Mellie Dee ♥

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | La Baguette Bakery & Bistro | Urban American Kitchen

August 30, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Rizzo Sleepy

Rizzo sleeping peacefully while I’m busy at work. Sammi sent me a picture of Pluto and Emmy asleep, asking me if I was safe from the hurricane so I sent this picture back to her.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Chinese Food

Mum and June were off Wednesday so they went to Chinatown and bought some goodies back. I ate my share for days after but I didn’t mind it at all.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Cauliflower Gnocchi & Meatballs and Kimchi Soup

I did cook my own foods as well. Cauliflower Gnocchi and Meatballs as well as Kimchi Soup. This type of soup is always a default for me when I’m cleaning out the fridge, trying to use vegetables that are going bad.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Rizzo & Mellie Dee Forest Park Walk

Since I’ve been working so hard/much, my boss said I can pick whatever day I want to take off as a free vacation. I could have chose a day I worked more hours but chose Friday since June was off. I finally got her to agree to go to “the forest” walk with me. Rizzo did well off leash.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Forest Park Walk Views

And the views. THE VIEWS. So much path left uncovered. Loved seeing runners/bikers while we did our almost 3.5-mile walk. I wanted to continue but Rocky was about to be done.

For anyone that knows Rocky, he’s a big chunk. He did the walk with us and afterward, wouldn’t move for a while. Trooper. He’s doing so well with these daily walks.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | La Baguette Bakery & Bistro | Katy, Texas | June — Tequenos [5 fried breaded cheese stick served with a side of our house sauce] • Cachapas [one sweet corn pancake sliced in half topped with white cheese with a side of shredded beef] • Causa de Pollo [masked potato topped with avocado, hard boiled egg, and chicken salad] • Veggie Arepa • Shredded Beef Arepa • Sauces • Alfajores

We went back home, showered and relaxed a bit then headed out for our annual birthday lunch where I chose a place and I treat her to it.

I’ve been wanting to try La Baguette Bakery & Bistro and was so happy she was down to go with me.

La Baguette Bakery & Bistro
21821 Katy Fwy
Katy, Texas 77450
(281) 717-4651
Yelp

Everything was so good. Our favourite was the cachapas. The lady was nice enough to let us know that we can buy a bigger version without the meat. Definitely will be doing that next time.

I’ve converted June to loving Tequenos more than American Mozzarella sticks. Seriously, if you haven’t tried Tequenos yet and you LOVE cheese, this is the better version, especially when you dip it in their green sauce.

The arepas are great but wish my bottom wasn’t so soggy. I slathered Causa on the arepas which made them taste even better. I’ve had other Causas before and this one fit the bill. I want to come back for this and the Alfajores that melts in your mouth.

I’ve been to other Venezuelan places before but this is one of the best in Katy. I love that I can bring my laptop here and order a coffee too. Debating and really wanting to.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Texas Snow | Katy, Texas | June

We walked around Daiso a bit to get our food moving through our bodies then stopped by Texas Sno for dessert.

Texas Sno
3130 Katy Hockley Cut Off Rd,
Katy, Texas 77493
(346) 377-9436
texassno.com

I was so happy she loved it — especially since it was over 100 degrees out!

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Urban American Kitchen | Mum — Bellini | $7.50 • Urban Brussel Sprouts | $5 • Herb Crusted Salmon [served with saffron cream sauce, asparagus, and cheesy risotto] | $16.95 • Houston Restaurant Week Brunch | 1st Course: Blueberry Pancakes [fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with blueberries and syrup] | 2nd Course: Chicken Wings & Waffles [crispy chicken wings over Belgian waffle served with habanero syrup] | $20

On Saturday, after stopping by Hobby Lobby, I took Mum to our annual Houston Restaurant Week meal at Urban American Kitchen. Sadly I thought they’d have the lunch menu but ended up with the brunch menu.

Urban American Kitchen
14008 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77079
urbanamericankitchen.com

We made do. I ordered off the brunch menu and she ordered off the regular menu. It wasn’t what we expected but it ended up being better than we thought.

Their brunch is nothing special. Their blueberry pancakes were normal, the waffle was soggy, and the wings, though crispy lacked flavour. Overall disappointed with their Houston Restaurant Week brunch.

