PINK RIBBON DAY...LET THEM EAT CAKE...NEW ARRIVALS JUST IN!...ALEGRIA IN BRISBANE...EGGS!...OUR FAVOURITE ASIAN MUSHROOM OMELETTE & THE LA STUPENDA COCKTAIL...R.I.P DAME JOAN...

PINK RIBBON DAY FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

This week, we did our bit to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Cause. 

Besides prettying up our gorgeous Francesco Urns in the front window with some pink ribbon, we are also donating a percentage of sales to Breast Cancer Research.

Cath schooszhing the urns.....

The finished look...

Jens daughter Brooke got into the swing of the cause too this week...she was in the paper to promote the Breast Cancer Awareness Cocktail Party at the Victoria Park Golf Course.  We might be a bit biased but we think that Brooke is just gawjussss....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COLETTE!

A big Happy Birthday to Colette on Wednesday of this week.  We do love it when there is a birthday because everyone seems to win!  Look at the cake we all got to share in...Turkish Delight centred cheesecake with velvetty, blood red rose petals (fresh...real ones...) on top.  And, it tasted soooo good.  Cath says that she made if from a very special recipe.  According to her, she was up all night crafting this masterpiece and  apparently the rose petals are from roses organically grown in her courtyard garden....yeah right...and I'm the next Miss Beachgirl Contest Winner!!  Thank you Jocelyns Provisions for another bakery masterpiece!

WHAT'S NEW AT CHARCOAL?

We are continually refreshing our stock and this week is no exception with some gorgeous new arrivals.

Our new French Style Washed look Urns....these look stunning either in an inside or outdoor application. You will love them!

Our European style Wooden Lanterns...these come in Large, Medium and Small.  Great as a centrepiece on the table...amazing around the pool and on and on...so many uses for these gorgeous Lanterns.  Come in and check them out for yourselves.  You will love the rustic tonings to the wood.

This beautiful little Rustic Console has had quite a few admirers this week....she is destined for a new home, so be quick to snap her up :-)

FOOD...GLORIOUS FOOD!

At a recent dinner out at one of Brisbanes newest and sexiest Restaurants...Alegria http://www.bistroalegria.com.au/  there was discussion about what we all ate for Breakfast.  Surprisingly amongst us all, the popular choice for breakfast fare was the humble egg.  Packed with goodness and vitamins, the Free Range Egg is most definitely a versatile character...good for salads in the hard-boiled style, or scrambled, poached, fried and perfect to construct a healthy Frittata or Omelette as in our recipe this week, the Asian Mushroom Omelette.

ASIAN MUSHROOM OMELETTE

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 8 free-range eggs
• 1 small red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 100g button mushrooms, sliced
• 80g snow pea sprouts, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/3 cups steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Method

1. Break 4 eggs into a bowl. Add half the chilli and half the green onions. Whisk with a fork.
2. Heat a wok over medium heat. Add half the oil. Swirl to coat. Pour in egg mixture. Swirl to cover base and run 1cm up the side. Sprinkle half the mushrooms over egg mixture. Cook for 30 seconds or until base is set. Fold omelette in half. Tilt wok to allow any uncooked egg to run to edge. Cook for 30 seconds. Turn omelette over and cook for 30 seconds or until light golden (omelette should still be moist inside). Transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining eggs, chilli, green onions, oil and mushrooms.
3. Cut omelettes in half and place on plates. Top with snow pea sprouts. Drizzle with soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice
   
   
   DAME JOAN SUTHERLAND...R.I.P
   
   
   Dame Joan Sutherland was the epitomy of Diva, but not as we know them today. She would put the likes of Mariah Carey to shame.  She was a gifted singer beyond compare and a true lady along with it. Shunned from the school choir as a girl for drowning out the other singers, Joan went on to work as a secretary, but all she really wanted to do was sing.  At age 19, Joan won free singing lessons, time went on and as she started singing more and more in public, her popularity and demand for her vocal style grew.
   One of the most remarkable female opera singers of the 20th century, she was dubbed La Stupenda by a La Fenice audience in 1960 after a performance of the title role in Handel's Alcina. She possessed a voice of beauty, power and extraordinary agility. Her friend Luciano Pavarotti once called Sutherland the "Voice of the Century."
   Sadly, the end of an era has come with the death of Dame Joan after a long illness on the 11th of October, 2010.  We couldnt let her passing go, without some kind of recognition from the team here.  She was a lady of true grace, a wonderful ambassador to Australia and a talent beyond compare.
   
