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2022 May | My Birthday, Rizzo’s Surgery & Breast Cancer

May 31, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

20220530 | Puzzles | Lego Ice Cream, Batman, Superman, Star Wars, Beach, Friends, Oil & Gas | Emmy & Ethan

I finished 7 puzzles this month! SEVEN. Well more like six and a half but it’s more Frankenstein’s fault since it was his puzzle his work folks started and couldn’t finish. My first 2000 piece puzzle couldn’t be finished because of it.

The kids loved seeing how fast I could finish the puzzles. I even got them into it by buying them their own. They continually redo them and haven’t got sick of them yet.

20220501 | Ethan, Rizzo | Monica & Osvaldo's Baby Shower | Mellie Dee

May 1, 2022

Ethan follows me around as much as he can. It’s like having another Rizzo around. I don’t mind it though … when he’s not loud when I’m in a meeting.

Monica invited me to her family and friend baby shower. I haven’t had homecooked Mexican food in so long. I savored it for sure! Osvaldo showed up late when it came to opening presents. It’s weird how you know someone for so long but after not being together for a long time, it feels a little foreign. It was nice to see their family and catch up though.

Ethan and I went on a walk with Rizzo afterward. That boy overheats SO fast. After 10 minutes he was already red in the face. He didn’t want to go home though.

20220505 | Ethan, JJ, Jacob, Mallory, Mellie Dee, Rizzo | Park, Elyson Cafe

May 5, 2022

After work I took Ethan to play with JJ and Jacob at their neighborhood park. We ordered food from Elyson Cafe and just watched them do their thing. They are all so grown up and can do so much by themselves. It’s crazy how five years ago, Mallory and I were hanging out alone, with no babies around.

Brudda came and brought a soccer ball and easy to travel goal posts. Rizzo was chilling next to the soccer ball and with the name, found it cute.

20220506 - 20220507 | Ethan & Rizzo | Sushihana, Early Mother's Day Crawfish, Mother's Day with Gma

May 6, 2022

Brudda, Dad, Ethan and I went to Sushihana for lunch. Mum came during her lunch hour. Later that night Sissy and BIL came over and we had an early Mother’s Day celebration by ordering food from Yummy. There was SO much leftover especially since I hadn’t been feeling well and was afraid my stomach would be even more upset if I ate the spicyness.

May 7, 2022

We went to Gordon & Patsy’s for our usually Mother’s Day dinner with Gma. It was nice to all be together again.

20220511 | Churrascos and Wine | Work Event on Campus

May 11, 2022

Work had a get together event and for the first time in my life, I was served ALCOHOL on campus! And I’ve worked on this campus since 2008! They catered from Churrascos so I could have gotten beer or even liquor! So crazy how things have changed.

20220511 | Birthday Dinner | Mallory, Beth, Mellie Dee | Santiago's | Katy, Texas

Later that night I met up with Mallory and Beth at Santiago’s for my early birthday dinner. We, okay I, I went a little crazy and ordered way more than needed. But everyone knows that by now. The pichana is a clear winner and I cannot wait to come back here!

Also wanted to add that when they arrived, they were trying to convince me to have my bachelorette party in Las Vegas … because they want to go. First off, not engaged and won’t be any time soon, and second, not a super big fan of Las Vegas. Let’s just go as a girl’s trip instead?

Per usual, thankful for these two ladies that always finds time to shower me with love.

20220513 | Birthday Song | Ethan & Emmy | Ikea with June, Elements Massage, Jollibee

May 13, 2022

Day off, I had a video from Dad. A recording of Ethan and Emmy singing happy birthday to me. I wonder how long they’ll continue using the fake cake you see in the picture. Emmy’s been using it since day one. And Dad added a candle so that they can blow after singing. They “fought” to blow it for sure.

June had a biopsy done the day before to check for breast cancer when she felt a lump. She wanted to celebrate my birthday and make me feel special so she went with me to Ikea even though she wasn’t feeling well. A week or so later, her results came back positive and reality hits hard.

