I am not exactly sure what is happening with the weather here in Brisbane lately....we should be dragging out our togs and heading to the beach...but that delightful cusp of spring/summer just wont quite break through the barrier.
Cath is away this week. Staying at her favourite haunt on the Sunshine Coast. It was a bit of a struggle actually getting her out of here...so we decided to be really gentle with her and found that locking her out and changing the keys worked a treat! Will she forgive and forget...? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, we have been super busy with custom made table orders. It seems that word has gotten out! This latest addition that I have called the Beach House Table, has already sold, with others on order. We love it!
I decided this week might be a good time to research into some great Aussie Beach Houses...for inspiration, but also the motivation factor. I figure that if I start getting into the swing of Summer...it will eventually manifest.
As a child, I remember when family friends invited us to their beach house for the weekend; I got the top bunk, a well-worn towel and a thin chenille bedspread....my how things have changed....
Below, are a selection of the BEST Beach Houses in Australia. So kick off your shoes, create the cocktail from the recipe below, and draw inspiration and a bit of summer lovin from these amazingly tranquil and luxurious homes.
Altitude Beach House. Great Ocean Road.
With views of the National Park and Ocean. A birds eye view of this spectacular part of the world.
Ala Moana Hamilton Island
Slip on a kaftan and revel in the uninterrupted views over the sublime turquoise waters of the Hamilton Island Whitsundays....
One nights stay will set you back....
$5500..or if you wish for a cleaner and meals, its just $6250 a night! Split the cost with 100 of your best pals and its quite affordable really.....
Next week....more gorgeous Beach Houses to drool over. And we also bring to you some great Beach House style ideas...bring a little bit of summer into your home wherever you are...
Sneak Peek at our new little favourites just arrived...
Check out our latest arrivals. Gorgeous Stone Base Hurricane Lanterns. So summery and very affordable. Leave as it is with a candle, or add some interesting pebbles and place the candle on top. I know I have quite a few collectibles from my beachcombing over the years that would look amazing in one of these.
A Beach Theme just wouldnt be the same without some kind of BBQ prawn recipe. This one completely rocks! It has prawns...(of course), lemongrass and mango!..what more could you want in flavour combos. I am salivating at the thought. So quick and so easy, plus the washing up is minimal. Enjoy!
Lemon Grass Prawn Skewers with Mango Mayonnaise
Ingredients (serves 8)
- 40 (about 1.2kg) green prawns, peeled leaving tails intact, deveined
- 1 stem lemon grass, pale section only, finely chopped
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, centre veins removed, finely shredded
- 1 tbs palm sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbs finely grated fresh ginger
MANGO MAYO
- 1/2 ripe mango, peeled, coarsely chopped
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbs fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 250ml (1 cup) peanut oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Cocktail Friday!
To those of you unfamiliar with our Cocktail Friday tradition. This is a celebration of the weeks end. Some meditate...others like to read or perhaps partake in a yoga class. We choose to wind down every Friday with a Cocktail. Its our way of recognising a job well done and another week down and dusted without causing too much trouble to ourselves or others.
It is important to kick off the shoes, relax and give yourself a pat on the back whilst sipping the weeks latest concoction.
Do you like getting caught in the rain...are you into yoga and sometimes into Champagne??...then you are going to love this weeks cocktail beachside fave....This week, we introduce to you.....
The Pina Colada.
Here's how to make it!
Pina Colada Recipe
Ingredients:
2oz of Rum
1 ½ oz of Cream of Coconut
2oz of Fresh Pineapple (cut into chunks & also use the pulp)
1 cup of ice
1 ½ oz of Cream of Coconut
2oz of Fresh Pineapple (cut into chunks & also use the pulp)
1 cup of ice
Method:
Pour everything into the blender.
Blend for roughly 20 seconds or until smooth
Pour into a frosted glass
Drink it through a straw; it somehow makes it taste better..and one of those fancy little umbrellas helps to create the mood too....aaaarrghhh...just throw caution to wind and!
Blend for roughly 20 seconds or until smooth
Pour into a frosted glass
Drink it through a straw; it somehow makes it taste better..and one of those fancy little umbrellas helps to create the mood too....aaaarrghhh...just throw caution to wind and!
Happy Friday to All. We are in exceptionally good spirits this week, with 2 family members receiving great health news. And so we raise our glasses to you and yours, and wish you a very, happy Friday and a weekend full of love, laughter and all things happy.
The Charcoal Girls xxx
