Friday, March 2, 2012

AUTUMN SASS FOR YOUR HOME...MARRAKECH BY ARTE...FEATURE WALLPAPER TO STUN!....ANOTHER JERICHO BOUND DELIVERY....DELICIOUS GOATS CHEESE SPIRAL PASTA....MINT JULEPS AND R.I.P DAVY JONES....xx

THIS WEEK WE BADE SUMMER 'AU REVOIR' AND WELCOMED IN AUTUMN 2012

Via Blakkos - flickr

And so now in the age of flat screen televisions luring home owners to linger longer at home in the cooler months, its important to surround yourself with a living space that you are happy with and also that reflects your style and the things you love.

A great way to add warmth and express yourself, and an alternative to the very one dimensional look of paint, is to add a splash of colour, warmth or texture with wallpaper.  

Adding wallpaper to a stark room adds warmth, personality and expression of your personal style nowadays with the massive array of options available.

If in doubt, remember that Charcoal Interiors offers the complete service package when it comes to choosing your wallpaper.
With over 38 years combined experience in the Interior Design industry, we offer quality, no nonsense consultation, access to endless quality options in wall coverings,  and we even offer a full hanging service if required.

In a nutshell:
1. Experienced consultation and advice.
2. Product
3. Complete hanging service

All thats required after that is you.....to relax and enjoy your beautiful new space...transformed easily and effortlessly.

AND A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR YOU.....

Marrakech
BY 
Arte
Inspired by the sights, colours and textures of Northern Africa; Marrakech combines exotic patterns with gorgeous painterly effects.



Marakech by Arte - Cashmere (left) and Berber (right) Available in an array of colour ways to suit every situation. Example Berber is available in 14 different colourways....

Marakech by Arte in the Kelim style both left and right...yes, these are the same pattern but in different colourways, of which there is a variety of choice...example...Metallics and Sponged effects to name a few...stunning!

Marakech by Arte in the Kelim (left) and Berber (right)...all as fore-mentioned available in a variety of stunning colourways.

Phone us for your early bird In-House Interior Design appointment with the team and receive 10% off our consultation fee.
Phone us on 07 38526002 and ask to speak with a designer, or you can pop into the showroom anytime for a chat and organise a booking with the girls.
59 Doggett Street. Newstead.  Brisbane.
email: jenny@charcoalinteriors.com.au

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au



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JERICHO BOUND

Yesterday we had a mass exodus of some of our larger pots and urns, all bound for Jericho Town which is about 12 hours north of Brisbane.  


Our ever-reliable drivers Phil and Michael from P.E Transport took around an hour and a half to load up...then off home for a quick nanna nap before heading off at 4am.

   

Mike contemplates the best way to get this 150+ kilogram pot onto the truck......


....And decides that they will try lifiting it.....needless to say with a little bit of ingenuity and a lot of care, they had it safely stored on the truck before you could say 'Truckies Rule'!
The boys are delivering to a property with a 57 kilometre driveway, which gives you an idea of the expanse of land that this homestead is on.  Last time they were treated to fresh barramundi from the dam, a spot of roo shooting and beers by the firepit...our lovely clients and their hosts really are just the nicest people and look after the boys on every trip.....Phil and Mike were busting to head up there, so we look forward to hearing the latest installment from Jericho.

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Pete the Greek and I are on this stupid low carb diet due to the fact that we have overindulged waayyyyy too many times lately.  Why is it that we just cant have cocktails and salty thick cut fries with gorgonzola sauce on top without putting on weight?  Instead its been protein, protein....and did I mention...protein?
BUT...the saving grace is that every week, on one day...we can have whatever it is that want to eat....its our 'cheat' day.  So, I saw this recipe on Cooking with Corey which is now my new favourite recipe website, and its the perfect dish to quell our carb cravings.
The creaminess of the goats cheese, punch of flavour from the tomatoes, teamed up with the herb flavours really make this such a moorish meal.
Quick and Super Easy!  Enjoy!


