A space for personal insights, everyday experiences, and reflections on life. This category covers topics related to self-care, personal growth, and the little moments that make life meaningful.
My comfort food is as Latvian as it gets — gray peas with bacon and onions.Nothing fancy, nothing trendy. Just honest food that warms you from the inside. Gray peas with bacon and onions don’t try to impress. They simply are. And somehow, that’s exactly what I need. And gray peas are special, read more … More Comfort Food, Latvian Style
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
I just want to pause for a moment and say thank you to everyone who replied to my last post, “Why are you following my blog?”. Reading through all your thoughtful, kind, and encouraging comments truly made my day. I felt so much love and connection in your words — from curiosity about Latvia, to … More A Heartfelt Thank You 💛
Hi, Can you share in the comments: why are you following my blog? Thanks, Ilze
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
Found this in the bonfire site. Ilze
For the first time in my life, I felt something I had only heard other people talk about. My back gave out on me. One wrong move and suddenly I realized how much we rely on our spine for everything — standing, walking, sitting, moving, even breathing feels different now… I can’t la/tilugh. Tomorrow I … More I Threw My Back Out…
The sofa pillows finally got their zippers! I’ve been slowly working through them, one by one, and after a few hours of careful sewing, almost all of them were done. There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing a row of neat, functional pillows ready for the couch. I had to cook dinner. The kitchen kept me … More Sewing, Zippers, and Little Surprises
The first day of school is here! The kids are going back, and as always, it feels a little bit crazy for our family. You know how it is – we work from home, and usually we don’t have to go anywhere early in the morning. Suddenly, September arrives, and everything changes. Now it’s time … More First Day of School!
The last day of vacation is here. Tomorrow is not only my first day back at work, but also the school year starts. We really need to get ready for it… and honestly, I haven’t done much preparation at all…. But the big news of today is the sofa – it’s finally ready! I absolutely … More Vacation Day 31 – The Last Day
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
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
The morning greeted us with a chill in the air – colder than usual, a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. On my walk I noticed the grass covered in dew, and the spider webs glistening like lace in the morning light. It was such a beautiful sight, delicate threads sparkling as the … More Vacation Day 27 – Sunshine and Sewing
Day 26 morning started with a little surprise – we found a snake skin in the greenhouse! I guess my greenhouse is cozy enough that even a snake decided to hang around. I actually love the look of the skin, so I’m drying it and will keep it in a jar as a little keepsake. … More Vacation Day 26 – Car Troubles and a Snake Surprise
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
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
Today I spotted the cat in the craziest sleeping position on the chair – he looked like he could slip down at any minute! It’s always amusing to see how flexible they can be. Finally, all the extra pillows arrived, though I’m still waiting on the fabrics. My plan now is to add more pillows … More Vacation Day 22 – Cozy Corners and Pillow Plans
At night was heavenly—but not in the way you might think. The rain came down in a steady, soothing drizzle, and the air felt cool and damp, like the first whispers of autumn. Roads suffered… again. This morning—or perhaps more accurately, early afternoon, since we woke up late it was sunny! I went out with … More Vacation Day 21 – A Wet, Autumn-Like Evening
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
Finally, the tractor arrived to collect the hay we had mowed. Here, there’s a law that hay must be properly cleared from the meadows — you can’t just mow and leave it on the ground. So it was such a joy to see the hay being gathered, dried, and then rolled into neat bales! The … More Vacation Day 19 – Hay, Zucchini, and a Busy Yard
I was out in the garden when suddenly I noticed a little bird landing in the sweet peas — only about four meters away from me. Moments like this make me so grateful for today’s phones. Of course, a camera would have been better, but there was no way the bird was going to wait … More Vacation Day 18 – A Little Visitor
I went out to the garden just to check if we had enough yellow beans for lunch, and instead I came back with a full basket of sugar peas (and a bit of beans)! The kids ate quite a lot of them fresh, and I did too. Still, I’m thinking of cooking a stew with … More Vacation Day 17 – A Basket of Peas
I went for a 5 km walk with Jānis. On the way, we spotted bees, a butterfly caterpillar, an overturned beetle, and even a little stream. Everything just feels more romantic when I’m walking with my husband. 🙂 Back at home, we’ve nearly finished eating through one of the romaine lettuce beds, but luckily two … More Vacation Day 16 – Walks and Garden Notes
