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2019 Marble Falls | Day 1

May 17, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Scruffy and I had talked about going somewhere international for my 30th and it obviously wasn’t happening so Patricia and I were going to go to New York and visit our friend instead. After seeing the prices we decided to postpone that to a later date. I was actually secretly planning a trip for him and I to Marble Falls and it’s surrounding places before we broke up so Patricia and I decided to go instead. I tweaked some of the plans to fit her instead of him and we’ve had a pretty grand day.

After a three hour drive I met her at the hotel and since we were too early, we decided to continue on with our plans and check in later.

Sweet Berry Farm | Marble Falls, Texas

Sweet Berry Farms was first on my list and I was surprised at how many people, especially children were out there. I guess there was a field trip or something.

Sweet Berry Farm | Marble Falls, Texas | Patricia & Mellie Dee

I have always wanted to go to a farm and pick pumpkins, strawberries, apples, peaches, it didn’t matter. So I was super excited I finally got to do this and that mother nature was nice to us.

Sweet Berry Farm | Marble Falls, Texas | Patricia & Mellie Dee Strawberry Picking

We began our strawberry picking adventure. There were so many to choose from but my favourites are the smaller ones. Some areas of the terrain were muddy and some strawberries were rotten but overall I can finally check something off my list. Patricia even got to enjoy a nice, cold strawberry popsicle.

Sweet Berry Farm | Marble Falls, Texas | Patricia & Mellie Dee Strawberry Haul

I guess you could say we did a pretty dang good job. So many bright red deliciousness waiting for us!

Blue Bonnet Cafe | Marble Falls, Texas

We headed to Blue Bonnet Cafe afterward for their famous pie. There was a line out the door!

Blue Bonnet Cafe | Marble Falls, Texas | German Chocolate and Coconut Cream Pies

I opted for the waitress’s favourite, German Chocolate Pie while Patricia ordered the Coconut Cream Pie. Patricia told the waitress it was for my birthday and she was nice enough to put in a candle but didn’t have a lighter. How do I make a wish, lady?!

Overall, the pie was okay. It was way too sweet which is a given. But it’s definitely not something I’d stop by to get. House of Pies or Proud Pie is still a winner in my book.

Noon Spoon Cafe | Marble Falls, Texas

Since Patricia was hungry we went to Noon Spoon Cafe.

Noon Spoon Cafe | Marble Falls, Texas | Tomato Basil Soup and Club Sandwich

She got a soup and half a sandwich combo while I chose the tomato basil soup only. I’ve been craving soup so it was perfect.

2019 Birthday Present from Patricia

We finally checked into our hotel and I opened the present Patricia got me. I’m excited to try all the new makeup!! Thank you!!

The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant | Marble Falls, Texas

We relaxed a bit at the hotel before going to an early dinner at The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant. Boiled crawfish?! Do you think we ordered that?

The Real New Orleans Style Restaurant | Marble Falls, Texas | Dinner

Because we did. Obviously. Along with boiled shrimp. It was spiced Cajun style. The flavouring was perfect but they could do better with their cooking time as it was overcooked.

We also got a cup of gumbo, green beans, crawfish mac and cheese, and French fries. The best thing was the crawfish mac and cheese. I’d come back just for that!

Showbiz Cinemas | Marble Falls, Texas

It’s been a long while since I’ve gone to the theater and we had decided to watch a movie together in the past since we rarely get to. Thankfully there was Showbiz Cinemas nearby and we got to check that off our friendship list.

Showbiz Cinemas | Marble Falls, Texas | Pokeman Detective Pikachu

We chose Pokemon Detective Pikachu because the nerd in me just had to see it. We ordered the tiniest box meal along with a giant water for me.

The movie was better than I expected and I was thrilled when I saw Snorlax on the big screen even though it was in passing. He was hairy, which makes him much more cuddly than ever. I do hope they make another one.

