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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 37 of Quarantine | Mum’s Birthday & Thanksgiving

November 29, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Daily Walk, Relaxing Outside with Rizzo

If I told you we continued to walk every single day, would you believe me? Because you shouldn’t. With the festivities and weather, we had to skip a few days. I will say that running/walking in the rain is actually very therapeutic. Rizzo was not a big fan though. Regardless of what happened, I did spend a couple of hours outside with a hot cup of tea watching my shows to relax.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Annual Holiday Volunteer, Starbucks, McDonald's

It was Mum’s birthday Wednesday so she got to leave early and she joined me while I searched for goodies for the elderly in different stores. Sissy and I usually sign up for a holiday volunteering event and this year we chose to buy a few necessities and assemble the bags to donate.

I got my Starbucks and Mum got a McDonald’s happy meal. She saw the Disney toys and want to collect them all. #kidatheart

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Mum's Birthday | Antonia's Italian Ristorante | Katy, Texas

At night, for dinner, Dad and Mum pulled out their own alcohol so June and I followed suit for jokes. I ordered everyone Antonia’s Italian Ristorante. We haven’t ordered Italian food during this whole pandemic and it really hit the spot. No one had leftovers but me which is crazy since my fettucine alfredo was a kid’s meal and everyone tried out the mussels. Definetly a place we’d order from again in the future.

We video called in Brudda when we did the cake and Emmy sang along with us. Sissy called in shortly after to open presents with us.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Thanksgiving Hot Pot

On Thanksgiving day, Sissy, Brudda, and I stayed on video chat together for over 8 hours. Brudda was in and out of the chat but Sissy and I were there from start to finish – until it was time for us to retreat back to our families to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Sissy mostly worked on her paper while we shopped and talked about random things. Whenever Brudda was on, we talked about random computer stuff and his photography website. There were times of silence but knowing someone is there with you makes it all the best. It’s different this year, but not, since our family has always been connected.

Hot pot was crazier than usual. A lot of leftovers but Mum wanted the feeling of celebration, so much so that we got lobsters. Best addition. We watched a movie together afterward before we all retreated back to our rooms to relax and fall asleep.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Raising Cane's | Annual Shutterfly Calendar

On Friday, we all jumped back on video chat to discuss annual calendar making and Black Friday shopping, all while Sissy continued writing her paper. We make one every year, collecting our extended family members’ pictures of the current year and creating a calendar for the next. I was able to start and send it off to the presses on the same day which is the best feeling.

Mum and June went out shopping and came back with Raising Cane’s for a late lunch for me.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Sayad Mediterranean Grill | Houston, Texas
Pita | Free • Cold Vegetarian Sampler [hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, grape leaves, eggplant with tomatoes] | $16.25 • Mixed Grill [shish kabob, kofta kebab, chicken kabob, meat, and chicken shawarma with grilled tomatoes, onions, and rice] | $21.99 • Cauliflower [fried spicy cauliflower with cilantro and garlic] | $9.29 • Batata Hara [fried spicy potato with cilantro and garlic] | $9.29

On Saturday, everyone had their own thing going on. June had to work, Mum went out shopping, Dad did his own thing, and I worked on random projects. I ordered Sayad Mediterranean Grill for my one meal a day. I’m not trying to lose weight or anything, but I just forgot to eat.

I will for sure order from here again. Everything was made to perfection and I was surprised at how giant their pita was! Their mixed platter hit the spot. It reminds me of Ashy’s cooking whenever I had this at his house. Oh the memories.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Minuti Coffee, Kolache Factory, Sushi

Today, Sissy and BIL came over with Minuti Coffee and Kolache Factory. Mostly to come and pick up the Holiday Bags. She’s going to drop them off at the donation place since it’s closer to her house.

Later at night, Mum and Dad went out and came back with sushi. If you can guess where this is from, you’ll be a genius.

2020 | Week 37 of Quarantine | Rizzo, Mellie Dee, Rocky | Atomic Habits Book | Christmas Contract Movie

I was lazy all day. The only day where I had nothing going on. I was able to start my book club’s choice, Atomic Habit. I’m usually a fiction only type girl, but this book is well written so far that I’m able to blow through more pages than I thought.

It was also nice to cuddle up with Rizzo while I watched sappy movies. If you ever watched One Tree Hill and love it, check out Christmas Contract. It stars five of them in this movie which brought me back to high school/college years.

Oh, how naive I was.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Breakfast and Brunch, Coffee and Tea, Fast Food, Houston, Italian, Japanese, Katy, Mediterranean, Sushi, Texas

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Rizzo’s 7th Birthday

October 4, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee, National Coffee Day, Flu Shot, 2nd Place Trivia Winner

Did you know Tuesday was National Coffee Day?! I was able to grab a White Chocolate Mint Latte at Corner Bakery after getting my flu shot at work. Then for the rest of the day, my heart was beating crazy.

I also won 2nd place from work’s Trivia which means $10 gift card to Amazon! Cha-ching. I felt smart for once.

My hair is growing crazy long. I need to trim it to keep it healthy but usually when I do a video call, I keep it in a bun so my coworkers were shocked at how long it was.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Crackle Yankee Candle

Since it’s finally October, I am channeling my inner basic biyah. I lit my last pumpkin candle in my arsenal. I went to Yankee Candle online but couldn’t find their crackle candles. I only have a mint crackle left — someone find me some!

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | JJ & Mellie Dee Photoshoot | Chuy's with Mallory & Beth

Friday, I picked up Chuy’s and headed over to Mallory’s. Beth came over as well and we feasted! JJ and i had a photoshoot. He’s growing up to such a sweet, sweet kid.

