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2019 Summer Trip | Day 6

August 5, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

We got to sleep in today which was nice since I worked for over five hours last night to catch up on everything so that I have less to do when I’m back in the office Wednesday. There were some shipwrecks I had to tend to and we’re slowly trying to figure everything out.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Beans on Broad | Grove City, Pennsylvania

We got ready and drove an hour away to Grove City. We had breakfast sandwiches and coffee at Beans on Broad. This is an adorable coffee shop place with two stories worth of seating and free internet connection.

They also sell little knickknacks people make which I thought was nice. Everything tasted delicious, even their little breakfast sandwiches. If I lived here I’d come here a lot.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Keystone Safari | Grove City, Pennsylvania

We drove the ten minutes to Keystone Safari. The total for admission and four different feeds for two people was about thirty dollars which isn’t so bad.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Keystone Safari | Grove City, Pennsylvania | Animals

We saw a lot of animals in the walking area. They usually have an area you can drive through but due to the weather this year, it was shut down until next year. We still had fun though.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Keystone Safari | Grove City, Pennsylvania | Liliana Feeding Animals

Liliana and I got to feed the animals. She’s more of a let me stick my hand out and you guys can slobber all over them.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Keystone Safari | Grove City, Pennsylvania | Mellie Dee Feeding Animals

Whereas I was not wanting them to lick or touch me at all. There are many pictures of my face in disgust that Lily took but I don’t think the world needs that. There was a moment where a goat got so overly excited he jumped out and I dropped about half the feed all over the floor from being startled.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Keystone Safari | Grove City, Pennsylvania | Mellie Dee Butterflies

We bought the extra feeding for the butterflies which is essentially just sponge painting brushes soaked in Gatorade. All the butterflies were the same colour which was a bummer but they were still pretty. They kept sticking to me like glue. Either they love my dress and think they’re real flowers or because I give off a sweet scent. hehe

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Farmers Market in Ohio

We stopped by the Farmer’s Market to see what we can get but realized we’d be out and about for a few hours more. We had to say no to the fresh produce but they did have a store inside with jars of picked things and little knickknacks. Lily picked up some special powder gum she’s been craving, else, we said goodbye to the beautiful foods.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Tunnel in Ohio

We drove to Garretsville, Ohio. I Saw this cute, scary tunnel and snapped a photo. When we got to our destination we realized everything was pretty much closed. Instead we picked up some gas station snacks and headed back home. We stopped by Wal-Mart and Aldi’s for magnet search and some groceries on the way.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Market Square | Warren, Ohio

We had no luck with the magnet so last resort was the Market Square. They didn’t have any magnets but did have the oldest continuously operating soda fountain from 1930s as well as over 100,000 used books. Lily and I each got a milkshake and enjoyed them while looking at greeting cards. Since this place is pretty old, they had some old school cards which we thought were adorably cute and ended up buying a few.

2019 Summer Trip Day 6 | Homemade Dinner By Daniel
Appetizer: Spiralized Cucumbers, Avocado and Tomatoes Drizzled with Italian Dressing and a Side of Prickly Pear | Entree: Stove Top Parmesan Chicken Thighs over a Bed of Spiralized Zucchini Topped with a Four Cheese Sauce and a Side of Roasted Asparagus

When we got back home, Daniel was waiting for us with the pups. He grabbed the groceries and got to work. The appetizer was so refreshing that I want to recreate it when I get home. The entree was perfectly cooked and paired with a local wine and I was sad to eat it all so fast. I slowly ate to savour everything before it was gone forever.

We sat around talking about places we want to go to and other mish mash of talk. Tomorrow’s my last day and it’ll be a relaxing one. I am already dreading going back to work.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Breakfast and Brunch, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Ice Cream, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Sightseeing

2019 Summer Trip | Day 5

August 4, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Raddison | Akron, Ohio | Room Service Breakfast

Last night, we made an impromptu decision to sleep in and get room service for breakfast. We thought it’d cost a lot more but it ended up only being $15! And we couldn’t even finish. Super great deal.

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Chagrin Waterfalls | Chagrin Falls, Ohio | Liliana & Mellie Dee

We headed to Chagrin Falls to see their waterfall. No hike needed. You walk down some steps and it’s literally right there. It was breathtaking and gave it a nice breeze. We sat there for a good while soaking it all in. I even found a spot for myself to read a book … if I lived in the town. It would be nice to be able to come out here with a book and a coffee in hand and just read.

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Chagrin Waterfalls | Chagrin Falls, Ohio | Gohan and Minie

We gave the pups a mini photoshoot session. Gohan was a little tougher to get attention to but the only reason Minie was so easy is because she was too afraid to move.

