Mellie Dee ♥

Lifestyle | Food | Travel

  • home.
  • about.
  • bucket list.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco Family Trip

June 20, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Local Table | Katy, Texas | Beth

Wednesday, I had plans to get dinner with Mallory and Beth at Local Table. Sadly, Mallory couldn’t go since Jacob ended up not feeling well.

First time Beth and I hung out alone together and I very much enjoyed our conversation while enjoying delicious foods. We both shared things to one another we never really opened up to many people about so it was nice being vulnerable together.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Nitelight Donuts and Coffee

Friday morning the whole family started our drives to Waco. We stopped to get McDonald’s breakfast and once we arrived to Waco we picked up some cronuts from Nightlight. They were even good after being in the fridge a day plus later!

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Airbnb

Our view of the backyard. And all the free drinks the last group left over. Saved us a bit of money not needing to buy much.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Mac House

My car went to HEB and picked up some weekend goods while Brudda’s car went and picked up lunch from Mac House. Their menu is very limited and doesn’t taste as good by the time we were back at the Airbnb to eat.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Emmy, Ethan, Rizzo, Bruno, Kato

After eating we all jumped into the pool and had a blast racing. We put each kid in a float while Sissy and I rickshaw raced from one end of the pool to the other. Winner was obviously me every time with Emmy in my rickshaw.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Moroso Wood Fire Pizzeria

After swimming Sissy and I went to Target then picked up food from Moroso. Pizza and risotto. Their risotto was bomb but everything else was just okay. This place was popping though when we picked up our food so must be one of the better food places.

We enjoyed ice creams and mochi ice creams we picked up from Target then all headed to bed.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Magnolia

Saturday morning we left and headed to the Magnolia Silos and Market. We walked around mostly because we were waiting for our table at Magnolia Table.

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Emmy & Mellie Dee | Magnolia Table

While we waited for our food I brought out the glow in the dark tattoos and Emmy chose everyone’s. Something to keep her entertained.

The food came but nothing to special to write home about. Mostly busy due to Chip and Joanna Gaines being famous else, I douby it’d be a hyped up place. Also our food was super cold but our server was perfect!

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Waco, Texas | Kindle, Watermelon Margarita, Blasian Asian, Marvel Card Game

Back to the house where I enjoyed some fine reading and swims with everyone. I went with SIL to pick up dinner from Blasian Asian whole Sissy made watermelon margaritas. Since a lot of people had leftovers we didn’t order as much food. Yay for cleaning out the fridge!

Sissy, BIL, Brudda and I played a few rounds of Marvel card game before calling it a night. But at 3am I got a phone call from our security system that our alarm went off. And my car decided to leave early but no worries. All is good!

2021 | Week 66 of Quarantine | Sushihana

Getting back early meant a lot of relaxing time. I went grocery shopping with Mum and June and we ordered different foods from different places. The sashimi hit the spot.

It was a nice trip where our family was finally able to be together in the same house for the weekend and I won’t take it for granted.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Bakery, Italian, Japanese, Pizza, Sightseeing, Texas, Waco

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Dulcedo Coffee | Richmond, Texas

January 24, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Walks with Rizzo

We were launching some new things are work this week so walking Rizzo every day was tough. We did enjoy our time when we did though! I ended up finish my third book this year. One was a .5 book but I’ll count it for now!

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Favourite Meals of the Week

Because of a busy week I had some easy to make meals. Lunch was always a chicken wrap with a side of egg and salsa. On not so tough days, salmon and brussels for dinner else I’d opt for whatever was ready to eat.

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Sweet Paris | Friendswood, Texas | Obi

Thursday night Obi and I each drove 40+ minutes to meet up at Sweet Paris. We shared a Philly Cheesesteak crepe and a Nutella with bananas and strawberry crepe. We caught up for a few hours then headed off to our merry way.

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Dulcedo Coffee | Richmond, Texas | Sebastian

Friday for lunch, I met Sebastian at Dulcedo Coffee. I have found one of my favourite places now. I got an avocado toast with a caprese like topping and a side of fruit. So so good and something that is easily creatable! We then shared a crossiant with almond paste inside (?) since we were both still not full and wanted something sweet. I’ll be back! We also caught up for a few hours and headed off on our merry way.

