Yesterday: Library

February 25, 2018

Yesterday we were in the library. It’s something special to us. We don’t visit library very often. Actually, this was the second time in the library as a family. I thought a library is something boring and full of books that no one can read through! But as the previous time (few month ago) also this … More Yesterday: Library

Yesterday’s walk

February 22, 2018

It feels right to live here in the countryside of Latvia! So, so right! I like to walk and observe all the beauty Mother Nature can give to us! A beautiful day was yesterday and the new one is coming today! I promised myself to walk a bit every day. Since it’s so beautiful feels like … More Yesterday’s walk

Be Patient!

February 19, 2018

Maybe you remember that one time when I honestly admitted that it’s hard for me with “Surprises”! Remember the present that can’t be open till my name day!? I was thrilled and relieved when I finally opened that package! It was hard! I even shook it and almost opened it two days before my name day! … More Be Patient!

I’m back!

February 19, 2018

I’m back to blogging after the two-week break! Yes, it wasn’t two weeks – only 9 days! But it feels like half of the month! All comments on my blog answered yesterday so other people blogs for today! Now out with Nelle (Yes, shes still at home)! Ilze

New picnic spot

February 17, 2018

We found a new picnic spot in the nearest forest. I know it’s not much, but really, what you need if you get there by car!? You can take your own picnic table and stools, right? We love short picnics in forests! Ilze

Lucky day

February 15, 2018

I was so lucky to capture strange white frozen growths on treas around foxholes. At first, it looked so weird that I didn’t allow girls to touch it! Actually, we didn’t touch it at all! Later I found this article:  Mystery of HAIR ICE solved: Strange white frozen growths found on trees are engineered by fungus Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3171935/Mystery-HAIR-ICE-solved-Strange-white-frozen-growths-trees-engineered-fungus.html#ixzz56hkwhlH6 … More Lucky day

European Greenfinch

February 12, 2018

These birds are silly! They like to visit our feeder and they always stick together. I saw them in the cherry tree near the feeder. Grab a camera and run out. Silly Greenfinch flew away to the nearest tree when saw me with the camera. Ilze

Two weeks off

February 10, 2018

Things around me are getting crazy. I need more time, space, need to plan and do few projects… I’m taking days (up to two weeks) off from blogging. I just sat down for few hours to make scheduled posts for 8 days and now I’m saying goodbye for few weeks. Take care you all! Ilze

Update

February 6, 2018

Now all three girls are ill. Even Helmī have a temperature. No flu… something else. We stick to a lot of C vitamin, herbal teas, and few meds… Girls are puzzling and I’m doing my best to keep them in bed and happy! It feels like I’m next! While girls were sleeping I’ve tried to get … More Update

Postpone

February 5, 2018

I have to postpone all my plans and actions related to the Etsy shop. Girls are ill! Nothing serious, but being all at home where Janis try to work from… is serious! Or at least “good workout” for me! Linna was ill on Friday (only temperature – about 38.8C). Now she’s having running nouse. Nelle got … More Postpone

Illustrator

February 2, 2018

I spent yesterday doodling in Illustrator… Never used an Illustrator before. Tried to do a small “project”…. … got dizzy! I don’t know where that day went… but I guess I liked it so much even don’t mind spending one-day moving points! I was so entertained… end up having a headache! It’s not good to … More Illustrator

Mushroom Omelette

February 1, 2018

Thanks to our friend Aivar’s dad Aivars (Yes, they both are named Aivars) we have an opportunity to buy extra free range eggs! Also, we are lucky enough to have Janis Uncle that is also having free range chicken “farm” (about 10 chickens). Since Aivars (senior) started the “egg business” (I guess we are the only … More Mushroom Omelette

Sunday

January 29, 2018

Mario & Nora visited us on Saturday after Nora had choir show in Smiltene. We had a lovely time chatting inside cause weather outside was rainy & windy! Sunday morning I started with coffee and made Tuna tortilla wraps. After that, there were chatting & chilling! I was too relaxed to look for my phone, … More Sunday

Water Bath Canning

January 26, 2018

Am I getting old or what? I’ve been thinking about water bath canning since autumn when my mom made all the tomatoes on pickled cucumbers for us at her home… and was tired as hell! I didn’t have a pot big enough… And I considered buying one, but then I realize that my stove top … More Water Bath Canning

Another shaker card!