But their salmon and Brussels were a hit. We loved it SO much. I don’t mind coming back to try their main menu more to see if there are other hidden yums.

This is super close to work, so if we ever do go back to the office, this could be a place to go with coworkers — but who are we kidding, I rarely go out at work time.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Smoothie King

After an amazing meal, we went and got groceries from H-Mart and a car wash, we decided to pick up Smoothie King and Pho for dinner. I never get to go to Smoothie King so I asked for 40 oz of Daily Warrior for myself. I wish I was in walking distance to Smoothie King – or any juicer place. What we make at home never compares.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | June's Birthday Cheese Souffle Cake

Today, we went to 99 Ranch to pick up some essentials. Then it was laziness until dinner time when June came home. We had a tiny Cheese Souffle cake for her to blow out one last candle for a wish.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Daily Walk Views

These are different sunsets during the week on our daily walks. Y’all sick of these yet? Because I’m not. I love how every day is unpredictable. You never know what colours you’ll get. Or what you’ll see. The cat wasn’t afraid of us but also didn’t like when Rizzo got closer.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine

August 23, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

My Big Brothers Big Sisters Match closed this week. She had to move and a new school means not being in the program anymore. It’s been a bummer. Although we didn’t have much in common we got along so well.

On Tuesday I had my reinterview and by Wednesday I was rematched. Our coordinator thinks we’re an even better match but we’ll have to wait and see how we pan out. I’m excited and hope this one will last.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee & Rizzo

Work is starting to move to Microsoft Teams which means the use of video might happen more. Top left was my look during a team meeting. My hair is so long. Told Sissy I’m going to see how long I can get it then donate it when I have to go back to the office. I have been trimming the dead ends but I might give in soon and chop it all off.

Rizzo loves sitting in the sun when I let him out during the afternoon. I’m guessing because he practically sleeps all day. His favourite is still snuggles with me. On good days he gets so close like this and warms my heart.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Chikfila, McDonald's, Pizza Hut

We’ve ordered out a few times. Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s (twice cuz we fatties), and Pizza Hut.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Home Cooking

I did do a lot of homecooking though. Working from home has big perks. Stuffed salmon and veggies is still my number one dish. Just wish I had some pilaf to complete it.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Babin's | JJ

Since I was off Friday I went and picked up Babin’s Seafood for Houston Restaurant Week and headed over to Mallory’s. Beth came over as well. Their etouffee was so bomb. Their gumbo needs some help though. It tasted like muddy water with shrimp. There was no veggies like other gumbo’s I’ve had. Definitely not worth it.

JJ was busy the whole time I was there which means he’s growing up! Mallory have me some spiked iccees and test tube shots. The test tube is DELICIOUS! Super sweet but still good. We looked at houses online for me and joked after a few more test tubes, I’d be signing on the dotted line.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | June's Birthday | Zoe's Kitchen

Saturday night, we celebrated June’s birthday early. Sissy and BIL came over with Zoe’s Kitchen. They ate at the kitchen table and we are in the living room. I opted to make myself a steak, veggies and mashed potatoes since I had to donate blood the next day. I did try their lentil soup, falafel and hummus though and all is ever as tasty.

We played Houseparty Uno and Drawing games before video calling Brudda to sing, cut the cake, and open presents.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Daily Walks

Walks are still going strong! My step goals keep going up and it’s getting harder to meet the goal during the week day but I push on. We see so many sunrise and sunsets these past few weeks that I’ve decided sunsets are my favourite.

Rizzo has always been great off the leash. We’ve been training Rocky to be off leash and he’s doing well. The main reason is because no one and nothing is around else he’d probably haul ass to whatever he sees.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Blood Donation MD Anderson

Today after our one hour walk, shower and a quick breakfast, I was off to donate blood. I was very worried I wouldn’t pass the temperature test since I usually run hot but all was well. I was in and out in about an hour. I got jipped. Mallory and her family all got tshirts for donating but I didn’t. It is a dang good shirt too! I guess I went too early and they didn’t have them ready. I’m still bummed but I’ve had bad luck for a while so nothing new.

This week is the last week for some folks at work. Not sure how it’ll go after they’re gone and new people start but I’m ready to take on the change!

