OUR LATEST DESIGN....EXPERTS TOP 5 HEALTH TIPS FOR 2013...LOW FAT LAMB KORMA CURRY....AUSTRALIA DAY BEER AND LIME SHANDY COCKTAIL...BY CRIKEY!...AUSTRALIA DAY PARTY IDEAS...AND MORE! HAPPY LONG WEEKEND EVERYONE!

OUR LATEST DESIGN

The girls have hit the ground running for 2013 and its been a fun couple of weeks.  They were thrilled when this latest coffee table design arrived from the workshop.  Our workshop manager is one very talented man.
This industrial look coffee table comes in two sections.  You can purchase just the one, or as we would prefer not to have to split them up if possible....both!  
Easily maneuverable on caster wheels, we think this coffee table looks amazing.

It's another Charcoal Interiors original and another thing that we do best!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

FABULOUS FABRICS!

We have the world at our fingertips when it comes to fabrics here at Charcoal Interiors.

Below is some snaps of the design teams faves at the moment due to their uniqueness of composition and design. 

The girls tell me they enjoy working with fabric lines that offer incomparable quality.

"We follow those who just keep on re-inventing the wheel", says head designer Colette Venardos.  "It's important for us to stay on top of all the latest releases as this reflects how we do business and our Interior Design doctrine".

The Charcoal Interiors Design Team can be booked for private consultation in your home.

Contact us below for all the details.

Interior Design....it's what we do best!

Visit our website for more examples of what we can do for you!

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EXPERT TOP 5 TIPS FOR ULTIMATE HEALTH IN 2013

Well, the New Year rolls around and a lot of us make our resolutions for the next 365 days ahead.  In amongst the list of travel destinations, saving more money and cleaning the wardrobe (and this time properly...) is health....lose weight...get fit....take time for me etc.....

And so we asked a health care professional (Suzannah Smart - above) who not only is an Accredited Practicing Dietician, but more importantly talks the talk and walks the walk by embodying the essence of health and well being.

Here's Suzannah's Top 5 Tips for ultimate health in 2013 and beyond...because we all want to be around to experience the riches of life....right?

"For overall health and long term results, its not about the latest 'superfood' or 'miracle diet' says Suzannah, "It's about eating sensibly, and being consistent with making good choices".  "Making sure you consistently do these five things will definitely help you along the way to a happier, healthier you in 2013"!

Great!  Lets get started with her 5 Top Tips for Ultimate Health in 2013....

1. MOVE MORE

Who doesn't love those happy hormones the endorphins?

Exercising makes you feel good, decreases stress, gives you energy and helps to burn off the food you eat, making it easier to gain or maintain a healthy weight.  And every little bit adds up throughout the day, so try to increase your activity in everything you do.

2. EAT MORE SALAD

Almost everyone can benefit from eating mroe salad.  It makes you feel fuller, keeps you regular, makes your skin better and can help to protect you from some diseases including diabetes, stroke, heart disease, some cancers and high blood pressure.  Use as many colours as possible to make sure you're getting all the micronutrients your body needs.

3. WATCH YOUR PORTIONS

Ask yourself, "How hungry am I?", before every meal or snack and fill your place accordingly.  And dont go back for seconds.  Using smaller plates or bowls helps too.

4. PLAN

This can make the difference between what actually happens.  How many times have you told yourself you're going to eat only fabulously healthy food then get home from work, there's nothing in the fridge and its just all too hard?  Plan your meals for the week in advance and it will all be that much easier.  Plus, keep frozen leftover meals for those times when you really can't be bothered.

5. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

I live by this one.  Eating healthy doesn't mean you need to remove everything 'unhealthy' completely from your life.  Just make sure they really are 'sometimes' foods.  Often enough it's simply eating a little too much of these foods a little too often that really adds up to make a negative difference on your weight or overall health.

For one of Suzannahs recommended recipes, see our food section below.  She has a delicious, 'healthy and low-on calories' Lamb Korma Curry recipe to share with us!

