Baby its cold outside...Easy peasy potato and leek soup.....Projects we love & Indulgent Chocolate Martinis!

Baby...its cold outside!

Read on for our fail proof winter soup recipe that will have them licking the bowl!  Latest design projects, New Arrivals!  Chocolate Martinis, Fan Pics and more....

Cathie Venardos - The lowdown on her latest design project

Charcoal Designer, and fashionista about town, Cath Venardos (above), shares with us her inspiration for this gorgeous design project created recently.

"This is one of my absolute favourite projects so far", says Cath.  "I call it the 'Urban Romantic', and it really does personify a very sophisticated French Provincial style.  The centrepiece is the amazing custom made oak table that we had specifically crafted for the client.  Using a process called 'Adzing' by hand gives the timber an amazing texture.  We listened carefully to the clients wishes and had some gorgeous loose fitting French Linen covers made for the chairs.  These were finished off with a hand braiding that we feel gives the chairs a distinctive and unique appearance, working in perfectly with the table adding texture and balance.  The imposing Old French Mirror was purchased in the Flea Markets in Marc Sangnier, Paris, on a buying trip a couple of years ago....tough work, but someones gotta do it", laughs Cath.

Brrrrr......Warm up with The Best Soup Recipe...in the world!!

I am sure anyone reading this from anywhere South of Brisbane will tell us all to harden up....BUT..its a bit chilly here in 'ol Brisbane town today.  Anything under the 25 degree mark calls for a woolly scarf and heavy jacket.  Call me soft, but I just feel the cold!

So, we wanted to share one of our all time favourite soup recipes with you. Its 'souper' easy...and 'souper' deeelicious!

 

Potato & Leek Soup

(serves 4-6)

• 2 slices of bacon, diced
• 3-4 leeks, white and pale green parts thinly sliced
• sea salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 5 - 6 medium sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 bunch chives, minced (for garnish)
• extra-virgin olive oil (for garnish)

Place the diced bacon in a large pot and set over medium heat. When the bacon starts to brown (but is not quite crisp), add the leeks, a pinch of sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Cook the leeks for 8-10 minutes, until the leeks become golden.

Meanwhile, in a separate pot set over medium-high heat, bring the chicken stock up to a simmer.

When the leeks are ready, add the diced potatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour in about 1/2 cup of stock so it just covers the bottom of the pot. Bring the stock to a simmer, stir, and then add another 1/2 cup of stock. Repeat this process until you have added all of the stock.

Allow the soup to simmer until the potatoes are tender and can easily be crushed with a wooden spoon. When the potatoes are ready, stir in the butter and taste to adjust any seasonings. At this point you can serve the soup as is or puree it using a blender. We drizzled a bit of olive oil over the top and a sprinkle of chives to finish off. And if you feel like a bit of extra comfort, just add a dollop of sour cream on top and swirl it through...

Something for the kids....

We found this incredible website called 'Foldschool'.  Its a fun website where you can download really cool FREE patterns for making unique kids furniture out of cardboard...its heaps of fun, and the furniture is really cutting edge...no pun intended...hee hee..

http://www.foldschool.com/_about/about_start/about_start.html 

We love....

....this incredible home in LA..the added texture with the rug gives this room such a sumptuous comfortable feel.  We just want to light that fire up, tuck the legs up on the sofa and relax with a...dare we say.....Chocolate Martini!?...its that time again.  Its Cocktail Friday Folks!  And this Friday we are sipping on the most indulgent of all the Martini styles....

The Chocolate Martini!  Trust me, I overindulged on these last weekend.  They are incredible, and you cant stop at the one...

Ingredients

4 fl.ozs baileys

3 fl.ozs vodka

1 fl oz chocolate syrup or topping (get a good quality one for best taste results)

Combine baileys, vodka and syrup in a cocktail mixer full of ice. Shake vigorously and strain into two chilled martini glasses. 

Fan Pics

Thanks to Jacqui and Deb for this great Cocktail Friday shot taken on a recent houseboat holiday on the Gold Coast.  Cheers girls!  Keep the cocktail pics coming everyone.  We are going to progressively get through publishing them on the blog and share the joy!

And finally, from us...The Charcoal Girls...to you...we wish you a very happy weekend.  If you're in Brisbane, pop into the showroom and say hi.  We would love to see you. Until next time...Cathie, Colette and Jen xx

Getting Cold? Tips for Warming Up a Room for Winter...Designer Home Pics..and..Cocktails of course!

