Yesterday was Linna’s big slumber party! 🎉 I knew it would be a lot, but I didn’t realize just how much until I found myself setting up six beds. Yes, SIX. First, I laid out six flat sheets. Then came the pillows, followed by six duvets with covers. Let me tell you, getting duvet covers … More Linna’s 11th Birthday Slumber Party
I had already seeded enough tomatoes for this season, so when I found an old packet of seeds—expired four years ago—I was ready to throw it away. They were so old, I didn’t even think they had a chance. But at the last moment, I thought, Why not? and decided to plant them in the … More A Tomato Surprise: The Ones I Almost Threw Away…
Today is a special day—it’s Jānis’ birthday! 🎂🥳 Through all the ups and downs, from house renovations to everyday life, he has been my partner in everything. Whether it’s working on our home, planning for the future, or just sharing quiet moments together, I’m grateful to have him by my side. This year, his birthday … More March 20th – Jānis’ Birthday! 🎉
It had been three years since my last visit to the hair salon, and my hair showed it—long, lifeless, and in desperate need of a change. So, on Friday, all of us girls went for a haircut. I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to hair (actually everything!) —no products, no styling, just a simple cut … More Chop, Chop – Short Hair Again!
Today, Linna turns 11! She’s growing into such a thoughtful, clever, and determined young girl. She excels at school, always focused and eager to learn. Her love for programming makes me smile (daddy’s girl) — I see her logic and patience in every project she takes on. Linna isn’t one to chase big adventures or … More Linna is turning 11 today!
Friday morning, we woke up to a thick layer of snow—silent, unexpected, and beautiful. Just when it felt like spring was near, winter had other plans. The trees stood heavy with fresh snow, and our house looked even cozier against the white landscape. None of us were thrilled, a thick snow blanket covered the road … More A Morning Surprise: A Blanket of Snow
It’s that time of year — the gardening season is here! And for me, it’s extra special because it’s my very first gardening season in this house. But as exciting as it sounds, it also means one thing… it’s going to be hard! Everything needs to be built from scratch—nothing is prepared, which feels a … More Gardening Season Is Starting!
BIG RENOVATION UPDATE! The wallpaper is finally up, and I absolutely love it—it’s exactly how I imagined! The green hue is so peaceful and blends beautifully with the scenery. It really feels like we’re getting close to finishing! The formal dining area will feature the old black oak dining set from my grandmother. I’m sure … More Renovation Update: The Wallpaper Is In!
Oh, my! With all the illness and renovation chaos, I didn’t even realize the snowdrops were out—until I looked outside today. And guess what? They’re almost gone already! It seems like they popped up, showed their lovely faces, and are already fading away. Love snowdrops! And they are the only spring flower we have (for … More Spring Sneaks In: Snowdrops Are Here!
It all started when I opened my garden planning app and tried to register the plant I had just seeded—rukola (the Latvian name). But guess what? I couldn’t find it! Can you guess the right name (or at least the one you use)? Turns out, in a million years, I wouldn’t have thought to look … More Rucola, Arugula, Rocket, Roquette
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
Yesterday, I shared a blog post about the pig fat stealer, and guess what? I was lucky again! This time, I managed to capture some lovely pictures of my favorite bird — the Raven. It feels like nature keeps rewarding me with these little glimpses of wonder, and I am so grateful for every one … More Nature’s Unexpected Gifts
I decided to put out some pig fat with skin (the size of two palms together) to feed the birds. I’ve always loved seeing them come to visit, especially the blue tits — they’re so colorful and lively and love fat. I placed the fat just outside the door, on the garden side, hoping the … More A Surprising Visit to the Garden
At the end of January, I sowed many seeds — tucking them into soil-filled water bottles, leaving nature to do its magic. Now, as the days grow longer and the sun climbs higher, it’s time to check on them. The bottles have been sitting outside, exposed to cold, snow, and rain. Their lids off, letting … More Waiting for Nature’s Touch
The next day, winter still lingered, wrapping the world in its cold embrace — but the sun had its own plans. As Helmi’s little ice rink shimmered on the frozen pond, the trees stood tall, basking in the sunlight. Perched on the white branches, birds sat quietly, facing the sun. They looked like tiny guardians … More Winter Whispers and Sunlit Birds
Winter’s farewell gifted us a truly magical day at the end of February. The sun shone brightly, making the snow sparkle, and the air felt crisp but not too cold — just the perfect weather to enjoy the season’s last snowy moments. Helmi, with her endless energy, decided that the frozen pond (don’t worry, we … More A Wonderful Winter Day in February
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
In the spirit of celebrating exceptional Latvian talent, it’s time to continue the story we started earlier this year with the incredible Flow by Gints Zilbalodis. The film has now earned one of the most prestigious honors in the film industry—the Oscar! Can you believe that!? The Flow is made using only Blender! Blender is … More Celebrating Latvian Excellence: Flow Wins an Oscar!