   THE 'LA STUPENDA' COCKTAIL...IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY FOLKS
   
   
   
   After a bit of research, it is clear that whilst Dame Joan was a supremely cultured woman with great taste and grace, she wasnt really one to indulge in the cocktail scene.  I mean we cant really see her down at the local imbibing on a Cosmo or two.....but...we do think that if she did have the occasional clink, it would be to a La Stupenda!  And so, we bring it to you today.  A simple and very attractive cocktail that is pearlised in appearance and super delicious to the remaining senses.
   
   
   
   

   Ingredients:

   1.  1 1/2 oz rum

 2. 1 1/2 oz passionfruit vodka

 3. 1/2 oz triple sec

4. 1/2 oz lemon juice

5. 2 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters

Preparation:

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

Next week:  Offspring Inspirations, Wallpaper wisdom.

Enjoyed the blog?  Catch up with us on facebook.  We would love to hear from you!

Wishing everyone a very happy Friday...great weekend and until next week its goodbye from us...The Charcoal Girls xxx

V.I.P VISIT...LUXURY HOMES LOVES CHARCOAL INTERIORS....SHUTTER STRUCK!...COOK LIKE A PRO! ASPARAGUS TART...PLUS! THE ONE MINUTE COCKTAIL ...SOOOO GOOOOOD...CHEERS!

OUR WEEK THAT WAS.....

Well, its been a bit of a dreary old week, 'weather-wise' here in Brisbane, but we havent let that stop us from having a good time here at Charcoal Interiors.  

Read on for some of our latest acquisitions...more beautiful new things to tempt and inspire.

But firstly...we had a surprise visit today from our most favourite V.I.P (very important pooch).  Mick the plumber came in for a spot of maintenance...little does he know that we secretly fake plumbing disasters just so that he can bring his beautiful sidekick Asher the Boxer in for a visit.  This week she helped with all kinds of important tasks....

Overseeing the workings of the showroom....

Spotting potential customers.....

....and just doing her very best to look very beautiful...

Gotta go and find Cath...I think she might be trying to break a tap or two...

LUXURY HOMES MAGAZINE

Thank you to our friends at Luxury Homes Magazine for featuring Charcoal Interiors in their latest Bumper Edition!....you do say the nicest things...

NEW ARRIVALS!

More new stock has arrived this week into the showroom.  Beautiful hand painted antique Asian cabinetry, Japanese Merchant Chests, Mongolian Cabinetry, Moroccan Pendant Lighting, French Style Urns and Mirrors and so much more!  It's like Christmas has come early!

Our beautiful Hand Painted Cabinet circa 1890's with Nina Candelabras and Antique Wooden Horse....Dont you just love the French Style Mirror as a backdrop?  It would be difficult to split this setting up.  We think its perfecto!

Japanese 2 panel screen with silk border detail...circa 1880's.  What a magnificent feature to any room..and you wont believe the price!

Moroccan lantern with backdrop of one of our delicious Handwoven rugs by Bangalows Milton Cater.

Oversized Feature Clock.  A perfect addition to the Living Area...or even large rustic style kitchen.  And there will never be an excuse for not knowing the time again!

NEWPORT SHUTTERS

At Charcoal Interiors we host a wonderful range of shutter styles from Newport Shutters.  Newport Shutters are leaders in the field of quality shutter for inside and outside of the home, and also deal in Venetian Blinds, Roller Blinds and Louvre Doors.  Customised to your requirements, and made in Australia, Newport Shutters and Blinds stand for quality and excellence, creating a sophistication and style to any home that is second to none.

LET'S EAT.....!

Asparagus tart with Brie and black olive dressing

A delicious cheesy vegetarian tart, perfect for spring and summer eating

You can use a variety of cheeses. Soft cheeses, like Camembert, will melt, whereas the halloumi will remain unmelted, but browned.  Also great with Fetta cheese too.  So quick and easy.