We have a relaxing day planned for tomorrow but it’s also supposed to rain so we’ll have to see how it plays out. Luckily I have my rain boots and rain jacket just in case!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Cajun, Desserts, Marble Falls, Pie, Sightseeing, Texas

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Part V

April 17, 2018 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Taco Cabana | Breakfast Tacos

Brudda went and picked up some breakfast tacos for the clan. I was surprised how great Taco Cabana‘s steak egg breakfast taco was. Definitely the winner in my book.

2018 | 107/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Squirrel

[2018] 107/365: Searching For Nuts

We then headed to the Dallas Arboretum where we were met up with John, Peggy, and Sarah. Sammi skipped school and joined us which was kind of nice since I never see her. It took many shots to get the squirrel since he was running about scavaging for nuts.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Windmills

You might just see pictures just because.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | SIL and Emmy

Like this one where SIL is walking with Emmy through a forest. It’s so freaking adorable. She’s growing up so fast!

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Maple Leaves

These maple leaves seem to be the winner for everyone.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Pink Flowers

I realized as I was going through my pictures …

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Pink and Purple Flowers

… that pinks and purples and blues call to me.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Waterfall

I’m happy I was able to come since I don’t get picture taking opportunities like this.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Behind the Waterfall

This was behind the waterfall.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dallas Arboretum | Dallas, Texas | Lake

And you can see the lake from here. There is free parking by the lake if you don’t want to spend $9 online or $15 at the door to park.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Twisted Root Burger Co. | Richardson, Texas

Afterwards, we went back to Brudda and SIL’s before heading to Twisted Root Burger Co.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Twisted Root Burger Co. | Richardson, Texas | Burgers and Shakes

We were able to try an array of shakes, fries, and burgers and we loved them all!

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Texas de Brazil | Addison, Texas

While the rest of the clan went shopping, Sammi, Brudda and I went home to rest up before our meal at Texas de Brazil with everyone else.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Texas de Brazil | Addison, Texas | Salad Bar

Here is my plate of food I got from the salad bar.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Texas de Brazil | Addison, Texas | Picana

And here’s a man holding my favourite, picana. It was a clear winner for everyone. I was surprised at how little I ate. I guess my stomach is getting smaller!

Tomorrow morning, we’ll be driving back to Houston. Zzzzz, so tired. Night, everyone!

Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218  |  (214) 515-6615  |  Website  |  Yelp
Twisted Root Burger Co
730 E Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75081  |  (214) 570-9999  |  Website  |  Yelp
Texas de Brazil
15101 Addison Road, Addison Texas 75001  |  (972) 385-1000  |  Website  |  Yelp

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Addison, Dallas, Desserts, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Richardson, Sandwiches and Burgers, Sightseeing, Steakhouse, Texas

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Part IV

April 16, 2018 by Mellie Dee 1 Comment

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Hash House A Go Go | Plano, Texas

We were able to sleep in today, thank goodness! We were all so tired. We started out meeting Joanna, Jasmine, John, Katie, and Sarah at Hash House A Go Go for breakfast.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Hash House A Go Go | Plano, Texas | Food

We all ordered different things and shared so that we got a little of everything. These portions were hella big. I didn’t think anything was too special as it seems to be regular Texas like breakfast.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | BelVita at the Allen Premium Outlets

We then went back to Brudda and SIL’s house for a bit before heading to Allen Premium Outlets. We (mostly Wilson and Mei Mei) shopped for HOURS and even skipped lunch so I was thankful to find old BelVita crackers in my purse to munch on. We called it quits leaving behind, John, Joanna, Jasmine, Katie, Wilson, Mei Mei, and Peggy. The rest of us headed back to Brudda and SIL’s for some small lunch.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No1 | Dallas, Texas

Sometime later, we headed out to Rise N°1.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No.1 | Dallas, Texas | Scrabble Pieces

I thought it was kind of cute that they had this on the table when we walked in. My cousin booked the table so it had her name on it.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No.1 | Dallas, Texas | Plates

Their plates were so adorable, I wished I could have taken some home! It even has “rise” imprinted on them.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No.1 | Dallas, Texas | Bread and Knife

We got complimentary bread and butter. I loved their little cutting board knife duo. They even sell them by the front door but since I’m not a big bread eater, it would have gone to waste if I bought one. Great idea though!

