Charcoal Interiors - Style in the City: Before & After Pics of Our Latest Design Project...Words of Wisdom from the Best...Sand Crab Ravioli and our Cocktail Friday Offering...

Charcoal Interiors - Style in the City: Before & After Pics of Our Latest Design Project...Words of Wisdom from the Best...Sand Crab Ravioli and our Cocktail Friday Offerin

Before & After Pics of Our Latest Design Project...Words of Wisdom from the Best...Sand Crab Ravioli and our Cocktail Friday Offering...

Our Latest Design Project

Over the next few weeks, we will be showcasing our latest Design Project before and after pics with you.

I spoke with Colette Venardos...half of the Charcoal Design team, about this particular project, the clients, their vision, and how she and Cathie made it happen!

Colette, explain a bit about the history of this home, and the clients vision:

"Well, this was a beautiful old Queenslander dating back to the 1800's.  Just a magnificent home that really was in need of a bit of TLC.  Cathie and my first impression of the home interior, was 'Aussie Country' which was quite outdated, and definitely in need of a freshen up.  The interior just wasnt conducive with the magnificence of this beautiful home.  We consulted with the clients over many weeks, and their main instructions were to create a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of French sophistication. Being a busy family of 4, they wanted to feel like this was their home and a place where they could still kick off the shoes and feel welcomed.

Colette, can you give us a brief outline of the transformation process?:

"We started with a neutral palette, and built around that the custom made table in Reclaimed French Oak.  The chairs too, were custom made with removable off-white covers in a beautiful linen fabric.  A beautiful Vintage mirror sits above the Old Chinese Altar Table, perfect for displaying the family treasures.  The true feature of the whole room is the amazing Dean Reilly original painting 'Chyrsallid'.  It is a stunning addition to the room and complements the drapery, which has a lovely pearlised finish in cream, dusky pink and moss green.  We also had the curtain rods custom made for this room.  They are truly elegant and draw the eye out to the newly transformed courtyard.  We replaced the old fence and repainted the feature wall in a Porters Paints Limewash.  New pots were added and plants added to create a hedge effect.  Our clients love the ambient mood of candles, so we had some wall candelabras mounted.

As you can see by the 'After' pics, the girls have completely transformed this dining room into a stylish space in collaboration with the clients.  A combination of their wishes and vision and an experienced eye via our Design Team.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more images of this gorgeous home...the girls have worked their magic once again!

Words of Wisdom from one of the Most Qualified

Audrey Hepburn really was the quintessential Hollywood actress and epitomised everything that a true lady should be....stylish, graceful, a devout humanitarian with her work for UNICEF and most of all kind.  We just love this quote...one of our favourites and a true doctrine to live by.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.
.....Audrey Hepburn

Winter Looks we Love!

  Rustic Vintage chair found at a Garage Sale teamed with a sumptuously textured cushion and snuggly throw.  The perfect spot to sit and while away the hours on a cold winter day. 

Sand Crab Ravioli in a Creamy Dill Sauce 

For those of you who are clever enough to make your Ravioli from scratch...I say, snaps to you and a big pat on the back.  I am then also spared having to include the recipe on how to make the pasta and then the crab filling and blah...blah...  Girls like us here at Charcoal who just dont have the time and by the time we did...it would be midnight!...say, buy the ravioli from a good gourmet shop or market and then add the rest as below...Takes about 10 minutes!

Method

Put your water on the boil.

Once boiled.  Add your ravioli.  Cook until Al Dente....in the meantime make your sauce..it takes just a few minutes.

Add to a pan a dollop of butter and a bit of salt...heat until aromatic.  Once that divine smell kicks in...add a small container of cream...this recipe is for 2 people, however if its for 4, just double the quantities.  Add a couple of teaspoons of parmesan and gently simmer.  I like to throw in a few chilli flakes and some freshly chopped dill.  Simmer away until the sauce starts to thicken.

Drain the Ravioli.  I like to toss very gently in a quality olive oil so they stay nice and slippery.  Divide up onto your plate and then spoon your delicious cream sauce over the top....finish off with some freshly chopped dill and cracked pepper.  I like to serve up with a little bowl of steamed vegies.

