🎃 Our Little Friday Letter (Friday, 10th October, 2025)

A weekly catch-up from Our Little House in the Country

🧡 A Warm Welcome
Good morning and happy Friday! 🍁 I’m so glad you’re here for this week’s edition of Our Little Friday Letter.

October has well and truly settled in now — and with it, our little seasonal update continues. We’ve kept our cozy basket of pumpkins as this month’s featured image 🎃, a small nod to the gentle shift toward the heart of autumn.

Storm Amy has come and gone, and thankfully, we escaped with very little damage here — just a garden that’s looking a bit windblown and a few large branches down. I hope it passed safely for you too, wherever you are.

So pop the kettle on, light a little candle if you have one, and take a moment just for yourself. I hope today’s letter brings a gentle pause, a few cosy ideas, and maybe even a little inspiration to carry with you through the weekend.

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🏡 From Our Little House
This week has been one of those in-between weeks — not especially busy, not especially quiet, just a little bit… stretched. You know those weeks where time seems to slow down a little? Where you keep thinking it should be Thursday already, or surely it must be Friday by now? It’s been that sort of week here — gently full, a little muddled, but comfortingly ordinary too.

Life has ticked along with its usual rhythm — school runs, pony care, candle making, blog writing — nothing extraordinary, but lots of the little everyday things that add up to a good week. I’ve been working away behind the scenes on my Christmas candle range (yes, we’re already getting festive over here!), and I’m so happy with how the new scents are turning out. I’ve also been accepted to a few Christmas markets and craft fairs, which is exciting and slightly nerve-wracking in equal measure. More on that soon!

One of the highlights of our week was last Sunday’s autumn showjumping competition, where my daughter and her gorgeous pony took home first place in their class — the perfect start to the autumn-winter league. It was one of those picture-perfect days: misty and damp when we left the yard, but by the time we reached the venue the skies had cleared, the sun came out, and it turned into the most beautiful crisp autumn morning. We celebrated with hot chocolate and mochas (and toasted sambos, naturally!) and were still home by lunchtime. It was one of those rare days that feels like two in one — busy and productive, but still spacious and relaxed.

Back at home, I’ve been heading off to the post office with more little parcels from the candle shop. I said it last week, and I’ll say it again — it brings me such joy! There’s a lovely little coffee stall beside our post office, and I’ve started treating myself to a mocha each time I drop off my orders — my own little version of a business perk. I even recognise the staff in there now, and they’re starting to remember me too — me and my brown-paper-wrapped parcels.

In home life, things have been gently ticking over. I’ve decided (well, for now at least!) not to decorate for Halloween this year. My kids aren’t too pushed about it anymore, and honestly, I’m really enjoying the warm, rich tones of our autumn decor. It feels cosy and grounding, and I think I’ll just stick with it until we start easing into Christmas at the end of November. I did give the autumn mantel a little tidy and refresh — just a bit of a rejig and dusting — and it made the whole space feel a little calmer and cosier again.

And speaking of seasonal content, even though we might not be decorating for Halloween here, I’ve been sharing lots of Halloween inspiration on the blog this week — from nostalgic traditions to easy crafts and seasonal treats. If you’re in the mood to get spooky or sentimental, you’ll find loads of ideas linked below in the Halloween section. 🎃

Lastly, a little happy post this week — I received two gorgeous cookbooks I’ve been meaning to buy for ages, from the lovely Soraya at Coze Bakes. They’re beautifully written, gorgeously styled, and full of comforting, practical recipes that are perfect for this time of year. I’m itching to try some new dishes, especially as I’m feeling a bit uninspired by my usual meal rotation lately. I’ll let you know which ones we try first!

So that’s us for this week — no major excitement, just the usual rhythms and real-life magic of our little country home. I hope your week has been kind to you, and that you’ve had moments of calm, joy, or even a bit of fun thrown in.

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🌾 Theme of the Week: The Gift of Nourishment

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about nourishment — not just in the traditional sense of food and sustenance, but in the broader sense of how we feed our minds, our bodies, and our spirits each day. True nourishment, I’ve realised, is not only about what we eat but also about what we consume — in conversation, in the media, in the spaces we spend our time, and in the thoughts we allow to take up residence in our heads.