We said goodbye to our guests on Sunday, but the day still had a few surprises in store. For the past two years, Jānis’s mom has had this fantastic garden bench — actually, two chairs joined together with a little table in the middle. It’s absolutely perfect for my height, weight, and heart :). While … More Vacation Day 15 – Afternoon Tea and a New Bench
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
Let’s get back to documenting my vacation days. Honestly, I don’t know any other purpose for this than just to remember what I did and what I achieved. It’s like scrapbooking — only in words. So, the previous night I went to bed at 3 AM (not my brightest idea), and of course, I was … More Vacation Day 13 – Sewing, Mess, and a Warm Heart
Yesterday was a special one — 15 years since our wedding! 💕 Now, I know many couples celebrate by going out to a nice restaurant, but I’m just not that type. Sitting in a public place, where everyone sees you, hears you, and you have to politely ignore the noise around… nope, not my idea … More Vacation Day 12 – Our 15th Wedding Anniversary
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”
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
These vacation day posts changed my style of blogging completely 🙂I need a post about things I care about or experience, not a diary about each and every day… I spend most of my workday sitting in front of a computer, working with people. I’m not complaining — I love my job — but sometimes … More Why I Try to Walk 10,000 Steps Every Day
I didn’t feel great yesterday, so I stayed in bed and let myself sink into the soft, predictable comfort of Hallmark movies. I know, I know… but sometimes you just need that. While curled up, I ordered a few missing things for my sewing machine — a hidden zipper foot, measuring tape, needles, and scissors. … More Vacation Day 9: Lazy Day
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
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
Today started slow… and stayed that way. I finally sat down to reply to all your lovely comments — something I hadn’t managed to do for the past five days. It took quite a while to go through them all and answer each one, but it felt so nice to catch up. By 2 p.m., … More Vacation Day 6: Slow & Sweet
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
Today marks 369 days since I started posting daily about my life as a Latvian mom. That’s a whole year—plus a few extra days for good measure. What began as a small habit quickly turned into a rhythm I didn’t want to break. Some posts were brief, some were disorganized, but all were genuine. I … More 1 Year of Daily Posts: Life as a Latvian Mom
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
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
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
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
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!
A new month begins—and this one feels different already. August means vacation time for me, and I plan to embrace slow living in its fullest form. I want to rest deeply, create gently, and give time to the things I love the most: watercolor, journaling, being outdoors, and enjoying the simple rhythms of home. There’s … More August Goals & Intentions
I can’t believe July is already over! We didn’t set any formal goals this month—and honestly, with summer in full swing and both of us working full time, that was more than enough. July naturally became a month of slowing down, enjoying home, and letting the simple beauty of the season unfold around us. But … More What We Achieved in July
Today, I walked into my so-called “green room” — our special occasion dining space — and was instantly hit by a wave of scent and nostalgia. There it was: the black oak table, covered with a white cotton bed sheet, herbs spread out to dry in the warmth of summer. I paused. I had seen … More The Table That Remembers
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
It’s the last week before vacation, and while many people are packing suitcases or making travel checklists, I find myself leaning into something much simpler: staying home. We don’t have any grand adventures planned—just a short trip to Salacgrīva to celebrate my brother’s birthday. The rest of the time, I’m looking forward to something that … More The Last Week Before Vacation
Today was one of those strange, breath-holding summer days. The sun was blazing, the sky nearly too blue — and yet, the air was thick, heavy with a weight that felt like it was waiting to crack. I wandered out to the meadows to collect some meadowsweet, and then peppermint, hoping to dry a bit … More The Heat Before the Storm
Hello, July! June passed quickly — full of rain, a few small wins, and some things that just didn’t go as planned. And that’s okay. That’s life. We didn’t get to start on the bathroom like we had hoped. The worker who usually helps us had to take care of some personal issues, so that … More July Goals & Intentions
