Hamilton Apartment...The Final Unveil with Before & After pics, plus video...Get in Quick for our Sale!...We Shop in Melbourne for You!...Maiocchi Fashion Shoot - A Sneek Peak into the new range....Scrumptious Chicken Recipe and the Deeeelightfully light..Capiroska!

Hello and Happy Friday one and all.  We have had a great week, with a trip to Melbourne for the day...and all for you!  More info on that a bit further down the blog...but first..as promised...

The Exclusive Unveiling of our latest Design Project at Hamilton!

Well, last week we showcased the Sunroom of this amazing Art Deco residence in Hamilton, Brisbane.  This week we have video of Cathie showing us through the fully completed apartment, plus 'Before...and After' pictures, so you can really gauge just how much thought and effort has gone into completely transforming this space.

First up...here's Cathie with her tour.....excuse my very amateurish production..oh..and the Chandelier is not on fire!..just looks that way due to the strobing :-)

Just Click On The Video Link Below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlYGQf_KtJM

Some before pics of the space.....

....and the finished work...

Beautiful artwork...gorgeous lighting..a sumptuous mixture of textures, antique and modern pieces now give this apartment a luxurious environ, reminiscent of the Manhattan Style our client loves so much.

We have had a terrific week, with a successful expedition to the Melbourne Trade Show. We also dropped in on a few of our wonderful suppliers whilst down South and picked out some stunning pieces...Gosh, we are so excited!  Cant wait for it all to be delivered!  Stay tuned for our new arrivals...boy did we have fun shopping for you!

Trade Show Shopping...Decisions..Decisions??....

Strolling along the Yarra...on a gorgeous winters day...more decisions to make..like, which restaurant to choose??

More self sacrifice....lunch at 'Brasserie' restaurant on the Yarra.

Check out our Cocktail Friday recipe...with pics below

Charcoal Interiors...is having ....a...

 That's right!....Sale starts this Saturday.  After our buying trip on Monday, we need to make room for the new arrivals.  So, that means that we have considerable savings to be had on Sofas, Tables, Urns, Accessories, Dining and Occasional Chairs and so much more! 

Maiocchi Fashion Shoot

On Sunday morning we hosted another Fashion Shoot for Dee Maiocchi and her gorgeous range of clothing.  Here is a little sneek peak, and we will have the formal pics for you shortly.  Dee loves to use our stunning showroom as the backdrop for her creations.  

Thanks again to Mark Turner Photography http://markturnerphotography.com/...from high fashion to sophisticated Interior Design shoots...he really does know his stuff.

Friday Recipe

Feeling a little overwhelmed after such a big week, our bellies were looking for something light, flavoursome and healthy...so this week, we tried this super simple recipe that is fresh and delicious.  

This recipe is super simple and serves 4

Mint and Garlic Chicken with Crunchy Salad

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 small (about 170g each) chicken breast fillets, each cut into 2 thin fillets
• 2 tbs roughly chopped mint leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
• 1 1/2 tbs olive oil
• 1 baby cos, leaves separated, finely shredded
• 1/2 punnet (about 80g) snow pea sprouts, roughly chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbs white wine vinegar

Method

1. Place the chicken, mint, chilli and 1/2 tbs of oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat chicken.
2. Place a large non-stick frypan over high heat. When hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook for 2 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile: toss the shredded lettuce, snow pea sprouts, and spring onion in a large bowl with the vinegar, remianing tbs of oil, salt and pepper. 
4. 
   
   
   Divide the salad and chicken among plates and serve immediately.
   
   
   It's That Time Again....Cocktail Friday!!
   
   
   
   

 Ahhhh...Yes...Cocktails really DO equal Paradise according to us!  We have a super simple Cocktail recipe for you this Friday, but its just packed with flavour...you'll love it!

We imbibed in a few of these on our Melbourne trip...Cath has the recipe below...

The Lime Capiroska!

A great way to end an exhausting day of Power Shopping!

We are off to Cru Bar this afternoon to celebrate our 1000th Blog view!

Thank you to everyone for their support.  We have had a great response to the Blog.  A lot of love goes into bringing it to you every Friday and its a collaborative effort from us all.