You can contact Suzannah via her blogspot

Smart Start Dietetics Blogspot

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LOW FAT LAMB KORMA CURRY

 Low Fat Curry: Lamb Korma

(serves 4-5)

1 tsp vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, crushed and sliced

1/3 of a 283g jar of Pataks Rogan Josh Curry Paste

400g lean lamb, diced

¼ butternut pumpkin, roughly chopped into cubes

¼ head of cauliflower

400g tin diced tomatoes

400g tin chickpeas

bunch coriander, chopped

1 cup low/no fat Greek or Natural yoghurt

I threw it all in a slow cooker (my new favourite toy!) for 4 hours on high, but otherwise you could make it on the stove:

Fry the onion in the oil until golden, add the garlic and curry paste and fry for a few more minutes. Add the lamb, and when it’s lightly browned add the rest and leave simmering on a low heat for about 1 ½ hours.

To serve:

Boil 1 cup basmati rice in 1 ½ cups water about 10 minutes.

Top rice with curry, garnish with another dollop of natural yoghurt and fresh coriander. Delicious!

*For a vegetarian version, simply replace the meat with another tin of chickpeas ;)

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AUSTRALIA DAY BEER AND LIME SHANDY COCKTAIL

When I was a little girl, my Dad used to drink beer from a long tall frosty glass...just one a night...and when I was about 10 years old I asked him if I could have a beer too.  Being the responsible parent that he was, instead of letting me have a sip of his beer, he made me a special Shandy with about 99 parts lemonade and 1 part beer.  I felt really special sitting with him...both with our tall glasses, Dad with his beer and me with my bubbly Shandy.   To this day, its still the only way I can drink beer...diluted with some kind of lemonade or lime cordial works for me too.  

With the influx of boutique beers flooding the market we are truly spoilt for choice.  However, with this particular recipe it doesnt matter too much what beer you use...as long as its 'hoppy' and 'malty'.

And so, raise your glasses and reflect on what an absolutely incredible country we live in here in Australia!

Credit with thanks neoroma via flickr

BEER AND LIME SHANDY COCKTAIL

WHAT YOU NEED

40ml Agave Nectar Liqueur

160ml Australian Lager Beer

2 Limes Squeezed

Lime slices for garnish

WHAT TO DO

In true laid-back Aussie style, there's not much to do for this one.

Just pour liqueur in a tall beer glass filled with ice.

Add lime juice

Top with beer and stir a little

Garnish by just popping a couple of slices into the glass.

Enjoy your Australia Day!

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AUSTRALIA DAY TRADITION

What's your Australia Day tradition activity?  Our family has a sausage sizzle by the pool and listens to the Triple J Hottest 100 from beginning to end.  We love it!  The best part of the day is waiting for the Number One song to be announced and then listening to all the other parties in the area crank it up and sing along.  This year we may have to adapt to the likely possibility of persistent rain over the day in Brisbane.  Either way, its going to be fun and relaxing.

What are you planning for the day?  Want some fun ideas?  Get some friends over and have a bit of fun with the Australian theme.....

HERE'S OUR TOP AUSSIE DAY PARTY TIPS....

REPUBLICANS VS MONARCHISTS CRICKET MATCH

BEACH PICNIC (OR ANYWHERE....EVEN IN YOUR BACK YARD...OR FRONT YARD AND WAVE THE FLAG TO PASSERS-BY)

AUSSIE SLANG COMPETITION (WHOEVER CAN WRITE THE LONGEST LIST OF AUSSIE SLANG WINS)

BREAKFAST BBQ WITH BEER IN CHAMPAGNE FLUTES

A 'COOOOOO-EEEE' COMPETITION (WHO CAN DO THE LOUDEST COOEE)

EGG AND SPOON  RACE

IF YOU HAVE A SWIMMING POOL...HOLD AUSTRALIAN CRAWL RACES

AUSSIE CHARADES - (MAKE A LIST OF FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN MOVIES, SONGS, BANDS, T.V SHOWS, CELEBRITIES, POLITICIANS ETC...)

