First of January

Everyone seems to be making New Year’s resolutions today. Lists, goals, promises to become someone faster, better, more disciplined. That has never really been for me. If anything, I feel ready to do the opposite — to slip deeper into winter. To rest. To unwind. To let life move slowly for a while. Outside, the … More First of January

Year 2025

I’m not sure I want to dive into how this year went… and you know what? It doesn’t matter. Some years are meant to be understood; others simply survived. What matters is this: we’re looking forward. Lessons taken, weight put down, hearts a little tougher, a little wiser. Onwards we go — heads held high, … More Year 2025

How One Dessert Turned Into Three (or: The Holiday Egg Math)

I didn’t plan to make three desserts over the holidays… I planned to make one. It all started innocently enough with crème brûlée. The kind that feels festive but calm. Nothing extravagant — just a proper, classic dessert for the holidays. And then I counted the eggs. Sixteen egg yolks. Which meant sixteen egg whites … More How One Dessert Turned Into Three (or: The Holiday Egg Math)

Just Two-Ingredient Breakfast Bagels (Oven Baked)

I loved this. Truly loved it. I had to share this recipe! I’ve baked a lot of quick breads over the years — soda bread, all kinds of fast no-yeast solutions, seed and pumpkin breads when I want something nourishing without waiting. They all have their place.But these bagels? This was something else. Two main … More Just Two-Ingredient Breakfast Bagels (Oven Baked)

Interesting thought…

I started without a plan… as usual. Around the winter solstice, I took small pieces of paper and wrote sentences — not wishes in a fairytale sense, but states of being. Simple, honest things. Health. Calm. Steadiness. Warmth. Written in the present tense, as if they already existed, or at least as if they were … More Interesting thought…

I Miss You All

I haven’t been blogging daily for a while now — and I miss you all! ❤️Not sure I have the time to get back to daily posts again, but it was lovely while it lasted — more than a year in a row!Check out this rainy morning bird on the electricity pole doing yoga. ☔🐦 … More I Miss You All

I did it!

I’ve been thinking about creating a new blog (again) — this time, in my native language, Latvian. And… I finally did it! You can read my very first post here: You’re welcome to visit for some photos, or use auto-translate if you’d like to read the text. I’m not sure where this new space will … More I did it!

For Every Creator Whose Work Has Been Stolen — I’m Sorry

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how easily the internet lets thieves hide behind links and shadows. I recently experienced it myself (see “When Someone Links to Your Blog Without Permission”), and the feeling is sharp and painful. But I realized: I’m not alone. Many of you have had your writing, your photography, your … More For Every Creator Whose Work Has Been Stolen — I’m Sorry

Back to Work Today

Today I finally feel better, and I’m back to work again. It’s such a relief after feeling unwell for a while. I’m grateful that my work allows me this kind of flexibility — I can do it from home, on my computer, without the need for anything physically demanding. Working remotely makes such a difference. … More Back to Work Today

A Walk in Pärnu

On the weekend, I had a lovely walk with my mom in Pärnu, Estonia. It felt like such a treat to step away from daily routines and just wander together. The city has this calm charm—wide streets, a gentle seaside air, and a pace that invites you to slow down. We didn’t rush anywhere. We … More A Walk in Pärnu

Girls Are Feeling Much Better, and Helmī’s Birthday Celebration

Girls are feeling much better. We went out together, and it felt so good to mark the day with a little outing. Helmī was glowing, of course—birthdays always bring that special sparkle. And what did she order to drink? Not juice, not soda, not even a milkshake… but water. With an umbrella. Yes, with an … More Girls Are Feeling Much Better, and Helmī’s Birthday Celebration

Blood Moon

Yesterday was such a magical evening. The full moon turned red during the eclipse, and it was breathtaking to watch! The moon glowing in that deep red color was both strange and beautiful. I loved every moment of it. Mostly, I loved seeing my girls’ curious faces and hearing them voice chat with friends all … More Blood Moon

Woken Up by Magic

It’s not every night you get woken up at 2 a.m., and usually, when Janis does it, it’s because something serious is happening. In our 15 years together, it’s only happened twice—and both times it was because I needed to call an ambulance. Kidney stones are never fun. But last night… last night was different. … More Woken Up by Magic

Vacation Day 30 – Watercolors, a Garden Party, and a Sunset

I started my day with a watercolor doodle. This time I decided to try drawing an amanita mushroom – such a classic forest symbol of autumn. It was fun to play with the bright red cap and little white dots. Later in the day, I didn’t really feel like going out, but we were invited … More Vacation Day 30 – Watercolors, a Garden Party, and a Sunset

