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2017 Illinois & Wisconsin Trip for Sarah’s & Jacky’s Wedding

October 2, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Houston to Chicago | United Ticket

On Wednesday, September 20th, I packed my bags and bid farewell to Rizzo then headed over to Sissy’s with her and Tim. We spent the night and woke up a couple of hours later, Thursday, where I was devastated to find that I forgot to pack my jeans.

Houston to Chicago | Stroopwafel

Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot stand sitting in many public seats without my legs covered up due to the nasty seats. But I prevailed – I put on my athletic shorts and we carried on for our five am flight where they gave out Stroopwafles as a snack.

Ventra Transit Card | Chicago, Illinois

We landed at eight and bought a day’s worth of public transportation.

Trains | Chicago, Illinois

After a fairly long train ride and a short walk later, we checked into our hotels, threw our bags in the room and headed off to breakfast.

Yolk | Chicago, Illinois

After a short walk, we ended up at Yolk.

Yolk | Chicago, Illinois | Countryside Skillet

Countryside Skillet [seasoned potatoes, bacon, ham, sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper, cheddar. Two eggs any style. Side of country sausage gravy. Toast, pancakes, or english muffin.] | $14

They messed up mine and BIL’s order but other than that, it was delicious! Too much food for one person!

Chicago Riverwalk | Chicago, Illinois

We walked across the Chicago Riverwalk towards a Loft nearby just so I can buy a pair of jeans. Thank goodness! Such a beautiful view and look how scary it is that they all park backward in that garage!

The Cloud Gate | Chicago, Illinois | aka The Bean

Then we all headed to Millennium Park where we checked out the famous bean, The Cloud Gate. So many fingerprints were smeared all over that bean and I was sad to find that I couldn’t get a flawless picture because of it and I wasn’t about to wipe it down (shuddering at the thought of all the germs!).

Crown Fountain | Chicago, Illinois

And the Crown Fountain. I’m not too sure what the faces are about but there were so many little kids splashing around which was adorable.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois

After standing around for a while, we decided to hop on a bus to make use of our one-day transportation pass and headed to Navy Pier.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Bubble Machine

Navy Pier is right next to the Children’s Museum and therefore we saw a machine making many bubbles with little kids running through it.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Little Boy and Bubbles

Sissy and Tim played with the bubbles and said that it was super sticky so I can’t even imagine the parents having to clean these babies off!

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Margaritaville

We walked around the pier and due to the heat BIL got a margarita to go at Margaritaville while Tim and I got a cup of water.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Making History Chicago

I stopped into Making History Chicago, a souvenir shop for my usual postcard purchase before we headed outside.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Skyline

Look at that view. I wish I lived somewhere where I can walk and see this. But I probably won’t enjoy it as much if it was at my fingertips, though.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Spiderwebs

As we were walking back to the bus stop, we noticed a lot of spiderwebs all over the beautiful flowers so I just had to get a snap … and also because Scruffy hates spiders and Sissy and BIL thought it’d be funny to send him some love this way.

Navy Pier | Chicago, Illinois | Spiderwebs 2

I need to better my picture taking skills but you can make out that gorgeous spun web.

Goose Island Tap Room | Chicago, Illinois

We hopped on the Nordiac bus and a short walk later, we were at Goose Island Tap Room.

Goose Island Tap Room | Chicago, Illinois | Sofie

Goose Island Sofie | Saison Beer

We sat and chatted for a long while since we were drenched in sweat and dying from the heat.

Goose Island Tap Room | Chicago, Illinois | Hurricane Harvey Support

What a coincidence to see this sign. So much love coming all the way from Chicago.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois

We were recommended to have dinner at Au Cheval and decided it was time to check out the reviews where we found out that the wait was going to be horrific. The boys chugged their beers and we headed there just in time because when we got seated, people started piling in.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | Crispy Fries with Egg

Crispy Fries [mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried farm egg] | $9.95

Sissy’s order. I’ve never had garlic aioli I wasn’t a fan of until now and only because the mornay sauce was the bomb!

