk.
Life is too short. Say you’re sorry, say how you feel, show your love before it’s too late.
There is always room for improvement.
People will always tell you their opinion; what matters is what you do with it.
Relationships will fail and it will hurt but you will learn from it.
Not everyone deserves a second chance.
No one is your competition. Cheering others on is way more fun than tearing them down.
It’s okay to put yourself first.
You can’t force friendships. If one is meant to be, no distance or time apart changes anything.
Your parents are people too. As you get older, they too are getting older.
Breaking up with negative friends is hard but ultimately freeing. Only surround yourself with people who allow you to be you and help you grow to be a better version of yourself.
Take chances and if it goes wrong, at least you know you tried.
De-stress, relax, and unplug.
Traveling is always worth it but if a flight is super duper cheap, it’s up to no good. I’m looking at you, Spirit Airlines.
Collect memories, not things.
Giving without expectation will always uplift your mood as well as others.
It’s okay to not have plans during the weekends. Take time to relax and enjoy doing what you love instead.
You’re lucky to be alive and to have all that you have.

New Year, 5th Blogoversary

January 1, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Holy Moly on a stick, it’s already the 5th blogoversary! This is the year of travels, the year of weddings, and the year of a big crapbag of emotions. I didn’t blog much in detail about life, but the gist is the most important I guess. I know I can get through anything life throws at me. Short simple recap of 2015. The year I thought would treat me right since my jersey number is 15 …

January

Finally got my ears pierced

February

Joanna & Kiran Wedding

March

Went to my first real Rodeo where I got to see a concert – Billy Currington – instead of just eating

April

Tara & Tim Wedding
FTK raised $54,316.72 for kids with cancer
Climbed Mount Bonnell

May

First Pub Run

Michelle’s Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Party

June

Nicole’s Baby Shower

Fatimah & Jonas Wedding

Michelle & Matthew Wedding

Osvaldo & Monica Wedding

Cancun Vacation

July

First real heartbreak
Tammy’s Bridal Shower

August

Tammy’s 2nd Bachelorette Party
3 years at my big girl job

September

Brian & Tammy Wedding

October

Asia 2015 – Hong Kong
Finally drunk

November

Asia 2015 – Thailand

Amanda & Brent Wedding

December

Finally accepting, moving on, and forgiving what happened to me back in college
Admitting to having issues and working through it all

2016 New Year Resolutions

December 31, 2015 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Recap of 2015 New Year Resolutions

Blog more
- Actually did pretty well … given a lot of the middle posts were private. Blogging got me through a lot of my thoughts and though I wish I didn’t post some, it’s too late to take back but it’s taught me a lot as well.
Focus on health and fitness
- Well … the health thing I got down. The fitness due to past injuries took a while longer. Being able to lose weight this year is a goal I never thought I’d achieve. But I did.
Do what I love
- Though I had a lot of downs, I did have many ups. I got to do a lot of things I loved and a lot of last second decisions have been some of the best. I’m still learning to not freak out when plans don’t follow through though.

My 2016 New Year Resolutions

Continue weight loss – or more specifically toning
Stay in touch and spend more time with family and friends
Meet new people
Read more
Never stop learning
Travel to somewhere I’ve never been
Unplug more and just enjoy life

We’ll see how these resolutions go. Fingers crossed!

Heart Is Full

December 30, 2015 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Monday, the 28th of December

I finally went and saw the Hunger Games Series: The Mockingjay Part 2 with Timothy and June. I wasn’t a big fan of the movie but whateves. Got to watch it for free.

After the movie I picked up some goodies and headed over to John’s. We were throwing a holiday party (more of a get together) to the cast and crew of SCC as a thank you for their help this year. Ed had been preparing everything at John’s and I went over to help while Chuck sat on the sofa with his laptop laughing at me. Per usual. Then we headed over to Jason’s with all the food where the rest of the cooking occurred. Ed and I felt we were doing a pop up, serving hungry customers. Food was enjoyed with little to no leftovers. Toasts were made and thank yous were said. Games were played among many other things. I met some new people and got to know some old ones better. It was joyous fun all around.

Tuesday, the 29th of December

I ran some errands early in the morning then went off to DSW to return almost $200 worth of shoes that failed me. I hate shopping in person so I did some online ones and they all failed. Luckily going to the store gave me these goodies for 50% off – each. Heels that actually fit which means I can wear my slacks again. And a bag that fits my Erin Condren planner and Coletto pens among other planner things.

And since Barnes & Noble was next door, I went there as well. I was there for over an hour just looking at all the wonderful books. I tired doing the kindle reading type deal and I just can’t fall in love with it. I like my physical books. The smell of the pages, the flipping of the pages between my fingers, and the creases that show how much a book is loved. I’ll forever buy books if I can and hope one day I can have a library of books in my house of all the ones I love.