Recipe and photo via cyberpenguin on Flickr.
More of her great recipes can be found on Cooking With Corey http://www.cookingwithcorey.info/

TOMATO AND GOATS CHEESE PASTA SALAD

WITH FRESH DILL AND TARRAGON

Salad Ingredients:
2 cups. (i.e., 4 servings) dried spiral pasta (or other fun pasta shape)
5-6 c. lightly salted water, seasoned with a drop of extra virgin olive oil (to keep pasta from sticking together)
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (we used Bon Haye Olive Oil from our Provisions section)
1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard1/7 tsp.salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
2 c. (i.e., 1 dry pint) fresh grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 c. (4 oz.) chèvre (goat cheese) 
4 Spring Onions
1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped and densely packed
2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely minced and densely packed

Directions: Bring medium-sized pot of lightly salted water (seasoned with a drop of olive oil) to a rolling boil, about 8 minutes. While you're waiting for the water to boil, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, whisking together until emulsified. Add goat cheese and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. (Boil with the lid on to speed up the process.) Remove from heat and drain. Transfer to colander, shock with cold water, and drain once more. Transfer to the bowl with the goat cheese mixture. Immediately coat pasta with the goat cheese mixture, so that the cheese melts ever-so-slightly, and toss thoroughly under well-combined. Then add tomatoes, scallions, and fresh herbs. Toss once more to combine, divide pasta into 4 equal portions, transfer to bowls, and serve immediately.

COCKTAIL FRIDAY WITH AN OLDIE....BUT A GOOOOODIE!



THE MINT JULEP

Via David Kenny...Flickr.  Check out his other pics..amaaazing!

Ingredients (serves 2)

  • 1 tablespoon caster sugar
  • 1/2 cup dry ginger ale, chilled
  • 16 fresh mint leaves
  • 60ml bourbon
  • 3 cups crushed ice (see note) mint sprigs and straws, to serve

Method

  1. Place 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/4 cup dry ginger ale in two 1 1/2 cup-capacity highball glasses. Stir to dissolve sugar.
  2. Divide mint between glasses. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, press leaves until lightly bruised. Divide bourbon and ice between glasses. Stir to combine, leaving mint at base. Serve with mint sprigs and straws.

Notes

  • To crush ice, place in a plastic bag. Seal. Wrap in a tea towel. Place on a chopping board. Pound with a rolling pin until ice is crushed.
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    R.I.P DAVY JONES
    Davy Jones, member of The Monkees band back in the 60's and a heart throb to millions, died of a heart attack this week.  On the facebook feed, it stated "not sure if you will remember him, but Davy Jones died this morning...etc..."  Well it certainly seems that many people remembered and loved Davy Jones, reflecting the outpouring of condolences on all social media forums.  

    One little known fact is that if it wasnt for Davy Jones, then David Bowie would be David Jones...he had to change his name because Davy Jones got in first!
    Davy Jones was my first real 'crush'....I just thought he was so cute and handsome and funny in the show The Monkees.  Its sad that he died so young (66 is not old)...but he made a lot of people smile and I reckon he would have had an amazing life.
    R.I.P Davy Jones
    xxxx

    Farewell to everyone for another week.  Wishing you a terrific weekend full of love, fun and laughter!

Friday, February 24, 2012

DAVID BOWIES WIFE 'IMAN' AND HER NEW FABULOUS ENDEAVOUR, EXCITING JACQUARD, DELICIOUS BEAN SALAD RECIPE, AWWW...GRASSHOPPER COCKTAIL AND MORE! ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY!! ENJOY!

WHAT FABRICS DO WE HAVE TO SPOIL YOU WITH THIS WEEK??




Well, as if she didnt already have everything, with her marriage to legendary rockstar and embodiment of style David Bowie, fame, fortune, ageless beauty that simply takes your breath away and so on and so on and so on....hmmmm..wonder if she gets bored with being so fabulous??....ah but I digress...


Former international model Iman has now released her very own range of exotic fabrics.  In a collaborative project with Unique Fabrics, Iman has released a stunning collection that combines the essence of chic with exotic elements, cultural richness and a modern approach to traditional style. 




 The rich colors, distinctive embroideries and textures of the jacquard woven fabrics will enliven any interior.