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | The Oaks Kitchen & Bar | Katy, Texas

August 16, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee Eye Masks During Meetings

Life currently is face and eye masks during meetings since no one can see me. Sadly we’re moving from Skype to Teams and apparently people tend to turn their cameras on. That means I actually have to look presentable if that happens.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Los Cucos with Eric

On Friday, after work, I met up with Eric at Los Cucos. Ever since June and I went and sneakily ate dim sum at the restaurant, I’ve been a little more okay with it BUT as long as the ones near me are safe.

We had margaritas and fajitas. I ate all the onions and a piece of meat since he doesn’t like onions so it was a win. Plus I already had dinner plans so ordering a whole meal would have been ridiculous.

We said our goodbyes and I stopped by Mallory’s and caught up with Linda and Gary for a bit, met Oliver, Mallory’s nephew, for the first time, and spun JJ around a few times.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | The Oaks Kitchen & Bar | Katy, Texas | Mallory and Mackenzie

Mallory, Mackenzie, and I went to The Oaks Kitchen & Bar for Beth’s Baby Shower planning. There was more eating than planning which I didn’t mind since the food was delicious. I’m sure Mackenzie was not a fan of my picture taking but after Mallory made a statement about it I tried to do me without the worry. The shrimp and grits were a little funky with the sauce but their pork belly was on point, as well as their ceviche and crab wraps.

The only thing I didn’t like about this place is that they don’t follow the rules on the whole 6 ft apart and wearing masks. The servers have the masks on but it was not correctly on their face so it made me a bit nervous but I tried to shake it off. Safe to say I’ll be more careful going to places now.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Spicy Noodle Soup and Dim Sum Yums from 99 Ranch

I’m a pro at making a spicy soup! Not Kimchi soup but equally delicious and much spicier! It’s become my simple meal and sometimes I opt out of the noodles all together.

When we went and got groceries on Saturday, we bought congee, Chinese breadsticks, pig ears, seasme balls, har gow and meat as a nice snack/meal after we got home. It was nice getting some real Asian food in even though it wasn’t a lot. I never thought I’d miss Chinatown foods as much as I do.

I also did a video chat with Beth to talk about the book we both read, Confess by Colleen Hoover. It’s a pretty good book but lacks a lot of details. We’re on our second book in our mini book club. I’m almost done but stopped since Beth won’t finish anytime soon. It’s nice having someone to talk books with since I’ve never done it before. Plus, she chooses pretty good books.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Rizzo Morning and Night Walks

With all the eats come all the walks. Daily walks are still going strong and I am trying to beat my step goal that’s automatically calculated for me. That’s going well too but I wonder if it’ll just keep going up to where I can’t handle it or have enough time to do it every day.

June loves sunrise walks and I’m a lover for the sunset ones. I did force her to go with me Friday at 5:30 am since I knew I wasn’t able to get any walks in that night. I want to do more early-early walks but my family is afraid I’d get kidnap or whatever since it’s so dark out. Maybe I can sneak out and get it done. Hmm …

Houston Restaurant Week is half over! I still need to find my place to take Mum. We talked about ordering to go and eating it in the car so we can still have our one-on-one tradition. I’m also trying to get Mallory to pick something since we’ve always done one every year. We’ll see.

2020 | Week 21 of Quarantine

August 9, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

A whole lot of hang outs with Rocky and Rizzo now that Emmy is gone. They mostly sleep the whole time though.

Mum, June and I spent time together and finished The Act on Hulu in three days. Only 8 episodes. You guys should go watch it if you haven’t.

2020 | Week 21 of Quarantine | Walks with Rizzo

Walks have become a norm since quarantine which I’ve been loving. So much so June and I woke up at 6 am this weekend just go get it in and watch the sun rise. Rocky was able to be off leash a bit like Rizzo is all the time and he did a great job!

My favourite thing about morning walks is that the grass is wet and Rizzo’s little paw prints show up.

2020 | Week 21 of Quarantine | Crown Seafood Restaurant Dim Sum and To Go, Eck Bakery

Since June and I were off on Friday, we ventured into Chinatown and bought groceries. We stopped by Crown Seafood for pick up and decided to secretly eat dim sum while we waited for our to go orders. It wasn’t bad eating out but having to be so cautious is definitely a game changer.

