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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 36 of Quarantine | Santa’s Wonderland | College Station, Texas

November 22, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy Presents

I took two half days and a Friday off to spend with Emmy. I got her a 7 day advent calendar to help countdown when her parents were coming to pick her up to go back home. She had fun opening it every night and got to open day 7 with her parents.

One of the days I was off, I took her to Walgreens where she looked at the candy aisle with glee. I didn’t get her anything though since we had planned to get a happy meal from McDonald’s.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy Gingerbread Mansion

I took off early on Monday and we did a gingerbread mansion together. She had so much fun eating it while working and was so excited to show it to EVERYONE — my parents and June when they got home, Sissy and BIL when they visited, and Brudda and SIL when they came to pick her up.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa's Wonderland | College Station, Texas | Emmy

We did the gingerbread house to get her in the festive mood since I got her tickets to Santa’s Wonderland with the parents and June.

This has always been on my list and I always thought it was very romantic to go on dates like this with a significant other but it never happened so what better time than with everyone I love?

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Santa's Wonderland | College Station, Texas | Emmy & Mellie Dee

She had fun making faces at everything. I wish they had other foods to offer us but with the pandemic and it being Monday, not many stalls were opened. My parents and June had fun as well and loved the hayride the best since there was A LOT to see. Emmy loved it so much that she asked me to take her to Christmas practically every day after.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy & JJ Playdate | Mary Jo Park | Jacob & Mallory

I had Friday off and took Emmy to Mary Jo Peckham Park to meet up with JJ for their playdate. They played with rocks and practically spun around in different things.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy & JJ Playdate | Mary Jo Park | Jacob, Mallory, Mellie Dee

These are my favourite pictures I took. They are so cute (and us)! They were both sad we had to say goodbye but we’re already looking at Christmastime when she’ll be back in town to play.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Sunset Walks | Emmy & Rizzo

Per usual, daily walks. Emmy was sad that she was having her last walk with Rizzo. The views have been gorgeous! That bottom right picture has got my heart so happy! It still amazes me how beautiful mother nature is.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Garden and New Plants

Mum and I went to a garden center and I loved walking down the aisle to lit Christmas trees. And I got my second plant. The pot says Cal Cor Plant so I’m not sure exactly what it’s called but I know they’re also known as polka dot plants. They have other colours but these two creates such a Christmas vibe for my bedroom.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Early Thanksgiving, Brudda, SIL and Mum Birthday | Sushi Neato | Crumbl | Whole Foods Cake

Saturday, Brudda and SIL came down and Sissy and BIL came over to celebrate an early Thanksgiving and birthdays of Mum, Brudda, and SIL. I FINALLY got my sushi after a year later! It’s been a no-no in our house since the pandemic but I’m glad we got an exception.

We had ordered Door Dash for Sushi Neato but they were having issues with their app and website. Sushi Neato told us the food had been ready but no person came to pick it up so Sissy and BIL went and got the food. After calling Door Dash, they ended up refunding us the whole meal! Love Door Dash’s service!

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Eats

Great eats for the week includes Starbucks, heart shaped poached eggs, and some of the best pepppered shrimp!

Now that Emmy is gone, it’s back to my usual scheduled meal times. I’m sure being with her makes me gain weight with the amount of times she eats. This girl has to eat a snack before bed. Literally, eat, pee, brush her teeth, watch a few minutes of a show, then bedtime. Crazy but at least it’s consistent.

2020 | Week 36 of Quarantine | Emmy and Mellie Dee Selfies

When her parents came, she did not want ANYTHING to do with us. Understandable. Luckily, she had to sleep one last night with me since Brudda got Lasik surgery and couldn’t have a crazy girl kick him in the face in the middle of the night.

In the morning, we brushed our teeth and went back into bed and watched Bluey for a bit so that she wouldn’t wake up her parents. I was able to get a few shots of us together and she even told me she loved me and gave me a lot of kisses.

