HAVE YOU TOUCHED AN APPLE PRODUCT TODAY?..RIP STEVE JOBS...WHATS BEEN HAPPENING HERE?..OUR NEW DESIGN SPACE...OUR LOVELY CLIENTS...VALLEY FIESTA WILL HAVE YOU DANCING IN THE STREET...FRESH ROCKET PESTO AND OUR SPRING ROSE COCKTAIL..HAPPY FRIDAY!!

HAVE YOU TOUCHED AN APPLE PRODUCT TODAY?

It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Steve Jobs yesterday.  I dont think I have ever seen so many tributes come through facebook over the past 48 hours.

I like to think that Steve was the 'Edison' of our time.  Without him there would be no Ipod, no Apple Mac and can you imagine a world without Toy Story?  I dont mean to sound like I am glossing over his achievements, but the fact is that it would take me the whole day and more to cover all of his great inventions and accomplishments.  Steve was  true visionary and promoted living your life out of the box...taking risks and being a misfit.

So, stop for a moment and think about how this man who we never met has affected your life, in some small way.  As someone very wisely put it today: 'The death of Steve Jobs, a great visionary, reminds us that health is the only wealth that really counts'....RIP Steve Jobs.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?....LOTS!

The girls have been super busy this week, with a mass exodus of some of our favourite pieces, all gone to a good home.  But then what to do with the space...?...fill it of course!  

And, we now have a new design space area.  Its an area where clients can sit down with a cuppa and peruse our extensive range of fabrics, wall coverings and more whilst making their vision a reality via the design team.

WE LOVE....

It's always very satisfying to have a happy client, and we strive to excel in all we do, including great customer service...our business depends on it!

And so, its such a thrill when we receive a bit of public recognition from a happy client.

Thank you so much to Deb, Steve and their gorgeous girls for taking the time to not only send in a photo of their installed 'Bella' chandelier purchase from Charcoal Interiors, but also for posting it on our Facebook page!  We really appreciated it!

WHAT'S ON DOWN OUR WAY THIS WEEKEND?

THE VALLEY FIESTA!

Brisbane’s biggest street party, Valley Fiesta brings the celebration to the inner-city with a two-day street party on October 7 & 8.

So, if you like street parties that are long, straight and LOUD, then this is the party for you.

Get your groove on this weekend at the Valley Fiesta with a lineup that will have your ears bleeding!...but in a good way...

Join in on Brunswick St tonight and tomorrow.  Get on down, enjoy the Valley and all it has to offer....great food, music, fashion and be sure to take a small diversion down Doggett St to Charcoal Interiors for a break, a browse and some delicious inspiration!

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT THE VALLEY FIESTA IS ALL ABOUT!

FRESH ROCKET PESTO

(Make your own at home...its so easy...truly..it is!)

This week we got stuck into our big herb pot out in the courtyard of the showroom.  I took out all the old woody basil and cut back the parsley that was completely taking over!

We now have Rocket, Mint, Land Cress (something new...cant wait to try it in salads), Red Spinach, Traditional Greek Basil, Rosemary and Firecracker Chilis!

Thanks to the Rocket I have been nursing along at home, we now have heaps!  The warmer weather is great for Rocket, and it stands by its name...once it takes root it goes off like a Rocket!...we end up with so much every year and it seems such a shame to let it go to waste, so once its used in salads and on sandwiches I make a big batch of Rocket Pesto up.

Heres my favourite recipe, but you can replace the macadamias for Cashews or Pine Nuts.  

When I first started making this pesto into batches I wondered how long it would keep its colour.  The good news is that the colour kept green and vibrant for ages in fact it didnt go brown at all, so its hard to say how long it will keep nice and pretty looking in the jar.  

This pesto is great as a dip, spread on toast on its own with a bit of lemon squeezed on top and cracked pepper, perfect on fish or chicken, absolutely delicious on sandwiches, as a base sauce for pizza, tossed through pasta and much more.

