OFFSPRING INSPIRATIONS...WALLPAPER AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE...SCHMOOZING WITH STEPH FROM INHOUSE...PAPPARDELLE WITH RICOTTA AND BEANS....BELLISSIMO!..AND OUR MAD MEN HAPPY HOUR...ENJOY! xxx

OFFSPRING INSPIRATIONS

Any girl who loves fashion, romance and style is into Channel Tens newest offering to the masses....'Offspring'.  Its a ratings Giant, and we are completely hooked.  Every Sunday we girls wait with anticipation for the next episode and it never fails to disappoint.  We not only love the great casting and plot...always leaves us on the edge of seats and wanting more, but also the great design snippets of Ninas apartment.  She has quite an eclectic, Bohemian style to her, and the apartment styling really does reflect that.  We're not too sure about that 'Owl' collection??...bit strange...but last weeks episode showed more of an in depth shot of her dining room wall.  Did you see that amazing wallpaper?...it has the appearance of pressed metal (as you would find in old Queensland Homes ceilings)....We found something similar this week and wanted to share it with you...its so divinely special!...just like Doctor Chris...'Step Away From the Beautiful Wallpaper'...

Wallpaper is being used more and more nowadays in Interior Design applications.  In Europe they are using wallpaper on the floors and sealing it in with a resin finish.  

This week we were treated to an early preview of the Chivazzo range of wallpaper that has just been released.  Our good friend and all round stylish fashionista Steph from In House Agencies popped in for a chat and spent some time showing the girls this exquisite new range.

(below...) Lots of oooooohing and aaaaaaahing from the girls...

(below)Steph from Inhouse Agencies drops by to show the girls the new range..note her excellent multi-tasking skills...turning the page with one hand and scooping up some of Colettes delicious Turkish Delight Birthday Cheesecake with the other!

Gone are the days when paint was the only option for adding a statement to a wall or walls.  Wallpaper is now an enticing option and a perfect way to express your individual style.  Used correctly, wallpaper can create a real feature to a room and with the right furniture pieces a perfect balance. 

The new Carlucci range consists of designs that have been around for decades and evolved now into something that you can use in a multitude of design applications, suiting Art Deco, Classic, Contemporary, Modern  styling and more.  This is a truly sophisticated slant on complete home interior indulgence.

RECIPE TIME....

Like all things fresh and green, peas and beans symbolise the beginning of spring. Enjoy their crisp and delicate flavours this month.  This weeks recipe is fresh, tasty and in keeping with our 'no fuss' 'easy-peasy' (no pun intended..) motto....its quick and simple.

Pappardelle with ricotta, pea and broad beans

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

1 lemon

3 cups (450g) fresh shelled or frozen broad beans

450g pkt fresh lasagne sheets, cut into 3cm-thick strips

11/2 cups (230g) fresh shelled or frozen peas

2 tbs finely grated parmesan

1 cup (250g) fresh ricotta

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Shaved parmesan, to serve

1. Use a zester to remove the rind from the lemon. (Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler to peel rind from lemon and then use a small sharp knife to remove white pith from rind. Cut rind into very thin strips). Juice the lemon.
2. Cook broad beans in a medium saucepan of salted boiling water for 2 minutes or until just tender. Refresh under cold running water. Drain well. Remove and discard skins. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
3. Meanwhile, cook broad beans and peas in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Place half the broad beans and half the peas in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. Add parmesan, lemon juice and half the ricotta, and process until just combined. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine pasta, remaining broad beans and remaining peas in a large bowl. Crumble over remaining ricotta and gently toss until just combined. Divide among serving bowls. Spoon over broad bean puree. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with shaved parmesan and lemon zest. Season with pepper to serve.

* If using fresh broad beans, you will need about 1kg of broad beans in their pods.

Wine Match:  Due to the freshness and light flavours of this dish, we recommend teaming it up with a cool Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc style wine.  If going for the Sauvignon Blanc style flavours then you simply cant go past anything from New Zealand.  They really know how to turn out excellent quality Sauv Blanc styles.

YAY!!....ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY...

We're big...mad fans of Mad Men here, and this week, bring to you an old fave of the show for your sipping pleasure...The Tom Collins.  Easy to prepare, and a sophisticated stalwart of the cocktail recipe scene, kick your shoes off, crank up the Frank Sinatra CD and enjoy....smile...its Friday!

Caption reads below ('Those girls from Charcoal Interiors really know their stuff...I wish our wives were as smart, funny and beautiful....let's have another round and keep dreaming on'....)