Wishing you a great weekend...love...The Charcoal Girls...

Cathie, Colette and Jen....with Charlie....xx

Taaa Daaa!..The Hamilton Apartment Unveil...Our Latest Project...Milton Cater Rugs..Introducing Anatoly...Sale, Sale, Sale!...Low Fat Tapas...Mushrooms Anyone??...Ch..Ch...Ch..Ch..Cherry Bombs for Everyone!

Finally, this week we can reveal the first stage of our gorgeous Art Deco Apartment project at Hamilton in sunny Brisbane Australia.

Last week, we presented the before images of this apartment that just had so much potential, but desperately needed a complete freshen up.  The design team here at Charcoal went into this particular project with the specific goal to nuture the uniqueness of the building with its classic Art Deco lines and features.  The rooms were painted and the old timber trimmings were kept, but modernised and highlighted in a colour that worked well with the tones on the walls.  Sophistication was the theme, with the addition of an eclectic mix of Antique and modern furniture and a fabulous balance of textures.  We introduced new lighting, a gorgeous feature mirror and eye-catching art from the ever talented Dean Reilly.

http://www.deanreilly.com/ 

Today, we feature the sunroom, with its views to the Brisbane River.  

Cathie now has a home for the new man in her life...'Charlie'.  Set in stone, this amazing piece creates a dramatically imposing feature in this room.  With the addition of quality shutters, handwoven rug by Milton Cater, French influenced dining setting and unique accessories you would have to admit that this is a room you would have to tear yourself away from every day.  

Hamilton Apartment Sunroom

Sunroom...'Before'

Sunroom....'Before'

Cath kicking back in the transformed Sunroom with 'Charlie'

.....Milton Cater Handwoven Rugs....

In keeping with our doctrinal essence of uniqueness and quality, we are proud to stock  Milton Cater Handwoven Rugs here at the showroom.

Milton Cater specialise in Antique and Old Handwoven Traditional Rugs.

We are fortunate to have consultant Anatoly Frusin from Milton Cater consulting at our Doggett Street showroom every Thursday.

Anatoly, born in Tadzhikistan brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the Milton Cater product gleaned from a natural connection through his home land, backed up by mentoring from Milton Cater himself.

Anatoly is quite an all-rounder with a background in Theatre and Acting.  He enjoys cooking and we are already impressed with his warm and welcoming personality.  Please feel free to call into the showroom on a Thursday, or give Anatoly a call on 3852 6002 to discuss the rug range.  He will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

In the coming weeks, Anatoly will be giving us an education into the fascinating history of some of the rugs we have currently in stock....like this gorgeous Antique Heriz rug from North West Persia...stay tuned

Everybody loves a Sale!...and we are having one like no other.  The girls have been busy with purchasing new stock for the showroom and we need the space by the end of September.  Our sale starts next weekend....There will be plenty of treasures to be unearthed...and the savings will be considerable.

Tapas Please!!

This is the final week for our Healthy Tapas Recipes.  We hope you have enjoyed them as much as we have!

Vegetarian Friendly Portobello Mushroom with Mediterranean Stuffing

This flavor-packed mushroom can be served as a first-course dish or as a perfect-size tapas dish. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and immunity-boosting spices. This recipe is less fattening than a traditional hors d’oeuvre, but if you're worried about calories, cut the mushrooms in half for more figure-friendly portions.

Ingredients

• 4 (4-inch) portobello caps (about 3/4 pound)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups (1/4-inch) cubed French bread, toasted
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons low-fat balsamic vinaigrette, divided
• 4 teaspoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups mixed salad greens

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Remove stems from mushrooms, and finely chop stems to measure 1/4 cup. Discard remaining stems. Combine 1/4 cup chopped stems, onion, and next 6 ingredients (through garlic).

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion mixture to pan; cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Combine onion mixture and bread in a large bowl, tossing to combine. Slowly add broth to bread mixture, tossing to coat. Add feta; toss gently.

Remove brown gills from the undersides of mushroom caps using a spoon; discard gills. Place mushrooms, stem side up, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush mushrooms evenly with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette. Sprinkle Parmesan and black pepper evenly over mushrooms; top each with 1/2 cup bread mixture. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons vinaigrette and greens, tossing gently. Place 1 cup greens on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 mushroom.

