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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
