Mellie Dee ♥

Lifestyle | Food | Travel

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 1

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2019 Labour Day Weekend | Whataburger Breakfast

We left the house so early in the morning and got Whataburger for breakfast. Emmy are some of my chicken strips, fries, and toast before her nap.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Popeye's Lunch

By the time we got to Dallas Brudda left to get lunch for Emmy, the parents and June. Lots of Popeye’s Chicken but no chicken sandwich. Bummer.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Marufuku Ramen | Frisco, Texas | Geso Fry, Marufuku Bites, Hakata Tonkotsu DX
Geso Fry [fried squid legs] | $6.25 • Marufuku Bites [Japanese steamed buns filled with homemade pork Chashu, 2 pcs] | $6.25 • Hakata Tonkotsu DX [Hakata Style Ramen with Rich Pork Broth with Chashu pork (simmered pork belly), seasoned soft boiled egg, green onions, kikurage mushrooms, bean sprouts, buta kakumi (braised thick pork belly), corn, nori seaweed and sesame seeds | $14.95

Michael dropped Rosanna off and we all hung out a bit before SIL, Sammi, Rosanna and I, went off to meet up with Jenny at Marufuku Ramen for lunch. Lots of catching up while we stuffed our faces.

Sammi and I decided to share since we were super hungry. My favourite is the squid legs. The Chashu from the buns was a bit dry so not worth it. The ramen was good though we asked for ultra spicy and we didn’t feel the heat. But they don’t skimp on the noodles like other ramen places.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Somi Somi | Frisco, Texas | Ube and Matcha

In the same area was Somi Somi which I got a shot of SIL’s ube and matcha swirl soft serve.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | T-Swirl Crepe | Frisco, Texas | Matcha Azuki Bean
Matcha Azuki Bean [sliced strawberries, red bean, matcha custard cream, whipped yogurt, matcha ice cream gelato, almonds, chocolate Pocky sticks] | $8.99

While they all enjoyed their ice creams we walked next door so that I could get a crepe. I couldn’t finish it even with bare minimum help. Their crepe was crispy yet fluffy. Much better than Eight Turn Crepe.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Diaso | Frisco, Texas | Sammi & Mellie Dee

After our desserts we went next door to Diaso to check out random things. Sammi wanted us to wear masks so she could take a picture. My eyes look so creepy!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Jenny, Mellie Dee, Rosanna, Tammy, Sammi

We had a photoshoot outside and I’m happy about how they came out. I also got a Save the Date from Rosanna. Cannot wait to watch her walk down the aisle next year!

We bid our farewells with Jenny, then dropped Rosanna off before we headed to Queens Beauty supply store near SIL’s home.

By the time we got their everyone else was dressed for the pool. We were going to go as well but with the time the pool was closing for cleaning, the rest of us decided to stay behind and hang out in the media room.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Meso Maya | Plano, Texas | Margaritas (Mango Sangrita, Serrano Berry, Remolino Swirl, Cucumber), Queso Blanco, Carne Asada, Elote con Crema, Charred Brussel Sprouts
Margaritas (Mango Sangrita [fresh housemade mango sangrita with frozen house margarita & tajin salted rim] | $9 • Serrano Berry [fresh muddled strawberry & Serrano pepper, triple Sec, ambhar tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice] | $10 • Remolino Swirl [homemade sangria swirled with frozen house margarita] | $8 •Cucumber [freshly squeezed cucumber & lime juices, simple syrup, triple Sec casamigos tequila Blanco] | $9) • Queso Blanco [ chihuahua, Monterey jack and muenster cheese, housemade white corn tortillas, signature queso poblano] | $12 • Carne Asada [wood-fire marinated steak, homemade sweet corn tamal, crema Mexicans, queso fresco, black bean & cheese tostada, creamy Serrano salsa] | $21• Elote con Crema | $5 • Charred Brussel Sprouts | $5

After they got done at the pool, showers and naps later, we headed to Meso Maya to celebrate June’s birthday with the whole family. Everything was delicious and came out perfect. The only thing I was sad about was being too full so fast!

We came home and all hung out in the media room again before we all retreated back to our rooms. Tomorrow is a new day. Less crazy but hopefully just as eventful.

2019 June’s Birthday | Chatime | Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas

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An early morning where I woke up to the sound of Emmy singing downstairs. We played with her for a long bit before putting her down for a nap. When she woke up, we went off to lunch.

We had places in mind and a plan to do so many things but time was limited since she is still use to two naps in one day. This kid fits right in with our family.

Chatime | Katy, Texas | Mango Smoothie
Mango Smoothie [regular] | $4.25

We ended up at Chatime since it wasn’t as crowded. Emmy is used to getting Mango Smoothies when she’s with her parents so we got her one. She seemed to enjoy it a lot and drank way more than we thought she would. Kid approved!

Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas | Xiao Long Bao, "Karaagi" Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken, "Unagi Don" Grilled Eel Rice Bowl, Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl
“Unagi Don” Grilled Eel Rice Bowl [sweet caramelized Unagi sauce drizzled over perfectly grilled eel, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $9.99 • “Karaagi” Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken [Japanese fried chicken with crisp texture in outside and super juicy and tender on the inside] | $5.95 • Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Japanese curry rice bowl with panko chicken cutlet on top, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $8.99 • Xiao Long Bao [signature Chinese steamed soup pork dumplings] | $6.95

Chatime partnered with Slurping Noodles so we ordered food as well. The price isn’t bad especially with the amount of food they give you. Everything tasted great. But the rice bowls could use more sauce as it felt too dry for us overall.

