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2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | San Francisco & Napa, California

October 24, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Dallas with Ethan, Doggie Puzzle, Vietnamese

Started off the week by finishing up my dog puzzle from weeks ago! Ethan helped by handing me pieces as I found their rightful spots.

Wednesday after work, we packed the car and drove off to Dallas. Ethan is SO good on long car rides. He didn’t sleep long but he also didn’t make a fuss. Sadly he did throw up milk which messed up my car but that’s baby life, right?

We ate pho for dinner and then Sammi wanted to stay up as late as possible so she chilled in my room while we talked about boys and life.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny's Bachelorette | Ethan, Sammi, Mellie Dee, Chick-fil-A, Dallas to San Francisco, Target

The next day, Thursday, Ethan and I had some quality time together before Sammi’s friend drove us to Chickfila and took us to the airport to start off Jenny’s Bachelorette Party. I thought it was cool they had a phone/tablet holder built into the seats now. After a couple of movies, we arrived. We were stuck on the plane for a LONG LONG time and we ended up in the departure area rather than the arrivals making Brudda have to drive all over the airport to find us.

We finally made it to the hotel, chilled for a bit before heading out to get some necessities from Target.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny's Bachelorette | Fang | San Francisco, California

We were all getting hungry and I was craving soup dumplings so I picked Fang for a light snack. From the pictures you can tell we don’t know what that means. Sadly, they don’t do soup dumplings anymore, but their food wasn’t bad! Their pork baos and eggplant vegetarian dumplings were the favourites for the masses.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny's Bachelorette | Mister Jiu's | San Francisco, California | Mellie Dee, Jenny, Rosanna, Tammy

We stopped by 7 Eleven for some breakfast foods we needed for the next day since we wouldn’t have time and then headed back to the hotel, got ready, relaxed, before the bridesmaids went with the bride to Mister Jiu’s for dinner. We took some picture3s on the street since we had some time to spare.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny's Bachelorette | Mister Jiu's | San Francisco, California | Food

The food was nothing to write about. It has one Michelin star but so far, none of the places I’ve been to that have Michelin star has been worth it. The food isn’t horrible, but it wasn’t amazing. The drinks on the other hand were bomb. Fan favourite was definitely the chow fun and oysters.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Castello di Amorosa | Calistoga, California | Mellie Dee & Brudda

On Friday, we all woke up early and Brudda drove us all to Castello di Amorosa. It was a pretty fun drive there. We even stopped by Starbucks where I found it funny that Brudda wanted a cake pop.

The wine from Castello di Amorosa was okay. Nothing popped out to being fantastic so the thought of shipping some home as gifts was dropped. I think people mostly come here to take pictures of the castle. We paid for one hour of wine tasting and one hour of picture taking around the castle. If you ever come here, even if you don’t drink, you have to pay the same amount but don’t ever do the grape juice tasting. If you don’t drink, just don’t come to this place. It costs the same as a wine tasting but they don’t even serve you the amount that would be worth it. They only got 3 tiny pours of the same exact grape juice which we had to ask for every time. They sell a bottle of grape juice for $14 so definitely not worth it; the flavour is great though.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | V. Sattui Winery | St. Helena, California | Mellie Dee & Rosanna

After taking enough pictures, we headed off to V. Sattui Winery for a picnic lunch. You walk in and order from the deli counter and you can buy a bottle of wine if you so choose but no tastings here so you’re not obligated to pay even if you’re not a drinker. We got a little of almost everything and everything tasted amazing. Lot of choices for every type of diet.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Son & Garden | San Francisco, California | Food

We got back to the hotel, took naps, then the bridesmaids and bride met up with MLam and Rachel at Son & Garden. The bone marrow and duck confit was the favoruite for me. The lobster bisque was good too. You can actually taste the lobster in the soup unlike other places.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Son & Garden | San Francisco, California | Mellie Dee, Tammy, Jenny, Rosanna, Rachel, MLam

We then took pictures at their flower wall before heading out. I was feeling myself hence some selfies because I couldn’t choose. Don’t judge.

We walked for forever to a bar where you pay $10 for Jenny to spin the wheel for a drink. After she got her drink Rosanna and I went back to the hotel to get started on getting ready for the night. Tammy and Jenny came after and we just talked about how unsafe we all felt while walking to the bar: needles on the ground, guy pissing, pee smells, and hobos just all about screaming their heads off. Yikes.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Surisan | San Francisco, California | Mellie Dee, Tammy, Jenny, Rosanna, MLam, Vi, Sammi, Tram, MyTien

Saturday, we wore the tshirts I made with wine puns to brunch at Surisan. If you’re ever in town, come here. You won’t regret it! I suggest the benedicts, fried wings, and their Iced Strawbertty Matcha Latte.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Umbrella Alley | San Francisco, California

We then walked to Umbrella Alley to take pictures. It was super cute.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Jenny & Tammy | Boba Guys | Decorating

We headed back to the hotel to decorate for later tonight and order Boba Guys as well.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | AsiaSF | San Francisco, California

Then it was off to Asia SF. The food was better than I expected but not somewhere I’d come back to for the food, especially for the cost.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | AsiaSF | San Francisco, California | Mellie Dee & Jenny

Their show as fun though. And made me feel like, dang they are so confident I’m starting to feel it too. Afterwards we went downstairs to their night club and danced for a bit.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | Lingerie Party | Mellie Dee & Jenny

Then it was to the hotel for the lingerie party which turned into crazy drinking by all of Le’s cousins, Jenny, Tammy, and Sammi.