ROLLING PIN TOSS

SANDCASTLE BUILDING COMPETITION

LISTEN TO THE TRIPLE J HOTTEST 100

SAO EATING COMPETITION

SAUSAGE SIZZLE....WITH LOTS AND LOTS OF TOMATO SAUCE!

Whatever you decide to do, have a great day.  Being an Australian is brilliant!

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OUR LONG WEEKEND HOURS

Due to the Australia Day public holiday, Charcoal Interiors the following changes will apply to our opening hours.

SATURDAY - 9.30AM TO 1PM

SUNDAY - CLOSED

MONDAY - CLOSED DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY

We look forward to seeing you when we open the doors on Tuesday morning at 9.30am

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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Have a wonderful Australia Day Long Weekend everyone!
Until next week....Love, Light and Laughter...
The Charcoal Team!

5 WAYS TO ADD BALANCE TO YOUR HOME....DONNA KARANS NEW YORK HOME...STUNNING!!....THE WORKS OF FRANCIS BACON....OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW UPHOLSTERY PROJECTS....OUT AND ABOUT AT THE SALVOS RED HILL DEPOT....PRESERVING TOMATOES USING A FOOD DEHYDRATOR AND THE SMOKIN' SCARLETT COCKTAIL...NO REALLY...IT'S SMOKING!

5 TOP TIPS TO ADD BALANCE TO YOUR HOME

Colette (above) has over 30 years experience in design

Colette Venardos has over 30 years of Design experience under her hat.  What she doesnt know about Interior Design hasnt been thought of yet.  This week, she gives us some invaluable tips...in fact they are her top 5 tips, on how to bring balance into your home.

"When I walk into a room it must be well planned and flow harmoniously.  As my star sign of Libra is recognised by a set of scales, balance in design is very important to me." says Colette.

And, so Colette, shares with us below her Top 5 Tips:

1. "The very first thing I suggest before looking at any furniture, colours, drapery etc...is to have a really good long look at your space", says Colette. "This could be achieved by a quick floor plan layout before selecting furniture pieces and sizes."

"This  process can help you visualise how the room is going to take shape."

2. "One absolute MUST for me, is when rugs are used, they need to be of a size that compliments the room.  In a living area it is essential that they either nudge up to the sofas or go under it.  The dining room needs to accommodate the size of the table plus sufficient room to allow the chairs to be pulled out comfortably and still remain on the carpet because theres nothing worse than pulling a chair out and it gets caught onto the edge of the carpet."

3. "Less is More'.... Too many small pieces in a large room can be very distracting.  I suggest proportion and accessories, artworks etc.. should be selected with as much love and care as the larger furniture items." 

"Every day before I leave for work, I take a good long look in the mirror and then take off one piece of jewellery."  "Less is definitely more." 

4. "Harmony of colour is very important in maintaining balance in a home.  I always try to choose the wall colour last of all.  Natural light in the room plays a large part and you wont know the flow of light until you have considered the space...once you get a good feel for the light in the room, you can choose your wall colours.  A mistake that I see a lot of, is clients who have seen a colour scheme in a friends home and want to replicate it as their own and often wonder why it doesnt work for them.  Light and aspect really are a huge factor in balance and the selection of colour in your home...like a fingerprint every space is unique in its own way and has to be dealt with accordingly."

5.  "Lighting"...so important. "Position of lighting is critical to balance.  For example you wouldn't put glaring light where it is not needed.    A pigeon pair of lamps on a console is not always the right way to go.  Equilibrium.  Every factor of the room needs to be taken into consideration.  Its not just little pieces or big pieces...its everything to create balance and harmony.  Night light should be more moody.  It's important to consider this before either having lighting installed or, purchasing lamps etc....  I recommend a lighting plan to be drawn up by an expert, it is well worth the investment."

