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2021 Christmas Shenanigans

December 26, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Rizzo, Emmy, Ethan | Christmas Nails | Vet, Cracker Barrel, Christmas Wrapping

Monday started off with Emmy & I taking Rizzo to the vet. There’s a lump inside his nose and they were able to release fluids and take it to testing. Haven’t heard back and it’s refilled so hoping they can fully remove and it’s nothing bad.

I took her to eat at Cracker Barrel and walked around different shops before heading home. I changed my nails to Christmas lights and wrapped presents.

We also found out that Ethan put one of his toys into the freezer. Our freezer has been pooling and so his toy was frozen in. Such a hilarious moment and he wouldn’t let it go the rest of the night.

Emily's Taqueria | Capri Nails with Mallory | Physical Therapy | Emmy & Ethan | Dish Society

Tuesday I grabbed some breakfast tacos from Emily’s Taqueria and met up with Mallory for pedicures at Capri Nail & Spa. It’s the second time in a row that I’ve gone and their polish does not dry after an hour plus. I went to Physical Thearapy for my back/leg and shopped for a bit to get some nail polishes to fix my toes. I got some cool presents from Mallory – ended up winning $10 from the scratch off she got me!

Wednesday June and I took the kids on a walk with Rizzo. I ordered a deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie from Dish Society too. So good and perfect for the cold temp.

Mellie Dee's COVID Test | Ethan & Emmy Gingerbread House | Thaicoon

Thursday, I went and got my first COVID test – rapid PCR test. Negative! Whoo hoo! Good to know since I was feeling sick.

Ordered Thaicoon for lunch and then waited for June to be home to build gingerbread houses with Ethan & Emmy. They mostly just ate the decorations and icing.

Frankenstein & Artemis' Christmas Present

Later in the day Friday, I drove over to Frankenstein’s. I gave Artemis her Christmas present. A blanket where she can be seen and a harness and leash since he talks about wanting to take her out for walks in the future. She wasn’t a fan. I’m sure she wonders why this weird lady keeps bringing stuff for her to wear.

He went to San Francisco week prior for a wedding and came back with Ghirardelli chocolates for me. That’s when he told me that the original Ghirardelli shop was from there. Learn something new every day.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee

This man planned Christmas Eve with me as my Christmas present and I couldn’t be any happier.

I guessed correctly that he chose Galveston and had an inkling it was Moody Gardens. And I was right!

He booked the Moody Gardens Hotel with a balcony view. I’ve never been on a balcony at a hotel before, at least not one that I remember so I was amazed. He opened his presents and we took a lot of pictures and videos of the view before getting ready for our dinner reservations.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | Shearn's

He booked our reservations at Shearn’s, located in the hotel that supposedly had pretty dang good reviews. He was pretty disappointed in the food. It wasn’t terrible, but not worth it for the cost. I agreed but was just on cloud nine that this man planned a nice night so I didn’t have any complaints. He just felt bad since we’re pretty spoiled when it comes to eating out since we do that a lot with our distance. But he added that it wasn’t a big deal and he was just happy he got to spend time with me. Gah so sweet.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | The Festival of Lights

During dinner, he told me a mishap that occurred. He apparently accidentally booked ALL the excursions Moody Gardens offered. The regular ones year round and the holiday ones. He meant to only book The Festival of Lights since he knew we didn’t have much time to do much. Too funny.

We made it in time to walk through the entire thing to see the lights, stopping a lot due to my back. My favourite is the interactive Twelve Days of Christmas show. We sat there for the longest because I wanted to see all of them light up. Then we had a debate as to why certain things were even gifted. Love our random conversations.

Moody Gardens | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee | Cafe in the Park

We woke up quite early Saturday since one of his launches were happening at six in the morning. I caught glimpses of the launch but mostly fell asleep through it. When we finally got up, we had breakfast at the hotel’s Cafe in the Park. This place is SO darn cute. Even the carpet looked like grass. We opted for the buffet which had MORE than enough yumminess. I am starting to dig ordering hot tea at restaurants.

We packed our things and headed back home. I was able to get a shot of the Christmas decorations they had at the lobby without all the kids all over it. So gorgeous.

Extended Family Christmas | Ethan & Rizzo

I got home in time to relax a bit before Sissy & BIL came over. Brudda and SIL arrived the night before so we had a full house and it was nice. We made little window light catchers and played games before our extended family came over. A lot of crazy times and nice memories – like the kids loving playing in boxes like cats (surprised Rizzo went in and stayed there), and Ethan being a Pocky model.

