Making memories.
My grandmother Agafia died in the year 2004. Unfortunately, I can’t share a picture of here with you at the moment. I think when I’ll get back home I will find Agafia’s picture and will write a special blog post about her… But for now, I can share a most peaceful place on earth – my childhood memories, my … More Grandma’s house
We aren’t all mothers, right? But we all have mothers! Happy Mother day to all mothers all around the world! Especially those moms who follow my blog and inspires me: Jodi, juliehcares, visionsofmy60s.com, atticsister, higginsmj …and I bet there are more! Happy Mother’s day to you all! Ilze
Till today I thought there are only one species os swans… well not true! There are three different species in Latvia. These ones (below in the picture) are Mute swans (Cygnus olor). These two are in the pond next to our grandmother’s house. Beautiful birds. And so big! I had the chance to see them … More White Swans: Mute swans
I love this cat! I love how big he is! I asked if I can take a picture of him to show to my followers. He didn’t say anything so I think he don’t mind 🙂 He is only two years old and he was rescued when he was 5 months old. Last summer he was … More Big Cat
After spending some quality time in my hometown with my family, Janis took the girls and they went back home… and I stayed on my own in a quiet, tidy and homie caravan! ONE MY OWN for three days (for 3 1/2 days)! Explanation: So, since I’m a mom, about 5 years and 11 months … More This is huge!
Our next stop was Salacgriva. We all wanted to meet my mom. Girls were sad when we left Gauja National Park, cause they meat wonderful friend Normunds and didn’t want to leave. But when I told that next stop is Salacgriva, they were so happy! Linna especially! So, after a one and a half hour … More Hometown Salacgriva
Those who follow me since the beginning know that I’m not interested in seeing cities and museums. I love nature! We opened our caravan season on Friday, 4 May by heading to the rural property of our friends’ family near Līgatne (Latvia) in Gauja National Park territory. All the property is suited along the cliff and … More Gauja National Park – Ligatne: Cliffs and Nature
This summer we will be caravaning around Latvia. But first things first. I upgraded our caravan to be more like for us – two grownups and 3 kids under 6 years. Our flooring was carpet and it wasn’t easy to clean! Now it’s Vinyl flooring! It is easy to clean and it was easy to … More Caravaning – Vinyl flooring
…if you get up early you can do a lot by noon! Nice! Yesterday I did a lot until 2pm! A lot! I wanted to share right away but didn’t want to slow down (by sitting down) and get out of good energy flow I had! I woke up at 6:40 am and couldn’t sleep. … More If you get up early…
This was early morning. I woke up at 6:20 am and Janis even earlier at 5:45 am! Today girls will be in the kindergarten and the reason for that is: first – they want to (we had 4 day holiday) and second – I need to clean caravan and pack all the stuff to leave … More Early Morning
Today is International workers day… have you ever heard of it?! Most important – first 11 dandelions are blooming in our yard (according to Nelles counting system). Happy faces, it’s +20C and girls are jumping around the puddles in swimsuits – finally! Ilze
We have Linnas Godfather here for the weekend and he brought his doggy to! Our Marley isn’t happy (since the dog stays inside all the time and eats what’s left in Marley’s bowl) but we are trying the best to show love to our Marley :). I hope that by the end of the day … More Doggy
Latvian traditional Rye Bread dessert. Simple. Delicious. All you have to find is Rye bread crumbs or dark rye bread! Everything else is easy! Ilze
It was so a while ago (23.03.2018) when I agreed to run a cardmaking workshop… Well, I guess I didn’t know what it means :). I agreed and was prepared for worth! Well, I was prepared and not prepared at the same time. The last picture (above) shows how it was! It was crazy! There … More Card making workshop #1
This recipe is inspired by fellow blogger Crunch Crunch Away and I still have wild mushrooms in my freezer! I like to stir-fry all the liquid out from mushrooms and then freeze them in small glass jars. This recipe requires 2 of my wild mushroom jars. Modified the recipe a bit according to my mood and taste buds, … More Cabbage and Mushroom Noodles
Nelle is better, so she was in kindergarten for half day and then in art school. She was home at 2:30pm. Nelle: “What about coltsfoot?!” Me: “Hmmm, last time we checked they were starting to open, so today (a week later) they should be in full bloom. Let’s go and see?!” Nelle wanted my cardigan and … More Coltsfoot – Finally!