THE TOM COLLINS

Ingredients

• 1.5 Oz of Gin
• Dashes of Bitters
• Dashes of Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• Dash of Simply Syrup
• Some Club Soda

Directions

• Mix the first four ingredients in a tall glass (also known as a Collins glass!) over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon.
• NOTE: Vodka can be substituted for Gin if preferable

And so...that was the week that was.  Thank you to our new followers for saying hi and your comments are always welcome.  

Next Week:  We look at Beach Houses, and how to achieve a sophisticated seaside style all of your own...and not an old ceiling mounted fishing net in sight :-)

...til then!

.

PINK RIBBON DAY...LET THEM EAT CAKE...NEW ARRIVALS JUST IN!...ALEGRIA IN BRISBANE...EGGS!...OUR FAVOURITE ASIAN MUSHROOM OMELETTE & THE LA STUPENDA COCKTAIL...R.I.P DAME JOAN...

PINK RIBBON DAY FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

This week, we did our bit to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Cause. 

Besides prettying up our gorgeous Francesco Urns in the front window with some pink ribbon, we are also donating a percentage of sales to Breast Cancer Research.

Cath schooszhing the urns.....

The finished look...

Jens daughter Brooke got into the swing of the cause too this week...she was in the paper to promote the Breast Cancer Awareness Cocktail Party at the Victoria Park Golf Course.  We might be a bit biased but we think that Brooke is just gawjussss....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COLETTE!

A big Happy Birthday to Colette on Wednesday of this week.  We do love it when there is a birthday because everyone seems to win!  Look at the cake we all got to share in...Turkish Delight centred cheesecake with velvetty, blood red rose petals (fresh...real ones...) on top.  And, it tasted soooo good.  Cath says that she made if from a very special recipe.  According to her, she was up all night crafting this masterpiece and  apparently the rose petals are from roses organically grown in her courtyard garden....yeah right...and I'm the next Miss Beachgirl Contest Winner!!  Thank you Jocelyns Provisions for another bakery masterpiece!

WHAT'S NEW AT CHARCOAL?

We are continually refreshing our stock and this week is no exception with some gorgeous new arrivals.

Our new French Style Washed look Urns....these look stunning either in an inside or outdoor application. You will love them!

Our European style Wooden Lanterns...these come in Large, Medium and Small.  Great as a centrepiece on the table...amazing around the pool and on and on...so many uses for these gorgeous Lanterns.  Come in and check them out for yourselves.  You will love the rustic tonings to the wood.

This beautiful little Rustic Console has had quite a few admirers this week....she is destined for a new home, so be quick to snap her up :-)

FOOD...GLORIOUS FOOD!

At a recent dinner out at one of Brisbanes newest and sexiest Restaurants...Alegria http://www.bistroalegria.com.au/  there was discussion about what we all ate for Breakfast.  Surprisingly amongst us all, the popular choice for breakfast fare was the humble egg.  Packed with goodness and vitamins, the Free Range Egg is most definitely a versatile character...good for salads in the hard-boiled style, or scrambled, poached, fried and perfect to construct a healthy Frittata or Omelette as in our recipe this week, the Asian Mushroom Omelette.

ASIAN MUSHROOM OMELETTE

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 8 free-range eggs
• 1 small red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 100g button mushrooms, sliced
• 80g snow pea sprouts, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/3 cups steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Method

1. Break 4 eggs into a bowl. Add half the chilli and half the green onions. Whisk with a fork.
2. Heat a wok over medium heat. Add half the oil. Swirl to coat. Pour in egg mixture. Swirl to cover base and run 1cm up the side. Sprinkle half the mushrooms over egg mixture. Cook for 30 seconds or until base is set. Fold omelette in half. Tilt wok to allow any uncooked egg to run to edge. Cook for 30 seconds. Turn omelette over and cook for 30 seconds or until light golden (omelette should still be moist inside). Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining eggs, chilli, green onions, oil and mushrooms.
3. Cut omelettes in half and place on plates. Top with snow pea sprouts. Drizzle with soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice
   
   
   DAME JOAN SUTHERLAND...R.I.P
   
   
   Dame Joan Sutherland was the epitomy of Diva, but not as we know them today. She would put the likes of Mariah Carey to shame.  She was a gifted singer beyond compare and a true lady along with it. Shunned from the school choir as a girl for drowning out the other singers, Joan went on to work as a secretary, but all she really wanted to do was sing.  At age 19, Joan won free singing lessons, time went on and as she started singing more and more in public, her popularity and demand for her vocal style grew.
   One of the most remarkable female opera singers of the 20th century, she was dubbed La Stupenda by a La Fenice audience in 1960 after a performance of the title role in Handel's Alcina. She possessed a voice of beauty, power and extraordinary agility. Her friend Luciano Pavarotti once called Sutherland the "Voice of the Century."
   Sadly, the end of an era has come with the death of Dame Joan after a long illness on the 11th of October, 2010.  We couldnt let her passing go, without some kind of recognition from the team here.  She was a lady of true grace, a wonderful ambassador to Australia and a talent beyond compare.
   