We walked around and bought nothing. I noted some dressers that peaked my interest but with the lack of supplies, I’ll wait to make a decision. We bought ice creams and soft serves along with a chocolate cake to serve as my birthday cake.

I dropped her off and headed off to my massage at Elements Massage. Frankenstein’s present to me for Valentine’s Day. I sadly didn’t get my hot stones but they left credit of $5 for me next time. Sigh … someone get me a gift card here so I can use it up.

I walked around and went to different places for my birthday discounts like Kendra Scott and Nothing Bundt Cake. I came home to a fully decorated table with the Jollibee I ordered June and I for lunch. Pictures of table below. She went all out.

20220513 | Birthday Dinner | Ambrosia | Houston, Texas | Mum, June, Sissy, BIL

Mum, June and I met up with Sissy and BIL at Ambrosia for my birthday dinner. It was very different but it was delicious. Their décor was super cute on the patio with twinkly lights and all. We took pictures and realized that Sissy and I looked like twinsies. Per BIL, true sisters dress alike .. gross. haha

20220513 | Rizzo, Birthday Flowers from Frankenstein, June's Decorations, Gifts from Everyone

We went our separate ways. Mum and June sang happy birthday to me as I opened presents and ate the cake we got from Ikea. Literally look at the table. She printed out pictures, made paper flowers, blew up balloons and all.

Presents poured from all over the place this year and I feel so so so loved. My biggest surprise was Frankenstein’s flowers he had delivered. I never cared for flowers but I realized it’s who gives them to you. These weren’t pity flowers or flowers “stolen” from someone else’s bouquet. They were bought for me and only me.

Don’t be fooled by the other flowers with Rizzo. Sissy got those for boss’s week and gave me one. Mum loved them and took the vase along with it. haha

20220514 | Crawfish & Feng Cha | Gordon & Patsy | Mum, June, Sissy

May 14, 2022

Mum, June, Sissy and I had crawfish at Gordon and Patsy’s. You would think they made it for me for my birthday but in reality, since Mum has been a bit depressed, he wanted to treat her some food and get her out of the house. Sissy ordered us Feng Cha since she was craving boba. Mine did not taste good at all.

20220515 | Birthday | Frankenstein | Perry's Steakhouse | Lunar Eclipse | Artemis

May 15, 2022

I drove to Frankenstein for my date night/birthday surprise. When I got to his place, I changed, got ready, and we headed to the mall. I’ve been wanting to go to a mall with him but sadly, since it was a Sunday, everything closed early. We were both clueless since we aren’t big in person shoppers. He got excited when he remembered I wanted to go to a Container Store but, yep, closed.

We hung out on the field a bit, people watched and talked about random things. Then he told me go guess which restaurant I think it was. I got it wrong, but he had made reservations at Perry’s. I was able to go all out and we ordered drinks, martini flight for me! I liked his drink more though but I don’t remember what it is. He got the pork chop and I opted for the expensive steak. We got a side of Brussel sprouts and loaded mashed potatoes. We had quite a lot leftover.

We are horrible selfie takers as you can see above. We sat on the field again and watched the night sky, then made our way back to his place where he pulled out his telescope and camera. We walked down near the golf course and watched the lunar eclipse. He took a lot of pictures and I laid down on the blanket and read through an article where we could assess one another. I think that article brought us closer together and I was able to speak easily without fear of him getting angry. Sigh, so nice.

That’s one of his moon pictures from the lunar eclipse. This picture doesn’t do it justice since I kind of pixelated it.

The next morning I sat on the porch and relaxed as he continued to sleep. Artemis hung out with me as well. Look at those YELLOWS!

20220517 | Lunch with Chelsea | Cajuu | Katy, Texas

May 17, 2022

Chelsea and I finally got to grab lunch together at Cajuu. We’ve been wanting crawfish and the flavour here is perfect, the price, not so much. We’re both alike and showed up with presents for each other’s birthdays that passed. And being able to catch up with her is always a treat. We complain about things but we are so thankful for everything we have.