LITTLE THINGS CAN MAKE A ROOM COSY

Photo by Charcoal Interiors

Our Head Designer Colette Venardos featured in the Home Section of last weekends Courier Mail.  She was asked to give her quick tips on how to cosy up a room for the Winter months.  With over 35 years experience in the trade, she had a stack to say..........

"Snuggling up on the couch under a woolly throw, candles lit, erhaps the fireplace ablaze, the feel of soft carpet underfoot....

Its not only the air temperature that can determine how warm you feel.

Charcoal Interiors' Colette Venardos says adding small t significant touches to a room can change how people perceive that space.  Mixing texture with dark, rich colours and creating an intimate atmosphere with lighting can transform a space to a cozy haven.

Add textures via cushions, winter-weight rugs...add a few candles and richer darker colours to really set the mood."

 
Adding a rug and a textured ottoman really can change a room into a winter haven....with a few selected candles a'lit....you have a very cosy space to relax and unwind.

Photo by Charcoal Interiors...An exclusive Charcoal Project

Below...another example of how the addition of rugs and texture can really enhance the warmth in a room.  This is another exclusive Charoal Interiors Project that we are proud to share with you.

Photo by Charcoal Interiors...another quality Charcoal Project

And...what better way to cosy up, than with the ultimate winter warmer....Vodka...yes!...its cocktail Friday folks and we have something very special for you....

Versatile Vodka makes 'mean' winter cocktails

Bloody Mary...bloody good!

An all time classic, which I’m sure you’ve all experienced in the past, but here’s how to make the perfect Bloody Mary! You’ll need the following ingredients: -

• One large shot (50ml) of vodka (we recommend a pepper vodka, such as Absolut Pepper)
• 200ml of tomato juice
• 2 – 10 dashes of tabasco (depending how spicy you would like it!)
• 2-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• One teaspoon of horseradish sauce
• One dash of port or red wine
• The juice of 1/4 of a lemon
• A grind of salt and pepper
• Small stick of celery
• Slice of lime

Not the most challenging to mix this one! Bang everything into a shaker 1/2 filled with ice, shake and strain the contents into an ice-filled highball. Garnish the cocktail with a small stick of celery and a slice of lime and hey presto, the perfect Bloody Mary!

And so...we wish you all once again a fabulous Friday!  I am off on a houseboat trip. Colette is having a weekend away up the coast...and poor Cath is holding the fort, so feel free to drop her a message, or pop into the showroom to say hi!  All offers of cake and coffee accepted :-)

......until next week its Cheers from the Charcoal Girls...Jen, Colette and Cathie..xxx

Mothers Day Picnic Ideas....Family...Food....Relaxation..and Champagne!

This Sunday afternoon, we are taking the Mums to New Farm Park in Brisbane for Mothers Day.  I can think of nothing more pleasant and civilized than sitting under one of those great big expansive Moreton Bay Fig trees with a picnic rug, pillow and glass of bubbly and bikkies and cheese.

Its just such a simple way to spend time together, but there really is nothing like a picnic in the park on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon.

 Here's some great picnic food ideas...these are quick and delicious...no fuss...no stress.

 Savoury Cob Loaf

Mothers Day is the perfect day for a picnic, so if the weather's fine, pack this loaf in your hamper and enjoy your day off.


Prepare at least 6 hours before required.  Can be prepared the night before.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 1 tbs olive oil
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 green zucchini , ends trimmed, thickly sliced crossways pan fried and cooled
• 1 x 450g (23cm-diameter) cob loaf
• sliced red onion
• 100g semi-dried tomatoes
• 6 slices prosciutto
• 200g bought chargrilled eggplant
• 150g brie, thinly sliced
• 40g baby spinach leaves
• 200g bought chargrilled capsicum 
• Ripped herbs

Heres the 'no brainer' part.  Cut the top of the cob loaf.  Scoop out the soft bread inside....eat it :-)  Its just so moorish....  Then!  Just layer all the ingredients into the hollow.  Pop the top back onto the loaf and wrap in plastic. Transfer to a plate and then top with another plate...this compresses the filling.  Refrigerate for 6 or so hours and then voila! slice and serve.  Very filling and very delish!

 Savoury Muffins

Savoury Picnic Muffins...just bring along a tub of sour cream or yoghurt and chutney!  Slap it on and dig in!

