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2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver, Colorado | Day 2

November 2, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Tupelo Honey | Denver, Colorado

In the morning we forgo the breakfast plans and picked a Tupelo Honey closer to our hotel. Everything was perfect here. From their brussel sprouts to the shashuka and grits and shrimp and grits. I wouldn’t mind having one of these places back in Houston.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Plants

Since the walk was kind of far we took and Uber to the botanical gardens. There’s not much to see since it is winter but they did have a couple of exhibits that were indoor.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Dio de Las Muertos

They were also celebrating Dio de Las Muertos. They had so many things painted and lots of children activities in tents such as face painting.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Frozen Pond

We skipped all of that and walked around and found a frozen pond. It still surprises me that this happens every year for the people that live here.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado | Japanese Garden Snowy

My favourite part of the whole garden was the Japanese Garden. Everything was snowy here so it was beautiful.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Little Owl Coffee | Denver, Colorado

After the gardens Sissy wanted coffee so we took an Uber to Little Owl Coffee. It was a short distance to our hotel but the only thing I didn’t like was their lack of pastries. We saw pictures online but nothing in person so we opted to just lattes and mochas.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Walking on Snow | Denver, Colorado

We chugged our drinks and trekked on. I love being able to step in snow with my boots. I love the sound and the way it feels. No more after today.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Cooper + Dash Gifts and Gallery | Denver, Colorado

We made a couple stops to find souvenirs and ended up at Dash + Cooper. I love that there is a giant unicorn at the doorway. Emmy would have loved it!

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Milkbox Ice Creamery | Denver, Colorado

As we were walking back to our hotel, we stopped by Union Station to Milkbox for some ice cream. I got a peanut butter type while she got a vegan chocolate type. Both delicious and perfect treat for the cold weather.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Union Station at Night | Denver, Colorado

We showered and lazied about the hotel until close to our dinner reservations. As we walked to the restaurant we got to see Union Station lighted up at night. It was gorgeous.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Panzano | Denver, Colorado

We finally made it to Panzano for dinner. I’ve been looking forward to their brussel sprouts. If you haven’t noticed, that’s usually one of the things I have to order if it’s on the menu. The way this was prepped reminds me of the place I went to in San Antonio since they both use apples and pistachios with their dish. My lamb was also on point and being able to suck out the bone marrow was a huge plus for me.

2019 Mother Daughters Trip | Panzano | Denver, Colorado | Mellie Dee

We walked to another shop for a souvenir before calling it a night. We packed as much as we could and are now in bed. Night, world!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Breakfast and Brunch, Coffee and Tea, Colorado, Denver, Ice Cream, Italian, Sightseeing, Southern

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3

October 7, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

  • 2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Tourist Home Cafe & Bakery | Flagstaff, Arizona | Hash Bowl

Today was a day where we all pretty much spent it together. We drove and had a nice breakfast at Tourist Home Cafe & Bakery near our Airbnb. I ordered the Hash Bowl which was terrific. I’ve never cooked with beets before but I just might after this experience. I need to recreate it!

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona

We then drove to Sedona and started on our hike at Fay Canyon. I was wearing long sleeves everything but I didn’t feel overheated. When I talk about hiking, I talk about this. Simple, pretty flat, rocks with a pretty view. The pictures really don’t do it justice.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona | Arch Way

Everything was dandy until we deviated off the path for a tougher, more steep off the road path so that we could get up to the arches. We had to leave SIL under some shade since it was getting too tough for her. But we did it!

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona | Top of Arch View

The view is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The breeze was so rewarding. Getting pricked by cactus was worth it.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Fay Canyon | Sedona, Arizona | End of Maintained Trail

The way down was hell. I thought I was going to fall a few times but we survived and finished off the trail. I didn’t finish the other hike up since my knee was killing me but we all survived and made it back to the car.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Art of Wine | Sedona, Arizona

We went to The Art of Wine for a sip. I opted out of drinking since I was driving back. I shared a grapefruit fizzy type drink instead and we ordered a couple hummus for the table.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Wildflower Bread Company | Sedona, Arizona

They didn’t have any cheese and meat boards because they apparently ran out so we went to Wildflower Bread Company for some soup and bread.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | View | Sedona, Arizona

We walked back to our car and saw this amazing view. I am still mesmerized that nature made this and am thankful I got to witness it.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 3 | Josephine's | Flagstaff, Arizona

We all drove back to the Airbnb, showered and got ready. We decided to dress up a little for our last night together. We ended up at Josephine’s and it was a great pick. Because we have a bigger party we were seated on the upper floor and We’re able to hear each other talk. Everything tasted fantastic to where we decided to get dessert too. Highly recommended.