   THE 'LA STUPENDA' COCKTAIL...IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY FOLKS
   
   
   
   After a bit of research, it is clear that whilst Dame Joan was a supremely cultured woman with great taste and grace, she wasnt really one to indulge in the cocktail scene.  I mean we cant really see her down at the local imbibing on a Cosmo or two.....but...we do think that if she did have the occasional clink, it would be to a La Stupenda!  And so, we bring it to you today.  A simple and very attractive cocktail that is pearlised in appearance and super delicious to the remaining senses.
   
   
   
   

   Ingredients:

   1.  1 1/2 oz rum

 2. 1 1/2 oz passionfruit vodka

 3. 1/2 oz triple sec

4. 1/2 oz lemon juice

5. 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Next week:  Offspring Inspirations, Wallpaper wisdom.

Enjoyed the blog?  Catch up with us on facebook.  We would love to hear from you!

Wishing everyone a very happy Friday...great weekend and until next week its goodbye from us...The Charcoal Girls xxx

Bye Bye Winter...Helloooo Spring!...Urbane Edge Article with one Half of our Design Team....Sell, Sell, Sell...More Exclusive Charcoal Project Peeks...Sweet Treats...Anatoly, The Rug Guru...Best Dukkah Recipe In The World...Dukkah Encrusted Lamb and Kiwi Cocktails..What More Could You Want on a Friday?..enjoy xx

Its almost official....

Spring is nearly here!

Whilst some of you may be dreading the warmer weather being just on our doorstep, we are all pretty happy about the change of season.

Spring brings with it the smell of Jasmine, BBQ's on a Sunday, Sundresses, Picnics and the obligatory...for some..Spring Clean.  We love everything about Spring, and look forward to introducing you to some absolutely amazing new pieces that we will be bringing in to the showroom.  We simply cant wait!  Plus, there will be a fresh new menu of gloriously healthy and tasty dishes to please the palate...and with all that seasonal fruit coming in, we have finished test driving some excellent new Cocktail Friday recipes...just part of the job criteria...someone's got to make sure they are delicious!

Urbane Edge

This week, our Cathie Venardos...One half of the design team here at Charcoal, was interviewed by the Big and Glossy Brisbane News.  Cathie gave an insight on her design style, art and furniture pieces purchased during her travels.  For those of you who don't live in Brisbane, and haven't seen the article, here's a peek for you....click on the pic and it will enlarge if you are finding it hard to decipher.

Our Sale is Still Going Strong

With so many amazing discounts on selected stock, you are sure to find something perfect for your home.

Pop in over the weekend and step into a world of inspiration!

Serving Up More Inspiration...

Next week, we showcase our latest Exclusive Charcoal Interiors design project...here's a sneak peek.  This home was completely reduced to a shell and has been transformed and updated into a beautiful space.  We look forward to sharing the Before and After images with you over the coming weeks...wait until you see the bathroom!

Lounge Living...more Photos next week.

Golden Day

Sometimes you just have one of those days, that are just 'Golden', because we had two wonderful surprises in one day this week.  The first was a delivery of Organic Belgian White Chocolate and Fresh Coffee from a client that we had helped style his apartment for sale....Then, mere minutes later, 3 bunches of beautiful Spring blooms were delivered for us....a thank you for all the girls hard work from an appreciative client and all-round great lady.  We felt just so spoilt and it was a fabulous day indeed.  

Here we are looking very chuffed with ourselves....

Cathie..Colette and Jen

Every Stylish Home Needs at Least One....

This week, as promised we bring to you our Host with the Most..Anatoly Frusin!  Anatoly is our Rug consultant here at Charcoal Interiors, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge on the beautiful handwoven rugs that we stock here in the showroom.  

Please click on the link below which will take you to a short video presentation by Anatoly, with a brief outline of some of the rugs we have instore.....enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8QpEUa7UbY&feature=channel

'Drool-worthy Delights'

Fancy something tasty and super healthy for dinner or lunch? 

