A day at Goodwood Races, some side saddle riding, seeing old friends and packing for our holiday!
This week I’m bringing you along with us for a spot of horse racing at Goodwood, to see Coco and I ride side-saddle at Countryman’s Day, to meet an old friend and to pack with me for a holiday!
GOODWOOD
Goodwood is one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world set right in the heart of West Sussex, and it really is such a fantastic day out.
I prepared a picnic salad to take along to feed our dear friends, made with homegrown lettuce from our own kitchen garden. Filled with peaches, mozzarella, and parma ham then drizzled with balsamic glaze, it’s always a crowd pleaser! I also whipped up some homemade super quick pizzas made from puff pastry, and some sumptuous fruit meringues for afterwards.
COUNTRYMAN'S DAY & PONY CLUB
Next up, Coco and I attended the Countryman’s Day for a side-saddle demonstration. It went very well despite a few nerves! We ended that fabulous day with a visit to my uncles for a wonderful family barbecue.
Following those slightly hectic few days, we needed to get Coco packed for Pony Club and ready to attend. However, upon arriving with the trailer in tow, we realised we’d actually got the date wrong. Pony Club didn’t start until the next day, but rather than get upset we laughed it off and treated it as a practice run journey with the trailer!
HOUSEHOLD JOBS
The next day, I used some free time to tackle a few cleaning jobs around the house, such as cleaning the shower head with vinegar – a much more sustainable and eco-friendly way to descale. Do watch the vlog to see how it removes limescale with ease, without using harmful chemicals.
I also took some time to create some flower arrangements in the house with my new white rabbit vase from The Vintage Pieces. Top tip - I add chicken wire to vases to ensure the flowers stay upright and structured.
CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS
Following my morning whipping the house into shape, I travelled up to London to visit an old friend, Dan the London chef, who I hadn’t seen in 23 years! Dan was on a fleeting visit and about to travel back to Canada, but I think it’s so important to take time for yourself and to see those that you’re close with, so we jiggled our schedules to fit in a long-awaited visit. We talked so much I don’t think we drew breath for almost 2 hours!
SCHOOL UNIFORM
During this week’s video, I talk you through my top tips on buying school uniform – something so many leave until the last minute and get very stressed about when you really don’t need to be!
PACKING FOR A FAMILY HOLIDAY
Lastly, I show you how I pack for a holiday. I have my holiday clothes in a storage bag in the loft which is handy as it can be vacuumed down to help with storage. I tend to keep these separate from any normal clothes as there are some pieces that are unsuitable for everyday wearing – or tending to the ponies in my case!
My top tips for holiday packing include:
Trying on your shoes to test each look before packing them.
If any shoes need washing, adding an old towel to the washing machine to prevent damage.
Putting toiletries into a secure leakproof bag on top of your other luggage.
Remembering that when flying, many things compress, so take extra care with things like fountain pens in your hand luggage!
Tackling sunscreen spills with a knife and washing up liquid.
Soaking blood stains in cold water for 12-24 hours before washing as normal.
Considering your holiday activities and the outfits required – will you be going out to dinner? Do you have any excursions planned?
Rotation of outfits – can you create different looks by mixing up items from each outfit?
Taking a wrap for the evening to use on the plane in case it’s chilly.
Using a large bag that can double up as a hand luggage back and beach bag! I swear by my Vanessa Rose bag for this.
Carrying a small bag for the plane that contains your phone, passports, sunglasses and any other items you wish to keep super safe on your person.
Having a ‘packing notebook’ - I always have a notebook handy to create a packing list, that way I can look back on past holidays on things that I have taken.
To round it off, my number one tip is to take your time packing to ensure you have everything you need, tailor the clothes to your body, and ensure you are comfortable and confident in your outfits.
Do share with anyone who may be heading off on their holidays soon, and thank you so much for joining me this week!
Love, Charlie x
Mentioned:
Goodwood Dress – Preloved from Circle by Julianna Heale
https://circleboutique.co.uk/
Goodwood -
https://www.goodwood.com
Vase -
https://www.vintagepieces.co.uk/collections/vintage-vases
Day Hayes at The London Chef -
https://thelondonchef.com/about/
Hand Luggage/Beach Bag -
https://vanessarose.co.uk/