20220519 - 20220520 | Rizzo Surgery | Gulf Coast Vet | Houston, Texas | Mellie Dee

May 19, 2022

Rizzo has been fighting a bump and sneezes and breathing issues since the end of November and they finally said he needed surgery. The fear I was going to lose him was HUGE. We spent a few minutes alone in the car together. I cried a lot and although Frankenstein was far away, he did something that made my heart so full so that I could focus on something else when I was in the waiting room for him to go in.

Rizzo had to stay the night but was told all was well. He had a bacterial cyst, unsure how and why, but it ate through his bone and impacted three of his teeth. Luckily they were able to make the incision in the mouth rather than on his face. He still looked rough when I picked him up the next day but he healed up well. He kept trying to nibble on his IV arm so I sewed him a collar pillow. He actually loves it and doesn’t mind me putting it on him.

20220530 | Emmy, Ethan, June, Swimming, Target, Fun

May 21, 2022

Emmy and Ethan are here again! We went to Target for some fun, played in water with LOTS of water balloons, made toilet paper tube animals and more.

20220526 | Splash Pad | JJ, Jacob, Mallory, Emmy, Ethan, Mellie Dee

May 26, 2022

I took them to the Splash Pad in Mallory’s neighborhood after work one day. They played with JJ and Jacob first at the Splash Pad before moving to the playground. Its so nice that they have a friend the same age as them Sadly they don’t live anywhere nearby else they could be best friends!

20220527 | Nursery | Mum, Ethan, Emmy | World Market

May 27, 2022

Mum, Dad, June, and I took the kids to IHop. Afterwards Mum and I took the kids to the Nursery and TJMaxx. We shopped for a bit and dropped Ethan and Mum home. Emmy and I continued our shopping adventures.

20220527 | Dim Sum Box | Katy, Texas | Emmy, Jenny, Le

When we were about to pick up food and head home, I get a phone call from Jenny and Le that they were nearby and we decided to eat lunch together at Dim Sum Box. Super expensive and the food is normal with a way smaller menu. My favourite is their special garlic shu mai.

20220528 | Rainforest Cafe | Katy, Texas | Sissy, Emmy, Ethan, Mellie Dee

May 28, 2022

Sissy came and we took the kids to Rainforest Cafe. They were both scared at first when the thunder happened and the animals went crazy. Ethan literally sat on half my lap holding my arm for dear like practically the whole entire time we were there. We walked around the mall and headed home.

20220528 | Crawfish Cafe | Houston, Texas | Jenny, Le, Emmy, Jennifer, Jimmy

Later that night, I took Emmy to Crawfish Cafe for dinner with Jenny, Le, Jennifer and Jimmy. Their fried shrimp is better than most Chinese restaurants! But the flavour I got for the crawfish was meh. I should of listened to Jennifer and gotten the one she recommended. Next time!

20220529 | Frankenstein | Cooking "Panang" Curry

May 29, 2022

Jenny and Le came and picked up Emmy to go back to Dallas. Ethan was still here though.

Frankenstein made plans to cook dinner together since we were both off for Memorial Day. We decided to make Panang Curry which might have been a mistake seeing how there’s not many Asian stores around. We went to Kroger to pick up our ingredients and it was a hit and a miss. Coconut cream/milk was EXPENSIVE there but we substituted and did our thing and I will say, although it tasted nothing like Panang Curry it was still delicious.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: American, Asian, Cajun, Chinese, Coffee and Tea, Dessert, Fast Food, Houston, Japanese, Katy, Mexican, Seafood, South American, Steakhouse, Sushi, Texas, Thai

2019 December Big Brother Big Sister Meeting

December 3, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

The Original Alamo Tamales | Houston, Texas

Today was Big Brother Big Sister first meet up and since I was going to be a bit early, I stopped by Alamo Tamales. Prisila had brought these to work when I worked at the old job and they were delicious. I think she bought them from the other location but the original should taste just as great, right? I bought a dozen and some baked goodies before heading over to the school.

P.S. The tamales are on point … as well as the salsas that go with it. Drool.

Big Brothers Big Sisters | 2019 December Meeting | Pizza and Cookies

We were served Dominos pizza and cookies while we chatted with our mentees. I was told she was shy but she opened up pretty easily and conversation flowed pretty nicely.