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | McAlister's | Capri Spa & Nails | Katy, Texas | Mallory, Beth

Saturday I went and picked up McAlister’s for Mallory, John, JJ, Beth and Scott. I’ve been opting for kid meals lately and am shocked I can be full of I order an extra side or something.

Us girls went to Capri Spa and Nails to get pedicures. First one since we have been in quarantine! It was nice getting some care for my feeties. And before you ask, I did a manicure on myself the night before so all bases were covered!

We went back to Mallory’s house and hung out. It was nice since we rarely see Scott. Their baby is almost here! I cannot wait!

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee & Rizzo

Rizzo hasn’t slept on me like this since he was a baby. I had to cherish it with a dimly light room photo. He can be sweet sometimes …

2020 | Week 45 of Quarantine | Colourful Puzzle | Downtown Abbry

I finished another puzzle! This one was also hard but I assume the A to H on the back is to help young kids for easier puzzling. It’s kind of like cheating … but it’s not.

If you have any puzzles lying around not being completed, send them my way! I’ll finish them and give them back!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Bakery, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Friendswood, Houston, Katy, Sandwiches and Burgers, Texas

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Ethan’s 1st Birthday & New Year’s Eve Party

January 3, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | DoorDash Your Year in Flavour

I like the recap Door Dash gave me. Sadly, I know I ordered more take outs this year that is not in the count. Nonetheless, it’s nice to know that I helped by ordering local.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Emmy, Mellie Dee, Rizzo | Banana Leaf Thai | Plano, Texas | Kickin Crab | Garland, Texas

On Monday, after I worked enough hours to send reports to the leadership team, I signed off. No more working the rest of the week other than to answer emails as needed!

I went to Costco, Hobby Lobby, and Kroger with Sammi and Emmy. Then it was Banana Leaf Thai for lunch, a nap, and a walk with Emmy and Rizzo around the neighborhood.

SIL brought home dinner from Kicking Crab. I opted out of ordering the lobster even though it’s what I’ve been craving. Eating this meal made me realize how much smaller my appetite has become which isn’t a bad thing. Now to continue working out so I can shed some pounds!

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Emmy at Starbucks & Party Decorating

Tuesday morning I took Emmy to Starbucks where I used my 400 points to get something nice for “free”.

I then gave her a choice on where to go. I tried hard convincing her togo to Target but she opted for Walgreens. WALGREENS?! Okay, baby girl. Whatever you want.

When we got back, we decorated for Ethan’s birthday. Emmy had fun with all the balloons that were blown up.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Eataly | Dallas, Texas

My parents and June arrived and a little before 5 pm, Jenny and Le came over to pick me and Emmy up to meet up with SIL. We had plans to check out Eataly, the new Italian market at the mall. Super duper fancy.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | The North Face | Dallas, Texas | Emmy

We made reservations for one of the three restaurants they had. I went with SIL and Emmy to North Face and Disney to shop around before heading back to Eataly.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Eataly | Dallas, Texas | Emmy, Jenny, SIL, & Mellie Dee

Emmy got very hungry and started whining so we got her a yogurt drink. She was super cute drinking it and kept joking that me and SIL can have some but Jenny and Le could not.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Eataly | Dallas, Texas | Il Pastaio

When our table was ready, we chowed down on some bread and oil and ate our pasta. The bread came wrapped two in each bag. When I asked for more, they did not deliver. They were also horrible at ensuring we got water at our table.

The pasta itself was nothing to write home about. We ordered three different dishes and our conclusion was that with the price, you’d think that it’ll taste amazing or even have meat or seafood in it. But nope. The portion is super small as well.

We all agreed the top left pasta was the worst and it cost the most. I believe it’s the Mafaldine Carbonara. The best one out of the three different pastas was the Trenette Pesto Genovese.

In the end, we agreed Il Pastaio is essentially the food court of Eataly. To have a better pasta experience, the other two restaurants there might be better choices, but I doubt I’ll ever come back other than to buy things and even try making my own cannoli.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Emmy the Hat Tester | Raising Cane's

On Wednesday, Mum, June, Emmy, and I went to Walmart and Target, picking up Subway and Raising Cane’s for lunch. Emmy was our product tester. She tested out the new year hats and held a pinata taco for my own amusement.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Marugame Udon | Plano, Texas

Later that night, June, Mum and I went to Whole Foods to buy some greens since we were not eating enough vegetables, then headed to Marugame Udon to pick up dinner.