Tomorrow we head back to the real world. I’m not ready.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Sightseeing, Wine Bars, Wineries

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 2

October 6, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Part of our group headed off to a day of driving, picture taking, and views while the other half stayed in Flagstaff for a small hike, sports games, museums, and breweries.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | McDonald's

Our group went to McDonald’s for breakfast. It took a while since the guy working the register didn’t know how to add a coupon. In the end we got our food, stuffed our faces and headed out. I was able to get some shut eye during the drive which was nice.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona

We got to Antelope Canyon. We decided to do the Upper Canyon which is longer but with better views. I finally got to ride a bummer! Even though the wind was strong I enjoyed it. They were selling things in the waiting area which was nice. Brudda and SIL didn’t go due to the bumpy rides so they dropped Joanna, Sarah, Timothy and I for the fun.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona | Formations

One of my favourite pictures I took on my camera. My heart is so happy.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona | Shark, Eye, Microsoft Screensaver

We got some pictures that the tour guide pointed out. A shark, an eye and one of Microsoft’s famous screensaver.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Upper Antelope Canyon | Page, Arizona | Waves, Bear, Hearts, Dragon

The other shots are waves, a bear, a heart, and a dragon.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Bird House | Page, Arizona

We got picked up and went to lunch to Bird House. Their fried chicken is actually pretty great. Stick to the spicy and honey butter. Their seasoned fries are some of the best I’ve ever had.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Glenn Canyon Dam | Page, Arizona

We went to Glenn Canyon Dam for a hike but since it cost $30 dollars to park and three hours to hike, we opted out and took middle of the road pictures instead since we were on a time constraint.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Horseshoe Bend | Page, Arizona | Mellie Dee

We made it to Horseshoe Bend and I lived on the wild side and sat on the edge. Everyone kept freaking out but I survived. I wanted feet dangling and got it.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Horseshoe Bend | Page, Arizona

We waited for the sun to set and got this amazing picture. My heart is so happy that I got to view this with my eyes.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Day 2 | Oregano's | Flagstaff, Arizona

We drove back to Flagstaff and Sissy, BIL, and Kiran brought back dinner from Oregano’s. We are all stuffed and now sitting and talking about our days and more.

Night, all!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Arizona, Flagstaff, Italian, Page, Sightseeing

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 1

October 5, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Hi from Arizona! Our 1st annual cousin’s trip has begun. It could be our last depending on how things go but so far so good.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Houston to Phoenix | Pappasitos Steak Breakfast Taco

I spent the night at Sissy and BIL’s so Sarah ended up meeting up at the house. We drove, parked our car and made our way through TSA. We ended up getting a taco from Pappasitos. It was not the very best as it was super greasy and hard to hold. Never again.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Houston to Phoenix | Southwest Mimosa

I got a free drink ticket from Sarah and ordered myself a mimosa. I didn’t know they give you the whole tiny bottle! I started Five Feet Apart and cried the whole time until we landed. Ugly crying with snot and all. I didn’t finish the ending yet but it’s definitely not a plane movie with all the emotions that runs through you.

The Houston folk and Dallas folk had around the same time flights. Timothy on the other hand came from Seattle. But it all worked out that by the time we got our rental cars we were all there at the same time. We stopped at Target to buy snacks and water before heading to lunch.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Matt's Big Breakfast | Phoenix, Arizona

We ended up at Matt’s Big Breakfast. I got to try a bloody Mary, which is not something I’d ever order with all that sodium, and a mimosa flight. I really liked the apricot mimosa. Food wise was the scramble scramble. I ordered a side of bacon just in case it didn’t come out okay. Everything ended up being pretty dang good but if I come here next time I’m good with bacon and potatoes. With an apricot mimosa of course!