We are always available to help with colour choices...from cushion covers, to upholstery, drapery and more...you have the vision and we help to make it tangible.
Phone us on 07 38526002
Visit our showroom at 59 Doggett St. Fortitude Valley. Qld.
or
email us at charcoal@charcoalinteriors.com.au
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Q:WHAT IS JACQUARD AND WHY IS IT SUCH A

 POPULAR CHOICE?

Jacquard is a fabric crafted from a Jacquard Loom.  
The Jacquard loom is a mechanical loom, invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801, that simplifies the process of manufacturing textiles with complex patterns such as brocadedamask and matelasse. The loom was controlled by punched cards with punched holes, each row of which corresponds to one row of the design.
 Modern jacquard looms are controlled by computers in place of the original punched cards, and can have thousands of hooks.
Thanks to the Jacquard loom we can now have intricate patterning on quality fabric, such as these just released by Ardecora for Unique Fabrics.


An example of exquisite Jacquard.  The Botticelli/Tiziano range by Ardecora was inspired by the Italian Renaissance with emphasis being on sumptuous silks, lavish embroidery, velvet and jacquard weaves.


'Botticelli'


'Michelangelo' (used to upholster chair on right) in Jacquard and Silk Velour

Contact us via our website for further information or product enquiries

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BEANZ...MEANZZ......EAZZZZYYYY...

BEAN SALAD
Photo courtesy of cyberpenguin (flickr)
Lately we have been having the same portfolio of tried and tested but now simply overdone salad recipes.  My faves have been the Soba Noodle salad (which I still love but the other 6 mouths are over it)..and also the Avocado and Bacon with Fetta Salad...not to mention the Mango, cranberry and blue cheese salad which I really could eat forever but Mangoes are out of season now :-(
Soooo...the dilemma was to find something new and exciting to try and I stumbled upon this great recipe blog and this photo and thought...well, even if the salad isnt that great I just love the photo!  It makes me want to try it!
Fortunately the recipe is as great as the pic, and its super healthy and easy to make.  Everyone loved this at home, so we will do this one to death too until the next fave comes along.  Regardless it will be forever kept in my recipe folder and like the circle of life will resurrect itself again at some stage of life.
A big thank you to Cooking With Corey blogspot where you can find an amazing array of quality recipes.

Three-Bean Salad

Ingredients:
6-8 c. lightly salted water (for boiling edamame)
4 (heaping) c. fresh (or frozen) whole edamame, in their pods
1 c. canned black beans (almost a full 15.5 oz. can of pre-cooked beans)
1 c. canned chickpeas
1 dry pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 c. scallions, sliced crosswise into 1/4"-thick rounds
1 Tbsp. garlic, peeled and finely minced
1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. kosher (or coarse ground sea) salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. crushed red chili pepper flakes, or to taste*
1 c. Haas avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 1 medium-sized Haas avocado)
1/4 c. fresh cilantro, finely minced

Directions: On high heat, bring a large, covered sauce pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil (about 8 minutes), and then uncover and add edamame. Cook until al dente. If using fresh edamame, boil for about 5-6 minutes. For frozen, boil for 4-5 minutes. When cooked properly, beans should be firm, not mushy. (If they're mushy, they've been overcooked, which will make them taste dry and blechy.) Better to air on the side of caution: Remove a sample bean from the pot using a slotted spoon after it's been cooked for the minimum required amount of time, run under cold water to cool, and then taste-test to check for doneness. When beans are ready, immediately remove pot from stove and drain into a colander.** Rinse with cold water and let cool for an additional 5 minutes or so. Shell and place beans into a bowl. Discard (or compost) pods.

Next, add black beans, grape tomatoes, scallions, garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Then season with kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red chili pepper flakes, and cilantro, and toss. Add the avocado last, about an hour before serving, and gently toss, making sure to coat it with the lemon juice mixture to avoid oxidation. Marinate in a covered glass or ceramic dish in the refrigerator for at least a 1/2 hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled (or at room temperature) and enjoy!
Optional Additions: Corn kernels, artichoke, or gourmet brined olives like Kalamata or Greek olives (in which case you could just nix the salt in the above recipe altogether).

