RELAX AND UNWIND ON YOUR 'STAYCATION'...DIVINE DIVA FABRICS...JENS DAGGY CRUSH...FATHERS DAY LUNCH WITH A TWIST...AND THE GINGER & CINZANO COCKTAIL GUARANTEED TO DELIGHT DAD! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

STAYCATION

 Urban Dictionary: A vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer.

Life just seems to be one big rush.  Rush to have breakfast, rush to the car, rush to work, rush, rush, rush....and for those with school aged kids (I now have one out of 4 still at school) you dont need me to tell you that life can most probably at times seem just so hectic.

I have friends who decided this year that instead of holidaying overseas, or even within the country, to go on a 'Staycation' instead.  For those of you not familiar with the term, a Staycation is, in a nutshell, a holiday at home.  Just think...no busy airports, passport dramas, local language dilemmas and alike.  Staying at home for a holiday can mean loads of not only savings on the hip pocket, but also peace of mind.

Here's some ideas for those of you tossing up the idea of a Staycation...it can be more fun than you think.

1. Buy up enough food for the length of your Staycation...think, smoked salmon, caviar, truffle, belgian chocolate, seafood...and ok...lets really splurge with some bananas :-)

2. Head to the local boutique wine shop...the one that usually only is reserved for purchases of the 'special occasion' variety (not a bottle of Houghtons White Burgundy in sight).  Really splurge on a few good bottles of bubbles and red or white...how about looking through our Archives of Style In The City and select a few interesting cocktails...grab the ingredients and have fun with creating the right ambience along with it.

3. Turn home into your own private spa.  Grab some indulgent hair and body products, scented candles and spend the whole day pampering yourself.

4. On ya bike!  Dust the cobwebs off of the treddlie that has been sitting in your garage for years...remember why you bought it?...because you loved to ride bikes once!...discover your local bike trails.

5. Have a picnic.  Dont let all those lovely gourmet goodies go to waste indoors...pack a picnic basket full of your favourite treats and head to the hills....you never know...you may find a cute little pub on the way for a glass of mulled wine :-)

6. Host a dinner party.  All that rushing around in life doesnt leave much time for spending with the people who matter to us the most...friends and family.  We love to cook up a big curry....prepare..set and forget..too easy, and then invite our mates along to share it with us.  Ask everyone to bring a game and enjoy a night of laughs, good food and company...what could be more nourishing for the soul?

7. Grow your own food.  Creating a herb garden is really a 'no-brainer' and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour within weeks....for easy and quick pickings, try Rocket (they dont call it that for nothing...grows like crazy and very low maintenance...makes incredible pesto too), Thai Basil (grows quickly and a lot hardier than traditional broad leaf Basil), Parsley, Chives etc...think of the herbs you use every day, or on a regular basis and grow those...theres no point having marjoram in your herb garden if you dont like or use it.  Having a herb garden gives you a reason to head outside and breathe the fresh air too.

8.  Well, I cant draw, or paint but I still love to sit with a sketch pad and just doodle away.  Who cares if you're no Jackson Pollock, just as long as youre enjoying yourself, finding a creative outlet and relaxing.

9. Send a card to a loved one.  The other day I was thinking about my Grandma, who is going to be 100 soon...still lives at home and is still enjoying her life to the fullest.  Instead of calling her, I sent her a card, just to say hi and to let her know I was thinking of her.  It made me feel connected to her as she lives interstate and my intention was to also make her day happier...made me feel good!

10. Visit a book store...immerse yourself in the cooking section, or the biographies section...whatever takes your interest.  Buy a book or two, find a nice sheltered spot outside and curl up with a cup of tea.

ENJOY YOUR STAYCATION!

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MORE OF THE LOOKS WE LOVE....

Loving...the new 'Diva' range by Ardecora

 Courtesy of our friends at Unique Fabrics

Divas are fascinating icons – muses and goddesses with ultimate presence. Inspired by the powerful aura of these exceptional women, the DIVA collection manifests emotion in

colour, texture, and form.

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We all know that Dad loves nothing more than a good cook up breakfast on Fathers Day, but what do with about lunch?  After all that grease from the cook up, how about treating him to a delicious lunch traditional dish with a twist?

