Remembrance Day means nothing if it doesn’t affect how we live all year long. Read Steve’s warning of how our world is forgetting the basics of what living with expensive freedom is really all about.

UPDATED 20Aug2019: I’m not sure how my conversation about the $250,000 mortgage came up, but it got me thinking about two very different ways that people live these days. There’s the “mortgage-now-pay later” approach that’s grown so popular over the…

Doing your own repairs and building your own things is about much more than saving money. It’s also about making your life better. Read Steve’s take on how this unfolded at his own place.

If you’re thinking about a renovation this year, there are six trends you need to know about. Keep them in mind as you plan and you’ll get a better renovation in the end.

One thing about being a parent is that it expands how you experience the world. Not only do you feel the ups and downs of your own life, but you also  feel the ups and downs of your kids. At…

At any given time on our homestead here on Manitoulin Island, there are lots of things going on: building, gardening, home improvements, managing livestock and the various challenges of raising a bunch of kids in the country at the end…

Need a workbench? Save money, build your own and get a great bench with plans by Steve. 35-year track record on this design proves it’s good. Sign up below and download the plans package for free.

Condensation on windows is a mysterious and annoying problem for some people in winter. Learn why it happens and how to eliminate the problem once and for all.

There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding a $4000 cabin plan on the internet lately. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the author of this ambitious plan was none other than myself! This update corrects some information for a more accurate build.

Every pickup truck owner has stories to tell. Watch Steve’s story about life with the two trucks he’s owned over the last 30 years on Manitoulin Island, and the great help they’ve been on the the Maxwell family homestead.

Ever thought of building your own home? Take a quick photo tour of the stone and timber house Steve built on Manitoulin Island.