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
On my birthday this year, on the 20th of February, I received a very thoughtful gift from Jānis – a Spider Farmer 6-Tier Plant Stand with Grow Lights. I meant to share this earlier, but somehow the days slipped away. With the gardening season on the horizon, this present couldn’t have come at a better … More A Birthday Surprise for My Green Dreams
I had to replant cucumbers already! The thing is, it’s true when someone says — don’t start too early, they won’t grow. I started my cucumbers (these cucumbers will be indoor ones, not for the field — it’s way too early for that here in Latvia) on the 30th of January and another two batches … More Replanting Cucumbers
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
The long journey to save my tooth is finally over! Yesterday, I had my fifth and final visit to the dentist. The last filling is in, and I can close this chapter—at least for now. What started with unexpected pain in January turned into a whole saga of cleaning, treating, and restoring the tooth. It’s … More Fifth Dentist Visit – Finally Done!
After a few days of battling the flu, there’s finally some good news — Nelle’s temperature is down, and she’s feeling much better. It’s such a relief to see her more energetic and slowly returning to her usual self. To protect the rest of the family from getting sick, we’ve all started using Tamiflu, and … More Flu Recovery Update
Just when I hoped we could contain it, the flu has claimed its second victim—Helmī is now sick too. Fever, chills, the same exhaustion… it’s all too familiar. Now, I have two little patients at home, and I can only hope it stops here. We’re doing everything we can—ventilating the house, keeping the air fresh, … More Flu: Two Patients at Home…
After a day of fever, chills, and exhaustion, we decided to take a test—just to be sure. And there it was, clear as day: Nelle has the flu. No more guessing, no more wondering if it’s just a bad cold. It’s official. Honestly, I’m still wrapping my head around it. In 12 years, we’ve managed … More Confirmed: It’s the Flu
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
The time has come to start clearing out our rental flat. It feels surreal to finally be at this stage—packing up, moving things out, and making space for the next chapter. Our living room in the house isn’t finished yet, but we’re getting closer. Today was a big step forward: we moved the furniture. Jānis’ … More Moving Out: One Step Closer to Home
I unlocked a special badge: “You’ve posted 200 days in a row on A Day in the Life of a Latvian Mom! Keep up the good work.” Two hundred days of showing up, writing, and sharing life’s moments—big and small. Some days were easy, others a struggle, but I kept going. Along the way, I … More 200 Days of Blogging – Thank You for Being Here!
Yesterday was my birthday, and instead of making a big fuss, we kept it simple—a quiet evening at the local pub, good food, and a few virgin cocktails. And honestly, it was just what I needed. The pub had that familiar, warm atmosphere—dim lighting, soft chatter, the clinking of glasses. We settled into a cozy … More A Cozy Birthday Celebration at the Local Pub
oday is my birthday! Another year older, another year wiser—at least, that’s what I tell myself. Birthdays are always a mix of emotions for me. On one hand, I don’t like too much attention, but on the other hand, it’s a good moment to reflect on how far I’ve come. Being a Pisces, I naturally … More It’s My Birthday Today! 🎉
Yesterday, we did another 6 hour trip to Riga for my dentist appointment. These visits feel routine, but I can’t say I’ve gotten used to them. The early drive, my anxiety, the stress, and the uncertainty—it all adds up. This time, they filled the canals and sealed them with a temporary filling. Next time—the last … More Fourth Dentist Visit: Another Trip to Riga
After a recent snowfall, kids cleared the snow off our solar panels, and the difference was amazing! Before cleaning, the panels were barely producing 1 kW, but after removing the snow, the output jumped to 3 kW. It was a clear reminder of how much snow can block energy production on a sunny day. If … More Cleaning Snow Boosts Solar Panel Efficiency
This weekend, winter met spring in our greenhouse. With snow covering the ground and spring bulbs in pots, we had an idea—bring the snow inside. Our pots with spring bulbs have been inside the greenhouse since autumn. As the greenhouse warms during sunny afternoons, the soil dries out. Since the water isn’t pumped yet due … More Bringing Winter into the Greenhouse
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!
