You know I experienced something truly magical: an enchanting winter morning where the world around me seemed transformed into a sparkling wonderland. At the time, I didn’t know the proper term for what I saw, but I later learned that it’s called hoar frost spikes. This incredible phenomenon occurs when water vapor in the air … More Discovering the Beauty of Hoar Frost Spikes
Two days ago, the world around me turned into an enchanting dreamscape. While I always hoped for more snow during winter, this day had a unique kind of magic. The trees stood silently, every branch covered in tiny frost spikes. All that was wrapped in mysterious fog and no wind! The fog added an extra … More A Magical Frost-Kissed Foggy Morning
The puzzle titled “Christmas Eve” by Jan van Haasteren consists of 1000 pieces and measures 68 x 49 cm. Completed in December 2020, the puzzler found it challenging due to many similar white pieces. The first 3D puzzles emerged in the 1990s, allowing for the construction of iconic structures. … More Jigsaw Puzzle #16 Christmas Eve by Jan van Haasteren – Jumbo
In 2008, I opened a photo studio. I wanted the space to be both functional and stylish, so I commissioned a local youngster to create a custom table and shelves. The design was an industrial dream—dark wood and metal, perfectly matching the vibe I envisioned for my studio. Fast forward to a few years later, … More From Photo Studio to Dining Table: A Tale of Repurposing
Yesterday marked the Second Advent, and we spent it together as a family. It was cozy and heartwarming to share a meal and enjoy some time together amidst the chaos of renovation. I also made a small but meaningful improvement to our living situation: I laid down temporary flooring in one part of the house! … More Second Advent and Small Victories
As winter sets in, my bird feeder has become a busy spot, but none are as bold as the Eurasian magpies (Pica pica). These black-and-white birds often arrive in groups, their loud calls signaling their dominance. When they swoop in, smaller birds like sparrows and finches scatter—magpies make sure they get first pick of the … More The Birds at My Feeder: Eurasian Magpies (Pica Pica)
After appreciating the bold personality of the Great Tit, I turned my attention to another, quieter visitor to our feeder. At first, I thought it was the Willow Tit. Its soft, understated plumage—subtle browns, grays, and a small black cap—fits the description perfectly. But as I watched more closely, doubt crept in. Could it be … More The Birds at My Feeder: Willow Tit… or Maybe Marsh Tit? (Poecile montanus or Poecile palustris)
The jigsaw puzzle titled “Stoney Cove” consists of 500 pieces and measures 47 cm by 33 cm. Manufactured by Castorland, it was completed in March 2020. The process of creating modern jigsaw puzzles involves die-cutting with metal blades. A gallery showcases the puzzle’s creation and finished image. … More Jigsaw Puzzle #15 Stoney Cove – Castorland
Last year, I started a little Christmas tradition of buying myself something completely unnecessary but undeniably fun. My pick was the Steam Deck console—a portable gaming device that lets you play PC games on the go. It’s like having a mini gaming setup in your hands, perfect for unwinding or diving into epic adventures anywhere, … More Treat Yourself: The Holiday Tradition
Great Tit (Parus major) is the first and most frequent to arrive. Its familiar black-and-yellow plumage, framed by a bold black head, is a cheerful sight against the duller tones of the season. I’ll admit, the Great Tit feels a bit predictable—its visits so routine that I sometimes catch myself dismissing it as boring. But … More The Birds at My Feeder: The Great Tit…boring
Yesterday, we ventured into the forest to gather pine cones and fallen branches for our Advent composition. We always make sure to take only what nature has already given—nothing from the trees. Thankfully, we found everything we needed, but there was a strange surprise along the way: a shoe and a skull hanging in a … More A Little Adventure in the Forest
Advent Sunday marks the beginning of a beautiful season, and this year, it’s falling on December 1, 2024. As we gather to celebrate, I can feel the anticipation in the air. For me, this time of year means blasting Christmas music throughout the house, filling every corner with festive melodies that bring warmth and joy. … More Embracing Advent Sunday: A Warm Start to December
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
The Wiltshire Gardens puzzle by Castorland consists of 500 pieces and was completed in 2020. The creator enjoys cottages and found joy in this puzzle. Trivia highlights that puzzles were once hand-cut, making each piece unique. A gallery showcasing the process and finished puzzle is provided. … More Jigsaw Puzzle #14 Wiltshire Gardens – Castorland
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 ❄️
In my region, snow tends to make its grand entrance earlier than in my hometown near the Gulf of Riga. The colder temperatures here usually mean the snow stays longer, too. But today, my hometown is taking the spotlight—it’s all white! Mom sent me a few pictures: Snow has already fallen there, blanketing everything in … More Snowfall Showdown: My Hometown Wins This Round!