For me, nourishment starts with rhythm. I’ve found such comfort in the gentle pattern of my mornings. Even though it’s now pitch dark at 6:30 a.m., I wake naturally, make my cup of tea in the quiet kitchen, and begin the school lunches before calling the others. There’s something grounding in these small rituals — the familiar rhythm that marks the start of each day. While everyone else eats breakfast, I spend a few quiet minutes tending to my blog or social media, and then I head out for my walk.

That morning walk is one of my greatest sources of nourishment — not just for the body but for the mind too. Even on the days when I didn’t particularly feel like going, I went anyway. Some mornings the walk was long and brisk, others shorter and slower, but I kept saying to myself, a walk is better than no walk. And it’s true. That time outside, breathing in the cool air, moving my body, and listening to the world around me resets everything.

Lately, I’ve also been drawn to more mindful ways of spending my evenings. I’ve picked up a little embroidery project — something I haven’t done in years — and I’ve found such peace in the rhythm of needle and thread. Some nights I’ll colour in my autumnal colouring book or simply sit with the kids, chatting or watching something gentle together. These quiet, creative moments feed something deeper in me than scrolling or background noise ever could.

I’ve been more aware too of the things I allow into my mind — what I read, watch, and listen to. During the week, I opened Facebook for the first time in ages and instantly regretted it. The unkindness and judgment, the endless debates and negativity — it drained me in minutes. I closed the app, unfollowed groups that no longer serve me, and reminded myself that we get to choose what we feed our minds. It’s the same with news and politics; I still follow current affairs, but I’m choosing more thoughtful, balanced sources now — the radio over relentless online commentary. I want what I take in to uplift, not unsettle.

And nourishment, I’ve realised, is also about the way we speak to ourselves. When I’ve felt tired or overwhelmed this week, I’ve been gently talking myself through it rather than scolding myself for not being more productive. I remind myself that everything on my to-do list can wait — there’s no emergency here, no deadline worth sacrificing peace of mind for. And when I’ve needed an energy boost, I’ve literally added a little bounce to my step — smiling, stretching, shaking off the heaviness. Not in a forced “toxic positivity” way, but in a genuine, how can I lift myself just a little? kind of way.

Sometimes nourishment looks like a hearty homemade meal or a cup of tea by the fire. Other times, it’s a few quiet minutes of solitude, a good book, a walk, or a conversation that fills your heart instead of draining it. It’s in the small daily choices — what we consume, how we move, what we create, how we speak to ourselves — that we either feed or deplete our wellbeing.

So this week, I’m holding on to the idea that nourishment is something we practice, not something we earn. It’s something we give ourselves not just when life feels calm and ordered, but especially when it feels busy, messy, or uncertain. It’s a quiet, ongoing gift — one we can offer ourselves again and again, in the simplest of ways.

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📝 On the Blog This Week
This week, we’ve had a lovely little blend of rich reflection and cozy practicality over on the blog — and I’ve loved hearing from so many of you in response to both posts!

🍲 Autumn Comforts: Food, Rituals & Little Joys to Savour
On Tuesday, I shared a warm, seasonal post exploring the little rituals and comforts that make autumn feel so special. From slow-cooked dinners and spiced treats to the deeper meaning behind our seasonal rhythms, this post is all about the nourishment we find in both the kitchen and the everyday. If you’re in need of a little reminder to slow down and savour the moment, you might enjoy this one.

🧺 25 Slow Sunday Activities for Autumn & Winter
On Sunday, I published a bonus list-style post featuring 25 gentle, seasonal ideas to bring a little more calm and contentment to your Sundays. These are low-pressure, realistic ideas — from hot baths and forest walks to crafting, baking, and comfort TV. A few of you kindly messaged asking if I’d make a printable version of the list — and yes, there is now a free printable available on the blog too! You’ll find the download link in the post, and I’ve popped it in below for easy access.

🧡 Free Printable: Download the 25 Slow Sunday Activities List

🎃 All Things Halloween
As the spooky season draws near, I’ve rounded up all my Halloween content in one place again this week. From nostalgic Irish traditions to cosy Halloween night ideas, there’s something for everyone — including teens, little ones, and grown-ups who just want a festive night in. You’ll find it all in the Halloween section of the blog.