Enjoy and let me know what you think of this fabulous recipe!

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Makes

2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 bunches rocket, ends trimmed, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 80g (1/2 cup) macadamia nuts
• 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 185ml (3/4 cup) olive oil
• 60g (3/4 cup) finely grated parmesan
• 1 tbs fresh lemon juice

Method

1. Process the rocket, basil, macadamias and garlic in the bowl of a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, gradually add the oil in a thin, steady stream until well combined.
2. Transfer to a bowl. Stir in the parmesan and lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Notes

• Serving tips: Toss the pesto through pasta with chicken and chopped fresh chilli; spread on pizza bases or sandwiches; or serve on grilled meats.
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  SPRING ROSE COCKTAIL
  
  
  This cocktail recipe is taken from The Wine Garden in Sydney.  Its the perfect cocktail for that girlie morning tea, or High Tea at home.  Please be sure to use unsprayed roses (just ask your florist for the organic version).  Purchase fresh and colourful blooms for maximum results!
  
  

  Makes

  6

  Ingredients

  • Bunch of mint, leaves picked
  • Petals of 3 unsprayed roses, plus 6 small unsprayed roses to garnish
  • 3 shots (90ml) gin
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
  • Ice cubes, to serve
  • 750ml bottle sparkling white wine, chilled

  • Rose syrup

  • 150g caster sugar
  • 1 tbs rosewater

  
  

  Method

  1. Chill 6 tall glasses in the fridge.
  2. For the syrup, place sugar and 100ml water in a pan over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve sugar, then remove from heat. Stir in rosewater, then chill until it has cooled completely.
  3. Bruise the mint leaves and rose petals in your hands to release their aroma, then stuff them into the chilled glasses....mmmmmm...lovely...
  4. In 2 batches, combine gin, lemon juice, rose syrup and plenty of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well, then pour into the glasses and top up with sparkling wine. Tuck in a rose to garnish, then serve immediately with a straw.

  
  

  
  

  Throw caution to the wind and have a few of these with the girls....Hats on...feet up...drink in hand...laughs a-plenty....perfect!

  
  

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  Quote of the week from our Facebook Follower Katie Purcell:

  
  

  'If you see the soul in every living being, you truly see'.....

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.  We hope you enjoyed reading the blog as much as we loved putting it together for you....makes us realise that we actually did quite a bit these week!...Phew!

  Thank you for being part of it all...

  The Charcoal Team 

  xxx

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

BEST LUXURY BATHROOMS ACROSS THE GLOBE...OUR SILK ROAD SALE IS NOW ON!...FOOTY LONG WEEKEND KEBABS...VODKA MAI TAIS ALL THE WAY FROM HONOLULU...AND MORE! HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL! XXX

'TAPPING' INTO THE BEST BATHROOMS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Ah, yes, I couldnt resist the play on words today when I decided to showcase some of the most luxuriously appointed and indulgent bathrooms from across the globe.  There is something about heading to the bathroom after a hard day at work, and either sinking into a warm bath with a glass of wine, or making a bee-line for the sink to remove the 'face' for the day.  And there are so many beautiful bathroom designs out there, so I thought it might be nice to share with you our favourites.

BALI

 Anyone for an outdoor bath?...pick me!

This combo of marble and slate is stunning.

ITALY

We think we could handle bathing in this room...tough, but we are up to the challenge.....

MOROCCO

I can see myself sipping mint tea in this bath.....

I AM NOT SURE WHERE THIS IS...BUT I AM SURE WE LOVE IT!

and....how about this one...it's a Charcoal Interiors exclusively designed bathroom!

This home in Brisbane's Western Suburbs was completely renovated and fitted out by the design team here at Charcoal Interiors.

The design girls would like to share their Number One Top Tip with you!

"For all our bathroom and kitchenware needs we always deal with the team at Christiaans"

"Whether you are updating your bathroom or creating a new home

Christiaan's can assist you."  