Today I was surprised to find out that I’ve been blogging for five years (with this account)! I’ve been through a lot of changes, doubts, and dramas, also dreams, perfections and struggles! I’ve lost myself…because of blogging! One year and four months ago I’ve started THIS blog (latvianmom.com). This blog is who I am! I … More 5th Anniversary!
Finally, I’m in the RIGHT mood! MY mood! The mood I remember being in – the mood that has written “Ilze” all over it! On Sunday I took out one of my vintage Damask (and by Damask I mean Damask cotton) tablecloth and served soup in a terrine to mine family. Yes, that’s MY mood! The … More Sunday Special
Finally, a bit better lettuce has arrived in our local store. Veggie – lettuce tortilla wraps for dinner! I like to make a veggie – lettuce mix in one bowl and dressing in another. So, when assembling tortillas, first spread the dressing and then add the veggie – lettuce mix. A friend of mine can’t … More Veggie – lettuce tortilla wraps
This year’s first picnic was yesterday! It was windy and not at all sunny, cold and terrible… but I love nature and how it gives us energy! Our picnics are spontaneous, quick, environment-friendly, almost sugar-free and short. I don’t cook for hours and we don’t enjoy sitting in a picnic spot for hours. Also, I’m … More First picnic this year
I think I didn’t mention that we pulled out our caravan from neighbors barn (read Jani’s parents barn)! Towed to the car and brought it here! It feels like summer can begin! I know it’s far from summer cause wind just pull up our trampoline and throw into the porch… but still: good … More Our beloved caravan
Yesterday, I submitted my Business Plan and had a little party at home :). Actually, it was because of Ronalds (Helmī godfather) who came to us from Germany! Today we used Ronalds as a personal driver and went to Gulbene for a walk.. or so we thought! The weather was so cold and windy and terrible, … More Cold, Windy but Lovely!
It was a crazy day! I finished my Bussiness plan – that is GOOD news! Nelle will have a doctor appointment tomorrow – she isn’t having temperature and feeling good! Jumping around, having fun in the sun – today we had 20C (that is hot for spring here in Latvia)! Now… I use my Canon … More Business Plan…What a day!
It was sunny and summery weather here in Latvia today! +19C! Most of the summer days are +19C (OK, OK, just 1/4 of all summer days are +19C) here in Latvia. Since we experienced such a lovely weather I put away my computer and Bussines Plan and go for the walk! We didn’t walk much … More Sunny Sunday Walk
There are a few things that happened in the life of our Marley. First, at the end it’s boy. We are living in the countryside and Marley can easily go out and have fun, but he never wants. Few times we took him out, while we are out and he hides under porch… So, one morning … More Marley in a window
I woke up cause Linna was crying. She is grumpy all the time, we really enjoy those few moments when she is laughing or smiling. Coming with a happy face and saying that love us! This time she didn’t want to go to kindergarten cause Nelle stays alone at home… Somehow we manage to deal … More Good morning ants!
Nelle is still ill: Yesterday was promising… until 6pm! After 6pm Nelle got the temperature high up in no time! From 37.2C to 39.8C (103.64 F) in just 40 minutes! We called family doctor and she suggested to take pills to get the temperature down and said: “.. if it won’t come down in 40 minutes – call … More Nelle….still ill!