Voila!....enjoy...its completely delicious and so very easy for all those busy girls out there.

Speaking of busy girls....pop your uggies up on the sofa...take a nice deep breath...be thankful for reaching another Friday...and CELEBRATE...with our Cocktail Friday...the fixer of all things broken...the mood lifter like none other!

This week, we introduce the Italian Lemon Drop...packed with zing and using Lemons which are in season at the moment, so they are at their best flavour-wise.  Plus!  Its fruit...so that means this particular cocktail nutritionally is good for you right? If we are all in agreeance, lets raise our glasses to the wonders of Friday, Lemons..bless their little tarty hearts...and the Cocktail.  Cheers everyone!

The Italian Lemon Drop

 

1 oz Stolichnaya

1 oz Limoncello

¾ oz Cointreau

1 ¼ oz Sweet and Sour

Combine ingredients and shake well.

Serve in a martini glass.

Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Thank you to everyone for your feedback with the blog.  We are so happy that you are enjoying the read.  Hopefully its giving you a bit of inspiration and a smile.

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

Happy Birthday Lizzie...Cath's New Zealand Adventures...Potato & Rosemary Pizza and Cocktail Friday!

 

Hi everyone and welcome once again to the Style In The City weekly update.  Its been a busy old week here in the showroom, with lots of new arrivals, coupled with the departures of some of our most favourite pieces that have found a terrific home.  We had a lovely gentleman in the showroom today, who decided to surprise his wife....with a table!  He walked in, picked out one of our magnificent oak parquetry tables...we arranged delivery within the hour and his wife was truly surprised and delighted!  We had a bottle of French Champagne delivered for them also, just to cap off the perfect Friday for this lady.  We all want to know....how do you clone a guy like that? 

Sitting back on reflection, and not beating our chests too loudly for fear of frightening people away....but we were wondering where in Brisbane you could get such quick service on a Friday?  We are very proud of our operation here...we girls can do ANYTHING!..expect slam a revolving door of course :-)

CATHIES NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES

Our Design Guru Cathie had a very well earned break recently, holidaying at a gorgeous spot on New Zealands North Island.  The stunning Hawkes Bay.  She chose this region, along with a couple of close friends...Ali and Debbie.  It was a special trip to celebrate Alis birthday.  Their hosts, Black Barn Vineyard turned on a gastronomic treat, including some delectable wines.  The accommodation was chosen for its comfort and quality design.  Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, and the cottage was stylish and welcoming. Thanks for sharing your holiday snaps with us Cath...see Cocktail Friday Fan Pics below for more....

 

Cottage Living and Entry...Nice Fireplace...Take me there now please....

 The view from the front porch...just stunning!

 

The Three Amigos...Cathie, Ali and Debbie

 

This weeks recipe is a favourite of ours.  So easy to make and completely delicious.  Perfect for vegetarians too and all the ingredients are seasonal.

We bring you....The Potato and Rosemary Pizza!

You dont have to make your own base for this one either.  We use pita bread, or a quality bought base from the shops.  This pizza is great on its own, or serve it as a side dish with soup.  Its really yummy and you can add other ingredients to it as well.  For example...sundried tomatoes, olives, pepperoni or capsicum.  For a rustically professional  presentation, top with some cherry tomatoes.  Keep in mind with pizza, less is more is the recipe for success.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 basic pizza dough base
• 300g (10½oz) medium-sized potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4tbsp olive oil
• 200g (7oz) mozzarella cheese, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, very thinly sliced or chopped
• 5-6 small rosemary sprigs

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Put the potato slices in a large saucepan of lightly salted boiling water and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until just cooked through. Drain really well. Tip into a wide shallow dish and drizzle over the olive oil to coat the slices evenly.

Roll out the pizza dough to a 30cm x 20cm (12in x 8in) rectangle and place on a baking sheet.

Scatter half the cheese over the pizza base, then arrange the potato mixture on top.

Scatter over the remaining cheese, garlic and rosemary sprigs, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza base is golden and the potatoes are starting to brown. Remove from the oven and serve.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LIZZIE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

 

Queen Elizabeth II actually turned 84 on the 21st of April, but we celebrate her birthday this weekend..and her gift to us!?...a delightfully...frightfully...fabulous day off on Monday.  So please raise your glasses in celebration of the long weekend...and of course our most anticipated and much loved...Cocktail Friday!  Even the Queens getting in on the act this week.