Colette also adds that "The biggest mistake people make with balance is not knowing how to come into a room properly...so many people tend to line the walls with furniture...every little space is covered.  Create the space that you want to use within that room....its ok to bring the bulk of the furniture away from the wall.  Thats why its so important to sit down, sketch out the room and the pieces you have or will be purchasing and really look at the overall layout first."  

And so, if you thought that good Interior Design was an easy process, then think again.  That's why it really is so important to see a designer with experience and a proven portfolio (as you will see from our original projects listed on the website www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

The design team at Charcoal Interiors take the headache out of your Interior Design project...it's just another thing that we do best!

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DONNA KARANS NEW YORK OASIS

This week Cathie stumbled upon our latest 'fave' daily read on the every wonderful www!

The website, Trendland, is just that....a land of trends, from fashion, design, architecture, food and more.  Not for the faint hearted, you will be challenged and inspired by the Trendland finds as they take you through a daily journey of creative discoveries.

Francis Bacon artwork.

Image by Richard Powers via Trendland.com

This week, we wanted to share with you Donna Karan's New York digs.  The home, which overlooks Central Park in the cities Upper West Side precinct is a statement to what you would only expect from Style Icon Karan.

Her exquisite taste is reflected in every room, with Artworks by renowned artist Francis Bacon adorning the wall in the hallway as a real stand out feature (see below info on the Francis Bacon Gallery showing now on in Sydney Australia).

To view the whole story on the residence where you will also find links to Photographer Richard Powers website, just click here....

Trendland - Donna Karan Residence

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FRANCIS BACON

Portrait of Bacon by Reginald Gray...1989

In our story above on Donna Karan you can see the magnificent artwork hanging in the hallway by famous artist Francis Bacon.

Born in Ireland, Bacon was a figurative artist known for his bold, graphic and emotionally raw imagery.  Despite Margaret Thatcher having famously described him as 'that man who paints those dreadful pictures", Francis Bacon, who died in 1992 has a reputation thats steadily grown over the years.

He began painting during his early 20's and worked on and off until his mid-30's.  He admits that his career was delayed because he had spent too long looking for a subject that would sustain his interest.

The unforgettable and at times controversial paintings of Francis Bacon can now be viewed during the month of January and February (to 24th Feb) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

Francis Bacon Exhibition

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NEW ARRIVALS

The girls have been eagerly awaiting 2 chair projects to be finalised with the upholsterer.  Yesterday they arrived and to say the design team were thrilled is an understatement.

Cath showing off the fabric....should couldnt wait for it to be unwrapped!

Click here to find out more about our fabric collections

Good quality upholstery is hard to come by, but we specialise in it, using only the very best craftsman in Brisbane for the job.  He's been in the business since Moses was a boy...and takes every job we give him very seriously.

And the complete work...chair on right using the European velvet fabric Cath is holding above.

Chair on the left in quality leather with studding detail.

VOILA!

Contact us today for a quote on your upholstery job.  It's another thing that we do best!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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OUT AND ABOUT

This week we had some bits and pieces to get rid of around the house and at the showroom.  Being the sustainable chicks that we are, its a big no-no to just throw away an item that could be used by someone else.  There are plenty of people out there hurting who are assisted by the Salvation Army.

So, we set off to the 'Salvos' with our cache of treasures...shoes, clothes, chairs, books, electronics etc...

We were so impressed by the work that the volunteers do at the Salvos Depot I just had to write about it.

Next time you think to throw it out into the bin, or the tip, think again...if its in good condition, still works, isnt ripped or stained...then someone else would probably love it!

Red Hill Salvation Army Depot and Shop.

We visited the Red Hill Depot in Brisbane, but a link is provided below with all the info on where you can find your closest Salvation Army depot station in your area within Australia.

God Bless The Salvos!

