Mellie Dee ♥

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

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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.

2020 | Week 29 of Quarantine | Rizzo’s 7th Birthday

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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.

2020 | Week 24 of Quarantine | La Baguette Bakery & Bistro | Urban American Kitchen

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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.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine

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2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Big Brothers Big Sisters Close and Match

My Big Brothers Big Sisters Match closed this week. She had to move and a new school means not being in the program anymore. It’s been a bummer. Although we didn’t have much in common we got along so well.

On Tuesday I had my reinterview and by Wednesday I was rematched. Our coordinator thinks we’re an even better match but we’ll have to wait and see how we pan out. I’m excited and hope this one will last.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee & Rizzo

Work is starting to move to Microsoft Teams which means the use of video might happen more. Top left was my look during a team meeting. My hair is so long. Told Sissy I’m going to see how long I can get it then donate it when I have to go back to the office. I have been trimming the dead ends but I might give in soon and chop it all off.

Rizzo loves sitting in the sun when I let him out during the afternoon. I’m guessing because he practically sleeps all day. His favourite is still snuggles with me. On good days he gets so close like this and warms my heart.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Chikfila, McDonald's, Pizza Hut

We’ve ordered out a few times. Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s (twice cuz we fatties), and Pizza Hut.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Home Cooking

I did do a lot of homecooking though. Working from home has big perks. Stuffed salmon and veggies is still my number one dish. Just wish I had some pilaf to complete it.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Babin's | JJ

Since I was off Friday I went and picked up Babin’s Seafood for Houston Restaurant Week and headed over to Mallory’s. Beth came over as well. Their etouffee was so bomb. Their gumbo needs some help though. It tasted like muddy water with shrimp. There was no veggies like other gumbo’s I’ve had. Definitely not worth it.

JJ was busy the whole time I was there which means he’s growing up! Mallory have me some spiked iccees and test tube shots. The test tube is DELICIOUS! Super sweet but still good. We looked at houses online for me and joked after a few more test tubes, I’d be signing on the dotted line.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | June's Birthday | Zoe's Kitchen

Saturday night, we celebrated June’s birthday early. Sissy and BIL came over with Zoe’s Kitchen. They ate at the kitchen table and we are in the living room. I opted to make myself a steak, veggies and mashed potatoes since I had to donate blood the next day. I did try their lentil soup, falafel and hummus though and all is ever as tasty.

We played Houseparty Uno and Drawing games before video calling Brudda to sing, cut the cake, and open presents.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Daily Walks

Walks are still going strong! My step goals keep going up and it’s getting harder to meet the goal during the week day but I push on. We see so many sunrise and sunsets these past few weeks that I’ve decided sunsets are my favourite.

Rizzo has always been great off the leash. We’ve been training Rocky to be off leash and he’s doing well. The main reason is because no one and nothing is around else he’d probably haul ass to whatever he sees.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Blood Donation MD Anderson

Today after our one hour walk, shower and a quick breakfast, I was off to donate blood. I was very worried I wouldn’t pass the temperature test since I usually run hot but all was well. I was in and out in about an hour. I got jipped. Mallory and her family all got tshirts for donating but I didn’t. It is a dang good shirt too! I guess I went too early and they didn’t have them ready. I’m still bummed but I’ve had bad luck for a while so nothing new.

This week is the last week for some folks at work. Not sure how it’ll go after they’re gone and new people start but I’m ready to take on the change!

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | The Oaks Kitchen & Bar | Katy, Texas

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2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee Eye Masks During Meetings

Life currently is face and eye masks during meetings since no one can see me. Sadly we’re moving from Skype to Teams and apparently people tend to turn their cameras on. That means I actually have to look presentable if that happens.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Los Cucos with Eric

On Friday, after work, I met up with Eric at Los Cucos. Ever since June and I went and sneakily ate dim sum at the restaurant, I’ve been a little more okay with it BUT as long as the ones near me are safe.

We had margaritas and fajitas. I ate all the onions and a piece of meat since he doesn’t like onions so it was a win. Plus I already had dinner plans so ordering a whole meal would have been ridiculous.

We said our goodbyes and I stopped by Mallory’s and caught up with Linda and Gary for a bit, met Oliver, Mallory’s nephew, for the first time, and spun JJ around a few times.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | The Oaks Kitchen & Bar | Katy, Texas | Mallory and Mackenzie

Mallory, Mackenzie, and I went to The Oaks Kitchen & Bar for Beth’s Baby Shower planning. There was more eating than planning which I didn’t mind since the food was delicious. I’m sure Mackenzie was not a fan of my picture taking but after Mallory made a statement about it I tried to do me without the worry. The shrimp and grits were a little funky with the sauce but their pork belly was on point, as well as their ceviche and crab wraps.

The only thing I didn’t like about this place is that they don’t follow the rules on the whole 6 ft apart and wearing masks. The servers have the masks on but it was not correctly on their face so it made me a bit nervous but I tried to shake it off. Safe to say I’ll be more careful going to places now.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Spicy Noodle Soup and Dim Sum Yums from 99 Ranch

I’m a pro at making a spicy soup! Not Kimchi soup but equally delicious and much spicier! It’s become my simple meal and sometimes I opt out of the noodles all together.

When we went and got groceries on Saturday, we bought congee, Chinese breadsticks, pig ears, seasme balls, har gow and meat as a nice snack/meal after we got home. It was nice getting some real Asian food in even though it wasn’t a lot. I never thought I’d miss Chinatown foods as much as I do.

I also did a video chat with Beth to talk about the book we both read, Confess by Colleen Hoover. It’s a pretty good book but lacks a lot of details. We’re on our second book in our mini book club. I’m almost done but stopped since Beth won’t finish anytime soon. It’s nice having someone to talk books with since I’ve never done it before. Plus, she chooses pretty good books.

2020 | Week 22 of Quarantine | Rizzo Morning and Night Walks

With all the eats come all the walks. Daily walks are still going strong and I am trying to beat my step goal that’s automatically calculated for me. That’s going well too but I wonder if it’ll just keep going up to where I can’t handle it or have enough time to do it every day.

June loves sunrise walks and I’m a lover for the sunset ones. I did force her to go with me Friday at 5:30 am since I knew I wasn’t able to get any walks in that night. I want to do more early-early walks but my family is afraid I’d get kidnap or whatever since it’s so dark out. Maybe I can sneak out and get it done. Hmm …

Houston Restaurant Week is half over! I still need to find my place to take Mum. We talked about ordering to go and eating it in the car so we can still have our one-on-one tradition. I’m also trying to get Mallory to pick something since we’ve always done one every year. We’ll see.