I just realised it’s the last day of June!!!!June brought steady rain and moments of celebration — a month of quiet wins and the familiar chaos of real life. Here’s a look back at the goals I set at the start of the month and what we managed to accomplish. But first June gallery! How the June … More What We Achieved in June
The scent of blooming meadows, bonfires waiting to be lit, flower crowns drying on the table, and songs quietly echoing from a speaker in the kitchen… It’s almost Jāņi, and we’re getting ready in the most traditional way we know. One of the first things on my list each year is Jāņu siers – that … More Latvian Midsummer Cheese
Yesterday, I broke my blogging streak. I had this goal in mind—360 days of daily blogging. I was so close. But life, as it does, had other plans. I simply forgot. I remembered to share the post… but I hadn’t written one yet. Something unexpected came up at work, and the day slipped through my … More 312 Days Later – And Still Blogging
Yesterday I spent the day at our regular two-day work event — something we do every couple of months to reconnect, since we all work remotely. I only planned to attend the first day, and now I’m back at home, working in my quiet little corner. The event took place at Anna’s Hotel — a … More A Day with the Team – Anna’s Manor
Hello, June 🌿 I can hardly believe we’re here already. Usually in the middle of May, all the furrows are full of carrots, beetroots, potatoes, etc. The new growing season is started. But not this year! I still wait for the tractor to come and make a furrow in my field! Also, I’m feeling a … More June Goals & Intentions
May was a busy and fulfilling month! Here’s a look back at the goals I set at the start of the month and what we managed to accomplish. But first the May gallery 🙂 House & Renovation As planned, we didn’t do much with the house renovation. Gardening Personal & Creative I’m proud of what … More What We Achieved in May
Does anyone remember La Femme Nikita? The TV series from the late ’90s and early 2000s? I lived for that show when I was in high school. It aired late at night, way past a responsible bedtime for someone who had to be up early for school. But I didn’t care. I was obsessed. I … More Late Nights and La Femme Nikita: A High School Obsession
I spent three days in Riga for a work event and stayed in a really nice hotel. The whole experience was refreshing — from the comfortable accommodation to the chance to spend quality time with colleagues and meet our guests, including clients and partners. It felt so good to connect in person again, especially when … More Work Event in Riga
May brings fresh energy and blooming beginnings. This month, I’m focusing on garden tasks, creative projects, and grounding routines like journaling in my grimoire. With no big renovation plans (maybe just the bathroom…), I’m choosing to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the rhythm of spring—especially with Nelle turning thirteen! … More May Goals & Intentions
I started the month with a list of goals and intentions — and then promptly forgot about them. 😅But somehow… I was on track anyway. Let’s take a look. But first, let’s start with the galery: House & Renovation Gardening & Outdoor Work Family & Everyday Life Personal Goals April was full, bright, messy, and … More What We Achieved in April
Lately, I’ve been busy packing out our plates and sets—finally giving them a proper home after what feels like forever. There’s something so satisfying (and slightly overwhelming) about unwrapping each piece of porcelain and imagining the meals, celebrations, and quiet cups of tea they’ll be part of. The buffet, as lovely as it is, turned … More Finding Room for Beauty (and a Little Bit of Chaos)
March passed quickly, and while I didn’t have official goals, plenty still happened! Now that April is here, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead. Spring is in full swing, which means more outdoor work, gardening, and home projects. Here’s what I’m aiming for this month: Home & Renovation Gardening & Outdoor Work Family & … More April Goals & Intentions
March flew by in a blur, and while I never set official goals for the month, plenty still happened! Looking back, I realize that even without a plan, we made solid progress in different areas—home, garden, and personal life. So, let’s go through what we actually got done in March! Let’s start with the gallery … More What We Achieved in March
I was ready to sit down and reflect on my intentions—only to realize I never made any for March! Life has been busy, and somehow, March slipped right past me. But that just means it’s the perfect time to go back and review what I had planned for February. Let’s see how things went! I … More Looking Back at February’s Goals (Because I Skipped March…)
Today, I twisted my friend’s arm again for a walk – but this time, she could walk way more than yesterday! We sat down in the middle, but then continued to walk. By the way I came prepared – I brought her a little gift for her name day. You know me, sometimes I forget … More A Day Out with a Friend – A Walk, a Gift, and Lots of Laughs!