Six years ago I was so unhappy! The reason was – I ordered the dress that looked so good in the internet shop. Read the review and it said, that I need to order one size bigger. I was UK 12 at the time and I ordered UK 14 but somehow it came UK16! It was too … More Perfect dress for me
So… It was long 16 days away from blogging! It feels like I need to write a long blog post about it… but wait… I was away only 16 days! Not much to write about, since my “staying home mom” was interrupted by Bussines Plan. My first and only Bussiness Plan ever! Followed by a lot … More I might be back…
Sorry I got you worried! I’m OK and I’m away from blogging cause I got an opportunity to write a business plan and get some money to start it from the government. So, it’s should be a high-quality business plan to win the concourse. All my time goes there and I miss blogging but have … More Away from blogging
.. So it’s on Sunday! The big day, when Linna will be 4! A lot to do, but started with My Little Pony inspired banner… Ilze
Working on my business plan… taking it to the next level. Adding history of the photography! Ilze
I found the pictures of another puzzle I did over weekend! So, actually, we started with 500 piece puzzle on Friday night and continue with two big 1000 piece puzzles. Three puzzles in total 🙂 Ilze
All weekend I spent puzzling. I thought I had both puzzles captured before I put them back in boxes… but not. I have a lot to do so I tried not to think about it all weekend. Instead I put two 1000 pieces puzzles together… and for the first time in ages my weekend was … More Jigsaw puzzle
I wanted to capture the beauty of tulips in an old enamel jug. This old enamel jug is from my grandma… It’s special! I did few shots and Marley jumped in. And I used it! What do you think!? Ilze
Yesterday Janis came back from Riga, work-related, and brought a big second-hand puzzle bunch which we bought on ebay.de! So, no doubt we opened the big box and started with 500-peace one. This morning we finished it. Girls like jigsaw puzzles and me too! Ilze
Busy…. I don’t like being busy, busy, busy… It means my priorities aren’t set! If you are busy to do something … that’s is weak goal setting! Maybe it sounds hush but it’s true! Believe me! If I’m too busy to write a blog post then the blog post isn’t that important. Something else come across! … More Getting busy
Let’s introduce Ronalds! He is Janis cousin…and that is the “furthest relation with us” he owns. He is also something closer, he is Helmī’s God Father! Since Ronalds is living in Germany and having a busy working schedule he visited us once a year. It is not like we can’t call each other or do … More Ronalds
I heard these two words together a lot! Have you!? Artisan bread…well?! Is it the look of the bread or the process how you make it or even the maker, that makes bread an artisan bread!? This one for sure is homemade! Artisan bread?! Not sure 🙂 Ilze
Our girls like “Max & Ruby”, “Bear Paddington”, “Curious George”, “Mr. Bean cartoons” and now we find another good one – “Sherlock Yack. Zoo Detective”. We all love it! Ilze
I was so happy to receive a package from Eddy! First, because I ordered handcrafted homemade soaps from Eddy’s family and second, Eddy has tomato seeds that are “old-fashioned”. What I mean by that?! I can grow a tomato and then save seeds for the next year and it will grow and will be the same … More Happy Mail Day #8
Hello, my dear fellow bloggers & followers! I’m back to “normal”, I bet I will need one week to get into the rhythm we have in our household and to deal with the mess! Let’s start with the cake! I baked red currant cake to celebrate Sunday! Suny sunny Sunday! Greeting to you all! Ilze … More I’m alive!
Ilze
Eurasian bullfinch – Pyrrhula pyrrhula – Svilpis This is what I’m sharing with you today. Ilze
There are different types of sickness and different feelings about it. Mainly I don’t like to be sick!!! But sometimes sickness is an opportunity to stay in bed and take care of yourself… but sometimes sickness make you suffer a lot and you feel tired and terrified! I’m sick, I’m tired, I’m terrified… I’m hoping … More When you are sick
Card making took me over! Since not all girls are well and in kindergarten I don’t have much time for cardmaking, but I start in the early morning and then think about it all day long and when girls get into beds at night I run to my table (it’s good to have it downstairs!) and … More It is all about cards…
Another childish card came up in my mind! Why not!? After all word, Pawesom is adorable! If you like it, you can buy it, just ask! Ilze
I’m back to cardmaking (a bit!) and these are first three I made downstairs! I like all of them but love the last one. All the bears are hand-stamped and hand-colored using girls coloring pencils – I don’t have grownups pencils! I started with this childish theme cause it has a good statement “A good … More Card Making: Lovely Bear
Yesterday we were in the library. It’s something special to us. We don’t visit library very often. Actually, this was the second time in the library as a family. I thought a library is something boring and full of books that no one can read through! But as the previous time (few month ago) also this … More Yesterday: Library
We are heading to the library. It’s -18C outside…. brrr. Girls asked for library so why not. Ilze
(I don’t know why, but for the first time I wanted to start my blog post by saying…) Good morning, everyone! I hope you don’t have -20C outside or at least if you do have way too low below zero – you are warm inside or outside enjoying it! I spend two days taking card making … More Craft space: Up or Down…the stairs!