This morning, Nelle made me a coffee with whipped cream—just because. It’s one of those little moments that make me realize how fast she’s growing up. She’s drinking decaf coffee, chatting with friends, playing online games, and juggling a few books at once. But when it comes to snow, she’s still the first one out, … More Morning coffee
We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I won’t say no to flowers from my husband! It’s always nice to receive a little surprise, even on a day we don’t officially mark. But every year, I find myself wondering—why is Valentine’s Day so focused on men giving gifts to women? Flowers, chocolates, small surprises… it … More Valentine’s Day – A One-Sided Tradition?
On sunny days, life’s ups and downs feel lighter. Setbacks come and go, manageable and fleeting. But on gray, heavy days, the downs stack up, and the ups feel distant. I try to break the spell—to find warmth in small things, to remind myself that this will pass. Some days, it works. Others, it doesn’t. … More The Weight of the Sky
Another trip to Riga, and we’re another step closer to finishing this dental saga! This was my third visit. The dentist widened the canals yesterday—something that sounded much worse than it actually was. I didn’t feel a thing. This time, the kids’ vaccination appointment was also scheduled for yesterday, so we all drove to Riga … More Third Dentist Visit… and more to go!
Today, a flock of Bohemian waxwings came to visit! These birds always catch my eye with their sleek feathers and striking markings, but what amuses me most is how angry they look. Their sharp gaze and confident posture make them seem unimpressed with the world around them. Despite their grumpy expressions, watching them was a … More The Birds at My Feeder: Bohemian waxwing
Finally, a sunny and relatively warm day! After so many gray skies, it felt so nice to be outside, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on my face. I love snow—not just because of how beautiful it looks, but because it tells a story. With every step, I can see the tracks … More A Sunny Walk in the Snow, Finally!
Winter has arrived in Latvia! A few days ago, the temperature dropped, and snow started falling. It’s been here for five days now, and everything is covered in a beautiful white blanket. The world feels quieter and more peaceful, and I’m enjoying the crisp, fresh air. Crisp means there should be sun soon! The kids … More Winter is Here, Snow is Here! Where is The Sun!?
It’s happening—my first cucumbers are out! 🌱 It always feels a little magical to see those tiny green leaves emerge, full of promise. And it’s not just the cucumbers—my leeks are starting to grow too! Of course, the cucumber is an indoor one. It’s way too early to plant them outside, but just knowing that … More The First Seedlings Are Sprouting!
On December 20, 2024, I wrote about walking the middle path when it comes to vaccinations—about balancing research, personal beliefs, and practical needs. Today, that path continues as Jānis and the kids are in Riga for their next round of shots. Jānis is the one handling the logistics. It’s a relief because I don’t have … More Continuing the Middle Path: Our Next Steps in Vaccination
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
I couldn’t make the title shorter, sorry :). As the days are still too cold in Latvia. We start sowing seeds late April or May outdoors. I can’t wait and I’ve been busy sowing seeds indoors and outside in water bottles – winter sowing. What I’ve planted so far. Winter Sowing ’ve already started a … More Starting the Season: What I’ve Sown Indoors and in Winter Sowing so far
Yesterday, I got back from my second trip to the dentist in Riga. Two visits down, two more to go! This time, she removed the nerve, and next time, she’ll widen the canals before finally filling and sealing everything for good. Surprisingly, it wasn’t painful, which is a huge relief. But the real challenge? The … More Another Trip to Riga – Second Dentist Visit Done!
All the walls and ceilings are sanded and primed—finally! It was a long and dusty process, but it feels so good to see smooth, fresh surfaces ready for the next stage. Now it’s time to add the ceiling cornice! Remember when I was debating which trim to choose? (This blog post here here.) It was … More Renovation Update: Instaling cornice
This year, I decided to try something new in my garden: winter sowing! It’s something I’ve read a lot about but never attempted until now. The process involves sowing seeds in containers during the winter months, and letting nature take its course until spring arrives. While I’ll have to wait until April/May to see the … More Winter Sowing: My First Attempt
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!