Introducing.....

The Queens Swizzle!

What a colourful offering we have for you this week.  And all in the name of Lizzie...the Queens Swizzle.  Its very refreshing and a great way to start off the long weekend

.

How to Make a Queens Swizzle

3 oz  Rum
.75 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Simple Syrup
3 Heavy Dashes Angostura Bitters
Fresh Mint

Add ingredients and shell of the lime you just juiced into a tall glass.  Fill the glass with crushed ice and swizzle until the glass frosts over.  Garnish with a large sprig of mint.  Serve with a straw.

Fan Pics

Thanks to Debbie and Ali for this great Cocktail Friday Pic taken on the recent New Zealand trip with Cathie.  You girls look like you were having a lovely relaxing time...we salute you!

Signing off for another week...wishing you all the best.  Have a happy and safe long weekend.

Cheers!

The Charcoal Girls...Jen, Cathie and Colette xxx

Looks we Love!....Winter Warming Chicken and Curry Rolls...Plus! Limes and Our Cocktail du Jour...The Gimlet!

Well, to be honest, this week has been a bit crazy.  Cath has been away in New Zealand, carrying out important research on the food and wine industry over there... ;-)   Colette and I have had a week of fun with new arrivals, design jobs and more.  We just fell in love with this table (above).  Its our new favourite for sure.

Speaking of favourites!  Try out this super easy recipe....yes..another super easy one.  This week I made these amazingly moorish chicken and vegetable rolls.  I added a bit of curry powder to the recipe for a little extra 'zing'.  Great on a side plate with soup!  Very easy Winter food.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Healthy...and Moorish Chicken Vegetable Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup (70g) fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
• 500g chicken breast mince
• 1 egg, plus 1 extra lightly beaten egg
• 1 zucchini, finely grated
• 1 carrot, finely grated
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 4 sheets frozen puff pastry, just thawed
• 1 tbs sesame seeds
• Tomato or sweet chilli or sauce, to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.
2. Process crumbs, chicken and unbeaten egg in a food processor until well combined. Place in a bowl, mix well with vegetables and herbs, then season.
3. 
   
   Place 1 pastry sheet on a floured surface and halve. Spoon an eighth of the mixture length ways along centre of each piece. Fold 1 edge of pastry over and tuck in beside filling, then fold over other side to make a roll, pressing down lightly to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling. Cut rolls into 3cm pieces and cut two small incisions into each roll to prevent splitting. Place on baking sheets, cover and chill for 30 minutes. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rolls are lightly browned and cooked through. Serve with sauce on the side.  For fans of the curry flavour, I add a teaspoon of Keens Curry Powder or similar to the mix...Gosh its yummy!
   
   
   
   In Season?....Limes.
   
   
   
   Lovely...Limes...In season now.  Packed with Vitamin C and just perfect in Thai recipes.
   or....The Gimlet!...Yep..you guessed it!  Hang on to your beanies folks...Its Cocktail Friday again...
   
   
   
   

   Drink du Jour – Gimlet

   Gimlet Cocktail

4. 2 oz gin
5. 2 oz bottled lime juice
6. 1 tsp sugar

Stir extremely well with ice.  Strain into a pre-chilled sugar rimmed cocktail glass.

I prefer the vodka gimlet; just substitute vodka for the gin.

And as the day winds down, and the weekend draws nearer...its goodbye from us....The Charcoal Girls...Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

Lets Talk Turkey....Simplest Lamb Kofta to die for...or at least swoon...Our Antique Urns...Mirror Magic..Plus! Turkish Deeelight Martinis!

Hi everyone and hope this finds you well after what was most likely a hectic week, if its been anything like ours!  Cath has once again been a very busy girl...no wonder she is so slim!  Its all the running around that she does...she is our very own Energiser Bunny!  This week, Cath has been helping out our friends at Reflect Mirrors with their showroom display dilemmas.  As you can see below, she has managed to turn what was a stark and uninteresting space into a beautiful display, using items from the Charcoal Showroom.  Michelle from Reflect was just thrilled with an end result that truly compliments the surrounding mirrors.  