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | 32 oz Pork Porterhouse

32 oz pork porterhouse [foie gras and roasted apples] | $38.95

Apparently, the porterhouse (a two to three serving) has limited availability and BIL just had to order it. Tim and I declined to share since we wanted the burger (what they’re known for) but we did hint we wouldn’t mind trying a small piece. Towards the end, BIL shared a bit more than intended. Though it was good, I’m not a big fan of pork (other than the bone area) so not something I’d recommend though BIL and Tim probably will.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | Single Cheeseburger with Bacon and Egg

Single Cheeseburger | $11.95; Add bacon | $3.50, Add egg | $1.00

Tim and I both got the single cheeseburger with added egg. Tim added bacon as well so just picture mine without bacon. It also comes with a pickle. Delicious. Maybe I was super hungry but it could pass as one of the best burgers I’ve had in forever.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | French Fries

French Fries [garlic aioli] | $6.25

I didn’t know Sissy got fries so I ordered the regular and I kept trying to steal some of her mornay sauce. Without that sauce the fries aren’t worth the money.

Walgreens | Chicago, Illinois

We walked to Walgreens for water and little knickknacks we didn’t pack before heading back to the hotel and calling it a night. We slept like babies due to lack of sleep the night before.

Breakfast at the Hotel | Chicago, Illinois

We woke up Friday morning and had breakfast at the hotel.

Card Games at the Hotel | Chicago, Illinois

We played a couple rounds of some card game BIL brought with him (Gordon and Patsy stopped by to say hi since they had just landed) then packed up our bags, checked out, and checked in our bags at the concierge.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Chicago, Illinois

Then headed to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. That was the reason for the card playing.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Chicago, Illinois | The Lou Personal Pizza

The Lou Personal Pizza [spinach mix (enhanced with garlic, basil & onion), mushrooms and sliced Roma tomatoes covered with three cheeses] | $10.25

Sissy being vegetarian got the personal pizza that served one and even then did not finish due to a heavier breakfast. It was good but the crust on the bottom was quite soggy due to all the veggies.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Chicago, Illinois | The Malnati Chicago Classic Large Pizza

The Malnati Chicago Classic Large Pizza [Lou’s lean sausage, some extra cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on Buttercrust] | $26.05

Tim, BIL, and I shared a large and though I am a lover of pan pizza, I will say, with all the ingredients in there, the crust on the bottom was still super crispy.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Chicago, Illinois | The Malnati Chicago Classic Large Pizza Sliced

Look at how the ingredients pile up! And there was still leftovers — the boys tried so hard to shove it down their throats and did not complete the challenge.

Hertz | Chicago, Illinois

We headed back to the hotel, got our luggage, and headed to Hertz to pick up our car.

Chicago, Illinois to Madison, Wisconsin | Car Ride

We started our drive towards Madison, Wisconsin where I worked on updating and memorizing the wedding schedule and took a nap.

Check-In Goodie Bag | Madison, Wisconsin

Soon enough, we were checking into the hotel where we received goodie bags from the bride and groom.

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin

After dropping our luggage off at our rooms we went to The Great Dane, a pub and brewing company.

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Card Game

We ordered beers and snacks while playing Chinese card game.

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Crop Circle Wheat

Crop Circle Wheat [60% wheat malt and imported German yeast and hops – refreshing and somewhat spicy, served unfiltered with a slice of lemon]

I got the sampler tasting cup size so it was only like a dollar something. So worth it since I don’t drink much. I wish more places did it that way!

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Old Glory Cheese Curds

Old Glory Cheese Curds [over one-half pound of American Pale Ale hand-battered Ellsworth Wisconsin cheese curds served with a roasted Hatch green chili crema] | $9.25

It was nothing special. Tasted like fried mozzarella. No squeak, which is what I heard makes cheese curds, cheese curds.

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Poutine

Poutine [fresh hot pub fries and Ellsworth Wisconsin garlic dill cheese curds finished with a rich gravy and minced chives] | $6.75

This was a better option, cheaper too than the cheese curds. We scarfed these down very quickly.

Lake | Madison, Wisconsin | Tree & Water

After, we dropped Tim off at Ichiban Sichuan for the wedding rehearsal dinner – without the rehearsal – and headed to the lake.

Lake | Madison, Wisconsin | Tree, Water, Rocks

We walked around and I was able to capture some shots.