January 24, 2018

OK. Do you remember our first shaker card!? I was inspired by Lana and her shaker card “Hello”! Nelle came home from kindergarten last Thursday and announced that her teacher is leaving on Friday! “She will have a baby and we have to make her shaker card!!!”… I paused… “It’s only a few hours till the … More Another shaker card!

Few days off

January 23, 2018

Janis changed his work and have a new contract since 10th of January. He decided not to dig in until this Monday. So, Janis had few days off – seven working days if be exact! He spends that time doing what he normally can’t. Usually, we shop our food here in Gulbene, but since Janis didn’t … More Few days off

Surprise!

January 22, 2018

Receive a package from GrumpyTyke was a huge surprise as itself! Impatiently I cut and rip the package apart from the box… even bigger was my surprise seeing this: “Not to be opened until 27 JAN” OMG! Noooooo! I’m not good at this! Once I convince all my family to celebrate Christma Eve at 23rd of … More Surprise!

Walking in the winter wonderland

January 21, 2018

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight Walking in a winter wonderland And later on, we’ll conspire As we dream by the fire To face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made Walking in a winter wonderland. Ilze P.S. More about the song here.  

Marley

January 20, 2018

Our Cat Marley is getting friendlier and friendlier every day!! And now as far as I can tell (I’m almost 35 and I never had a cat before and I don’t look under the tail of cats I met along the way) our cat Marley is SHE! Is Marley a girl name?! Cause our cat Marley … More Marley

Tortilla Tuna wraps

January 18, 2018

Tortilla night! I love it! And the reason for that is  – it’s simple, tasty, healthiest “fast food” recipe I know and all my family members greet this dinner with happy faces and sparkle in the eye. I wonder is it hard to make tortilla at home?! Cause I’m buying tortillas and make the filling. … More Tortilla Tuna wraps

Home alone

January 14, 2018

Or should I say – Home alone with Linna? Last week was interesting! Interesting cause we were apart from each other! Janis went to Riga to sign a new contract with a new IT company. And stayed in Riga for two days. As you know Nelle has time with me on Mondays, after School of … More Home alone

Art School for Nelle

January 13, 2018

Last time Nelle had her art class was before Christmas and the next time the Art School opened was on Monday 8th of January! This period without the Art School was hard for Nelle and me! She asked 100 times – When will the school open!? For example, on Monday they have to paint a picture on a sandpaper using … More Art School for Nelle

Enchanted forest

January 11, 2018

We can’t imagine a better way to entertain kids and awaken their imagination than a walk into an enchanted forest on a sunny day as it was this Sunday! I call this forest (that is actually more like woods 50 meters away from our house) enchanted cause I and also my girls believe these 100-year-old trees … More Enchanted forest

Omelette with Pumpkin

January 10, 2018

If you have leftover pumpkin puree you can make Omelette with pumpkin. It’s easy and requires fewer eggs than a regular omelet. Also, this omelette I like better than one made with fresh pumpkin.       Love salty breakfast and Pumpkin Omelette isn’t exception :). Without further ado, recipe below! Ilze

Monday

January 8, 2018

We all know Mondays… Really!? NO! I would say “No! It is the same as the other days!” …six years ago! But now – OMG! Tomorrow is Monday!…Twice more coffee! And like it wouldn’t be enough! That “Monday” thing is real even if you are staying at home mom. And those who are saying “Mondays … More Monday

Chocolate Pumpkin Mascarpone Mousse with Crunchy Oats and Raspberries

January 7, 2018

I know the title as itself is a mouthful! You must try this healthy dessert! Yes, yes, no doubt it’s healthy after all the Christmas & New Years feasting… or is it just me. Without further ado,  here is the recipe! (OK, take a look at glasses! This recipe is for five small glasses, not big … More Chocolate Pumpkin Mascarpone Mousse with Crunchy Oats and Raspberries

Linna in action!

January 6, 2018

This is good! I like where it is going! Sometimes Linna likes to help. Whenever I ask – she doesn’t want to help. She likes to come and help every time I keep my mouth shoot and ignore here. Nice! Now I will have new tactics! I will start cleaning something and I hope, I … More Linna in action!