Let’s just say, some threw up, some passed out, and we got two calls of multiple, multiple complaints about the noise.

2021 | Week 84 of Quarantine | Jenny’s Bachelorette | San Francisco to Dallas | Jenny & Mellie Dee | Goldilocks Filipino

Brudda drove me, Jenny, and Rosanna to the airport at 4am after we only slept for a couple of hours. Jenny got me some siu mai from Goldilocks Flipino at the airport since I didn’t get my soup dumplings. Not the same but still delicious. I watched so many episodes of Maid while Jenny slept through the flight.

The Le came to pick us up and I packed the car and drove back to Houston with Mum and Dad. I am pooped to say the least. And this week is suppose to be a little crazy in the beginning of the week. Eeek, save me.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Breakfast and Brunch, California, Chinese, Coffee and Tea, Fast Food, San Francisco, Seafood, Sightseeing, Vietnamese, Wineries

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4

February 22, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Our plans went out the window when we woke up to rain but we were also prepared and was thinking to do high tea if that happened. Except we thought it through and decided high tea might not be filling enough as a last meal since we were both going to get home super late. Instead we decided to get ready and pack.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Bird Rock Coffee Roasters | San Diego, California

Since we’d get kicked out by 10 am and we needed shelter from the rain, we went across the street to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters with thirty minutes before our checkout time for shelter. Funny enough an awning was all there was and we laughed at the idea that the awning would fly away and we’d get soaked.

Amy ordered a Roseberry Mocha which she loved very much. By the time I was ready to order the line got too crazy and I opted out of getting anything.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Bird Rock Coffee Roasters | San Diego, California | Amy

We decided to stay there and figure out our plans since it was raining and we didn’t want to get wet. I was lucky to have two hats stowed in my luggage from the previous trip and lended one to Amy as well which she is so gratefully modeling.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Parc Bistro Brasserie | San Diego, California | Amy

We decided on brunch/lunch at Parc Bistro Brasserie. Amy got bottomless mimosas which she enjoyed. Seafood quiche, brussel sprouts, escargot, and mussels and fries. The mussels were bigger than the ones I had at La Jolla and delicious in their own right but the quiche and brussel sprouts were our favourite this round.

We walked around the edge of Balboa Park and somehow ended up at CVS where we called an Uber. My flight was set to take off an hour after hers so I figured going to the airport together wouldn’t be a big deal.

We bid our farewells and parted ways and that’s when everything goes downhill. I guess the universe thought we were having way too much of a chill and happy time, they threw us, especially me, some curveballs.

I get through security and realized my flight was delayed which meant I wouldn’t make my connecting flight. I exit to the counters, get my flights changed to an earlier departure and arrival time. I go through security and noticed my new flight was delayed once again. I exit again to the counters to where they tell me I had a choice to stay in a hotel in San Diego or to fly to Dallas and stay at one there. I chose Dallas hoping Brudda and SIL can pick me up before my morning flight from Dallas to Houston tomorrow. My once 4:45 pm flight was now at 6:05 pm. I go back through to security the third time.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Airspace Lounge | San Diego, California

Amy told me about lounges and I’ve always wanted to try one. Since I has almost four hours to kill I figured today was a great day as any to try it out so I chose the Airspace Lounge. I paid a total of $37. It came with snacks and some free drinks like tea, soda, coffee, cheap wines and beers as well as private bathrooms and showers, wifi, and charging everywhere. They also give you a $10 credit for food or other drinks.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Airspace Lounge | San Diego, California | Snack Bar

I was shy at first. Since I couldn’t find the plates I used a little dipping cup to fill with cheese, carrots and tomatoes.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Airspace Lounge | San Diego, California | Snack Bar & Moscow Mule

After I was a bit more comfortable I found the plates and filled up. There was a 19 year old hostess learning how to make alcoholic drinks. He offered the Moscow mule he made for free. It’s like the universe is saying sorry for all I went through … Until I looked up and noticed on the monitor, my 6:05 pm flight was now 6:35 pm.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 4 | Airspace Lounge | San Diego, California | Buffalo Chicken Wrap

I finished a movie, watched a few episodes of Gotham and edited pictures. I used my $10 credit to get a $10 meal of buffalo chicken wrap. After enjoying that I headed back to the gate.

