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
So… I finally found and bought a vintage sofa set! I was thrilled when I saw the photos—charming, with character and perfect curves – just like me :). But when it arrived… let’s just say it doesn’t look exactly like in the ad. 🙈 It’s still ok… I paid 300 EUR for delivery (they came … More I Bought a Vintage Sofa Set!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
a day in the life of a latvian mom 