Coltsfoot hasn’t changed. I have.

April 8, 2026

I’ve written about coltsfoot so many springs now. About waiting for them, about picking them, about drying them carefully for tea. It has become something like a rhythm — not a strict ritual, but a familiar return. 2017: https://latvianmom.com/2017/04/21/coltsfoot-is-blooming/2018: https://latvianmom.com/2018/04/25/coltsfoot-finally/2025: https://latvianmom.com/2025/04/02/coltsfoot-the-hidden-guardian-of-spring/ But this year feels… different. I have changed. And somehow, I feel like I … More Coltsfoot hasn’t changed. I have.

Happy Easter

April 5, 2026

Today doesn’t feel like spring at all.It’s cold, gray, no sun… brrr. But maybe Easter isn’t always about bright light and warmth.Sometimes it’s just about holding on quietly, waiting for things to shift. As a Latvian, I couldn’t give up dyeing eggs the traditional way, using natural materials. But the kids had their own ideas … More Happy Easter

When Old Posts Suddenly Come Back to Life (and Maybe Bots?)

March 28, 2026

For a moment, I thought something exciting had happened to my blog. A spike in views — nice.Mostly from the USA — normal.But then… China. A lot of China. China!? That’s when I started to feel a bit suspicious. I’m used to occasional traffic from different countries, but this felt different. The numbers didn’t quite … More When Old Posts Suddenly Come Back to Life (and Maybe Bots?)

<>A Heavy Week<>

March 27, 2026

It’s been a strange week. Coming back to work after being away for a month sounds simple in theory — you just open your laptop and continue where you left off. But that’s not how it feels. It’s more like stepping into a moving train, trying to find your balance while everything is already in … More <>A Heavy Week<>

Cleaning the Greenhouse and Starting the First Seeds Outdoors

March 16, 2026

Last week was full of outdoor work. It felt like the garden was slowly waking up after winter. At the beginning of the week there was still plenty of snow around. It’s always funny how quickly things change at this time of year — one day everything is white, and a few days later you’re … More Cleaning the Greenhouse and Starting the First Seeds Outdoors

The Big Red Sun

March 15, 2026

Friday’s sunset caught my attention. The sun looked unusually big and deep red. It felt like I was in another country – like from movies. The color was so unusual — that heavy, dark red that you don’t see very often. The sky around it was much softer, almost pale, which made the sun stand … More The Big Red Sun

February Seeds: Some Sprouted, Some Didn’t

March 11, 2026

In February, the author looks forward to spring gardening and begins sowing various seeds indoors and outdoors using methods like winter sowing. While some seeds thrive, others take longer to germinate or struggle. The post lists various seeds being grown, emphasizing experimentation and the joy of nurturing plants for future growth. … More February Seeds: Some Sprouted, Some Didn’t

Spring is here!

March 6, 2026

Spring is slowly returning, and the garden is starting to wake up! In this video, I take a walk around my garden to see what’s happening: my raised beds are beginning to take shape, snowdrops are starting to appear, and I check on the plants I sowed over the winter in my mini greenhouses. I … More Spring is here!

Is Spring on Its Way?

February 26, 2026

Late February always feels like a strange in-between season. The sky stays grey, snow lies heavy on the ground, and it often feels as if winter might never end. The days move slowly, and everything becomes a little dull and tiring. This year felt exactly like that. Snow kept falling, trees were covered in ice, … More Is Spring on Its Way?

First of January

January 1, 2026

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

December 31, 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)

December 27, 2025

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)

December 26, 2025

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…

December 25, 2025

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

October 23, 2025

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!

October 8, 2025

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

October 5, 2025

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

September 22, 2025

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

September 16, 2025

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

September 14, 2025

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

September 8, 2025

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

September 3, 2025

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

August 31, 2025

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

August 30, 2025

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

August 28, 2025

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

August 27, 2025

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

August 27, 2025

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

August 24, 2025

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

August 18, 2025

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”

August 14, 2025

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

August 13, 2025

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

August 11, 2025

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

August 10, 2025

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

August 8, 2025

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