The All You Can Dream Buffet by Barbara O'Neal

"If you can dream it, you can do it!"

Below is the synopsis written behind the book:

"Popular blogger and foodie queen Lavender Wills reigns over Lavender Honey Farms,  a serene slice of organic heaven nestled in Oregon wine country. Lavender is determined to keep her legacy from falling into the profit-driven hands of uncaring relatives, and she wants an heir to sustain get life's work after she's gone. So she invites her three closest online friends - fellow food bloggers, women of varied ages and background - out to her farm. She hopes to choose one of them to inherit it - but who? 

There's Ginny, the freckle-faced Kansas cake baker whose online writing is about to lead her out of a broken marriage and into a world of sensual delights. And Ruby, young, pregnant, devoted to the organic movement, who's looking for roots - and the perfect recipe to heal a shattered heart. Finally, Val, smart and sophisticated, a wine enthusiast who needs a fresh start for her teenage daughter after tragedy has rocked their lives. Coming together will change the Foodie Four in ways they could never have imagined, uniting them in love and a common purpose. As they realize that life doesn't always offer a perfect recipe for happiness, they also discover that the moments worth savoring are flavored with some tears, a few surprises, and generous helpings of joy."

First word that caught my attention was 'blogger'. Second, 'foodie'. I immediately picked the book from the library shelf and brought it home with sheer happiness :)

Within days I finished reading it. It described a lot about the Lavender farm, where the four women met, which reminded me of my visit to a Lavender farm in Tasmania just few months ago. I could imagine easily on how it looked like in the story.

It talked about friendship and relationship too! Women and their troubles in life! One way or another all of us face problems in life, which is very realistic kind of story. And with support and encouragement from dear friends, it makes us becoming a stronger human being and eventually we can find out what we really want in our life.

Hhmmmm.... For me, the title really fitted the feeling that I had while reading it. It made me daydreaming a lot when it talked about the trailer journey. Again, it brought my mind back to the Tasmania, where we saw many people driving it.

My dream holiday! ^^

In my imagination, you can use it as a place to sleep, to cook, to take a bath, etc. You can even blog from there too! It's mobile and can transport you wherever you want to go. You can stop somewhere with a view overlooking a beautiful and peaceful lake, for example, then build a camp and campfire nearby, picnic, fishing, etc. Or you can stop by at the roadside to indulge yourself with mountainous view or to see sunset right in front of you. How does it sound? ;)

Imagine that you can open the window that locates just above your bed where you can gaze at the dark sky filled with bright moon and billion stars! You can whip up delicious salad, pasta, even dessert from that small kitchen inside with fresh ingredients purchased from the nearby local farm. Huh! It made me wanting to try or experience it once in my lifetime! OMG!!!

I immediately shared the book to my besties whom I traveled with to Tasmania and asked them perhaps we could try taking trailer for our trip next year, when time and fate permit. Hehe.. I even told my hubby that one day, three of us - he, our dear Baobei, and I - should have tried it out in Australia. All you can dream buffet huh? ;)

Well, I don't know what you will feel after reading it but it gives me dream to look forward, which I have no idea if I ever have a chance to fulfill, and the sense of familiarity with the figures in the story (as we are woman, blogger, and given with problem in life too). I think this story will fit more to women and I hope you enjoy reading it as I did! :)

Finally! A relaxing night at home sweet home :)

It's been a very long week for me. Since Monday I had been busy with my mundane monthly tasks up to this evening. So when the clock ticks to 6.15pm, I left my working place almost immediately.

Reached home slightly late after meeting up with besties for dinner. Although windy, I still longed for having a nice hot water shower with a nice perfumed smell bath gel. Hmmmm...... It released all my tiredness and I was telling myself that I should have it tonight! A chilling time with some drink and snacks, tidbits, whatsoever,  with relaxing music in background and not forgotten the yellow dimmed light on my dining room. Uppsss... plus accompany of my dear hubby! ^^

I searched high and low for the right drink-to-be. No soft drink nor juices inside my fridge. I had a leftover red wine. Not wanting to open a new bottle of Vodka (since only two of us), I decided to open another new bottle of red wine.

Russian Bar Choco Liquor

I started it with the leftover red wine plus the Russian Bar choco liquor that I bought in Moscow. I tasted two of the flavors - Cahors wine and cognac-soaked ashberry. The liquor weren't as strong as I was expected, but the choco taste was not bad.

Once the first glass had finished, I opened a new bottle and took the second glass. I felt a bit hungry ha-ha... I took a look inside the fridge and decided to make toast for supper :D *hownottogetfat!!!

I put small size cut of bacon on top of the pan. It sizzled noisily and I left it for a while. I reheat the oven and prepared the aluminum foil, topped it with four slices of wholemeal bread. I scooped the tomato paste onto the bacon once it got brownish and added some black pepper coarse and garlic to it. When boiled, I poured it on top of the bread and sprinkled with shredded Mozzarella cheese then put it inside the hot oven. After 10 minutes, Voila!!! The toasts were ready and it's time to eat.