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No.1 | Dallas, Texas | Savory Souffles

Wilson, Mei Mei, SIL, and I shared our souffles, Escargot, Crab Cake, Crawfish, and Truffle Mushrooms. The best one was the escargot.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No.1 | Dallas, Texas | Sweet Souffles

Then we shared our desserts of Pistachio, Chocolate, Grand Marnier, and Raspberry. Our favourite was a clear winner amongst the whole table: Pistachio.

Would I come back here? Probably not. It was just carbs and air we were eating. Nothing substantial but it was nice to experience it. The service was amazing though.

2018 | 106/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Rise No.1 | Dallas, Texas | Abalone

When we got home everyone seemed to be snacking. I guess I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t full! Brudda served an abalone each to himself and I. It was delicious and much filling than the dinner.

Tomorrow is going to be another long day so I’ll be hitting the hay now. Night, y’all!

Hash House A Go Go
1900 Preston Road, Plano, Texas 75093  |  (972) 867-4646  |  Website  |  Yelp
Rise N°1
5360 W Lovers Ln, Dallas, Texas 75209  |  (214) 366-9900  |  Website  |  Yelp

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Breakfast and Brunch, Dallas, Desserts, French, Plano, Seafood, Texas

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Part III

April 15, 2018 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | McDonald's | Katy, Texas

We all woke up and headed towards Dallas before the sun came up stopping by McDonald’s for a quick breakfast.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Buc-ee's | Madisonville, Texas

After a long drive, we stopped by Buc-ee’s at Madisonville for gas and others to use the restroom.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Lockhart Smokehouse | Plano, Texas

Once we got there, Brudda showed the house before heading to lunch meeting up with Joanna and Kiran at Lockhart Smokehouse.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Lockhart Smokehouse | Plano, Texas | BBQ

We ordered two pounds of ribs, moist brisket, two links of original sausage, two links of jalapeno sausage, deviled eggs, mac & cheese, coleslaw, beans and potato salad. Everything was delicious. My favourite were the ribs, jalapeno sausage, and beans.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Dude Sweet Chocolate | Plano, Texas

We stopped by Dude, Sweet Chocolate that was next door so that Wilson could try and buy if he wanted to.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Hurts Donut Company | Frisco, Texas

We stopped by Joanna and Kiran’s new house that’s being built then headed to Hurts Donut Company.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Hurts Donut Company | Frisco, Texas | Donuts and Bear Claw

We ordered way too many donuts but it was nice getting to try different flavours. Everything is way too sweet and we all agreed this was more for looks than for taste. Majority’s favourite was the bear claw.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Hurts Donut Company | Frisco, Texas | Sausage Kolache

Tammy went and got Emmy a little sausage kolache to munch on. It was not too shabby but it’s got nothing on the Kolache Factory … obviously.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Ford Center at The Star | Frisco, Texas

We stopped by Ford Center at The Star to walk around.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Ford Center at The Star | Frisco, Texas | Lotto Ticket

I went and got a lotto scratch off. Wilson bought his first lotto ticket (Powerball I believe) and we’re excited to see what the outcome is, understanding it’s quite difficult to win.

Afterwards, we went to the outlets, not knowing it was closing early due to it being Sunday. We ended up going to one store but they were able to buy a few pairs of shoes and t-shirts. We’re aiming to have a full day of shopping for them as long as they needed.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Legacy Hall | Plano, Texas

Then we met up with Joanna, Kiran, Katie, John, Sarah, and Peggy at Legacy Hall. Tammy’s parents even joined us!