Lake | Madison, Wisconsin | Ducks

I tried to capture the ducks and only got this good picture since seconds after this shot some kids ran up to them telling them to shoo away.

Graze | Madison, Wisconsin

We walked into Graze for dinner but due to a short wait, we took a walk around the capital.

Capital | Madison, Wisconsin

Look how it lights up!

Capital Reflection | Madison, Wisconsin

And how it reflects off the glass building across the street. Graze is located on the right of the building.

Graze | Madison, Wisconsin | Bibimbap

Bibimbap [choice of marinated: ground pork or tofu, crispy rice, sunny-side up egg, sauteed bok choy, market vegetables, spicy gochujang] | $16

Sissy ordered the bibimbap which was way better than I expected since I live in a city with a Chinatown.

Graze | Madison, Wisconsin | Pan Seared Gnocchi

Pan Seared Gnocchi [delicata squash, kale, chevre, honey crisp apples, cider redux, ground cherry brown butter] | $19

Though my gnocchi was to die for, especially the vegetables thrown in there, it was super expensive for the amount of food I got. I forgot that’s how fancy places are.

Walgreens | Madison, Wisconsin

We walked into Walgreens for my usual postcard purchase before we headed back to the hotel where I got ready for tomorrow’s big day while Sissy, BIL, and Tim played more card games.

Breakfast at the Hotel | Madison, Wisconsin

Saturday morning, Sarah and Jacky’s wedding day … but first breakfast at the hotel after a quick stop by Brudda’s and SIL’s room to pick up Emmy to join us.

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Chili Peppers

After breakfast, Emmy, Sissy, Brudda, SIL, BIL, and Peggy all went to Dane County Farmer’s Market. We kept bumping into people and it took us a while to realize that everyone was going in one direction and that it looped around the capital.

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Sunflower & Bee

Brudda and I took so many shots of sunflowers since the bees were buzzing. He has way better shots than mine (he has a better camera too) but it was fun getting to shoot alongside him since these moments are very rare now.

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Flowers

A bunch of various flowers was way cheaper than those we find here in Houston. I am not a lover of flowers but the colors captivated me.

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Tri-Colored Cauliflower

And the tri-color cauliflowers! I wished so bad that we had an extra day and a kitchen so that we could buy ingredients and make a meal!

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Smoothies

Everyone bough mango smoothies to beat the heat except for me. Does anyone else get even thirstier after drinking juices?

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Schroeder Kase

Soon enough we found a cheese curd stand worth stopping for, Schroeder Kase.

Dane County Farmer's Market | Madison, Wisconsin | Schroeder Kase Cheese Curds

I went crazy and bought a few bags and Sissy and BIL bought a couple. So much squeak! Sadly the squeak was gone when we got it home but a few short seconds in the microwave put the squeak back (a bit).

Fromagination | Madison, Wisconsin

One of the places I wanted to visit for cheese shopping was Fromagination so I was ecstatic to find out that it was at the same place as the market!

Fromagination | Madison, Wisconsin | Cheese Case Display

Look at all the cheese! SIL and I were able to try some before we made our purchases. Great customer service here.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Cake Table

We headed back to the hotel where I quickly picked up my things and headed to Olbrich Botanical Gardens with John, Tim, and Jo to set up the reception area. John and Tim got us Chickfila for lunch. Yum!

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Bride & Father of the Bride

After much set back the wedding was on its way. I was able to catch a shot of the bride and father of the bride as they walked down the aisle toward the groom and pastor. Not to toot my own horn but I love this shot and what this shot symbolizes.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Buffet Food

There was a buffet of food and I must say the best wedding food I’ve had ever … and I’ve been to many weddings!

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit

The bride and groom even paid for everyone at the wedding to attend the Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit which the gardens held for the public.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit 2

There were lights hanging off and wrapped around trees and even lighted up sculptures. I love little lights! Sigh … so pretty. My photography skills are still lacking, but I am still going to share the pictures below.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit 3

After cleaning up and making sure everyone has left the location we headed back to the hotel, changed, and packed up. Then it was a long drive back to the Chicago airport.