Preparation time: 30 Minutes plus 15 minutes chilling time
Cooking time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 4 to 6

1 packet chilled puff pastry,
around 500g (1lb 2oz)
1 egg, beaten
500g (1lb 2oz) asparagus
250g (9oz) Brie or halloumi cheese, sliced

For the dressing
100g (4oz) black olives, chopped
4tbsp capers
3tbsp olive oil
squeeze fresh lemon juice 

You will need a baking sheet 

1 Roll out the pastry to a large rectangle, around 23x30cm (9x113/4in). Using a knife, score another rectangle 2.5cm (1in) inside, without cutting through the pastry. Brush the “frame” with the beaten egg, place on a baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes. Trim the asparagus to fit across the inside of the frame. Blanch it for 2 to 4 minutes in a saucepan of boiling water, then refresh and drain well on kitchen paper. Preheat the oven to 200 C, 180 C fan, 400 F, gas 6.

2 Bake the pastry in the oven until lightly browned. Remove and discard the top layer of the inner rectangle to prevent having too much soggy pastry underneath the asparagus. Arrange the asparagus inside the pastry frame, top with the cheese and season well. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is nicely browned and the cheese has melted.

3 Mix together all the dressing ingredients. This is delicious served with some steamed potatoes and a green salad. 

FRIDAY....IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAAAAAAAYY!

Welcome one and all to Cocktail Friday...the serious side of the week, where we forget our troubles and take time out for some concentrated self-indulgence....lets face it, this is the least we can do for us! 

Time poor?  Looking to create a cocktail in less than a minute...?  Then, do we have the elixir for you...its the

CHAMPAGNE PASSION COCKTAIL!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh passionfruit pulp
• 2 tsp caster sugar
• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) chilled sparkling wine
• sprig of mint to garnish

Method

1. Combine the passionfruit and sugar in a jug and stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Pour the sparkling wine among the serving glasses. Spoon over the passionfruit mixture and serve. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
   
   Next week: Pink Ribbon Day, Singapore Bound, Noodles and more.....

 HAPPY WEEKEND TO ONE AND ALL...ENJOY YOURSELVES, WHATEVER YOU DO!

With love...

New Arrivals!...Damien Bredberg Photography meets Charcoal Interiors....Thai Fusion Tuna Pasta....Tony Curtis Cocktail and more....Happy Friday Folks! xx

NEW ARRIVALS!

Hi everyone and welcome to the Friday blog.  A very special welcome to our new readers!  We aim to provide a little bit of sweetness to your Fridays with our 'goings-on' in the showroom (there is never a dull moment here I can tell you that...) plus all the latest in design, info on our retail outlet, new arrivals, recipes, lifestyle tips, recipes and of course our fabulous Cocktail Friday recipe...which is just a celebration of Friday and a way to sit back, pop the shoes off and reflect on a darned good job well done thank you very much!...pat yourself on the back and lets begin.....

Firstly, this week we present our new arrivals instore.  There are just so many amazing pieces that we dont have room for everything on the blog, so for starters lets look through the front window at our new display and beautiful new 'drool-worthy' pieces.

Window Display

Our gorgeous French Style Wooden Bench Seat, in front of a backdrop of a pair of Francesco urns, exclusive custom made outdoor/indoor mirror and our gorgeous chandelier, which is a combo of antique and new.  Surrounding the Bench Seat, we have our French style outdoor table and chairs, Vintage style urns and gorgeous French Jardinierre planter filled with tulips...so Spring and just so classic.  Be one of the first to see our new arrivals this weekend.  Pop in for a browse, a chat and a bargain.  We are open Saturday and Sunday and would love to see you.

Damien Bredberg Photography Shoot

Last week we had so much going on in the showroom, and one such exciting piece of news is that respected young photographer and all-round nice guy Damien Bredberg chose Charcoal Interiors for a series of shots that will ultimately be used to create a very innovative set of photographs.  We shall share the finished product with you as soon as possible, and also a lot of the backstage shenanigans, but until then, meet Damien and check out his website.  With clients such as Nova and Absolut Vodka up his sleeve to name just a few, we are proud to support such a creative, upcoming star on the photography scene....and he is a Brisbane lad too!

http://damienbredberg.com.au/

LET'S EAT!

This week we have a great blend of my passion for pasta and the girls penchant for Thai...its our Thai Fusion Tuna Pasta.  Only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so its a great, easy and quick recipe, but so packed full of flavour and it looks soooooo pretty!  Goes well with a nice glass of chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which happens to be a favourite of Colette and Cathie. Let us know what you think.

