Mellie Dee ♥

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2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver, Colorado | Day 2

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2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Tupelo Honey | Denver, Colorado

In the morning we forgo the breakfast plans and picked a Tupelo Honey closer to our hotel. Everything was perfect here. From their brussel sprouts to the shashuka and grits and shrimp and grits. I wouldn’t mind having one of these places back in Houston.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Plants

Since the walk was kind of far we took and Uber to the botanical gardens. There’s not much to see since it is winter but they did have a couple of exhibits that were indoor.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Dio de Las Muertos

They were also celebrating Dio de Las Muertos. They had so many things painted and lots of children activities in tents such as face painting.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Frozen Pond

We skipped all of that and walked around and found a frozen pond. It still surprises me that this happens every year for the people that live here.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Japanese Garden Snowy

My favourite part of the whole garden was the Japanese Garden. Everything was snowy here so it was beautiful.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Little Owl Coffee | Denver, Colorado

After the gardens Sissy wanted coffee so we took an Uber to Little Owl Coffee. It was a short distance to our hotel but the only thing I didn’t like was their lack of pastries. We saw pictures online but nothing in person so we opted to just lattes and mochas.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Walking on Snow | Denver, Colorado

We chugged our drinks and trekked on. I love being able to step in snow with my boots. I love the sound and the way it feels. No more after today.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Cooper + Dash Gifts and Gallery | Denver, Colorado

We made a couple stops to find souvenirs and ended up at Dash + Cooper. I love that there is a giant unicorn at the doorway. Emmy would have loved it!

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Milkbox Ice Creamery | Denver, Colorado

As we were walking back to our hotel, we stopped by Union Station to Milkbox for some ice cream. I got a peanut butter type while she got a vegan chocolate type. Both delicious and perfect treat for the cold weather.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Union Station at Night | Denver, Colorado

We showered and lazied about the hotel until close to our dinner reservations. As we walked to the restaurant we got to see Union Station lighted up at night. It was gorgeous.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Panzano | Denver, Colorado

We finally made it to Panzano for dinner. I’ve been looking forward to their brussel sprouts. If you haven’t noticed, that’s usually one of the things I have to order if it’s on the menu. The way this was prepped reminds me of the place I went to in San Antonio since they both use apples and pistachios with their dish. My lamb was also on point and being able to suck out the bone marrow was a huge plus for me.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Panzano | Denver, Colorado | Mellie Dee

We walked to another shop for a souvenir before calling it a night. We packed as much as we could and are now in bed. Night, world!

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver, Colorado | Day 1

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I’ve been dreaming of having a mother daughters trip since I was a little girl and it’s finally a reality. Sissy wanted to go to Tampa, I wanted to go to another state I’ve never been and Mum wanted Denver. We ended up in Denver, freezing our asses off.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Houston to Denver

I got to use a drink voucher and get a mimosa while I watched a movie I downloaded while playing a game.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Union Station | Denver, Colorado

We rode the train to Union Station. This place is gorgeous. Reminds me of something out of a Hallmark movie where they meet up and do their final kiss before the credits roll.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Pigtrain Coffee Co | Denver, Colorado

We ordered a light snack to share from Pigtrain Coffee Co. I don’t remember what the pastry was but it was perfect.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Hotel Indigo | Denver, Colorado

We walked to Hotel Indigo and checked in early. We dropped off our stuff and refreshed ourselves before heading back out in the cold.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Leaves Changing | Denver, Colorado

I love seeing the leaves change colours. I wish I could witness it with more shades but I guess this will do.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Appaloosa Grill | Denver, Colorado

We did a lot of small shops before stopping at Appaloosa Grill for lunch. They served fried pig ears but it’s not what I thought. The flavour was nice but the cut and size of each was too big. Else everything was good but nothing to rave about.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | State Capital | Denver, Colorado

We trekked back outside in the snow and walked passed the capital.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Squirrel | Denver, Colorado

I bumped into this squirrel who was very photogenic and even went to me and posed for me. Mum tried to do the same but it ran away.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Molly Brown House Museum | Denver, Colorado

We decided to do the Molly Brown House Museum. She’s a survivor from the Titanic and it was interesting to see how they used to live. They had such beautiful stained glass windows and I find those stoves to be adorable though I’m happy I don’t have to use one.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Hearth & Dram | Denver, Colorado

We went back to our hotel, took showers and relaxed before heading off to dinner at Hearth & Dram. This is connected to our hotel so it was a quick walk. We ordered a lot but one of my favourites is the best salad. Crazy, right?

It’s so early and they’re both asleep already. I guess I’ll head to bed soon too.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3

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  • 2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Tourist Home Cafe & Bakery | Flagstaff, Arizona | Hash Bowl

Today was a day where we all pretty much spent it together. We drove and had a nice breakfast at Tourist Home Cafe & Bakery near our Airbnb. I ordered the Hash Bowl which was terrific. I’ve never cooked with beets before but I just might after this experience. I need to recreate it!

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona

We then drove to Sedona and started on our hike at Fay Canyon. I was wearing long sleeves everything but I didn’t feel overheated. When I talk about hiking, I talk about this. Simple, pretty flat, rocks with a pretty view. The pictures really don’t do it justice.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona | Arch Way

Everything was dandy until we deviated off the path for a tougher, more steep off the road path so that we could get up to the arches. We had to leave SIL under some shade since it was getting too tough for her. But we did it!