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Legacy Hall | Plano, Texas | Eat Slay Love

I love the little quotes they have on the wall. This one was my favourite.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Legacy Hall | Plano, Texas | Food

This place is like a three-level food court and we all bought different things so everyone could try. These were some I was able to get a taste of. Overall, the food wasn’t bad but the cost wasn’t the best for the quality. Would I come back? Probably since it’s nice to be able to pick and choose different things.

2018 | 105/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Pitch Perfect 3 with Brudda

[2018] 105/365: Movie Time with Brudda

Brudda and I both edited our own pictures while we watched Pitch Perfect 3. Sadly, we’re both so tired that we couldn’t finish it. We have 20 minutes left which I guess we’ll watch tomorrow. Until then, it’s bed time for me because it’s been a super, duper, long day.

McDonald’s
405 S Fry Road, Katy, Texas 77450  |  (281) 492-2242  |  Website  |  Yelp
Buc-ee’s
205 IH-45 S, Madisonville, Texas 77864  |  (979) 238-6390  |  Website  |  Yelp
Lockhart Smokehouse
1026 E 15th St, Plano, Texas 75074  |  (972) 516-8900  |  Website  |  Yelp
Dude, Sweet Chocolate
1016 E 15th St, Plano, Texas 75074  |  (972) 424-6200  |  Website  |  Yelp
Hurts Donut
3288 Main St, Frisco, Texas 75033  |  Website  |  Yelp
Ford Center at The Star
9 Cowboys Way, Frisco, Texas 75034  |  (972) 497-4900  |  Website  |  Yelp
Legacy Hall
7800 Windrose Ave, Plano, Texas 75024  |  (972) 846-4255  |  Website  |  Yelp

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Barbecue, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Dallas, Desserts, Fast Food, Frisco, Italian, Katy, Korean, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Plano, Sightseeing, Texas

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Part II

April 14, 2018 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Crown Seafood Restaurant | Houston, Texas

This morning, we went to the cemetery to do some Buddhist/Daoism thing for Grandma. We aren’t religious but we do it for her when she asks. Afterwards, we went to lunch at Crown Seafood Restaurant.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Crown Seafood Restaurant | Houston, Texas | Dim Sum

Timothy, Peggy and June ordered way too much food. This scene brings me back to Hong Kong with the family when Dad ordered a table full of food. It was fun trying new things though.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Eck Bakery | Houston, Texas

We stopped by Eck Bakery on the way home.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Eck Bakery | Houston, Texas | Egg Tarts

They have the best egg tarts in Houston. Houston because everything in Hong Kong tastes better of course! This would have been my picture of the day but there’s something better down below!

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Fresh, Live Lobsters

Wilson went to the market and bought live, fresh lobster to cook for the ENTIRE family.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Lobster Claws

He even took time out to crack the shells beforehand for easy eating.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Lobsters by Wilson

This is the end result. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It was steaming and fogging up my lens but my dang, was it good.

2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Fresh, Live Razor Clams

The best thing was seeing razor clams in a stainless steel bowl. I was so surprised because I didn’t know these were sold here. I’ve only had it once by June’s sister back in Hong Kong in 2012.

2018 | 104/365 | 2018 Wilson & Mei Mei Visit | Razor Clams by Wilson

[2018] 104/365: Razor Clams by Wilson

The end product was DANG good. This was the highlight of the day. Razor clams and getting to spend time with my cousin. He taught me a lot of new skills. There was a part where I got teary-eyed because I wished we saw each other more.

We stopped by Katie’s house a bit for Wilson and Mei Mei to see before we headed home. Tomorrow is a new day and a long drive ahead so, peace out world!

Crown Seafood Restaurant
10796 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, Texas 77072  |  (281) 575-1768  |  Website  |  Yelp
Eck Bakery
6918 Wilcrest Drive, Houston, Texas 77072  |  (281) 933-6808  |  Yelp

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Asian, Chinese, Desserts, Houston, Seafood, Texas

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