 Happy Friday everyone...and what would a Friday here at Charcoal be without the Friday Cocktail to finish off a busy week.  This Friday we are off to Cru Bar in The Valley for a few 'Cherry Bombs'....we like them because they sound sexy...and darned it...after a couple...you just start feeling soooo good!

Here's the recipe, so that you can create a little bit of fun atmosphere at home, and just treat yourself to a bit of fun with the Cocktail Friday experience.  Dont forget to send in your Cocktail photos...we will publish them on the Friday blog!

The Ch..Ch..Ch...Ch...Cherry Bomb!

Ingredients

• 0.5 floz vodka
• 0.5 floz Midori
• 0.5 floz Disaronno
• 0.5 floz amaretto
• Fresh lemon sour mix and cranberry juice to top

Method: How to make a cherry bomb

1. Fill a tumbler with ice.

2. Add the vodka, Midori, Disaronno and amaretto, then top with cranberry juice and fresh lemon sour mix.

3. Swirl and serve. 

....Goodbye to another Friday!  We are open over the weekend, and then off to Melbourne for Monday...back into it on Tuesday...phew...it just never stops!  Be sure to come in and say hi over the weekend.  We would love to see you!

The Charcoal Team.....Cathie, Colette...and introducing Jen!..she finally came out from under the table.

Hamilton Apartment Before the Unveil!...Taa Daa!..New Arrivals to the Showroom...Goat Cheese Tapas...Harrys New York Bar - In Paris! Hemingway Daquiris and More!

More on the Hamilton Apartment

 Last week we had a little snippet of our latest design project in Hamilton Brisbane.  An Art Deco Apartment with gorgeous views of the Brisbane River that needed a little bit of Charcoal Magic.  We are so excited to have the final images ready to share with you.  These will be published next week.  Until then, here is a 'Before' pic of the lounge room before the painting started.  Think...smokey tones....stunning lighting....an eclectic mix of Antiques and modern contemporary furniture...plus...the most amazing textures...I could go on and on....until next week!

Our Reveal...Next Friday.  You wont believe the Transformation!

We are always sourcing amazing new Furniture and Accessories in our Showroom at 18 Doggett Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

This week is no exception.  

We love...

Antique Wooden Carved Horse...Amazing Detail!

Red Painted Sideboard 19th Century

Northern China Sideboard Circa 1880's.  This beautiful piece has three drawers and two doors.  A super versatile piece to suit a multitude of applications.

....just a snippet of what is new and exciting in store at Charcoal Interiors!

We had a great response to the Bruschetta Tapas last week...and here is more of the simple, healthy Tapas menu that we promised again for this Friday.

Capsicum, Goat Cheese, and Fresh Mint Tapas Wraps

Super Tasty and Preparation Time is only 10 Minutes!  The combo of capsicum and goats cheese is simply moooooorish!

 

Ingredients

• 1 (4-ounce) goat cheese
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 4 (8-inch) tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped bottled roasted capsicum
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

  Preparation

  1. Combine cheese and mint in bowl.
  2. Wrap tortillas in paper towel. Microwave on HIGH 20 seconds.
  3. Spread each tortilla with 2 tablespoons cheese mixture. Divide capsicum evenly amongst tortillas; sprinkle with salt. Roll up tortillas; wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, twisting ends to secure. Chill 1 hour.
  4. Unwrap tortillas. Cut each wrap into 4 pieces, cutting one end of each piece diagonally and one end straight across so the piece can stand on end (see photo above).
  Delicious and the presentation is just so easy...Donna Hay would be proud :-)
  
  YIPPEEE!!...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
  Imagine yourself sitting down for a Cocktail this week at 'Harry's New York Bar....in Paris'.  
  
   Since 1911, Harry's New York Bar has been mixing masterpieces for Parisians and international celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Roosevelt and the Duke of Windsor. The expatriate community is celebrated and encouraged there -- a somewhat atypical attitude in Paris -- and the bar is adoringly referred to as "Sank Roo Doe Noo," which is what the address sounds like if your French is terrible.
  
