Sunday Social: Summer

image from tripdeal

Best Summer memory as a kid? One of my memories is parasailing in Thailand. As young as I can remember, my Dad has always worked overseas. I don't mean making business trips... he sacrificed family life to work and live overseas so the only time we ever got to see him was during summer vacations. One year, my Dad took us to Thailand. I forgot where we went, but he took us parasailing. The daredevil in my brother thought it was exhilarating, while my Mom and I watched in horror. Seriously... we were bawling in fear. My Dad was so pissed because he's all about trying things at least once in life. Since I was older, I had to go by myself and it was sooooo terrifying, but in the end, I'm really glad I did it! It was definitely a very memorable event in my life.


image via tripadvisor

Favorite summer drink? Since I'm one of those weirdos who don't drink alcohol of any type, my favorite summer drink is anything slushy. Even though they are packed to the max and more with sugar. I actually don't drink them, but once in a blue moon, I would go get a Cream Slush from Sonics. Preferrably with their non-melting "whip cream".

Favorite Summer TV show? I don't even know what shows come out during Summer time!

Best outdoor summer activity? I personally do not like summer. I do not like to burn to death or sweat profusely, but I do like just grilling, being out and about and getting a tan.

Summer vacation essentials? Bug spray!! And of course sun screen.

If you want to participate, follow Neely and Ashley.

Sunday Social

Oh man... I haven't posted in a week! My baaaad. I also don't have any posts scheduled either *cries* I have been having lady issues and haven't cooked anything new this week. On top of that, Saturday afternoon, I woke up fine, but then my eyes felt weird, I had a massive headache so I took a nap. Got Starbucks and everything went downhill from there. I totally ralphed everywhereeee. I mean, through the nose and everything. You know, we haven't had kids yet, but I honestly can't imagine women who go through morning sickness all the time. I ralphed once and that took a huge toll on me and I went and laid down for a nap. *applaud* to you ladies!

I haven't participated in a Sunday Social since the end of last year, but I'm back today :) If you want to participate, follow Neely and Ashley.

1. What is your favorite kind of surprise? I haven't really been surprised that much in my lifetime. I'm actually a really good guesser... Both times my husband proposed, I already guessed it. Wait, I do have a story. My husband came home in February for R&R and because it was our 9th year wedding anniversary. Usually I pester him about getting me flowers and stuff. So, I remember going to Costco and I bought myself flowers because if he didn't, I'll just fake it like he did haha But, I came home from Costco and he rushed inside the garage and surprised me with 2 bouquets of flowers! Which totally caught me off guard. Oh waiiit.. the question my favorite kind of surprise. My answer is, if you CAN surprise me :)


image from No Knows Weddings

2. Flowers or Chocolate? I like chocolate, but I can only consume so much especially when I'm a diabetic, but I am a huge sucker for flowers. Especially peonies and my new found love for ranunculus.

3. What is your favorite summertime activity? Air Conditioner blasted and snuggling up in the blanket. I don't like summer. I don't like the heat. I don't like being in the sun a lot. I hate sweating. Wow, I got some serious issues haha I think my favorite summer activity, is just hanging out with dogs and husband... which is pretty much all year round anyways.


image from Red Bubble

4. Do you have any vacations planned this Summer? Well, considering my husband will still be deployed (we're almooooost there) this summer, so nope. But, I am actually heading back to Cali next month for my best friend's wedding. When the hubby gets back, we do plan to take a mini vacation which I am so excited about!

5. Favorite Summer Holiday? How many summer holidays are there?! I only know 4th of July. Aside from that, I would say our birthdays. His falls in late July and mine is early September.

6. Dream Vacation? I've always said Paris, but I don't know if they hubby is the Paris type of guy. After reading Michelle's blog, I really want to go back to Asia with the hubby. Hell, just going some where in the US is okay with me.

Sunday Social: My Fave 3's

I can't believe it's already been a week since my last Sunday Social and another week with no new posts! I do have a couple drafts I have been meaning to finish up..... hopefully this week will be a better blog week.