I had all my seeds in the shoe box and in the plastic box with the lid. It’s not like I can’t live like this, but it’s so good to have a beautiful box that is made specially for seed packet storage. I love small beautiful things that make everything MUCH BETTER! As you know, … More Galvanized v.s. Frog Seed Box
I only meant to buy one seed storage tin. Really, I did. But after spending far too much time browsing, I just couldn’t decide. So, instead of choosing, I bought both! 🎉 And honestly? No regrets. I now have two beautiful seed storage tins from Burgon & Ball, each with its own charm and purpose. … More I Couldn’t Resist – So I Got Two Seed Boxes!
Puzzle Title: Colorful Birds Number of Pieces: 500 Manufacturer: Trefl Puzzle size: 48 x 34 cm Year Completed: 2022 My Experience: Loved it! Puzzle Trivia: The most expensive puzzle ever sold was a gold-and-enamel puzzle that sold for $27,000 at auction. This puzzle is created by artist Graeme Stevenson. This was such a colorful puzzle, … More Jigsaw Puzzle #22 Colorful Birds – Trefl
Today is my name day—a special day in Latvia and many other European countries where names hold as much meaning as birthdays. Unlike birthdays, which are personal and unique, name days are communal celebrations, with others who share your name also marking the occasion. It’s a lovely tradition that brings a sense of connection and … More Celebrating My Name Day!
A recent dentist visit is still on my mind—mostly because it still doesn’t feel good. Maybe because I don’t have experience with this and I simply don’t know what to expect. Is this normal? Should I worry? My temporary filling doesn’t sit right; it feels like my entire left side is hurting. It’s not just … More Temporary Filling: The Struggle Continues
January feels like the longest month for gardeners in Latvia. It’s cold and dark, and there’s nothing I can start indoors just yet. But February is so close, and with it comes the first chance to start sowing seeds. The gardening year of 2025 is just around the corner, and I’m beyond excited—especially because this … More Dreaming of Green: Counting Down to Seed Sowing
Yesterday, I went to Riga to figure out what was wrong with my tooth. The dentist found that my old filling wasn’t sealing well, and decay had spread underneath. The damage was worse than I thought—the nerve is affected, and saving the tooth will take four more visits and a lot of money… I guess. … More A Trip to Riga: Saving My Tooth
Puzzle Title: Waves (Colorboom collection) Number of Pieces: 500 Manufacturer: Clemontini Puzzle size: 49 x 36 cm Year Completed: 2022 My Experience: Loved it! Puzzle Trivia: In 2005, Dave Evans created a wooden jigsaw puzzle with 40,000 pieces, hand-cut to celebrate the Queen’s 80th birthday. I picked up a few puzzles from this collection, thinking … More Jigsaw Puzzle #21 Waves (Colorboom collection) – Clemontini
Have you ever found yourself craving a dish you didn’t grow up with? That’s exactly where my girl Linna is right now. Pies – those golden, flaky creations filled with sweet or savory goodness – seem to have a captured Linnas attention. But here in Latvia, pies aren’t a traditional thing. We don’t have family … More Asking for Your Help: The Quest for the Perfect Pie Crust
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
Puzzle Title: Fluffy Team (Panorama) Number of Pieces: 500 Manufacturer: Trefl Puzzle size: 66 x 23.7 cm Year Completed: 2021 My Experience: Puzzle Trivia: The largest commercial puzzle available for purchase contains 60,000 pieces called “What a wonderful world”, featuring a world map. This puzzle was so adorable, I completely forgot to record my progress! … More Jigsaw Puzzle #20 Fluffy Team (Panorama) – Trefl
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
If you missed my earlier post where I shared the recipe for Cottage Cheese Pie—one of my ultimate comfort foods tied to childhood memories and family celebrations—you can find it here: Cottage Cheese Pie Recipe. Today, I’d love to introduce you to another beloved Latvian treat that pairs perfectly with Cottage Cheese Pie: Ķīselis (Kissel). … More Childhood in a Bowl: Kissel – A Sweet and Fruity Tradition
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
Today, I learned something new thanks to a colleague’s amusing comment. They mentioned it’s National Nothing Day in the U.S. and joked that we might see fewer emails because of it. At first, I thought they were pulling my leg, but curiosity got the better of me. Apparently, this day has been around since 1973! … More National Nothing Day: A Day for Nothing… Really?