Great home cooked supper ^^

Hmmmm..... a great accompany with my red wine. The slow music was still playing on the background. The warm food, tasty flavor wine made me a little sleepy now. Hope you enjoy your weekend everyone! Those who live in Singapore, have a great long weekend! :)

A gift from Bhutanese blogger ;)

It's a very hectic day today in the office. Since morning until evening time I kept concentrating myself on the month-end closing. I didn't even go for a walk this afternoon like what I used to do after the meal.

I purposely rushed finishing my work so that I could go out from my office on time. I had an appointment to meet up with Tenzin who came to Singapore to attend the training. He brought a gift from someone you may know, a Bhutanese blogger who currently studies in CST, Phuentsholing, none other than Tshering Cheki :)

I knew her purely from her blog about a year ago. She loves to write poems and interesting short story. And this time, since Tenzin, her friend's fiance had a chance to come to Singapore, she took this great chance to pass me one of the well-known Bhutanese novels, The Circle of Karma, written by Kunzang Choden. Wow! It's a great addition to my Bhutanese book collection! Thank you so much la Cheki! :)

Too bad both Tenzin and I were both in hurry of doing other things or otherwise I would love to buy him tea or dinner before he and his friend left. But luckily they managed to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple before my arrival so at least they could go there to convey their pray and message to the Buddha. I don't know about him. But for me, being able to look at the Buddha statue abroad made me feeling like home. It felt so close to heart. So familiar and warm :)

Thank you Tenzin for your time and effort in passing the gift to both of us. It's very kind of you to do that for us. I appreciate your help very very much la!

The Circle of Karma by Kunzang Choden

And thank you Cheki for your beautiful belated Birthday gift! I will try to read it soon and let you know how the story is.

I am glad that through blog, we've created a beautiful friendship here. As we share the same passion on reading and writing, gifting the book has been the best choice to make :)

Potluck Gathering - After Russia Trip :)

~ "Remember that every good friend was once a stranger" ~

 

Our last night in Russia - Cheersss!!!

It's been almost two weeks since our trip to Russia ended. On the last night we were together inside the Moscow night cruise, I was suddenly invited to attend the Potluck gathering by S, a kind and capable business woman, who has two grown-up children. She said, "We are planning to hold a potluck at J and C's house (a retiree couple) after this trip. It will be held on 27th Sep. We invite all the tour participants, except one family." *Pause. When S mentioned 'except one family', I didn't ask her 'WHO', but my brain worked almost immediately thinking of 'that' family. Although I didn't know the reason why (they didn't want to invite them), but my heart was in ease that I didn't have to see 'them' again.

"So, are you able to go on that date?" S awoke me from my own thinking. "27? Saturday ya? I think it shouldn't be any problem. Perhaps I'll bring my son along," answered me. "Ya, ya, you can bring your son or even your husband along. We will contact through What's App to arrange the details."

For this trip we had to join the tour due to many reasons. First, the language. Second, for the sake of convenience since my parents and little niece were going. Third, I heard that it wasn't that safe for foreigner to roam around by themselves as you may be detained or followed by the KGB (Committee for State Security) as they thought you were the 'spy'. And the validity of the Visa granted was really the exact date on when you arrive and on when you depart. No more, no less. To make the Visa, you even needed a handwritten invitation letter from Russia side to prove that you were going there purely as a tourist.

Fun time!!! :)

It's all fate that 21 of us (including our tour guide) were in the same group of this tour. Through 10 days being together we slowly connected ourselves as we sat down together for meals, walked together, dragged our luggage to and from bus and train together, attended Ballet together, helped each other in taking photos, queuing toilet together, felt the same fear of pickpocket inside the Metro station together, painted our Russian dolls together, and so on. It's considered not bad that we tried to understand and accommodate to each other need throughout this journey - except one family. 

So, the long awaited day had finally come! :) We communicated on what food to bring. At first, as I'm not a good cook, I offered to bring Vodka. But then, their menu was more on the Peranakan theme. Some even mentioned not to bring 'cucumber' as we had so much of it - almost everyday - when we were in Russia hahahaha... :P

Well, I was afraid that Vodka too, would remind them of Russia. Hahaha.... Therefore, I offered to bring the famous dessert from the place where I work, which was Durian Pengat instead. It was really the right choice as it's too a Peranakan dessert, and favorited by the host couple, J and C. Only one person didn't eat it as she didn't like the durian.

Delicious home-cooked Mee Siam by C :)

Thirteen of us met up yesterday. J and C prepared home-cooked Mee Siam, which you could eat it dry or with gravy. Oh, it was delicious! Personally I love Mee Siam. The gravy plus the lime made it tasting sweet and sour. Hmmmm.... Nyummy! Plus the sambal to add the spiciness on it! They also made cute shape 'O' Ku Kueh - black color turtle shape cake filled with green bean paste.