Top 3 Favorite Kinds of Food Asian... Vietnamese, Chinese/Taiwanese (authentic only), Japanese, Korean, Thai nomnomnoms. I'm also a sucker for cake and steak, but not together.

First 3 Things you do in the morning Check email, Weather app and My games... all the while holding in my pee!

Last 3 Things you do at night Shower, watch my shows and things on Youtube/Netflix etc and have Maggie lick my feet :)

3 TV shows you NEVER miss Revenge, Hart of Dixie and American Horror Story

3 Places you want to visit Korea, Europe and probably go back to Taiwan.

3 People you can always count on I have learned that people kinda suck. Aside from my mom, I would say Jenny and sometimes my hubby when he's not too busy playing video games.

Sunday Social: Reintroduce Myself

1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging? My blog is Green House on Top of the Hill and I have been blogging under this name since April 2012. I started blogging around '99 when asianavenue was extremely popular, moved on to Xanga than got hosted a couple times than to LiveJournal.

2. Why do you blog? I started blogging publically to document my personal foodie journey in the kitchen. I obviously don't blog every day or even twice a week... sometimes I don't even bother to cook.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed? In my whole blog life? No clue. I think the first food blog I discovered was probably Ree and Peabody.

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2012? The granola bars I made.

5. What are your blogging goals for 2013? Definitely blog more!

6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow? Simply Evani, Little Inspiration, Mish Lovin Life, Table for Two

Sunday Social: Hello 2013

image via decisivemagazine

1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year? Of course! I want to eat more dark leafy greens and whole grains. I also just bought my first juicer so I'm excited to start juicing and incorporating that into my diet.

2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays? I am definitely NOT the person to tell you any tips, but I welcome the tips :)

3. Favorite thing you did over the Holidays? To be honest, I think putting up my Christmas tree (which went up a week before Halloween) and having our first snow was my favorite. I was also grateful to have my FIL come over on Christmas Eve since he was in town for work.

4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2013 that you did not in 2012? Get a job! Since Hubby will still be gone, but next holidays he'll finally be home so back to TTC! Fix up the house.

5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why 1) R&R is coming extremely soon (eek!) and our 9th wedding anniversary is in February. 2) My best friend is getting married this summer! 3) Lastly, my husband will be home!

Sunday Social: New Years

1. Favorite New Years eve you’ve had before I've only had 2 memorable NYE and the first one was back in 2007... jello shots and lots of booze with friends, a camo print thong and secrets spilled. Now, I don't drink. I mean...EVER. I had maybe 2 jello shots early in the game and I was already in lala world and that's when the thong came out to play. My second NYE was in 2008 when we were living in Florida for EOD school and I remember we went down to the harbor where they were doing a texas hold 'em night and I was kicking serious ass! I did so amazing and N did so amazing we definitely racked up a lot of tickets and ended up winning a TV!!

2. Are you doing anything for NYE this year and if so what? This year? Absolutely nothing! I'll probably facetime my husband, but NYE will be long over for him.

3. Name a book we should all read come January? Truthfully, I haven't read a book in MONTHS! How about you recommend me one istead :)

4. What are your new years resolutions? Get my health back on track and try to make my body Baby ready... eliminate the bad and intake the good. Get a job or find a job selling things... cookies on Etsy??? Not too sure where to even start with that one. Exercise more. R&R is right around the corner so, try to look hot? Puahahaha

Sunday Social: Favorites

image via food fashionista

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I have more than one favorite go to flavor. I really love phish food, cherry garcia, anything with caramel, mint chocolate chip and neopolitan. Coffee and Green Tea is also a fave.

What is your favorite smell? For perfume, I really like clean, sweet floral scents. I have found a lot of holiday candle scents this year which normally I wouldn't of liked. Merry Cookie, Cider Lane (smells just like caramel apples) and Cafe Au Lait. There's many more scents I've tried from Bath & Body Works which I am loving, but I won't list. Another scent is Birthday Cake which I picked up from TJ Maxx. I personally do not like cake batter scents or doughy scents, but this year I am loviiiiiing it!