It’s 9:30PM! Where did the day go? With my family deciding to come over for Christmas this year, I thought it would be fun to find the perfect dinner set to make our meal extra special. Never mind that the house is still unfinished—there’s heat, water, and a functioning bathroom, and honestly, that’s enough for … More Searching for the Perfect Christmas Dinner Set
The puzzle titled “My Best Friend,” consisting of 500 pieces from Castorland and measuring 47 x 33 cm, was completed in 2020. It was purchased for Linna, who initiated it, while the author finished it. Puzzles rose in popularity during the Great Depression as affordable entertainment. A gallery showcases the process and finished piece. … More Jigsaw Puzzle #13 My Best Friend – Castorland
Yesterday brought an unexpected delight to our bird feeder—a visit from the Dendrocopos medius, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker. What a sight he was, with his striking red crown standing out vividly against his black-and-white feathers. He seemed almost regal, perched confidently as if he knew how stunning he looked. I stood there, mesmerized. his movements … More A Special Visitor at the Bird Feeder
Hi everyone, I’m still struggling with a stubborn cough and the occasional spike in temperature. It all started at the end of October, and at first, I thought a few days off from work—using up some of my vacation days—would be enough to get me back to my usual self. I really believed I’d be … More A Lingering Illness…
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
Roe deer near our house seems to have a sixth sense—one that specifically detects when I’m holding a camera. It’s like they’re on a mission to make sure their majestic beauty is never captured. Yesterday, I decided to outsmart them. I crept out of the house as quietly as possible, camera in hand, ready to … More Wait, Wait, Don’t Run Away!
Let’s talk bird feed! Usually, I buy sunflower seeds and fat balls from Janis’ parents’ vet shop to keep the birds fed throughout the winter. This time, I decided to try something a little different and ordered a big bag of mixed feed: oats, dried worms, seeds, and even some corn. I’m not sure if … More Winter Bird Feeding: A New Mix and a Little Family Humor
The November full moon, also known as the Beaver Moon, marks a time of preparation and reflection. Traditionally, it signified the season when beavers busily built their lodges for winter, a reminder for us to ready ourselves for the colder, quieter months ahead. In Celtic tradition, this full moon is also called the Mourning Moon … More November’s Celtic Mourning Moon 🌕✨
I stumbled upon a beautiful Amanita muscaria right next to our house recently. What a sight! It’s such a stunning mushroom, with its bright red cap and white spots—definitely a showstopper. Of course, we all know it’s poisonous, but it still adds something magical to the landscape. I love how nature keeps inching closer to … More Amanita Muscaria and the Beauty of Nature Close to Home
Sometimes, all I need is just a few moments of fresh air to clear my head. After struggling with my health for over 10 days, I knew an escape to the pine forest would do wonders for my respiratory system. So, I grabbed my camera and headed out, hoping that something beautiful might catch my … More 10 Minutes in the Forest: What a surprise!
