Sprucing up for Spring, Our Home Cover Story, Colettes Spring Tips for Freshing up a Room, Art in your Home...Its so Easy!..Dominique Portet, The Cherry Vixen....Plus! Savoury Pancakes with Super Salsa!...

Spring has well and truly sprung, and from what I can glean from the comments lately from our Interstate followers on Facebook, the pleasant warm change is not only just isolated to us Brisbanians!

We have had so many people coming into the showroom this week, who want to refresh an old tired looking room for Spring.  Our Senior Designer and co-director of Charcoal...Colette Venardos has been busy putting together some fabulous design ideas for her clients.  

One client has a room that just needs that little bit of something extra to really give it a bit of colour...Colette has found a gorgeous imported French Fabric to use for an upholstery project in this room...it will add a nuance of interest and colour without being too overwhelming.  

Colette suggests the use of  a hint of colour and patterning in a room.  She says "You dont overwhelm with too much pattern...it is brought in with subtleties rather than overpowering...I honestly feel that too many patterns congest a room.  Keeping things subtle guarantees a room its classic, timelessness".

 COURIER MAIL HOME ARTICLE

On the weekend, Charcoal Interiors featured heavily in the Courier Mail Home section. In fact, we were the Cover Story, with a couple of our design projects showcased, and not to mention the cover of Home Magazine Liftout...not quite the Rolling Stones, but we were pretty chuffed.  You dont get chosen for these things unless the belief is there and we were thrilled and honoured to be chosen by the Courier Mail.

  In the article, Cathie was interviewed and asked for her expert opinion on Artworks and how they are able to add style and tone to a home.  The good news when it comes to collecting art for your home, is that there are no rules to be broken.   Cathie says " Home decorators are now digressing from the "this goes with that, goes with this" packaged look of design and thinking more of the idea of putting a traditional armchair with a modern clean-line sofa...and Cathie goes further "Its OK to infuse all of that with artwork and pieces that crate an eclectic fusion of styles.  It brings together that whole timeless feel and gives a home its soul".

 Charcoal Interiors Exclusive Project Featuring Dean Reilly Artwork

We have some amazing artworks in our showroom by Archibald Prize and Moran Prize finalist Dean Reilly...be sure to pop into the Valley this weekend for the Valley Fiesta, and come visit us too!

Our Sale is almost over...Do Not Miss Out on significant discounts available now.

VALLEY FIESTA

Valley Fiesta...Fortitude Valley comes alive this weekend with amazing live performances, art, fashion, food and so much more.  For more information click on the link below and be sure to visit us while in the Valley Precinct...we are the heart and soul of art, fashion and style.

http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/valley-fiesta-feature

DOMINIQUE PORTET

Part of the excitement of working in this gorgeous showroom space every day, is that you just dont know who is going to walk in through the doors.  

This week we were delighted to welcome Dominique Portet, Owner of Dominique Portet Winery in Victoria.  Such a delightful man, and we have promised to visit him next time we are in the Yarra Valley.  Being a bit of a wine buff, I am particularly looking forward to sampling his wine, that has been lauded by the likes of James Halliday. 

http://www.dominiqueportet.com/department/cellar_door/ 

FOOD

Anybody who walks into the showroom between the hours of 1pm and 3pm will find us at some point stuffing ourselves with the weeks new recipe.  We decided to try a Healthy Savoury Pancake Recipe with fresh Salsa Topping.  I made the Pancakes the night before, let them cool, wrapped them in alfoil and then refrigerated overnight.  I did the same with the salsa....preprepared it, except for the Avocado, which I cut up fresh and then served up immediately to keep that lovely colour to the avocado.  I also added a bit of fresh coriander as a garnish to keep the colour up and vibrancy and freshness to the dish.  It was a fantastic, easy recipe and perfect for Spring lunches, dinners or it would be great to bring along to a picnic.

Spinach and Feta Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 quantity Basic pancakes (see easy peasy Pancake recipe below)
• 1/2 bunch English spinach, trimmed, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 100g Greek-style feta, crumbled 

Basic Pancake Recipe...makes 10

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Whisk all pancake ingredients together in a bowl until all the lumps are out and its nice and smooth.
2. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brush pan with butter. Using 1/4 cup mixture per pancake, cook 2 pancakes for 3 to 4 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook for 3 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, brushing pan with butter between batches. Serve with the salsa dressing (see below) on top and add the Avocado last to keep it fresh, and a vibrant colour to the dish....enjoy!