Recipe:

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 300g dried ribbon pasta
• 125ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 lemons
• 2 x 350g pieces yellowfin tuna (see note)
• 3 eschalots, finely chopped
• 2 long red chillies, halved lengthwise, seeded, finely chopped
• 1 bunch Thai basil, leaves picked

Here's what to do.....

Method

1. Cook pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, place oil in a large frying pan. Using a vegetable peeler, thinly peel rind from lemons over the pan. Place pan over low heat and wait for the mixture to sizzle. Cook for a further minute, then remove from the heat. Remove lemon rind from oil and chop finely. Reserve lemon oil.
3. Preheat a chargrill pan over high heat. Lightly brush tuna with a little lemon oil. Cook tuna on chargrill for 45 seconds. To give it criss-cross marks, lift tuna, turn 90 degrees and cook for a further 45 seconds. Repeat on the other side for medium–rare. Season tuna with salt and pepper. Cool slightly and slice thinly.
4. Heat the remaining lemon oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook eschalots for 5 minutes or until soft.
5. Add the lemon rind, pasta, tuna, chillies, basil and the juice of 1 lemon to the pan. Toss gently to combine and warm through. Serve.

Notes

• You can substitute a drained 425g can of tuna in brine for the fresh tuna, and add it in step 5 to warm through.
  
  
  SMILE. BREATHE. ITS COCKTAIL FRIDAY.......
  
  
  
  
  HOT OFF THE PRESS....THE GUILT-FREE 'TONY CURTIS'
  is it possible to have a cocktail that leaves you feeling better the morning after? The shocking answer might just be yes! The key is in the ingredients.
  VeeV is a new spirit distilled from Idaho grains and infused with Açaí, a berry that some consider one of the healthiest foods on the planet. VeeV fuses this fruit with all-natural ingredients and a handcrafted, column distilled base wheat spirit. The result is a smooth 60 proof liqueur that balances the tangy Açaí , citrus flavors and alcohol in an infinitely mixable fashion.
  
  
  The Tony Curtis....Yes, we have named this weeks Cocktail after one of the last of the old school suave and sophisticated movie stars to grace our screens...Tony Curtis.  Yes, Tony died late last week. Boy was he one handsome, talented hunk-a-man who really did live life to the full and made a lot of people laugh with his cheeky comedy.  They just dont make them like they used to, but we have Tony's wonderful legacy of movies to watch forever more....'Some Like It Hot' was voted the Worlds Funniest Movie ever....get it out this weekend on DVD, and pop your feet up...sipping on a Tony Curtis.  I am sure he will be looking down on us with a wicked smile.....Remember people...a life fondly remembered by others is a life lived twice.....
  
  
  Tony Curtis Cocktail....
  With every bottle of Veev that you purchase, $1 is donated to Brazilian Rainforest Preservation.....This truly is ground-breaking stuff...Guilt-free Vodka!  We recommend mixing with the simple fave...tonic water.  Add a slice of lemon or lime with some crushed ice and you are well on your way to relaxation, whilst also feeling good about your contribution to saving the Rainforests of Brazil, not to mention the health benefits of the Acai Berry....The Eagle my friends has well and truly landed here on this Cocktail Friday at Charcoal....
  
  
  Wishing you all a very happy Friday.  Thank you to everyone who has graced us with their presence this week in the showroom.  Its been such a great week, made even better by the lovely cheery people that we have coming in to visit us daily.  Here's to a great weekend and we look forward to next Fridays blog with more on our New Arrivals, plus much, much more.....until then!
  Cathie...Colette and Jen (The Charcoal Girls) xxxx
  
  
  

Australian House and Garden meets Charcoal Interiors!...Christmas has come early! New Stock Arriving Daily! Footy Finals Food! Lychee Cocktails and more! Its Cocktail Friday And We Feel FABULOUS!

Hi everyone.  Join us for a bit of fun this week.  We have had stacks happening and want to share it all with you!

To say that this week has been absolutely HUGE here in the showroom, would be a complete understatement.  My apologies for the omission of the blog for last Friday....I got lost in the wine region of South Australia....honestly.  I was called upon to extensively research the Shiraz variety of grape.  Actually, I was in Adelaide to help out my brother after an operation...all went to plan and he is making a full recovery.  But, I also did indulge in the occasional vino whilst there :-)

But enough about me...here's whats been happening at Charcoal!