Click here to view the Christiaan's website

OUR 'SILK ROAD' ASIAN FURNITURE SALE IS NOW ON!

We have so many beautiful pieces here at Charcoal Interiors.  Our Asian furniture collection is second to none, from hand crafted Japanese pieces consisting of hand forged warabite handles and rare timbers, to intricately hand carved detail altar tables that date back to the 1900's.  Buying furniture from our showroom can sometimes mean taking home a piece of history, as well as beauty.  And so it is with excitement that I announce today our huge Silk Road sale.

Below is just a taste of what we have on offer.  We are discounting up to 50% on some items.  One thing is for certain, that no matter what you end up buying in this collection, you will be getting an unparalleled bargain.

ORIGINAL SHOP DRAWERS. ORIGIN KYOTO JAPAN.  CIRCA 1900's CRAFTED FROM KEYAKI AND SUGI TIMBERS.

WAS $1440...NOW ONLY $950!

A-LINE MING STYLE CABINET.  STUNNING RICH TONES.  3 SHELVES INSIDE.  PERFECT FOR THE HALLWAY, ENTRANCE, BEDROOM OR LIVING AREA.

WAS $1195 NOW $750!

RICH BLACK AND RED WEDDING CABINET WITH METAL DETAILING.  A STUNNING ADDITION TO YOUR BEDROOM OR LIVING ROOM SPACE.

WAS $2100 AND NOW $1100!  GOING...GOING.....

ORIGINAL OLD SIDEBOARD. SHANXI PROVENCE.  QING DYINASTY.  CRAFTED IN THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY FROM HONGMU TIMBERS. 2100l X 440W X 900H.

WAS $5365....NOW JUST $4500.

SHANDONG SIDEBOARD.  CIRCA 1900's. 2080L X 500D X 870W. 

WAS $2350 NOW $1625!

THIS IS OUR ABSOLUTE PICK OF THE BUNCH!...NEVER TO BE REPEATED PRICE REDUCTION ON THIS ONE AND IT HAS TO GO....

ISHO-DANSU TRADITIONAL CLOTHING CHEST WITH SECRET COMPARTMENTS.

CRAFTED FROM PAULOWNIA AND CRYPTOMERIA TIMBERS AND FORGED WARABITE HANDLES FROM THE LATE EDCO EARLY MEIJI ERA.

1000H X 960L X 430W

50% OFF!!  WAS $3700 AND NOW $1850!!...BE QUICK!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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We are such fans of Jamie Oliver here.  I love the way he just throws in a little bit of 'this' and a little bit of 'that'...no specific measuring of the ingredients, and every single time I try one of his recipes it works out a treat.  We also love the way he promotes seasonal produce and healthy eating awareness.  He's an all-round good bloke in our books.  It's a long weekend in most parts of Australia this weekend (but not Brissy because we have already had our labour day holiday)...and so my big tip for the long weekend is to indulge yourselves in at least one BBQ meal.

For those who love a Barbie, then heres a recipe I think you will love for Jamies 'Wicked' Kebabs.  You can replace the meat in this recipe for Falafel (I like to buy my own packet mix and make it up fresh).  

This recipe makes 8 generous sized kebabs.  I find that one does me just fine.  They are healthy and delicious and this is a genuine Jamie Oliver recipe from his website.

JAMIES 'WICKED' KEBABS

Ingredients

• 3 sweet pointed peppers –
a mixture of colours is nice
• 8 flatbreads, to serve
• 4 sprigs of fresh mint,
leaves picked
• a small bunch of fresh dill,
chopped (stalks and all)
• red wine vinegar
• Greek extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, to serve
For the kebabs
• 800g leg of pork, shin
if you can get it, the best
quality you can afford,
cut into 2cmchunks
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• juice of 1 lemon
• 100ml good-quality olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic,
peeled and finely grated
• 1 tablespoon red
wine vinegar
• a pinch of freshly
ground black pepper
• a pinch of sea salt
For the tzatziki
• ½a large cucumber
• 200ml natural yoghurt
• 1 small clove of garlic, peeled
• 1 heaped teaspoon dried mint
• 1½teaspoons red
wine vinegar

METHOD

If using wooden skewers, cut 8 to fit your griddle pan and soak them in a tray of water to stop them burning. Put all your kebab ingredients into a bowl and use your clean hands to mix everything together really well. Cover with clingfilm, then pop into the fridge for 30 minutes, or longer if you want the flavours to get a bit more intense.

