Friday, February 1, 2013

MAKING PLANS FOR CHANGE...THE BRAIN SPACE...KETTLE AND TIN FOR BREAKFAST....MELON AND PROSCUITTO SUPER EASY RECIPE...MIDORI MARTINI..YES! AND MORE...HAPPY FRIDAY!


FEBRUARY...TIME TO MAKE PLANS FOR CHANGE

Drapery Curtains Interior Decorator Brisbane Fortitude Valley

February...welcome to the Month of love.  It's when things start to ramp up, Christmas is over, and the party has finished.  Time to get those plans of yours and start putting them into action.
Our design team has acquired a massive range of new fabrics from European Velvets to soft weaves and more, more, more.....make an appointment today for your curtains, soft furnishings or upholstery requirements.
It's one of the things that we do best!
Our Team is happy to assist.

CHARCOAL INTERIORS
59 DOGGETT ST
NEWSTEAD.  QLD.  4006

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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....THE BRAINS SPACE....


Ultimate Man Shed Designer Brisbane Fortitude Valley
Credit - Olson Kundig Architects

Remember how Dad used to duck off to his man 'shed' when you were a kid?
Mine did...and it was usually to tinker with one of his vintage cars, or sip on a beer without Mum nagging him about it.  


Architect built man cave shed interior design Fortitude Valley
Credit - Olson Kundig Architects

Well, we stumbled upon this amazing adaptation of the old fashioned shed this week.  Called 'The Brain' and created by architect Olson Kundig, it is a 14,280 cubic food cinematic laboratory, where their client, a filmkaker, can work out ideas.


Dog space peep hole interior decorator fortitude valley brisbane
 Credit - Olson Kundig Architects

Dont' you love the little hidey hole just for the dog!


You'll have lots of time to rest when youre six feet under
Credit Olson Kundig Architects

"You'll Have Lots Of Time To Rest When You're Six Feet Under"....hmmm....we like it! (above)

A cast in place concrete box that is as raw as it is sleek and industrial.
We love it.
http://www.olsonkundigarchitects.com/


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...QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOORING...




This is a reminder that the Queensland Timber Flooring representative Andy Singleton, will be in the showroom tomorrow (Saturday 2nd February) to answer all your questions in regards to beautiful timber flooring for your home.  There is nothing that Andy doesn't know about timber flooring and what he doesn't know..well, it hasn't been thought of yet!


Pop in and say hi to Andy.  Come and see our huge selection of quality timber flooring, laid in sections and a beautiful example of what can be done for you!

QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOORING

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FLOODING

Well, when we wrote out top tips out for Australia Day partying last week, we had no idea what was to develop over the course of the weekend here in Queensland.
Torrential rain, blustery, at times gale forced winds and flooding in parts of Brisbane with other sections of Queensland completely devastated ie Bundaberg, Laidley etc...
So, our hearts go out to those affected.



The Government websites are encouraging those who wish to contribute to check out the Givit website as there is a list of essentials required by those in need.  Its a bit like a bridal registry...you give the items that are specifically asked for and needed the most.


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OUT AND ABOUT

Kettle and Tin review

My daughter was leaving for Europe just before Christmas Day, and I decided to take her out for breakfast.
There's a new kid on the block in Paddington.  Given Terrace is an abundance of restaurants and cafes.  What was once our fave 'Pandemonium' has been replaced with 'Kettle and Tin'.
Kettle and Tin is a restaurant and bar with a clever open plan design whilst still keeping the quaint ambience of the old original home.

Brooke Farrell Kettle and Tin
With the traveller outside in the courtyard before it started to rain.

My daughter had the usual Eggs Benny $18, and I went for the 'Hunters' eggs - eggs scrambled with roma tomato/sauteed onion and proscuitto topping.  This was washed down with a couple of extra hot skinny caps.

Brisbane Breakfast Review
My Hunters Eggs

We found the service very attentive and swift.  The food was really good.  It began to rain and so we moved indoors (we originally sat in the courtyard out the front) into one of the comfortable booths to the right by the window.  