Salvation Army Depot and Op Shop Link

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QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOORING

Looking for quality timber flooring?  Our Queensland Timber Flooring representative Andy will be in the showroom on Saturday 2nd February to show you through the vast selection of flooring styles and grades that we have on display here at Charcoal Interiors.

All Queensland Timber Flooring sales staff have a history in the Timber Mill industry, so they are well learned and fit to provide you with all the information you required.

Queensland Timber Flooring use timbers from sustainable forestry.  Their selection of timbers and styles will quite simply impress.

So, notate it in your diary....Saturday 2nd February for a visit to Charcoal Interiors and Queensland Timber Flooring!

CHARCOAL INTERIORS

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

59 Doggett St.

NEWSTEAD.  QLD  4006

Queensland Timber Flooring

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PRESERVING TOMATOES

Tomatoes are in abundance at the moment!  Look at the cache from my brothers vegie garden (above!)...what to do with them all??  There's only so much tomato on toast, or tomato salad that a girl can eat!  And so....bring in the food dehydrator!

Yep, I bought one last week.  It looked pretty small in the photo, but when I got it...well it was huge!  A 5 tiered tower of food dehydration possibilities.  So, I got stuck into drying some tomatoes in it.  The whole process was super easy.  I cut the tomatoes into quarters, set it to dry for 9 hours and then let them cool naturally.  

Once cooled they were layered in a cool little jam jar that I had sterilised...the process was one layer of tomatoes, a sprinkle of salt, a layer of fresh basil from the garden (also in season and abundant at the moment) and then once the layering is finished with you just top up the jar with a good quality olive oil.  We like to use Bon Haye Olive Oil.

I have put this in the fridge and it will last for about a month.  The dried tomatoes are great for salads, pizzas and pasta dishes.  Also perfect on a cheese platter.

Toooooo easy.  I also know a girl who just uses her car on a hot day to dry her tomatoes!  Place on a tray, pop in the car in the hot sun and just let the natural process happen.  Just dont forget they are there and drive off!

Enjoy!

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IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY....AND WE'RE SCHMOKIN!

SMOKIN' SCARLETT COCKTAIL

Well, it seems that nowadays, it's quite unacceptable to smoke in a bar, yet the bartenders are super keen to showcase their drink making skills using the method of 'smoking' your cocktail!

via aoife mac - flickrcommons

I see it....and I dooo believe it.  Pretty cool stuff and there is a link below where you can see for yourself how its done.  I for one, would rather leave it to the experts as its a bit of fuss, but I do have friends who love this technique....so you may like to try it too.  Just remember...where there's smoke...there can be fire!

Base Recipe for the Smokin' Scarlett Cocktail

What you need

2 oz Southern Comfort

5 oz Cranberry Juice

A dash of Lime....mmmmmmmm....Lime....

Ice

What To Do

Pop it all in a cocktail shaker and shake, shake....shake!

Then, you can add the smoke if the mood does take you.  See the link below for all the info.

How to Smoke A Cocktail

Cheers!  And Happy Friday.

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Until Next Week....be good, be kind and most importantly smile and have fun!

The Charcoal Team

xxx

WELCOME TO 2013! OUR BASEMENT SALE HAS BEEN EXTENDED...AN UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE AFFAIR...QUICK AND HEALTHY LOW FAT PIZZA...SKINNY GIRL MARGARITAS....NOT THE BUCKET LIST PLUS OUR WEEK IN PICTURES! HAPPY FRIDAY AND WELCOME TO THE BLOG AND A NEW YEAR!

WELCOME TO 2013!

Well hellllloooo...we are back!  You know its been so great to have an actual 'proper' summer this year in Brisbane.  The last few years its just seemed to rain, rain and rain some more with the sunshine hidden behind masses of clouds.  But what an exception this Summer and the Festive Season was!  We had a pool party for New Years Eve which was stacks of fun....our holiday was spent lying by the pool (Jen)...Beaching it, Reading It and Shopping It (Cath)...and Lunching It and Reading It on the Back Verandah (Colette).