What is your favorite TV commercial? (Past or Present) I can't find the original commercial, but I remember hearing this song from it. Even though this isn't the time of music genre I usually listen to, I love it! Another favorite I think is the Fanta soda song with the girls dressed up as fruits. Wanna Fanta?! Ooooh another one I find funny is the contact lense commercial. Where the lady is like "Look with your special eyes." It reminds me of my hubby who has incredibly awesome eyesight and he says he has eyes like a hawk. After typing it out, I think I'm the only weirdo who would find it funny. Another funny one is the Lay's commercial with the lady eating it and practically having an orgasm over it LOL

What is your favorite day of the week? Wednesday. It's the middle of the week and the weekend is close by :)

What is your favorite way to waste time? Go on the internet and look at stuff, play facebook games, watch Korean variety shows... sleep.

What is your favorite article of clothing? (Feel free to show a picture) Favorite article of clothing.... Ummm my sleep shirts? HAHA I don't have any favorites right now. I do have this EOD wounded warrior hoodie which I loooooove to live in. I've washed it quite a bit and it's ever so slowly shrinking :(



Come on over and link up with Neely!

Sunday Social: Thankful

This Sunday, it's all about being Thankful for the year. If you're interested, come link up with Neely!


image via thethriftyqueenspeaks

1. The house I live in. After living in hotels for over a month, our house finally closed a couple days after Christmas which is a huge blessing for us at that time. The people rushed everything just for us and I am forever thankful to them for doing that. I am thankful for a roof over my head even though my downstairs bathroom is having issues and I'm super annoyed about that right now.



2. My husband who gave me a house to live in, a car to drive... supporting me financially and emotionally. As you know, this year he is not home for the holidays which really bums me out because it would of been our first one in our new home. What can I say, duty calls!
3. My dogs Frankie and Maggie. As much as they drive me insane since my husband left with barfing things up or lately, pooping in the house twice, I do love them to death. They keep me company all day every day, snuggle with me in bed at night even though my bed turns super hairy... overall, they're really great dogs!
4. My less than a handful of girl friends who I call my sisters. I don't have a real sister to begin with and for me to literally tell you that I love you like a sister means more to me than they'll ever know. These girls are my rock! We might not talk every day, but when we talk again, we pick up where we left off :)
5. My blogger friends, whether I've met you this year or 5 years ago. Seriously, you guys are awesome! :) A HUGE Thank you to Jelli for putting my blog out there in blogland and another HUGE thank you to Tookies for supporting me and my blog the last 3 months ♥
6. I rarely talk about us being a military family, but I am thankful for those friends who I have met, who I still keep in touch with, who has become family. We constantly move and always dread when it's time for our goodbyes.... point is, I want to give a special Thank you to SSG Israel Nuanes who gave the ultimate sacrifice earlier this year in May. I won't talk about it, but I did post about it earlier this year. Love you and miss you Iz ♥

That's all I got for you, but have a great Thanksgiving and if you're doing the whole Black Friday thing... be safe!

Time for Sunday Social

What is currently on your wish list?
I just peeked at my amazon wishlist... nothing remotely too exciting, but I'd like iPhone5, a Christmas tree (we donated ours before we moved because we were going to buy a real tree, but hubby deployed), for my husband to be home, a pink Kitchenaid mixer and winter clothes.

Share a new iPhone or Droid app you discovered that we all need:
I have an iPhone and I wouldn't say I'm addicted, but I'm kind of enjoying Anipang. It's like bejeweled, but with cute animals and you only have a minute. It's a super popular game right now in Korea... my husband and his friends are addicted to playing it! Other than that, I haven't downloaded any NEW apps for quite some time now.



What is a new Fall TV show you have added to your DVR?
666 Park Avenue, Beauty and the Beast and The Neighbors.