The BLT CHICKEN SALAD!

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 250g trussed baby tomatoes
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 4 pancetta slices
• 1/4 Turkish bread, cut into 2cm pieces
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 (about 400g) chicken breast fillets
• 100g baby rocket leaves
• 1/4 cup (60g) whole-egg mayonnaise
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 1 tbs wholegrain mustard

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place tomatoes on an oven tray; drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until tomatoes begin to collapse. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
2. Meanwhile, place the pancetta and Turkish bread on separate oven trays. Combine the garlic and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small bowl; drizzle over the bread. Gently toss to coat. Bake the bread and pancetta in oven, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
3. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken; cook for 3-4 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat; set aside for 5 minutes to rest. Thinly slice.
4. Arrange the rocket, crumbled pancetta, chicken, croutons and tomatoes on serving plates. Combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice and mustard in a bowl. Drizzle over the salad and serve immediately.
   
   FRIDAY.....THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!!....COCKTAIL FRIDAY THAT IS...

GINGER AND CINZANO COCKTAIL DAD WILL LOVE!

I know it sounds a bit daggy, but when I was a kid, I had the hugest crush on John Newcombe, the Australian tennis player.  He was a bit like the 'Solo' man with his moustache and rugged good looks. 

When a type of 'manly' style cocktail is called for, I always think of Cinzano, because John used to do the ads for them years ago.  So, I found this great Ginger and Cinzano Cocktail recipe that makes 2 litres.  It's a beaut recipe that you can make up and then pop in the fridge ready for all the Fathers Day guests....a nice alternative to beer for Dad...after all, variety is the spice of life!

To be sipped out on the back deck served in a long tall glass and lashings of love and gratitude for Dad thrown in the mix too....

Makes

2 litres

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cinzano Bianco
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 orange, unpeeled, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, unpeeled, thinly sliced
• 1.25 litres chilled dry ginger ale

Method

1. Combine Cinzano, brandy, orange and lemon in a large jug. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours, if time permits.
2. Add dry ginger ale. Stir gently to combine. Pour into glasses. Serve.

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In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away - shing xiong

Until next week.....Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

IN A MUDDLE ABOUT WHAT TO GET DAD??...WE HAVE THE ANSWER TO ALL YOUR FATHERS DAY GIFT GIVING DILEMMAS!...OUR ANTIQUE RIDDLING RACKS AND THE COCKTAIL TO GO WITH IT!..GREEK STYLE BBQ...OOOOOOPAHHH! AND MUCH MORE...HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL! xx

 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DAD WHO WAS EVERYTHING!

After a chat with my brother this week about Fathers Day gifts for our Dad, we both came to conclusion that men are really hard to buy for...unless you're my brother who loves fishing and is happy with anything remotely associated with angling.  There's always the easy way out...i.e bottle of red wine, carton of beer, socks, jocks etc....but if you really want to 'dazzle' Dad, why not get creative with your gift giving this year.  We have some terrific suggestions for you this week, and you can find all of these in our Charcoal Interiors showroom at 59 Doggett St. Newstead. Qld.

Antique Wooden Horse...for that Horse Loving Dad...would look great in his office.

Black Leather Storage Trunk that doubles as a Coffee Table.  

Our stunning range of Moroccan Lanterns are now half price!  Not only a piece of exotic history, but also these lanterns can be wired to make a perfect feature light over the BBQ for Dad....well...why not!?...

Connect Dad in with his inner primordial self with this huge black South American hide.  We only source quality hides that do not shed (as the cheaper versions inevitably do).  

AND THE 'PISTE DE RESISTANCE'.....OUR ANTIQUE FRENCH CHAMPAGNE RIDDLING RACKS!

 

Antique French Riddling Rack - the perfect gift for the Dad who has everything.  Lovers of wine and champagne are always pleading for us to re-stock these very hard to come by pieces.  In perfect timing for Fathers Day we have acquired 2 single panels and a rare A-Frame. Crafted from Oak, these racks were used in the process of Methode Champenoise fermentation.  

