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2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Day 3 (Apurva & Ramnath Wedding)

April 6, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Hotel Breakfast

The day started out with getting ready with Babs and Tashika and grabbing a quick bite of hotel breakfast. Their sausage hash was pretty decent but the eggs tasted like throw up.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Garland

We got to the banquet hall and I’m happy with how the garland came out!

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Flower Hair

We were given flowers to put in our hair. The flowers remind me of Ashy as he always grew them in his backyard. I cannot believe someone sat and tied each one together! They are so pretty and now I want a garland of them.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Wedding

Their wedding started at seven in the morning for prayers. We showed up at around nine and was able to still see them get married.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Snack

They served hors d’oeuvres since Indian weddings are so long.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding

I love this picture. They’re throwing rice on one another. I’m not too certain the meaning but I’m sure it has to be blessings.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Lunch

Soon enough lunch was served. I was super excited to see papadum. Does anyone know where I can get already made in Houston? Everything was delicious and I wished I was still hungry for more.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Married

I was able to snag a quick picture with the bride and groom. I can’t believe this girl I met almost nine years ago is finally married!

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Apurva Makeup

Babs, Tashika and I went back to our rooms for a nap. I woke up due to Yaswant knocking on the door for the centerpieces. I went and hung out with Apurva a bit while she got her makeup done.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Mellie Dee

Her mum helped me put my sari on and I went and put on my jewelry and makeup. Not going to lie, I was feeling myself. My friend told me my pupils look dilated in the picture but I’m pretty sure it’s just the lighting. And my family members said I could pass as Indian … Yeah I don’t know why either.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Apurva Glamour

We got to the venue while Apurva and Ram were taking pictures. We went and added some fresh flowers on their wedding cake before going off to get our drinks.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Mellie Dee, Babs, Tashika

They had a very cute photo booth area and I’m glad I got to take a picture with these two girls. They have been a gem in letting me join them in getting ready and riding together.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Food

The food was freaking off the chain! I’m thankful Scruffy showed me the way back to Indian food and made me fall in love with it. If he didn’t, I don’t know how I would have survived since it’s been Indian food every single meal since I’ve arrived. I have made up all the years I’ve stopped because of that one time fluke I had back in middle school.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva & Ramnath Wedding | Mellie Dee & Apurva

The beautiful bride and I. Everything was gorgeous. All the food was delicious. And the Ram definitely brought the moves.

Congratulations to you both! Cannot wait to visit y’all in Miami!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Weddings

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Day 2

April 5, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Aloo Tikki Chatt Breakfast

Breakfast of champions consisted of the same thing as last night’s dinner except I ate it with a store bought and a homemade roti. Yum!

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva's Basement

I finally went down to my first basement! It was quite scary down there since it’s not fully furnished and the French doors to the outside of the woods was a little creepy.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Ginger Wellness Shot

Apurva, Yaswant, Babs and I took a ginger tumeric and honey wellness shot just to boost our immune system. I’m quite impressed.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Garland Making

I spent a few hours making a garland for her welcome sign. I do not care to get flowers, though I guess I wouldn’t mind it once in a blue moon, but here I am spending so much time making flowery things for her wedding. I’m glad things turned out okay.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Lunch

Lunch consisted of the same thing but with rice. They had other stuff but I am just so in love with this dish. And I especially loved that they had papadum.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Apurva and Ram Banquet Hall

We drove to the hotel, dropped our stuff off, then went to check out the banquet hall to ensure everything turned out okay.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Meet and Greet

We went back to the hotel and went to the family meet and greet and got food. The little red shaped thing is Indo-Chinese cauliflower or faux meat as others say.

Yaswant, Tashika and I went to go pick up Babs from the nail salon and then stopped by Whole Foods for some roses and water.

We are currently waiting for the henna artist to come so that we can get our henna on. I’ll probably wait a few hours and then go to bed since it’s been a busy few days.