March 23rd should have been a day of celebration—my best friend’s name day, a time for flowers, well-wishes, and maybe a little cake. But instead, she spent it in a hospital bed. She fainted suddenly, and thank goodness her mother was with her. At the hospital, they initially thought it was dystonia and discharged her. … More My Best Friend’s Name Day – A Day in the Hospital (March 23)
I received tulips on March 8, but I don’t celebrate the day—it’s just another date for me. I didn’t even realize it was March 8 until the flowers arrived. March 8, Women’s Day, is a post-Soviet tradition, but it’s not something I particularly connect with. My husband knows I don’t need flowers on this day … More A Tulip on March 8: A Reflection
After what feels like an eternity, I’m finally starting to feel okay. The lingering fatigue still tugs at me, making the idea of sleeping the entire day quite tempting. Yet, when night falls and it’s time to rest, I find myself wide awake, unable to close my eyes. Today, however, brought a pleasant surprise. The … More Embracing the Sunshine Amidst Restless Nights
Hey everyone, I’m sorry for the radio silence this past week! The kids were ill, we moved out of the flat, and I had to prickle a ton of seedlings. Unfortunately, with all of that, I didn’t have time to check other blogs or comment, though I still managed to post every day. Thank you … More A Week of Silence and Catching Up
I don’t know where to start. Lately, life feels heavy. The flu, the renovation, dentist appointments, leaving the rented flat, and endless to-do lists leave me stretched thin. Some days, it’s hard to believe things will get better. I’m trying to accept that it’s okay to feel this way — to let the hard days … More Holding On Through Hard Days
Last week was a whirlwind—work was hectic, home was just as busy, and the weekend didn’t bring much rest either. On top of everything, Nelle got sick with a very high temperature, which made things even more exhausting. It’s always tough seeing your child unwell, and those sleepless nights don’t make things any easier. Despite … More A Busy Week & A Big Move
Last night, we stepped outside for a walk. I couldn’t sleep. The reason? I felt full after eating a croissant. Why did I eat it at 9 PM?! But at least the night made up for it. The sky was cloudy, and the tree silhouettes stood tall and still, making the world feel peaceful and … More Good Morning on Sunday!
A single picture can stir up so many emotions, and this time, it was one from my brother. In the photo is a bag with an old camera inside. Handwritten note triggered me: “Ilzei piemiņai no Jura.” (For Ilze, in remembrance of Juris.) This camera once belonged to my mom’s brother, Juris, who passed away … More More Than Just a Camera
Introduction:I’m excited to set my intentions and focus on what matters most this month. Here’s what I hope to accomplish and how I plan to make the most of these 28 days. Personal Goals: Family & Relationships: Gardening: Fun and Creativity: Renovation: That’s about it, let’s see if I can keep up with the plan … More February: Goals and Intentions
As the year’s first month comes to a close, I’m reflecting on everything that has happened—both the highs and the lows. I hope to do this every month, but we will see, I’m not good at this! Highlights of the Month: Challenges: Looking Ahead to February: Thank you, January, for all that you brought. I’m … More Goodbye January!