I hadn’t eaten all day and blogging seemed like a good idea so I found a little cafe I’ve never been to and ended up at:

Snowflake Cafe and Bakery
11191 Westheimer Rd
Houston, Texas 77042
(713) 782-1827
http://snowflakecafebakery.com

This place is so very quaint and even have a tiny upstairs loft type deal. They have a fake fireplace in the corner by the window with stockings and a Christmas tree up with snowflakes sprayed on the windows. Not too sure if it’s because they named their place Snowflake or if it’s because Christmas just passed but no one would think twice if they kept everything up as every day decor. I guess I can always find out if I come back in like February.

It was quiet upon coming in. Other than the coffee machines going I could hear the telly but it’s very quiet. I guess I went on a weekday where many people are at work so the machines and banging wasn’t continuous. Once I sat down, they did put on music over the speakers and it scared some people. Someone commented that it sounded like an introduction to dub step. It’s a bit distracting but luckily they turned it down. I would suggest that softer music was put but I have my headphones so it wasn’t as bad.

They have an area where you can get condiments and free water which I thought was a nice touch for those that wanted only water. And even some board games if anyone fancied them. The one who was making my coffee and food did come and deliver it to my table. I don’t think they usually do that. Possibly because someone else ordered as well and it was easier? Not too sure but he did carry a drink upstairs to someone as well so maybe when it’s not too busy, they do take things to your table. I did hear him ask the cashier if it was “the redhead” that ordered what he was carrying up.

Latte | $3.25

I ordered a super plain latte just to see how it is here but if I wanted flavoring in it, it would cost $4.60 which I might try next time. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t a latte art design but they did have a super cute spoon and if you know me you know how I feel about utensils.

Spinach Herb Wrap with Swiss cheese, tuna, lettuce, and cucumbers | $5.95

You can pick your own toppings … which I couldn’t make up my mind about and randomly chose those. I would say nothing great with the wrap especially since I felt there were more wrap than filling. And they came with chips on the side which I’m certain is sour cream and onion with ridges. I wouldn’t not order this again, but possibly next time, turkey instead of tuna to see if it’s wrapped better.

Jasmine Green Milk Tea with Lychee Jelly | $3.75

After 2 1/2 hours I ordered another drink. There is a $5 minimum to use a card so I gave them a dollar tip which isn’t a big deal. I really like this drink. It’s very refreshing and I will definitely order this again. I am not a big fan of tapioca, reason for the lychee jelly instead. Best choice ever.

I want to try out the crepes and other drinks and see how they do. This place is less than half an hour from my house. I would say that’s a bit far but if they keep it up having this atmosphere it just might be my new blogging place … even if it’s a drive just to blog.

Wednesday, the 30th of December

Plans to see Apurva are always a good time. We have our moments where our personalities clash and we get tired of each other. Funny how that is.

She came and picked me up at Sissy’s where I went early to hang out. Upon getting in her car, I receive my Christmas present from her. Popcorn and an ULTA gift card for the brow bar. Sweet.

We then headed to brunch at:

Benjy’s
2424 Dunstan Rd
Houston, Texas 77005
(713) 522-7602
http://benjys.com

Upon sitting down we received cracker/cookie/bread with applesauce for dipping. I’m not really sure what we ate but the crackery cookie was pretty good.

Lox & Avocado Toast [scrambled egg whites, house cured salmon, cucumber – squash salad,brioche] | $14

Nothing too special. Tastes like something I would make except I would have spinach instead of cucumber – squash salad and Hong Kong style bread instead of brioche. But nonetheless, felt I was eating healthy so it was worth it. I was super full from it which surprised Apurva. I tried one of her potatoes from here and that was so delicious.

I don’t think I’d come back to Benjy’s but if I did, I would definitely order the potatoes.

We went shopping around Rice Village and I was proud of myself for only buying three things. All of which are gifts. Apurva on the other hand went crazy in almost every shop we were in. We went into a photo booth at Urban Outfitters. Happy I have another one to add to the collection! Not a big fan of how it turned out because we were so confused … per usual, but good memories were made.

Apurva needed to pick something up from Whole Foods and I was getting hungry so I went to the salad bar. The chicken noodle soup was saved for dinner. But mmmmmmm …Whole Foods would be a cute lunch date place in my book … and going to the book store. I’m a dork.

Apurva took me back to Sissy’s where I stayed for a couple hours until the traffic died down. Coming home, I received I Dreamed of Jeannie, one of my favourite shows from the olden days. I am super excited to watch it all! Eeeps! The next one I want to get is Bewitched. Yeah … supa dork ova hurr.

It’s been a pretty great three days and I cannot wait for more to come as my second leg of the week is slowly getting planned. Heart is full.