  
  
  One of the worlds acclaimed writers,Hemingway moved in 1921 to Paris, where wrote articles for the Toronto Star. "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then whenever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." (from A Moveable Feast, 1964)
  
  Hemingway loved the odd Daiquiri or two....if he was alive today, we could be besties, as incredibly we too love the deliciousness of the Daiquiri.
  For Hemingway himself the Hemingway Daiquiri (or Papa Doble) was served without sugar and is almost always printed that way although most people prefer the sweetness.
  
  
  Let's dig in....
  The Hemingway Daiquiri
  
  
  
  

  Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz white rum
• 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

• 
  
   Next week, we introduce you to a lovely gentleman...Anatoli.  Anatoli is a representative from Milton Cater Oriental Handmade Rugs and will be here on Thursday for a chat.  If you happen to be in the area and would like to know more about these beautiful rugs, he will be happy to accommodate.
  
  
  
  
  We have had the best week together in the showroom.  We welcome our new clients and look forward to a new week.  Wishing everyone a terrific weekend!
  Yours in Design and Style...In the City!
  Cathie, Colette and Jen
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Hamilton Apartment...Our Latest Design Project Video...New Arrivals...Guilt Free Tapas...Sangria Anyone?...It's Cocktail Friday Folks!

This week, we introduce you to our latest project...The Hamilton Apartment.  

This Art Deco Apartment with views of the Brisbane River had the potential to evolve into something really special, and the design team knew from the moment they walked in that this was going to be a project they could really sink their creative teeth into.  The client, a lady with great taste, but not the time to put into renovating and decorating had a clear vision.  She says: "I wanted to maintain the character of the apartment in keeping with the architecture of the building."  "I wanted to really achieve an individual style and look as a reflection of myself and my lifestyle."

Over the coming weeks we will be showcasing this gorgeous Apartment in all its glory.  The finished product truly does reflect the original grandeur of the building, whilst introducing almost a Manhattan-esque sophistication.

Today, we start with the Before Images and take you on a tour with our Designer Cathie.  She takes us through the rooms before work starts and gives us an insight of what to expect.  So, stay tuned for the end result and enjoy these 'teasers'.

River Views at Hamilton
(just click play for the video boxes below) 

Initial Consultation...Cathie takes us through the vision for the Sunroom Area
Footnote: Thanks to Cath for being such a good sport...all footage was taken without me giving her a chance to prepare...snaps to you Cath!

NEW STOCK HAS JUST ARRIVED!
We love....
this Elm Wood Altar Table...circa 1820's with its ornate carved detailing...superb

...and this unique Timber Animal Trough Circa 1900's from the Shangdong Province

Sold out...but now more in stock..gorgeous soapstone wash coffee tables...perfect in so many applications

 Horseshoe Chairs...Circa 1880s from the Shanxi Province

 

...and thats just a snippet of what is new and exciting in the Charcoal Showroom.... 

Ahhh....Spring is just around the corner and my mind is already diverting from Winter Fashion, big coats that cover a multitude of sins over the colder months, to the cute Spring dresses that I just wont be able to look 'right' in if I dont do something about my food choices from here-on in.  I am such a fan of Tapas, but those small morsels can sometimes be big on the calories.  This week we discovered the most delicious low fat Tapas that are packed with flavour....fresh on the palate and just so very easy to prepare.  We found quite a few to choose from and will be featuring one recipe a week over the next month or so.  Each recipe adheres to a simple formula....being quick and easy, yet sophisticated and flavoursome....oh...and low on cals!  

Olive-Goat Cheese Bruschetta

 

Spice up traditional bruschetta with this crowd-pleasing recipe. This rendition uses traditional tomato and basil but adds savory olives and robust goat cheese. For a boost of fiber, make this dish with a multigrain baguette instead of traditional white French bread. With less than an hour of prep time, you can create this tasty dish right before guests arrive. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced seeded plum tomato
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 16 (1/4-inch-thick) slices French bread baguette (about 4 ounces)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup mild goat cheese, at room temperature

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside.
3. Arrange bread on a baking sheet; bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Remove toast slices from oven, and cool 2 minutes.
4. Rub both sides of each toast slice with garlic clove. Spread goat cheese thinly on 1 side of each toast, and top with the olive mixture.