I cannot believe she’s getting married tomorrow! Eeek!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Weddings

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Day 1

April 4, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Houston to Philadelphia

My first real trip by myself flying solo. Quite excited and filled with anxiety.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Pappa's Burgers

Since I was there early I decided to treat myself to a sit down breakfast at Pappa’s Burgers. Their potatoes were meh but the tacos we’re on point!

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Philadelphia Arrival

Three hours and a half hours later I made it! Apurva was lovely in picking me up and we were able to have one on one time to catch up before the craziness began.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Spicy Chick-fil-A Chicken Strips

We stopped by Chick-fil-A to try their spicy chicken strips that Houston doesn’t have and it was devine. Chick-fil-A, please make sure Houston serves this!

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Flower Arrangement

We went to a few different flower shops and I spent four hours putting together flowers for her centerpieces. I’m pretty proud of myself and happy how some of them came out!

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Mehendi Henna Party

Tonight is the Mehendi party and Apurva got Avengers in her henna. Too cute since that’s how Ram knew to take a chance on her. She’s been sitting here for six hours to get everything done. How crazy! I’ll be getting mine done tomorrow. Eep excited. Mine will be simpler though.

2019 Pennsylvania Trip | Mehendi Henna Party Food

I finally got to meet Babs and we enjoyed delicious foods in our bellies. My favourite is the Aloo Tikki Chatt which is hashbrown with chickpeas and some sauce. Yum!

Apurva’s henna has to dry which takes a few hours so we might do some girl time with Babs or hang out with her brother. Watch telly, play Switch or something. Liliana time soon too. Eep!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Mehendi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Weddings

Thuy’s & Vu’s Wedding

March 1, 2017 by Mellie Dee 1 Comment

New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant | Austin, Texas | Thuy’s & Vu’s Wedding | Reception Picture | Table 29

L to R: Scruffy, Me, Amy, Andy, Vu, Thuy, Patricia, Rachel, Maria, Ryan

Last weekend, Scruffy and I drove up to Austin to witness Thuy and Vu tie the knot. It was one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to and it was all planned out by the newlyweds. Props. I cannot wait to see what their future holds. I’m hoping twins since it’s in his genes. hehe It was such a lovely, fun weekend, albeit I was super grouchy and tired.

Hope Outdoor Gallery | Austin, Texas | Graffiti Wall

Hope Outdoor Gallery
1101 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703
Yelp

On Friday, February 24th, Scruffy and I woke up and bolted out the door. We made stops to Randall’s, McDonald’s, and Walgreens before making our way to the well known graffiti wall. I see so many people take pictures here and even have friends that tag so it’s been on my list of to-do’s.

Hope Outdoor Gallery | Austin, Texas | Artist Spray Paints Graffiti Wall

It was super sunny and the artist was drenched with sweat but he continued on. Dedication right there. I wish I got to see his finish product though and also wished we brought spray paint so we could leave our mark as well.

Hope Outdoor Gallery | Austin, Texas | Scruffy at Graffiti Wall

There was a lot of climbing on slanted, rocky ground and since I forgot to change into my trainers before we started, I only climbed up as much as I could – dang flip flops. Scruffy ventured out a little more and I was able to get some cool shots of him. After he had enough sweating we headed to lunch.

Michi Ramen | Austin, Texas | Sapporo Ramen, Michi Ramen, Green Tea Mochi, Pistachio Mochi

Michi [chashu slices, roasted nori, mayu oil, woodear mushrooms, green onions] | $9.72 ~ Sapporo [chashu slices, bean sprouts, corn/butter, woodear mushrooms, green onions] | $10.75 ~ Green Tea Mochi and Pistachio Mochi | 2 for $3 ~ Add Ons: Ajitama [marinated soft-boiled egg] | $1 ~ Spicy Homemade Chili Oil | $0.50 ~ Mayu Blackened Garlic Oil | $0.50

Michi Ramen
6519 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
(512) 386-1908 | Website

Scruffy’s classic Michi Ramen had the perfect flavour while my Sapporo Ramen was a little salty probably due to adding the garlic oil which he opted out of adding. It was also a downer that they didn’t have bean sprouts but only a mixture of veggies. We went right around opening time so to not have something that you know is a staple is unacceptable.