Serve with: Diced Tomato, parsley, coriander, avocado and red onion salsa (just mix all these ingredients together in a bowl, adding a drizzle of lemon juice and balsamic..and a tiny sprinkle of raw sugar)

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons extra milk if batter is too thick, or has thickened on standing.

To 'freshen-up' day-old pancakes, microwave, covered with paper towel, on medium-high (70%) for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.

Welcome one and all to Friday Cocktail Hour...today, we bring to you the very sexy and delicious...

CHERRY VIXEN....sigh...Oh, we do love Cocktail Friday so....For this one, you are going to need to set the mood with some Barry White and Candlelight.....Oohhhh Babeeeee....

Cherry Vixen

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients: 2 ounces Frangelico
1/2 ounce grenadine
1/2 ounce Kahlua
1 cherry or Hershey kiss

Directions: Combine Frangelico and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until foamy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with Kahlua. Garnish with a cherry or kiss!...Mwaah!

As we pull down those big shopfront rollerdoors on yet another Friday, we say kick off your shoes, put your feet up and ponder another week in the battlezone of life survived.  Here's to family, friends and Friday!

Have a great weekend!

Fashionista Heaven In Brisbane, Valentino, Paul Hunt, Maiocchi and the Valley Arts Precinct, Sale, Sale, Sale!...did we mention we are having a Sale?...Latest Andrew Martin Offerings, Rhubarb and Pear Crumble...the Lola Cocktail and more!...Happy Friday to one and all!

This week:  Fashionista Heaven!

Brisbane has been all 'abuzz' over the past couple of week with the opening of the Valentino Collection at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art.....

 .........plus the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival.

We wanted to take the time to acknowledge our neighbours here in the Valley precinct, who made the cut at the Fashion Festival.

Congrats to Paul Hunt on a successful show...we now hear you are being touted as Brisbanes Alex Perry!

As mentioned last week, we hosted the photo shoot for the National Label 'Maiocchi'.  Maiocchi featured heavily at the Mercedes Fashion Festival also.  We simply dont know how creator, Dee has managed to juggle all of this whilst in the final stages of pregnancy.  Its all about passion for what you do.

We wanted to share with you, a couple of the completed photos, all ready for the new range promotion.

We are loving this one of Maiocchi model in our deliciously sumptuous Wing Back chair in rich velvet fabric.

Loving this jacket...and the backdrop...our Antique Asian Screen

You can discover more of our beautiful 'finds'on our website

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

There really is just so much talent here in the Valley...pop in to the showroom on the weekend for some inspiration and bargains, as our SALE is still going strong.  Grab a coffee at Campos on Wandoo and roam the precinct.  

We have amazing designers, galleries, fashion houses, restaurants and cafes, all at your disposal.  We are very proud to work amongst such a buzzy, creative atmosphere!

We just cant get enough of the new Andrew Martin Collections.  Their releases never fail to have a quirky, eclectic edge but at the same time always manage to be very useable in an interior scheme. 

Their new collection 'Spectator' hits the mark again. It features strong graphic design inspired by pop culture. From Steven Sprouse to posters for The Beatles and movie fan-zines; this is a fun, striking collection, which will definitely add some interest and energy to a room.

We are lucky enough to live in a country where we have access to a multitude of fresh produce.  Winter brings some great choices in seasonal fruit and vegetables.  We have been enjoying some delicious soups over the cold months thanks to Colette with her divine recipes (see recipes in our index, or send me a message and I can forward them on to you).  This week, we stumbled on a delectable recipe using seasonal Rhubarb and Pears...you can also add Strawberries to this dish.  As is our way...we only feature recipes that we would cook ourselves, so you will find this dessert quick, easy and packed with flavour. 10 minutes to prepare..you cant go wrong.  Its a nourishing, warming way to end the week.....enjoy!