Su coctel viernes! … Aclamaciones!

(That's Spanish for....Its Cocktail Friday!...Cheers!)

....and you cant get more Spanish...than the 'Sangria'

Sangria Cocktail Recipe

RECIPE:
1 liter Red wine
(any kind)
4 tablespoons sugar
1 shot glass Contreau
2 shot glasses Martini-Rossi White
2 shot glasss Cognac
1 bottle Sprite
6 slices Lemon
4 slices Orange

add tray of ice cubes
and stir well
(serves 8 glasses) 


Its been a terrific week for us!...we hope its been a good one for you too.  Cheers to you...and Cheers to us!  Happy Friday everyone and wishing you a very relaxing weekend with family and friends. Pop your head in to say hi over the weekend if you get a chance...if the light's on...we are in! :-)

Colette...Cathie...and Jen (we have managed to rope Jen into a profile shot...so stay tuned..she does actually exist....hee hee....) Happy Friday! xxx

LESSONS IN LUXE, THAI DINING POD DREAMING, BATHROOM CHANDELIER STYLE, THE 5 MINUTE MAGIC CHOCOLATE CAKE AND SO MUCH MORE!!

OUR READERS GIVE THEIR IDEAS ON LUXURY...AND SOME COMMENTS WILL SURPRISE...

I broke my hand on Tuesday.  Actually my teenage son broke it....big brute that he is!  A fracture of the scaphoid bone....a boxing training session gone terribly wrong.  So I wanted to tell you all about it as I am feeling quite sooky lah lah....please feel free to leave a comment about how brave I am and also how completely impressed you are at my one armed typing skills :-)

And so, the quest began this morning to find a way to 'pretty up' my clunky plastered arm.  I am now sporting a stylish leopard print covered cast, complete with diamante brooch.  The makeover has made me feel so much better.  Its a bit of fun, and purely designed to brighten my day up a bit.  A bit of sparkle and faux animal prints brings to mind, over the top 'kitsch' kind of luxe.  But peoples interpretation of luxury comes in many forms, i have found through my little survey this week.  For some, luxury means cruising the whitsundays whilst sipping Krug champagne, and for others through circumstance, it is to have the time to sit and ponder lifes little humble pleasures.

I was also sent some info on the most unique restaurant, that I thought not only was a good example of a great luxurious location, but also was struck by the sheer uniqueness of the idea.  As you can see below, who on earth thinks of these things and then follows through with such a quirky idea to the completed fulfilment of their vision....obviously a lot of talented people out there.  

It gave me a new found appreciation of our design team. Visualizing....Careful Planning and Consultation....Creating.....Completing the vision  

And so here are some options to satisfy the diversity of the dreamers out there.....enjoy!

HOLIDAY LUXURY

SONEVA KIRI DINING POD

With a tradition steeped in creating innovative experiences for guests, the Soneva resort chain is at the cutting edge of intelligent and luxurious accommodation. Soneva Kiri by Six Senses on the Island of Kood in Thailand, is discretely nestled in the south-east corner of the Gulf of Siam. If arrival via private jet, endless white sand, a barefoot-is-best policy and utter privacy isn’t enough to convince guests that they are in resort heaven, a meal in a hanging rattan basket will surely do the trick. Gently swinging above pristine beaches, The Dining Pod is designed to replicate a cocoon with a huge open window to take in the views. Meals are delivered via a harnessed waiter, and guests are left to enjoy the sweeping vistas and gentle breeze.  Now, this is my idea of luxury!

WITH THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR....

One of my little luxury fantasies is to drive up into the hills in an old classic luxury convertible car...with my own version of Carey Grant in the front seat...Pete The Greek will suffice quite nicely....and off we head with the wind in our hair...roaring through the hills for a picnic lunch at the top!  That would be luxe of luxe!

SAIL AWAY.....

For one of our Facebook Fans, his idea of luxury was sailing the Whitsundays, scotch in hand, sun on his face.  He's a bit of a dish, and there were a few ladies who read his comments and wanted to join him!