The “Riga (Panorama)” puzzle by Trefl consists of 1000 pieces and measures 97×34 cm, completed in 2020. The creator found it challenging due to extensive sky portions. Trivia notes that Ravensburger previously held the largest puzzle record until Dowdle surpassed it with a 60,000-piece puzzle titled “What a Wonderful World.” … More Jigsaw Puzzle #12: Riga (Panorama)
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
So, there I was, driving through the forest, when suddenly—mushrooms! Right there, smack in the middle of the dirt road. It looked like someone had carefully arranged them, like a little mushroom art installation. I had to stop and check if this was real or some kind of prank. But nope—it was real! These mushrooms … More Unexpected Road Mushrooms! 🍄
I’ve been on sick leave since last Monday, and it’s been a rollercoaster. Just when I think I’m improving, the symptoms come back. It all started with an itchy throat, nose, and ear canals, like everything was irritated from the inside. Then, a stubborn cough joined in, along with this mucus that just won’t budge, … More Sick Leave Struggles and Missing Lāčplēsis Day Traditions
On the 11th of November, Latvia celebrates Lāčplēšu Diena, a day to honor the bravery of the Latvian soldiers who fought for the country’s independence during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919. The day is named after Lāčplēsis, the legendary hero known for his strength and courage in battle. For many, Lāčplēšu Diena is … More Lāčplēšu Diena: Honoring Latvia’s Heroes
Today, I finally felt well enough to take my new lens out for a spin! Bundled up in my coat, hat, and scarf, I ventured outside for a brisk 20-minute walk. The chilly air was refreshing, and it felt so good to be out again. While out, I spotted a tiny, adorable Eurasian nuthatch. He … More Getting Better: Eurasian Nuthatch
The “Plenty of Pasta” puzzle, manufactured by Ravensburger, has 1500 pieces and measures 80 x 60 cm. Completed in 2020, it was a birthday gift from Ilze’s friend Ieva in 2019. Fun fact: the term “jigsaw” emerged in the 1880s, named after the cutting tool. A gallery of progress and the finished puzzle is available. … More Jigsaw Puzzle #11: Plenty of Pasta
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?
Just got my dream lens, the Canon 100-500mm, and I couldn’t be more excited! I hadn’t been so into photography for the last few years, but now, I can feel that old spark coming back. Getting this lens wasn’t easy. With all the house renovations, I’d been saving up and was close to putting the … More Five minutes outside with my dream lens in hand..
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
I’m still under the weather, but I managed a slow 15-minute “walk” outside today. The weather was awful—cold, gray, and damp. To top it off, I spotted the first few snowflakes drifting down, teasing the winter ahead. Despite the bleakness, I found a small surprise: a piece of Ramalina fraxinea lying on the ground. This … More First Snowflakes & Ramalina fraxinea
Puzzle Title: Cabin Fever Number of Pieces: 2000 Manufacturer: Buffalo Games Puzzle size: 98 cm x 67 cm Year of Completion: Started February 2019, Finished February 2020 🙂 My Comment: This puzzle came to me from the USA thanks to Julie. It was hard to puzzle, cause I didn’t have my puzzling board! I’ve started … More Jigsaw Puzzle #10: Cabin Fever by Buffalo Games.
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
As October draws to a close, the crisp air and fading autumn colors remind us of the beauty in transitions. Today is the perfect moment to cherish the little things: the crunch of leaves underfoot, cozy evenings with warm drinks, and the excitement of… not Halloween, but the approaching Mārtiņdiena. November is also significant for … More Embracing the Last Day of October
Working from home has its perks – no commute, comfy clothes, and plenty of tea breaks. But it also means unpredictable guest appearances. Yesterday, I was in a Zoom meeting with my team, discussing our approach, when Marley, our furry family member, decided to make his debut. Marley sat there for 10 minutes and then … More Yesterday’s Zoom Meeting: When the Support Team Met Marley
As autumn arrives, the cool air and muted colors invite us to enjoy nature, even when it feels a bit gray. One day, while walking through a foggy field, I saw a fox sleeping on a hay roll, its reddish fur blending into the dull backdrop. Of course, I scared the fox away and ended … More Autumn Walks: A Fox’s Nap
Puzzle Title: Positano, Italy Number of Pieces: 500 Manufacturer: Trefl Puzzle size: 48 x 34 cm Year of Completion: 2019 My Comment: I puzzled this together with Nelle and we did it over the weekend of January 2019. Puzzle Trivia: The first jigsaw puzzle was created in 1766 by John Spilsbury, a British cartographer, to … More Jigsaw Puzzle #9: Positano, Italy
In Latvia, autumn’s transformation is a breathtaking spectacle that can shift dramatically within just a few days. One moment, the landscape is a vibrant tapestry of golden yellows, as the trees flaunt their autumnal hues, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Remember these pictures from 2 weeks ago? But as the days pass, a different … More The Swift Transition of Latvian Autumn
With winter just around the corner, we decided it was the perfect time to plant our tulip and daffodil bulbs. 🌷🌼 Instead of planting them outdoors, we opted to keep the pots inside the greenhouse for the winter. It’s a bit of an experiment—we’re curious to see if the extra protection will give them a … More Planting Tulips and Daffodils: Our Winter Greenhouse Experiment
It’s hard to believe how many puzzles I’ve finished lately without sharing them here! As a passionate puzzler, each completed puzzle holds a special place in my heart, and I think it’s time to showcase some of those wonderful moments with you all. Puzzling has become a cherished hobby for me—a way to unwind and … More Puzzle Haul: Time to Share my Journey!
