🎃 Our Little Friday Letter (Friday, 24th October, 2025)

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

🧡 A Warm Welcome

Happy Friday, my friends — and thank you so much for being here.
I hope this week has been kind to you, and that you’re looking forward to a little rest, a little reset, and perhaps even a pumpkin or two as we head into this long bank holiday weekend.

We’re in the final stretch of October now, can you believe it? And here at Our Little House in the Country, we’ve been soaking up the last golden days of autumn — even if the weather has had other plans. As I write to you this Thursday afternoon, I’ve just finished prepping for this weekend’s craft market, and the house smells like cinnamon, clove, and a hint of nerves.

So, whether you’re curling up for a quiet cup of tea or scrolling with a dog-eared to-do list in hand, I hope this little letter brings a pause, a nod of solidarity, and maybe even a little inspiration for the days ahead.

🏡 From Our Little House

This week has been a bit of a whirlwind in our house — the kind of week where every day seems full to the brim before it even begins. Today, my two are finishing up for their midterm break, and if I’m honest, we’re all limping over the finish line a little!

Since I last wrote to you, we’ve had quite the adventure: our pony-mad girl had a fall from her horse late last Thursday and ended up in A&E with bruising and soft tissue injuries to her neck and shoulder. Thankfully, no concussion or serious damage — just a very sore, shaken girl. She’s healing well though, and has even managed a couple of gentle rides this week (as determined as ever!). It gave us all a bit of a fright, but we’re so grateful she’s okay.

Meanwhile, I’ve been preparing for my very first craft market, which is happening this bank holiday Monday as part of the gorgeous Lú Festival of Light here in Drogheda. It’s been such fun designing our stall with my daughter — full of rich autumn tones, fairy lights, and cosy candle samples. I’ve always dreamed of having a little shop or flower stall, just so I could decorate it for the seasons. Childhood dreams of window dressing à la Mannequin, anyone?

So yes — between healing bruises, school finishing up, candles being poured, boxes being packed, and market prep in full swing — it’s been a lot. And truthfully, I’ve felt a little low on energy, a little overwhelmed at times. Which brings me nicely to…

photography of maple trees — Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

✨ Theme of the Week: A Little Crisis of Confidence

This week, I’ve found myself caught in a bit of a wobble — nothing huge or dramatic, just a little crisis of confidence. That soft but persistent whisper of am I doing enough? Is this landing? Is what I’m pouring my heart into actually reaching anyone at all?

It’s not the first time I’ve felt this way, and I know it won’t be the last. These dips come and go — part of the natural ebb and flow of life and creativity. Some seasons are full of fire and drive and ideas, and others feel quieter, more uncertain, a little slower. And when that slowness comes, it’s easy to mistake it for failure. But I’m learning — slowly — that rest isn’t the opposite of growth. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that allows it.

In many ways, it mirrors the season outside. Autumn doesn’t rush. The trees don’t fight to hold on to every leaf. They let go. They trust in the cycle. And I think there’s something to learn in that — about trusting our own rhythms, even when they don’t look or feel particularly productive.

This week I’ve been reminding myself that doing “enough” doesn’t have to look impressive. Enough can be: making the school lunches. Going for the walk, even when it’s short. Pouring the candles. Lighting one. Making a decent dinner. Sharing something small online, even if it’s not polished or perfect. Enough can be showing up with kindness, even when I feel a little frayed around the edges.

It can be easy, especially when you’re creating or sharing work online, to feel like you have to keep the wheel turning constantly. But I’ve been reminding myself — and I hope this reminds you, too — that it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to soften. It’s okay not to be at full tilt all the time.

These quiet spells aren’t wasted time. They’re part of the rhythm. And if you’re feeling the same way this week — a little unsure, a little out of steam, a little like you’re questioning yourself — know this: you’re not alone. And chances are, you’re doing more than enough already.

So let’s both take a deep breath, make a warm drink, and trust the quiet work that’s happening — even if we can’t always see it.

white and orange pumpkins on table — Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com

📝 On the Blog This Week

This week on the blog, I shared one of my favourite posts of the season so far — a deep dive into the origins, traditions, and meaning of Halloween. 🎃

From ancient Celtic roots and Samhain rituals, to how we celebrate it today (with a few of our own family traditions and ideas sprinkled in), this post explores the rich, fascinating story behind the season. It’s part history, part heart, and I hope you enjoy it — whether you’re looking to reconnect with Irish customs, or just want to bring a little more intention and meaning to Halloween with your teens or family.

You can have a read here:
👉 The Origins, Traditions & Spirit of Halloween

And if you’re in the mood for a little more seasonal inspiration, I’ve gathered all my Halloween-themed posts into one easy place — filled with ideas, treats, crafts, and cozy moments. Here’s the full list:

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

📅 Coming Up on the Blog

Little did I know, back in May when I first shared 31 Mindful Moments for May, just how much these little seasonal calendars would resonate. And yet here we are — heading into November with our How to Winter Well calendar ready to share with you next Tuesday.

This one is all about finding calm, peace, and a sense of comfort during the darker, colder months — filled with gentle ideas, journaling prompts, cosy moments, and reminders to embrace winter in your own way. ❄️

As always, it’s not a challenge (unless you want it to be) — it’s simply a collection of supportive ideas to dip in and out of. A quiet companion for the month ahead, especially if you find this time of year a little more difficult.

