What woman wouldn't want to at some stage in her life, buy a villa in Tuscany and fill it with all things beautiful?
Due to a couple of minor health issues, we are working from home today. Cath is staying with us for a few days (that makes 7...not including the dogs and the newly rescued bird...thats another story), and we have left Colette in charge of the showroom.
To help with the passing of time, we decided to pop on a dvd that we just never tire of.....'Under the Tuscan Sun'...Starring Diane Lane. The stylish way that this particular old Tuscan Villa was renovated just screams..Charcoal Interiors! From the rustic patina walls to the gorgeous iron beds...and that kitchen is simply to...die...for! Oh the 'Putanesca' we could rustle up in that space...I would never....ever want to leave. You simply escape into that movie. Its the ultimate chick flick and we find that it gives so much inspiration, offering ideas on classic rustic Tuscan design and style.
We also love how Frances (Diane Lane) eventually gets everything she asks for....just not exactly in the way that she had originally envisioned. And thats the great thing about life isnt it? One big exciting and unpredictable journey.
The Italians sure do seem to have it all...love, passion, food, style. But you can recreate your own piece of Italian style in your home by adding some inspired art pieces and rich textured fabrics. Keep it simply, stylish and uncluttered.
Bring a bit of Italy into your home. Plant out your own little Italian herb garden. Its just so easy and you dont need a back yard. Grab a decent sized rustic looking terracotta pot and get your hands dirty with some basil, parsley, rosemary, oregano and garlic. These are such great herb staples for your Italian recipes. Bring a bunch of your own home grown basil inside...pop it on the kitchen window sill and enjoy the freshness of herbs in your cooking and the wonderful aromas that they release!....'Bellissimo'!!
And what would Friday be, without the long awaited Cocktail Friday. Keeping with the Italian theme, we have discovered 'the' most refreshing ever cocktail...The Italian Mojito!
Italian Mojito Ingredients: - 2 oz of white light rum - 2 oz Proseco - 1/2 oz fresh lime juice - 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh mint In a high ball glass place mint leaves, brown sugar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice and muddle. Add ice cubes, pour light rum and top with Italian sparkling wine. Stir directly in the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and fresh lime wheel. 
Sooooo refreshing. So delicious. We are going to sip this one whilst sitting out on the back deck tonight. Its so balmy here tonight in Brisbane Australia. Dont forget to send us your Cocktail Friday pics! We will definitely publish them.
And so, another Friday has come and gone. We give thanks for the Cocktail experience and wish everyone a terrific weekend (its a long one here in Brisbane...thank you May Day holiday...what is that all about anyway?...)
Ciao Bellas!...Cathie...Colette and Jen. The Charcoal Girls....xxxx
Italian Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of white light rum
- 2 oz Proseco
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh mint
In a high ball glass place mint leaves, brown sugar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice and muddle. Add ice cubes, pour light rum and top with Italian sparkling wine. Stir directly in the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and fresh lime wheel.
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