Banana muffins

January 2, 2018

Never had banana bread or cake.. or muffins before! Everyone is jumping high and sharing success with banana bread and I was like “No way!”. I don’t like baked bananas… There is a recipe for baked bananas and add ice cream on top. Crazy! Not for me! My favorite pancake recipe includes mashed banana… there … More Banana muffins

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2017

I have spent some time thinking about what my priorities will be for the year 2018… First of all, I want to summarise the year 2017!     Have you already taken some time to get your priorities in order? I’d love to hear from you all in the year 2018 too! Happy New Year! Ilze

Date night!

December 26, 2017

I’m late on blogging today cause yesterday was the first time in four years I and Janis went out without our girls! Just two of us at a local youth party!     We met few friends and Janis brother there 🙂 It was like a “local” party with entrance fee and free food 🙂 … More Date night!

Happy Mail Day #7

December 16, 2017

What I got in the mail I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post? The best thing I could get after such a crazy&stressful  morning I had two days ago! Tea and cookies from my blogging friend GrumpyTyke! What a lovely box! Thank you!!! It was right on TIME! Really! How did you do that!? I had real Yorkshire … More Happy Mail Day #7

Crazy Morning

December 15, 2017

“Beautiful sunny morning!” I said to Janis. “What’s the date today!?” asked Janis. I lost my voice! I had a very serious appointment, that can’t be missed… “OMG! it’s 14th of December I had an appointment yesterday!!!” I run to the computer, then bookshelf. Looked for “important” papers! And went back to the computer. “What … More Crazy Morning

Cones, Spruce cone

December 11, 2017

Saw something in the top part of the electricity pole… near our house. Just lead by curiosity I went out and took my camera with me. What can it be? Finally, the closest spruce is having wonderful cones this year. I don’t know if it’s planted there, but it’s not very high 2,5 meters.. or … More Cones, Spruce cone

Sad girls…

December 11, 2017

…they were sad when I said “NO!” to snow angels and jumping around in snow cause they were all dressed up for going to Gulbene! Yes, we have separate cloth for city and home! Otherwise, you can’t survive in the countryside! And it doesn’t matter actually, cause when I told, that we are going to … More Sad girls…

Monster Truck!

December 10, 2017

My new neighbor Lāsma and I we had a walk a few weeks ago. I have three girls and I went outside for walks constantly.. in the mud, in the snow, in the sand… Never ever had a problem! But look at this! 🙂 This was funny for a moment, but actually – got a bit … More Monster Truck!

Hand knitted socks

December 9, 2017

Hand knitted socks are something our family love! All my girls have wool socks to wear in boots when going out in winter. When we have to wait until our central heating heats up the house, wool socks are just in time!  My mom makes all our wool socks! More than 20 pairs per year!!! Starting … More Hand knitted socks

Happy Mail Day #6

December 8, 2017

Another thing for cardmaking. Not just “another thing”! Something I wanted for ages but wasn’t ready to spend 105,- Euro! Now it’s here and I got it for a half price cause it’s used but it was written: “Condition: Like” I usually don’t believe but this time it really is “like new”!!! Bargain! Introducing, my … More Happy Mail Day #6

Savoury Eggy Bread

December 8, 2017

Another breakfast simple savory breakfast food! This one even doesn’t need a recipe, but I will post it anyway. This is something my mom made for breakfast when bread got “hard”.  We never wasted food (we can’t afford that!) and now I don’t waste food cause I thought well! That is how I grew up – … More Savoury Eggy Bread

Happy Mail day #5

December 8, 2017

Decide to number my happy mail days… reason!? Can’t name the reason… Anyway! Happy! Another metal die for cardmaking is here and I promise myself to use it whenever have time to make a card! This variety of different sized rectangles with a stitched edge was my dream ever since started the card making.It’s mine … More Happy Mail day #5

Oh, it’s a full moon!

December 6, 2017

Girls were driving me crazy at the weekend! I couldn’t explain why! They were so active and challenging! Fighting with each other, running, jumping, banging head and believing that they can fly… form sofa to armchair! Helmī was the craziest, the most active, the fastest, the crybaby and the extreme sports winner for sure! I would say discoverer … More Oh, it’s a full moon!

Happy Mail Day #4

December 5, 2017

It’s interesting how I made friends by blogging! Last week I received lovely watercolor prints made by my blogging friend Jodi from USA! She is such an inspiration to me! When I first saw her blog I wanted to grow up and be like her! Now I know, that everything is in my hands! She is … More Happy Mail Day #4