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN MEETS CHARCOAL INTERIORS

Firstly, our very own Colette Venardos was chosen to grace the pages of Australian House and Garden magazine as their 'Featured Designer'.  Designers the likes of Jenny Kee have previously been chosen for this segment, so it was quite an honour, but also well deserved.  With over 30 years experience in the design business, Colette has definitely earned her stripes in the industry.  It was great to see her recognised, and the article will be shown early 2011.  Will keep you posted!

This week we also hosted the Christmas photo shoot for Australian House and Garden Magazine.  Christmas came early, with the delivery of a real live Christmas tree!  We have it set up at the front of the showroom by the door, so that the smell of pine wafts through......

There are so many talented artists in Brisbane, and we were fortunate enough to meet ceramicist Kim Wallace who creates gorgeous Christmas decorations, amongst other beauties.  Kim's work was featured for House and Garden.  Styling and venue provided by Charcoal Interiors.

You can find Kim's work on the link below, and be sure to check out the December/Christmas issue of Australian House and Garden for all the pics!

http://www.kwceramics.com/

FINALS FEVER FOOD

After last weeks Australian Rules Finals Draw, we are now faced with a double-whammy with Collingwood and the Saints in for a re-match along with the Rugby League Final....all on the same weekend!  Its a sports fans idea of Utopia!

And so, the recipe for this week is designed to fit in with the Finals weekend, it involves the BBQ, finger food and matches up perfectly with a nice cold beer...

Its the Footy Finals Tandoori Chicken Burger....girlie enough for the chicks and manly enough to satisfy those burger loving blokes.

FOOTBALL LOVERS TANDOORI CHICKEN BURGER

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 500g chicken mince
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons tandoori paste
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat plain yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 medium Lebanese cucumber, chopped
• 1 baby cos lettuce, leaves separated, washed, shredded
• 4 wholemeal bread rolls, halved, toasted

Method

1. Combine chicken, breadcrumbs and tandoori paste in a bowl. Shape mixture into four 2cm-thick patties.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5 to 7 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through.
3. 
   
   Combine yoghurt, mint and cucumber in a bowl. Place lettuce on roll bases. Top with patties, mint mixture and roll tops. Serve...........designed to be held in one hand leaving the other hand free for beer.
   
   
   
   COCKTAIL FRIDAY.....POP YOUR FEET UP....AND RELAX...

 Never has there been a week where we deserve a cocktail more than this one.  Cathie has been flat out with the floor shift to make way for all the new stock that is arriving tomorrow.  Colette has been busy with design projects and making herself fabulous for House and Garden photo shoots.  And I have been ducking and weaving as per usual....trying my best to say the right thing and keep out of trouble.  We really have just had the BEST week!  

So, we are celebrating with a deliciously indulgent Lychee Martini!

Its Cocktail Friday Folks...let's get into the swing of it....

LYCHEE MARTINI RECIPE

Lychees are in season at the moment.  They are fresh and ready for use.  

The Lychee contains on average a total 72 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit. On average nine lychee fruits would meet an adult’s daily recommended Vitamin C requirement.  We believe that this classifies the Lychee Martini as a health drink, in turn warding off colds and also the occasional dose of scurvy.....?  So, that means you can have two or possibly three if you are looking for a real health boost!...well that's how we are going to justify it to ourselves anyway!

Ingredients

• 50ml vodka
• 25ml lychee liqueur, (Kwai Feh is a good-quality brand
• dash lychee juice, available in cartons
• 1 lychee , for decoration 

Method

Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lychee liqueur and lychee juice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a martini glass. Make a cut into the side of a lychee and sit it on the rim of the glass. 

Pop your feet up.  Light a few candles.  Turn up the Nina Simone CD....sip...and reeelax....

Next week: New Arrivals...the lowdown on all of our new gorgeous arrivals instore.  Meet Damien Bredberg Photographer to the stars...and he is going to be here in the showroom! And Much...Much more....xx

Happy Friday to everyone!  Have a fabulous weekend.

To Trend...or Not To Trend...what is the answer?...Decorating to suit your own personal style, Rice Paper Rolls, Passionfruit Mojitos...Oh Yeahhhh!...Its Cocktail Friday Daaaaaaahlink....