It feels right to live here in the countryside of Latvia! So, so right! I like to walk and observe all the beauty Mother Nature can give to us! A beautiful day was yesterday and the new one is coming today! I promised myself to walk a bit every day. Since it’s so beautiful feels like … More Yesterday’s walk
While girls were ill at home, we made beautiful 3D tulip greeting cards using square paper plates and colored paper! You can find the directions & template here. Yes, that is my coffee in the middle of those paper scraps… and that is Marley watching birds! I run on coffee all those two weeks while … More DIY: 3D Tulip greeting card
This day is special. Special to me. Not because 35 is a big deal to me but because I realize, that self-love and confidence finally have arrived. I don’t know why it took so long! Being me is the best thing ever! My blogging friend Jodi can tell you, that I’ve been through … More Happy 35th birthday to me!
Nope! It wasn’t “opening up the package I receive yesterday with restriction – do not open until 20th February”! It was 5-minute morning yoga stretch! Yes, I finally started to do something to get most out of my day. Last time I did something was Pregnancy yoga 6 years ago. It was gentle stretching with a good … More First thing in the morning
Maybe you remember that one time when I honestly admitted that it’s hard for me with “Surprises”! Remember the present that can’t be open till my name day!? I was thrilled and relieved when I finally opened that package! It was hard! I even shook it and almost opened it two days before my name day! … More Be Patient!
I’m back to blogging after the two-week break! Yes, it wasn’t two weeks – only 9 days! But it feels like half of the month! All comments on my blog answered yesterday so other people blogs for today! Now out with Nelle (Yes, shes still at home)! Ilze
There are those three who always get in pictures… and those two wichs always not in pictures… One is behind the camera and another one always sleeping in the car. Ilze
We found a new picnic spot in the nearest forest. I know it’s not much, but really, what you need if you get there by car!? You can take your own picnic table and stools, right? We love short picnics in forests! Ilze
Ilze
I was so lucky to capture strange white frozen growths on treas around foxholes. At first, it looked so weird that I didn’t allow girls to touch it! Actually, we didn’t touch it at all! Later I found this article: Mystery of HAIR ICE solved: Strange white frozen growths found on trees are engineered by fungus Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3171935/Mystery-HAIR-ICE-solved-Strange-white-frozen-growths-trees-engineered-fungus.html#ixzz56hkwhlH6 … More Lucky day
Yesterday I shared gray winter morning in Latvia. Now it’s time for evening 🙂 Ilze
Cold and gray winter morning in Latvia. All trees on the other side of the road were covered in ice crystals. So beautifully white! Ilze
These birds are silly! They like to visit our feeder and they always stick together. I saw them in the cherry tree near the feeder. Grab a camera and run out. Silly Greenfinch flew away to the nearest tree when saw me with the camera. Ilze
This is one of the smallest bird coming to our feeder. This is some sort of tit but I can’t tell whether its Willow tit or Marsh tit! More pictures here. They both are so similar. Both have a black head and black spot under the beak. Some say the only way to tell is the song … More Poecile palustris / Poecile montana
Things around me are getting crazy. I need more time, space, need to plan and do few projects… I’m taking days (up to two weeks) off from blogging. I just sat down for few hours to make scheduled posts for 8 days and now I’m saying goodbye for few weeks. Take care you all! Ilze
Remember the post from yesterday!? Now here is the recipe I used to make Crêpes. This recipe is from my mom and is old as me so that is the reason why it’s in grams. Never converted to cups. Ilze
In Latvian “plānās pankūkas” (thin pancakes) but most of the people know it as Crêpe. These are my favorite pancakes. I remember how mom used to bake them… rarely (maybe once a month, or so)! If she baked them every week it won’t be special! So, this morning I got up at 6am because of Helmī. … More Crêpe or Thin Pancakes
Update: Two bigger girls don’t have a temperature but Nelle got itchy throat. Salt water gargle isn’t an option cause she doesn’t know how to do that. We will stick with pastilles and camomile tea, water and honey. That won’t be a problem. It looks like Helmī is allergic to quince! I added it to the herbal teas for … More Early morning after a late night!