Chicago to Houston | United Ticket

Our flight was at five am Sunday so we didn’t get any sleep. We knocked out on the plane – I missed snack time! When we landed a little before eight am we stopped by Sissy’s and BIL’s house before heading home and dropping Tim off on the way.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit 4

Once home we all took showers then headed to New Pho Katy with the family and Tim and all head back to our house where we played a few card games before Scruffy and Luna came over.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit 5

We played a round of Camel Up before disbanding and calling it a day. We were all pooped and couldn’t wait to lay in bed and do nothing.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit 6

I accepted when Sarah asked me to be her day of wedding coordinator. I’ve done certain parts of other weddings in the past but to be in control of a whole day was something I never imagined especially coming from my cousin! I can only hope I did a good enough job to where the bride and groom had a swell time. It was a great experience and I had fun doing it!

Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Madison, Wisconsin | Sarah & Jacky Wedding: Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit 7

Sarah and Jacky had their tea ceremony on Saturday, September 30th at her parents’ house and afterward, we all went to Sushi9. Scruffy got to experience how a tea ceremony kind of works and I was so thankful he showed up even though he was not feeling well. Trooper. Now that her wedding is over, who is next? Call me up. I can be your coordinator. hehe

Yolk
340 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654  |  (855) 328-9655  |  Website  |  Yelp
Chicago Riverwalk
400 E Lower Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601  |  Website  |  Yelp
Loft
51 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601  |  (312) 269-0301  |  Website  |  Yelp
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602  |  (312) 742-1168  |  Website  |  Yelp
The Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602  |  (312) 742-1168  |  Website  |  Yelp
Crown Fountain
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602  |  (312) 742-1168  |  Yelp
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611  |  (312) 595-7437  |  Website  |  Yelp
Margaritaville
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611  |  (312) 496-3840  |  Website  |  Yelp
Making History Chicago
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611  |  (312) 645-0062  |  Yelp
Goose Island Tap Room
1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612  |  (800) 466-7363  |  Website  |  Yelp
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607  |  (312) 929-4580  |  Website  |  Yelp
Walgreens
151 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601  |  (312) 863-4249  |  Yelp
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654  |  (312) 828-9800  |  Website  |  Yelp
Hertz
401 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610  |  (312) 372-7600  |  Yelp
The Great Dane
123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703  |  (608) 284-0000  |  Website  |  Yelp
Graze
1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703  |  (608) 251-2700  |  Website  |  Yelp
Walgreens
15 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703  |  (608) 257-3814  |  Yelp
Dane’s County Farmers Market
2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703  |  (608) 455-1999  |  Website  |  Yelp
Fromagination
12 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703  |  (608) 255-2430  |  Website  |  Yelp
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704  |  (608) 246-4550  |  Website  |  Yelp
Pho Katy
811 S Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450  |  (281) 206-7933  |  Website  |  Yelp

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Breweries, Chicago, Houston, Illinois, Japanese, Katy, Madison, Pizza, Sandwiches and Burgers, Sightseeing, Sushi, Texas, Vietnamese, Wisconsin

You Light Up My Life

September 18, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Museum of Fine Arts | Houston, Texas | Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish

This past Saturday, my love surprised me by taking me to the Museum of Fine Arts for Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish exhibit. Watch the video below for a short clip of it I took.

Finally got to see Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Heart is happy. @mfahouston . . . . . #art #pixelforest #worrywillvanish #pipilottirist #mfah #htx #houston #texas #exhibit #instaart #light #fairylights #colorful #happy #happyheart #melliedeephotography

A post shared by Melissa || Mellie (@malohaho) on Sep 16, 2017 at 12:58pm PDT

My heart is so happy. This is what I want one of my rooms to be in my future house but I wouldn’t even know where to hang them. Sigh … so happy.

Pho Binh 59 South | Houston, Texas

He even went to Pho Binh 59 South with me even though he craved a nice, juicy Grub burger. I ordered the vermicelli special bowl that comes with pork, chicken, and shrimp. The pork is hands down the best I’ve ever had anywhere.

Khun Kay Thai Cafe | Houston, Texas

Afterward we met up with Rami and Caitlin Khun Kay Thai Cafe so that Caitlin can grab a bite. We watched her eat while catching up before heading back to their house to play 42 or Texas 42, a domino game.