Here’s the full list so far — perfect for dipping into any time this month:

• 🎃 10 Seasonal Foods and Treats for Halloween Night
• 🕯️ 10 Forgotten Halloween Games to Bring Back This Year
• 👻 15 Quirky Halloween Crafts Using Things You Already Have at Home
• 🍂 13 Irish Halloween Traditions
• 🦇 12 Quirky Halloween Superstitions and Where They Come From
• 🎃 20 Halloween Traditions to Start with Your Family
• 📽️ 15 Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Movies for a Family Halloween Night
• 📝 25 Halloween Activities for Families and Teens
• 🏠 10 Cosy Ways to Celebrate Halloween at Home

👉 You can also browse all seasonal posts in one place over on the Autumn blog archive.

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📅 Coming Up on the Blog

Next week, I’ll be sharing a gentle, home-centered post called “Five Ways I Cosy Up My Home in October” — a peek inside the little things I do to bring extra warmth and calm to our space as the evenings grow darker and the leaves keep falling. From lighting to layering, comforting scents to simple rituals, it’s all about creating a home that feels like a hug in the heart of autumn. 🍂

As we move through October, I’ll also be doing a bit of a deeper dive into the rich history and traditions of Halloween, especially its Irish and Celtic origins — something I’m so excited to explore again this year. You’ll find new and old stories alike, wrapped in a little folklore and magic, just in time for the Samhain season. 🎃🍁

Looking ahead to November, I’m working on something I’m really proud of — a brand new printable called “31 Ways to Winter Well”. This gentle calendar is full of nourishing ideas for tending to yourself and your home through the darker days of the year, and it’ll be ready to download in the last week of October.

As we move closer to the end of the year, I’ll be sharing more reflective content around wintering, slowing down, caring for ourselves and one another, and finding meaning in the simple joys of the season — alongside all the fun, festive, list-style content to help you savour the holidays, too. ❄️

💌 A little heads-up especially for my newsletter subscribers: I’ll be taking a short break from regular newsletters over the festive period — from December 21st to January 1st — to unplug and spend time at home. But don’t worry, you won’t be left out in the cold! Instead, I’ll be sending out a special “Seven Days of Reflection” series — one short email each day between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, offering gentle thoughts and prompts to help you close out the year with kindness and ease, and begin the new one with intention. Think of it as a little seasonal gift from me to you. 🎁✨

For now, we’ll keep soaking up these golden autumn days together. And if you’re looking for some seasonal inspiration in the meantime, you’ll find lots of autumn and Halloween content already live on the blog — with even more still to come.

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📸 On Instagram This Week

This week, I’ve been slowly getting back into the rhythm of sharing again over on Instagram. After feeling a little bit stuck recently — maybe just a bit overwhelmed by the pressure to post — it felt good to return to what I love most: sharing those small, everyday moments that bring joy. 💛

I started the week with a little video from one of my morning walks, showing the most stunning golden-orange leaves dancing in the breeze against a bright blue sky — just one of those real wow autumn moments. 🍂🍁💙

I also shared a carousel-style post with 25 Slow Sunday Activities for Autumn and Winter, inspired by the blog — so many of you saved and shared it, which means the world! I love knowing it offered a little inspiration for your own Sundays.

There was a swipe-through post all about the first signs of autumn, with things I’ve been noticing lately in nature, in our home, and in the air. I also gave a sneak peek at our updated autumn kitchen mantel (you know me — I’m always rearranging shelves!) and a behind-the-scenes look at the Christmas candles taking shape in the kitchen. 🎄🕯️

And of course, the usual cosy chats, gentle reminders, and shoutouts to some of my favourite creators — because I truly love making space to support others too. 🤎

As always, if Instagram is your thing, you’ll find me there most days at @ourlittlehouseinthecountry. I share a mix of photos and little videos, and I try to respond to every single message and comment (though every now and then I do miss one — sorry in advance if that was yours!). Think of it as a cosy corner of the internet where we can chat like friends over a cup of coffee.