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Farmers Market | Chagrin Falls, Ohio

We saw the Farmers Market but decided to do the waterfall first and by the time we were done, the market was gone. Daniel was so sad but what’s done was done.

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Shopping | Chagrin Falls, Ohio | Mellie Dee & Liliana

Daniel took the pups to walk around and drove around and even got us both Starbucks drinks while Liliana and I both shopped for a good few hours. We ended up only buying a handful of things. I’m not a lover when it comes to shopping, but I can do little shops like these forever.

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Mantua Corners Bar & Grille | Mantua, Ohio

Lily was supposed to cook dinner at home but because of the time we ended up at Mantua Corners for dinner. Although it was a little on the ghetto side, the food was very delicious. I’m in a food fry coma and want to eat well for the next few days.

Daniel tried to find a place for me to buy an Ohio magnet for Mum but every place we stopped to didn’t sell any. Sorry, Mum. Maybe one day you’ll get one!

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Where the Ducks Walk on the Fish | Linesville, Pennsylvania | Mellie Dee

As we drove back to Pennsylvania, we dialed in on an FTK meeting and although they changed the time so we were late, I’m happy to see that the Alumnis are banning together when needed.

Because we didn’t have to rush home anymore, we decided to stop by a place where the ducks walk on the fish. We fed so many loafs of bread to the ducks, fish, and seagulls. I’ve never been a fan of this activity but it was pretty awesome to see how crazy the fish can be. There was one that was GIGANTIC! He’s probably the selfish one that always eats everything.

2019 Summer Trip Day 5 | Hank's Frozen Custard | Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania

Daniel wanted to stop by Hank’s Frozen Custard so we did and he got us all strawberry flavour. I didn’t want one but he ordered a small for me anyways. After a couple scoops I was done. It was super sweet but super creamy as well. Just with all the fried foods before, I couldn’t handle anymore. The ended up sharing mine as well so they were happy.

When we got back, I got on my laptop and started to work. I feel bad since I didn’t spend time with them but I know they enjoyed some alone time without me around. They’re asleep now since Daniel has work tomorrow. He must be tired with waiting around with the pups while we shopped and all the driving he did. How do I get a man like that? Hit me up, boys.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Chagrin Falls, Dessert, Ice Cream, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Sightseeing

2019 Summer Trip | Day 2

August 1, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Outside Liliana & Daniel's

Look at the view from right outside their house. The fogginess makes this place a little eerie. On the right side you can kind of make out a horse having his morning grass.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | The Factory Restaurant | Saegertown, Pennsylvania
Sirloin Steak with Eggs, Home fries, and Texas Toast; Half order of Biscuit and Sausage Gravy with Hashbrowns

Liliana and I had breakfast at The Factory Restaurant with Daniel before he left for work. This was definitely too much food and I didn’t finish but I wanted to try everything. I’ve decided that although everything tasted fantastic, if I ever came back, I’d order the hashbrowns, eggs, and toast. Simple and delicious. Classic is always the best.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania

After breakfast, Liliana and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some necessities and cash before heading to the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. Liliana had ordered First Class tickets for us which meant an air conditioned car.

Outside, there were some old cars that they used back in the day. It was so run down. Then they had a few cars that are hotels which I thought was a very cute idea.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Museum with Liliana

We walked around the gift shop and got so much stuff! Their gift shop is mixed in with their museum. They had a scale that was over a hundred years old that still worked very well and tongs to move huge ice cubes to cool first class cars and little ice cubes for food.

We got to play on a 1926 Kirkman Piano made in Buffalo, New York. You play by peddling with your feet or take off that function and it works just like a regular piano. There were many songs to chose from. My favourite was Rhapsody in Blue – brings me back to high school when we played at Carnegie Hall.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Raffles

A water for me that I chugged quickly and a Mountain Dew for Lily which she saved for the beginning of the ride. She entered in the Murder Mystery Raffle as well as a different Raffle that ends up having three winners.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | First Class Goodies

Soon enough it was time to head onto the train. First class riders all received tickets for a free bottle of water and we were given books to look at old pictures and the history. The Drake well founded by Edwin L Drake was the the beginning of changing the whole world.

The train sold drinks, cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and hot dogs as well as some gift shop items. We were too full so we didn’t end up getting anything to eat like we had planned to.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Railway Post Office with Liliana & Mellie Dee

Once we were able to roam around the cars, we walked two cars down to the US Mail Railway Post Office where we wrote postcards to our loves and mailed them off. This was our favourite part of the whole ride and we had a lot of fun doing it.