I know it might seem a bit early, or maybe not, but I’m already choosing wallpaper for our home! With most of the big renovation tasks behind us and the vinyl flooring decided (you can read about that adventure here), it’s time to focus on adding the finishing touches. I ordered a lot of samples, … More Is It Too Early to Pick Wallpaper? Maybe Not!
It’s school break for the kids, which means the house is full and loud! Trying to get work done has been a bit of a challenge with all the chaos, so I decided to take a break and go for a walk. The fresh air did wonders. I found some late-season raspberries, which tasted like … More A School break = Chaos
We took the plunge into dragon fruit, drawn by its flashy looks, but ended up munching on a glorious disappointment! It was like biting into a sugar beet with some flashy seeds. After an underwhelming group taste test, we’re back to our reliable apples and berries. Sorry, dragon fruit, it’s not you, it’s us! … More Dragon Fruit…
As autumn graces us with its presence, painting the world in rich oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows, I feel a delightful urge to retreat indoors and indulge in my favorite cozy activity: jigsaw puzzles. After a summer filled with outdoor adventures and sun-soaked days, the arrival of cooler weather invites a comforting shift, a … More Embracing Autumn: My Time for Jigsaw Puzzles
Our chilly nights have transformed into delightful escapades! The kids had an absolute blast jumping from the hot tub to pick fresh watermelon and then diving back in to warm up or rushing to the wet sauna. Their laughter filled the air under the starry sky as they relished this fun game, making the most … More Jumping from the Hot Tub to Sauna
Today, I want to celebrate a truly remarkable woman—my mom, who turns 71 today. Her life has been filled with challenges, and yet, she’s always faced them with strength and resilience that leave me in awe. Back in 1991, after Latvia regained its independence, things were really tough. Work was hard to come by, and … More Happy 71st Birthday to My Incredible Mom! 🎉
Remember my last tomato harvest? It was such a delightful surprise, thanks to the warm autumn weather! If you missed it, you can check out the details here. Well, guess what? Just three weeks later, I was in for yet another surprise harvest! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw how many more tomatoes … More Another Surprise Tomato Harvest!
I recently picked up a bunch of autumn raspberries, and I can’t get enough of their juiciness and delicious flavor! There’s something special about these late-season treats. Unlike summer raspberries, which often come dry, autumn raspberries are a delight to enjoy without any bd surprises. This year, they still surprised us this late in October, … More Autumn Raspberries: A Juicy Delight!
