Our Little Friday Letter | Friday, 26th June 2026

Good morning, friends,

It feels like such a long time since I last sat down to write one of these letters.

In fact, by the time this lands in your inbox, it will have been almost a month since our last Friday Letter. I have missed our little chats.

First of all, if you’ve joined us recently, welcome. There have been lots of new names appearing on the subscriber list over the past few weeks and I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’ve found us through Instagram, the blog, one of the new printables or simply by chance, thank you for being part of this little corner of the internet.

So, how have you been?

Are you beginning to settle into summer?

I feel as though I am only just finding my feet again after almost three wonderful weeks in France.

We arrived home a little over a week ago and, if I’m being completely honest, I’m still gently finding my way back into a rhythm.

The funny thing about slowing down is that sometimes it’s just as difficult to come home as it is to leave.

I found it took a few days to properly switch off while we were away, and now I seem to be having the opposite problem. My days are full of good things, little jobs, family time, blog ideas, cups of tea in the garden and long walks, but I’m still trying to find the shape of this new season.

Perhaps that’s okay.

Maybe summer isn’t something that needs to be organised quite so quickly.

Maybe it’s something we settle into.

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A Few Weeks in France

As many of you know, we spent almost three weeks in France earlier this month.

This has become something of a family tradition for us now.

Every year we pack up the car, bring the dog, board the ferry and head off in search of slower days and quieter moments.

I know this style of holiday probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Some people love adventure, packed itineraries and seeing as much as possible.

These days, what suits us best is something much gentler.

Long walks.

Pool days.

Books.

Fresh bread.

Late dinners.

Conversations that stretch on longer than expected.

The simple pleasure of nowhere urgent to be.

Every morning my husband and I would walk through the countryside with Alfie before stopping at a local boulangerie for fresh bread and croissants.

One of my favourite discoveries was a small farm kiosk where local milk, yoghurt and cheeses were sold directly from the farm. We’d stop there most mornings, often just to see what was new.

The rest of our days unfolded naturally.

There were walks along the Loire.

Lazy afternoons reading in the shade.

Family games.

Long lunches.

Evening strolls.

A few beautiful châteaux.

A fascinating magic museum.

And a wonderful day at ZooParc de Beauval, which surprised all of us by becoming one of the highlights of the trip.

But more than anything, what I loved was the space.

The space to read.

The space to think.

The space to simply be together.

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What Slowing Down Reminded Me

One thing I’ve noticed about myself over the past few years is that creativity doesn’t arrive when I’m busy.

It arrives when I stop.

Not immediately.

Usually it takes a few days.

But once life quietens down a little, ideas begin to appear again.

And that happened this year more than ever.

By the second week of our trip, my notebook was filling with ideas for blog posts, printables, seasonal projects and future plans.

The pressure had disappeared.

The noise had softened.

And suddenly there was room for imagination again.

It’s something I’ve noticed before.

The same thing happened when I took January off earlier this year.

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is step away long enough to hear ourselves think again.

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One of the loveliest surprises since coming home has actually been the response to the new Summer Bucket List printable collection.

I honestly wasn’t sure what would happen when I shared it. I thought a few people might download it and enjoy it, but the response has been far bigger than I ever expected.

More than anything, I’ve loved reading your messages.

Several of you have shared the reasons why you downloaded it, who you’re printing it for, what kind of summer you’re hoping to create, and the small moments you’re looking forward to. Those messages have meant more than I can properly put into words.

If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll find the Summer Bucket List Collection here:

It’s completely free to download and filled with simple ideas, seasonal pleasures, family moments and gentle little invitations to help make the most of the season.

And while we’re talking about printables, I thought I’d give you a little sneak peek of something else.

This evening I’ll be sharing my new Gentle July calendar on the blog, but as newsletter subscribers, you’re getting an early look.

Gentle July includes thirty-one simple invitations to slow down, savour summer and enjoy the beauty of ordinary days. I’ve also created a companion reflection page filled with journaling prompts to help you capture some of those little moments before they disappear into the busyness of life.

I’ll pop both images below so you can have a look before everyone else.

I think it might be one of my favourite calendars yet.

And if you’re anything like me, perhaps July doesn’t need to be packed full of plans. Perhaps it simply needs a little more room for sunshine, books, walks, family time and the simple pleasures we often overlook.

That’s certainly what I’m hoping for.

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As I sit here writing this, the garden is full of colour, the evenings are stretching on forever, and for the first time in quite a while I feel like there is still so much summer ahead of us.

The children don’t go back to school until the end of August this year, which somehow feels like the greatest luxury of all.

No rushing.

No countdown.

No trying to squeeze everything in.

Just time.

I’m not entirely sure yet what shape this summer will take. I’m still finding my rhythm again after France. But perhaps that’s okay.

For now, I’m looking forward to more early morning walks, more cups of tea in the garden, more books, more evenings outdoors, and hopefully a little less rushing through the days.

Thank you, as always, for being here.

I never take it for granted.

Have a beautiful weekend, and I’ll chat to you again very soon.

Love,

Ciara x

Our Little House in the Country

PS – I’d genuinely love to hear from you — This little letter is very much a two-way conversation. If something here resonates, if you have a thought to share, or if there’s something you’d love to see in a future newsletter, blog post, or printable, I’d really love to hear from you.You can simply reply directly to this email, send a message via the contact form on the blog, email me at hello@ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com, or say hello over on Instagram — whatever feels easiest.

You can reach me any time by:
📩 Filling out the contact form✉️ Emailing me at hello@ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com💬 Sending a DM over on InstagramComments on the blog or Instagram are always welcome too. I read every single one.Thank you, as always, for being here and for taking the time to read along.

You may enjoy exploring our new printables collection:

• Our Little Friday Letter | Friday, 26th June 2026
  Welcome back to Our Little Friday Letter. This week I’m sharing reflections from our recent trip to France, what slowing down reminded me about summer, the response to the Summer Bucket List printable, and a first look at the new Gentle July calendar. Pop the kettle on and join me for a cosy catch-up.
• What a Few Weeks in France Reminded Me About Slow Living
  After a few wonderful weeks in France, I returned home with a renewed appreciation for slow living, family time, creativity, and the beauty of simple summer days. Here’s what this year’s holiday reminded me about what really matters.
• What I Want This Summer to Feel Like
  A gentle and reflective summer essay about slowing down, embracing intentional living, and creating a calmer, more meaningful season. From quiet mornings and slower family rhythms to peaceful evenings, emotional wellbeing, connection, and ordinary summer joy, this post explores what it truly means to create a summer that feels good while you’re actually living it.
• The Quiet Joy of an Ordinary Summer Day
  A gentle and reflective essay about slow summer living, quieter family rhythms, intentional days, and finding joy in ordinary moments. From early morning tea and journaling to open windows, late evening walks, sleepy teenagers, outdoor living, and slower routines, this post explores the emotional relief and beauty of a calmer, more meaningful summer season rooted in presence, connection, and everyday life.
• A Slow Summer Bucket List for Real Life
  Looking for a slower, simpler summer? This gentle slow summer bucket list is filled with realistic ideas for creating a meaningful summer season — from quiet mornings and long evenings to camping trips, family connection, outdoor living, simple pleasures, and intentional summer rhythms. Perfect for anyone craving a calm, cosy, low-pressure summer rooted in real life rather than perfection.