Immediate Family Christmas | Ethan | Phanh Ky | Katy, Texas

Sunday was our immediate family’s Christmas. We had breakfast of kolaches and opened presents. Secret Santa (SIL) did great this year. Two new puzzles, one of which was a surprise — COSTCO puzzle! I’ve been looking and never found it. It’s only 500 pieces so you would think it’ll be easy but if you look at the picture, it’s filled with people on every corner. So excited!

We also tried out Phanh Ky & The Alley. The Alley was WAY too sweet for my liking and they ran out of a lot of things which makes me not want to go back in fear of not getting what I want again. But Phanh Ky was delicious. We talked about going back in the future. I like that you can pick different types of noodles to go with your dish.

Cidercade | Houston, Texas | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee

Knowing I’d be dropping off Brudda and SIL at the airport late at night, I was able to make day of plans to meet up with Frankenstein afterward at Cidercade. I’ve been wanting to check this place out so was happy he remembered and suggested it instead of me driving all the way to him. I wouldn’t have minded though because he loves SNL and have been waiting to watch the Taylor Swift one with me.

It was fun but they did have some broken games. I wasn’t a fan of any of their drinks and later at the end, found out they had sodas and waters in the back for free pour.

It’s been a very eventful week. I am still in awe that this man planned such a nice night together where I didn’t have to put in input (other than the food when we got there). He’ll be busy again soon so I’m trying to squeeze out as much time as we can this month.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Asian, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Galveston, Katy, League City, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Moody Gardens, Sightseeing, Steakhouse, Texas, Thai, Vietnamese

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | The Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker

December 12, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Good Eats

Some of those week’s good eats. Delia’s from RVG, hot pot Saturday night, and Sunday: Eggcellence Cafe and Sushihana.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Mallory's | Elyson Cafe

Thursday after work I went over to Mallory’s. Mostly to give her and Beth Delia’s tamales and thier Christmas presents because my freezer was packed. I picked up our order from Elyson Cafe and hung up a bit. Feels like forever since I’ve seen them!

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Frankenstein, Sissy, BIL | J Bar M BBQ, The Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker

Friday night Frankenstein finally met Sissy and BIL. We had dinner at J Bar M BBQ and then went and watched the Houston Ballet: The Nutcracker.

I’ve always wanted to go to the ballet and am so thankful he agreed. We even got free Nutcracker masks. So fancy. The set and the costumes were so breathtakingly beautiful. Sigh. Makes me wish I was in theater.

BIL feel asleep for 40%+ of the performance and although Frankenstein struggled, he stayed awake for all of it. So proud. Sissy and I were on cloud nine the whole time.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Frankenstein, Artemis | Pho Hoang, Nassau Bay Farmers Market & Erma's | Houston, Texas

When we got back we opened a toy he got for Artemis where treats fall out when you hit it, till it, etc. She is so gentle. She hasn’t gotten it down yet but I know she will soon.

The next day, after some Artemis cuddles, Frankenstein suggested us to go to a farmers market. I chose a different one than last time, Nassau Bay’s. A couple of teas, a loaf of baked yum and a jar of pickled okra later, we walked into Erma’s. It reminded me of Trader Joe’s. I bought a few more things and we headed off to grab pho from Pho Hoang.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Ethan, Mellie Dee & Rizzo

Ethan time continued. Some puzzles and learning words, done silly laying down with Rizzo and some falling asleep in my arms while we watched Tik Tok videos.

2021 | Week 91 of Quarantine | Frankenstein, Artemis | Marina, Paris and Barcelona Puzzles | Ethan

He’s even learned how to do harder puzzles, given I find them and tell him where it goes. Maybe he can be my puzzle buddy when he grows up.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Barbecue, Breakfast and Brunch, Houston, Japanese, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Sightseeing, Sushi, Texas, Vietnamese

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine

December 5, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Ethan, Rizzo, Mellie Dee

This week has been filled with Ethan. All he wants is attention but he’s overall pretty easy to take care of. I took some hours off Monday and Tuesday since I was sick and got to spend time sitting outside with him. Very peaceful and nice.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Kato, Bruno, Nara Thai, Dough Diggers, Rodeo Goat | Houston, Texas

I started my new role Wednesday and when Thursday rolled around my internet went out since they were upgrading stuff. I drove to Sissy’s and either out of there. Ordered Nara Thai for lunch and ate dinner with Sissy and BIL from Rodeo Goat while watching a couple episodes of UK Ghosts.

Jenny sent cookies from Dough Digger to the family as condolences. It was nice since I missed them during the wedding. So good!

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Therapeutic Thai Massage, Sushihana | Katy, Texas | Maharaja Bhog with Frankenstein | Houston, Texas

I was off Friday. Went to the chiropractor, chilled with Ethan for a bit and then had a two hour Thai massage. Afterwards it was Sushihana and back with hanging with Ethan.