It was music to my ears to hear that I was finally boarding. I’m currently in Brudda’s car headed back to his house. I am excited for a hot shower. Bummed I won’t get to see Emmy or Ethan but glad I’m at least back in Texas.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Breakfast and Brunch, California, Coffee and Tea, French, San Diego

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

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2

February 20, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Since we are two hours behind we slept in but not really. It was nice being able to wake up without an alarm and without waking up knowing you have to take the pup out.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | The Cottage | La Jolla, California | Amy Mellie Dee

We both got ready in record time, called an Uber and had a lovely brunch at The Cottage. We joked we were living the Trophy Wife Life. This was our favourite thing we ate all day. Definitely recommend their Benedict’s and hashes! Their bacon was crisp to perfection and they had scones you can dip in peach jam!

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Sugar & Scribe Bakery | La Jolla, California | Amy

We walked into some stores, one of which was called Sugar and Scribe they had the cutest desserts. We thought we would be able to come back and grab some but we missed our opportunity. Their encased gold mini eclairs were a big highlight. So gorgeous! the sprinkles in a jar wall was also a big highlight. I was so in love and they lady behind the counter chuckled at me as I gazed lovingly at the different types of sprinkles.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Shopping | La Jolla, California

We walked in so many different shops to name! And the view while we walked was insane. It’s paradise and I kept telling myself how content I was with how our day was going. The view was the biggest reason.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Benefit | La Jolla, California | Amy Eyebrow Waxing

We both wanted to get our brows done and figured going to Benefit shop was the best idea ever. I felt very cared for there and they were very attentive.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Seals 1 | La Jolla, California

We then walked to see the seals, number one on Amy’s list of things she wanted to see. Love the picture on the left and great memories made.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | La Jolla Cove | La Jolla, California

The views were incredible. I love how the bird posed for me and let me take various photos until I got the shot I wanted. If it wasn’t so cold, I would have probably asked if we could kayak.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Seals 4 | La Jolla, California

We kept walking around and finally found a spot to get close to the seals. This was my best shot. I love how some of them sleep upright and sometimes fall over.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Seals 2 | La Jolla, California

We took some pictures in front of the cuties. People say they smell horrible but I guess it just reminds me of seafood. Not as bad as I thought!

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Seals 3 | La Jolla, California | Amy Mellie Dee Selfies

We took our first selfies of the trip with the seals. After a bajillion pictures we finally decided to leave and venture around elsewhere.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Crazy Trees | La Jolla, California | Amy Mellie Dee

We found some crazy trees and took pictures with it. Reminds me of school pictures for some weird reason.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | La Jolla, California | Amy California Scene

I was getting thirsty and was down to grab something cold that would hydrate me. While walking through some alleys I found a perfect shot for that California vibe.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Juice Crafters | La Jolla, California

We then ended up at Juice Crafters. I snagged their #11. Their window says they’re the best in San Diego and I believe it! I chugged it in a few seconds and wanted more. I am hoping I can recreate this back home. I’m also hoping I get another juice in me before I leave. It really helped jolt my body back to life with all the walking we did.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Buzz Coffee | La Jolla, California

Amy opted for a tumeric coffee instead at Buzz. They had the cutest decor and gave me ideas on how to decorate my future home. If you’re debating if you should go here, she said it was very delicious!

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | George's | La Jolla, California

We had lunch at George’s on the Rooftop overlooking the ocean. It was nice but super foggy by the time we got here. I had mussels on my list and this place delivered. I would say I wish they had bigger mussels but I wasn’t angry about it. Amy devoured her fish tacos in minutes. I guess we were hungrier than we thought!

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Down to Earth Thai Massage | La Jolla, California

I had the great idea to get reflexology massages, otherwise known as foot massages since we’ve been walking around so much. I love that she was so down for it and one hour later she couldn’t stop raving about it and want more in the future.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | The California Picture | La Jolla, California

My most Californian shot. Palm trees and sunsets.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Amy & the Hobbit Door | La Jolla, California

We were going to go back to the Airbnb and ended up chasing the sunset. We passed by a Hobbit door and took pictures in front of it.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Amy & Mellie Dee | La Jolla, California

we went by the water hoping to take selfies with the sunset. It’s kind of hard to do so on your own.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Amy & the Sunset | La Jolla, California

I was able to get these shots of Amy enjoying the sunset. Truthfully, she was taking pictures herself and I snapped pictures best I could to get some nice ones of her. I really love how they came out.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Sunset & Flowers | La Jolla, California | Amy

I also loved these as well. Purple flowers apparently make me happy and getting it with the sunset was a great plus. I love how great of a subject Amy was. I’ll tell her directions and she listens so well!

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Beach House & Sunset | La Jolla, California

My favourite shot of the night. My dream house. I’m glad I don’t have this every day. I’m sure if I did I’d get sick of the view so fast.

2020 San Diego Trip | Day 2 | Athens Cafe Uber | San Diego, California

We decided to head back to the Airbnb and figure out what to have for dinner. We both were down to not go anywhere. We had A Cinderella Story playing in the background while we edited pictures and laughed about all of them as we waited for our Uber Eats from Cafe Athena. Once it got here and the movie finished we picked a Set It Up to watch.

It’s been a very peaceful day. We walked a lot of steps and I feel terrific. Stress? What’s that?

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Bakery, Breakfast and Brunch, California, Coffee and Tea, La Jolla, Mediterranean, San Diego, Seafood, Sightseeing

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