For the mochis: Pistachio just doesn’t do well but the green tea was on point. Other than that the mochis weren’t anything to rave about.

There’s nothing much to say about this place. I thought it’d be the bomb dot com but walked out unsatisfied.

Oskar Blues Brewery | Austin, Texas

Oskar Blues Brewery
10420 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 243-7054 | Website

We decided to check into our hotel so that we can put our bags down before heading to a brewery. The traffic was starting so we found this one close by and it was not a let down.

Oskar Blues Brewery | Austin, Texas | Canon, Sunglasses, Beer

I loved a select few and he liked practically all of them. The glass in the picture is a smaller glass for $3 which is great if you don’t drink much or want to try more. After a few more beers, Scruffy agreed to use the photo booth they had with me which made my day.

Rock Rose | Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub | Austin, Texas | Irish Car Bombs

We bid farewell and headed towards Rock Rose Domain area. I dragged him into Paper Source, Francesca’s, Sephora and various other shops bumping into two of the bridesmaids.

Jack and Ginger’s Irish Pub
11500B Rock Rose, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 350-3738 | Website

We came in for a Irish Car Bomb and decided to get the wings as well. They were both equally delicious. I didn’t remember to take a picture of the wings but …

Rock Rose | Jack & Ginger’s Irish Pub | Austin, Texas | Scruffy

… I was able to snap a picture of this cutie. He’s probably going to hate this picture but I love his little smirk.

Adelbert's Brewery | Austin, Texas | Travelin' Man Glasses

Adelbert’s Brewery
2314 Rutland Dr #100, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 662-1462 | Website

We headed to our last brewery, the one he’s been wanting to revisit again. We paid for the special they have that comes with 6 beers, a tour and glass per person. Naked Nun is still my favourite. Mmm …

Adelbert's Brewery | Austin, Texas | Kitty Cats

The two kitties stole the show though. They just adopted them for mice catching purposes but I’m sure the one on the right is planning a getaway.

FryDeez Food Truck | Austin, Texas | Kardiac Arrest Eggroll

Kardiac Arrest Eggroll [steak fajita, bacon, chipotle pork combined with a blend of four cheeses with sweet potato chips] | Large $10

FryDeez
(512) 655-3907 | Yelp

They always have food trucks on site and we were lucky enough to try their giant eggroll. We didn’t know how hungry we were until we scarfed down our food in minutes. Sweet potato chips are 100% better than regular kettle chips places usually serve. All restaurants, take notice.

Rock Rose | Taverna | Austin, Texas | Fritto Misto

Fritto Misto [calamari, shrimp, shallots, zucchini, and carrots, with spicy tomato aioli] | $13.95

Taverna
3120 Palm Way #160, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 356-9384 | Yelp

We had a swift stop at the hotel before heading out to meet with Trisha and her friend, Christy. We ended up back at Rock Rose Domain where Trisha ate dinner and the rest of us drank. Scruffy and I shared the platter of fried goodness but stopped munching on it due to the super oily residue it kept leaving in our mouths and fingers.

After hours and hours of catching up, Trisha gave us some goodies and we bid farewell. Back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

Marriot Hotel | Complimentary Breakfast

On Saturday, February 25th, Scruffy and I sleepily made our way downstairs for our complimentary breakfasts. We bumped into Amy and caught up with her while we waited for our food. As we all made our way back to our rooms, we realized Amy was rooming right across from us! #winning Scruffy and I enjoyed our breakfast with a side of Lost. Those are hands down some of the best potatoes we’ve had.