Ingredients

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 80g butter, melted, cooled
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g sliced ham, diced
• 1/3 cup (50g) semi-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons pitted kalamata olives, chopped
• 12 small sprigs fresh rosemary
• butter, to serve

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a 12-hole, 1/3 cup-capacity muffin pan.
2. Sift flour into a large bowl. Make a well in centre. Pour butter, egg and milk into a jug. Stir to combine. Pour into well. Stir until almost combined. Fold through feta, ham, tomatoes and olives.
3. Spoon mixture into muffin holes. Insert a rosemary sprig in the top of each muffin. Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Set aside in pan for 1 minute. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Place muffins in an airtight container. Serve with yoghurt...sour cream and fruit chutney.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Cheese Platter and Fruit Platter
   
   
   
   This one...once again...a 'no-brainer'...except do not skimp on the cheese quality.  I find anything from South Cape is excellent and will not disappoint.  Grab some gorgeous Brie, Blue Vein, Fetta and add smoked salmon slices, proscuitto, thinly sliced pear and strawberries.  Team with a selection of breads and crackers.  The blander the cracker the better so it doesn't detract from the flavours of the platter.
   
   Mothers Day Gift Ideas
   We pride ourselves in sourcing the most amazing range of Mothers Day Gift Ideas.  When you visit the showroom and shop with us, you are involved in a unique shopping experience as you browse through our massive showroom and the eclectic mix of incredible products.  We hope to see you soon and please visit us this weekend for a great range of Mothers Day gift ideas.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
   
   What would Friday be without indulging in a little bit of bubbles?....its Cocktail Friday Folks!....
   
   
   
   
   I do believe that Champagne (Sparkling..still cant bring myself to say that word in public..so if its in brackets it doesnt count...) is synonymous with all things indulgent and girly.  So, this Friday we are going to celebrate women, motherhood and all things feminine by clinking a slender glass or two of sweet, smooth and seductive Champagne.  And just remember.  As long as it says 'Methode Champenoise' on the label...it doesnt matter if its from France, or the Coonawarra....its Champagne.  Methode Champenoise merely means...created by the Traditional Champagne Method.
   
   
   
   
   
   ....And finally
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   To all the Mums...the Grandmas...Greatgrandmas...The Aunts...The Godmothers...we say...Happy Mothers Day to you all.  And on Sunday in our own little way, while we sit on our rugs in the park, we will charge our glasses and clink away in honour of you all.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   And so, from the 3 of us, to all of you, we wish you a very Happy Friday and a wonderful weekend.  Give your Mum a big smooch from us and spoil her rotten.
   
   With love from Cathie, Colette and Jen...The Charcoal Girls xxx
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

The looks that we love!

We simply love this bathroom look.  Don't you just feel like slipping into that bath?  The setting creates an air of intrigue and mystery.  The combination of bohemian rustic and classic sophistication works so well. 

Sitting Under the Tuscan Sun...With an Italian Mojito!? Its Cocktail Friday!!

What woman wouldn't want to at some stage in her life, buy a villa in Tuscany and fill it with all things beautiful?

Due to a couple of minor health issues, we are working from home today.  Cath is staying with us for a few days (that makes 7...not including the dogs and the newly rescued bird...thats another story), and we have left Colette in charge of the showroom.

  

To help with the passing of time, we decided to pop on a dvd that we just never tire of.....'Under the Tuscan Sun'...Starring Diane Lane.  The stylish way that this particular old Tuscan Villa was renovated just screams..Charcoal Interiors!  From the rustic patina walls to the gorgeous iron beds...and that kitchen is simply to...die...for!  Oh the 'Putanesca' we could rustle up in that space...I would never....ever want to leave.  You simply escape into that movie.  Its the ultimate chick flick and we find that it gives so much inspiration, offering ideas on classic rustic Tuscan design and style.

 We also love how Frances (Diane Lane) eventually gets everything she asks for....just not exactly in the way that she had originally envisioned.  And thats the great thing about life isnt it?  One big exciting and unpredictable journey.

The Italians sure do seem to have it all...love, passion, food, style.  But you can recreate your own piece of Italian style in your home by adding some inspired art pieces and rich textured fabrics. Keep it simply, stylish and uncluttered.