You’ve told me how much these calendars mean to you — and truly, I’m so grateful. I love hearing how you’re using them, sharing them, or simply keeping them nearby as a soft seasonal guide. I’ve even got one prepped for December (a mindful advent and beyond), and January’s is already in the works — so we’re slowly but surely creating a full year of gentle living together. 🌙

The How to Winter Well calendar will go live on the blog on Tuesday, just in time for the start of the new month. But if you happen to miss it, don’t worry — I’ll be sure to include it in next Friday’s letter too. 💌

📸 On Instagram This Week

Since we last spoke, it’s been a gentle mix of cosy content and little reflections over on Instagram.

On Saturday, my daughter and I spent the day photographing and filming our new Christmas candle collection — and oh, we had such fun. There’s something so joyful about styling Christmas scenes in October… and then promptly returning to full autumn mode the next day! 😂

Because you know me — I’m all about soaking up the here and now. So, alongside the candle launch, I shared more golden, leafy autumnal moments… and a little reel with a reminder that life is for living today — not just saving the “good stuff” for special occasions. Whether it’s lighting the candles, using the nice glassware, or wearing your favourite jumper, today is as special as any.

And in between the pretty scenes and cosy vibes, I also shared a more honest post about how I’ve been feeling this week — that little crisis of confidence we talked about earlier. The response was just so lovely. Your comments and DMs truly meant the world to me. Thank you for showing up with such encouragement and warmth. ❤️

As I always say — if Instagram is your thing, you’ll find me there most days chatting in stories, sharing glimpses of home, slow moments, behind-the-scenes candle making, and little reflections along the way. You can find me at @ourlittlehouseinthecountry — and I’d love to say hi if you stop by!

🕯️ Candle Shop Update

As I mentioned earlier, our Christmas candle collection is now live on the website — and I have to say, it has been such a joy to create. From testing blends and pouring batches to designing the labels (which I print and hand-cut myself!), it’s all been done right here at our little house in the country. If you fancy a browse, you’ll find the full range right here — but as always, no pressure at all. It’s simply there if that’s your thing.

This week, I’m also preparing for something quite exciting — my very first craft fair pop-up market as part of the Cottage Market Drogheda’s event at the Lú Festival of Light. This beautiful festival lights up Drogheda’s most historic landmarks with stunning projected artworks and runs from October 24th–27th. The pop-up market will be held inside the Dominican Church, and I’ll be there with my Christmas candles on Bank Holiday Monday, October 28th from 5–9pm alongside 30+ other fabulous local makers, crafters, and food producers.

It’s a little nerve-wracking doing my first market stall — but mostly exciting! If you happen to be nearby, I’d love you to pop in and say hello. I’ll be there with a cosy, twinkly autumn-themed stall and lots of festive candles ready to take home.

💫 Special Offers are still running on some autumn candles, and I’ll be chatting more in the coming weeks about the different scents in the Christmas collection.

🎁 And keep an eye out — there’ll be a little Christmas candle giveaway on Instagram the first week of November.

✨ I’m also in the early stages of developing a signature, year-round collection of four candles — something fresh, calming, and timeless. I’d love your input! If there’s a particular scent you’d love to have in your home all year round, I’m all ears — citrusy, herbal, floral, warm… I’d love to hear.

💛 What I’ve Been Loving from Around the Internet

Each week I like to give a little shout-out to some people and pages doing lovely things online — whether it’s through creativity, kindness, or community.

🌟 The Cottage Market Drogheda
The wonderful folks behind the monthly Cottage Market — usually held on the first Saturday of the month in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre — are also behind this weekend’s magical Lú Festival of Light pop-up market. I’m incredibly grateful to be one of the selected traders, and if you’re nearby, do give them a follow and support their work in showcasing incredible local talent.
→ @cottagemarketdrogheda

🧵 Lynda at @ourcutelittlemakes
Linda is a truly gifted craftswoman who shares the most beautiful crochet creations — and her talent runs in the family, with her sister and mum creating alongside her! Her account is a little treasure trove of handmade beauty, seasonal inspiration, and quiet wisdom. She’s also been such a kind and encouraging presence in this space.
→ @ourcutelittlemakes

🤍 Moments Collected by Jodi

This week, I want to shine a little light on someone whose presence on Instagram has brought me such quiet joy: the lovely Jodi, who you’ll find at @moments_collected_by_jodi — all the way from Wisconsin in the U.S.

Jodi and I crossed paths over the summer, and she has been an absolute pleasure to follow ever since. Her account is, in her own words, “a quiet little space sharing moments collected through my Canon lens in squares” — and what beautiful squares they are.

Her photography is simply breathtaking: soft light, wide skies, the gentle hush of lakes, meadows, trees, and occasional glimpses of people captured with such warmth and grace. She has such a thoughtful, open-hearted view of the world — one that radiates through every image she shares. You can feel her kindness, her depth, and her love of nature in every frame.

If you’re looking for a calm, beautiful, inspiring space to pause in the scroll, I honestly can’t recommend her little corner of Instagram enough. Pop over, say hello, and soak in the beauty she captures so tenderly.

🌿 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

💬 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.

🌾 Until Next Time

As always, thank you so much for spending a little time here with me this Friday. Whether you’ve been following along from the very beginning or you’ve only just stumbled upon this little corner of the internet, I’m so grateful to have you here. This space continues to grow into the loveliest, most supportive little community — and your kindness never goes unnoticed.

If something from today’s letter resonated with you — maybe the idea of riding those creative ebbs and flows, or the reminder that we are already doing enough — I hope you’ll carry that gentle thought with you into the weekend ahead.

Midterm has begun in our house, the kettle is on, the wind is blowing leaves across the garden, and there’s a feeling of winding down just a little. I hope you find some pockets of rest, joy, and comfort wherever you are too.

Wishing you a warm and peaceful weekend,
Ciara x