Yesterday’s sunset was one of those moments that made me stop whatever I was doing and simply look. The sky was painted with beautiful shades of orange, pink, and gold. Soft clouds drifted across the horizon, catching the last light of the day and turning into little works of art. They looked almost too perfect … More A Colourful Goodbye to the Day
The strawflowers had been waiting patiently for me to plant them outside. They sat in their pots for longer than planned, and I knew I had to find them a home before they outgrew their temporary one. I would say they did outgrew these small plugs… After walking around the property and looking for an … More A Home for the Strawflowers
It was finally time to clean up and set up the pool for another summer. Unlike many sensible people, we didn’t clean it properly in autumn. We emptied the water and left it outside all winter. With temperatures regularly dropping to -20°C here, I was too nervous about leaving water inside and hoping for the … More Pool Season Has Begun
Yesterday I was in the greenhouse, continuing the endless task of taking care of the tomatoes. While I was there, I decided to finally clean up one corner that had somehow become a “later” place. There were mostly cardboard from IKEA furniture and a few empty potting soil bags. Nothing exciting. Or so I thought. … More Surprise in the Greenhouse
Today is the 1st of June, and just like that, school is over. The kids are home! I’m happy for them. Summer holidays always felt magical when I was a child — long days, freedom, adventures, and not having to think about school for a while. Now, as a parent, I see it a little … More June Has Arrived
This morning, I stepped outside with one simple goal — to see what food I could find in the garden. To my delight, there was plenty. I picked fresh rocket, radishes, dill, spring onions, and salad leaves for breakfast. There is something incredibly satisfying about gathering food just a few steps from the kitchen. It … More Shopping in My Own Garden
I went to the garden and collected a few new beetroots and carrots – regular ones and purple ones. We had potatoes together with chicken legs; they made a hearty dinner. It’s such a rainy and cold day outside… perfect for staying cozy inside with comfort food. Jānis brought me a cinnamon roll, and the … More Vacation Day 25 – Rainy Garden Harvest and Cozy Evening
In Latvia, the school year traditionally begins on the 1st of September, but this year, the start has been moved to the 2nd, as the 1st falls on a weekend. Known as “Zinību Diena” or “Knowledge Day,” it’s a day full of excitement and tradition. Children return to school with flowers for their teachers, dressed … More The First Day of School in Latvia: September 2nd
We are having a few very hot days in a row! Today it’s +29 C tomorrow it will be +30 C It’s hard to stay committed to blogging, had 5 photoshoot this week already. One more on Saturday! Means a lot of work for me! Not all are paid, I do free photoshoots – my … More Hot day!
A lot has happened and it feels that I hadn’t been in the blog for a while. Not counting days because they were so busy I can’t even remember all the things that have happened! Second crop – radishes! Linna sow them and was so excited to taste one! Also to get out of … More The second crop, wedding, friends, family, etc.
Today is the last day of May and the first day of summer! We started this day with butter coffee and walk to the manor to open the greenhouse. It was hot in there – like a sauna! I really enjoy the morning walk with girls (I ask if they want to come and if … More The last day of May and the first day of Summer!
It is the first day of the second half of the year. Isn’t it? For me it is! What have I done till now… well – good question! Can’t answer that at the moment cause it feels like everything is just about to start NOW! It’s time to be ME! Not mom, nor housewife… but … More 1st of July – Time to be me
A few days ago I cooked stew and had spare spring cabbage leaves to share. Also, plenty of dandelion leaves growing outside, so I suggested to pick those and go visit rabbits in our friends family house. It was 15 minute walk with my little ones and it was hot and sunny. We got water … More Rabbits
We sometimes like to take small detours around the countryside we are living in. Yesterday I spent the whole day learning photoshop and editing baby Freijas pictures so I felt like I need to change the ” view what’s around” and have a detour. It ended with a surprise – horses. Very friendly horses! Girls … More Small Detour
I received a call on Tuesday (didn’t expect that) and I was asked to “come over” and “sign papers” which means I WON and my business plan was good enough to get support! Now I will have a lot to do till 20th of June! Paperwork, institutions and agents and then when I finally register … More Long Awaited Results
Yesterday I spend whole day capturing baby Freija! She is so adorable when sleeping. The problem was she wasn’t sleeping! She cried or ate. I was there for pictures but she didn’t want to model :). I hope one day we will meet again! Sweet dreams, Freija! Ilze
Weather is getting back to normal here in Latvia. It’s still warm and sunny. But yesterday it was with a fresh breeze and a bit cloudy. Girls asked for gouache and that means – trouble! They will be covered in gouache in no time…. no jus table and chair and t-shirt, but hair, and face and … More Saturday fun
I challenged myself to name the words starting with a certain number and then take a picture and share on the blog. You can read about it here. So this is the first blog post in that challenge. I use Online random letter generator and the first random letter was V. According to my challenge, I started to … More Word Challenge: V
Sunset. Clouds and the sun. Walk. Time together. Love. Ilze
Traditional Latvian kitchen isn’t complete without caraway seeds. Rainy summer day. I and my granny are sitting in the old firewood shed. We are sitting on the table cloth. In front of us is a big pile of dried caraway plant whisk. We are taking them one by one into our hands. Rub the umbel … More Caraway seeds and my granny
How to prepare dill for winter? My favorite way is to freeze them. I don’t know why, but I don’t like the taste of dried dills. It’s completely something different. To freeze the dill you need only a few minutes! I’m buying bulk from organic farmers and they usually are clean. If choose to wash: leave … More How to Store Dill for winter
This is the day off for my girls. They didn’t want to visit a kindergarten so we let them stay home. Actually, I’m sneezing and don’t plan to do any repairing/renovation job today. Girls found Elsa dresses… and run around singing “Let it go, let it go” half of the day. Those of you who … More Frozen inspired summer day / Day off