We feel we have excelled ourselves with this weeks recipe...braggers...

We do love a good Dukkah...there's nothing nicer than dipping some really fresh Turkish Bread into a quality Cold Pressed Olive Oil, and then dunking into a great Dukkah Mix.

With Egyptian origins, Dukkah is a spice blend of toasted nuts and seeds, and has become a international favorite over the past few years, thanks to its popularity first in Australian restaurants and then among home cooks and food blogs. The warm, aromatic mixture is addictive when served as a dip with bread and olive oil. We've also been sprinkling it on everything else lately – roasted vegetables, pasta, feta cheese, and even peaches, not to mention the wonderful crust it makes for meat and fish....speaking of which, heres a fab recipe for Dukkah Encrusted Lamb Chops.  You can use this recipe and method for any meat...fish, chicken, or you can roll a vegetable like cauliflower into the mix and bake in the oven...now that's delicious too.  Dukkah is very versatile and so healthy too.  Dazzle your friends with the recipe below...they will think you have had lessons!

Dukkah Encrusted Lamb Chops

Dukkah is available in many stores nowadays.  Its not just a gourmet item anymore and you can find it by the packet on jar in most supermarkets.  Making your own is easy.  Pistachios are a lovely addition to a Dukkah mix and they give a pleasant sweetness.  Here are some ideas for your Dukkah mix below.  Grind up in a processor, or get into the traditional way with a Mortar and Pestle...really get your elbow into it, and then be sure to stop...take a rest...sip the Cocktail from the recipe below...pace yourself now...and begin again....

Basic Ingredients
• Nuts – hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, pine nuts, macadamia nuts
• Sesame seeds
• Coriander
• Cumin

Optional Additions
• Dried chickpeas
• Dried herbs – marjoram, mint, thyme
• Dried lemon zest
• Hot pepper – red pepper flakes, chili powder
• Pepper – freshly ground or whole peppercorns
• Salt
• Seeds – caraway, fennel, nigella
• Spices – cinnamon, clove, turmeric
• Sugar

Dukkah (Basic Recipe)
Makes 2 1/4 cups

1 cup nuts
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup coriander seeds
1/4 cup cumin seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Toast nuts and seeds in separate batches. Let cool completely.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse. The mixture may fine or coarse, depending on personal preference, but be sure it is dry and crumbly. Over-mixing will turn it into a paste. (Can also use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.)

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Once you have your mix to your satisfaction and taste, drizzle a good quality olive oil over your lamb chops...rub in a quality rock salt and then coat in the Dukkah mix.  Heat your pan with oil and sear the chops on both sides for 2 - 3 minutes each.  Place the chops onto aluminium foil and seal for 15 minutes to rest the meat.

In the meantime...take your time here now...another sip of your drink...soo nice and relaxing isnt it?...and I do like that music in the background...bit of Angus and Julia Stone perhaps?...or a Katie Noonan track or two...blissful...now, where were we?  Oh yes, the salad.  Now, whilst waiting on the resting of the meat, throw together a nice green salad...pop a side of plain yoghurt on your plate...shake up some lemon juice with a bit of salt, pepper, balsamic and olive oil and drizzle this over the salad.  Arrange the meat and salad on the plate with your chops...and Voila!...its a meal fit for the MasterChef judges.  Enjoy!

Happiness Comes in Many Forms...Puppies, Shoe Shopping, Sass and Bide and.....Cocktails!

Happy Friday to all.  Hope you have had a great one...Let's Celebrate with a...

Kiwi Fruit Cocktail...Fresh...Sparky...and oh, so delicious!..and guess what?..you deserve one...

The Friday Kiwi Cocktail

Its as Easy as Mix, Shake and Pour

Mix

2 shots of Gin
0.25 shots of Lemon Juice
0.5 shots of Sugar Syrup
1 whole peeled Kiwi

Shake

Peel and quarter the Kiwi, muddle with the Gin in the mixing tin, add the other ingredients, add lots of ice, shake and fine strain.

Pour

Serve in a Martini glass and garnish with a kiwi slice.

Thank you to all our wonderful customers and blog readers, facebook followers etc..for another amazing week here at Charcoal Interiors.  We just love being part of The Valley precinct and hope to see you in this part of the world one day soon.  Grab a coffee, and stroll the streets of James, Wandoo and Doggett and be sure to pop into the showroom at 18 Doggett St, Fortitude Valley...we would love to see you.  Mention the blog and we will give you an even bigger smile!...til next week...we are off to collect more goodies for you on Monday...another shopping excursion just for you.  Cant wait to share all our treasures.  Have a great weekend.