TAKING TIME OUT

Our designer, Caths idea of a luxe lift was kicking off her heels and curling up in a luxurious armchair....like this one 'The Austen' from Andrew Martin, beautifully crafted using Debussy Pearl fabric.

For others it was a night in front of the fire on a faux bear skin rug, or as simple as lying on a beautiful white sandy beach on a warm summers day....her happy place....or a walk in wardrobe a'la Carrie Bradshaw!

The Ultimate 'Happy Place'....A Walk InWardrobe with Chandelier!

One reader just wanted a bathroom with a chandelier!....her idea of true luxury....so pretty, and a definition of true indulgence and luxury.

BATHROOMS THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

AND....THE SIMPLE LUXURIES OF LIFE

And then, there were the beautiful comments from those readers, expressing that their idea of luxury was for one lady the appreciation that she is growing older....a deep appreciation of the one real and true ultimate luxury.....and for another lovely lady, it was the luxury of time to just sit alone and contemplate all of lifes little joys...how beautiful....

SUMPTUOUS CHOCOLATE

When I think of culinary luxury and indulgence, chocolate is the first thing that comes to mind...rich, warm, sticky...yummy...chocolate.  But, as anyone who has been reading the blog for a while now would know, I am a girl of very little time and all recipes that I put up on the blog need to be super quick to make without detracting on the taste factor.....and so, I bring to you my tried, true and tested 5 minute chocolate cake...serve it warm!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Here's all you'll need:

4 tablespoons of flour

4 tablespoons of sugar

2 tablespoons of cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons of milk

3 tablespoons of oil

optional- 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips (Oh, hello! NOT optional in my opinion!)

A splash of vanilla extract

A coffee mug

The recipe:

1. Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.

2. Add egg and all wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and gently mix in.

4. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if the cake rises over the top of the mug!

Now you can eat it as is (I recommend) or you can wait for it to cool, slice in half, top with some whipped cream or ice cream and voila... a perfect five-minute treat. 

COCKTAIL DREAMING

Now, I dont know about you?...but, boy do I need my Cocktail fix this week!  Nothing like a few smooth brews to take the edge off, and this Friday I am offering you something extra smoooooth...extra sweet and extra indulgent....

THE CHOCOLATE 'LUXALICIOUS' COCKTAIL

(Note:....if you can drink it...then its not fattening...)

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 tsp of chocolate spread (like Nutella)
• 1 espresso coffee
• 25ml rum
• 30ml coffee liquor
• 15ml caramel syrup
• 40ml fresh double cream.

METHOD

1. Gently lay the chocolate spread on the bottom of a martini glass. Pour a freshly made espresso on top.

2. Shake the rest of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill up the glass.

3. Sprinkle chocolate powder on top to garnish.

Now, that's what I call 'Luxe'

And so, as we draw another curtain on a Friday, we truly wish you all a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  Hopefully we have enthused you to look at ways that you can introduce some luxury into your life.  

Come Visit Us Soon!

Charcoal Interiors - 18 Doggett St. Fortitude Valley

'The Charcoal Girls'...Colette and Cathie (Jen is still hiding under the table...)

xxxx

Transformational Before & After Pics of our latest design project, Muse Mooching...Dali, Austen, Andrew Martin and Starck...Plus! Cheers to the Lucid Mint Muse Cocktail..Happy Friday Everyone.

The 'new look' study...completely transformed with custom made built-ins and oak desk, stunning hand crafted rug, and leather feature chair...just a few of the beautiful new additions to this space.

On the far wall...a unique Ancient Chinese Ancestral Painting that was carefully framed and now stands pride of place in the study.

More Before Pics of the now transformed Study....below

Musings over our Muse.....

I heard a friend talking about her 'muse' this week....and wondered...what is being a muse all about?  It sounded like a pretty important role...I mean there is a fair bit of pressure involved with being a muse I can imagine.  A muse is the source of inspiration for creative work....a bit like a creative, artistic style of mentor really.  Everybody has someone that they look to for inspiration or creative validation.  Salvador Dali looked to the love of his life 'Gala' for inspiration.  She was his greatest supporter,and also his business manager.  She inspired Dali and many other writers and artists.  In music, the most influential muse seems to be patti boyd-probably the queen of muses. She has inspired three songs about her sweet self. First-"Something" by the Beatles, specifically first hubby George Harrison. Her second husband Eric Clapton wrote "Layla" about his tortured feelings about romancing his best friend's wife. It did not stop him from marrying Patti and writing her third song "You Look Lovely Tonight".