And of course, if Instagram isn’t your thing, no worries at all — everything you need will always be right here, in your inbox each Friday. 💌

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🕯️ Candle Shop Update

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been loving every minute of working on Our Little House Candle Shop lately. Honestly, it’s bringing me such joy — from pouring the candles to designing the labels, from packing up orders to walking to the post office with my arms full of boxes (and maybe treating myself to a mocha afterwards!). Every part of this little business is handmade and heart-led — and I mean that quite literally.

I design the labels myself, print them at home, cut them out by hand, and apply each one to the tins with care. Every candle you receive has been hand-poured, hand-labelled, and packed by me, right here in our kitchen in the country. It’s a real one-woman, kitchen-table business — and I’m so, so grateful for every single order and message of support. 💛

✨ The Christmas Collection is Coming!

This week I shared a little sneak peek over on Instagram of our brand-new Christmas Candle Collection, and I’m so excited to say… it’s coming together beautifully. We’ll have five beautiful winter scents, available in:

– 225ml large candles
– 125ml small candles
– 6-cube wax melts

Our festive fragrances include:

🎄 Christmas Tree Farm – A gentle nod to the Taylor Swift fans in this house!
🏠 Home for Christmas – Cosy, nostalgic, and warm with notes of festive baking
🧡 Old-Fashioned Christmas – A comforting blend of spiced orange and cloves
🍬 ’Twas the Night Before Christmas – Sweet and pepperminty with a magical sparkle
❄️ Midwinter Calm – Cool, crisp, and clear — a peaceful scent perfect for New Year too

These will be available on the shop very soon — I’ll let you know the moment they’re live!

🛍️ Markets & Events

I’m also thrilled to share that I’ll be popping up at a few craft markets and Christmas fairs over the coming weeks, including:

✨The Cottage Market Pop-Up event as part of the The Lú Festival of Light in Drogheda,. I’ll be at the Dominican Church on Bank Holiday Monday, October 27th, from 5–9pm. If you’re nearby, do pop in — it promises to be a really special evening.

And yes, I’ve gone full “tiny business mode” with my SumUp card reader, freshly printed business cards, and flyers all ready to go! It’s a little surreal, but also a huge milestone for me — I set myself the challenge of starting a business from scratch, and here I am, figuring it all out one candle at a time. 🧾✨

If you’d like to take a peek at the full autumn collection, you can do so here — as always, no pressure at all, but I thought I’d share a quick roundup of our October specials currently running:

🍂 Special Offer 1 – Wax Melts (until October 17th)
Mix and match any 3 wax melts and get 1 free — all for just €15.
Perfect if you’d like to try one of each autumn scent or stock up on favourites.

🕯 Special Offer 2 – 125ml Candle Bundle (all October)
Buy any 3 of our 125ml candles (mix and match your favourite scents) for a lovely bundle deal price €25.00— ideal for gifting or stocking up for the darker months.

As always, no pressure at all — if you’d like to browse, you’ll find all the details here:
👉 Browse the collection here
And if you’ve already placed an order: thank you, thank you, thank you. Your support means everything.

💫 And one last thing — I’ll be running a special Christmas giveaway in early November, so keep an eye out for that in an upcoming newsletter!

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🌿 Follow Along

If you’d like to keep in touch between letters, you’ll find me most days over on Instagram — sharing gentle reminders, snippets of everyday life, and chats over coffee in Stories.

Here’s where else you can find me:

• 📷 Instagram
• 📝 Substack
• 📌 Pinterest
• 🏡 Blog

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💬 Share Your Thoughts

If there’s something you’d love to see in a future newsletter, blog post, or printable, or if you just want to say hello — I’d truly love to hear from you.

You can reach me any time by:

• 📩 Filling out the contact form
• ✉️ Emailing me at ourlittlehouseinthecountry@gmail.com
• 💬 Sending a DM over on Instagram

Comments on the blog or Instagram are always welcome too. I read every single one.

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🌿 Until Next Time…

And that’s it from our little house in the country this week.

Thank you, as always, for being here — whether you’re a new subscriber or have been with me for a long time, I’m so grateful to have you along on this slow, intentional, seasonal journey. I hope something in this week’s letter brought you a little calm, a little joy, or a gentle reminder to take care of yourself in the middle of the busyness.

Here’s to small rituals, comforting meals, and all the quiet ways we nourish ourselves — body, mind, and soul — as we settle into this mid-October rhythm.

Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead,
Ciara x

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