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BRING ON THE DANCING GIRLS.....IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!!

And as the 'Kung Fu' Master would say.....
Ahhhhhh...Grasshopper!!


It's green, its mean....its green and if I hadnt tasted it myself I would never have put up a recipe for something that looked so much like a glass of glowing nuclear wastage.  However!...it was bought for me the other night.  "Surprise me" I said to Pete the Greek...and he surely did.  Initially I thought of holding my nose as it kind of reminded me of medicine.  But of course we were in a rather salubrious establishment with lots of hip and happening kids around us, so I decided to take the medicine straight up.  The Grasshopper is surprisingly a tipple I shall be ordering again, when in the mood for a Liquid After Dinner Mint.  This is the best way to describe the Grasshopper.
Enjoy!...oh yes and ps its easy to make.

INGREDIENTS
3/4 oz Cream
3/4 oz Creme de Cacau
3/4 oz Green Creme de Menthe

PREPARATION
1. Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice cubes
2. Shake well
3. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Voila!!
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TOOOOO CUTE!

And today instead of ending the blog with a clever quote, we found this photo courtesy of the Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate
Its of a little Australian Possum who dug his way through a huge box of french pastries, ate his fill and then couldn't move....so cute and such a huge sugar overload for the little fella.  Just look at his full belly!

It made us smile....hope it does you too....
Have a happy weekend everyone and if you are in the Sunshine State (apparently we are...but you wouldnt know it with all the rain we are having...) stay safe and keep dry...most importantly drive with care.
Until next week!

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

FROM LUXURY AND SOPHISTICATION TO PRE-TEEN BEDROOM MAKEOVERS.....OUR K1 DISCOVERY...PAD THAI...DO DAI FOR!...THE YUKIGUNI COCKTAIL AND OUR TAKE ON PERSEVERANCE...ITS ALL ON THE BLOG!



IT'S ALL ABOUT QUALITY DESIGN AND PRODUCT
This week the design team have been working on a new project.  The directive for the girls was luxurious, classic, sophisticated style and product.  This is for a lady who knows quality, of which there are no shortcuts.  We make sure you get what you ask for, and its right the first time.  Our clients expect the 'wow' factor and thats what we aim to deliver.

Looking forward to our presentation with the client today!




PRE-TEEN TRANSITION
...And from sophisticated woman to mid-primary aged young man whose parents feel has grown out of his 'Buzz Lightyear' bedspread and priamary coloured bedroom walls.  This has been a fun project for the girls.  We are looking forward to sharing the finished room with you, but here's a glimpse of the 'hero' of the room.  Andrew Martin UK 'Library' Wallpaper which will feature on one wall.  



OUT AND ABOUT WITH STYLE IN THE CITY
K1 Winery.  Tynan Rd. Kuitpo. SA.

Every now and then you find a treasure in the most unexpected of places.  Pete the Greek and I were on another child-free weekend in McLaren Vale, South Australia when we stumbled upon the K1 sign, and of course the name Geoff Hardy along with it, before we knew it the car was spun around and along the track to K1 winery we ventured.  



Through the sandstone gates....and down the long agapanthus lined driveway




.....to this!  This is the cellar door!  Exciting to say the least.  A lake house in the most beautiful setting surrounded by vineyard and picturesque grounds.




Anyway....once we picked up our jaws from off the ground and contained ourselves we ventured into the cellar door area.  Greeted by very sharp, shiny and knowledgeable staff we tasted a Pinot and Shiraz at the hand crafted tasting bench which is the centrepiece of the space.



Apparently when Geoff Hardy wasn't creating exceptional wines, in his spare time he crafted the tasting bench from a 400 year old piece of Redgum.  And so there we are at the lakeside cellar door, surrounded by quality wine, and expert guidance and if thats not enough enticement for one day, they offer tasting platters full of regional produce!

Lovers of our quality red, Pete and I sampled the Shiraz
and Pinot Noir.