RHUBARB AND PEAR CRUMBLE....OH YEAH!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Melted butter to grease
• 3 (Buerre Bosc) pears peeled, cored and coarsley chopped
• 1 bunch rhubarb washed, trimmed, coarsely chopped
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 160g butter
• 150g Arnott's Granita biscuits, coarsely crushed
• 25g (1/3) cup shredded coconut
• Vanilla ice-cream or double cream to serve

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush four 250ml (1-cup) ovenproof ramekins with melted butter to grease. Place pear, rhubarb, orange juice, cinnamon and half the butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes or until pear and rhubarb are just tender. Divide among the ramekins.
2. Meanwhile, place the biscuit and coconut in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the remaining butter into the biscuit mixture until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the biscuit mixture over the pear mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. Serve with cream or vanilla ice-cream.
   Tip: A delicious addition to this recipe is seasonal strawberries..which are just so fresh right now.  Just halve the amount of pear and add strawberries in its place.

We really do have to stop meeting like this!

Welcome to another exciting edition of Cocktail Friday.

Well, the Kinks sang about her, and they have named a sofa after her....next thing you know, they will be naming drink after her...and Voila!..they have. 

We are rather fond of our beautiful 'Lola' sofa that we have in the showroom...and its on Sale.

The 'Lola'.  Must Go To Good Home!

I was deeeeelighted to find that there is a cocktail recipe called The Lola!  What a great coincidence and another excuse to try something different.

And...so off we toddled to the Cru Bar to celebrate our 

1000th Blog View!

Thank you to everyone for your support of the blog.  We love to hear from you, and the feedback has been amazing.  We have heard from readers far and wide, and even had customers comment on our recipes and how much they enjoy the Cocktail Friday Phenomena!

It's all very encouraging and makes us feel good!

And, so here are a couple of happy snaps taken of the Lola Cocktail and other various concoctions downed last week.  We actually do work very hard and so  this is our little treat on a Friday....and the least we can do is encourage you to do the same.

...COCKTAIL FRIDAY...

The Recipe

1. Orange Juice - 3/4 oz.
2. Cream - 1/2 oz.
3. Rum - 1.75 oz.
4. Mandarine Napoleon - 3/4 oz.
5. Cream de Cacao - 3/4 oz.

Method

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker....now, heres the hard part..shake, shake, shake...and pour into a cocktail glass...........mmmmmmm....yummmm....

Another great week.  Wishing everyone a terrific Friday, and a happy and fun weekend.

Next week sneak peek:  Anatoly gives us a tour of the rugs in stock and some exciting news for one of our designers......its all on the blog and its all next Friday.

Cheers...from  the Charcoal Girls

LESSONS IN LUXE, THAI DINING POD DREAMING, BATHROOM CHANDELIER STYLE, THE 5 MINUTE MAGIC CHOCOLATE CAKE AND SO MUCH MORE!!

OUR READERS GIVE THEIR IDEAS ON LUXURY...AND SOME COMMENTS WILL SURPRISE...

I broke my hand on Tuesday.  Actually my teenage son broke it....big brute that he is!  A fracture of the scaphoid bone....a boxing training session gone terribly wrong.  So I wanted to tell you all about it as I am feeling quite sooky lah lah....please feel free to leave a comment about how brave I am and also how completely impressed you are at my one armed typing skills :-)

And so, the quest began this morning to find a way to 'pretty up' my clunky plastered arm.  I am now sporting a stylish leopard print covered cast, complete with diamante brooch.  The makeover has made me feel so much better.  Its a bit of fun, and purely designed to brighten my day up a bit.  A bit of sparkle and faux animal prints brings to mind, over the top 'kitsch' kind of luxe.  But peoples interpretation of luxury comes in many forms, i have found through my little survey this week.  For some, luxury means cruising the whitsundays whilst sipping Krug champagne, and for others through circumstance, it is to have the time to sit and ponder lifes little humble pleasures.

I was also sent some info on the most unique restaurant, that I thought not only was a good example of a great luxurious location, but also was struck by the sheer uniqueness of the idea.  As you can see below, who on earth thinks of these things and then follows through with such a quirky idea to the completed fulfilment of their vision....obviously a lot of talented people out there.  

It gave me a new found appreciation of our design team. Visualizing....Careful Planning and Consultation....Creating.....Completing the vision  

And so here are some options to satisfy the diversity of the dreamers out there.....enjoy!