 

This week has been all about Design Trends here at Charcoal.  The Design Team has been asked several times by journalists to give their 'take' on the new interior decorating trends for the coming Summer months.  And the answer to that question, is that 'we don't do trend' here at Charcoal Interiors.  As far as we are concerned, spending a fortune on a new dress that suits the season trend, but never to be worn again is disasterous enough, let alone decorating a room, or worse, whole home in the latest trend of the moment.  This can be a very costly exercise and doesnt really give much scope for change.  Like that dress worn once, but now discarded and purse that much emptier, following the trend can lead to disappointment.

In respect to Interior Design, choosing the right furniture, wall colour, artworks and accessories is all about balance.  Taking the time to choose quality, classic pieces and mixing them with lush textures and rustic tones will leave you with a timeless canvas of which you can then add your seasonal pieces, i.e floral soft furnishings in Spring/Summer and warm, delicious textures for the cooler months.  This way, you end up with an inspirational space in your home, that quite frankly you will never tire of.

 

Decorating for Individuality

When you are decorating your home, choosing décor that represents your personal sense of style is much more important than sticking with a singular decorating style throughout every room. Combining different styles of design can be one of the best ways to create a home environment that is uniquely yours.

Your home décor should reflect your personality and taste. Including both rustic and contemporary elements in your home can be the perfect way to reflect your appreciation for both modern and traditional design throughout your home. A perfect visual example of a rustic mix with contemporary is in the image above, supplied by our great friends, Unique Fabrics http://www.uniquefabrics.com/international-collections/andrew-martin/chaucer  We love how there is an individuality to the room with the art and collectibles, balanced with the timeless sofa.  The addition of colour for Summer is evident, yet not overpowering.  The transition from Summer to the cooler months is effortless.

YUMMMMMMM....RICE PAPER ROLLS

INGREDIENTS

6 X 18 cm rice paper sheets

2 tbs fresh coriander, chopped

250 g cooked chicken, shredded

1 carrot cut into matchsticks

40 g snow pea sprouts

½ green capsicum, thinly sliced

125 g vermicelli noodles, cooked according to instructions

1 tbs grated lemon rind

1 tbs soy sauce

1 tbs lemon juice 

 

METHOD

In a bowl combine juice, sauces and ring with 1 tbs of water and set aside.

Place all ingredients separately on the bench.

Fill a bowl with warm water and dip one rice paper at a time into the warm water. Let soak for 30 sec or until soft and then place on the bench.

Place a small amount of each ingredient (except sauce) in the centre of paper. Fold one end over and roll up to enclose, leaving one end open.

Repeat to make 6 rolls and serve with dipping sauce. 

IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY DAAAAAAAHHHLING....

Getting into the Spring of it....with a Passionfruit Mojito

Ingredients

• 2  parts Passion Fruit Mojito mix
• 1  part white rum
• Ice
• Club soda
• Mint sprigs
• Lime slices

---

Directions

1. Combine in a pitcher 2 parts Passion Fruit Mojito mix, 1 part white rum, and ice. Mix, then pour into ice-filled glasses. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime slice. 

 Relax, put your feet up and most importantly....Enjoy!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Weekend!  Be sure to come and visit us over the weekend.  Our sale is drawing to a close....so be quick for some great savings on quality furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories.

Until next week!....

Sprucing up for Spring, Our Home Cover Story, Colettes Spring Tips for Freshing up a Room, Art in your Home...Its so Easy!..Dominique Portet, The Cherry Vixen....Plus! Savoury Pancakes with Super Salsa!...

Spring has well and truly sprung, and from what I can glean from the comments lately from our Interstate followers on Facebook, the pleasant warm change is not only just isolated to us Brisbanians!

We have had so many people coming into the showroom this week, who want to refresh an old tired looking room for Spring.  Our Senior Designer and co-director of Charcoal...Colette Venardos has been busy putting together some fabulous design ideas for her clients.  

One client has a room that just needs that little bit of something extra to really give it a bit of colour...Colette has found a gorgeous imported French Fabric to use for an upholstery project in this room...it will add a nuance of interest and colour without being too overwhelming.  

Colette suggests the use of  a hint of colour and patterning in a room.  She says "You dont overwhelm with too much pattern...it is brought in with subtleties rather than overpowering...I honestly feel that too many patterns congest a room.  Keeping things subtle guarantees a room its classic, timelessness".

