Tuesday Essays
A collection of thoughtful, personal essays from Our Little House in the Country, exploring seasonal living, ordinary days, home, family, change, midlife and the quieter things we notice along the way. Published on Tuesdays, these are reflections on living more intentionally — finding meaning in everyday life, making space for where we are now, and learning to move gently through the changing seasons of both the year and our lives.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
The Beauty of an Ordinary Day
Most of our lives are made up of wonderfully ordinary days. This gentle reflective essay explores why the quiet moments—morning coffee, walking the dog, hanging washing on the line and evenings spent at home—are where life truly unfolds, and why learning to notice them might be one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Printables, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
Let August Be Enough
August has a quiet way of slipping past almost unnoticed. This gentle reflection explores how we can stop rushing towards the next season, savour ordinary summer moments and discover the beauty of simply letting August be enough.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Slow and Intentional Living, Tuesday Essays
The Unexpected Gift of Creative Rest
What if the missing ingredient wasn't more inspiration, but more space? In this reflective essay, I explore the unexpected gift of creative rest, how slowing down rekindles creativity, and why wonder often returns when we finally stop trying so hard.
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
The Summer I Stopped Trying to Do Everything
For years, I thought a “good” summer meant making the most of every minute — filling the calendar, planning memorable days, creating magical moments, and trying to hold everything together for everyone else. But somewhere along the way, summer became another thing to manage rather than experience. In this reflective essay, I share what changed after burnout, stepping away from full-time work, and spending slower days in France with my family. It’s a deeply personal piece about emotional exhaustion, motherhood, invisible mental load, nervous system calm, and learning to stop trying to optimise every season of life. This is a gentle reflection on slow and intentional living, ordinary summer joy,…
- Intentional living, Midlife Reflections, Parenting and Family Life, Seasonal Inspiration, Slow and Intentional Living, Summer, Tuesday Essays
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.
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The Art of Staying In
As winter settles in, it’s time to celebrate the art of staying home. From creativity to connection, this reflective post invites you to rediscover the quiet joy and wonder found in a cozy, creative season.
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Finding Joy in the Grey Days
Grey skies and short days don’t have to mean gloom. This reflective post explores cozy rituals, gentle mindset shifts, and small everyday joys that make winter brighter.
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Winter Well: Nourishing Mind, Body & Soul
Slow down and nourish yourself this January. From warm food and gentle movement to mindful rest and cozy home rituals, this post shares simple, soulful ways to winter well—body, mind, and soul.
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Creating a Winter Sanctuary at Home: Practical and Soulful Ways to Make Your Home a Refuge
After the sparkle of Christmas fades, home can feel quiet and bare. Here’s how to create a warm, nurturing winter sanctuary — with candles, textures, light, and gentle rituals that bring calm to the coldest months.
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A January of Intentions, Not Resolutions
January doesn't have to begin with a list of everything we need to change. A thoughtful reflection on choosing intentions over reinvention, protecting what is already good and allowing the new year to begin at a gentler winter pace.