Join me for a little bit of Scotland and Sussex!

This week I bring you along as we say a very fond and extremely proud farewell for now to our oldest son Archie, who is attending school in Scotland.
Everything went absolutely perfectly. The school had planned the entire welcome to the smallest detail and so we truly got to help him settle in. Coco and I made his bed for him, helped him unpack and we all got to see where he’ll be staying for the next few years - which just so happens to be Simon’s old boarding house!
He is so happy, so determined and very excited. In fact, he’s already ventured off on his first expedition to bond with his new classmates so as you read this he’ll be up a mountain somewhere living his dreams!
I didn’t vlog the goodbye, purely because I wanted to take it all in and be there for the whole family entirely. After a chapel service and wonderful lunch, we said our goodbyes and hopped into the car to start heading back. I had to ask Sigh to drive away rather sharpish so I didn’t dwell for too long! Thankfully Coco and Gus were brilliant, keeping me occupied and lifting my spirits. I had a small weepy moment, but keeping busy, reminding myself of his enthusiasm and focusing on his happiness is keeping me from going full floods!
Prior to arriving at the school, we spent the evening and stayed overnight at one of my favourite B&Bs - it is such a gem of a find and I cannot recommend it more highly if you’re travelling up to Scotland.
Owned by Jilly and Manjit, The Ghillie is set in landscaped grounds of an original Georgian House just on the outskirts of Melrose and offers a countryside haven and a superb base to explore the beautiful Scottish Borders. We adore visiting and always try to squeeze in a stay should we going that way. Jilly and Manjit go above and beyond and it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I think we’ve ever stayed. Do please check it out if you’re visiting.
A visit to Scotland isn’t complete without a pitstop at The House Of Bruar, so of course we had to dash in. The store features all you need for gardening, homeware, ladieswear, menswear, gifts, you name it! I came out with a few special goodies, which you can see in this week’s vlog.
Once home I leapt straight into keeping myself busy and spending time in my happy places, outside in nature and inside my kitchen! I took myself out for a long walk to forage some blackberries, with which I made some compote for my breakfasts. I’m gearing up to make plenty of my favourite apple and blackberry jam, why not join me! I’ll link the video and recipe in my bio alongside this week’s vlog.
Thank you so much for coming along with me this week, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, but my boy is happy and that’s more important than anything.
Love, Charlie x
Make My Apple & Blackberry Jam:
• How to make my homemad...
Featured:
B&B - The Ghillie - www.theghillie...
Blouse - Zara
Vest - Jigsaw
Jumper/Shoes/Boots - House Of Bruar - www.houseofbru...
Stable Antiques - stableantiques...
Annabels Deliciously British Honey - www.annabelsde...

[@tarasnedden806]

Although there’s an Archie-shaped hole at home, it must help so much that he’s excited and happy. My youngest child (and only daughter!) is off to university this month, not quite as far as Scotland but still nearly five hours away - I shall miss her very much but know that this is her adventure and we will keep in touch by FaceTime…my boys stayed closer to home so I’ll take note of the ‘keeping busy but also self-care’ advice to get me through the early days; wise as ever, Charlie, thank you! ❤️

[@alexandraevans5346]

Thank you Charlie for a gorgeous vlog. Thoroughly enjoyed and love the new boots !!! X

[@WearingmyGarmentofPraise]

Thank you for another lovely video. It was great you could altogether be with Archie on his first day. Time passes so quickly and with half term and Christmas coming, it will feel like he hasn't been gone long at all. At this point most parent's can't wait for the children to go back to school. Have a great weekend xxx

[@ask.charlie]

Thank you Joanna 🥰 I know time will fly xxx

[@acollectedtable131]

Visiting Scotland is on my vacation list. Your vlogs are quite enjoyable and begins the weekends with joy and relaxation.

[@ask.charlie]

Oh you must visit Kelly xxx

[@colin101981]

Thank you Charlie, a most enjoyable vlog. Scotland looked so lovely. I'm glad you were able to settle Archie for a new adventure. Thanks for sharing what you do, although you're entirely right to make sure you spend quality time with family without intrusion, I think you seem to get a good balance. Kind regards.

[@ask.charlie]

Oh thank you so very much really pleased you enjoyed watching and thank you for your lovely message xxx

[@katie7382]

Such a great video Charlie, Thankyou x I am a keen visitor to the House of Bruar 💙 I didn’t make it to the Blair horse trials this year unfortunately, but enjoyed it last year with my mum. Next time you’re up north, it would be great to have you over for coffee in Angus x Sending lots of love Xx

[@ask.charlie]

Oh would love to meet you Katie 🥰

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Thanks for the information lol

[@firesidefairytale]

I love Scotland so much too I live here - near Melrose. You must must must visit Abbotsford!

[@ask.charlie]

Oh will put that on the list for next time thank you so much for the recommendation xx