I miss her but I’m also happy to have the whole bed to myself again. Finding activities for a three year old is exhausting but I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything else.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Japanese, Katy, Sightseeing, Sushi, Texas

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Jacob’s First Birthday at Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas

October 18, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Work - Own Team Comment

Work is not slowing down but people are acknowledging the crazy work load we have so they are more lenient. I got a good compliment the other day so I’ll put it here as a reminder of what my future could one day hold.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Jacob's First Birthday | Mellie Dee & Jacob

I unwind by spending time with the birthday boy Friday. He turned one!! If you’re wondering, we’re both look super amazing with blonde hair. He also doesn’t like to smile at the camera too much.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Mallory, JJ, Jacob, Madison, Danica, Mellie Dee

We went to Dewberry Farm for a few hours. The drizzly rain and wind didn’t slow us down and saw A LOT of pumpkins.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Carved Pumpkins

There were hundreds of carved pumpkins all lit up. I wonder how much these people get paid. They are so intricate!

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Gemstone Mining | Mallory, JJ, Danica

We also went gemstone mining and got some cool rocks.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Train Ride | Mallory, JJ, Jacob, Madison, Danica, Mellie Dee

We rode the train (social distance style!) and saw a lot of Christmas trees growing. The ones with a little white makes my heart happy. I hope one day I get to chop one down but I heard the clean up is horrible.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Flower Picking | Mallory, JJ, Madison, Danica

We went and picked some flowers and did a tiny photoshoot with the sunflowers. I gave Mum the flowers I picked and she thought they were fake!

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Ferris Wheel | Mallory, JJ, Jacob, Madison, Danica, Mellie Dee

Mallory, JJ, Madison and Danica all went up on the Ferris Wheel. I stayed below with Jacob. The people working the wheel kept them on it for SO many iterations. When Mallory and JJ got off, we left Madison and Danica to stand in line for food. Apparently Madison had to ask to get off since they weren’t going to let her.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Eats

They packed their lunch but if you know me, you know I’m all for getting some goodies. I got a corn dog and a Souvenir cup. Souvenir cup is not worth it but it’s cute.

I got the funnel cake fries (good), churros (horrible), and corn cup (delicious!) to share. And I also grabbed a bag of kettle corn before leaving since I knew June loves it.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Dewberry Farms | Katy, Texas | Black Hole, Animals, Maze, Ride | Danica & JJ

We did other things like the Black Hole (don’t take kids!), saw animals, rode some rides, and did my first Corn Maze.

I had a lot of fun with my first time in Dewberry Farms and hope to come back again in the future.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Good Eats

Lots of good eats this week.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | Daily Walks | Rizzo

And our usual walks to burn it all off. That top picture makes my heart so happy.

2020 | Week 31 of Quarantine | I Voted! | Mellie Dee

Today I went and voted! The finger condom is super cute and the location I went to was not busy this time. I hope everyone is going out there and voting or at least mailing in their ballots.

This weekend went by too fast. I need to figure out my vacation days and use up last years. I need a recharge.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Katy, Sightseeing, 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 | Week 24 of Quarantine | La Baguette Bakery & Bistro | Urban American Kitchen

August 30, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Rizzo Sleepy

Rizzo sleeping peacefully while I’m busy at work. Sammi sent me a picture of Pluto and Emmy asleep, asking me if I was safe from the hurricane so I sent this picture back to her.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Chinese Food

Mum and June were off Wednesday so they went to Chinatown and bought some goodies back. I ate my share for days after but I didn’t mind it at all.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Cauliflower Gnocchi & Meatballs and Kimchi Soup

I did cook my own foods as well. Cauliflower Gnocchi and Meatballs as well as Kimchi Soup. This type of soup is always a default for me when I’m cleaning out the fridge, trying to use vegetables that are going bad.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Rizzo & Mellie Dee Forest Park Walk

Since I’ve been working so hard/much, my boss said I can pick whatever day I want to take off as a free vacation. I could have chose a day I worked more hours but chose Friday since June was off. I finally got her to agree to go to “the forest” walk with me. Rizzo did well off leash.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Forest Park Walk Views

And the views. THE VIEWS. So much path left uncovered. Loved seeing runners/bikers while we did our almost 3.5-mile walk. I wanted to continue but Rocky was about to be done.