The bottles were turned daily by hand to keep the sediment towards the neck of the bottle.  Due to this labor intensive process, riddling has now been automated.  These riddling racks are now used as a feature in homes, either mounted on the walls or to display wine or champagne in cellars etc...  They are a very special piece of history that we are sure the lover of quality wine and Champagne will appreciate.  These racks are quite rare in their natural state with authentic stamps.  Available only while stocks last.

 ...LOOKS WE LOVE...

The Art Of Balance

The simplicity of neutrals with a splash of vibrant colour.

 

 GREEK STYLE BARBECUED CHICKEN

This really easy recipe will satisfy the most picky of eaters.  I buy my chicken already cut up to save time, or you can follow the recipe as is. Sitting at my desk today, there was somebody local (I could have sniffed them out if I had the time) who was cooking a BBQ and there were onions and possible sausages involved.....I almost had a Pepe Le Pew moment where I could have floated along following my nose to find the origin.  And so, it got me inspired for this weeks recipe, because I do so love a good BBQ meal.  This recipe is one that I have used many times and its a complete 'no-brainer'.....easy as 1..2..3...

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 2 x 1.3kg whole fresh chickens
• 2 small red onions, coarsely grated
• 2 bunches fresh oregano, leaves picked, chopped
• 2 tbs finely grated lemon rind
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 long fresh green chillies, seeded, finely chopped
• 80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
• Olive oil, to grease
• Fresh oregano sprigs (optional), to serve

Method

1. Rinse 1 chicken inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towel. Place, breast-side down, on a clean work surface. Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut along either side of the backbone. Discard backbone. Turn the chicken and open. Press to flatten. Place in a glass or ceramic dish. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Combine the onion, chopped oregano, lemon rind, garlic, chilli and oil in a bowl. Spread the mixture over the chickens. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
3. Preheat a barbecue flat plate on high. Brush with oil. Cook the chickens, skin-side down, on barbecue for 10 minutes or until browned. Turn and cook for a further 15 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Cut into pieces and place on a serving platter. Top with oregano sprigs, if desired.
   

 HOORAH!!...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY...LET'S GET IN THE SPIRIT!

Needless to say, if you are going to have a Riddling Rack in your home, then logically you need to fill it with Champagne....or 'spaaaaaaarkling'...as we have to call it here in Aus.  Anyway it will always be Champagne to me, especially if it has those magical words 'Methode Champenoise' on the bottle (which translates to made by the Champagne Method).

This weeks cocktail recipe is 'A Goodnight Kiss' and I can guarantee that if you have a few of these, you will be getting more than just a kiss...nod, nod...wink..wink.  This cocktail recipe impresses with its looks, but is very easy to put together and you dont need a cupboard full of ingredients either.

A GOODNIGHT KISS

INGREDIENTS:

4 oz Champagne

1 splash of Campari

1 sugar cube

1 drop of Angostura bitters

METHOD:

Place a drop of the Angostura Bitters on a sugar cube and drop into the Champagne.  Add Champagne and a splash of Campari....voila!

The only drinking participation requirement with this one is to wear pink....ideally a hat.

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"I shut my eyes in order to see".....Paul Gauguin

Wishing you all a great weekend.  Its supposed to be drizzly here in Brisbane, but you would never know!!...sun is shining and its been a gorgeous day.  Be sure to pop in and say hi on Saturday and snaffle up one of those Riddling Racks before they all go...Dad will just love it!  We also have our Moroccan lanterns on sale at half price...which is crazy because they are simply exquisite and a piece of history too.  In fact, all our accessories are from 30 to 50% off the marked price, so you can get something for Dad and something for yourself!  Thank you to everyone who has crossed our path this week...'twas a pleasure.

Until next week....xxx

CREATIVE JESS WINS!!...BRISBANE RIVER APARTMENT FITOUT....OUR NEW CREATIVE COMPETITION...NEW ARRIVALS THAT WE JUST LOOOOVE!....LOW FAT LASAGNE IN A PAN AND THE 'SVELTE MAKER' (LONG ISLAND ICED TEA)...PLUS WORDS OF WINSTON AND MORE...ENJOY AND HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!! xx

JESS...THE EXCITED WINNER OF OUR VERY FIRST CHARCOAL INTERIORS COMPETITION!