While Helmī’s recent adventure with the camera was a joy to watch, I can’t forget to mention Linna—our seasoned young photographer. She’s been capturing moments with my old camera for a while now, and this year she decided to take it a step further by enrolling in a photography class for kids. I love that … More Linna and the Art of Photography: A Creative Journey
Yesterday’s challenging walk transformed into a delightful adventure when 9-year-old Helmī found joy in photography with my old Canon. Despite a rough start, she blossomed with curiosity, capturing Latvia’s beauty through her eyes. It’s heartwarming to witness her potential as a budding photographer for our blog! … More Seeing the World Through Helmī’s eyes
This weekend was extra special as we had Linna’s friend over! They’ve been best friends since kindergarten. Things changed a bit when Linna chose German as her third language and her friend opted for Russian. They are not in the same classes anymore. Despite the shift, their bond remains strong, and I hope it continues … More A Weekend with Friends and Golden Autumn in Latvia
This weekend, we took a break from renovations and went for a long walk around the area. The weather was perfect, with sunlight streaming through the trees. As we strolled, the girls ran ahead, and everything felt calm—until we spotted a zalktis (grass snake) lying right in the middle of the road. She is a … More A Grass Snake on the Road
Every autumn, I feel the urge to learn something new. Last year, it was organic chemistry, and before that, herbalism and the healing properties of plants. This year, I’m diving into Japanese Hiragana, drawn to its visual elegance and connection to the language. For 20 years, autumn meant the start of school, and that rhythm … More Autumn: My Season of Learning
I can’t believe the northern lights reached Latvia this week—and I missed them! 😭 My colleagues were lucky enough to catch the stunning display and took some incredible photos of the glowing greens and purples lighting up the sky. It’s rare for us to see something like this, so I’m feeling a bit of sad. … More Chasing the Northern Lights
As the days grow shorter and the garden veggies ripen, it’s the perfect time to start canning! You can read about my first experience with water bath canning. There’s something incredibly comforting about having a homemade soup base on hand. With a busy work schedule and limited time to cook during the day, I decided … More Canning: Preserving Beetroot Soup Base for Cozy Days Ahead
I couldn’t resist one final drive to the forest, eager to soak in the beauty of nature one last time before winter settles in. This time, I steered clear of the mysterious lakes and that quirky cabin, venturing a bit deeper into the woods instead. With my husband by my side, I felt adventurous and … More One Last Drive to the Forest
So, I usually take a midday stroll, but now I can walk anytime in my unfinished house area. There are cool trails nearby, and I did a nice 1km yesterday at 6am. The sunrise and fog were just stunning. It felt magical and peaceful. I really love this place! 🧡 … More Couldn’t Resist: A 6AM Walk Through Fog and Sunrise
Let me introduce you to one of my early followers, Peggy! She’s a fantastic inspiration for traveling the world and cooking whatever pops up on page 32 of any cookbook. Peggy is the only one of my follower friends who has visited Latvia—although, despite the country being small, our paths haven’t crossed yet. Here are … More #4: From Followers to Friends – Peggy from leggypeggy.com
I feel incredibly lucky to live just a five-minute walk from the forest. This city beautifully balances urban life with natural beauty, allowing me to escape into the woods whenever I need a break from the busyness of everyday life. Taking these nature walks brings me a sense of peace and grounding. Whether it’s the … More Embracing Nature: My Five-Minute Walk to Serenity
While wandering through the forest recently, I stumbled upon a series of three small lakes nestled among the trees. They had an air of mystery about them, almost as if they were hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. These lakes felt almost haunted to me; the stillness of the water and the surrounding woods created … More Discovering the Enigmatic Lakes in the Forest
I recently set out on a mushroom-hunting adventure, and I’m thrilled to report that I found a few chanterelles! Just enough to whip up a delicious mushroom gravy, a staple in every Latvian household. There’s something so comforting about this dish, especially when served with creamy mashed potatoes. I can’t help but reminisce about a … More Chanterelles and Gravy: A Culinary Tradition
I recently bought a new pair of wellies, and I’m excited to take them out for a spin! With mushroom hunting season winding down, I can’t wait to explore the woods and see if I can find some of my favorite chanterelles. There’s something special about wearing wellies while wandering through the forest, stepping over … More New Wellies and the Last Chanterelles of the Season
One of the highlights of my workday is my midday 5K walk in the park. With a sitting job, moving around is essential, and this walk helps me meet my step goals while providing a much-needed mental reset. The park is particularly beautiful, especially around the small pond where the ducks gather. Every day, I … More Ducks in the Park: My Midday 5K
Waking up on the last day of September to a brisk, chilly morning was quite the experience! The sun was shining brightly, and at first, I didn’t even notice the frost, as the sun had melted most of it away. The steam rising from the ponds created a magical, ethereal atmosphere that took my breath … More A Chilly Surprise: First Frost on a Sunny Morning
As October arrives, Latvia transforms into a vibrant autumn wonderland. The air turns crisp, the days shorten, and nature’s colors come alive in gold, amber, and crimson hues. Birch trees glow with yellow leaves, while maples blaze in fiery reds and oranges. Leaf peeping is at its finest, with fallen leaves creating a rich carpet … More Embracing October: The Enchanting Transformations of Autumn in Latvia
So, there I was, minding my own business on Facebook, when I received a notification that my account had been suspended for “violating their policies.” Naturally, I was taken aback. I mean, who knew that sharing cute cat videos and my latest beeswax candle creations could be so scandalous? But here’s the kicker: they offered … More Is Facebook Losing Its Appeal?