JJ was on his iPad playing his games and Jacob came over and slapped his hand all over the screen. My heart melted seeing the way he was so calm and patient waiting for Jacob to stop. Instead of yelling, he just moved over just a little bit so Jacob couldn’t reach. What a lovely big brother.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Rizzo's New Collar

Rizzo’s collar broke last Sunday and his replacement came in Thursday! The lady was SUPER nice and understanding as we had plans and I wanted to make sure it came in time for …

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Galveston Sunrise

watching the sunrise at Galveston Saturday morning. If you look at the top right picture close enough, you’d see the red sun popping up from the water.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Galveston | Sissy & BIL Sunrise

The views. My heart. I love the picture I took of Sissy and BIL at the top. they cute sometimes. It was also awesome to see the Sun and Moon up at the same time.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Galveston | Rizzo and Mellie Dee

In my head, this was my way of celebrating Rizzo’s birthday. It was so relaxing – I was able to get a lot of reading in. He didn’t love the water much but he loved running up and down the beach with me.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k

He was able to do a 5k with me as it was the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k day. Running/walking on the beach is definitely killer on the legs but the burn the next day is worth it!

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Yumcha, Whataburger, Yummy Seafood

On our way home, we picked up Whataburger. I was able to try the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. It wasn’t spicy enough for me but my parents think it’s the spiciest one from a fast food restaurant. My thoughts, it’s not that great compared to Popeyes but better than Chick-fil-a.

We went home, showered, and relaxed a bit before going to HMart for groceries. Parents and June got Ten Seconds Noodle to go for lunch. I opted for Yummy Seafood (OF COURSE!). June and I also picked up boba from Yumcha.

We feasted while watching The Accountant. It was actually a very good movie in our opinon.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Monat Haircare & Stryve Jerky from Trisha

I found my package in the mail. I had bought some Monat haircare for Mum’s birthday coming up and Trisha was sweet enough to stuff jerky with different flavours for me to try. She’s the sweetest! I hope Covid goes away so I can visit her and go on her boat! Rizzo thought the jerky was for him and wouldn’t leave it alone.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Daily Walks with Rizzo

We’ve continued with our daily walks! Today’s Rizzo’s birthday and he did 3.5 miles! So proud of him. He is so toned!

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Rizzo's 7th Birthday

I made him pup cakes and bought him some dog bone and donut treats. I also got him a pumpkin ice cream. Don’t worry though. He shared one pup cake with Rocky. The rest is saved for a later date. I need more puppy friends so I can give them some goodies too.

Rizzo’s taken a lot of naps today so it’s safe to say, he’s enjoying life.

I have things to look forward to the next few weeks so here’s to hoping work goes well — and fast.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Coffee and Tea, Fast Food, Galveston, Katy, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Seafood, Texas

2020 | Emmy’s 3rd Birthday

March 7, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Rizzo on the way to Dallas

Thursday’s work was literally meetings to where I felt I was dying. I tried so hard to leave early but I failed and ended up not leaving the office until 5pm. Once I got home, I jumped into the car with the my parents an June and headed to Dallas. Rizzo got his own seat this time. He usually stays in his cage. It was creepy how he kept staring at me the whole drive. He did manage to sleep for a bit though.

Wu Wei Din Chinese Cuisine | Plano, Texas | DoorDash

On the drive, I ordered Wu Wei Din Chinese Cuisine from DoorDash. This is just some of it. Delicious as usual.

Rizzo Emmy Collar

Everyone was still awake, along with Emmy when we got there. She stayed up with us until almost 2am as we all got ready for the party. We screamed happy birthday to her when the clock turned to midnight. She loved putting things around Rizzo’s neck and played with June most of the time until we were somewhat up to par with the decorations. As everyone slept, I signed on and worked for a bit and finished the reunion episode of Love is Blind.

2020 | Emmy’s 3rd Birthday | Mellie Dee & Emmy | Ukulele

When we woke up I gave Emmy her present. A ukulele. Sadly, I ordered black and the orange came instead but I wanted her to know I gave her this present so we opened it up, strummed a few chords, and packed it back up. Her actual one should come tomorrow but I won’t be here to teach her.

Manna Shabu | Plano, Texas | June

June and I went and ran some errands then had lunch. We decided on Manna Shabu for our own hot pot buffet. This was a pretty awesome place that gave us different Korean style pancakes to eat while we waited for our food to heat up. Great selection of foods to get and lots of different sauce choices which is rare at many hot pot places. Overall, great experience.

Zero Degrees | Plano, Texas | June

We walked around for a bit then went and picked up drinks from Zero Degrees. I also got June a garlic noodle in case there wasn’t anything for her to eat tonight.

2020 | Emmy's 3rd Birthday | Decorations

We played with Emmy for a bit and got her to take a nap. I worked for a bit, took a super quick nap and continued to help decorate. This is Emmy’s unamused look with the fact that she had to sit there, not able to eat the goodies on the table.

2020 | Emmy's 3rd Birthday | Food

So much food and sweets for the birthday girl. The cake is crazy awesome. Everything is edible!

2020 | Emmy's 3rd Birthday | Wand

Emmy and the other kids made wands. She loved hers and I can’t get over her dress!

2020 | Emmy’s 3rd Birthday | Mellie Dee & Jenny Soju

I finally got to see Jenny again and we knocked back a few shots with the group, took a selfie per usual and sent it over to Travis.

It’s been a long day. Tomorrow, we head back to Houston. Whomp.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Asian, Chinese, Coffee and Tea, Korean, Taiwanese

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