Meanwhile, blacken the peppers directly over the flame of your hob, in a hot dry griddle pan or under a hot grill. Turn them every so often and when they look almost ruined, pop them into a bowl, cover with clingfilm and put to one side to steam for 5 minutes or so – this will help their skins to come off.

Make your tzatziki by coarsely grating the cucumber into a sieve set up over a bowl. Add a few good pinches of salt, then use your hands to squeeze out as much water as you can. Pour the water away, then tip the cucumber into the empty bowl and add the yoghurt. Pound the garlic in a pestle and mortar with a good pinch of salt until you have a paste, and spoon that into the bowl with the cucumber. Add the dried mint and red wine vinegar and mix really well. Have a taste to make sure you’ve got the balance right, then put aside.

Preheat a griddle pan or grill on a high heat. Thread the skewers through the marinated pork pieces, leaving little spaces between them so that the heat cooks everything evenly. Cook the kebabs on the screaming hot griddle or grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until done on all sides. Warm your flatbreads in the oven or in a hot dry pan while your kebabs are cooking.

Just before your kebabs are ready, peel and deseed your blackened peppers, then tear them into strips and put them into a bowl. Roll up your mint leaves, finely slice them and add to the bowl along with the dill. Add a few splashes of red wine vinegar, a pinch or two of salt and pepper and a lug of extra virgin olive oil. Toss and mix together, then have a taste to check the balance of flavours. Cut your lemon into wedges.

Put a dollop of tzatziki and the meat from one skewer on each warmed flatbread. Top with some of your pepper mixture, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Life doesn’t get much better!  Enjoy the long weekend and think of us on Monday while you are lah-dee-dahing the day away!

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JEN'S SECRET VODKA MAI TAI RECIPE...

ALL THE WAY FROM HONOLULU!  

Hands up who likes sunshine, the beach, palm trees, surfer boys, live music, balmy nights, swimming, eating and cocktails with lots of fruit and umbrella embellishments??!!....OK...too many hands to count...hands down everyone.

Well, since you're so keen on all of the above I have the perfect cocktail recipe for you, a variation on the traditional Mai Tai made with rum...after a few dodgy experiences in my university bar days with rum, I have an aversion now in my mature years.  So, I found this great Mai Tai recipe with a Vodka substitute.  Its really delicious and refreshing.

Here's me and Pete the Greek sitting at the hotel bar straight off the plane from Brisbane sipping Mai Tais by the sea.....if I close my eyes I can feel the warm breeze and hear the gentle lapping of the waves........zzzzzzzzz

VODKA MAI TAI COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

Vodka - 30ml

Orange Juice - 100ml

Cherry Juice (or Pineapple is nice) - 30ml

Pineapple Juice - 100ml

HOW TO PREPARE...

Its easy!  Just shake it all together and pour over ice.  Decorate with a piece of pineapple, a glace' cherry and paper umbrella.

Serves 2

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Signing off on another week....wishing you all a great weekend, and for those with a long weekend, have a ball.  Here's to you favourite footy team winning!

xxxxx

TONY DUQUETTE AND HIS AMAZING DREAMCOAT...LOVING SASS AND BIDE LATEST...ANGEL HAIR AND PASTA RECIPE BUDGET BUSTER MEAL!!...AND COCKTAIL FRIDAY WITH POH'S KISS OF THE CONCUBINE....MWAHHH XXX

CHARCOAL INTERIORS - YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH THE MOSTEST....