Good coffee Brisbane Interior Decorator
REALLY good coffee......mmmmmm

Kettle and Tin was a pleasant experience, although I do agree with some of the other reviews on the Urbanspoon website in respect to blandness of food as we did find on our second visit that the hashcakes were a tad lacking in flavour.  As far as service went on both occasions, it was faultless....whoever does the hiring there needs a pat on the back.

All up, a pretty good experience and we will be back another day to give lunch or dinner a whirl.

Kettle & Tin on Urbanspoon

Kettle And Tin

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Cocktail Friday martini classic espresso midori

IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY!

I love a good dry Martini on a special occasion, but there's also a huge range of variations on this classic cocktail  ie...the Grapefruit Martini, Peach martini, Apple Martini, Cosmo Martini, Chocolate Martini, Espresso Martini (made by Pete the Greek and my all time fave...) and I could go on and on but today we are focusing on my latest discovery, the 'Midori Martini'.
Sharply refreshing, a well-chilled martini spiked with the tang of citrus is the perfect way to unwind after a long and exhausting day.  Feel like a millionaire as you raise the cool, frosted glass to your lips!

WHAT YOU NEED
90ml lemon vodka
14ml Cointreau
14ml Midori
Juice of 1/4 of a lemon
Ice cubes
Twist of lemon zest to serve

WHAT TO DO
Shake the vodka, Cointreau, Midori and lemon juice together with plenty of ice cubes.  Strain into a glass and serve decorated with a twist of lemon zest.

Pop your feet up....enjoy!

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Proscuitto wrapped rockmelon recipe
Credit Kevin H via flickr


PROSCUITTO WRAPPED ROCKMELON

Buying seasonal produce has loads of benefits.  The product is fresher, you will be supporting local growers and the flavours are more pronounced in fresh seasonal produce as opposed to those which have been stored in cold storage...sometimes for more than a year.

I bought a Rockmelon for the family BBQ the other night and it was incredibly sweet and delicious.  Rockmelon are in season during Summer only in Australia, so take advantage of this very versatile fruit while you can.

For our BBQ,  and to satisfy the Meditteranean tastes of Pete the Greek and co, I tried out this great recipe for Proscuitto Wrapped Rockmelon.  Its super easy, and try drizzling some Balsamic Vinegar over the top too...deeeelish!

Credit pilgrimgirl via flickr


HERE'S THE RECIPE!

The Sweet-Salty combo is divine!


Credit lynn.gardner via flickr


WHAT YOU NEED:
Proscuitto de parma - as for it to be sliced super thing at the deli
Rockmelon - seeded and cut from the rind in wedges - as above
A sprinkling of rock salt
A drizzle of Balsamic 

WHAT TO DO:
OK...this is pretty technical...NOT!
Just lovingly wrap the proscuitto around the melon as shown above
Sprinkle sparingly with rock salt
Display on a beautiful plate.
Have the Balsamic handy so everyone can drizzle Balsamic to their taste.

Try matching this with a New Zealand Sauvingnon Blanc...the melon flavours will really burst through and compliment well.  We like Geisen at the moment...its a good quality drop and also well priced.  Lovely freshness on the palate and beautiful honey tones that are delicate.

Enjoy!

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Until next week....Jen's off to McLaren Vale for more wine research and Cath's busy packing her bags for a quick trip to the Coast!

Love, Light and Laughter to all!

The Charcoal Team
xxx

Damien Bredberg Photography Family Portrait Gothic

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Friday, January 25, 2013

OUR LATEST DESIGN....EXPERTS TOP 5 HEALTH TIPS FOR 2013...LOW FAT LAMB KORMA CURRY....AUSTRALIA DAY BEER AND LIME SHANDY COCKTAIL...BY CRIKEY!...AUSTRALIA DAY PARTY IDEAS...AND MORE! HAPPY LONG WEEKEND EVERYONE!


OUR LATEST DESIGN

The girls have hit the ground running for 2013 and its been a fun couple of weeks.  They were thrilled when this latest coffee table design arrived from the workshop.  Our workshop manager is one very talented man.
This industrial look coffee table comes in two sections.  You can purchase just the one, or as we would prefer not to have to split them up if possible....both!  
Easily maneuverable on caster wheels, we think this coffee table looks amazing.


Cream Sofa Custom Made Industrial Coffee Table Furniture store Fortitude Valley


It's another Charcoal Interiors original and another thing that we do best!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

FABULOUS FABRICS!
Rolled Arm Large Feature Chair Charcoal Interiors

We have the world at our fingertips when it comes to fabrics here at Charcoal Interiors.
Below is some snaps of the design teams faves at the moment due to their uniqueness of composition and design. 
The girls tell me they enjoy working with fabric lines that offer incomparable quality.

African inspired room Andrew Martin fabrics wooden horse

"We follow those who just keep on re-inventing the wheel", says head designer Colette Venardos.  "It's important for us to stay on top of all the latest releases as this reflects how we do business and our Interior Design doctrine".

Drapery specialists Charcoal Interiors Fortitude Valley

The Charcoal Interiors Design Team can be booked for private consultation in your home.
Contact us below for all the details.
Charcoal Interiors Design and Drapery specialists Fortitude Valley

Interior Design....it's what we do best!

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EXPERT TOP 5 TIPS FOR ULTIMATE HEALTH IN 2013

Smart Start Dietetics Suzannah Smart


Well, the New Year rolls around and a lot of us make our resolutions for the next 365 days ahead.  In amongst the list of travel destinations, saving more money and cleaning the wardrobe (and this time properly...) is health....lose weight...get fit....take time for me etc.....

Suzannah Smart Dietician


And so we asked a health care professional (Suzannah Smart - above) who not only is an Accredited Practicing Dietician, but more importantly talks the talk and walks the walk by embodying the essence of health and well being.

Here's Suzannah's Top 5 Tips for ultimate health in 2013 and beyond...because we all want to be around to experience the riches of life....right?

"For overall health and long term results, its not about the latest 'superfood' or 'miracle diet' says Suzannah, "It's about eating sensibly, and being consistent with making good choices".  "Making sure you consistently do these five things will definitely help you along the way to a happier, healthier you in 2013"!

Great!  Lets get started with her 5 Top Tips for Ultimate Health in 2013....

1. MOVE MORE
Who doesn't love those happy hormones the endorphins?
Exercising makes you feel good, decreases stress, gives you energy and helps to burn off the food you eat, making it easier to gain or maintain a healthy weight.  And every little bit adds up throughout the day, so try to increase your activity in everything you do.

2. EAT MORE SALAD
Almost everyone can benefit from eating mroe salad.  It makes you feel fuller, keeps you regular, makes your skin better and can help to protect you from some diseases including diabetes, stroke, heart disease, some cancers and high blood pressure.  Use as many colours as possible to make sure you're getting all the micronutrients your body needs.

3. WATCH YOUR PORTIONS
Ask yourself, "How hungry am I?", before every meal or snack and fill your place accordingly.  And dont go back for seconds.  Using smaller plates or bowls helps too.

4. PLAN
This can make the difference between what actually happens.  How many times have you told yourself you're going to eat only fabulously healthy food then get home from work, there's nothing in the fridge and its just all too hard?  Plan your meals for the week in advance and it will all be that much easier.  Plus, keep frozen leftover meals for those times when you really can't be bothered.

5. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
I live by this one.  Eating healthy doesn't mean you need to remove everything 'unhealthy' completely from your life.  Just make sure they really are 'sometimes' foods.  Often enough it's simply eating a little too much of these foods a little too often that really adds up to make a negative difference on your weight or overall health.

For one of Suzannahs recommended recipes, see our food section below.  She has a delicious, 'healthy and low-on calories' Lamb Korma Curry recipe to share with us!

You can contact Suzannah via her blogspot
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LOW FAT LAMB KORMA CURRY
Low fat korma curry interior design brisbane

 Low Fat Curry: Lamb Korma
(serves 4-5)

1 tsp vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed and sliced

1/3 of a 283g jar of Pataks Rogan Josh Curry Paste

400g lean lamb, diced

¼ butternut pumpkin, roughly chopped into cubes
¼ head of cauliflower
400g tin diced tomatoes
400g tin chickpeas
bunch coriander, chopped
1 cup low/no fat Greek or Natural yoghurt

I threw it all in a slow cooker (my new favourite toy!) for 4 hours on high, but otherwise you could make it on the stove:

Fry the onion in the oil until golden, add the garlic and curry paste and fry for a few more minutes. Add the lamb, and when it’s lightly browned add the rest and leave simmering on a low heat for about 1 ½ hours.

To serve:
Boil 1 cup basmati rice in 1 ½ cups water about 10 minutes.

Top rice with curry, garnish with another dollop of natural yoghurt and fresh coriander. Delicious!

*For a vegetarian version, simply replace the meat with another tin of chickpeas ;)

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AUSTRALIA DAY BEER AND LIME SHANDY COCKTAIL

When I was a little girl, my Dad used to drink beer from a long tall frosty glass...just one a night...and when I was about 10 years old I asked him if I could have a beer too.  Being the responsible parent that he was, instead of letting me have a sip of his beer, he made me a special Shandy with about 99 parts lemonade and 1 part beer.  I felt really special sitting with him...both with our tall glasses, Dad with his beer and me with my bubbly Shandy.   To this day, its still the only way I can drink beer...diluted with some kind of lemonade or lime cordial works for me too.  
With the influx of boutique beers flooding the market we are truly spoilt for choice.  However, with this particular recipe it doesnt matter too much what beer you use...as long as its 'hoppy' and 'malty'.

And so, raise your glasses and reflect on what an absolutely incredible country we live in here in Australia!

Credit with thanks neoroma via flickr

BEER AND LIME SHANDY COCKTAIL

WHAT YOU NEED
40ml Agave Nectar Liqueur
160ml Australian Lager Beer
2 Limes Squeezed
Lime slices for garnish

WHAT TO DO
In true laid-back Aussie style, there's not much to do for this one.
Just pour liqueur in a tall beer glass filled with ice.
Add lime juice
Top with beer and stir a little
Garnish by just popping a couple of slices into the glass.

Enjoy your Australia Day!

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AUSTRALIA DAY TRADITION




What's your Australia Day tradition activity?  Our family has a sausage sizzle by the pool and listens to the Triple J Hottest 100 from beginning to end.  We love it!  The best part of the day is waiting for the Number One song to be announced and then listening to all the other parties in the area crank it up and sing along.  This year we may have to adapt to the likely possibility of persistent rain over the day in Brisbane.  Either way, its going to be fun and relaxing.
What are you planning for the day?  Want some fun ideas?  Get some friends over and have a bit of fun with the Australian theme.....



HERE'S OUR TOP AUSSIE DAY PARTY TIPS....

REPUBLICANS VS MONARCHISTS CRICKET MATCH
BEACH PICNIC (OR ANYWHERE....EVEN IN YOUR BACK YARD...OR FRONT YARD AND WAVE THE FLAG TO PASSERS-BY)
AUSSIE SLANG COMPETITION (WHOEVER CAN WRITE THE LONGEST LIST OF AUSSIE SLANG WINS)
BREAKFAST BBQ WITH BEER IN CHAMPAGNE FLUTES
A 'COOOOOO-EEEE' COMPETITION (WHO CAN DO THE LOUDEST COOEE)
EGG AND SPOON  RACE
IF YOU HAVE A SWIMMING POOL...HOLD AUSTRALIAN CRAWL RACES
AUSSIE CHARADES - (MAKE A LIST OF FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN MOVIES, SONGS, BANDS, T.V SHOWS, CELEBRITIES, POLITICIANS ETC...)
ROLLING PIN TOSS
SANDCASTLE BUILDING COMPETITION
LISTEN TO THE TRIPLE J HOTTEST 100
SAO EATING COMPETITION
SAUSAGE SIZZLE....WITH LOTS AND LOTS OF TOMATO SAUCE!

Whatever you decide to do, have a great day.  Being an Australian is brilliant!

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OUR LONG WEEKEND HOURS

Due to the Australia Day public holiday, Charcoal Interiors the following changes will apply to our opening hours.

SATURDAY - 9.30AM TO 1PM
SUNDAY - CLOSED
MONDAY - CLOSED DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY

We look forward to seeing you when we open the doors on Tuesday morning at 9.30am


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Have a wonderful Australia Day Long Weekend everyone!
Until next week....Love, Light and Laughter...
The Charcoal Team!

Charcoal Interiors Grand Dining Room Gothic



Friday, January 18, 2013

5 WAYS TO ADD BALANCE TO YOUR HOME....DONNA KARANS NEW YORK HOME...STUNNING!!....THE WORKS OF FRANCIS BACON....OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW UPHOLSTERY PROJECTS....OUT AND ABOUT AT THE SALVOS RED HILL DEPOT....PRESERVING TOMATOES USING A FOOD DEHYDRATOR AND THE SMOKIN' SCARLETT COCKTAIL...NO REALLY...IT'S SMOKING!

5 TOP TIPS TO ADD BALANCE TO YOUR HOME

Colette Venardos Australian House and Garden Interior Decorator Designer
Colette (above) has over 30 years experience in design

Colette Venardos has over 30 years of Design experience under her hat.  What she doesnt know about Interior Design hasnt been thought of yet.  This week, she gives us some invaluable tips...in fact they are her top 5 tips, on how to bring balance into your home.

"When I walk into a room it must be well planned and flow harmoniously.  As my star sign of Libra is recognised by a set of scales, balance in design is very important to me." says Colette.

And, so Colette, shares with us below her Top 5 Tips:

1. "The very first thing I suggest before looking at any furniture, colours, drapery etc...is to have a really good long look at your space", says Colette. "This could be achieved by a quick floor plan layout before selecting furniture pieces and sizes."
"This  process can help you visualise how the room is going to take shape."

Lion Wallpaper Black and Silver Animal Charcoal Interiors Interior Design


2. "One absolute MUST for me, is when rugs are used, they need to be of a size that compliments the room.  In a living area it is essential that they either nudge up to the sofas or go under it.  The dining room needs to accommodate the size of the table plus sufficient room to allow the chairs to be pulled out comfortably and still remain on the carpet because theres nothing worse than pulling a chair out and it gets caught onto the edge of the carpet."

Library Shelving Custom Made Office Renovation Queenslander


3. "Less is More'.... Too many small pieces in a large room can be very distracting.  I suggest proportion and accessories, artworks etc.. should be selected with as much love and care as the larger furniture items." 
"Every day before I leave for work, I take a good long look in the mirror and then take off one piece of jewellery."  "Less is definitely more." 

Dining Table Brisbane Fortitude Valley Furniture Store Parquetry Timber


4. "Harmony of colour is very important in maintaining balance in a home.  I always try to choose the wall colour last of all.  Natural light in the room plays a large part and you wont know the flow of light until you have considered the space...once you get a good feel for the light in the room, you can choose your wall colours.  A mistake that I see a lot of, is clients who have seen a colour scheme in a friends home and want to replicate it as their own and often wonder why it doesnt work for them.  Light and aspect really are a huge factor in balance and the selection of colour in your home...like a fingerprint every space is unique in its own way and has to be dealt with accordingly."

Queenslander renovation living room art hand woven rug drapery brisbane


5.  "Lighting"...so important. "Position of lighting is critical to balance.  For example you wouldn't put glaring light where it is not needed.    A pigeon pair of lamps on a console is not always the right way to go.  Equilibrium.  Every factor of the room needs to be taken into consideration.  Its not just little pieces or big pieces...its everything to create balance and harmony.  Night light should be more moody.  It's important to consider this before either having lighting installed or, purchasing lamps etc....  I recommend a lighting plan to be drawn up by an expert, it is well worth the investment."

Upholstery Brisbane Interior Decorator Brisbane Queenslander Renovation


Colette also adds that "The biggest mistake people make with balance is not knowing how to come into a room properly...so many people tend to line the walls with furniture...every little space is covered.  Create the space that you want to use within that room....its ok to bring the bulk of the furniture away from the wall.  Thats why its so important to sit down, sketch out the room and the pieces you have or will be purchasing and really look at the overall layout first."  

And so, if you thought that good Interior Design was an easy process, then think again.  That's why it really is so important to see a designer with experience and a proven portfolio (as you will see from our original projects listed on the website www.charcoalinteriors.com.au
The design team at Charcoal Interiors take the headache out of your Interior Design project...it's just another thing that we do best!

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DONNA KARANS NEW YORK OASIS

This week Cathie stumbled upon our latest 'fave' daily read on the every wonderful www!
The website, Trendland, is just that....a land of trends, from fashion, design, architecture, food and more.  Not for the faint hearted, you will be challenged and inspired by the Trendland finds as they take you through a daily journey of creative discoveries.

Donna Karan New York Interior Decorator Australia Brisbane
Francis Bacon artwork.
Image by Richard Powers via Trendland.com

This week, we wanted to share with you Donna Karan's New York digs.  The home, which overlooks Central Park in the cities Upper West Side precinct is a statement to what you would only expect from Style Icon Karan.

Her exquisite taste is reflected in every room, with Artworks by renowned artist Francis Bacon adorning the wall in the hallway as a real stand out feature (see below info on the Francis Bacon Gallery showing now on in Sydney Australia).

To view the whole story on the residence where you will also find links to Photographer Richard Powers website, just click here....

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FRANCIS BACON

Portrait of Bacon by Reginald Gray...1989


In our story above on Donna Karan you can see the magnificent artwork hanging in the hallway by famous artist Francis Bacon.
Born in Ireland, Bacon was a figurative artist known for his bold, graphic and emotionally raw imagery.  Despite Margaret Thatcher having famously described him as 'that man who paints those dreadful pictures", Francis Bacon, who died in 1992 has a reputation thats steadily grown over the years.
He began painting during his early 20's and worked on and off until his mid-30's.  He admits that his career was delayed because he had spent too long looking for a subject that would sustain his interest.

The unforgettable and at times controversial paintings of Francis Bacon can now be viewed during the month of January and February (to 24th Feb) at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 


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NEW ARRIVALS

The girls have been eagerly awaiting 2 chair projects to be finalised with the upholsterer.  Yesterday they arrived and to say the design team were thrilled is an understatement.

Upholstery Brisbane Fabrics Interior Decorator Fortitude Valley
Cath showing off the fabric....should couldnt wait for it to be unwrapped!

Click here to find out more about our fabric collections

Good quality upholstery is hard to come by, but we specialise in it, using only the very best craftsman in Brisbane for the job.  He's been in the business since Moses was a boy...and takes every job we give him very seriously.

European Velvet Fabric Floral Reupholstered Chairs Brisbane Fortitude Valley
And the complete work...chair on right using the European velvet fabric Cath is holding above.
Chair on the left in quality leather with studding detail.

VOILA!

Contact us today for a quote on your upholstery job.  It's another thing that we do best!


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OUT AND ABOUT

This week we had some bits and pieces to get rid of around the house and at the showroom.  Being the sustainable chicks that we are, its a big no-no to just throw away an item that could be used by someone else.  There are plenty of people out there hurting who are assisted by the Salvation Army.
So, we set off to the 'Salvos' with our cache of treasures...shoes, clothes, chairs, books, electronics etc...
We were so impressed by the work that the volunteers do at the Salvos Depot I just had to write about it.
Next time you think to throw it out into the bin, or the tip, think again...if its in good condition, still works, isnt ripped or stained...then someone else would probably love it!

Interior Decorator Brisbane Furniture Stores Fortitude Valley Drapery
Red Hill Salvation Army Depot and Shop.

We visited the Red Hill Depot in Brisbane, but a link is provided below with all the info on where you can find your closest Salvation Army depot station in your area within Australia.

God Bless The Salvos!


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QUEENSLAND TIMBER FLOORING

Interior Decorator Designer Drapery Brisbane Fortitude Valley


Looking for quality timber flooring?  Our Queensland Timber Flooring representative Andy will be in the showroom on Saturday 2nd February to show you through the vast selection of flooring styles and grades that we have on display here at Charcoal Interiors.
All Queensland Timber Flooring sales staff have a history in the Timber Mill industry, so they are well learned and fit to provide you with all the information you required.
Queensland Timber Flooring use timbers from sustainable forestry.  Their selection of timbers and styles will quite simply impress.
So, notate it in your diary....Saturday 2nd February for a visit to Charcoal Interiors and Queensland Timber Flooring!

CHARCOAL INTERIORS
59 Doggett St.
NEWSTEAD.  QLD  4006


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PRESERVING TOMATOES

Balance to your home interior design decorator drapery curtains brisbane fortitude valley

Tomatoes are in abundance at the moment!  Look at the cache from my brothers vegie garden (above!)...what to do with them all??  There's only so much tomato on toast, or tomato salad that a girl can eat!  And so....bring in the food dehydrator!

Yep, I bought one last week.  It looked pretty small in the photo, but when I got it...well it was huge!  A 5 tiered tower of food dehydration possibilities.  So, I got stuck into drying some tomatoes in it.  The whole process was super easy.  I cut the tomatoes into quarters, set it to dry for 9 hours and then let them cool naturally.  

Drapery curtains blinds fortitude valley brisbane

Once cooled they were layered in a cool little jam jar that I had sterilised...the process was one layer of tomatoes, a sprinkle of salt, a layer of fresh basil from the garden (also in season and abundant at the moment) and then once the layering is finished with you just top up the jar with a good quality olive oil.  We like to use Bon Haye Olive Oil.

Interior decorator drapery curtains blinds fortitude valley brisbane

I have put this in the fridge and it will last for about a month.  The dried tomatoes are great for salads, pizzas and pasta dishes.  Also perfect on a cheese platter.
Toooooo easy.  I also know a girl who just uses her car on a hot day to dry her tomatoes!  Place on a tray, pop in the car in the hot sun and just let the natural process happen.  Just dont forget they are there and drive off!

Enjoy!

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IT'S COCKTAIL FRIDAY....AND WE'RE SCHMOKIN!

Interior Decorator Drapery Curtains Blinds Brisbane Fortitude Valley


SMOKIN' SCARLETT COCKTAIL

Well, it seems that nowadays, it's quite unacceptable to smoke in a bar, yet the bartenders are super keen to showcase their drink making skills using the method of 'smoking' your cocktail!

Interior design decorator curtains drapery blinds brisbane fortitude valley
via aoife mac - flickrcommons

I see it....and I dooo believe it.  Pretty cool stuff and there is a link below where you can see for yourself how its done.  I for one, would rather leave it to the experts as its a bit of fuss, but I do have friends who love this technique....so you may like to try it too.  Just remember...where there's smoke...there can be fire!

Base Recipe for the Smokin' Scarlett Cocktail

What you need

2 oz Southern Comfort
5 oz Cranberry Juice
A dash of Lime....mmmmmmmm....Lime....
Ice

What To Do

Pop it all in a cocktail shaker and shake, shake....shake!

Then, you can add the smoke if the mood does take you.  See the link below for all the info.


Cheers!  And Happy Friday.

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Until Next Week....be good, be kind and most importantly smile and have fun!

The Charcoal Team
xxx

Charcoal Interiors drapery curtains blinds brisbane fortitude valley