HOLIDAY LUXURY

SONEVA KIRI DINING POD

With a tradition steeped in creating innovative experiences for guests, the Soneva resort chain is at the cutting edge of intelligent and luxurious accommodation. Soneva Kiri by Six Senses on the Island of Kood in Thailand, is discretely nestled in the south-east corner of the Gulf of Siam. If arrival via private jet, endless white sand, a barefoot-is-best policy and utter privacy isn’t enough to convince guests that they are in resort heaven, a meal in a hanging rattan basket will surely do the trick. Gently swinging above pristine beaches, The Dining Pod is designed to replicate a cocoon with a huge open window to take in the views. Meals are delivered via a harnessed waiter, and guests are left to enjoy the sweeping vistas and gentle breeze.  Now, this is my idea of luxury!

WITH THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR....

One of my little luxury fantasies is to drive up into the hills in an old classic luxury convertible car...with my own version of Carey Grant in the front seat...Pete The Greek will suffice quite nicely....and off we head with the wind in our hair...roaring through the hills for a picnic lunch at the top!  That would be luxe of luxe!

SAIL AWAY.....

For one of our Facebook Fans, his idea of luxury was sailing the Whitsundays, scotch in hand, sun on his face.  He's a bit of a dish, and there were a few ladies who read his comments and wanted to join him!

TAKING TIME OUT

Our designer, Caths idea of a luxe lift was kicking off her heels and curling up in a luxurious armchair....like this one 'The Austen' from Andrew Martin, beautifully crafted using Debussy Pearl fabric.

For others it was a night in front of the fire on a faux bear skin rug, or as simple as lying on a beautiful white sandy beach on a warm summers day....her happy place....or a walk in wardrobe a'la Carrie Bradshaw!

The Ultimate 'Happy Place'....A Walk InWardrobe with Chandelier!

One reader just wanted a bathroom with a chandelier!....her idea of true luxury....so pretty, and a definition of true indulgence and luxury.

BATHROOMS THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

AND....THE SIMPLE LUXURIES OF LIFE

And then, there were the beautiful comments from those readers, expressing that their idea of luxury was for one lady the appreciation that she is growing older....a deep appreciation of the one real and true ultimate luxury.....and for another lovely lady, it was the luxury of time to just sit alone and contemplate all of lifes little joys...how beautiful....

SUMPTUOUS CHOCOLATE

When I think of culinary luxury and indulgence, chocolate is the first thing that comes to mind...rich, warm, sticky...yummy...chocolate.  But, as anyone who has been reading the blog for a while now would know, I am a girl of very little time and all recipes that I put up on the blog need to be super quick to make without detracting on the taste factor.....and so, I bring to you my tried, true and tested 5 minute chocolate cake...serve it warm!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Here's all you'll need:

4 tablespoons of flour

4 tablespoons of sugar

2 tablespoons of cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons of milk

3 tablespoons of oil

optional- 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips (Oh, hello! NOT optional in my opinion!)

A splash of vanilla extract

A coffee mug

The recipe:

1. Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.

2. Add egg and all wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and gently mix in.

4. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if the cake rises over the top of the mug!

Now you can eat it as is (I recommend) or you can wait for it to cool, slice in half, top with some whipped cream or ice cream and voila... a perfect five-minute treat. 

COCKTAIL DREAMING

Now, I dont know about you?...but, boy do I need my Cocktail fix this week!  Nothing like a few smooth brews to take the edge off, and this Friday I am offering you something extra smoooooth...extra sweet and extra indulgent....

THE CHOCOLATE 'LUXALICIOUS' COCKTAIL

(Note:....if you can drink it...then its not fattening...)

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of chocolate spread (like Nutella)
• 1 espresso coffee
• 25ml rum
• 30ml coffee liquor
• 15ml caramel syrup
• 40ml fresh double cream.

METHOD

1. Gently lay the chocolate spread on the bottom of a martini glass. Pour a freshly made espresso on top.

2. Shake the rest of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill up the glass.

3. Sprinkle chocolate powder on top to garnish.

Now, that's what I call 'Luxe'

And so, as we draw another curtain on a Friday, we truly wish you all a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  Hopefully we have enthused you to look at ways that you can introduce some luxury into your life.  

Come Visit Us Soon!

Charcoal Interiors - 18 Doggett St. Fortitude Valley

'The Charcoal Girls'...Colette and Cathie (Jen is still hiding under the table...)

xxxx

Transformational Before & After Pics of our latest design project, Muse Mooching...Dali, Austen, Andrew Martin and Starck...Plus! Cheers to the Lucid Mint Muse Cocktail..Happy Friday Everyone.