Last night, I couldn’t sleep at 1 a.m., my mind buzzing after binge-watching a series. Jānis noticed and calmly suggested, “Let’s go for a 20-minute walk.” At first, it seemed absurd, but I agreed. Stepping outside, I was met with a magical winter wonderland. The world was silent, so peaceful and white. And the crisp … More A Midnight Walk in the Snow
I’ve been hooked on Only Murders in the Building, but not for the reason many might think. Yes, Selena Gomez is great, but she’s not the reason I keep coming back. What captivates me is the concept, the clever way the characters unravel mysteries, and—this might sound odd—the interiors of the Arconia! Oliver’s apartment, with … More Only Murders in the Building: Why I Like It
Making the decision to reduce my work hours to 128 hours a month wasn’t easy, but it felt necessary. I love my job and the people I work with. The owner’s values align with mine, and the supportive work environment makes it hard to imagine stepping away. Also, I work from home, so it’s easy … More How I Decided to Reduce My Work Hours to 128 Hours a Month
It’s been far too long since my last proper walk. November, I think? Life has been so hectic—work, renovation, illness, kids—that taking time for myself always felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But yesterday, I decided to change that. I laced up my boots, put on my coat, and ventured out for a 5km … More I Finally Went for a Walk
I recently stumbled upon a blogger who shares her grocery shopping trips, detailing what she buys and how much it all costs. I love seeing how others navigate their food budgets and priorities—it’s so relatable and oddly inspiring! Meanwhile, yesterday we filled a cart with what felt like nothing and walked out 150 euros lighter. … More Grocery Shopping…
Yesterday, I saw something magical—a horse and sleigh gliding through the snow. It felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. This wasn’t a tourist sleigh but a 100-year-old Latvian worker’s sleigh, originally used for hauling wood from the forest. No one does that anymore! This one had been cleverly repurposed into a sitting sleigh, with … More A Glimpse of the Past: Horse and Sleigh Gliding Through the Snow
I usually don’t reflect on my blog stats, but I couldn’t resist after reading Deborah’s inspiring blog post here: Reader Favorites 2024. Her retrospective gave me the nudge to look back at what resonated with you all this year. Despite being away from blogging for four years, I returned to this space in August 2024 … More Your Most Loved Posts of 2024
Yesterday, I woke up feeling off—chills running through my body, a runny nose, and a slight temperature creeping in. By the afternoon, I realized it wasn’t just “a bad day.” I wasn’t well. I took the day off today, too, deciding that rest is the best remedy for whatever is brewing. It’s hard to sit … More Is This How It Will Be After 40?
I’m still into memories of our recent trip to Riga for a party. After the party, we made our way to Salacgriva to pick up the kids, who had been staying with my mom. But of course, we couldn’t leave without a visit to the sea. It’s something I always need, even though I’m not … More A Visit to the Sea
As we welcome the New Year, I like to take a moment to reflect on the things that bring me joy, the areas of my life that could use a little more attention, and the skills I’d love to learn. I believe it’s not just about changing everything at once, but about celebrating the little … More New Year’s Resolutions: Loving What I Do, Improving What Counts, and Finding Better Ways to Grow.