Big Brothers Big Sisters | 2019 December Meeting | Raffle Winners

We played games and such as well as made commitments to one another. Two hours flew by pretty fast and soon enough they did a raffle drawing and we won. Starbucks gift card for me and a speaker for her.

Big Brothers Big Sisters | 2019 December Meeting | Free YMCA Membership

Upon leaving we recived free YMCA memberships. I’m excited to sign up and go. Since I get every other Friday off, this would be great! It’ll be tough to go since the closest one is over thirty minutes from work but I’ll make it happen, somehow.

Anker's Soundcore Liberty Total-Wireless Earphones

I came home to one of my Cyber Monday deals. I don’t really need it but it was a good deal and won’t hurt to have an upgrade. I cannot wait to set it up and start using it! Perfect timing too since they’re sweat resistant. It’ll go well with my workouts.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Houston, Mexican, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Texas

Recipe | Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

September 23, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Chicken Burrito Bowl

This is my own take on Chipotle’s burrito bowl. My family has had an Instant Pot for a while now but I never took the time to look up recipes or figure out how it works. I finally took a stab at it last week and I am blown away.

Depending on how fast you prep your food before cooking it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 20 minutes and you’re done. And since it is not sitting there cooking for such a long time, the food doesn’t get as mushy nor does it lose its color like it would in a slow cooker.

I enjoyed this meal wrapped in a tortilla or on a chip for lunch. This is the perfect meal prep size as well and I’m excited to try new things in the Instant Pot in the near future. I raved about it so much that one of my coworkers ended up buying one before the week was over.

Chicken Burrito Bowl
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

20 minutes of prep and cook time combined for a quick and simple meal

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Instant Pot
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 inch chunks
  • 1 pkg taco seasoning, 1.25 oz
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can corn kernels, drained, 15 oz
  • 1 can back beans, drained and rinsed, 15 oz
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can chopped green chilies, 4.5 oz
  • 1 cup lomg grain rice
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, optional
Preparations
  1. In a 6 quart instant pot, gently mix together the chicken, taco seasoning and chicken broth.

  2. Stir in the corn, black beans, salsa and green chilies.Stir in the corn, black beans, salsa and green chilies.

  3. Add the rice on top. Do not stir it in.

  4. Select manual setting and set pressure to high and the time for 10 minutes.

  5. When cooking is finished quick release pressure and stir in cheese until melted.

  6. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro if desired.

Notes

Anything can be added in. I wanted more vegetables and had a small white onion and a package of button mushrooms. I diced the onion and sliced the mushrooms and added both to a pan with some butter and garlic. After that cooked down and the instant pot timer went off, I went and added that into the pot.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Instant Pot, Main Dish, Mexican

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 1

August 31, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Chinese, Dallas, Dessert, Fast Food, Ice Cream, Japanese, Mexican, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Plano, Texas

A Day at Home

July 19, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Due to having to take Dad for his CT Scan this morning, I had to work from home. I had to start working at five in the morning to make a five-thirty conference call with India and not having to change and drive into the office for it was gold. It sounds horrible to many but I actually didn’t mind it since I did get a lot of work done before I had to leave for the doctor.

Los Balitos | Katy, Texas | Barbacoa Taco, Lengua Taco, Carne Asada Fries

After the doctor’s we picked up some Los Balitos. Their tacos are still on point but they are getting horrible with the carne asada fries. They used to be my favourite but with the amount of fries they put with the amount of toppings, the ratio is off. Definitely not how it used to be.

Rizzo Waiting by the Window

I worked attended more meetings, worked my hours, then I ordered dinner. Rizzo looked out the window while I looked out the window and it was freaking adorable. I love the little curl in his tail although it is a broken tail.

Kurry Walah | Katy, Texas

I ordered Kurry Walah through Door Dash and it was not a hit. Nothing had the spice factor and therefore the taste was off. Three of the six papad were stale and burnt. Not happy at all. I’ll never come back to this place.

I miss my favourite Indian restaurant. I wish they delivered and was closer. Sigh …

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Indian, Katy, Mexican, Texas

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