Puzzle Title: Streets of Paris Number of Pieces: 500 Manufacturer: Castorland Puzzle size: 47 x 33 cm Year Completed: 2021 My Experience: Loved this one! Puzzle Trivia: “Dissected maps” is another early term for jigsaw puzzles. This puzzle was adorable—definitely photoshopped, but still so charming! I never thought I’d be interested in visiting Paris, but … More Jigsaw Puzzle #19 Streets of Paris – Castorland
In my previous post, I shared how cottage cheese pie is one of my ultimate comfort foods, tied to childhood memories and family celebrations. If you missed that, read it here: https://latvianmom.com/2025/01/14/kissel-and-cottage-cheese-pie-a-taste-of-childhood/ Now, I’d love to share a simple recipe to bring this delicious treat to your kitchen. This version is close to the one … More Cottage Cheese Pie Recipe: A Slice of Nostalgia
Some flavors are more than just food—they’re time machines, carrying us back to warm kitchens (warmed by wood-burning stoves), carefree days, and the embrace of those we love. For me, that taste is kissel and cottage cheese pie. As a child, kissel was a staple, especially during colder months. This velvety fruit juice drink, thickened … More Kissel and Cottage Cheese Pie – A Taste of Childhood
Puzzle Title: Jackson Port, Sydney Number of Pieces: 1000 Manufacturer: Trefl Puzzle size: 48 x 68 cm Year Completed: 2021 My Experience: This was crazy! Puzzle Trivia: Puzzles with irregular or whimsy shapes are known as “whimsy pieces,” a feature often found in wooden puzzles. This puzzle was absolutely crazy! I think it was around … More Jigsaw Puzzle #18 Jackson Port, Sydney – Trefl
I’ve been struggling to decide on the trim for our ceiling and wall corners—it’s one of those small but important details! To help, Jānis brought in three different trims and placed them in the room so I could see how they look in person. It’s really helpful to visualize them in the space, and now … More Choosing Trim for the Ceiling and Wall Corners
This winter feels unsettlingly warm. Snow comes and goes, melting away almost as quickly as it falls. Just a week ago, I captured this picture. Today, it’s all gone—again. These changes aren’t just random; they’re part of a pattern driven by climate change. Warmer winters disrupt wildlife, agriculture, and the traditions we hold dear. Rising … More Where Has Winter Gone?
Puzzle Title: Lamas in the Mountains Number of Pieces: 500 Manufacturer: Trefl Puzzle size: 48 x 34 cm Year Completed: 2021 My Experience: So Cute! Puzzle Trivia: Puzzles with irregular or whimsy shapes are known as “whimsy pieces,” a feature often found in wooden puzzles. Kids helped with this one. They loved it cause it’s … More Jigsaw Puzzle #17 Lamas in the Mountains – Trefl
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…
Saturday was one of those perfect winter days. Jānis bundled up the kids and took them to our favorite hill for some snow-sliding fun. It’s a special place for us—it’s where we got married. Now, the kids are creating their own cherished memories, racing down the hill on their sleds and playing in the snow. … More Snow Day Family Fun
As a proud Latvian, my heart swells with joy to see our creative spirit shining on a global stage. At the 2025 Golden Globes, Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow triumphed against industry giants like Disney’s Inside Out 2 and Moana 2, as well as the latest Wallace & Gromit and The Wild Robot. Winning Best … More Celebrating Latvian Excellence: Gints Zilbalodis and “Flow” at the Golden Globes
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
My time in Riga with colleagues was truly enjoyable, and I’m so glad I made the decision to go! But what I really want to talk about today is the makeup, because it was a game-changer. I’m not someone who’s good at makeup—I’ve tried a few times, and let’s just say the results were less … More Why I’d Drive to Salacgriva Again for Dana’s Makeup Magic
Just when we thought we’d hit another bump in the road, life surprised us. The heating system was nearly ready, but a tiny rubber O-ring—something so simple, costing just about 1 euro—was damaged. Of course, it’s the weekend, the holidays, and all the repair shops are closed! The thought of waiting until Monday loomed heavy, … More A Small Town Miracle
We’re back from Riga, returning from my work party, and the house greets us with a chilly 15°C. It’s not freezing, but it’s far from cozy. Still, I’m impressed—the house without heating dropped only 6°C in two days, even with the outside temperature at 5°C. The compressor has been fixed, which is a relief, but … More Back Home: Cold but Hopeful
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
Christmas this year was a wonderful blend of family time, traditions, and cozy moments. My brother and his family arrived on the 23rd of December, setting the festive tone with laughter and catching up. One of the highlights was puzzling with my mom. She had never tried it before, so she wasn’t entirely at ease … More Our Christmas Celebration 2024: Family, Traditions, and Cozy Moments
I wanted to take a moment to send love and good wishes your way. This time of year reminds us to slow down and cherish the beauty of simple moments—whether it’s the twinkle of lights, the laughter of loved ones, or the comfort of traditions that bring us together. Our Christmas celebration was a special … More Merry Christmas!