Emmy loved the popcorn chicken and ate majority of it. June and I both loved the Xiao Long Baos the most. Compared to the place Salim and I went to last Saturday, these actually had soup in it so it’s on the top of my list in the Houston area. But if you compare it to Ding Tai Fung in Taiwan, it obviously doesn’t compare. I’m already wanting to go back for more soup dumplings. Who wants to join?

Chatime | Katy, Texas | Mosaic Floors

They also have super cute and calming decor and I fell in love with the mosaic tile floors.

Eight Turn Crepe | Katy, Texas | Emmy| Crepe Brulee & Harajuku Fruit Cocktail
Crepe Brulee [served Mon – Fri; fresh strawberries, creme brulee cream, crunchy flakes and caramelized toppings] | $7.99 • Harajuku Fruit Cocktail [fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, mango, and banana, whipped yogurt, custard cream and sliced almonds | $8.96

We walked across for dessert. I’ve been here before with Mallory and Leah but have always said I’d come back to try their Crepe Brûlée since it’s only on work days. It was so worth it. I was surprised but the caramelized topping in bites as I made my way down the cone! Emmy ate all the fruit, mostly strawberries, out of both of ours. It’s safe to say this is a hit for any age group.

2019 June’s Birthday Cake

We got home and all relaxed and took naps. We ordered Thai Cottage for dinner to celebrate June’s birthday and had a lovely coffee mousse cake.

I spent a few hours with Emmy, cleaned part of my room, and have packed. I’m starting to donate my old clothes. I have stuff from middle school! How crazy!

Dumplings and Deep Conversations

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Golden Dumpling House | Houston, Texas

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 Summer Trip | Day 4

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2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Fluffy Egg and Cheese Omlettes with Fruit Smoothie

As Liliana and I got ready, Daniel made fluffy egg and cheese omlettes for us. It felt like biting into a cloud! He even made fruit smoothies but I opted out afraid it’ll hurt my stomach.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Roadtrip with Gohan and Minie

We all climbed into the car and headed to Ohio. Gohan and Minie are such great companions. They are quiet and overall chill in the car. Rizzo needs to learn from them!

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Ohio with Liliana, Daniel, Gohan, and Minie

We stopped by the information center at Ohio for a quick doggie break before continuing our journey. We snacked on the popcorn we bought yesterday, chips, and coffee for the two love birds.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Liliana, Gohan, Minie

A while later we made it to Brandywine Falls. I was surprised with the amount of people there! The gift I got for the pups were put to use and I’m glad they were able to enjoy water on their hike.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Rock and Trail

I’m in love with jagged, eroded rocks.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Waterfall

We made it to the waterfall! It’s crazy how the top of the water is so quiet and serene compared to the downfall.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Liliana and Daniel Shadow Puppets

As I took pictures I caught Liliana and Daniel make shadow puppets.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Nature

I was able to catch some shots of a butterfly, a turtle and a bee. I wonder if the wildlife gets distracted by all the loud people.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Liliana, Daniel, Gohan, Minie, Mellie Dee

Since I was wearing hiking shoes I ventured around more. I went down a steep slope while they stayed at the top. This is my all time favourite picture of them! All four of them are looking!

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Liliana, Daniel, Gohan, Minie at the Creek

They took their shoes and socks off for this picture and I gladly wore my hiking boots in the water. Best damn shoes I’ve ever had. I loved watching the water bead off. Minie wasn’t a big fan of the water but she pushed through.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Daniel Feeding Liliana

As I continued on my own taking pictures I found Daniel sweetly feed Liliana snacks. The creeper in me just had to take this picture because it’s so adorable.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Brandywine Falls | Sagamore Hills, Ohio | Mellie Dee

I went on my own adventures and Lily tried her hardest to capture everything for me. We hiked for three hours! Way more than I though we would but I left feeling refreshed, completed, and satisfied.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Raddison | Akron, Ohio | Sleep Comfort

We headed to our hotel to find out they booked us a smoking room when it clearly states smoke free room on our receipt.

I’m assuming we’d get refunded for that but we decided to go to the Raddison instead. They had sleep number beds which I’ve decided I need one in my own bedroom.

2019 Summer Trip Day 4 | Kintaro Sushi & Hot Pot | Brooklyn, Ohio

After we dropped off the dogs and settled in, we headed to Kintaro Sushi and Hot Pot for dinner. The all you can eat hot pot was about $25 per person. It was their first time and they both ended up loving it! I was so happy to hear that and glad they enjoyed their meal.

We were all stuffed. We decided we would go back to the hotel, relax a bit, then get dessert. We all got lazy but we were also too full to eat anymore. We called it a night and have been relaxing on their own. They’re both asleep now but I’m sure I’m about to crash soon too.

Courthouse Views

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Kim Son ToGo

After work I went over to Sissy and BIL’s house since I had court late from my accident a month ago. Sissy picked up Kim Son on the way home from work. I shared the wings with BIL said had a little of my lo mien. I’m excited to bring that to work for lunch.

2018 | 233/365 | Courthouse View

[2018] 233/365: Courthouse View

We watched a couple of episode of The Office and then talked about houses before Sissy dropped me off at the courthouse. Things are fast pace there and I was in and out in less than thirty minutes. Sissy came to pick me back up and we are headed back to her place.

Shower, FaceTime with Scruffy and the pups, and relax before bed. Night, everyone!