Finally, this blog has a logo! I made a logo for this blog yesterday and that’s all thanks to FamilyBizzBuzz Etsy shop. I like my Etsy shop logo and this was the starting point for blogs logo… They look alike. And that is good, cause that’s me… behind both! What do you think? I have … More Blog: Logo [✓]
Now all three girls are ill. Even Helmī have a temperature. No flu… something else. We stick to a lot of C vitamin, herbal teas, and few meds… Girls are puzzling and I’m doing my best to keep them in bed and happy! It feels like I’m next! While girls were sleeping I’ve tried to get … More Update
I have to postpone all my plans and actions related to the Etsy shop. Girls are ill! Nothing serious, but being all at home where Janis try to work from… is serious! Or at least “good workout” for me! Linna was ill on Friday (only temperature – about 38.8C). Now she’s having running nouse. Nelle got … More Postpone
Finally, I’ve started an Etsy shop… I once sold mom’s made socks on eBay and that was way easier than sell on Etsy… but someone suggested Etsy for handmade things, so Etsy it will be! The main reason for Etsy shop was my moms handknitted 100% wool socks that are natural and warm. But I also … More Etsy shop: FamilyBizzBuzz
Savory breakfast – omelette with ham and cheese! Nelles favorite! Mine is Mushroom stuffed Omelette! Ilze
I spent yesterday doodling in Illustrator… Never used an Illustrator before. Tried to do a small “project”…. … got dizzy! I don’t know where that day went… but I guess I liked it so much even don’t mind spending one-day moving points! I was so entertained… end up having a headache! It’s not good to … More Illustrator
Thanks to our friend Aivar’s dad Aivars (Yes, they both are named Aivars) we have an opportunity to buy extra free range eggs! Also, we are lucky enough to have Janis Uncle that is also having free range chicken “farm” (about 10 chickens). Since Aivars (senior) started the “egg business” (I guess we are the only … More Mushroom Omelette
This is our comfort food! Childhood memories! Thursday – Friday nights at students dormitories kitchen. Why? Cause no money left for something else, good if you have oil and potatoes from home. So, this dish is the main cause, cause for others than Latvians it might look like a side dish :). So simple, that you … More Fried potatoes – Latvian style
Is it ok to talk about Sunday two days after it!?! As you know my mom was there and helped me scrub and clean all the darkest corners and places in the house. I was dealing with the “girls made mess” on Saturday, but well, I did it! I could take care of all the house, … More Sunday (mess from Sunday!)
Mario & Nora visited us on Saturday after Nora had choir show in Smiltene. We had a lovely time chatting inside cause weather outside was rainy & windy! Sunday morning I started with coffee and made Tuna tortilla wraps. After that, there were chatting & chilling! I was too relaxed to look for my phone, … More Sunday
Yesterday we were in Smiltene & Valmiera. We went to the choir show to meet two friends – Mario and Nora. Mario is a friend of a youth day and Nora too! Nora was singing in the choir near to us so we can’t miss the opportunity to meet! After the show, we came to our place … More Oh, what a surprise!
Since my mom was there we did all “preparation” for today! In Latvia, you don’t need to invite people to you name day – friends can visit you without invitations. But in real life – they would call to “greet” and you can suggest to “meet” ;). After all the cooking and house cleaning, mom … More Happy Name day… to me!
Am I getting old or what? I’ve been thinking about water bath canning since autumn when my mom made all the tomatoes on pickled cucumbers for us at her home… and was tired as hell! I didn’t have a pot big enough… And I considered buying one, but then I realize that my stove top … More Water Bath Canning
Grandma is here so all the girls have a day off the kindergarten. As always we have a ton of chores to do and Marīte is 100 times quicker than me… She wanted to fold laundry, but before that girl is giving her SPA. Linna covered her arms with Weleda regenerating hand cream while Nelle … More Ome Mārīte / Grandma Marite
OK. Do you remember our first shaker card!? I was inspired by Lana and her shaker card “Hello”! Nelle came home from kindergarten last Thursday and announced that her teacher is leaving on Friday! “She will have a baby and we have to make her shaker card!!!”… I paused… “It’s only a few hours till the … More Another shaker card!