Twin Liquors | Austin, Texas

We decided to pick up some liquor and drinks to pregame with.

In-N-Out Burger - Austin, Texas | #2 Meal Cheeseburger, French Fries, Medium Drink

#2 Meal [cheeseburger, french fries, medium drink]

In-N-Out Burger
12431 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78753
(800) 786-1000 | Website

And decided to pick up lunch to take back to the hotel so we could watch telly while eating. In-N-Out in Texas is a great big fail. It might be the best over in California but here, it’s always been a miss. The fries were so stale that Scruffy punctured his gums and started bleeding.

Marriot Hotel | Austin, Texas | Thuy's & Vu's Wedding | Patricia, Amy, Mellie Dee, Scruffy, Andy

L to R: Patricia, Amy, Me, Scruffy, Andy

I was so busy pregaming that when I went over to Amy’s room to hang out, I realize everyone else was almost done getting ready. We met up at the hotel lobby for a quick picture and to carpool to the festivities.

Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church | Austin, Texas | Thuy's & Vu's Wedding

Thuy & Vu tie the knot!

We waited patiently for the ceremony to start during which I noticed many familiar faces. After an hour later, the two were officially married. Look at them smiles! And her dress is to DIE for. Sigh …

HEB | Austin, Texas | Thuy’s & Vu’s Wedding | Amy & Patricia Snapchat

Amy & Patricia

There was a two hour gap until the reception so we all headed to HEB for snacks and drinks, headed back to the hotel where we gathered in the lobby. After awhile, I started falling asleep and Scruffy and I went upstairs for a nap.

New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant | Austin, Texas | Thuy’s & Vu’s Wedding | Reception Dinner

Crab Meat Fish Maw Soup, Scallop Fried Rice, Phoenix Tail Shrimp and Walnut Shrimp, Crispy Honey Chicken, Abalone with Black Mushrooms and Snow Pea Leaves, Wedding Cake, Seasonal Fruit, Black Pepper Steak Cubes, Steam Lobster Tail

New Fortune
10901 N Lamar Blvd #501, Austin, TX 78753
(512) 832-9992 | Yelp

The reception was off the hook. Vu’s dad was the best performer ever, singing and dancing! I see where Vu gets it from now. And the food was on point and perfectly catered to the different ethnicity present. I think the least favourite was the chicken. Cold chicken seems to put non-Asians off.

New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant | Austin, Texas | Thuy's & Vu's Wedding | Mellie Dee

Vu & Thuy! — and Me

Just a picture to show the different garbs they changed into.

New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant | Austin, Texas | Thuy's & Vu's Wedding | Amy, Mellie Dee, Patricia, Andy

Amy, Me, Patricia, Andy, Me!

And of course, it would not be complete without these signature pose pictures.

Punch Bowl Social | Austin, Texas

Punch Bowl Social
11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758
(512) 368-9070 | Website

When the lights turned on around eleven, it was time to head out. We stopped by at the hotel then headed to the after party. People slowly trickled in and we were able to talk to everyone who was to busy to before due to their wedding duties.

Whataburger | Austin, Texas

After a while the majority was crashing. We stopped by Whataburger before going back to the hotel.

On Sunday, February 26th, Scruffy and I overslept and missed the breakfast. I ate my leftover Whataburger, packed the rest of our stuff, and headed downstairs to bid Amy and Patricia goodbye while Andy was showering.

Bombay Grill | Richmond, Texas | Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Roganjosh, Garlic Naan, Saffaron Rice, Raita

Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Roganjosh, Garlic Naan, Raita, Saffaron Rice

Bombay Grill
1852 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406
(832) 595-9400 | Website

We’ve both had Indian food the past couple of weekends but we were still craving it and had decided before the trip began we would come back for lunch. We ordered our usual and scarfed it down before heading back to his place for an episode of Lost. Then it was home for dinner with the family since Sissy and BIL were coming over.

New Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant | Punch Bowl Social | Austin, Texas | Thuy's & Vu's Wedding | Scruffy & Mellie Dee

Scruffy & Me

Especially thankful for this kid right here for hanging out with me and my friends, getting me dranks because my ass was too lazy to do so, taking various silly photo booth pictures, and still sticking around even though I was constantly grouchy. Yous a trooper!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Art, Austin, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Breweries, Chinese, Fast Food, Food Truck, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Sandwiches and Burgers, Sightseeing, Texas, Weddings

Tim & Tara’s Wedding

April 30, 2015 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

This weekend was pretty much a mess – stressful, ugly mess. I understand that plans change, but for those that want to join in on plans that have been made should go with the flow. But overall, having certain people around made it not so bad.

PicMonkey Collage (1) (1)

Halcyon Coffee Bar
218 W 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-9637
http://halcyoncoffeebar.com/location/austin

Thai Iced Coffee | $4.40

Jalapeno Mac-n-Cheese | pepperjack, cheddar and a touch of jalapeno topped with breadcrumbs | $6.00

Turkey Brie | oven roasted turkey, mushroom pesto and melted brie on toasted ciabatta with a side salad | $8.50

Chicken Pesto | grilled chicken, basil pesto, sundried tomato and melted provolone on toasted ciabatta with a side salad | $8.00

One of the best little places I’ve been. It was super busy and I could see why. he food was delectable. Apurva and I shared all the food and it was too much. I couldn’t finish it. I would definitely come back again to try all the other things they have to offer.

20150424_223137 (1)

Julia and her boyfriend, Rich, met us at Halcyon where I spent the whole night just catching up with Julia. It’s been 2 years since I’ve seen her. Although I felt horrible for not talking to the others, I figured we had the whole rest of the weekend so I wasn’t worried. Not pictured: Marisol.

We did bar hopping. Wherever the others wanted to go, Julia and Rich would take us. The best and nicest people you could ever meet.

Then we went to 6th street. Partying is never my scene and after a while Apurva, Patricia and I decided to head back to the hotel so we could shower and not have a freaking long line. Liliana, Marisol, and Gary stayed partying.

PicMonkey Collage (2) (1)

Café Java
11900 Metric Blvd
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 339-7677
http://cafejava.info

Although the plans we thought we were going to have the night before didn’t happen, today didn’t happen either but Apurva and I made the best of it.

Ironman Omelet | spinach, bacon, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese with hashbrowns and toast | $7.99

Café Java was so freaking amazingly good. I understand breakfast food is pretty much the same everywhere but their hashbrowns got me. I could eat a whole entire plate forever. I subbed their bacon with sausage which was not dry or gritty. It was just right. Oh em gee. Best omelet. Seriously, go here if you are ever in Austin and want breakfast.

PicMonkey Collage (3)

Our plan was to climb Mount Bonnell to see the sunset but that didn’t happen. Apurva and I decided to climb it anyway even though it felt like 5 bajillion degrees out. When we got to the top which seriously isn’t much to climb (only a few flight of stairs), you could feel the breeze and the view was too perfect.

IMG_20150426_200615 (1)

Tim & Tara tied the knot! She was gorgeous. Freaking gorgeous. Her dress is one of the best ones I’ve ever seen. She looked fantastic!! I can tell she put a lot of work to get that body! So proud of her and so happy for them both.

I met Tara summer of 2008 through another friend and we kept in touch once in a blue moon. Tim was in FTK with me and the picture below is a picture of the dysfunctional FTK family.

I had a lot of fun at the wedding. And it was great catching up with everyone. I get to see them again tonight for a last hurrah since our advisors from FTK are retiring/quitting. Sad but excited because time with these people makes my heart happy.

Short and sweet. Happy almost Friday!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries Tagged With: Austin, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Coffee and Tea, Texas, Weddings

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