 COURIER MAIL HOME ARTICLE

On the weekend, Charcoal Interiors featured heavily in the Courier Mail Home section. In fact, we were the Cover Story, with a couple of our design projects showcased, and not to mention the cover of Home Magazine Liftout...not quite the Rolling Stones, but we were pretty chuffed.  You dont get chosen for these things unless the belief is there and we were thrilled and honoured to be chosen by the Courier Mail.

  In the article, Cathie was interviewed and asked for her expert opinion on Artworks and how they are able to add style and tone to a home.  The good news when it comes to collecting art for your home, is that there are no rules to be broken.   Cathie says " Home decorators are now digressing from the "this goes with that, goes with this" packaged look of design and thinking more of the idea of putting a traditional armchair with a modern clean-line sofa...and Cathie goes further "Its OK to infuse all of that with artwork and pieces that crate an eclectic fusion of styles.  It brings together that whole timeless feel and gives a home its soul".

 Charcoal Interiors Exclusive Project Featuring Dean Reilly Artwork

We have some amazing artworks in our showroom by Archibald Prize and Moran Prize finalist Dean Reilly...be sure to pop into the Valley this weekend for the Valley Fiesta, and come visit us too!

Our Sale is almost over...Do Not Miss Out on significant discounts available now.

VALLEY FIESTA

Valley Fiesta...Fortitude Valley comes alive this weekend with amazing live performances, art, fashion, food and so much more.  For more information click on the link below and be sure to visit us while in the Valley Precinct...we are the heart and soul of art, fashion and style.

http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/valley-fiesta-feature

DOMINIQUE PORTET

Part of the excitement of working in this gorgeous showroom space every day, is that you just dont know who is going to walk in through the doors.  

This week we were delighted to welcome Dominique Portet, Owner of Dominique Portet Winery in Victoria.  Such a delightful man, and we have promised to visit him next time we are in the Yarra Valley.  Being a bit of a wine buff, I am particularly looking forward to sampling his wine, that has been lauded by the likes of James Halliday. 

http://www.dominiqueportet.com/department/cellar_door/ 

FOOD

Anybody who walks into the showroom between the hours of 1pm and 3pm will find us at some point stuffing ourselves with the weeks new recipe.  We decided to try a Healthy Savoury Pancake Recipe with fresh Salsa Topping.  I made the Pancakes the night before, let them cool, wrapped them in alfoil and then refrigerated overnight.  I did the same with the salsa....preprepared it, except for the Avocado, which I cut up fresh and then served up immediately to keep that lovely colour to the avocado.  I also added a bit of fresh coriander as a garnish to keep the colour up and vibrancy and freshness to the dish.  It was a fantastic, easy recipe and perfect for Spring lunches, dinners or it would be great to bring along to a picnic.

Spinach and Feta Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 quantity Basic pancakes (see easy peasy Pancake recipe below)
• 1/2 bunch English spinach, trimmed, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 100g Greek-style feta, crumbled 

Basic Pancake Recipe...makes 10

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Whisk all pancake ingredients together in a bowl until all the lumps are out and its nice and smooth.
2. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brush pan with butter. Using 1/4 cup mixture per pancake, cook 2 pancakes for 3 to 4 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook for 3 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, brushing pan with butter between batches. Serve with the salsa dressing (see below) on top and add the Avocado last to keep it fresh, and a vibrant colour to the dish....enjoy!

Serve with: Diced Tomato, parsley, coriander, avocado and red onion salsa (just mix all these ingredients together in a bowl, adding a drizzle of lemon juice and balsamic..and a tiny sprinkle of raw sugar)

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons extra milk if batter is too thick, or has thickened on standing.

To 'freshen-up' day-old pancakes, microwave, covered with paper towel, on medium-high (70%) for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.

Welcome one and all to Friday Cocktail Hour...today, we bring to you the very sexy and delicious...

CHERRY VIXEN....sigh...Oh, we do love Cocktail Friday so....For this one, you are going to need to set the mood with some Barry White and Candlelight.....Oohhhh Babeeeee....

Cherry Vixen

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients: 2 ounces Frangelico
1/2 ounce grenadine
1/2 ounce Kahlua
1 cherry or Hershey kiss

Directions: Combine Frangelico and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until foamy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with Kahlua. Garnish with a cherry or kiss!...Mwaah!

As we pull down those big shopfront rollerdoors on yet another Friday, we say kick off your shoes, put your feet up and ponder another week in the battlezone of life survived.  Here's to family, friends and Friday!

Have a great weekend!

Spring Has Sprung!...Our Rice Bucket Floral Displays..Sale..Sale..Sale...Did someone mention a Sale?...Fathers Day with Johnny and Hugh...Dads BBQ Rub..Go on Spoil Him!..and 'Ol Deanos Scotch with a Twist...Happy Friday!!

Spring Has Sprung
Here in Brisbane, it feels like, just as Alice and her Looking Glass, we have stepped through winter and straight into Spring!  

There is a beautiful warmth in the air and people have come out of hibernation...the streets are busy with browsers,shoppers, families with prams, joggers, cyclists and more.  We just love this time of year.

We are just loving our Asian Rice Buckets.....

Our gorgeously large Rice Buckets are the perfect way to showcase your garden blooms.  Our rice buckets are all authentic and most still wear the original chinese markings.  All that is needed is some greenery from the garden, placed in a container filled with water, and you have a stunning display that is super easy to achieve at home.

Our Sale is Still Going Strong!...We need to make way for even more new arrivals after a lovely little shopping spree again this week...we love to shop for YOU xx

Helloooo Spring!

Spring brings with it 'sunshiney' days,  al-fresco dining, fresh flowers, crisp sun-dried white linen, fresh spring herbs like mint, coriander and dill, Sundays spent gardening, after a morning of coffee and the paper anywhere you can catch some sun.  For some its out on the deck, and others a favourite front door step.  

Either way, we all love Spring, and indulge in it our own way.  Over the coming weeks we are going to be sharing with you our favourite Spring tips on how to freshen up your home, wardrobe organisational secrets, colours and textures for the change of season, our great Gardenscape ideas...wait until you see our new French urns to die for...and just so much more.  Spring is here and we have some amazing ideas to share.

Fathers Day

Fathers Day is almost here....how are you going to spoil Dad?  Speaking of Fathers Day...lets reflect for a moment on some of the famous Fathers of the World.....

Hugh Jackman...what an incredible Dad he must be....oh, and then heres another devoted father...

...Johnny Depp...of whom we admire from afar for his excellent parenting skills also...

OK...OK...so we are using the fact that its Fathers Day by unashamedly posting pictures of gorgeous men, who just happen to be Dads!!....its Friday...and it made us feel good anyway! :-)

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads, and we hope you enjoy the super simple recipe below.

Fathers Day BBQ Ideas

We love our Dads don't we?  How are you going to make yours feel special this Sunday for Fathers Day?

The quintessential way to celebrate your Dad and all he does for you, is to cook up a storm on the BBQ this Sunday....whether it be for Brekky, Lunch or Dinner, just the smells emanating from the cook up will have him smiling like a Cheshire Cat!

Here's a super easy Fathers Day BBQ idea for you that's amazingly simple and super tasty. Spicy Barbecue Rub!

Jazz up your barbecued meat this Fathers Day with a spicy rub.

Blend a mixture of spices, such as ground cumin, coriander and paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Or, buy an already-blended season mix (try Cajun or Moroccan).

Sprinkle it over meat, such as chicken breasts, lamb cutlets or pork medallions, to be barbecued, and use your fingers to gently rub the spice mixture into the meat. Set aside for 15 minutes for the flavours to be infused. Preheat your barbecue well before char-grilling and brush the meat with oil before cooking as this will prevent the meat sticking (brushing the barbecue with oil can cause flare-ups).

For extra flavour, use rosemary stems as a food ‘brush’ and try a flavoured oil, such as garlic or basil.

Dads Cocktail Friday

We haven't forgotten the Dads this week, so please indulge yourselves in this very masculine of drinks...

Scotch on the Rocks...with a twist.

This one is just soooo easy.

Pour your Scotch over ice with a twist of lemon peel. Twist the lemon peel to release the zest (aromatic oils) and run the peel along the rim of the glass, then put it in the drink.  Tinkle that ice and swig away....playing a bit of the old Dean Martin in the background does help to get one in the mood too...'Everybody...loves Somebody..Sometimes....'

Happy Friday to everyone...we hope you have a wonderful weekend.  We are all off to the River Fire Festival on Saturday night and will take lots of piccies to show you next week...until then...