We stopped by Eck Bakery for egg tarts and pineapple bread.

That night Bau and I had an hour long video chat talking about nothing and everything which was nice. We were both pooped by the time we hung up after such a long day and I had to walk Rizzo.

It’s crazy how much technology has changed. It must have been tough back then trying to reach someone especially during times like these.

2020 | Week 21 of Quarantine | Tuna, Egg Tarts, Hot Pot, Charcuterie Board

It’s been a great week for this foodie. Made a bomb tuna salad and wrapped it with seaweed, egg tarts with yin yueng, hot pot, and my favourite out of everything, baked Camembert wrapped with puff pastry.

I decided to do a charcuterie board for my family today to be fancy and was surprised with them finishing everything!

Tomorrow is a new day. I’m running out of things to do alone and wished Emmy was here to entertain me.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine

August 2, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

I have a new breakfast favourite: Everything But Bagel Eggs. Just buy the seasoning and scramble it into your eggs. So freaking good and simple. I’ve also been craving soup so have been making Korean style. A different take on my usual concoction of Kimchi soup.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Package from Lily

I received a package in the mail from Lily! I had planned to see her in August and we were hoping if she came down, I could see her. All that went out the window due to Covid and she was sweet enough to send me some love. P.S. Since it’s been announced, they’re officially married! They told me they’ll still have a big wedding so I am excited to plan once they figure out their next steps in Daniel’s career.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Emmy and Rizzo Activities

Last week of Emmy. Hair braiding, teaching her how to drink formula from a cup (she gags towards the end), how to write her name (whole name, nickname, and last name), and since Brudda and SIL were coming to pick her up, the days of the week.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Beth & Mellie Dee

I took Friday off to spend my last day with Emmy. I went to get my blood work for one of my doctors which ended up not happening. But I did get to see Beth! We met up so she could give me a cupcake from her Baby Shower reveal. Boy!! I’m so excited for her and cannot wait to meet the little one. We caught up for a bit before she headed into Yoga and I headed home.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Kim's Teahouse & Painting with Emmy and June

I stopped by on the way and picked up drinks and food from Kim’s Tea House. Emmy ate SO much! Which I was happy about. Then we played for a bit and she went to take her nap.

When she woke up, June came home and we all painted. I taught June how to paint a sunset while I doused mine with black and made a funky scribble. It’s safe to say Emmy loves to paint.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Emmy Walk and Flowers

Then she took a bath and we went for a walk. The walk was to get her out of the house so that when Brudda and SIL arrived, they could move stuff into the house and surprise her. She stopped and smelled all the flowers, taking forever to walk home while they were hiding behind the car.

She even wanted me to take a picture on the bottom right corner. Funny enough, you can see our house allllllll the way in the back. Glad we weren’t close enough for her to see it.

She didn’t have an emotion when she saw them. I think she was in shock and didn’t know how to react. She was still holding Rizzo and Rizzo started to growl and run towards them which prompted Emmy to walk towards them as well.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Tiger Noodle House, Mala Szechuan, Proud Pie

Sissy and BIL came over as well. They sat in the backyard while we sat at the kitchen table. With the door and windows opened, we had conversations and laughter.

Sissy and BIL ordered their own food while the rest of us got Tiger Noodle House and Mala Schezuan for dinner.

I ordered Proud Pie. Wobble Turtle and Blueberry for Sissy and BIL, Chocolate Silk and Key Lime for Brudda and SIL, and just Key Lime for me. Emmy took a bite of the silk and ended up throwing up. She is now traumatized by pie and keeps saying no pie to us.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Rizzo Vet

They left Saturday morning and Mum and I took Rizzo and Rocky to the vet. Rizzo’s too fat! Well, not too fat, but could lose some weight per the vet so cutting back on his eating and continue our evening walks.

2020 | Week 20 of Quarantine | Hong Kong Cafe

Today Mum and I went out to Bellaire for groceries. We stopped by Hong Kong Cafe and picked up lunch. We ordered way more than needed but mostly because it’s been forever since I’ve been able to have a taste of home.

Brudda and SIL have been sending us a lot of videos and pictures. I think they know we miss them A LOT. Not having Emmy here means more time to myself though so I’ve started a new book and hope to finish it soon!