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona | Top of Arch View

The view is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The breeze was so rewarding. Getting pricked by cactus was worth it.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona | End of Maintained Trail

The way down was hell. I thought I was going to fall a few times but we survived and finished off the trail. I didn’t finish the other hike up since my knee was killing me but we all survived and made it back to the car.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Art of Wine | Sedona, Arizona

We went to The Art of Wine for a sip. I opted out of drinking since I was driving back. I shared a grapefruit fizzy type drink instead and we ordered a couple hummus for the table.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Wildflower Bread Company | Sedona, Arizona

They didn’t have any cheese and meat boards because they apparently ran out so we went to Wildflower Bread Company for some soup and bread.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | View | Sedona, Arizona

We walked back to our car and saw this amazing view. I am still mesmerized that nature made this and am thankful I got to witness it.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Josephine's | Flagstaff, Arizona

We all drove back to the Airbnb, showered and got ready. We decided to dress up a little for our last night together. We ended up at Josephine’s and it was a great pick. Because we have a bigger party we were seated on the upper floor and We’re able to hear each other talk. Everything tasted fantastic to where we decided to get dessert too. Highly recommended.

Tomorrow we head back to the real world. I’m not ready.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 2

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Part of our group headed off to a day of driving, picture taking, and views while the other half stayed in Flagstaff for a small hike, sports games, museums, and breweries.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | McDonald's

Our group went to McDonald’s for breakfast. It took a while since the guy working the register didn’t know how to add a coupon. In the end we got our food, stuffed our faces and headed out. I was able to get some shut eye during the drive which was nice.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona

We got to Antelope Canyon. We decided to do the Upper Canyon which is longer but with better views. I finally got to ride a bummer! Even though the wind was strong I enjoyed it. They were selling things in the waiting area which was nice. Brudda and SIL didn’t go due to the bumpy rides so they dropped Joanna, Sarah, Timothy and I for the fun.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona | Formations

One of my favourite pictures I took on my camera. My heart is so happy.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona | Shark, Eye, Microsoft Screensaver

We got some pictures that the tour guide pointed out. A shark, an eye and one of Microsoft’s famous screensaver.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona | Waves, Bear, Hearts, Dragon

The other shots are waves, a bear, a heart, and a dragon.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Bird House | Page, Arizona

We got picked up and went to lunch to Bird House. Their fried chicken is actually pretty great. Stick to the spicy and honey butter. Their seasoned fries are some of the best I’ve ever had.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Glenn Canyon Dam | Page, Arizona

We went to Glenn Canyon Dam for a hike but since it cost $30 dollars to park and three hours to hike, we opted out and took middle of the road pictures instead since we were on a time constraint.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Horseshoe Bend | Page, Arizona | Mellie Dee

We made it to Horseshoe Bend and I lived on the wild side and sat on the edge. Everyone kept freaking out but I survived. I wanted feet dangling and got it.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Horseshoe Bend | Page, Arizona

We waited for the sun to set and got this amazing picture. My heart is so happy that I got to view this with my eyes.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Oregano's | Flagstaff, Arizona

We drove back to Flagstaff and Sissy, BIL, and Kiran brought back dinner from Oregano’s. We are all stuffed and now sitting and talking about our days and more.

Night, all!

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – LaCenterra | Katy, Texas

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Team Meeting Lunch

I talk about how work is going great almost daily but it really is. Is it stressful? Are people still annoying as eff? Do I sometimes dread going to work because of the amount of angry customers I know awaits me sometimes? Yes, yes, and sometimes, yes.

But I can say, without a doubt, this was what I’ve wanted to do since I was in college. Is it my dream job? No. But I get to do the things I love and it’s pushing me towards what my I want.

Everything takes time and although I’ve only been in this role for eight months I have learned a lot. I also know that maybe a year from now I’ll hate where I’m at but at least at this moment in time, I am happy where I am with my career.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Ready or Not

Now on to something delicious. June’s birthday is tomorrow so I took her to our usual Houston Restaurant Week at Alamo Drafthouse. You pick a movie, in which we picked Ready or Not, and order off the menu. In their three courses, you pick two for $20 and receive a free movie ticket for the future.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Awake Until The Endgame Shake, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, 2x2 Burger, Seared Tofu Sandwich
Awake Until The Endgame Shake [inspired by Avengers: Endgame, Alamo coffee toddy, Liver & Co Fiery Ginger Syrup, Oreo crumbs, and vanilla ice cream] | Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower [with vegan ranch and celery] | 2×2 Burger [double party, Tillamook cheddar,bred onion relish, lettuce, tomato, 1000 island dressing served with fries] | Seared Tofu Sandwich [marinated tofu, carrot Chow chow, cucumber, herbed Sriacha-soy aioli & cilantro on cibatta served with fries]

June drank all her milkshake and ate her whole burger so I’d say she loved it.

I tried being a bit healthy and went with the vegan options. The tofu sandwich was surprising. I don’t feel ciabatta was the right pairing but the flavour of the aioli was perfect with the fresh vegetables. The cauliflower was a bit too salty but these two dishes are now in my “Recipes to make” list.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Free Tickets

As promised, our future tickets.

The movie was better than I imagined. I won’t spoil it but I will say that I kept getting surprised but the different outcomes. Also, the actress that plays Grace is so gorgeous. I was infatuated by her beauty even when she was covered in nasty.

Four day weekend has begun and I cannot wait to see what unfolds!