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

Hamilton Apartment...The Final Unveil with Before & After pics, plus video...Get in Quick for our Sale!...We Shop in Melbourne for You!...Maiocchi Fashion Shoot - A Sneek Peak into the new range....Scrumptious Chicken Recipe and the Deeeelightfully light..Capiroska!

Hello and Happy Friday one and all.  We have had a great week, with a trip to Melbourne for the day...and all for you!  More info on that a bit further down the blog...but first..as promised...

The Exclusive Unveiling of our latest Design Project at Hamilton!

Well, last week we showcased the Sunroom of this amazing Art Deco residence in Hamilton, Brisbane.  This week we have video of Cathie showing us through the fully completed apartment, plus 'Before...and After' pictures, so you can really gauge just how much thought and effort has gone into completely transforming this space.

First up...here's Cathie with her tour.....excuse my very amateurish production..oh..and the Chandelier is not on fire!..just looks that way due to the strobing :-)

Just Click On The Video Link Below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlYGQf_KtJM

Some before pics of the space.....

....and the finished work...

Beautiful artwork...gorgeous lighting..a sumptuous mixture of textures, antique and modern pieces now give this apartment a luxurious environ, reminiscent of the Manhattan Style our client loves so much.

We have had a terrific week, with a successful expedition to the Melbourne Trade Show. We also dropped in on a few of our wonderful suppliers whilst down South and picked out some stunning pieces...Gosh, we are so excited!  Cant wait for it all to be delivered!  Stay tuned for our new arrivals...boy did we have fun shopping for you!

Trade Show Shopping...Decisions..Decisions??....

Strolling along the Yarra...on a gorgeous winters day...more decisions to make..like, which restaurant to choose??

More self sacrifice....lunch at 'Brasserie' restaurant on the Yarra.

Check out our Cocktail Friday recipe...with pics below

Charcoal Interiors...is having ....a...

 That's right!....Sale starts this Saturday.  After our buying trip on Monday, we need to make room for the new arrivals.  So, that means that we have considerable savings to be had on Sofas, Tables, Urns, Accessories, Dining and Occasional Chairs and so much more! 

Maiocchi Fashion Shoot

On Sunday morning we hosted another Fashion Shoot for Dee Maiocchi and her gorgeous range of clothing.  Here is a little sneek peak, and we will have the formal pics for you shortly.  Dee loves to use our stunning showroom as the backdrop for her creations.  

Thanks again to Mark Turner Photography http://markturnerphotography.com/...from high fashion to sophisticated Interior Design shoots...he really does know his stuff.

Friday Recipe

Feeling a little overwhelmed after such a big week, our bellies were looking for something light, flavoursome and healthy...so this week, we tried this super simple recipe that is fresh and delicious.  

This recipe is super simple and serves 4

Mint and Garlic Chicken with Crunchy Salad

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 small (about 170g each) chicken breast fillets, each cut into 2 thin fillets
• 2 tbs roughly chopped mint leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 1 1/2 tbs olive oil
• 1 baby cos, leaves separated, finely shredded
• 1/2 punnet (about 80g) snow pea sprouts, roughly chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbs white wine vinegar

Method

1. Place the chicken, mint, chilli and 1/2 tbs of oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat chicken.
2. Place a large non-stick frypan over high heat. When hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook for 2 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile: toss the shredded lettuce, snow pea sprouts, and spring onion in a large bowl with the vinegar, remianing tbs of oil, salt and pepper. 
4. 
   
   
   Divide the salad and chicken among plates and serve immediately.
   
   
   It's That Time Again....Cocktail Friday!!
   
   
   
   

 Ahhhh...Yes...Cocktails really DO equal Paradise according to us!  We have a super simple Cocktail recipe for you this Friday, but its just packed with flavour...you'll love it!

We imbibed in a few of these on our Melbourne trip...Cath has the recipe below...

The Lime Capiroska!

A great way to end an exhausting day of Power Shopping!

We are off to Cru Bar this afternoon to celebrate our 1000th Blog view!

Thank you to everyone for their support.  We have had a great response to the Blog.  A lot of love goes into bringing it to you every Friday and its a collaborative effort from us all.

Wishing you a great weekend...love...The Charcoal Girls...

Cathie, Colette and Jen....with Charlie....xx