Theres something to be said for 'Slothing It' and now we are back recharged and re-invigorated for another year.

NO NEED TO PANIC!....OUR SALE CONTINUES!

Missed our basement Sale over Christmas?...no need to panic or fret....To start things off for 2013 and as a treat for you, we have extended our now famous Basement Sale!

We had loads of people through and treasures were purchased but we still have authentic Moroccan Lanterns left (2 available)....Japanese Step Chest Circa 1860's ready for a new home, selected potted faux plants to suit the black fingered of us...$1 each!....Dining Tables starting at never to be repeated prices..in fact we have a glass topped Italian Made 6 seater dining table for the crazy price of $150!...so if that gets you excited and thinking about the possibilities then pop into the showroom...sale ends tomorrow (Saturday 12th January).  We are open til 4.30pm.  Any questions?  Just call us on 07 38526002.

Charcoal Interiors

59 Doggett Street.

Newstead.  Qld.  4006
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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5 TOP APARTMENT LIVING TIPS.  HOW TO MAKE YOUR SPACE...MORE SPACIOUS.

Looking for something more inspiring than just the suggestion of white, white and then more white for those small space design dilemmas?...Want to create mood and an authentic space with your personal stamp on it, without it looking like a page from an Ikea catalogue??...then Cathie Venardos of the Charcoal Interiors Design Team has her 5 fave tips to make your apartment not only liveable...but loveable!

CATHIES TOP 5 TIPS

1. Choose Multi-functional pieces, for example try an ottoman sofa bed which doubles as a place to sit and a place to rest your weary head.  Great for very small one bedroom apartments.  Less is definitely more, so use a beautiful leather trunk as a coffee table or side table and then it can double as a storage area.  Stools can be tucked under kitchen benches and brought out when unexpected extra visitors arrive, plus these double as little side tables if the need arises.

Charcoal Interiors exclusive project.

2. Don't be afraid to use large pieces as a statement.  "It's OK to go BIG", Cathie says, "With a feature piece i.e sofa, side board, console, altar table or one of our feature Japanese Cabinetry pieces, and then bring in your layers and textures, feature accessories such as lighting, lamps, side tables, chairs and art."  An excellent example of this is in the photo of Cathie with Charlie, our Egyptian inspired statue, that is truly a large statement piece which really packs a visual punch, point of interest and looks amazing in this Hamilton Apartment.

Cathie with Charlie

3. Wall Colour - Stick with neutrals and lighter tonings to open up a room.  "Not necessarily white as such", says Cathie.  "There are some wonderful moody tonings available now, and we specialise in choosing the best combinations for our clients".  And feature walls can create a really dramatic effect.  "For example, a bold coloured sofa up against a dark coloured feature wall looks completely stunning, and then bring it all together with neutral tonings with rugs".  his kind of application perfectly".  

4.  Wallpaper can work well in smaller spaces, however the rule is to choose something that isnt too 'busy' with its patterning, and very large patterns are definitely a no-no.  Cathie recommends Geometrics, Metallics, Stripes or wall coverings with texture.

5. Mirrors...."Open out rooms by using mirrors, but dont skimp on size" says Cathie.  "A good sized scale feature mirror with beautiful detailing can really create a dramatic effect...the real wow factor, whilst opening up the space and being practical also"

Cathie Venardos is a Senior Designer and owner of Charcoal Interiors.  The design team of Cathie and Colette Venardos are available for in-house consultations by appointment, or you can contact her via the information below.

Cathie Venardos

Charcoal Interiors

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Email

charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au

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AN UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE 

We are suckers for a good love story and this week a friend shared such a beautiful story of intense personal passion and love for art and each other experienced by Scultpor, Painter, Draftsman and Printmaker Alberto Giacometti and  his wife and muse Annette.

Alberto Giacometti was born in Borgonovo near the Italian border.  Alberto attended the School of Fine Arts in Geneva.