 

Bring a bit of Italy into your home. Plant out your own little Italian herb garden.  Its just so easy and you dont need a back yard.  Grab a decent sized rustic looking terracotta pot and get your hands dirty with some basil, parsley, rosemary, oregano and garlic.  These are such great herb staples for your Italian recipes.  Bring a bunch of your own home grown basil inside...pop it on the kitchen window sill and enjoy the freshness of herbs in your cooking and the wonderful aromas that they release!....'Bellissimo'!!

And what would Friday be, without the long awaited Cocktail Friday.  Keeping with the Italian theme, we have discovered 'the' most refreshing ever cocktail...The Italian Mojito!

Italian Mojito Ingredients: - 2 oz of white light rum - 2 oz Proseco - 1/2 oz fresh lime juice - 1 tsp brown sugar

- 1 tsp simple syrup

- 1 sprig fresh mint In a high ball glass place mint leaves, brown sugar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice and muddle. Add ice cubes, pour light rum and top with Italian sparkling wine. Stir directly in the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and fresh lime wheel.

Sooooo refreshing.  So delicious.  We are going to sip this one whilst sitting out on the back deck tonight.  Its so balmy here tonight in Brisbane Australia.  Dont forget to send us your Cocktail Friday pics! We will definitely publish them.

And so, another Friday has come and gone.  We give thanks for the Cocktail experience and wish everyone a terrific weekend (its a long one here in Brisbane...thank you May Day holiday...what is that all about anyway?...)

Ciao Bellas!...Cathie...Colette and Jen.  The Charcoal Girls....xxxx

Italian Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of white light rum
- 2 oz Proseco
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh mint

In a high ball glass place mint leaves, brown sugar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice and muddle. Add ice cubes, pour light rum and top with Italian sparkling wine. Stir directly in the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and fresh lime wheel.

Our beautiful, forever eclectic showroom. All 700m2 of it!!

We are so proud of our beautiful showroom.  There is nothing quite like it in all of Australia!

Coco Chanel...The Woman...The Cocktail! Its Friday Folks...

Courtesy Wiki commons

 COCO CHANEL, THE WOMAN....

Maybe it's because she was such a tough cookie. Or that she managed to look as chic in 1970 as she did in 1910. Or that she rose from the humblest peasant domicile to the poshest Parisian salon. Not to mention that, with her brass-buttoned suits, jaunty costume jewellery, and comfortable spectator pumps, she almost single-handedly invented modern dressing. Whatever the reason, for years Cath has been unreasonably fascinated by Chanel and with her Paris, the city of her dreams, the place where she vanquished the ghosts of her impoverished girlhood and scaled the heights of artistic triumph.

Photo via Wiki Commons

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS....

Although it is a myth that she invented the little black dress, Chanel was undeniably influential in popularizing it.

Chanel has said: "Women think about all colors except the absence of color. I have already said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute."

 THE HOME....

Adding another dimension to what is already known about style

icon Coco Chanel, her three rooms on the rue Cambon in Paris,

where she lived from 1954 until her death in 1971, are timeless,

bold, and surprisingly complex given her noted penchant for

simplicity.  

Courtesy Kimintn - Flickr

 "Fashion fades....only style remains"....Coco Chanel

Courtesy Flickr - Kimintn

Her rooms were conceived by her, ” down to the tiniest

details…There in one place were all her passions, the screens,

mirrors, gilt wood, and chandeliers”.

Courtesy Flickr - Kimintn

 THE SCENT OF A WOMAN.....

 Chanels new fragrance Madamoisele - photograph via Wiki commons

“In 1921 Chanel’s signature fragrance

came out. It was called Chanel No.5, because it was the fifth sample product she created. Marilyn Monroe commented it was her favorite, and still today a bottle of Chanel No. 5 is sold every 30 seconds.”         

 And of course in the tradition of style and timeless classics...we present to you...Cocktail Friday!  This week featuring the 'Coco Chanel Cocktail'....YES...there IS such a thing...and we are grateful for it.

Ok fellow cocktail lovers....and of course it is the whole experience that we are trying to encompass here, so make sure that you sip this one with your faux chanel tweed jacket on, and obligatory large black sunglasses please!...dont let the side down now....  This one is as simple as 1..2....3!  Enjoy and Happy Friday to all. We are off to dinner tonight for Jens daughters 18th birthday....will post the pics next week for all to see.  We are getting glammed up and gorgeous!

'The Coco Chanel'

1 oz cream

1 oz Kahlua

1 oz Gin

Shake with cracked ice and serve in a chilled cocktail glass....enjoy!