Lifestyle
Sometimes ideas are the most valuable things of all, and this is where you’ll find inspiration and ideas on living well
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TOOLS: Three Up-and-Coming Cordless Options
Power tool technology is the same as every other kind of advancement in the world. New stuff is expensive and…
LIFESTYLE: What Ever Happened to Personal Responsibility?
A roll of plastic pipe I ordered years ago arrived in a carton that makes me concerned. A stern, 15-word…
PHILOSOPHY: Masonry, Life & Choosing the Hard-But-Good Things
In the late 1980s I faced a choice, and it was like many of the big choices we all face…
AI DIALOGUE: The Railway That Changed The World
Discover how a 25-mile stretch of railway in northern England—the Stockton & Darlington Railway—marked a turning point in human history…
OUTDOOR WOOD BOILER: Detailed Video Tour Of This Wood Heating Option
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, takes us on a video tour of his outdoor wood boiler, explains why he chose…
LIFESTYLE: Five Wise Reminders From the Amish
Do you find the simple, community-based ways of the Amish interesting? I always have. In this article, I talk about…
OUTDOOR LIVING: How to Use a Wood Splitter
Watch this detailed video tutorial to learn the basics of using a wood splitter safely and productively. I think you’ll…
RURAL LIVING: Let Me Show You Manitoulin Island Life
The first part of the 1980s left me feeling desperate. That’s what happened when, after four years of methodical searching, I…
LIFE & HEALTH: Is Distilled Water Good To Drink? Here’s What I found
If you care about optimizing your health and energy level, you’ve probably come to realize that little lifestyle practices can…
COTTAGE LIFE: “Can I Leave All Heat Off During The Off Season?”
Question: Can I safely leave the heat turned off in my cottage over winter when I’m not there? The floor…
HOMESTEADING: How to Thrive Without Burnout, Despair & Failure
Many people in the world long for a life in the country, lived on their own terms, close to nature,…
UNEXPLAINED: The Strangest Thing That Ever Happened to me
As some of you know, my wife, Mary, was suddenly diagnosed with an advanced case of chordoma in May 2024…
RURAL WATER: See a Frost-Proof Waterline Installation
Got a water line that needs to be protected from frost? Watch an actual installation video that I made a…
LIFE SKILLS: Benefits of the “Thank You” Mentality
Back in the 1990s, I learned a valuable lesson that I haven’t forgotten. It happened over a ten year period while…
CASE STUDY: Young Man Seeks Modern Homestead Part 2
Ever thought of building a country life for yourself? Join Steve for part 2 of a 3-part conversation he had…
INTERIORS: Sunlight Tunnels bring more Joy To your Life
Adding daylight to your home is one of the best things you can do and it’s the ultimate green energy…
KEEP IT FLOWING: How to Get Lots of Water from a Weak Well
Does your water well let you down with chronically insufficient water? Do you run out of water whenever the weather…
HOMES & RENOS: Follow This Design Approach to Truly Make a Place Your Own
Question: How should my husband and I choose an architect? We’ve bought five acres of waterfront property that’s blessed with…
BACKYARD CHICKENS: Raising Leghorn Chicks For Eggs
Watch the transformation of day-old Leghorn chicks into full-fledged free-range laying hens. Besides being cute, there are key things you…
INTERESTING: Meet a Mural Painter Who Makes Buildings Better
Have you ever noticed how outdoor art can make a neighbourhood so much better? This article is about a remarkable outdoor…
OFF-GRID ENERGY: Take a Tour of Solar & Wind Off Grid System
Have you ever wanted an off grid solar system to power your home or cottage? How about wind energy? Let me…
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Sometimes ideas are the most valuable things of all, and this is where you’ll find inspiration and ideas on living well.


