Janis changed his work and have a new contract since 10th of January. He decided not to dig in until this Monday. So, Janis had few days off – seven working days if be exact! He spends that time doing what he normally can’t. Usually, we shop our food here in Gulbene, but since Janis didn’t … More Few days off
Receive a package from GrumpyTyke was a huge surprise as itself! Impatiently I cut and rip the package apart from the box… even bigger was my surprise seeing this: “Not to be opened until 27 JAN” OMG! Noooooo! I’m not good at this! Once I convince all my family to celebrate Christma Eve at 23rd of … More Surprise!
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight Walking in a winter wonderland And later on, we’ll conspire As we dream by the fire To face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made Walking in a winter wonderland. Ilze P.S. More about the song here.
Our Cat Marley is getting friendlier and friendlier every day!! And now as far as I can tell (I’m almost 35 and I never had a cat before and I don’t look under the tail of cats I met along the way) our cat Marley is SHE! Is Marley a girl name?! Cause our cat Marley … More Marley
Another breakfast idea from my heart & kitchen to yours! I had leftover tuna and half of the tomato from tortilla night, I don’t like throwing out food. So I build my breakfast around tuna and tomato :). Now, since girls are in the kindergarten and have balanced meals there (including breakfast) our morning gets lazy … More Tuna & Avocado CousCous salad
Tortilla night! I love it! And the reason for that is – it’s simple, tasty, healthiest “fast food” recipe I know and all my family members greet this dinner with happy faces and sparkle in the eye. I wonder is it hard to make tortilla at home?! Cause I’m buying tortillas and make the filling. … More Tortilla Tuna wraps
I want to go back to cardmaking, but not that much, cause all my craft corner looks like a mess and since it’s upstairs and in the room with closed doors, I forget about it! Every time I walk upstairs (rear, cause we don’t live there) I’m surprised of what’s going on in my craft … More Our first shaker card
Yesterday I had enormous breakfast (don’t know why I thought 1 cup uncooked CousCous is OK for 2, it’s not)! There was too much couscous and since it was delicious, I ate it all! Yes, all that BIG breakfast portion of couscous :). I know that oats are better but I can’t eat oatmeal all the time. … More CousCous with Garlic dip for breakfast
If you follow my blog on daily bases you know I didn’t like Banana bread or banana “something” until I’ve tried banana muffins! The result was so Yummy that I decide to repeat that recipe and take it to the next level – for me, it’s a bit healthier version :). I loved the aftertaste … More Banana and Honey Muffins
Or should I say – Home alone with Linna? Last week was interesting! Interesting cause we were apart from each other! Janis went to Riga to sign a new contract with a new IT company. And stayed in Riga for two days. As you know Nelle has time with me on Mondays, after School of … More Home alone
Last time Nelle had her art class was before Christmas and the next time the Art School opened was on Monday 8th of January! This period without the Art School was hard for Nelle and me! She asked 100 times – When will the school open!? For example, on Monday they have to paint a picture on a sandpaper using … More Art School for Nelle
She is only 3 years old (soon 4!) but she shows her interest in cooking! I’m happy to have such girl as a helper and who new maybe one day I won’t have to deal with cooking. Not like I don’t like it, sometimes it is just too much 🙂 So, here we were yesterday, staying … More Linna’s kitchen: Meatball soup (Frikadeļu zupa)
We can’t imagine a better way to entertain kids and awaken their imagination than a walk into an enchanted forest on a sunny day as it was this Sunday! I call this forest (that is actually more like woods 50 meters away from our house) enchanted cause I and also my girls believe these 100-year-old trees … More Enchanted forest
If you have leftover pumpkin puree you can make Omelette with pumpkin. It’s easy and requires fewer eggs than a regular omelet. Also, this omelette I like better than one made with fresh pumpkin. Love salty breakfast and Pumpkin Omelette isn’t exception :). Without further ado, recipe below! Ilze
There is something about my feelings right now… … I can’t believe how much things have happened this year! ONE year! The first year of this blog that I made a year ago… I can’t express my feelings in English, so I hope to share a few “facts” :). First of all… I’ve started this … More My newbie blog 1-year-old already!
We all know Mondays… Really!? NO! I would say “No! It is the same as the other days!” …six years ago! But now – OMG! Tomorrow is Monday!…Twice more coffee! And like it wouldn’t be enough! That “Monday” thing is real even if you are staying at home mom. And those who are saying “Mondays … More Monday
a day in the life of a latvian mom 