When we shared on facebook our first Charcoal Interiors Competition, we never really expected to get the huge response that we did.

The idea was to introduce as many friends to our Facebook Page for a chance to win an original artworks by local artist Margaret Fredericksen.  The interest in the comp was huge and we ended up with loads of new followers, who all qualified to win.  One lady who went crazy with referring us to her friends was Kellie Layton.  She really wanted to win the comp for her daughter 11 year old Jess, who has been absolutely mad keen on art and all things creative since she was 5.  Amongst her other loves of cooking and flowers Jess spend hours immersing herself in her artwork.  Mum, Kellie says Jess's favourite colours are Green and Purple and she is way above her grade standard in Art classes and was presented with honours at a recent Melbourne Show exhibition.  And all at the tender age of 11.  Jess tells us that when she grows up she wants to have her own shop called Jessica-Rose Flower and Art!

We are told that the Margaret Fredericksen original that she won is now taking pride of place amongst Jess's other creations on her bedroom wall.  As you can see from the pictures, she sure looks happy with her win!  Jess is lucky to have a family that nurtures her creative spirit in a positive and loving environment.  We are thrilled to have them in our Charcoal Interiors Facebook family!
And the competitions just keep on coming.  Keep reading through the blog for info on our latest little brainwave!...its a chance for YOU to get creative and win!

RIVERFRONT APARTMENT PROJECT

We now live in a service society.  Need your house cleaned?...then there are services for that.  Want your garden maintained?...its as easy as making a phone call and instant gardener at your service!...and if he's cute, well then that's just a big bonus then isn't it!?  
The design girls finished a project this week, that called for a lot of trust from the client, who was new to working with Charcoal Interiors, but liked what she saw on the website and also via phone calls to the team.  She lived interstate but had an apartment here in Brisbane on the river that needed a full fit-out.  It can be quite a nervous decision from the client to put such a huge job into someone elses hands.
After design consultations over the phone and emailing of images and ideas, the vision was complete and after a big thumbs up from the client the girls got cracking with the task of fitting out the apartment with magnificent views of the Brisbane River.
The girls found that their biggest challenge was working with the colour scheme of floor, walls and drapes that was a little dated.  After much consideration they came up with rugs, lamps, cabinetry, beds, desks, tables and more that worked in well.  The emphasis was on quality and classic pieces that would not date and stand the test of time. 
Below we have some 'Before and After' shots that show the difference key pieces can make to the overall appearance when given a completely blank canvas to work with.


BEFORE  AND   AFTER  IMAGES

OUR LATEST COMPETITION IS UP AND RUNNING....AND YOU COULD WIN!

Join our facebook page (just click on the link at top right of the blog page) and you not only have access to design inspiration from the experts, a weekly blog with great recipes, our latest projects and more, but you also get a chance to win great prizes.  This months competition is all about you getting creative.  Just come up with a suitable name for each of our Huge Bronze Lion Statues that we now have in our front courtyard.  We have all heard the usual 'Leo' and 'Simba' so we want you to come up with something fitting.  The winner will be the proud owner of our Asian Art Tryptich which translates to Hope, Harmony and Dance!

So, get cracking with some names (you get 5 chances to win) and we look forward to hearing from you.

LATEST ARRIVALS THAT WE ARE LOVING......



ANTIQUE RUSTIC FRENCH IRON BED

This bed is stunning, and for an antique, quite versatile in its design.  The sides of the bed fold down, so you can also use it as a bench seat, or convert to a day bed by locking into place one of the side panels.  To say this bed is beautiful would have to be an understatement.  If the design team arent vigilant enough I will be finding a cunning way to get it back to my place!  Would be perfect on a deck, verandah, out in the garden or perfect in any living area or bedroom indoors.  We just L.O.V.E it.  Its for sale, but be quick and contact us.  We deliver anywhere in Australia and Worldwide!

