Hi! Welcome! Let’s chat!

Welcome to Our Little House in the Country

Hi everyone! I just wanted to pop on here today for a little chat—especially since we’ve had so many new followers lately (which, honestly, has blown me away!). So, first off, thank you—whether you’re new or have been here for years, I’m so grateful you’re part of this space.

For those of you who don’t know me yet, I’m Ciara, I’m 46, mum to 2 amazing teenagers, and I write about intentional living, slow living, and making sense of midlife in a way that actually feels good. I also love decorating for the seasons, creating cozy corners, and making my home feel like a true reflection of who we are. You’ll sometimes hear me talk about parenting teens, particularly through the lens of low-demand living, as one of my children is neurodivergent, and home, for us, needs to be more than just a place—it needs to feel safe, nurturing, and supportive.

But here’s the backstory. Many of you have been with me since 2014 when I first started this Instagram and blog. Back then, life looked very different—I was sharing lots of kids’ activities, home life, and all the little creative things we were doing as a family. But as life often does, things shifted. Life got busy, chaotic, and, if I’m honest, quite difficult. The blog took a backseat while I juggled everything else.

Then, two years ago, I made a huge decision—I stepped away from my career as a deputy principal in education to be at home with my family during an especially tough time. It was one of those decisions that came fast and felt urgent—one I didn’t have time to overthink. And looking back now? I know I made the right choice.

At first, I thought, Great! Now I have time to get back into blogging! But honestly? Life was still too overwhelming. I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t flow well in chaos, and for a long time, I just didn’t have the headspace for it. I tried, played around with ideas, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t fully committed—because my family needed me more.

Fast forward to now—things have settled, life has become calmer, and for the first time in years, I feel like I have the space to create, share, and build something that truly matters to me. And so, I finally gave myself permission to go all in.

So, What Can You Expect Here?

🌿 Intentional, Slow, & Real-Life Homemaking

Not homemaking in the Stepford wife or trad wife sense—but homemaking as in creating a space that nurtures, supports, and feels like home. To me, a home isn’t just how it looks—it’s about the feeling it gives us.

💛 Midlife, Change & Personal Growth

I talk a lot about navigating midlife in a way that actually feels good—figuring out what this new phase of life means, redefining what success looks like, and embracing change instead of fighting it.

🏡 Seasonal Decorating, Cozy Spaces & Traditions

I love to make home feel warm, personal, and seasonal—without stress, excess, or pressure. From simple seasonal touches to creating meaningful traditions that make everyday life feel special.

☕️ Everyday Joy, Gentle Living & Mindset Shifts

I truly believe that small, intentional moments matter. Whether it’s the morning coffee ritual, a quiet pause in the afternoon sun, or creating a home rhythm that works for your real life, those little things add up.

💬 Real Talk About Life’s Ups & Downs

I share the messy, real, evolving process of figuring things out. I don’t have all the answers—but I do believe in creating a life that feels true to you.

A Practical Approach to Intentional Living

I know that not everyone can step away from a career or make big life changes. Some people don’t have that option, and I’m always mindful of that. That’s why, when I talk about slow and intentional living, I try to keep it real, practical, and achievable. It’s not about escaping the modern world—it’s about finding ways to bring a little more peace, joy, and intention into the life you already have.

Why I’m Here & Why I Love This Community

When I first committed to rebuilding this space, I didn’t know what to expect. But what I’ve found is that the connections, conversations, and friendships I’ve made here are incredibly special. Whether it’s chatting about Nicholas Moss pottery, swapping seasonal decor ideas, or just supporting each other through midlife shifts—this space has become something really meaningful to me.

So, if any of this resonates with you, I’d love for you to stick around, join in the conversation, and make this space your own too. Because Our Little House in the Country isn’t just about my story—it’s about creating a place where we can all feel a little more at home, in every sense of the word.

Thank you for being here. 💛

Chat soon,

Ciara