A Simple Day Around the Cabin

Day to day life around our cabin is simple and purposeful, filled with various seasonal chores. The snow is surely fading and spring is just around the corner.
We appreciate you tagging along for our Alaskan adventure 😀
Thank you for watching and supporting our channel! 💙
- Eric & Arielle Illia
Music By Epidemic Sound:
From the Ashes of a Previous Life - Lama House
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[@annettekilpela4723]

Isn’t it interesting how just ordinary people doing regular chores can be so fascinating. I’ll take these two people over Hollywood trash anyday! Love from Minnesota

[@whitestone4401]

I was also blessed with a husband like Eric. He could build, tear down, take apart, trouble shoot, put back together, fix anything. It always amazes me just how talented and intuitive he is. You both compliment each other and work so well together.

[@HughJorgan1]

By “simple” Arielle and Eric mean doing more work and chores in one day than most of us do in a month lol.

[@jense.6920]

yes maybe. but: for themself. no "boss" tells them what to do next. but you need some skills out there. so the only way to enjoy this way of living is watching the videos :)

[@yanknoz9710]

And they film a video while working!

[@karengladys2011]

So true! Boots love them!

[@kbr6783]

Then you don’t know farmers.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Being from louisiana I can appreciate that he finally started splitting his biscuits for biscuits and gravy like folks do in the south. 😆

[@puirYorick]

Bandit is such a goof with his long legs scampering after his old drive belt toy. Another great episode.

[@mievanlee]

This is probably the most satisfying work: stacking wood. The sound it makes...

[@uk-hon5769]

The allium 'haircut' would have worked really well as a sprinkle on your biscuits, eggs and gravy!

[@CreatorInTrng]

I was also thinking - I hope they don't let those good green trimmings go to waste. But, not my garden, not my kitchen. The food they put together always looks so delicious. I check my mail everyday hoping for an invite 😀🍽.

[@sarahwar3538]

Can you show more of your cat care? What does he/she eat, how do they get cared for when you are gone? Curious on how it all works for you.

[@normalara1417]

"Simpleness"! I just love how Eric's dog made the most joyful fun out of an old rubber belt! Priceless!👍💖🥰

[@pattiamperse4400]

Many years ago when I was much younger & still resides in Alaska…….on those especially snowy years, a neighbor & I would cut browse for the moose & leave it in an open field a spot away from r homes. Every Saturday we would cut more & sure enuf it was being eaten. Made us feel good to know we were helping those poor moose when the snow was too deep for them to get around❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@myrzamarilyslassus956]

When you said puertorrican coffee, I screamed! I'm from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and am a fan of yours. Your videos give me such calmness. God bless you.

[@703mimi]

Same! Boricuas have the best coffee! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@lenkubiak3051]

Funny,growing up MOM would feed the dogs egg shells.Nowdays when i tell friends about this ,they look at me like i'm from Pluto

[@lesleywatkins1172]

Great to see Bandit having so much fun with the old rubber belt from your snow clearer! He’s one happy dog! 🥰

[@Flowergurl2000]

Confidence, removing the plow attachment. Best part, Bandit and his belt!!!!

[@debb9008]

one person trash is his treasure... that just made my heart happy watching him... so sweet...you would never know they are the same age.... thanks to the video

[@shaybob1711]

there is nothing on the planet that is better than biscuts and gravy with egg yolk mixed in. Just heavenly.

[@williamharn9048]

Between the Moose, Chickens and Cutting firewood, I think this video lowered my blood pressure ten points. Thanks for a great video!!

[@user-mj8ml2vs5d]

Anyone else love of the sound of the iron and hammer on the kindling? 🥰

[@desertedenblooms]

As I was saying, we need so many more people like you, dreamers who set goals and make it happen! We need fewer Karens in the world. BE BLESSED...

[@carlac2672]

Just something to think about..covered front porch. Another project 😁

[@charlotteanddavestorey6553]

Absolutely love the beginning of this video , the snow , the moose and the log burner , Alaska is such a beautiful place , heaven on earth .

[@magyshikes3447]

My favorite was Bandit prancing around with the belt!! 💓

[@lunamaria9883]

Love that irredescent turquoise tail with the fluffy white plume on that rooster. Simply gorgious living in Alaska. Love it.

[@rodewerk5034]

The axe weighs as much as Arielle, I could watch her try to swing it all day. Thank you for the video!

[@RhondaRichter-1234]

When my husband was cutting trees I was filling boxes and dog food bags with dry branches on floor of woods!! He never had to worry about kindling again!! He is in Heaven now but if 8 can get a wood stove, I will do again. Blessing from north central Wisconsin. I LOVE your videos.

[@shermdog6969]

That little kindling cracker helps you keep your fingers. I chopped the end of a finger off using a hatchet. Now I only use one of the crackers.

[@sarahmcvay6689]

My family and I Love y'all ❤❤!! My little girls said that they wanted to send Bo and Bandit each a toy. Our pup Penny has a squeak ball that she adores....y'all got 2 coming yer way.....and some sugar and peanut butter powder.....just cause pb cookies are AWESOME....and our pup LOVES peanut butter on a spoon❤

[@liamfleming2070]

Eric and Arielle, I’m glad to see that you are using the KindlingKracker that I sent. I’m sorry it initially did not work out for you. I always look forward to your vids each week, and from time to time, I would watch Eric splitting kindling, with the Kracker visible but not being used in many videos. Finally, I see, you have found THE use for it. I use mine religiously here in PA to split our abundant resources of Oak. I continue to enjoy all your vids. You have put Foxfire on another planet. Please keep making your videos.

[@ellemdee276]

Bandit playing so merrily with that old snowblower belt is a fitting reminder that it's the simple things that make most of us - even our dogs! - happy.

[@colinkelley6493]

Wow. Perfect music for your fantastic opening drone shot. Where you are is so beautiful and magical. You captured it! You have always been good, but your photography and presentation skills are getting better. You transition from the moose to the fire was like a professional Hollywood movie. I am on the East Coast but I could smell your coffee. Very imaginative, great photography all the way through your chores and projects. I personally enjoyed and learned from your gardening tips. You must be feeling really satisfied with this one. I hope so. I really enjoyed it. For some reason I decided to have biscuits and gravy for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing.

[@rebacarmack8335]

Reminds me of me and my husband cutting wood- we don’t use a kindling- we pick up small limbs and twigs and put in a huge trash can to start our fires with. He does use a splitter ( a gasoline powered one) to split the large pieces. Great respect for the hard work you do.

[@petalss5325]

Bandit looks and acts like a teething puppy. How can he be so playful and active all the time?! I'm surprised at his super high energy level all the time!

[@mge8942]

The opening sequence is stunningly beautiful.

[@jameswolfe7485]

"Okay, fine." Eric, you're such a hard sell! Arielle practically had to break your arm to get you to take another (split) biscuit! 😏 Your "breakfast nook" seems to lack chairs. I suppose if you had them, it would lack space to walk around. You're making me hungry! No need to BUY toys for Bandit! A fragment of exploded truck tire was our dog's favorite go to toy for years, picked up for free at a wide spot in the road when we pulled over for his pee break. I never understood the appeal - it was SMELLY! Maybe that was the appeal. Love the way you two work together (at least on camera!). Arielle is plenty feminine, but not afraid to chip in and carry her weight. Kudos to you both!

[@garymittelstadt7821]

Got a kindling kracker a year ago. Didnt realize how much time I spent being careful with an axe, mall or hatchet. Now I sit down with the kracker and hammer and waste no time worrying about an accident! