~ Curious Charlie ~

5 Tips on How to Bring the Hotel Home @ Thursday, February 22, 2018

To be honest my room looks like something out of Howl's Moving Castle, as I have so much craft supplies on every surface, flowers and things of inspiration and all. No I can't pop it into storage, because here out of sight and out of mind you'll never see it again. But I am working on popping everything into clear boxes and storing them where they stand.

We came across this article by Carol from Road To Organized, and it made me reflect on our last holiday, to Sage Hotel. There was no clutter, plenty of space to write, be it in the temperature controlled room full of light (we are vampires and live in front of a forest and never open the curtains at home, fear of dust and the truth, also burning) or downstairs in the communal space. Home is nothing like that, it's either screen time or bed. Nothing in between, not much room for anything but tripping and getting threads ripped out of you clothes, getting snagged on things (this is why we always wear aprons).

When we get our own place I'd love to have a separate study, craftroom and bedroom; and we'd actually use all these wonderful tips to create a hotel-like space with minimal clutter, though that's going to be quite a challenge, being the Queen of Clutter!

1. Clear-ish flat surfaces

Holiday accommodation only keeps the necessary on each surface. Those clutter free feels really impact on our relaxed state.

2. Keep only what you really love

The thing with the space we were staying in is, it had a whole collection of really cool ornaments, fresh flowers, original artworks and so on. And I loved pottering about looking at each piece. It made me think of the things that we have in our own décor. Do we really love each piece? Does it speak to us? What is it that gives it permission to stay in our home? What this does is, as we move through our space, we’re only surrounded by the things that we are really drawn to, and it makes us more comfortable in our space.

3. Softness and texture + light

Each soft surface had blankets and cushions so you could really cozy up in that space. The colours were somewhat neutral with splashes of colour and they were really inviting. White flowing curtains softened the space. It doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy stuff – use what you have. Think about how you use your own spaces. Do you like reading in your bedroom? Create a reading nook with blankets and cushions. Like sitting out looking at the view? What can you do to make the space more inviting for you?

4. Use the Good Stuff

From the unopened bath salts you have stashed in the back of the cupboard, to the crockery collection that you really love, start using the stuff that you keep for special occasions, on a more regular basis. Fill a basket with all those bath bombs and handmade soaps, and use them! Light those candles that are just for decoration.
Bring the Outside In

We spent most of our time in the sunroom overlooking the view, and I thought about our own patio that sits unused way too much. What can you do to make that a space you use more?

5. Add Flowers

So, I have a bit of a list now of what I want to do in our space, which mainly involves moving things around, and looking a little harder at each space and how it works for us. What can you do to your space that gives you those holiday feels?

Summer Nights with Curry Camp (Camberwell) @ Thursday, February 08, 2018

Charlie & Co. dined as guests.
Thursday 1st Feb

There are many things we love about Camberwell, including having everything on main street (or close by), the gardens and local restaurants. It took us years to get here, though the pond had long been drained sadly - but we wouldn't have gotten there in time anyway. Tonight we were delighted to finally tick 'picnic at the park' off the list, with Curry Camp.

In our town Curry Camp is the place to go for Indian, and we're been here many times, you could almost say we're regulars, and that's something as we're always trying new places. But I find this is my favourite Indian restaurant, and even though we moved to Hawthorn, we still come back to Curry Camp, and bio guy would pick up takeaway on his way over for our sleepovers.

L-R: Butter Chicken, Pumpkin Masala, Malai Kofter

Naan, chicken tikka, samosa, rice, raita/chutney

This is 'Deal One' ($32) from the takeaway menu with samosa x2, chicken tikka x2, one veg curry, one non-veg, rice, naan raita. We also ordered lassis ($12 for 3) and another main, and naan for one more. The deal serves two by the way.

Chicken Tikka & Samoas - Boneless chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices,

cooked in a clay oven. Tender and full or flavour, a favorite starter.

Samoas - For a vegetarian option (just one of a few) there's somosa's, spiced potatoes and peas stuffed in puff pastry. This one's a lot bigger than you think, and fun to eat.

11. Butter Chicken (far left, warm orange, not in this picture)

Boneless chicken pieces cooked with spices and tomato based butter sauce

The butter chicken as perfect as always (this place is not only our local Indian place, they're a house favourite and I had 15+ neighbours). While I try to order new things, this is our default.

47. Malai Kofter - Cottage cheese, potato and spiced dumplings cooked in a creamy sauce
The malai kofter was similar to the samosa filling but with cottage cheese, in a lovely creamy sauce, though a hint sweeter than the butter chicken.

49. Pumpkin Masala - Pumpkin cooked with aromatic spices
The pumpkin masla was a bit spicy for me though Andy thought it was just right. To cool down lassis (a yoghurty drink) were perfect, our favourite is the mango lassi.

Curry Camp is under new management as within the last week or so (at time if dinning experience), though nothing has changed, the menu has remained the same, the food just as good, service as welcoming, and shall continue to be our favourite Indian place. Don't be deceived by the lack of diners, most people are ordering takeaway (they're on everything: menulog, eatnow, deliveroo, foodora).

Located a block away (uphill, same side as the station) from Camberwell Station and on the 72 tram route the location is great, and you can park at the station or on a side street.

Open for Dinner Monday - Sunday, from 5pm.
796 Burke Road, Camberwell

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Hi. I'm Charlie. Capricorn. ISFJ. An Events Planner. An American, San Franciscan in Melbourne.

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