Mellie Dee ♥

Successful Day

August 26, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

A busy workday where I was able to solve big issues myself made today a pretty awesome day. Cherry on top was having lunch with Pardeis who gives great advice. I wonder how life would have been like if we were closer during college. I’m glad we bumped into each other again and slowly getting to know one another again. She is a ray of sunbeam to be around.

Second day of workout went really well. Still no collarbone pain and Rizzo felt comfortable today to fall asleep. Yesterday he was on high alert unsure what was going on. I’m sore all over and I love it so much. I’ve missed this feeling. Collarbone, I hope you’ve fully healed!

Emmy and I had a good hour and a half sing a long with my guitar. I’ve added in other songs to the ones she’s used to and she dances and sings along best she can. She loves sticking her face in mine to watch me sing. She’s so freaking adorable. Soon enough she’s not going to want to do this so I’m trying to take in as much as I can.

No More Collarbone Pain!

August 25, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Rizzo has sweet days where he’ll be loving to someone. Today was that day with Emmy. She pulled and tugged on him, gave him kisses, and hugs and he was all okay with it. I’m glad I caught it on video and snapped this picture all in time.

Meal Prep | Chicken, Zuchhini Moods, Broccoli

Meal prep this week is going to be so delicious. Zucchini noods, broccoli and chicken. My last lined up Houston Restaurant Week is this Tuesday. Afterward, saving money starts which means less eating out.

Why does my hair always look better after a hard workout? Since I’ve been eating better and the doctor cleared me to work out I finally put in some cardio and picked up weights. Just five pounders for now. My collarbone didn’t hurt at all for the first time in a long time so I’m hoping to build my muscles back up again and lose weight and tone up overall. Fingers crossed my collarbone doesn’t pop anymore!

Emmy is starting to get sick so she slept a lot and since I was working out, everyone ate without us. She and I had a nice quiet meal together. I’ve had elotes for the third time this week. I’m surprised I’m full after two corns but I guess that’s why farmers put it in the feed for the animals.

Dumplings and Deep Conversations

August 24, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

The day started off with a lot of playing with Emmy before heading to Golden Dumpling House to meet up with Salim. It’s been awhile and we figured a catch-up was needed.

Golden Dumpling House | Houston, Texas | Dumplings — Xiao Long Bao; Fried Pork & Vegetable Dumplings; Steamed Pork, Shrimp, & Vegetable Dumplings

I haven’t found a good place for Xiao Long Bao in Houston so we figured we’d try this place. The flavour was the best out of the other dumplings but it was lacking in soup which was the whole reason for them.

The dumplings, though not bad, aren’t the best I’ve had. They could do better with flavouring their dumplings and the wrapper was a little too thick.

Golden Dumpling House | Houston, Texas | Millet Soup — Millet Soup

We later found out they had free soup which is more like a congee with a different type of grain. I thought the flavour was good but Salim needed salt so to each their own.

7 Leaves Cafe | Houston, Texas | Oolong Milk Tea with Honey Boba and Taro Milk Tea — Oolong Milk Tea with Honey Boba and Taro Milk Tea

We went and got teas, both delicious. We sat here for a really long time talking about relationships and life. He told me I’m too nice so that’s probably why I’m single but I don’t understand how that’s a negative. I guess guys want someone who’s an ass like girls tend to like in a guy? I’m confused about it all but I’ve decided I’m in the wrong decade. I’m going to be single for life.

Afterward we said our goodbyes. I went home and hung out with Emmy a bit before we headed out to Bellaire again where we met up with SIL’s parents. We went and visited Grandma before heading back to Bellaire for dinner with everyone. Yeah, I don’t understand all the driving either. I’m pooped and ready to relax with Rizzo.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas

August 23, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

The day started off with a physical at the doctor’s office. Many people told me it took many hours and sometimes half a day. I was in and out in less than 2 hours and part of it was waiting in the waiting room for the doctors to show up since I was early!

Since I was fasting, they had a tray of snacks and drinks. They said if I wanted tea or coffee to let them know and they’d brew it for me. I was good with water and a bar and after peeing it a cup I was out the door.

I went and picked up some tacos before heading home. Emmy licked on a lime while she waited for me to finish eating then it was play time. We danced and jumped around then she pointed at my guitar and said, “Play please.” I played her songs on her request and even some she didn’t. She even jumped off the bed to strum while I played. When I was finally tired I put down the guitar and she hugged and kissed it. It’s safe to say she loves music and she’s ready to go to some classes.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas

Mallory and I spontaneously made plans to go out for dinner. She and JJ have been out of town all week and she wanted some girlfriend time. We chose Grazia Italian Kitchen since she’s on a carbs kick. We both did their Houston Restaurant Week menu for $35 three course meal.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Bread Rolls and Italian Bread Dip — Bread Rolls and Italian Bread Dip

They started off by giving us free bread but it wasn’t good at all. Mine was under baked and still a bit doughy. It made us a little afraid of how the rest of the meal would be.

Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Malbec — Malbec

Wine because wine not? Get it? Hehehe

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Rock Shrimp Croccante & Italian Wedge Salad — Rock Shrimp Croccante [crispy tempura battered, sweet Chile glaze, peppadew and pepperoncini peppers, peanuts, cilantro] | Italian Wedge Salad [iceberg lettuce, diced pancetta, applewood smoked bacon, roasted cherry tomatoes, sweet red onions, caramelized garlic-maytagn blue cheese dressing]

I loved the shrimp but it had an Asian taste which was weird since it’s an Italian restaurant. I’m not a fan of blue cheese dressing on the iceberg but Mallory seemed to enjoy it.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Stuffed Flounder Florentine & Mike and Jen — Stuffed Flounder Florentine [jumbo lump crab, spinach, roasted red peppers, goat and mozzarella cheese, charred tomato basil beurre Blanc, risotto] | Mike & Jen [grilled chicken, how tie pasta, garlic, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, Romano cream]

We both like the other person’s dish more but both were great. I took the rest of the risotto home and Mum finished it off. She loved it as well but wished it wasn’t as oily.

Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Dijon Gorgonzola Brussel Sprouts — Dijon Gorgonzola Brussel Sprouts | $7

Not part of HRW menu. Our server wasn’t the best and this came when we were full from our main dish but we loved it. The Gorgonzola does give it a blue cheesy taste per Mallory but I guess it wasn’t as strong as the actual blue cheese.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Ooey Gooey Butter Cake & Bacon Bourbon Brownie — Ooey Gooey Butter Cake [served with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, butterscotch sauce] | Bacon Bourbon Brownie [served with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce]

They have the same presentation which made me kinda sad.the brownie was more cake like and the ice creams taste like a whipped cream textured ice cream. The Ooey Gooey taste better than the brownie in my opinion.

We both probably won’t come here again since it was a little too fancy and the price reflected that. We could have Italian food elsewhere for a better price with better service as well.

After dinner, we headed to Kroger to pick up some things. I finally got my Tillamook ice cream, the caramel hazelnut one. I’ve searched a couple Kroger’s and am so happy I finally found it!

I went home, played with Emmy for a little bit before she had to go to bed. I’ve finally set up Mum’s iPad and I’m happy to see her get the hang of it! Proud daughter.

2019 Secondary Team Away Day

August 22, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

These team button down shirts are so not my style nor the crazy Hawaiian print. Regardless, it was suggested everyone wear their shirts so I did.

I’ve realized that every position I’ve held since I’ve graduated from college has me straddling between two or more teams. I’m not sure how much I love it but I meet more people this way and gain more knowledge as well so I guess no complaints here.

2019 Secondary Team Away Day | Breakfast

We started off with a very delicious array of breakfast choices. I felt fancy because they had mini croissants and salmon (among other dainty things)! I wish I was able to pack the rest of the salmon to go. What a waste.

2019 Secondary Team Away Day | Marshmallow Challenge

We had introductions, a VP guest speaker, and then the Marshmallow Challenge. You have 18 minutes to build a free standing tower that can hold a marshmallow on top using spaghetti, tape, and a piece of string. Ours wasn’t the tallest but it stood up unlike another team so I was proud.

There were a lot of slides and open discussions which was very useful for me as I’m usually with my main team and I don’t get this knowledge or what they worry about daily. It also helps to see how everyone thinks.

Lunch was served and I felt like I was at a fancy buffet place. Three different entrees and a plethora of sides. I feel so bad about the wasted food and really wished I could have taken some home. I wish they donated the food or something. I wonder if this hotel does dining because I’d come back!

We defined some risks before having dessert. Pecans pie and brownies. Desserts don’t really speak to me so this wouldn’t be the reason I come back. Then we finished our discussions and defined some Key Focus Areas before calling it a day.

2019 Secondary Team Away Day | Bowl & Barrel Happy Hour

We headed to Bowl & Barrel for Happy Hour. Again, they ordered too much food and this wasn’t even everything. The funnel cake is bottom right. It looks ugly but it was perfect. Okay, so maybe some desserts do do it for me.

I didn’t bowl too horribly and I could say for the first time in a long time, my anxiety wasn’t too high so I was able to enjoy without worries.

Soon enough I was home playing with Emmy. She tired me out. She’s at the phase where she loves to play with me. Although I’m tired I try my best to give her the attention. When I was too, too tired, she decided to play with my feet and legs. I guess, whatever floats your boat, little girl.