This is the only railroad post office left in the United States and Mister McFeely from Mister Rogers used to travel to cancel mail for them. When I heard cancel, I was so confused until I researched and found out it meant that he made postal markings on the postage stamps to deface the stamps and prevent re-use before it was mailed out.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | First Class Rotating Chairs

Soon enough we reached the halfway point where we would turn around. Our guide turned the chairs around so that we could face the right direction back. So much thought was put into this car. There was enough room to turn the chairs and even had foot rests where you could adjust the height. Also, if you wanted to face your friends if you’re in a group, you could do so by turning the chairs. This is such a sweet idea!

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Rynd Farm

The halfway point was at Rynd Farm. We were excited because they said there would be ice cream there but Lily and I were a bit bummed it wasn’t the scoop kind back at the station. Instead it was just plain old packaged ice cream. Don’t be fooled!

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Wabash Cannonball with Liliana and Mellie Dee

There wasn’t much to look at here so we took pictures in front of our first class cabin. I showed a girl how I wanted the picture taken (top) and she cut off half the train. Oh well. Better than nothing!

John Heisman of the Heisman Trophy grew up in Titusville and you can still see his yellow childhood home from the ride which I thought was pretty neat!

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Liliana & Mellie Dee

During the ride there and back, we were able to get some cool shots at the back of the train and even saw some awesome scenic views. As I was making a hyperlaspe video, Lily tried to take a video as well and ended up getting tossed around from the bumpy trail. It was funny because I continued recording my video while reacting to what happened to her. We laughed non-stop but in all seriousness, I’m glad she’s okay.

The ride was very peaceful and calming. We seriously joked that next time she’d bring her sketch pad and I’d bring my Kindle. It was just that type of environment for that type of thing. Also, the weather was lovely and had a nice breeze even when the train wasn’t moving.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad | Titusville, Pennsylvania | Mint Chocolate Chip and Moose Track Ice Cream

After two and a half hours later, we were back at the starting point. We bought some other things from the gift shop before we went and got scoopable ice cream. Mint Chocolate Chip for me and Moose Tracks for her.

As we ate, Lily called to see if there were any openings for reflexology. After walking back and forth non-stop on a moving train, our feet were tired.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Aella Salon & Day Spa | Meadville, Pennsylvania | Reflexology

They were able to get us in at Aella Salon and Spa. This place looks like a house. I’m certain it’s a house. It’s super cute and fancy looking and they do many different services. They took us to the second floor where we sat and waited for our turn. It was very peaceful up there and I sipped on cucumber water and nibbled on some lemon snaps as Lily went and got her massage.

When it was my turn I fell asleep. She put a heated neck pillow on me as well as a heated bed. If I didn’t take my pants off, I would have been very uncomfortable so I’m happy I did that. Although it was 30 minutes for $45, expensive, it was worth it. She told me she could feel the toughness in my feet which I asked what that meant. She said it meant I had back and shoulder pain. I walked out refreshed and she was totally right. My back and shoulder pain was mostly gone! This only means one thing, I need more reflexology massages.

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | Tarot Bean Roasting Co. | Meadville, Pennsylvania | Rwanda, Caramel Cinnamon Latte, Pepperoni and Cheddar Quichlettes
Rwanda | $2; Caramel Cinnamon Latte | $4; Pepperoni and Cheddar Quichlettes | $2.50

We stopped by Tarot Bean Roasting for coffee and shared the quichlette. Everything was perfect. The lady was even baking feta cheese quichlettes while we were there so you know it’s fresh!

2019 Summer Trip Day 2 | The Woolen Mill and Chateau Christine | Meadville, Pennsylvania

We walked and shopped a bit. They had deals everywhere and tomorrow Lily and I are coming back to Chateau Christine because she’s going to have up to 80% off in her store due to her expansion and needing to get old inventory out!

Summer Trip Day 2 | Road Sign Designs | Meadville, Pennsylvania

As we traveled back to the house, I fell in love with the road sign mural they had. This is just a small part of it. Although it was beautiful and everyone can see it, it’s not really in a good location where you can take pictures in front of it. This is very unique and I wish they sold some of their art in smaller pieces. I’d probably buy one for my future home depending on the design.

Summer Trip Day 2 | Daniel's Dinner
Appetizer: Brie Cheese, Salami, Crackers, and BBQ Pringles with Sangria | Entree: Rosemary Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, and Maple Syrup Caramelized Carrots with French Wine | Dessert: Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse and Dark Chocolate Shavings with Franc ‘n Berry Wine

Back at the house, Daniel let the dogs out to greet us. Then he started on dinner. While he did that, we snacked on the appetizer and I shopped birthday presents on Amazon, worked a bit, and then started transferring pictures to edit for the blog.

He paired three different wines for each course. Everything married together wonderfully. I don’t think I’ve had such a good home cooked meal in a long time. I asked for the recipe for the lamb and his answer was “I just threw stuff together.” Who are you? Ugh. I volunteered to cook tomorrow, but it won’t be anything fancy as this.