Vacation Day 28 – Morning Walk, Watercolors, and Foraging

I started the day at 6:45… just woke up, without an alarm! Not sure why, but I decided to take the day as it comes. First thing, I went for a walk and collected maple samaras – their shapes are so perfect and delicate. Feeling inspired, I tried my hand at watercolor and painted the … More Vacation Day 28 – Morning Walk, Watercolors, and Foraging

Vacation Day 25 – Rainy Garden Harvest and Cozy Evening

I went to the garden and collected a few new beetroots and carrots – regular ones and purple ones. We had potatoes together with chicken legs; they made a hearty dinner. It’s such a rainy and cold day outside… perfect for staying cozy inside with comfort food. Jānis brought me a cinnamon roll, and the … More Vacation Day 25 – Rainy Garden Harvest and Cozy Evening

Vacation Day 24 – Pillow Project and Fabric Decisions

Day 24 was all about pillows! The sofa set came with five, but it’s designed for six—3+2+1—and that missing pillow was bothering me. So, I decided to make a new one. Luckily, I have a serger, which made the job so much easier. Since it’s an inside pillow, I left the seams on the outside—no … More Vacation Day 24 – Pillow Project and Fabric Decisions

Vacation Day 23 – Autumn Whispers in the Garden

I cut all the tops of the pumpkin plants, hoping they will grow strong and be ready soon. Tops look so beautiful, full of promise—I’m even thinking about putting them in a vase just to enjoy them indoors for a little while. There’s something magical about seeing the garden transition from summer to autumn, and … More Vacation Day 23 – Autumn Whispers in the Garden

Vacation Day 20 – Soup, Rain, and a Little Treasure

Day 20 felt calm and comforting. I made a hearty soup from our homegrown chicken carcass, adding potatoes from Jānis’s parents’ garden, my own carrots, string beans, and onions. The kitchen filled with the warm, earthy aroma of fresh ingredients coming together—simple, nourishing, and completely satisfying. And, of course, I had to eat it with … More Vacation Day 20 – Soup, Rain, and a Little Treasure

Vacation Day 14 – Anniversary Celebrations

As expected, we had a lovely time the night before. Jānis had his special moments with Oto, and I enjoyed the conversations around me. The next day was all about getting ready for our 15th wedding anniversary celebration. We started with lunch at our house, followed by cake, and then continued at Jānis’s parents’ place, … More Vacation Day 14 – Anniversary Celebrations

Vacation Day 11 – Our Annual “Photoshoot”

Yesterday was supposed to be all about the photoshoot… but in reality, it turned into an Olympic-level event of outfit hunting. I spent the whole day digging through clothes, trying to match outfits to each kid’s personal “style” and “personality.” (Yes, sarcasm heavily implied.) Before all that chaos, I picked my straw flowers — they … More Vacation Day 11 – Our Annual “Photoshoot”

Vacation Day 10: Fields, Salads, and Starry Skies

Today, Jānis’s father started cutting the grass across all our 7 hectares — with a tractor, for hay. The storks kept a watchful eye over the whole process, like little supervisors in the field. I just love how everything looks after it’s cut down — so neat, fresh, and summery. We eat salads every day … More Vacation Day 10: Fields, Salads, and Starry Skies

Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending

I was feeling a bit down yesterday, so I went to the forest. I foraged for chanterelles and russules, and ate a few bilberries — enough to turn my mouth completely blue. Saw a huge patch of ferns and a whole field of heather (Calluna vulgaris). I couldn’t resist taking a few stems home. Butterflies … More Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending

Vacation Day 7: Fabric Delivery, Garden Tasks & a Full Moon Walk

The morning started in the coziest way possible — after breakfast I took my coffe in bed. Jānis drove to the Gulbene to by some stuff for renovation and I was sipping my “morning” coffee (around 2PM😅). Jānis took out the package from Omniva, and my fabrics, threads, and zippers from a lovely little fabric … More Vacation Day 7: Fabric Delivery, Garden Tasks & a Full Moon Walk

Vacation Day 5: Clean Sofa & Sewing Plans

I’m finally sharing the clean sofa pictures! ✨ Much better! Before: After: Yesterday was such a lovely day. Thanks to Jānis, I now have my needles, and thanks to Baiba—with her professional oil (she makes beautiful bags and purses)—both my sewing machine and serger are now ready for upcoming projects. I even ordered fabric for … More Vacation Day 5: Clean Sofa & Sewing Plans

Vacation Day 4: Sewing Machines, Zucchini & a Rare Rainbow

The morning started with another delicious salad straight from the garden. 🥗 I just love this daily ritual—fresh, simple, and full of summer flavor. The big news today? I finally brought my sewing machines back home. It’s been a while—I originally gave them “just for a week”… and never got them back. 😅 But now … More Vacation Day 4: Sewing Machines, Zucchini & a Rare Rainbow