We are a family business with over 38 years experience in design.

We pride ourselves on sourcing unique product from around the world...this is a 'Flat-Pack-Free' Zone.
Bringing back the romance of shopping, with our beautiful exotic pieces and a custom made service where you can order exactly what you have seen in a magazine to your specifications....we look forward to seeing you soon....
www.charcoalinteriors.com.au



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TONY DUQUETTE  AND HIS AMAZING DREAMCOAT

If a house could be transformed into a gloriously eclectic and colourful costume, then this would be an apt starting point.

The flamboyant Hollywood set and costume designer Tony Duquettes home in Beverly Hills features in this months Vogue Living Magazine and the design girls here were completely taken by it.

Duquette, born in 1914, grew up in Los Angeles and became one of the worlds most acclaimed artists and designers.  

Likening himself to the magical Phoenix, Duquette loved the combination of nature and magic, the twin sources of an "enchanted vision that we carry around in the treasure house of our own minds".  His love for the fabled bird also suggests the designer's talent for constant reinvention an creating fantasies full of life, colour and theatre.

This was certainly true of Duquette's own Beverly Hills Home, Dawnridge.  A home of delightful excesses.

Over the years, he mastered many different mediums, designing jewellery, hotel interiors and public spaces.  Yet Duquette is best remembered for the homes he created not just for himself, but also his high society clients, including Elizabeth Arden and J Paul Getty.

There is a great youtube link for those who would like to have a brief little tour through the house, now of course in the hands of a different owner.  Watch as he shows a keen jewellery designer through her idols home.  There is some great footage.  Interesting to see too that this home is arguably the smallest in swanky Beverly Hills.

Take a Tour Through Duquette's Home with good friend and now owner Hutton Wilkinson

Duquette added depth of colour to rooms with bright cushions and fabric.  The Biomorphic Console and mirror were designed by him in the 1960's.  All the paintings are by his wife Elizabeth who was an accomplished and well known artist.

Worked into screens made from hubcaps, Duquette called his sculptural piece above the mirrored door a fragment of priestess robe.  The Pedestals flanking the door were designed by him in the 1950's.  The two 18th Century French ahairs still have their original finish, while the orange ottoman sofa covered in Thai silk was inspired by a sofa Duquette designed for his home in San Francisco.
A feature to the right is a sculpture of the Phoenix by Duquette.  The designer strongly identified with the mythical bird, an ever recurring symbol in his work.

(Above) The Living Rooms's high ceiling, crowned with Duquette's chandelier of Venetial glass lilies, and the use of mirrors lend a sense of space to the small house.

The 'Rose Chest' in the garden room appeared in many movies, including My Fair Lady, where Cecil Beaton used it, painted white in Mrs Higgins house.

The Vestibule leads to the Powder Room through a door bearing a mural by Elizabeth Duquette.  The chair, still with its original needlepoint covering was designed by Duquette for his one man exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of art around 1952

The 'Garden Room'   Behind the sofa is a photographic blow-up of a pen and ink drawing Duquette did of Venice Circa 1947.

Hopefully, after seeing the photographs of his home, you will agree that Duquette was a true visionary and complete risk taker when it came to Interior Design, he also created jewellery, costumes for stage and screen,  and was an accomplished artist.  His home is now entrusted to his good friend and business partner Hutton Wilkinson who can be seen in the youtube video linked to his story.

Duquette left this world in 1999 aged 85.  His legacy lives on with selected furniture designs replicated, and his friend Hutton is constantly scouring auction houses for additions to the vast collection of Duquettes eclectic designs.

We would absolutely love to be able to share some images of his work, however it is very, very closely protected, however you can see and also find out so much more via the Tony Duquette Website and there is also a great book available that takes pride of place in our showroom.

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ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH GARLIC, CHILLI AND OIL...BUDGET BUSTER MEAL!


