With Heart and Hands

This blog is my space to show what becomes possible when you start doing things yourself, listening, and trying things out. I'm still at the beginning – but this is where it all starts. One step at a time, one idea at a time, one project at a time.

Tanja Fröhlich

Who We Are

I’m Tanja.
In 2023, my husband Gernot and I took the leap from Austria to Canada. We had a plan, prepared thoroughly, and set out to build a small business as a foundation for a free, self-determined life. But due to a change in the law, that path was suddenly blocked – even though the idea behind it stayed with us.

Today, we live on a piece of land on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. We’ve kept our house in Austria – not because we doubt our decision, but because we know that dreams take time. And because it’s easier to pursue them when you don’t have to risk everything.
We also continue working part-time in Austria while we look for a new path toward permanent residency.

We both enjoy working with our hands, thinking creatively, and learning by doing.
Gernot has a great feel for plants, tools, and design – he gardens with passion, builds and repairs things, and brings his eye for aesthetics into everything we create.
I knit, crochet, preserve food, experiment – and I love figuring out how to make things myself with simple means: food stores, care products, everyday solutions.

I write this blog, plan the content, share our stories, and keep the threads together – in the kitchen, in the garden, and at the screen.
AlpineRootsMapleBranches is my way of sharing our life with others: honestly, imperfectly, and piece by piece as it grows.

Why This Blog

Because I believe there’s strength in simplicity.
Because I know that independence doesn’t have to be loud – it starts quietly: in the pantry, with a jar, a needle, a handful of seeds.
Because I don’t want to be rich – just free. And I know I’m not the only one.

This blog is still young – just like our life here.
But it’s growing with every task, every project, every story.
And maybe, with you.

What You’ll Find Here

This space grows with me – and hopefully with you. I share what I learn, try, and build. Not as an expert, but as someone doing the work and writing things down along the way.

  • Practical plant knowledge
    My plant profiles don’t just list facts – they show you how wild and cultivated plants can be used in real life, with recipes, DIYs and tested ideas.

  • Soil, garden & homestead reality
    What it means to work with heavy soil, start small in permaculture, and improve the land step by step – through experiments, learning and honest trial and error.

  • Preserving & making
    From canning and drying to beginner-friendly craft projects – if I’ve made it, I’ll share it. The easy wins, the slow lessons, and the moments that actually work.

  • A glimpse into our everyday life
    A mix of stories and snapshots from our new home between forest, clotheslines and compost piles – nothing curated, just real life.

  • Guest contributions
    I hope that this space will grow into a collection of voices over time – with stories, ideas and knowledge from others who live with intention, creativity and care.

AlpineRootsMapleBranches is my open notebook – for anyone who wants to grow a life with heart, hands, and their own rhythm.
And who knows – maybe you’ll end up writing a part of it, too.

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Let’s Stay in Touch

Want to follow along for a while?
You can subscribe to my newsletter, explore the latest blog posts – or join me on social media:

There, I share glimpses into our daily life, new projects, and small moments that shape our time here.
If you’d like to be notified about new blog posts, feel free to sign up for the newsletter – or write to me directly at info@alpinerootsmaplebranches.com.
I’d love to hear from you!