Time does not permit me to publish the accolades bestowed upon the K1 wine portfolio.  Needless to say, with a background of 5 generations of wine making and viticultural experience in the family, the result is a polished, quality range, that the Greek and I purchased, yet realised wouldnt fit back in the suitcase or hand luggage...so we just drank what we couldnt squeeze in 
:-)

Photo courtesy of K1


  On the day we visited the 'special of the day' was freshly picked regional strawberries and icecream.  Considering we passed a strawberry farm on the drive through to K1, I have a hunch these were most likely just off the bush.


Next time we will be sure to linger longer.  According to staff, due to the popularity of their platters and  ambience of the deck setting, its advisable to phone ahead and book.  We really cannot wait to venture back to K1 as it ticks all the boxes for ambience, knowledgeable and friendly staff, food, wine...tick, tick....tick!!..bliss...

Points of interest:

On my return back home, intrigued as to how the name K1 came into being I googled away, and the name K1 was born when Geoffs wife felt that Kuitpo (Ky-poh) was a bit hard for people to pronounce.

In 1987, Geoff Hardy and his family began planting 30 hectares of vines with the aim being to eventually produce high quality grape yields which of course is now a dream realised with the creation of wines of the highest calibre.  Wine Business Magazine have rated K1 as one of the Top 10 Best Cellar Door experiences in Australia.  I wholeheartedly agree and would recommend to all....even if you dont care for the drop of the Gods, just to see a mans vision realised.  It gives us all the inspiration to keep forging ahead and dreaming on....
Thank you to the staff of K1 for their hospitality and also permission for use of selected website photographs and information.  We do love to promote great Australian businesses!
If you would like to know more about the wines, location and the people who make K1 special, then please click on the link below.


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PAD THAI

I love Pad Thai.  The mix of flavours  really goes well with a nice cold Sauv Blanc in summer...or even a nice Pinot.  You dont have to dine out at the local Thai place to achieve the full impact of this dish, when you can give it a go at home.  I have provided my all time easiest recipe for this dish - apart from Asia At Home mix from the supermarket.  Give this a go...and feel free to add extra vegies, for example we added broccolini, sliced capsicum and also some julienned snow peas.



Ingredients (serves 4)



  • 250g packet rice stick noodles
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 2 chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced
  • 500g green prawns, peeled, deveined
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced diagonally
  • 2 small red chillies, deseeded, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup bean sprouts, tails removed
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped, optional
  • 1/2 cup coriander leaves
  • lime wedges, to serve



Method

  1. Place noodles into a heat-proof bowl. Cover with hot water. Stand until tender. Drain. Rinse under cold water.
  2. Combine lemon juice, fish sauce and sugar in a jug. Whisk with a fork to combine.
  3. Heat a wok over high heat. Add oil. Swirl to coat. Add chicken. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until golden. Add prawns, onions and chillies. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until prawns turn pink. Add noodles. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  4. Add lemon juice mixture to wok. Toss to combine. Slowly pour eggs over noodles. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Add sprouts. Toss well.
  5. Spoon pad Thai onto plates. Sprinkle with peanuts and coriander leaves. Serve with lime or lemon wedges.

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THE YUKIGUNI COCKTAIL.......................................

Is a legendary Japanese cocktail made from very basic ingredients.  Super easy to construct, the Yukiguni is the first Japanese cocktail to appear in western listings, created in 1969 by legendary bartender Keiichi Lyama.
Super easy to make and look how pretty it looks!

Photo courtesy of Savit Keawtavee


INGREDIENTS
Mixing Instructions
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a sugar-rimmed glass. We garnished ours with a Mint Cherry.....Enjoy!.....or as they say in Japan....Tanoshimu!

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......PERSEVERANCE.....
Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.  ~Author Unknown

Image courtesy of Morgue File - Greenfinger
And until next week...we hope to see you in the showroom this Saturday.  We still have a smattering of great half price items...for example our stunning Moroccan Lantern in rust glass is now half price...and its amazing!....We also have huge reductions off of our old doors, pots, urns and more!  Grab a true bargain this weekend.
Need to know more?  Just phone us on 07 38526002, or pop into Charcoal Interiors 59 Doggett St. Newstead.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

The Charcoal Team
xx