This Holiday was a bit of a surprise. My brother and his family decided to come and celebrate with us. At first, I wasn’t thrilled. Life is already hectic—between work, renovations, and the chaos of our “not-quite-ready” house, the thought of hosting felt overwhelming. We don’t even have a proper space to celebrate yet! But … More A Holiday Visit to Remember
As I write this, I’m relieved to say it’s not cold inside, despite the slight hiccup with the heating system. The professionals we had scheduled to fix the compressor couldn’t make it today. Their earliest availability is December 27th—a date that couldn’t be more inconvenient for me. That’s the same day I need to be … More Not Cold Inside, but Timing Is Everything
Advent has always been a time of anticipation and preparation, a season to cherish quiet moments and reflect on the blessings around us. But this year, the final Advent feels more like a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. A mess has crept into our home, and I’m not sure where it will lead us. First, … More The Final Advent: A Season of Challenges
After writing about magpies and sparrows, it’s time to shine the spotlight on my favorite visitor—the charming blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). Every time I catch a glimpse of one at my feeder, I can’t help but feel a spark of joy. They’re tiny, colorful, and full of character, making them the ultimate highlight of my … More The Birds at My Feeder: The Delightful Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Vaccination is a topic that often divides people. Some are completely against it, worried about risks and side effects. Others are strong supporters, believing it’s essential for public health and sometimes thinking those with doubts are wrong. But what about people like me who don’t fully agree with either side? I’m somewhere in the middle. … More Walking the Middle Path: Thoughts on Vaccination
Last night, I left a glass of juice on the table (ok, it was one of the kids), thinking nothing of it. This morning, I found an unexpected guest taking a swim: a Herald moth! Named Harold on the spot, this tiny creature had somehow mistaken my drink for a cozy resting spot. After rescuing … More Harold the Herald Moth: A Nighttime Visitor in My Juice
Advent here in Latvia is nothing without gingerbread cookies. The sweet, spicy aroma fills the house, making it feel like Christmas no matter what. The key to achieving those perfectly crisp and melting-in-your-mouth Latvian gingerbread cookies is the spice blend—without it, they’re just not the same. Everyone else used store-bought gingerbread spice mix, but not … More Grandmother’s 1940 Gingerbread Spice Mix
While I wrote about the bold magpies last time, I completely forgot to mention the real stars of my bird feeder—the Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus). It’s almost funny because they’re the most common visitors here, hopping and chirping like they own the place. How could I overlook them? I couldn’t help but chuckle when … More The Birds at My Feeder: Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
At this time of year, the sun feels like a rare guest—always hiding behind a curtain of clouds, leaving the world dark and gray. But today, nature surprised me. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon, it was accompanied by a flurry of big, beautiful snowflakes, creating a scene so magical I couldn’t help … More A Magical Sunset Amidst Snowflakes
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 couldn’t resist going back to those frosty moments one more time. After all, how often does the world look like this? Now, as I look out the window, everything has turned gray again. The wind has blown the frost away, and the snow has melted under the rising warmth. It’s amazing how quickly everything … More One Last Look at a Frost-Kissed Morning