This Friday we are exploring just a smattering of the delights of Turkey.  Our inspiration for this weeks blog has come in the form of New Arrivals to the showroom - our latest range of Antique Turkish Yoghurt Pots.  

The bases of the Yoghurt urns taper to a narrow point, because they were intended to be partly buried.  

Many of the jars used for storing yoghurt, grains and olive oil were also buried to preserve their contents, and over time the yoghurt has seeped through the terracotta and created beautiful rustic patterning.  When you purchase pots such as these from us at Charcoal Interiors, you are introducing a sense of history....a story...we find our customers really connect to certain pieces because of this.  It creates an added dimension of interest, not to mention unique style to a home.

Above: Our latest Antique Yoghurt Urns..now available instore.

 When you purchase pots such as these from us at Charcoal Interiors, you are introducing a sense of history....a story...we find our customers really connect to certain pieces because of this.  It creates an added dimension of interest, not to mention unique style to a home.  Great as a feature inside, or a striking addition to the garden.

Above: Another of our gorgeous Yoghurt urns...you can see how the yoghurt has seeped out over time and stained the exterior creating a wonderfully interesting patina

                     

This week I wanted to share with you what is my all time favourite Lamb recipe...The Lamb Kofta.  I just find that it is so quick and very versatile too.  We like to eat a lot of platter style meals at home due to the 4 teenagers and constant line-up of hangers on.  So, these are great on a platter and will impress.  Serve with some yoghurt (mix in some lemon juice and spice the yoghurt up with a little cumin, pepper and mint)...this can make the dish a bit more interesting and flavoursome.  I also use these balls as my all time fave pizza topping.  If this interests you contact me for the recipe, as I do have a few different ways of serving this up....boy..is it delicious.

Heres the recipe for the Lamb Kofta Balls.....

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 500g lamb mince
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh continental parsley leaves
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbs tomato paste
• 35g (1/2 cup) fresh breadcrumbs 
• 1 egg, lightly whisked
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 75g (1/2 cup) plain flour
• 2 tbs olive oil

Method

1. Line a baking tray with plastic wrap. Combine the lamb, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and tomato paste in a large glass bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and egg, and stir until well combined (I use my hands...get stuck into it!). Season with salt and pepper.
2. Divide mixture into 16 portions and shape each portion into a 4cm ball. Place on prepared tray. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge for 15 minutes to chill.
3. 
   
   Place flour on a plate. Roll kofta in flour and shake off excess. Heat half the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add half the kofta and cook, turning occasionally, for 8 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Repeat with the remaining oil and kofta, reheating oil between batches.  Serve as suggested above.....
   
   
   And finally....Lets Beat the Nagara (Turkish Drum) and get stuck into Cocktail Friday...and this week we have excelled with the Turkish Delight Martini.  Even if you dont end up making one...you just have to check out how they are made.  We popped the Turkish Delight in ours as suggested in the recipe...and it was 'şaşırtıcı'! (Thats Turkish for AMAZING...).  Its a 'You Light Up My Life' experience...so wrong...yet just so right....
4. 
   
   

Turkish Delight Martini

50ml rose petal schnapps
tsp gin
tsp martini bianco
2 tsp rose water
½ tsp orange flower water

Chill a martini glass in the freezer or fill with ice. Pour all the ingredients quickly into an ice filled cocktail shaker and swirl without shaking until the outside of the shaker is frosted - 30 seconds.

Strain into the martini glass. For added jazziness pop a piece of icing sugar coated Turkish delight into the glass, or float a pink rose petal on top....How pretty!...not to mention a complete girlie Cocktail Friday experience.

And, so as we scrape ourselves off the floor after a few of these, we bid you goodbye...Happy Friday to all.  Hoping that you get a chance to put your feed up and have a read of the blog.

Cath is having a few days off and we look forward to seeing her Cocktail Friday photos next week.  I am really looking forward to experimenting with my lime green decorating ideas while she is gone....can you tell I'm the one who does the words and she is the one who does the Interior Design?

Until next week....yours in all things unique...Jen, Cathie and Colette...The Charcoal Girls...xxx

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