Share your Social Media links for us to follow you on(pinterest, twitter, facebook, etc) Tell us which is your favorite and why
I would say Instagram is my favorite social media. I mean, it's fun to look at someone's life through photos. Tumblr comes in next even though I only reblog pretty pictures. My least favorite is Twitter... I'm still getting use to using it and there's SO MANY tweets all day every day!! Idk how you guys keep up!



What is a TV series or Movie or Song you could listen to or watch over and over and over and never get tired of...feel free to name one of each
TV series- Gilmore Girls and One Tree Hill. Movie- Elf, What a girl wants (with Amanda Bynes), Disney movies, The Help... there's too many too. Song- Right now, as you guys know, I'm obsessed with KPOP (korean pop) and I can listen to Bad Boy and Fantastic Baby by Big Bang, Ugly and I love you by 2NE1 allllll day.

Sunday Social: Deep Thoughts

Edit: You guys, I seriously thought today was Sunday! I even picked up poo and got the trash ready, but at least I didn't roll it down to the curb.

It's that time of the week again! Sunday social and picking up dog poo day. It's been kind of a long week and going to get even longer since hubby is going to the field and I won't be able to talk to him. Hope everyone is having/had a great weekend!


image via google
1. What do you value most in life? Love. Pure unconditional love. Happiness. My family. My friends whether online or offline.


image via wikimedia

2. What do you think is the greatest invention in your lifetime and why? Cellphones/Smartphones. I remember my first phone in 2001 or 2002 and it was this Nokia with a green screen and it had an antenna. Super old school. Another has to be digital cameras. Remember when we use to only own disposable cameras where you had to rewind the thing to be able to take a photo? Digital cameras weren't super popular my senior year, but I remember my friend Stephanie had one, which she got in Asia. EVERYONE wanted to take pics with it!



3. What do you think is the secret to a good life? Being happy, having peace, living more out of the box, eat whatever you want, not worry about every single thing, be carefree and just LIVE. I think I'm going to set that as a goal. I live life way too safe.

4. What would you most like to be remembered for when you’re gone? That I was an amazing wife, an amazing mom, a great friend, a good daughter/sister... you know, the usual stuff. I want to be remembered as someone who is strong, genuine and your all around girl. You know what I kinda don't get? Everyone says, "Yen, you're so sweet. You're so nice." That's the same exact thing people wrote in my yearbook! I mean, yeaaa I am sweet and nice, but there has to be more to me than just those 2.

5. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of? Honestly, I have no clue.


image via itasa

6. If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you? I know I could pick any big time stars, but I would love for an Asian American to play me. So, I had to google haha I like Michelle Krusiec who looks a little more like your girl next door.

Sunday Social: Lets Get Literary!

1. Favorite childhood book I remember owning a big book filled with stories of Cinderella, Dumbo, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc. I also loved this one Cinderella book, the story is the same of course, but it was the images. I think this might of been her.



2 . Favorite Book lately I have the time, but haven't really read any books lately. I did pick up this book awhile ago which I've read, but still have yet to finish. The author Amy, also runs a blog here on blogspot if you want to check her out!



3. Book you wish you could live in It'll have to be Paris My Sweet since she does live in Paris and she eats everything that I can't eat. Fresh French Macarons, hot out of the oven french baguette at your fingertips?



4. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why? I would say, any series from Joanne Fluke, since the main character owns and runs a cookie shop (one of my dreams), but I'm just not into finding dead bodies all the time.



5. Favorite Book turned Movie? Most times then not, it's always such a disappointment when they turn a book into a movie. I would have to say... Harry Potter. I tried to watched Sarah's Key, but I can't figure out how to turn on the caption on my TV haha

6. Favorite Magazines I don't subscribe and rarely read magazines now, though I'm slightly caught up on US Weekly which my friend brought me when she came up to visit last weekend. If I did read magazines, it'd probably be food, holiday and home decor.

Come link up at Neely's Blog!

Sunday Social: All about Fall

This Sunday Social doesn't have any questions to answers, but it's all about Fall. I have been searching for these photos for hours today and I'm so excited I finally found them to share! Fall is definitely one of my favorite season of the year. From the foliage to all the pumpkins to the start of the holiday drinks and knowing that Christmas will be here soon!