I was inspired just by the idea of the many muses over the years...of course everyone is inspired by something or someone.  Who inspired our design team then?...I made it my mission to find out!  Its hard to get the design girls to sit down for five minutes, let alone chat with them about who inspires them....but when I sat down for a chat on this topic, both ladies were energised and transported into another place.....gosh I would like to get into their heads sometimes :-)  

For Colette, her inspiration is Andrew Martin.  Colette: "The Andrew Martin team has travelled the world and is able to creatively put a design together from almost nothing...and create something spectacular".....their style is not contrived or predictable...and I draw on this for my inspiration".

Andrew Martin

Cathie: "I simply cant decide on just one (a little bit like Caths shoe shopping habits...just quietly...but I digress...) so firstly, it would have to be Coco Chanel.  She was an extraordinary influence on fashion, with her designs now transcending time and trend.  From humble beginnings designing hats as a hobby, that soon turned into creating beautiful couture for her wealthy European clientele.  The little black dress (an iconic Coco creation) now is a necessity in any modern fashionistas collection. 

 Coco Chanel

And secondly, Phillipe Starck.  The famous French furniture designer in contemporary style, with one of his most recognisable pieces being the Louis Ghost design.  His designs also transcend time....ageless and are used worldwide.  He also designed the interior of the private apartments for French Prime Minister Francois Mitterrand.  He has produced some of the most iconic shapes of the 20th Century, perhaps his most permanent mark on design is through his bold reworkings of everyday objects....he thinks deeper than the glossy surface".

Phillipe Stark

A Phillipe Stark Design...The 'Louis Ghost' Chair.  We used the Louis Ghost Chair in one of our Photo Shoots for Q Weekend Magazine.  An exclusive Charcoal Interiors Design Project.

Winter Goodness Roasted Vegetables with Bacon

With all of the beautiful fresh produce in season at the moment, there is a literal plethora (I love that word...and use it as often as possible in context...) of fresh garden vegetables out there at the moment.  Perfect timing for a healthy, quick side dish recipe.
We have 6 in our household and it can be hard to find a healthy side dish that everyone will eat.  I have come up with the perfect option.  Vegetables roasted, and then jazzed up that little bit extra with some diced bacon....yum!  I also grate a little bit of fresh parmesan over the top at the end...its a great twist to the same old same roasted vegies and the kids love it too.


Roasted Vegies and Bacon

Ingredients

• 5 slice(s) bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 5 potatoes peeled and halved or quartered depending on the sizing
• 1 stalk(s) celery, trimmed and cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 small onions, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
• optional...10 minutes before the completion of the roasting, add a couple of handfuls of cherry tomatoes..they blister nicely and add colour to the dish. 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Cook bacon to desired crispness, drain, and reserve 3 tablespoons rendered fat. Set bacon aside.
2. In a medium bowl, potatoes, celery, onions, rosemary, salt, and pepper together with reserved fat and lemon juice. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking pan, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and continue to roast until vegetables are browned, about 20 more minutes. Toss in bacon.

 

And Finally...Friday just wouldnt be complete without another amazing concoction from the Charcoal Interiors Friday Cocktail Recipe Book!

The Lucid Mint Muse....Get ready for it!

Ingredients

2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 1/2 oz. Lucid Absinthe
1 wedge of Lime
Mint leaves
Lemonade

Instructions

Muddle mint leaves with lime wedge and add Lucid. Add ice and pineapple juice and shake briefly. Top with Lemonade and add the mint sprig.

To all our readers, thank you for your comments this week via the facebook page.  We do love hearing from you and the support and feedback is most welcome.

Wishing you all a very happy Friday....Cheers to you all....From the Charcoal Girls - Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

Cathie and Colette Venardos....Jen is hiding under the table in the background :-)