HAPPY NEW YEAR!....THEY SAY YOU GOT A RESOLUTION.....??
Well, its back into the thick of it...we have flung the doors open and its back to business as usual this week. We had a great, relaxing break. Jen went down to South Australia to spend time with family, Cathie relaxed, read books and painted a room in her apartment and Colette spent time out on her back deck flicking through magazines, reading, spending time with the grandkids and pretty much, just recharging. Brian?...well he did what he does best....slept.
Here's our resident mascot Brian, looking rather exhausted after a HUGE Christmas Day meal.
The beginning of the New Year seems to be a great time to reflect, and contemplate, re-evaluate and goal set for the rest of the year. Jens goal is to get stuck into some creative endeavours at home, Cathie wants to be more time efficient...due to time flying way too fast last year! Colette, after much contemplation simply wants to keep a positive attitude at all times (which I think she does anyway..so if theres room for improvement look out!...shes going to be a 'Powerhouse of Positivity'....there's just no space for the negative! And Brians New Years resolution is just to get more treats :-)
And so, as we forge ahead into the year of 2012, we extend to all of you our best wishes.
_________________________________________________________________
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR AD IN THIS MONTHS BELLE MAGAZINE?
Last week, after getting an excited call from a friend, I raced out to grab my copy of the latest Belle Magazine!
Turn to page 193...and voila!...our latest Charcoal Interiors ad.
Thanks to Damien Bredberg, photographer extraordinaire, we are now proudly showing off to all our ad campaign. So far, the general consensus is Love, Love, Love! And we wholeheartedly agree.
Our Ad. From left - Craig, Rob, Colette (little Colette), Sophia (seated) with Brian the dog, Colette (big Colette), Cathie on ladder, Jen and Pete the Greek.....
Glynis Austin from Glynis Glynis Austin Properties popped in today, and we couldnt let her leave without showing off our latest ad campaign. Here she is (left) with Designer Colette Venardos (right) having a look through Belle Mag.....and as you can see by my computer screen...yes...I am actually working!
Would you like to see more of our showroom?
Just click on the link!
And so, if you have spent the holidays deliberating on exactly what you should be doing with your space at home, give the design team here a call. No job is too big or too formidable. We just love design and want to help make this year, YOUR year to tie up all the loose ends and create a home space you will adore.
_______________________________________________________________
SALE!
We have started the year with a bang...exclusively to our Facebook and Blog readers we are offering over 50% off of selected accessories.
Be quick as these last pieces will not last. Our Moroccan Lantern range is now further reduced down.
Pop in to 59 Doggett St this weekend to see what all the fuss is about!
Birdcages, Lanterns, Urns, Selected Greenery, Moroccan Lanterns, Original Artworks and more!
______________________________________________________________
I find it interesting listening to people on the street talking about the weather at the moment..."It's just sooooo hot"...yep..its hot..its Summer and surprise surprise...this is Queensland :-)
We relish the heat, because it brings more excuses to wear strappy Maxi Dresses, night swims after work, barbecues instead of oven cooking, Sparkling Shiraz (nice and cool out of the fridge) and of course...salads!
This recipe for Asian-style Chicken Salad is a real winner and ticks all the boxes...no cooking, healthy, light and very flavoursome!...not to mention budget friendly too. Just the thing to make on a nice balmy Aussie Summer Evening....
We used 'Bon Haye' quality Olive Oil, derived from 100+ year wild olive trees....in stock in our Gourmet Provisions section of the showroom now!
ASIAN-STYLE CHICKEN SALAD
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 320g (2 cups) shredded Woolworths Country Style Roast Chicken
- 250g wombok (Chinese cabbage), shredded
- 4 shallots, trimmed, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, coarsely grated
- 1 small red capsicum, halved, deseeded, thinly sliced
- 30g (1/2 cup) bean sprouts, trimmed
- 20g (1/2 cup) watercress sprigs
- 2 tbs rice vinegar
- 1 tbs soy sauce
- 1 tbs hoisin sauce
- 1 tbs olive oil - we used Bon Haye Olive Oil.
- 1 tsp sugar
Method
- Combine the chicken, wombok, shallot, carrot, capsicum, bean sprouts and watercress in a large bowl.
- Combine the vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oil and sugar in a small bowl. Add to the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among serving plates to serve.
_____________________________________________________________________
IT'S A NEW YEAR...AND ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
SO LET'S CELEBRATE WITH SOME BLACK BUBBLES!
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT....
It's been described as 'Black Cherry Soda' but these magenta bubbles are a lot more sophisticated.
Being lovers of Shiraz, but finding the weather rather non-conducive to red wine tipples, we found this Shingleback Sparkling Shiraz on a recent visit to ''Red Poles' Restaurant and Gallery in South Australia. Now we are hooked on the stuff. Served chilled, this makes a refreshing change for those red wine lovers who are looking for an alternative after hours quaff.
We like ours by the pool whilst splashing our sore and sorry feet after a big day at the showroom.
Give it a go....its the best local sparkling red we have found!
Loving this quirky take on tasting notes for the Shingleback....clever...and very accurate!
________________________________________________________________________
UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thank you to Maria who took the time to send us her New Years resolution for 2012, which was "Less work and more play!" We agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment. Also, thanks to Greg with his "Make more time for family and friends" resolution...and there can never be enough of that Greg. Sheena wants "Travel, Travel, Travel!!"....and we give that the big thumbs up too.
Whatever it is that you want to achieve this year, we are behind you 100% Our prediction is for Dreams to Come True in 2012!
Until next week. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. Be nice to yourselves.....
The Charcoal Team
xxx