Alberto Giacometti - source Wikipedia Commons

In 1922 he moved to paris to study under the sculptor Antoine Boudelle who was associated with the great Auguste Rodin.  It was there that Giacometti experimented with cubism and surrealism and came to be regarded as on one of the leading surrealist sculptors with Balthus, Picasso and Ernst among his many associates during this time.

Alberto and Annette circa 1940's in Paris

Between 1936 and 1940, he began concentrating on sculpting the human head, focussing on the sitters gaze. He preferred to use models he was close to, using his sister and other female artists and friends.  Alberto became obsessed with creating elongated limbed sculptures of which he explained reflected his unique view of reality.  He often carved until the sculptures were as thin as nails andd reduced to the size of a packet of cigarettes.  Giacometti married Annette in 1949 and she became is greatest fan with unconditional love bestowed upon him.  With their union set his tiny sculptures took a turn, becoming larger, although the bigger  they were sculpted, the thinner they became.  Giacometti said that the final result refresented the sensation he felt when he looked at a woman.

Woman of Venice VII which appears in the Gallery of NSW.

In 1958, Alberto was thrilled to be asked to create a monumental scultpure for the Chase Manhattan Bank building in New York which was beginning construction.  Although he had always aspired to create a sculpture of the magnitude required he was completely taken aback by the enormity of New York City, and it appears he had never before seen a sky scraper.  Work on the project resulted in the four figures of standing women, which were to be his largest sculptures.  He titled them Grande femme debout.  The commission was sadly never completed as Giacometti was unsatisfied with the balance between the sculpture and the site.  He abandoned the project.

Woman of Venice II in painted bronze - source Wiki Commons

However, Annette was undoubtedly the greatest influence on his work.  His sculptures of female figures in their radical elongated shapes (always with Annettes body) were the most inspiring.  These would not have been made possible if they hadn't embodied the woman that he carried in his soul.  An unconventional relationship that was theirs and with many other women ebbing and flowing through their lives Annette became his greatest inspiration.

'Woman with Chariot' Sculpture..source - Wiki commons.

Giacometti died in 1966 of heart disease.

Until her death in 1993, Annette made it her lifes goal to protect the works of her late husband, tirelessly fighting against counterfeit works.

"When you look at art made by other people you see what you need to see in it" - Alberto Giacometti

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CELEBRITY SPOTTING

Now here's a blast from the past.  I was at the local fruit and vego shop last night, looking for Greek Yoghurt and who should be standing next to me eyeing the shelves himself...but Richard Fidler from my all time favourite comedy trio Doug Anthony Allstars! 

 Doug Anthony Allstars - Fidler on the right

 For those who are too young to remember (and I do pity you...I really do) DAAS were an acoustic comedy trio from Australia banded together for 10 years. Richard, Tim Ferguson and Paul McDermott - who the youngies may recognise as the front man for Good News Week made up the group of 3...thanks for the memories. I was tempted to tap him on the shoulder just to say..."Wow....you're Richard Fidler....ummm....so....whatcha buying?"  But, I just thought it would be best to be uber cool and just observe from a distance, quietly appreciating to myself this very talented and super smart man...plus...he had headphones on....

Oh and Richard ended up buying a packet of chips......Organic of course :-)

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NOT A BUCKET LIST

I haven't seen the movie Bucket List, and I got told off by Pete the Greek this week when I started reading out my 'Bucket List' for 2013.  He informed me that a Bucket List is indeed a list of things to do before you 'Kick The Bucket'...mortified...because I really am expecting to live way...way....WAY beyond 2013...I changed the name of my list to simply, 'To Do List of 2013', thus averting any tempt of fate from the Universe.

image via flickr credit p medved

On top of the list is a variety of travel destinations...places to do and things to see....Paris, Bali, Tasmania, Broome and Kakadu.  And so today when I stumbled across THE list of 13 Greatest Travel Destinations of 2013 by Richard Bangs of the Huffington Post, I simply had to share....