For a while now, it felt like everything was piling up—work, renovation, family commitments, and life in general. I’ve been juggling so many responsibilities, and it has become overwhelming. It felt as if I were trapped in a series of dark tunnels with no end in sight. The weight of it all pressed down and … More Sunday: Finding the Light in One of Many Tunnels
For the past six years, I’ve been drawn to living in tune with nature’s rhythms, especially through the changing seasons—each with its own energy, beauty, and lessons. The Wheel of the Year, based on life’s natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth, has become a way for me to reconnect with nature and ground myself … More My Personal Connection to Nature’s Cycles
As autumn sweeps across Latvia, the country celebrates Miķeļdiena, this year it’s on the 29th of September 2024. Held around late September, Miķeļdiena marks the end of the harvest work and is a time to give thanks for the year’s bounty. Celebrating the Harvest Latvia’s Miķeļdiena is a joyful conclusion to the harvest season. Communities … More Why Latvian Miķeļdiena Might Outshine Commercial Thanksgiving?
Last night’s sunset at Chestnut Manor was nothing short of breathtaking. There’s a certain magic in the way the light kisses the land here, as if the day itself is softly saying goodbye before slipping into night. In the midst of this golden glow stood our caravan—our cozy hideaway throughout the renovation. It’s almost time … More A Bittersweet Sunset: Reflecting on Our Journey at Chestnut Manor
This weekend, we escaped to our unfinished house, arriving on Friday just as the colder evenings set in. The house felt cozy and inviting. This was due to the warmth of our newly started central heating. The soft glow of candles also added to the coziness. Marley, our ever-loyal cat who lives there full-time, joined … More A Cozy Weekend in Our Unfinished Home
This summer was like a juggling act gone wild! Between renovations and work, my greenhouse turned into a jungle, but surprise! My little yellow tomatoes flourished amidst the chaos. They’re so tasty that the kids can’t resist munching them straight off the vine. As it turns out, chaos can be delicious—who knew? Note to self: more tomatoes next year! … More Summer Chaos, Renovation, and the Tastiest Tomatoes
I’m excited to share that we will be starting our heating system this autumn! This means we can continue the renovation through the winter and move into the first floor. However, this post will focus on the decisions we made in September of last year (2023). As winter approached last year (2023), we faced the … More Post 5: Preparing for Winter: Reflecting on Last Year’s Renovation Decisions and Looking Ahead
The author discovers “cottagecore” through a quiz and learns it represents a simple, rural lifestyle filled with cozy, nature-themed aesthetics. This trend, which gained popularity during the pandemic, emphasizes vintage décor, gardening, and crafting. The author resonates with cottagecore, identifying more with country living than urban life. … More Cottagecore: The Quiz Nailed It, but I Had to Look Up the Word!