Vacation Day 3: Primrose Flowers, Sofa Dreams & A Bath

This morning started with collecting the delicate flowers of the common evening-primrose. Their soft yellow petals feel like little pieces of sunshine—wild, gentle, and fleeting. Then came a lovely breakfast straight from the garden, followed (of course) by my favorite ritual: coffee with ice cream. ☕🍦 All the sofa cushions are finally dry and clean! … More Vacation Day 3: Primrose Flowers, Sofa Dreams & A Bath

Vacation Day 2: Ice Cream & Coffee, Furrows & Flower Namesakes

This morning began with something simple and lovely: fresh salad, dill, and crisp cucumbers from our garden, mixed with a touch of salt and kefir. Light, refreshing, and just right—especially before enjoying a coffee with a scoop of ice cream. I love mornings like this—unrushed, soft, a little bit magical. Afterward, I headed out to … More Vacation Day 2: Ice Cream & Coffee, Furrows & Flower Namesakes

Vacation Day 1: Walk, Horseflies and Sofa Cleaning

My first day of vacation was… nice. Nothing dramatic, nothing wild — just the kind of slow, easy start I’ve been craving. I woke up at 9am (no alarm, thank you very much!), stretched out slowly. Breakfast was simple and nourishing — some fresh veggies, which somehow taste even better when there’s no rush to … More Vacation Day 1: Walk, Horseflies and Sofa Cleaning

Tomorrow It’s Official!

After months of juggling work, renovation dust, and family life, tomorrow marks the official start of my vacation! No meetings, no emails—just time to breathe, stretch, and maybe even finish a cup of tea while it’s still warm. 🫖✨ Yes, I’ve had time off before… but it usually meant hard labor—renovating, cooking, fixing something. And … More Tomorrow It’s Official!

Building Bonds with Oto

One of the most heartwarming parts of the weekend has been watching the bond between Jānis and Oto grow stronger with each passing day. There’s something so genuine and joyful about the way they connect – whether they’re laughing, playing, or deep in conversation about all the important (and not-so-important) topics a five-year-old can think … More Building Bonds with Oto

Change of Plans, Loads of Fun: A Weekend to Remember

This past weekend was meant to be all about Gulbene’s birthday celebrations – the plan was simple: my brother and his family would come over, we’d all head out to enjoy the city festivities, and end the evening with a concert under the stars. But as life tends to do, plans shifted, and honestly… I’m … More Change of Plans, Loads of Fun: A Weekend to Remember

A Basket Full of Surprise – Wild Majoram (Oregano) on My Trail

Sometimes, a quiet walk turns into a small adventure. The other day, I grabbed my little basket, filled up a water bottle, tucked a small knife into my basket, and headed out (with my friend Džeina). There was something I had noticed a few days earlier on our walking trail—something that looked very much like … More A Basket Full of Surprise – Wild Majoram (Oregano) on My Trail

I’m Latvian—Of Course There’s Dill

You know how some people say “put a cherry on top”?We say, put some dill on it. Because if you’re Latvian, you know:Dill isn’t a garnish.It’s a way of life. Potatoes? With dill.Cucumbers? With dill.Eggs, fish, cottage cheese, rye bread spread with something mysterious and creamy? Yup—dill. Dill is comfort. It’s summer in a handful. … More I’m Latvian—Of Course There’s Dill

Cowslip (Primula veris) – Golden Bells of Spring

It feels like spring never truly arrives until I see the first cowslips blooming. They’re early, humble, and bright—little golden bells dotting the meadows, as if the earth itself is waking up with a gentle yawn. There’s a kind of innocence in them. Soft, downy leaves close to the ground, and those sunny blooms nodding … More Cowslip (Primula veris) – Golden Bells of Spring

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – A Herb for Holding On

There’s something about lady’s mantle that always stops me in my tracks. Maybe it’s the way the leaves hold morning dew—like tiny crystal bowls—or how the whole plant seems to glow green, even on cloudy days. It doesn’t demand attention. It just is. Steady. Grounded. A little wild around the edges, but elegant in its … More Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – A Herb for Holding On

Linden (Tilia cordata) – The Tree That Whispers Calm

The linden trees have started to bloom, and suddenly, the whole area smells like honey and sunshine. I didn’t even see the blossoms at first—they hide up high, modest and pale yellow against the green—but I smelled them before I knew what had changed in the air. That scent… soft, sweet, and golden. It feels … More Linden (Tilia cordata) – The Tree That Whispers Calm