Lifestyle
Sometimes ideas are the most valuable things of all, and this is where you’ll find inspiration and ideas on living well
Review the entire Archive of Lifestyle Articles here, or do a more in-depth search to find what you’re looking for.
PODCAST: Three Keys to Proper Basement Finishing
Listen as Steve Maxwell talks about the problems with conventional basement finishing, and how you can finish your basement in…
Podcast Q&A: Choosing Cordless Tools
BRUSHLESS DRILL TOUR A reader named Vern asked about what type of cordless tools he might need for a remote…
VIDEO: Five Reasons to Love Insulation
Insulation doesn’t feel like a thrilling home renovation topic for most people. But the fact is, you should be thrilled…
Why Kids Need to Start Home Maintenance Businesses
Sometimes a real challenge is just what people need. That’s why Steve thinks kids need a little less stuff in…
Sane & Sustainable Rural Living Part 3
Note to a Discouraged Homesteader
Sane & Sustainable Rural Living Part 2
Back in my previous blog I talked about the reasons I see would-be homesteaders change their minds and give up…
The Ten Most Essential DIY Tools
Nothing much happens without tools. But which ones will really serve you? Let Steve get specific and tell you all…
Working From Home on Your Own Terms
Hendrik Varju is a man who’s spent most of his working life doing two things most people just dream of…
Q&A Podcast: Condensation & Mold
List to Steve responds to a homeowner question about eliminating window condensation and mold growth this winter.
The Hidden Truth About Insulation
Home insulation isn’t flashy or fun. And unless you’re weird, it’s hard to get as emotionally excited about insulation as,…
Q&A Podcast: Choosing a Generator
Listen as Steve explains the basics of choosing a backup generator for a reader who has a lot of “essentials”…
Finish Interior Wood Like a Pro
Sooner or later, most homeowners get the urge to finish or refinish interior wood. It’s all part of home ownership…
INSULATION PROGRAMS: Government $$$ to Help Pay for Your Upgrades
The government wants to help you insulate your home, but how do you make it happen? Let Steve show you…
Syrian Refugees & Canadian Winters
With Syrian refugees coming to Canada, what will it be like for them learning how to live in Canadian homes…
Living Like We Remember
Remembrance Day means nothing if it doesn’t affect how we live all year long. Read Steve’s warning of how our…
How to Avoid the Mortgage Treadmill
UPDATED 20Aug2019: I’m not sure how my conversation about the $250,000 mortgage came up, but it got me thinking about…
The Real Magic of DIY
Doing your own repairs and building your own things is about much more than saving money. It’s also about making…
Six Top Reno Trends
If you’re thinking about a renovation this year, there are six trends you need to know about. Keep them in…
life@baileylineroad: More Than One Heart
One thing about being a parent is that it expands how you experience the world. Not only do you feel…
life@baileylineroad
At any given time on our homestead here on Manitoulin Island, there are lots of things going on: building, gardening,…
Free Plans to Build Your Own Workbench
Need a workbench? Save money, build your own and get a great bench with plans by Steve. 35-year track record…
Search Lifestyle Articles
Sometimes ideas are the most valuable things of all, and this is where you’ll find inspiration and ideas on living well.