Urgent care on Monday gave me some dang good meds so I felt way better to meet up with Frankenstein at Maharaja Bhog. Sweetest man willing to drive so far for a meal with me. Poor man for being such in traffic yet no complaints. It was good first time eating Indian in this format and I love how adventurous he is. Thankful for a person who isn’t picky.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Pedicure, Zero Degrees, Shabu Town | Katy, Texas

Saturday morning Sissy came over. We took Mum and June for pedicures and then went home and grabbed Dad and Ethan for lunch at Shabu Town. A couple of shopping places and Zero Degrees and we were back home relaxing with everyone. It was nice to get a few hours with Sissy and talk randomness.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Puzzle, Proud Pie, Big City Wings | Katy, Texas

This whole day was filled with doing absolutely nothing but playing with Ethan. I had one meal of Big City Wings and Proud Pie and started a new puzzle. It is super hard since everything is practically blue. Hopefully I finish before Emmy comes.

2021 | Week 90 of Quarantine | Spotify Unwrapped

This year’s Spotify unwrapped. No surprises except for the kids making Olivia Rodrigo one of my top artists.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: American, Chinese, Dessert, Houston, Indian, Japanese, Katy, Sushi, Texas, Thai

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Texas Renaissance Festival & Cirque du Soleil Alegria

November 14, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Cottage Mountain Puzzle | Maria's Going Away Lunch at Hungry's

Started off the week by finishing up a cottage mountain puzzle. I’m running out but luckily Target had a buy two get one free sale!

On Thursday, we had a going away lunch at Hungry’s for Maria. It was the first time seeing them since we started working from home, other than Christopher. It was nice to talk face to face again though.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Work Holiday & Farewell Party | The Tasting Room | Houston, Texas

Friday was our work’s Holiday and Farewell party for everyone since starting December first, our asset is sold off to a different company. I got a job offer from them but did not accept as it was in Midland. Hoping I find something within the company but if not, I know I’ll be okay, wherever I land.

We enjoyed finger foods and many drinks before we called it a day. I tried leaving and was stuck in conversations.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Amy | Barcelona Restaurant and Lounge | Houston, Texas

Luckily Amy was amazing and was okay with skipping day plans we made so that I could attend my work party. She also showed up at the hotel earlier than expected and I ended up being way later than expected. We had a glassblowing class scheduled but due to furnace problems, they cancelled a day early. If not, I would have been late!

We caught up a bit, and decided to have dinner at Barcelona Restaurant and Lounge. We’ve been spoiled by Toro in San Antonio, so this wasn’t super up to par, but wasn’t horrible. We then went back to the hotel and hung out until we passed out.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Amy | Texas Renaissance Festival | Todd Mission, Texas | Mellie Dee

Saturday morning, we went off to the Texas Renaissance Festival. It was her first time and it was definitely a lot to take in for a newcomer. I haven’t been in years and it has grew a lot since then. We walked around the whole time and watching some men fight and joust. All fun and exciting to see how into it everyone was. Since we had to reschedule our glassblowing event to another day, she had fun watching the lady demonstrate glassblowing and is now more excited than ever for when our class comes around in the future. She was like a kid in a candy shop. Precious.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Amy | Whistle Stop Tea Room | Tomball, Texas

We had a quick lunch at Whistle Stop Tea Room. Everything was delicious. My favourite was the pasta salad and their broccoli and cheese soup. Amy liked their tortilla soup. I would love to come back.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Amy | Galaxy Nail and Spa | Tomball, Texas | Jade Siam Thai Massage Therapy | Magnolia, Texas

We went back to the hotel so that Amy could change into sweats for our pedicure at Galaxy Nail Spa. Afterward, we drove close to our massage place, Jade Siam Thai Massage Therapy. We walked around TJ Maxx where we came out with goodies before heading to get our muscles worked on. It was her first time getting stretched during a massage and my first time getting stepped on in the US (I’ve had a legit Thai massage in Thailand). We came out refreshed.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Amy | Mikado | Magnolia, Texas

We feasted on habachi and sushi at Mikado. It hit the spot. She mentioned loving to eat with me because I order so much. I, on the other hand, need to learn to order less. But surprisingly, we didn’t have a lot left over.

It was back to the hotel to relax and sleep.

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Amy | Sleek Creperie & Cafe | Cypress, Texas

This morning, we woke up, drove our separate cars to Sleek Creperie & Cafe. We both got our own savory crepe and lattes, and shared a sweet one together. Thank goodness because that sweet crepe was bigger than our faces! They also sell chocolates and gelato. I want to come back and try those out as well.

We said our goodbyes and headed home.