Our delicious food ^^ (Photo by Landa)

The young couple J and A brought Soon Kueh, Rice  or Peng Kueh, and 'Ang' Ku Kueh - similar with 'O' Ku Kueh but red in color. L made Fried Rice with Salted Fish and topped with Fish Floss bought specially from Kuantan, Malaysia. C's maid made delicious Tao Pok filled with vegetables. Yalama! It was really really nice! I loved it!

Soda drink with Cointreau soaked strawberry

M cooked Red Bean Soup for dessert. V and S came with Barbecued Char-Siew Chicken Wings. Last but not least, S with her Steamed White Chicken. Hhmmmm..... All the dishes were delicious!!! I ate a bit here and there but ended up felt very full! Hehehe.... The Bandung drink and Soda with Cointreau soaked strawberry were provided by J and C filled our thirst.

Wonderful evening with great company! :)

We chit chatted while eating, not forgetting to take photo of the food and ourselves! :) Thank you everyone for arranging this and all the food that you brought to fill our stomach up. We talked lots about our trip and also about birds - hehe... It's J favorite pets.

We went home with packed leftover food, all happily. Hope to meet you again for the next gathering and at the mean time, keep in touch! Thank you everyone! :)

Many Happy Returns on a Blessed Rainy Day :)

Happy Thrue-Bab or Blessing Rainy Day to all my Bhutanese friends!!! ;) While you celebrated this day with lots of fun and happiness, I too celebrated this special day with different theme, which was my Birthday! :)

Yesterday I wasn’t feeling well. After work, I went to see doctor and asked for medicine. I had fish porridge for dinner and had medicines before sleeping. The medicine made me drowsy and that’s why I hardly woke up today and almost late to work ^^

Although late, I still managed to take a bath. Because last night, Sithar advised me to take a bath in the morning on the Blessed Rainy Day so that I’d be blessed (he mentioned after 8am Bhutan time though, but due to work, I had to take a bath earlier). But when he said that, I told him that I take a bath everyday here. No wonder I am blessed everyday here. He-he…  ;)

Luckily I managed to reach office on time. Once I turned on my hand phone, many Birthday wishes came non-stop from my beloved families, relatives, besties, and friends. I replied all the messages one by one almost immediately (despite I knew that I wasn’t allow to use them during office hour). Make today as an exception please…..??? :D

Here I would like to thank everyone who’ve sent me your wishes from everywhere around the world! I’ve received all your sincere and kind-hearted wishes on this special day. I’m very grateful knowing all of you and becoming your friends in this life. It’s all fate that making all this possible.

Surprise flowers and horse from my bestie :)

Special thanks to my bestie, who has sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a horse this morning to my office as a surprise :) It’s my honor to be your closest buddy. You have pampered me extremely well with the dinner and birthday presents. Thank you so much PY! May you be blessed with good health and lots of happiness in your life! :)

Despite our busy schedules I managed to have lunch and dinner with my other besties. Thank you everyone for your time and your birthday presents!

Delicious Birthday cakes from dear colleagues :)

And today, I was pampered by my fellow colleagues at the office. They bought me delicious cakes in a jar and other requested our Pastry Chef to make a delicious Birthday cake. Hohoho... My GM even sang a Birthday song on the phone, which at first I couldn't recognize who. Lolx! Thank you all my dear colleagues for your time, effort, and sincere wishes on this special day! :)

Home cooked meals and Birthday fruit cake - Nyummy! :)

As for tonight, we decided to have dinner at home. My hubby and mother-in-law prepared warm and full of love home-cooked meals. We invited my brother and his families and my eldest sister to come. We almost missed the Birthday cake as everyone thought somebody else was buying it hahaha... So funny :P

Thank you everyone for coming, again despite you were all busy with work and upcoming exams, you all still made it. Thank you too for all the Birthday gifts that you gave to me! I love them all very much! :)

Special thanks for my Laogong for your time and effort in preparing the meals and also your surprise Birthday's gift. Not forgetting your abundance love for me! Muach! ;)

On this day, I am telling myself to be a better me ‘TODAY’ and ‘ALWAYS’. Live a life day by day with that thought in mind. Whatever mistakes I’ve done in my past towards anyone, please forgive me. I am just a normal human being who has no exception in making mistake. Therefore, with each mistake I ever made, I want to do more good deeds to overcome it and fill my mind with positive and good thoughts always.

At the same time, I want to wish you all a wonderful and happy life out there. We all know that life is short and uncertain. We never know when our time comes. Therefore, fill your heart fully and only with love as it will conquer everything that you face in life, in a more positive way, and be content and grateful for every single thing that you have now, as nothing lasts forever.

Below is one of the Buddhist teachings that my father always says to me – just a reminder for myself and maybe useful for you too :)

"The kind of seed sown will produce that kind of fruit.
Those who do good will reap good results.
Those who do evil will reap evil results.
If you carefully plant a good seed, you will joyfully gather good fruit."

Have a wonderful day everyone!!! Many happy returns to all of you :)