We started Netflix’s Red Sea Diving Resort as I blogged and worked but a third into the movie, they decided to go to bed which left me watching Orange is the New Black while working and blogging. I didn’t mind since it meant laying in bed with the pups. It’s been a successful first day of sightseeing and I’m thankful that Liliana is taking the time out to do these things with me. Cannot wait for the rest of the trip!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Breakfast and Brunch, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Ice Cream, Meadville, Pennsylvania, Saegertown, Sightseeing, Spa, Titusville

Homemade Ice Cream & Sorbet

July 21, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Ed's Homemade Herb Garden Ice Cream, Cherry Sorbet, Lemongrass Ginger Lime Sorbet

I had plans with Ed today. It’s been a long while and figured we’d put something in the calendar else it’d never happen. I told him it was national ice cream day a couple of weeks ago and funny enough, he’d been making ice creams and sorbets. I got to try a few that he’s made in the past. Herb Garden Ice Cream, Cherry Sorbet, Lemongrass Ginger Lime Sorbet.

Fort Bend County Library Card

We, mostly Ed, made the base of Orange Sherbet and headed to the library in Richmond so I could get a library card. The one I have at the moment is a small library with fewer audiobooks available. I have so much more to choose from now and I’m so excited!

Taro Slush with Pudding | Kung Fu

After we went and got Kung Fu Tea. Even with 30% sugar, it’s way too sweet!

Burger IM | Richmond, Texas

We went next door for BurgerIM but we failed at calculating drinks. We both ended up with two drinks and I’m never for the soft drink machines.

They are mini burgers and both did the duo combo. The Angus burger had a frozen pattie flavour and not worth the addition of grilled onions and grilled mushrooms. The crispy chicken was very, very good. I was so surprised by it. The only thing was they broke my egg yolk so it spilled everywhere and the cheese wasn’t melted. The fries were not a favourite at all but the garlic aioli addition helped.

Would I come back here? Most likely not. But if I ever was nearby and craved a crispy chicken burger, then yes, yes I would.

Homemade Orange Sherbet with Ed

We went back to his house to get the Orange Sherbet out of the fridge and into the ice cream churner. After it was the right consistency we tasted it and it was delicious. But in the freezer, it goes for an hour before the final product.

I went home before that happened. I was pooped and had a lot to take care of before work tomorrow. I spent most of the evening discussing the Cousins Trip plans. We’ve booked our Airbnb! And things are getting a little more real with the time we spent planning on finalizing things.

EEEp! Now I need to focus on my August trip first!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Ice Cream, Sandwiches and Burgers

Girls Afternoon Out

July 14, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Nail Bar with Mallory and Leah

A lazy morning before heading over to Mallory’s. Mallory and I planned on manicures and pedicures and since Leah was in town for a wedding she decided to join in.

We all got the same shade of pink except Mallory and I had colour changing ones that become a way darker pink when cold. You can see a little bit of a darker pink on her nails far right.

Eight Turn Crepe | Katy, Texas | Strawberry Nutella, Truffled Royal Scrambled Eggs , Harajuku Fruit Cocktail Crepes
R to L: Strawberry Nutella [fresh strawberries, Nutella, chocolate custard, whipped yogurt, and hazelnuts | $7.62; Truffled Royal Scrambled Eggs [two scrambled organic eggs, truffled mushrooms, truffle oil, baby spinach, tofu sauce, and cheddar cheese] | $7.99, Harajuku Fruit Cocktail Crepes [fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, and banana, whipped yogurt, custard cream, and sliced almonds] | $8.96

We went to Katy Asian Town. They’ve never been and so I took them around. We stopped by Eight Turn Crepe first since we were a bit hungry. We all shared a savory crepe and two sweet crepes. Let’s be real though, I ate the majority of the savory one since sweets aren’t really my biggest love. They were all equally amazing but I’m still a savory person. I want to go back and try to creme brulee one but they only have that Mondays to Fridays though.

Eight Turn Crepe | Katy, Texas | Mallory, Mellie Dee, Leah

The cool kids.

Sharetea | Katy, Texas | Mango & Passion Fruit Green Tea, Taro Ice Blended with Pudding
Mango & Passion Fruit Green Tea with Pearls | $4.50 + $0.50 for Pearls, Taro Ice Blended with Pudding | $5

Mallory and I got drinks from ShareTea. It was her first tapioca drink and I believe she’ll be happy with just the drink without the balls in the future.

We headed to H-Mart afterward. Their first Asian grocery store. They had a lot of questions and I had fun showing them around the place. I was even surprised when they tried conch at one of the tasting spots.

We went back to Mallory’s and hung out and talked about boys before I headed back home. I’m ready for bed now since this weekend has been super busy. Night, world.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Coffee and Tea, Dessert, French

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