OUR WINTER SALE IS ON NOW!
Ah...the Winter Sale...how I do love thee! Starting today we have selected stock marked down by 50% which also includes a lot of our new arrivals! Are we mad you ask??...no...well....maybe a little bit crazy, but we have just been informed that works start soon on our new timber flooring for the entire showroom!
And so, in a nutshell...the more we sell, the less we need to move around. So, pop into the showroom for a bargain and save our backs at the same time!
UP TO 50% OFF SELECTED ITEMS INCLUDING URNS, POTS, ACCESSORIES, RICE BUCKETS, LANTERNS, ANTIQUE DOORS, MIRRORS, OUTDOOR FURNITURE INCLUDING EUROPEAN MANUFACTURE AND DESIGN SOLPURI, GLOSTER, CANELINE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Charcoal Interiors: 59 Doggett Street. Newstead. Ph. 38526002. Open every day but Sunday.
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au
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The latest from the super innovative and clever people from Hooked on Walls is their Rock Baroque Collection. A daring blend of colours, patterns and textures makes this the perfect range for those not faint of heart and really does bring out the Rocker in you.....verrrry Lenny Kravitz!
'Big Damask'
'Cashmere Lion'
'Precious Paisley'
Available in various colourways...this is just a glimpse of the new collection...more to come in future blogs. We just know how much you all love your wallpaper!
Thank you to our friends at Unique Fabrics for always supplying us with quality product.
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SA SOJOURN
I was back in beautiful Wintery South Australia on the weekend. I left Pete the Greek to look after the tribe and set off on my own for a couple of days in the gorgeous Adelaide Hills which are so beautiful this time of the year with the green rolling hills and what seems like a stone pub with fireplace in every little town you drive through. It wouldnt be right to drive right past now would it!?
I am always blown away by the beauty of the little townships, in particular Stirling with its wide streets, grand homes, manicured Paul Bangay style gardens and cosy restaurants and pubs. I always feel like I am in the English countryside when I visit. Here's one of the homes I came across whilst driving back from the Organic Market (see below 'Out and About' Article).
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OUT AND ABOUT
AT THE ORGANIC MARKET AND CAFE IN STIRLING
Back in the olden days as I would say to my kids...or when I was a teensie bit younger I used to live on a farm in SA and we specialised in Organic produce. My Mum and I had a small business making Organic Apple pies for our little shop on the property and supplied pies to various cafes and restaurants in the Adelaide Hills. The Organic Market was one of these cafes we sold to and I hadnt been there again in years and years...almost before the wheel as I would say to the kids. Anyway, I popped in on the weekend and it was absolutely packed with locals, which although inconvenient as my little tummy was a-grumbling, was also a good sign...if its busy, you know it must be good.
With a passion for food, the proprietors select the very best in seasonal produce with a focus on wholefoods, certified organics and biodynamics so the menu is fresh and flavour packed....and licensed with a great selection of organic wines including my fave, the Temple Bruer range (local to the area). After your meal, check out the shelves of the market shop which are brimming with all things good in food, baked items, wines, beers fresh fruit and vegetables and more. There is even a little area for the kids to listen to music, and a play section in the corner of the cafe.
Next time I am taking the Greek away from the tribe and will be bunkering down at this cafe for a relaxed afternoon of good food, fast quirky service and a dose of eclectic people watching....a MUST see on your next visit to the Adelaide Hills....or as the locals would say "Dont tell too many people about this gem or then everyone will discover it!"
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ZESTY BALSAMIC AVOCADO RECIPE
News Flash: Avocados are in season! They are flavoursome, fresh and abundant at the moment. I personally have Avocado for breakfast, either with my omelette or on wholegrain toast with fresh lemon (also in season..yay..) and then its a must have in my salad wrap for lunch. I loooooove Avocado! I am also facebook friends with 'Australian Avocados' Click here to become Facebook friends with Australian Avocados and keep updated on their yummy recipes...
They have these super tempting recipes which are posted from time to time and I really love trying them. Avocados naturally lower cholesterol, improve eye health, reduce the risk of oral and breast cancers, help guard against stroke, promote good heart health and are a powerhouse of Vitamin E...plus! They taste great! Mash them, crumb and fry, slice in a salad, on toast and so much more. This little green package is chock-a-block full of goodness and flavour.
Thank you to our friends at Australian Avocados for providing this super easy recipe for Zesty Balsamic Avocado.
Serves 4 people
Preparation Time - 5 minutes
Ingredients:
2 Avocado
4tsp of Balsamic Vinegar
4tsp of Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Bunch Chives finely chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method:
Cut Avocado in half and de-seed.
Cut into the inside of avocado in criss-cross pattern without piercing the skin.
Pour Vinegar and Oil into Avocado and Season with the Salt and pepper
Sprinkle with the chives.
Note: Great snack in between leals or served as an entree with fresh greens on the side and some crusty bread....be still my beating heart....sounds deeeelish!
Would you like to see Australian Avocado website that is absolutely bursting with not only recipes but also nutritional information and so much more?
All recipes, and info have been provided by our friends at Australian Avocados. We love promoting quality Australian business!
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RELAX...PUT THAT SMILE ON YOUR DIAL...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
ST HALLET 'FAITH' SHIRAZ
Well, I have for the moment exhausted my list of Winter Warming cocktails...lets face it..its cold and furthermore, there are only so many ways you can jazz up a Mead recipe!
I was very happily surprised on my flight home from SA on Sunday to be served up on my request for a Shiraz, the St Hallett 'Faith' Shiraz. I had been to the winery previously and was truly impressed with the attendant at the Tasting Room who explained in laymans terms the options and varieties available...we of course went straight for the hard stuff...the reds!
(above) Pete the Greek at the St Hallett Winery Barossa Valley
And so, my flight home was not only made more comfortable by a glass or two of Faith Shiraz, but also took me back to that day at the winery.
If you are looking for a vibrant and expressive example of Barossa reds, then this is worth a try. Quite affordable and with dark cherry and juicy raspberry notes on the palate, this wine even in the latest vintage of 2010 is very drinkable now.
To find out more about the St Hallett Winery, wines and the beautiful Barossa Valley, click on the link below.
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...And so to finish off for this week, we wanted to share with you an amazing find brought to us by our favourite design e-newsletter 'Lost at E Minor'...the Automated Fresh Pizza Vending Machine!
It's been available in areas of Europe now for years...and apparently there is one for fresh Cupcakes also.
Pop your money in, select your fresh ingredients and in 2 and a half minutes you have a freshly baked pizza to your specifications and with fresh ingredients....just like mamma used to make!
Image via Lost at E Minor
Until next week! Have a great weekend...enjoy family, friends and all else in between!
The Charcoal Team xxx