Ilze reflects on the passage of time since capturing a cherished photo of her daughters, noting how they’ve grown more independent and less willing to pose for pictures. While she misses the ease of past photo sessions, she values their memories and seeks advice on getting older children to cooperate for family photos. … More Capturing Real Moments: Tips for Family Photos
As the renovation progressed, we finally started seeing the fruits of our labor with the installation of the new triple-glazed windows. Once the windows were in, the house magically began to come together. The triple-glazed windows were a big investment, but they made all the difference. They weren’t just about looks—they’re essential for keeping the … More Post 4: A New Beginning with Modern Comforts
Berries! That’s all I can think about… Berries! Every time I head to the store or the local mini-market, I’m on the lookout for any sign of berries… Berries! Berries! Where are you, my beloved berries? If I were living in Riga, finding berries would be a breeze. I could simply stroll into any large … More The Berry Chase: A Rural Tale of Desire and Delight
The Latvian Yellow Split Pea Purée holds a special place in the author’s heart, evoking memories of childhood comfort and warmth. Served with bacon and onion sauce or simply sautéed onions, this traditional dish is a cherished favorite. The recipe, accompanied by creative leftover ideas, offers a nostalgic and satisfying culinary experience. … More Latvian Yellow Split Pea Purée
Since we bought our house, I planted a small patch of mojito mint next to the greenhouse. It’s been a constant struggle, with the surrounding plants overtaking its space and the soil not being ideal for mint. Adding to the challenge, I didn’t have a reliable water source for it. Despite these difficulties, I managed … More The Mojito Mint Comeback—A Garden Experiment
The real work began when we started rebuilding from the ground up—literally. The original flooring, like much of the wood in the house, was beyond repair. But the issues didn’t stop there. Beneath the floors, we found clay, which is not good. So, we had to remove that and fill it with the sand. Since … More Part 3: Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Meet Julie My other friend from the early blogging days is Julie. She amazes me in so many ways, though I won’t list them all here. You should definitely check out her transformative journey—that’s how we first connected, through the Keto diet. Julie is an incredibly hard-working mom, and I admire how she’s always there … More #3: From Followers to Friends – Julie from hartlife1973.wordpress.com
Yesterday, we celebrated Helmī’s 9th birthday, and today the festivities continue! It’s a milestone for more than just our smallest girl—it’s the first party we’ve ever hosted in our unfinished house! And honestly, it was magical. The space is spacious and open, just what we envisioned for these kinds of gatherings. The kids loved the … More Celebrating Helmi’s 9th Birthday in Our Unfinished House
Taking on a house that hadn’t been lived in for over 30 years was no small feat. When we finally purchased the property in late 2019, it felt like we had taken on more than just a house—we had inherited years of neglect, worn-down materials, and the challenge of preserving something that was quickly falling … More Part 2: The Challenges of Breathing New Life: Chestnut Manor
Ilze and her family embarked on a transformative journey when they stumbled upon Chestnut Manor in 2008. After years of fascination, they finally became the proud owners of the 1880s farmhouse in 2019. Despite its neglected state, the unique craftsmanship and potential of the home instilled in them a deep sense of belonging and purpose. … More Falling in Love with a Forgotten Gem: Chestnut Manor
The Pros 1. Flexibility in Schedule:One of the best things about working from home is having control over your time. You can schedule doctor’s appointments without worrying about getting approval or taking time off, and you can easily drop off or pick up your kids when needed. This flexibility is a game-changer for balancing personal … More The Pros and Cons of Working from Home
As the autumn chill sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a warm mug of spiced apple drink made from fresh, homegrown apples. This simple yet aromatic recipe has been a beloved tradition since I first shared it on my old blog in 2013, capturing the essence of the season with … More Cozy Up with a Warm Spiced Apple Drink
As you know I’ve returned to blogging, I quite cause I thouth I didn’t had time, actually I’ve lost a freind. Thinking of my dear blogging friend Roger (Grumpy Tyke) fills me with gratitude and nostalgia. Though we never met in person, our connection through blogging profoundly shaped my life. Roger, known by many as … More Remembering Roger: A Tribute to a Friendship That Inspired Self-Love