For anyone that knows Rocky, he’s a big chunk. He did the walk with us and afterward, wouldn’t move for a while. Trooper. He’s doing so well with these daily walks.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | La Baguette Bakery & Bistro | Katy, Texas | June
Tequenos [5 fried breaded cheese stick served with a side of our house sauce] • Cachapas [one sweet corn pancake sliced in half topped with white cheese with a side of shredded beef] • Causa de Pollo [masked potato topped with avocado, hard boiled egg, and chicken salad] • Veggie Arepa • Shredded Beef Arepa • Sauces • Alfajores

We went back home, showered and relaxed a bit then headed out for our annual birthday lunch where I chose a place and I treat her to it.

I’ve been wanting to try La Baguette Bakery & Bistro and was so happy she was down to go with me.

La Baguette Bakery & Bistro
21821 Katy Fwy
Katy, Texas 77450
(281) 717-4651
Yelp

Everything was so good. Our favourite was the cachapas. The lady was nice enough to let us know that we can buy a bigger version without the meat. Definitely will be doing that next time.

I’ve converted June to loving Tequenos more than American Mozzarella sticks. Seriously, if you haven’t tried Tequenos yet and you LOVE cheese, this is the better version, especially when you dip it in their green sauce.

The arepas are great but wish my bottom wasn’t so soggy. I slathered Causa on the arepas which made them taste even better. I’ve had other Causas before and this one fit the bill. I want to come back for this and the Alfajores that melts in your mouth.

I’ve been to other Venezuelan places before but this is one of the best in Katy. I love that I can bring my laptop here and order a coffee too. Debating and really wanting to.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Texas Snow | Katy, Texas | June

We walked around Daiso a bit to get our food moving through our bodies then stopped by Texas Sno for dessert.

Texas Sno
3130 Katy Hockley Cut Off Rd,
Katy, Texas 77493
(346) 377-9436
texassno.com

I was so happy she loved it — especially since it was over 100 degrees out!

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Urban American Kitchen | Mum
Bellini | $7.50 • Urban Brussel Sprouts | $5 • Herb Crusted Salmon [served with saffron cream sauce, asparagus, and cheesy risotto] | $16.95 • Houston Restaurant Week Brunch | 1st Course: Blueberry Pancakes [fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with blueberries and syrup] | 2nd Course: Chicken Wings & Waffles [crispy chicken wings over Belgian waffle served with habanero syrup] | $20

On Saturday, after stopping by Hobby Lobby, I took Mum to our annual Houston Restaurant Week meal at Urban American Kitchen. Sadly I thought they’d have the lunch menu but ended up with the brunch menu.

Urban American Kitchen
14008 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77079
urbanamericankitchen.com

We made do. I ordered off the brunch menu and she ordered off the regular menu. It wasn’t what we expected but it ended up being better than we thought.

Their brunch is nothing special. Their blueberry pancakes were normal, the waffle was soggy, and the wings, though crispy lacked flavour. Overall disappointed with their Houston Restaurant Week brunch.

But their salmon and Brussels were a hit. We loved it SO much. I don’t mind coming back to try their main menu more to see if there are other hidden yums.

This is super close to work, so if we ever do go back to the office, this could be a place to go with coworkers — but who are we kidding, I rarely go out at work time.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Smoothie King

After an amazing meal, we went and got groceries from H-Mart and a car wash, we decided to pick up Smoothie King and Pho for dinner. I never get to go to Smoothie King so I asked for 40 oz of Daily Warrior for myself. I wish I was in walking distance to Smoothie King – or any juicer place. What we make at home never compares.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | June's Birthday Cheese Souffle Cake

Today, we went to 99 Ranch to pick up some essentials. Then it was laziness until dinner time when June came home. We had a tiny Cheese Souffle cake for her to blow out one last candle for a wish.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | Daily Walk Views

These are different sunsets during the week on our daily walks. Y’all sick of these yet? Because I’m not. I love how every day is unpredictable. You never know what colours you’ll get. Or what you’ll see. The cat wasn’t afraid of us but also didn’t like when Rizzo got closer.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Health & Fitness Tagged With: American, Bakery, Chinese, Dessert, Houston, Houston Restaurant Week, Katy, Sightseeing, Texas, Venezuelan

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