The 'new look' study...completely transformed with custom made built-ins and oak desk, stunning hand crafted rug, and leather feature chair...just a few of the beautiful new additions to this space.

On the far wall...a unique Ancient Chinese Ancestral Painting that was carefully framed and now stands pride of place in the study.

More Before Pics of the now transformed Study....below

Musings over our Muse.....

I heard a friend talking about her 'muse' this week....and wondered...what is being a muse all about?  It sounded like a pretty important role...I mean there is a fair bit of pressure involved with being a muse I can imagine.  A muse is the source of inspiration for creative work....a bit like a creative, artistic style of mentor really.  Everybody has someone that they look to for inspiration or creative validation.  Salvador Dali looked to the love of his life 'Gala' for inspiration.  She was his greatest supporter,and also his business manager.  She inspired Dali and many other writers and artists.  In music, the most influential muse seems to be patti boyd-probably the queen of muses. She has inspired three songs about her sweet self. First-"Something" by the Beatles, specifically first hubby George Harrison. Her second husband Eric Clapton wrote "Layla" about his tortured feelings about romancing his best friend's wife. It did not stop him from marrying Patti and writing her third song "You Look Lovely Tonight".

I was inspired just by the idea of the many muses over the years...of course everyone is inspired by something or someone.  Who inspired our design team then?...I made it my mission to find out!  Its hard to get the design girls to sit down for five minutes, let alone chat with them about who inspires them....but when I sat down for a chat on this topic, both ladies were energised and transported into another place.....gosh I would like to get into their heads sometimes :-)  

For Colette, her inspiration is Andrew Martin.  Colette: "The Andrew Martin team has travelled the world and is able to creatively put a design together from almost nothing...and create something spectacular".....their style is not contrived or predictable...and I draw on this for my inspiration".

Andrew Martin

Cathie: "I simply cant decide on just one (a little bit like Caths shoe shopping habits...just quietly...but I digress...) so firstly, it would have to be Coco Chanel.  She was an extraordinary influence on fashion, with her designs now transcending time and trend.  From humble beginnings designing hats as a hobby, that soon turned into creating beautiful couture for her wealthy European clientele.  The little black dress (an iconic Coco creation) now is a necessity in any modern fashionistas collection. 

 Coco Chanel

And secondly, Phillipe Starck.  The famous French furniture designer in contemporary style, with one of his most recognisable pieces being the Louis Ghost design.  His designs also transcend time....ageless and are used worldwide.  He also designed the interior of the private apartments for French Prime Minister Francois Mitterrand.  He has produced some of the most iconic shapes of the 20th Century, perhaps his most permanent mark on design is through his bold reworkings of everyday objects....he thinks deeper than the glossy surface".

Phillipe Stark

A Phillipe Stark Design...The 'Louis Ghost' Chair.  We used the Louis Ghost Chair in one of our Photo Shoots for Q Weekend Magazine.  An exclusive Charcoal Interiors Design Project.

Winter Goodness Roasted Vegetables with Bacon

With all of the beautiful fresh produce in season at the moment, there is a literal plethora (I love that word...and use it as often as possible in context...) of fresh garden vegetables out there at the moment.  Perfect timing for a healthy, quick side dish recipe.
We have 6 in our household and it can be hard to find a healthy side dish that everyone will eat.  I have come up with the perfect option.  Vegetables roasted, and then jazzed up that little bit extra with some diced bacon....yum!  I also grate a little bit of fresh parmesan over the top at the end...its a great twist to the same old same roasted vegies and the kids love it too.


Roasted Vegies and Bacon

Ingredients

• 5 slice(s) bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 5 potatoes peeled and halved or quartered depending on the sizing
• 1 stalk(s) celery, trimmed and cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 small onions, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
• optional...10 minutes before the completion of the roasting, add a couple of handfuls of cherry tomatoes..they blister nicely and add colour to the dish. 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cook bacon to desired crispness, drain, and reserve 3 tablespoons rendered fat. Set bacon aside.
2. In a medium bowl, potatoes, celery, onions, rosemary, salt, and pepper together with reserved fat and lemon juice. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking pan, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and continue to roast until vegetables are browned, about 20 more minutes. Toss in bacon.