You know what I really miss though? I miss Fort Drum, NY. The views were absolutely breathtaking during Fall and going to Burrville Cider Mill for their homemade apple cider doughnuts and fresh apple cider.


The photo above was taken on post and possibly one of my favorite Fall photos. On top of that, both photos were taken with my iPhone!


The waterfall behind Burrville Cider Mill

Aside from that, I'm loving all the Fall scented candles from Bath & Body Works. I only picked up one pumpkin scented candle which I personally didn't like when it burned, but I'm loving the Spiced Cider which actually makes my house smell like caramel apples! Another fave is Leaves. Both scents are new favorites to me! I usually purchase apple cinnamon scents or pumpkin spice scents.

Fall food and desserts? I love apple pie. After chatting to Caroline from Chocolate and Carrots awhile ago on Twitter, I have been craviiiiiiing! I was disappointed when a slice of warm apple pie did not magically appear on my doorstep :( I also love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins... basically pumpkin anything. I love leftover turkey sandwiches with fresh cranberry sauce and some stuffing. Mmmm... I can really go for a sandwich right now!

Sunday Social

1. What do you miss most about being a kid? I really miss not having any big responsibilities and being carefree without a care in the world. I also miss being insansely healthy. So healthy, I've never even had the chicken pox before.



2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it? My mom calls me 香香 (xiāng xiāng) even til this day. It means fragrant, scented, perfumed, spiced, sweet-smelling (Google translate said sweet-smelting haha). Honestly, I don't know why. Me and my brother likes to joke around saying she calls me 'smell smell'. In high school, I use to wear my hair like Pucca and my tennis coach called me Panda and that name literally stuck! My brother introduces me to his friends, frat brothers, girlfriends as PANDA.

3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess? I remember when I was in first grade or so and we were playing tag and when I went to go tag someone, they moved and I hit the metal pole. Lost my first tooth, but I stopped playing tag after that. We would play kickball/handball a lot, hang out at the monkey bars, and trade stickers. Til I got older, it was more of sitting around gossiping and catching up on homework.

4. What did you want to be when you grew up? For a time, I wanted to be a grade school teacher, but then I learned I have a potty mouth. Then I want to be a SAHM, but as we know, that has yet to happen and it has been very disappointing and a long journey. Now, I want to, or one day to open up a cookie shop.



5. What was your favorite toy? You know, I've been googling images since last night and I can't find the image(s) I want! I know I was definitely a Barbie girl and probably played it a little longer than I probably should of. I do remember loving the Skip It. Oh, and my "imaginary friends".

6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about? The only thing I can think of is my pronunciation in some Chinese words like wolf. My mom likes to bring it up from time to time. When I got older and I had a very messy room, my mom use to call my room Brooklyn. As in Brooklyn, New York.

You can link up at Neely's Blog!

Sunday Social

1. What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid of?

A) Go back to school. I'm a dabbler, jack of all trades master in none. I wouldn't know what to major in and being in a room full of young ones is very intimidating!


image via howhigh.ca

B) Open up a cookie shop. I'm my own worse enemy. There's so much to baking I still want to learn and perfect some more before I dive into opening a business. It'll always be a dream and one day it'll come true.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?


image via us military medals

Honestly, with us being in the Army, 5 years can take us anywhere. I've never talked about this here and not many people really know, but I hope up to 5 years, we have our first miracle baby.

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2012?

To get a job! Friends and family coming to visit. In honesty, I am ready for 2012 to be over. To me, it means my husband will be home next year!

4. What are your hopes for your blog?

To see it continue to grow and make more friends! So far, I've met some pretty awesome people and can't wait to see where this blog will take me.

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?

No. We're just stationed here for now. Hubby sees us moving back home (Orange County, CA), but cost of living is pretty ridiculous. Not sure where I see us living.

6. What is your morning routine?

I'm currently a SAHW, so I sometimes roll out of bed pretty late, take the dogs out, check my email and things, hang out, clean. Yea, it's pretty boring.