How about visiting Zambias largest wildlife park?...the Orangutans in Borneo?....Running the wild rapids in Pura Vida?....or discovering the beauty of Bosnia with purportedly the cleanest air and water in all of Europe?....click on the link below to be inspired!

Huffington Post Top 13 Travel Adventures for 2013.

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OUR WEEK IN PICTURES

Fresh tomatoes picked on the farm, Party Time with cool paper lanterns with built in LED's, Skinny Girl Margeritas, the colours of summer in mosaic, and fun in the vegie patch on the farm...summer is bliss...

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QUICK, HEALTHY AND LOW CALORIE PIZZA

Hands up if you over indulged over Christmas!  Hands up if you're too scared to hop on the scales!??
I qualify for all of the above.  But, hey, its Christmas and with all the chocolates just getting thrown at you, and the desserts and cakes and all the yummy cheeses what is a girl to do?  You can't be rude...it just wouldn't be the gracious thing to do...right?
So, this week its back in to it, with swimming in the mornings before work, meditation to get the mind right and then I put all my meals for the day into a great new app I found called My Fitness Pal.  Its great!  And it keeps me on track...I really truly do believe its my 'Pal'  :-)

I love pizza.  And if someone says I cant have it because its laden with calories, well I do get that, but I also like to find new ways to sate my penchant for it.  And so I have come up with a great alternative for pizza still with all the great flavours and a lot more healthier with half the calories.  

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 circle of wholemeal lebanese bread
Tomato paste - enough to spread over the base (I like make my own mix in a bowl with tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil from the garden...or dried is ok too...same with oregano)
All of the following to taste - Red Onion, Baby Spinach, Greek Feta, Mushrooms, Fresh torn basil, any kind of cooked meat...could be chicken, really thinly sliced salami (go easy on it and just use a little bit), ham, turkey...and a smattering of grated low fat cheese for the top.

WHAT TO DO:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees.  Spread tomato mix over the lebanese bread and then just add all your ingredients.  I like to put a bit of grated cheese down first, then the onion and mushroom and everything else on top of that.  Finish off with the rest of the grated cheese, but dont be heavy handed.  The more cheese that goes on it adds to the calories but also detracts from the other fresh flavours on the pizza.  
Cook until golden brown (doesnt take as long as a traditional pizza so keep an eye on the oven).  I like to top mine with a few slices of avocado and drizzle yoghurt over the top.  

Here is the a pic of my latest creation and the Greek loved it.

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SKINNY GIRL COCKTAILS



Holidays are cool because you get the chance to loiter around the shops a bit and actually look at things instead of flying into the shops cramming all the necessities into a basket and then racing home only to forget the most important thing on the list in your mind.....arrrghhhhhh....but not on holidays...its just sooo nice and cruisey.  

Because we were having a party and it was all a bit of a last minute decision we thought that giving a party cocktail mix would be a good idea.  I had heard great things about the Skinny Girl Margarita mix, and it really didnt disappoint.  Its fantastic.  And not expensive.  For those who know me...or follow the blog they will know that not only myself by the other girls here LOVE Margarita...we are unofficial experts on them.  This ticked all the boxes for flavour and freshness. 

Here's one made for me by Pete the Greek!

I added some extra lime juice because I really love that extra tang and freshness, some ice and of course we rimmed our glasses with lime juice and salt (then use the lime wedge for garnish).
Voila!  New favourite find....and I think as the name states it will make me a Skinny Girl if I drink enough of it??
I will keep you posted on that one....

Skinny Girls Cocktail Link

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Well, here's to the first week back to work.  Another week done and dusted and dont forget our fabulous Basement Sale on tomorrow (Saturday 12th January.)
Charcoal Interiors
59 Doggett St. Newstead.  Brisbane
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au



Til next week...
Love, light and laughter...always.....
The Charcoal Team
xxx