The Nikutama and Curry Nikutama Udon bowls were greatly flavoured. Between the two, I’d probably choose the non-curry so that I can use the broth for another meal since it was THAT good and flavourful.

My favourites overall had to be the Wagyu Cheeseburger and the BBQ Pork Belly Skewers. I would love to go back and try the other Katsu Sandos but I feel like the wagyu will win out regardless.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Boo Puzzle, Castle, & Spicy Noodle Lunch

On Thursday, parents and Brudda went to the store. June watched Emmy and Ethan while I watched Castle and did a puzzle in less than an hour. It’s been a while since I did one and I forgot how relaxing it was.

When they got home, we made lunch. Then it was time to put Emmy down for a nap.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Ethan's 1st Birthday

When we woke up, baths for the kids, then it was time to get ready for Ethan’s 1st birthday slash New Years Eve party.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Ethan's 1st Birthday & New Year's Eve | Food

It was only immediate family. Everyone else was on a Zoom call. SIL ordered way too much food for just us so we had a lot of leftovers. We hung up the call around ten or so hung out with Jenny and Le a bit more before they left, then when it hit midnight, with Emmy still awake, we toasted to the new year. It was our first doing so with SIL and Emmy and first in a long time since Brudda was in college. It was nice to make these memories.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Ethan's 1st Birthday | Mellie Dee Outfit

The theme for Ethan’s party was new years eve garb so I dressed the part. It was weird for me to wear such a loud dress but I did it mostly knowing that it was just us there.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Ethan's 1st Birthday | Mellie Dee, Emmy, SIL, Jenny

We were able to snap some photos which was nice. I like that we all wore different shades of sparkles and Emmy’s dress essentially pulled all of our colours together. I’m sad I didn’t get one with Mum though.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Dallas to Houston | Ethan & Mellie Dee, Bucees, Truffle Chips

Friday we packed and headed home with Ethan. I listened to some crime podcasts with June and we stopped at Bucees for a pee break. I opened my truffle chips from Eataly to snack on. Super strong truffle flavour but once you have it in your mouth, the pungent smell and taste kind of dissipates. The second half of the drive was filled with War of the Roses where some of the stories were ridiculous.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | 1st Cooked Meal of the Year

The first meal I cooked for the new year would obviously be one of my favourites: crab stuffed salmon and Brussel sprouts. It was so good I ate the same thing the next night.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Koffeteria | Houston, Texas | Starbucks | Los Balitos | Katy, Texas

Saturday morning, we went and picked up breakfast from Los Balitos and coffee from Starbucks. In exchange, Sissy and BIL came over with Koffeteria pastries. Beef Pho Kolache, Ham and Cheese Croissant with Everything Spice, Pickle Croissant, Cranberry Ginger Muffin Top, and a Sticky Coffee Roll with Hazelnuts. My favourite out of it all was surprisingly the pickle croissant.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Ethan & Rizzo | Bridgerton

Later that day, I was tasked to watch Ethan. I did what I did best. Surrounded him with random objects and continued watching Bridgerton. Binged the 8 episodes they had and must say that they are horrible to not have more!

Today has been a bummy day. I’ve been binging on The Queen’s Gambit and studying for my certification. I forgot to eat and made Sopa de Fideo for the week. Yum.

2021 | Week 42 of Quarantine | Rain Straw

I’ve also started using the rain straws I received for Christmas and I must report, they are prefect so far. I’m not sure how they will hold up though. Getchu some if you want easy access to clean the inside.

My goal is to finish The Queen’s Gambit and go to bed early since it’s back to work tomorrow morning!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Bakery, Coffee and Tea, Dallas, Fast Food, Houston, Italian, Japanese, Katy, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Plano, Seafood, Texas, Thai

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.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Health & Fitness Tagged With: American, Bakery, Chinese, Dessert, Houston, Houston Restaurant Week, Katy, Sightseeing, Texas, Venezuelan

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3

February 21, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Breakfast Republic | San Diego, California

No alarms yet again. We were so comfy in our beds we had conversations through the walls before finally waking up to get ready and head to brunch at Breakfast Republic. It was a last minute find and we were not disappointed. The shrimp and grits were to die for and Amy loved her Crawfish and crab cake Benedict more today than yesterday. My favourite was seeing cute hard-boiled eggs chairs. So adorable.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Cute House | San Diego, California

We started our walk to Balboa Park and I ran into this beautiful house. California has such unique house designs that I’m super jealous about.