2019 Cousin's Trip | Papago Park Hole in the Wall | Phoenix, Arizona

We drove and hiked up Papago Park’s Hole in a Rock. It’s crazy how nature makes such beautiful views. This wasn’t a crazy hike but the kind of hike I like. Short, not hours and hours long, and you get to see such beautiful views.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Driving to Flagstaff

Then began the two and a half hour drive to Flagstaff. I jammed out to music while I drove and we stopped for a pee break and for the other car to change drivers before we finally made it. The views were so beautiful and I was a little sad I couldn’t take pictures since I was driving.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Portabella Jerky

Joanna had loot from her conference so we now have a lot of snacks. One of them is the Portabella Jerky. Surprisingly not bad and BIL, the hater of mushrooms even tried and ate it all. If he could chose, he wouldn’t eat it but he doesn’t hate it which says a lot.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Fat Olives | Flagstaff, Arizona

We chilled around the house watching football and baseball before heading out for dinner at Fat Olives. Guy Fieri came her for Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. We ended up ordering both the things he tried and they were both a lot more amazing than I thought. There were two pieces of deli meat in Sissy’s salad and it was pretty dang good too. I wish I knew what it was so I could get some!

2019 Cousin's Trip | Starry Night from Airbnb

We went back to our Airbnb and looked out at the sky. The temperature feels so nice to where I was freezing. I managed to get a shitty picture of the stars in the sky. I’m hoping I will get better when I actually have more time and with foreground.

Half of us are asleep or getting ready to sleep while the other half is up watching the Astros game. It’s against Kiran’s team, Tampa Bay, so it’s funny to hear them.

Night world!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Arizona, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Flagstaff, Italian, Phoenix, Pizza, Sightseeing

Seafood, Reunions, Theater, & Bar Hopping

September 15, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Yesterday was so busy I didn’t have time to blog! It’s been a long while since that has happened. Overall, it was a great relaxing day. I put down the worries and didn’t care. I went with the flow and everything went very well.

Nail Bar | Katy, Texas | Mimosa, Pedicure, Manicure

I started off getting a manicure and pedicure by myself to relax and enjoyed a mimosa while doing so. In less than half an hour I was out the door. They have great timing and get so many customers because of it.

Footworks with June

I went home and relaxed for half an hour before heading back out the door with June. We went and got reflexology massage at Footworks. $30 per person for an hour. So freaking worth it.

Yummy Crawfish & Seafood | Katy, Texas | The Yummy-nator, Crawfish, Shrimp
The Yummy-Nator [2 pieces snow crabs, 2 pieces blue crabs, 2 lb crawfish, 6 pieces shrimp, 2 pieces corn, 2 pieces potatoes, mushrooms in combo mixer, spicy] | ~$50 • 1 lb crawfish [Cajun, medium spicy] | $6.99 • 1 lb shrimp [yummy house delight, medium spicy] | $12.99

June and I went to Yummy Crawfish and Seafood. We weren’t sure if it’ll be good but since my usual place closed down I’ve been searching for a new one. They have great flavour but not spicy enough. We will definitely come back even though it’s a bit expensive. I love having the snow crabs but didn’t care much about the blue crabs.

June and I believe I might be allergic to crawfish since I never feel well after. Shrimp and snow crabs only might be what I’ll have to end up having if that’s the case. With sporadic crawfish feast … obviously.

Hong Kong Cafe | Houston, Texas | Nancy

I took a nap and talked to London before heading out the door for dinner with Nancy. I haven’t seen her in a couple years since Thuy’s wedding. We shared beef noodles, pork chop bake, and Hong Kong French toast. I was glad she loved it and it warmed my heart that the toast reminds her of her dad. He would be super proud of the woman she’s become.

The Hobby Center | Houston, Texas | A Chorus Line | Nancy

Her boss gave her free tickets to the play, A Chorus Line, since they couldn’t make it anymore. We had no clue what it was about and it ended to being so good. We can’t believe her boss paid $90 for each ticket!

Electric Feel-good | Houston, Texas | Nancy, Carmen, Adam

We got an Uber and meet up with Carmen and Adam at Electric Feelgood. We ordered drinks and took a lot of pictures and boomerangs before heading to other places to check out the scene.

It’s the latest I’ve stayed out for a long while and was happy that I got to go and enjoy a night out in downtown, something I always want to do once in a while.

I finished Love Alarm from Netflix since I wasn’t able to fall asleep until 5am. I ended up sleeping for a good two hours before waking up. Today has been relaxing. Sissy and BIL came over with lunch from Aji Ramen, watched the Texans game and bought thickets to the Astros game. Meal prep took only 20 minutes thanks to the instant pot. I need to look for more recipes!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Asian, Bars and Pubs, Chinese, Houston, Katy, Music, Seafood, Sightseeing, Texas

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