Moody Ice | Houston, Texas

We headed to the public library for Caitlin to pick up a book that was on hold and went to Moody Ice since it was such a hot day out.

Moody Ice | Houston, Texas | Coconut Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Hawaiian Shaved Ice [coconut syrup, condensed milk, Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, and fresh fruit]

Scruffy and I shared a coconut flavoured one. We were both surprised how much we liked it! YUM!! We played a Russian card game that I cannot remember the name to before heading back to their house where more 42 was played before their friend Sam came over. We all hung out, planned a bro’s shower (baby), and when Sam left, played Trivial Pursuit board game edition.

Houston Art Museum | Houston, Texas | Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish Exhibit

When we got back to Scruffy’s, we ordered UberEats since we hadn’t had a proper dinner meal. Scruffy ate and played Destiny 2 with Blake while I stuffed my face, watched telly and searched for jobs.

Mellie Dee & Rizzo Sleeping

Sunday morning, we picked up Pei Wei to have lunch at Andrew’s house and then Scruffy and I hung out a bit at his own house before I headed home. After a long cuddle session with him I headed over to Sarah’s to go through the run down for her wedding this coming weekend. I’m coordinating her wedding and after four hours of going through everything with her, I think it’ll be perfectly fine. Fingers crossed!

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005  |  (713) 639-7300  |  Website  |  Yelp
Pho Binh 59 South
8336 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074  |  (713) 777-1770  |  Website  |  Yelp
Khun Kay Thai Cafe
1209 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77019  |  (713) 524-9614  |  Yelp
Moody Ice
1919 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008  |  Website  |  Yelp
Pei Wei
16101 Kensington Dr, Sugar Land TX 77479  |  Website  |  Yelp

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Art, Asian, Chinese, Dessert, Houston, Ice Cream, Museums, Sugar Land, Texas, Thai, Vietnamese

July Fourth Weekend

July 5, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

This weekend was pretty chill. Just how I like it! Since, you know, independence and shiet. I do what I want.

Friday, July 1st

Kung Fu Tea | Katy, Texas | Decor

I spent most of my morning/afternoon at Kung Fu Tea. It didn’t realize how long I was sitting there until the owner asked me if I wanted water. Whoops.

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A post shared by Mellie ♡ (@malohaho)

Later that night, Michelle and I finally got to see one another. We met up at La Finca for dinner where we had a rude busboy. Then we headed to Ohh La La Bakery in the same shopping center where I blogged a little while catching up some more with her and playing with Snapchat filters. That went on for a good hour plus.

Mellie Dee | Beyonce

Me with Beyonce’s face

Saturday, July 2nd

Jamie was having a little birthday celebration with her family and invited me along. While we were waiting to leave, something came over me and I grabbed a guitar, looked up some chords, and jammed out. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that and it felt good.

Niko's Niko's | Houston, Texas | Gyro Sandwich, Oven Potatoes, Dessert

We headed to Niko’s Niko’s for a late lunch where I ordered the Gyro Sandwich with oven potatoes. Meh on the potatoes. Scruffy’s fries were so much better. They ordered some desserts as well which was all too sweet for me. I surprisingly liked the Napoleon which is just Phyllo dough with cream.

Crazy Cat Escape Room | Western Saloon Robbery

After lunch, we headed to the Crazy Cat Escape Room for The Western Saloon Robbery. It was our first experience and we were not amused. We were able to escape two minutes before we were to fail. If the lady hadn’t given us clues every few minutes, we wouldn’t have gotten anything. She confessed that no one would be able to put a lot of the stuff together which translates to a poorly thought out escape room.

Scruffy and I have another one this coming Friday but with my family. I’m hoping it’ll be better since we’ll be doing a different room but I don’t have high hopes since it’s from the same company.

Jamie Coupe

Ashy had bought Jamie a Coupe as a surprise but he had to hide it in Rami and Caitlin’s garage until the big reveal. So we all headed over there to “pick up” stuff and when the garage opened – SURPRISE! She started tearing up – I love when surprises go as planned. It was my first time seeing it in person and all that came to mind was that it looks like a bumper car.

Scruffy and I went to the store and got cocktail shrimp and ingredients to make sandwiches and jalapeno dip. We watched random things on the telly then he played video games as I napped before heading home.