This was also the time where we decided to take an Uber for less than 1.2 miles when we didn’t see a sidewalk. We thought we made a mistake for doing so and the Uber driver even laughed a little. If wasn’t until we saw how many hilly ups and downs, twists and turns we would have had to go through to get to our destination. Amy swore I would have killed her or killed herself if we ended up walking it.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Balboa Park 1 | San Diego, California

Balboa Park has a lot of different museums which we walked into none. We looked at sidewalk vendors and took in the breathtaking views.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Balboa Park 2 | San Diego, California

This was my favourite building and shot. The mosaic on the building and detail took me away. Not to mention, the weather made it perfect.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Mattarello Pasta Class | San Diego, California

We were going to grab juices before heading to our pasta class but when the Uber showed up, we realized we would be late so we went straight to Mattarello’s instead.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Mattarello Pasta Class | San Diego, California | Process

The owners weren’t available to teach us due to a family emergency and having to fly back to Italy but our lovely instructor tried her best to fill in those shoes.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Mattarello Pasta Class | San Diego, California | Amy Mellie Dee

We had a lot of fun making a lot of different types of pastas. Apparently we were to take our pasta home and cook them to eat. Instead, someone else from San Antonio spoke up if anyone wanted to take theirs since they couldn’t cook it at the hotel. We raised our hands feeling the same and the instructor was nice enough to cook our raviolis and tortellinis and sauce them for us to try. Our other pastas went to other pasta makers to take home. I cannot wait to take my learning’s home. But first, someone buy me a pasta attachment for my KitchenAid. Kthanks.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Vitality Tap | San Diego, California

We went and got our juices. I opted for a smoothie and it was super refreshing. We sat outside searching for our next activity.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Le Parfait Paris | San Diego, California

We talked about getting pastries the whole trip and decided Le Parfait Paris was perfect. We were aiming to grab some pastries, eat them, and head to Little Italy. Instead we ended up staying there for almost two and a half hours in deep conversation.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Gaslamp Mardi Gras | San Diego, California

We decided Little Italy was a wash and to stay in Gaslamp instead. I wanted a little snack and Amy found a good paella place. We walked past some Mardi Gras decorated buildings but it’s definitely nothing like how New Orleans celebrates.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 3 | Sevilia Restaurant & Tapas Bar | San Diego, California

We made it to Sevilla where we were told paella was sold out. I was super bummed and so we decided on getting our free Yelp check in appetizer sampler that the chef chooses (ceviche, potato concoction, and dates and blue cheese wrapped with bacon) and wine to start.

We heard paella was back in the table next to us and my heart was all smiles. We opted for the traditional one where it came with seafood, chicken and sausage as well as some cheese stuffed croquettes and brussel sprouts.

Amy loved her croquettes and I believe these were the best brussel sprouts all trip. The paella was the best decision ever and we both agree this entire meal was the best one overall.

When we were in our Uber the driver asked us how we like San Diego and the weather differences with Texas. Then he asks, “Are you enjoying all the wind in California?” To which I happily reply, “oh yeah I love it!” He asks a few more questions but I couldn’t hear and told him so. I hear him turn on the radio so I look over at Amy giving me a giant wtf face, unsure why. I realized I heard wrong when she says “oh no, I get drug tested”.

We’re back at the Airbnb watching Always Be My Maybe since Amy’s never seen it. I’m sure we’ll be heading to bed soon so bye bye for now!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Bakery, Breakfast and Brunch, California, French, Italian, San Diego, Seafood, Sightseeing, South American, Spanish

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Follow Me On …

Monthly Archives

Categories

  • Beauty & Fashion
  • Blog Necessities
  • Eateries & Drinkeries
  • Health & Fitness
  • Miscellaneous
  • Music
  • Personal
  • Quotes
  • Recipes
  • Travel

Subscribe to Blog via Email

© Mellie Dee · All Rights Reserved. · Designed by ElanBlogStudio