It’s not rare that people drive to my world but what’s rare is that they make time for me when they end up by me. To this day, Amy is one of the easiest people to travel with. We literally had no plans other than glassblowing, which got rescheduled, and the Texas Renaissance Festival. We ended up filling our time up with things by just talking. Ever since I introduced her to reflexology on our California trip, it’s become a thing for us to incorporate massages into our trips – like Liliana and I with massages and facials. These chill trips with Amy makes me feel so refreshed after. Sigh, cannot wait for our next one!

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Cirque du Soleil Alegria | Beth & Mallory

I went home and took an amazing nap before heading to Mallory’s. We picked up Beth and headed to Sam Houston Race Park to see my (and Mallory’s) first Cirque du Soleil Alegria. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was way better than that. Mallory drank coffee hoping to stay away prior, but I don’t think anyone needs assistance in staying awake. They keep you pulled in with fire, flips, air swings, and more. The live musical performance was so beautiful with the addition to the performance made me tear up on many occasions. I am now wanting to attend ALL of them because it was just that fun! Thank you, Beth, for getting us early tickets for such wonderfulness!

2021 | Week 87 of Quarantine | Frankenstein | Jinya | Katy, Texas

I had a late dinner date with Frankenstein at Jinya. He was nice enough to drive all the way to me since I had such a busy night. We sat outside for his big bowl of ramen and my kids meal that came with SO much variety of food. We paid and continued talking to the point where it started to get cold. We fought the chill until it was way past their closing time and a waiter had to go around all the tables and practically kick us out.

This whole entire weekend has been filled with memorable moments and getting to end it seeing him was icing on the cake! This coming week will be crazy and tiring. Bring it on. I’m (kinda) ready for you.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Houston, Japanese, Katy, Magnolia, Sandwiches and Burgers, Sightseeing, Spanish, Sushi, Texas, Todd Mission, Tomball, Wine Bars

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine

November 7, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Dish Society | Katy, Texas | Sebastian's Late Birthday Lunch

Finally celebrated Sebastian’s birthday by treating him to lunch at Dish Society. First time going off to lunch during work day and it was nice to get away. Never enough time to talk but always the best conversations.

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Ambriza | Kay, Texas | Mallory's Birthday Dinner with Beth

Thursday night, Beth and I finally went out to dinner to celebrate Mallory’s birthday at Ambriza. Since it was our first time, we got the corn for free. And since it was her birthday, they had a frame to take pictures with and a free tres leches as they sung happy birthday to her. The food was good but the company was better. We later took pics outside the Christmas tree that’s been lit and Mallory was freezing and jokingly put on the scarf I made her. Haha

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Balayage Hair

Since I was off Friday, I finally fixed my hair to a more natural colour for Jenny’s upcoming wedding. It was so blonde before that it’s still super light in certain places but overall, looks great. Also, found my go to hair dresser. Win!

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Roots | Houston, Texas | Sissy, BIL, Timothy, Lillian, Jacky

Sarurday, Sissy, BIL, Timothy, Lillian, Jacky, and I met at Roots Wine Bar prior to Sarah’s performance.

You give them your credit card and they link it to the chip card they have. The chip card is used for the wine machines where you can choose 1oz, 3 oz, or 5 oz pours of certain wines. So much to choose from and they even have a placard you can take that describes the wines in detail. Every with is different cost depending what it is as well. (Note: If you make reservations you have to put a $10 deposit for each person. That money ends up on one chip card and if you don’t use it all you lose it. We went over so not sure if you spend money on food if it can go towards it though.)

Although food isn’t the main thing here it was a hot. Expensive with little portions but it was delicious. We were surprised by the steak tartare. I think that was my first time and was well worth it.

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Lazarus Dance Featuring Sarah | Houston, Texas | Sissy, BIL, Timothy, Lillian, Jacky

We headed off to Sarah’s performance sans BIL. The costumes and live music accompaniment was perfect. The music was written by the grandfather of the person that put it all together. It’s crazy how she still dances professionally. Who said you can’t dance after a certain age?

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Thaicoon, Big City Wings, Hot Pot

Some good eats for the week. Thaicoon is still the best Thai place. Big City Wings wasn’t hitting the spot with their flavours. But the hot pot made a comeback after so long since it’s starting to get cold.

2021 | Week 86 of Quarantine | Cats & Dogs, Night and Day Paris Puzzles

I went puzzle crazy this week and finished four of them. My cats and dogs 10 set puzzle is now completed. Sad some had missing pieces though due to kids or manufacturers but since it’s so old, nothing I can do Those were hard since all the pieces had the same shapes but very rewarding.

The rest of the month is going to be a bit crazy … but fun. I cannot wait for the hump to be over so I can relax a bit though.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: American, Houston, Katy, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Texas, Thai, Wine Bars

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