I love this recipe for Angel Hair pasta with Garlic and Chilli, because its simple to make and makes for a great budget meal for the family.  Usually we have 7 around the dinner table and sometimes more, depending on how many 'ring-ins' we have....boyfriends, girlfriends...just friends etc....

I also love this recipe because I can use a few ingredients from the Vegie Patch at home.  I have Australian Garlic growing at the moment...(its easy to grow too, just split the cloves and plant pointy side up about 2 inches into the ground...cover and you will know when its ready to harvest because the green shoots on the surface will die off) plus I have a fabulous Chilli plant that just produces all year.

This pasta recipe is great for a side dish, or sprinkle some fried bacon pieces over the top, plus chopped rocket and fresh baby tomatoes and you have a meal in itself.  If you dont have time, or like in our household all the bread goes in a flash so theres never any day old stuff left to make the crumbs, just use shop bought bread crumbs in a packet.
Traditionally, this is to the Italians as meat pie is to the Aussies.  Its a staple Italian recipe....so you better drink red with this one.  :-)

Thank you to our friends at Taste for this recipe

Ingredients (serves 6)

1 x packet of Angel Hair Pasta...its the thin one available in all good shops...San Remo make a good one, and there is enough in the packet for 6 to 8 people depending on how hungry everyone is.

• 150g olive oil
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs, made from day-old bread
• 6 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced widthways
• 1 1/2 small red chillies, seeded, finely chopped
• Finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon

Method

1. Heat 1 tbs oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes or until golden, then remove from pan. Wipe pan clean.
2. Heat remaining oil, garlic and chillies in cleaned pan over low heat for 2 minutes or until oil is hot and garlic is light golden. Add 1 1/2 tsp salt, lemon rind and juice and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Add fresh pasta to a large saucepan of salted boiling water and cook for 20-30 seconds or until it just floats (for dried pasta, cook following packet directions).
3. Drain, then add immediately to hot oil mixture with the breadcrumbs. Toss well to combine. Serve.

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TIME TO PUT YOUR FEET UP...ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

The other night, I watched Pohs Kitchen on the ABC.  You may remember Poh as the effervescent chic from the first Masterchef series?  She is just a little pocket rocket and so inspiring to watch her cook.  With her Asian background and love of eclectic flavour combinations, she has really made a name for herself in the world of innovative cuisine.  I found a Cocktail recipe on her website that really ticked all the boxes for me, and decided to give it a go.  Needless to say, it was a hit with all of us here, so here's the recipe to share on to all of you.  Thank you Poh for being you and always bringing a smile to our faces when you're on the telly.

POH'S KISS OF THE CONCUBINE

Serves 1

• skin and juice of 2 wedges of lime
• 10 crushed mint leaves
• 15ml Amaretto (for that bitter sweet almond taste)
• 15ml of lychee liqueur (the perfect compliment for almonds)
• 60ml lychee juice
• 60ml soda water

Method

1. In a cocktail shaker of ice add the juice and skin of the lime wedges, crushed mint leaves, Amaretto (for that bitter sweet almond taste), lychee liqueur (the perfect compliment for almonds), lychee juice and the soda water for a little bit of efferscence.
2. Shake, pour and garnish with a fresh lychee....Poh shows you how to make the Lychee into a little Frangipani flower for that extra special touch to the garnish....here's the link.  
3. Poh's Kitchen Website Link
4. p.s to be drunk with your feet up and a copy of 'Farewell my Concubine' in the DVD player (voted one of the 100 best films of world cinema too thank you very much....)

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We have been asking our Facebook friends over the past weeks for their all time favourite quotes.  The little mantras that they live by and that help to get them through the tough times, or put perspective on situations that may be out of their control.  Here's the latest installment, this week from Maria Albiez...

"You cant discover new oceans until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore"

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Until next week!  Enjoy your weekend and do something nice just for you!  Thank you to everyone for their contribution on our facebook page over the past couple of weeks too...we love hearing from you and really appreciate your input!

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

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au