Stories On Style | Callie Coles
I am so delighted to introduce this month’s Stories on Style guest, Callie Coles!
Callie is a mother of three beautiful boys, with another little one on the way, and the proud owner of an incredible 23 pets. As if that weren’t enough, she has just released her debut novel, Tangled Webs and is preparing for a house move - all at the same time. She is a true inspiration!
Join us as we discuss motherhood, spinning plates and idyllic pony rides on the beach.
Celia X
Balance
Having already been dubbed "the next Jilly Cooper," Tangled Webs has been one of the year's most eagerly anticipated book launches. Huge congratulations! What inspired you to write your first novel?
I was training to ride in a charity flat race called The Magnolia Cup and I had to train really properly for it. I was spending three or four days a week up in Newmarket riding for trainer George Scott. As I was clip-clopping through the busy, horse-filled streets of the town at dawn to go and hurl myself up the gallops on Warren Hill I realised that I had never really read about flat racing. Dick Francis had written about National Hunt Racing - a lot - and Jilly had touched on the jumps too. But flat racing remained mostly enigmatic. I find it so fascinating and my family have had racehorses for generations but I’d never really delved into the nitty gritty of it before. So I dove in!
How do you strike the balance between work and motherhood?
It’s a permanent juggle. I don’t think I ever get it right. My husband is brilliant and very hands on which is very helpful. He’s also very busy packing up the house at the moment so we are both trying to keep all of our plates up in the air, spinning, happy and fed!
Best piece of advice to mothers?
To remember to enjoy it. When it all gets a lot. Remember that these days will be over in a flash.
Favourite way to unwind?
A book. A bath. A ride on the beach…
Summer is such a special time of year. How are you planning to spend yours, and what are you most looking forward to?
I love having all the boys at home. Early morning pony beach rides are my happy place. They love it. Then a picnic breakfast. Then a lazy day at home. We are moving house though so not many lazy days this summer sadly!
What’s the most important piece of advice you and your husband want to pass onto your children?
Our house rule, the one we are really strict about is, Be Kind.
Family Time
What does a typical day look like? Long at the moment! The boys are up with the lark. Then we walk the dogs. Feed the horses. Let the chickens out. Collect eggs. Breakfast. I will try to do something with work so Toby will enlist their help in the garden or the stables. Maybe a trip to the garden centre for lunch. An evening trip to the beach with the ponies. Normally fairly early to bed for all of us.
Favourite family activity? Man Hunt. The children love this game! It’s a bit hard for me at the moment as heavily pregnant!
Favourite bedtime story? Little Grey Rabbit and Greek Mythology at the moment.
Five essentials every mother needs?
Wet wipes. Snacks. A good book. A Tonie Box. Lots of patience!
Style
We love your style – what is your approach to dressing? Both your own wardrobe and the children’s.
I am very old fashioned in my approach to both. Buy cheap Buy twice is a favourite saying of Granny’s. So I’ve always collected classical pieces that will stand the test of time - for us all.
Natural fibres where possible. Wool and linen and silk and cotton.
Do you think your style has changed since having your children? No, I don’t think so. I haven’t really changed much, life just got bigger and more chaotic. I still usually live in breeches and shirts just like I did as a teenager!
Go-to gift ideas for a new arrival?
Cashmere shawls are always a winner.
Three items you always have in your handbag? I don’t ever carry a handbag. I’m hopeless.