As I look back at this year, I’m reminded of all the moments—big and small—that have shaped me. It’s been a year of personal growth, health challenges, and continued efforts to balance family life, work, and home renovations. There have been highs and lows, and lower than the low… Health Scare: The year began with … More A Year 2024 in Reflection
Today, I packed my bag and left home, heading to Riga for our Christmas party with colleagues. I will drop off the kids at my mom’s place in my hometown—a place that always stirs up emotions. Yesterday evening, the compressor was taken out for repairs, and they promised to start working on it today… while … More Heading to Riga for a Christmas Party
It’s the 3rd Advent Sunday—a time to light candles, reflect on the season, and prepare for Christmas. But here I am, writing with tired eyes after a night of almost no sleep. Something feels off. My teeth ache, or perhaps it’s not the teeth themselves but underneath them. It’s a strange sensation, one I’ve never … More 3rd Advent Sunday: Sleepless and Sore
I’ll admit it: I’m not in the best place in my life right now. Writing this feels scary because voicing it makes it real, and I’m afraid things could get worse. Isn’t that what people say sometimes? That health or circumstances could deteriorate? Then there’s the other voice—the one that says, “Enjoy what you have!” … More When Life Feels Like a Struggle
I’m so happy to have Melinda from Looking for the Light as a wonderful supporter in the blogging community. Although we haven’t known each other for long, her kindness, warmth, and genuine encouragement always shine through in her thoughtful comments. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend visiting her blog, where she shares beautiful insights … More #5: From Followers to Friends – Melinda from lookingforthelight.blog
It’s not like I don’t have things to write about—I have plenty. The problem? Time. Between work, the household whirlwind, and just trying to keep up with life, blogging has started to feel like a juggling act I’m not quite mastering. Today marks 115 straight days of blogging (can you believe that?!), but I’m realizing … More Finding Time to Write: The Struggle is Real
After three weeks of illness, I finally took my first 5km (3.1 miles) walk today. It wasn’t easy—my legs, especially the upper back, felt tight and sore with every step. But I pushed through, soaking in the autumn air and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It felt tough, but also rewarding. I may not be … More Back on Track: My First 5km Walk After Illness
You know that feeling when you’re sick, and life feels like it’s on pause? Then, as soon as you’re better (or “better-ish”), you realize the world didn’t pause with you? That’s where I am right now. First day back to work after being sick, and let me tell you—it’s not a vacation. Working from home … More Double “Get Back” to Normal
The temperatures have dropped below zero, and the chill in the air makes it feel like winter is truly here. I can’t help but find myself eagerly waiting for the snow to arrive. There’s something about those first flakes drifting down—it’s like the world pauses for a moment, quiet and still. The snow this time … More Waiting for a Magical White Christmas ❄️
On November 18th, Latvia marks its Independence Day, a day that celebrates freedom, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Latvian people. This year, Latvia turns 106 years old. While this is a relatively young age for a country, its journey toward independence has been anything but simple. Latvia first declared its independence on November … More Celebrating Latvia’s Independence: A Country’s Resilience and Spirit
When we first bought our house, we weren’t exactly thrilled about living next to a dirt road. The dust would roll in every time a car passed by—especially in the dry summer. But we loved the house and the land, so we decided to stick with it. The dust is still an issue, but I … More Life by the Dirt Road: Unexpected Joys and Challenges
How did that happen? The week flew by, and I can’t believe it’s already Friday! Between being sick and feeling exhausted, I barely noticed the days slipping by. I’m still not 100%, but I’m hoping next week brings some much-needed rest and a fresh start! On a brighter note, I upgraded to the latest iPhone. … More Feeling Better… Wait, is it Friday already?
Good morning, America! Here we are in 2024, watching Trump gain support again, and while I can laugh at the absurdity, there’s real concern too – his actions impact not only America but all of us. Beyond Trump himself, this moment highlights a deeper issue: why is America so reluctant to elect women to high … More America Is Not “Great Again” – So Why Is Trump Gaining Ground?
Here I am, back in bed today. After yesterday’s visit to the doctor, I’m feeling quite under the weather. Thankfully, I have a sick leave, so I don’t have to worry about work. It’s one of those days. It just begs you to stay in bed. Forget the world for a little while. In the … More Tea, Sleep, Puzzle—Repeat!
Ugh, it’s that time of year again. I’m sick, I’m grumpy, and November feels like it’s just the gloomy bridge between October’s colorful autumn and December’s Christmas cheer. Gray skies, endless rain, and not much to brighten things up… just plain dreary. November really can be a drag. Oh, wait a minute there are some … More November Blues
Today has me bundled up in blankets, chamomile tea by my side, feeling all kinds of achy and exhausted with a sore throat and a slight fever. Not quite the relaxing day off I’d planned! I’ve created a cozy little spot in bed, complete with my favorite mug, some honey-laced tea, and a good book … More Under the Weather and Cozy in Bed
a day in the life of a latvian mom 