 

And Finally...Friday just wouldnt be complete without another amazing concoction from the Charcoal Interiors Friday Cocktail Recipe Book!

The Lucid Mint Muse....Get ready for it!

Ingredients

2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 1/2 oz. Lucid Absinthe
1 wedge of Lime
Mint leaves
Lemonade

Instructions

Muddle mint leaves with lime wedge and add Lucid. Add ice and pineapple juice and shake briefly. Top with Lemonade and add the mint sprig.

To all our readers, thank you for your comments this week via the facebook page.  We do love hearing from you and the support and feedback is most welcome.

Wishing you all a very happy Friday....Cheers to you all....From the Charcoal Girls - Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

Cathie and Colette Venardos....Jen is hiding under the table in the background :-)

More of our stunning Queenslander Transformation...Red Accents...Capsicum Dip...and Celebrating Friday with the 'Ranga' Cocktail! Happy Friday Folks...

 That was the week that was....

 The week has just flown by, and what a week its been. Out with the old, and in with the new!  A new Prime Minister for the country....and a woman...AND a Redhead!  Thank you Julia for inspiring this weeks 'Accent on Red'.

Firstly on the subject of out with the old and in with the new.....more of our latest design project.

Last week, we looked at the amazing transformation of the dining room area, and today we take a look at the stunning lounge room.  Every care was taken in the consulatation process with our client.  The Dean Reilly artwork was a fabulous starting point, and melded with the new lighting, rug, drapery and furniture I think you will agree that this is the showcase room of the house now. Check out our Before and After pics....another Charcoal Interiors Design Project that we are proud to present to you....

Before

And....After!

 Passion...Blush...Cerise...Rouge...Scarlet...Pomegranate...the many shades of

RED!

Red is the color that often ignites strong feelings in designers and homeowners alike. There’s no doubt that the colour red can overwhelm a room if applied heavy-handedly.  We like to use red as a nuance....an accent.

A deep, brooding collection of richly textured velvets, weaves and plains, with stunning accent backdrop by Andrew Martin

Two stunning chairs in fabric once again by Andrew Martin.  A great way to introduce red tonings to a room.

Here, the use of dramatic stripe wallpaper to completely transform the room and also create balance with the other furniture and artwork.

Now in season and plentiful...

The Capsicum

Delicious Capsicum Dip with a twist

Tasty and  packed with Vitamin C, the Capsicum is currently in season and there seems to be quite an over-abundance in the markets at the moment too.  What better way to use it than in a tasty dip.  This dip recipe is quick and easy and also great on the waistline as its low in fat, but not on flavour

 

Ingredients

	225 g capsicum, (red), char-grilled
	100 g green olives in brine, pitted, drained
	3 tbs (s) capers, rinsed, drained
	2 tbs (s) canned tomato puree
	1 tbs (s) fresh lime juice, (or lemon juice)
	2 tbs (s) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

• Combine capsicum, olives, capers, tomato puree, lime juice and parsley in bowl of food processor. Blend for about 10-15 seconds or until coarsely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  
• Spoon mixture into a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with raw vegetable sticks (such as zucchini, carrots, cucumber, celery or even whole cherry tomatoes).

HOW EASY IS THAT!?...Let me know what you think.

Happy, Happy Friday

In celebration for another Friday reached without too many dramas, we are kicking back this week with our latest cocktail invention....The Ranga!...in recognition of Julia Gillard, our countries most famous ranga.  This cocktail is red...and its deeeeelish!

So we raise our glasses and celebrate another Cocktail Friday together...heres the recipe..enjoy!

The 'Ranga' Cocktail

Ingredients for the 'Ranga' Cocktail

Per glass

- 35 ml (1 1/4 oz.) vodka

- 10 ml (1/3 oz. or 2 tsp.) Triple Sec

- 10 ml (1/3 oz. or 2 tsp.) cranberry juice

- 7 ml (1/4 oz. or 1 1/2 tsp.) lemon juice

Method

1. Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with some ice;
2. mix well; pour into a cocktail glass
3. Garnish with a swirl of lemon rind 

 Cheers to all and wishing you a very Happy Weekend.  Enjoy...have fun...stay safe...until next week!

The Charcoal Girls....Colette, Cathie and Jen xxx