Sunday, July 3rd

June, the parents, and I went to Crown Seafood Restaurant for dim sum with Grandma and Kenny. This place apparently opened earlier in the year and was getting a lot of customers. They do not taste like home, but it will have to suffice.

The rest of the day was just blog fixer uppers and watching movies and telly shows. Being lazy never felt so good. I bet Rizzo loved me being home almost the entire day.

Monday, July 4th

Sissy and BIL had just arrived back from their vacation so the parents, June, and I met up with them for some Katy Pho. I’m not a big fan of this place. If you want good pho that’s worth your money, go to Pho Saigon right across the street.

I headed to Scruffy’s for some shopping after lunch. We stopped by Carl’s Jr. so that he could have a bite before heading to Petco and Marshall’s. I finally found a purse (!!) while he found a belt, socks, and a neck cushion to be used on our upcoming vacation.

BBQ Fourth of July | Connie

I had plans to work at the coffee shop after but ended up at Connie’s Fourth of July BBQ. The food was so dang good. I need to get a grill at home so I can do the same! I would grill all day, every day most of my meals if I could.

Scruffy, his Gma, and I went back to his house where he played video games with Blake while I finally sat down to fix up the blog. After Scruffy was done, we went downstairs and watched telly with his Gma while planning more of our vacation. I totally forgot we had to work the next day and on my drive home, I saw all the beautiful fireworks in the sky. It was gorgeous!

I hope you all had a great Fourth as well. Our next holiday is not until September for Labour Day. Thank goodness I have our vacation to look forward to.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Barbecue, Chinese, Dessert, Greek, Houston, Mediterranean, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Texas, Vietnamese

Happy Birthday Brother!

November 24, 2011 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

It was my brother’s birthday yesterday … one of the reasons I went to Dallas.

Dude … look at this car Jenny and I passed on the way to Dallas Tuesday night.

2011-11-22 17.22.51

Can’t read that? I’ll help you out. It says “I <3 Gym”. Jenny asked if he was in shape … I laughed so loud.

My brother’s birthday celebration started at 2:30pm yesterday.

We started out with food in the tummy!

2011-11-23 14.36.21

Doan Restaurant
3530 West Walnut Street
Garland, TX
(972) 494-5213

I didn’t get any pictures of my food but I got the Korean BBQ | $7.50. It was delicious. They remodeled and made it bigger so it has to be good!

Then we went shopping for a good three hours or so. I bought nothing. It felt good to not use money.

We then went for my brother’s birthday dinner at:

2011-11-23 19.50.48

Mr. Wok
2600 14th Street
Plano, TX
(972) 881-1888
www.mr-wok.com

2011-11-23 20.04.04

We started off with the Peking Duck. For this dish, you had to preorder it since it’s high demand and it takes a while to make.

The dude is slicing up the duck right at our table! Smile

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All excited. Ugh … need to start weight loss NOW. Sad smile

2011-11-23 20.07.39

This it what it looks like when it’s done. YUM!

2011-11-23 20.02.032011-11-23 20.17.50

This goes with the duck. It’s Hoisin Sauce and shredded green onions with a type of bread. Mmmm.

2011-11-23 20.19.27

Mmmm … and you make a sandwich out of it!! Delicious! This dish is very popular for big dinners … or at least to me and my family so it was much needed and much deliciousness … Hmm … weird word choices. Winking smile

2011-11-23 20.12.08

They then take the leftovers of the duck back and fry it and mix in some kind of vegetables. Yum. It’s very fattening but so good. Winking smile

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There was also fried rice, asparagus with beef and onions,

2011-11-23 20.09.312011-11-23 20.11.14

curry onions and chicken, and pad thai.

2011-11-23 20.18.00

It was a lot of food …

2011-11-23 20.46.13

and we ate it all!

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We had apple pie with ice cream as a birthday cake. Mmm … yums!

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Then we played a board game my brother got as a gift from a friend. It’s called Quelf. (Qu –elf). Let’s just say, I kept calling it something else the whole night. Whoops!

P.S. I won! Winking smile

It was a fun day and night but we had to cut it short for our roadtrip back home.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Asian, Chinese, Garland, Plano, Texas, Vietnamese

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