BELL URN

There is something about the Pattina of this urn that really gets us going.  Its a stunning pot that you could have on a deck or in the garden.  Great feature urn for indoors too.  Pop a plant in it, or leave as is.  These pieces fly out the door, so be sure to contact us for all the details.

THIRTY MINUTE LOW FAT LASAGNE IN A PAN

With Spring just around the corner I've had to pay some serious attention to getting the old bod back into some kind of acceptable shape. I am ok with being on a diet, as long as I dont feel deprived in any way.  Last week I road tested this 30 minute Lasagne that you make in the frying pan.  It says to use the Weight Watchers brand in the recipe, but I just use low fat versions that are available and a bit cheaper. I also added some chopped low fat sundried tomatoes which are available at the deli section of the supermarket.  Also, I added some chopped basil from the garden.  Serve it up with a little green salad.  Lovely...and the kids will eat it too.  Freeze what you dont eat, or double the recipe so you have another full family meal available for the nights when you get home and would rather eat your own hair than cook a meal :-)

Equipment

You'll need a frying pan with a lid and flameproof handle.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 medium red capsicum, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 410g can crushed tomatoes
• 3 fresh lasagne sheets, cut into thirds
• 1/2 x 250g tub Weight Watchers cream cheese
• 100g Weight Watchers shaved leg ham
• 3/4 cup Weight Watchers grated tasty cheese
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve

Method

1. Heat half the oil in an 18cm (base), heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and capsicum. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add oregano and tomato. Season with salt. Cook for 2 minutes or until heated through. Transfer to a bowl. Wipe pan clean.
2. Spread 1 side of each piece of lasagne with cream cheese. Drizzle remaining oil over base of pan. Arrange 2 pieces of lasagne, cream cheese side-up, over base of pan. Top with one-third of the ham, then one-quarter tomato mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with 3 pieces of lasagne then 1 layer tomato mixture. Sprinkle with tasty cheese. Preheat grill on high.
3. Return pan to medium-low heat. Cook, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until lasagne sheets are tender. Remove lid. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Season with pepper. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.
   
   
   
   
   THE 'GUILT-FREE' LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
   
   
   
   I must admit that I have on occasion woken up with more than just a hangover after a big night out on the Chockie Martinis, and also found myself a bit tubbier too after a few weeks of having just soooo much fun on nights out without a care in the world and a cocktail or 3 or more in hand.
   Whilst its not a Chocolate Martini, this Low Calorie replacement to the iconic Long Island Iced Tea hits the spot for a refreshing Alcoholic bevvie without all the calories.
   The Long Island Iced Tea was first served in the mid-70's by a bartender in yes...you guess it, Long Island, Nyoooo Yawwk...
   
   
   
   

   Long Island Iced Tea

4. 1/3 oz vodka
5. 1/3 oz rum
6. 1/3 oz gin
7. 1/3 oz tequila
8. 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
9. 2 packets artificial sweetner
10. 2 Tbsp water
11. diet cola
12. fresh slice lemon
13. tall glass of ice

Dissolve sweetener in water. Add mixture to cocktail shaker, along with all liquors and lemon juice. Shake well. Pour into tall cocktail glass filled with ice, add diet cola until filled. Garnish with fresh slice of lemon.

Important Note: Dressing like Carrie Bradshaw whilst sipping the Long Island Iced Tea is highly recommended, to get right into that New York groove.  Pop on the Manolo Blahniks and Designer Dress to really get into the New York style 'feel'.....or...the other option that I personally gravitate to, is Track-suit pants, loose knit jumper and ugg boots, whilst nibbling on some of those 'low-fat' fries dipped in even lower in fat aioli.....its the New York grunge look which is really big these days I hear ;-)

'We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us'....Winston Churchill


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And so, to the end of another brilliant week.  Any day above ground is brilliant as far as we are concerned.  As I type this we have a group of 4 clients milling around the showroom laughing and chatting....one of our dearest suppliers has just turned up for a hi and a hug...Brian is snoozing on his cushion next to my desk and there is a little bit of a hint of Spring in the air.  I feel that the possibilities for next week are simply endless....wishing you all a very Happy Friday..until next week....

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au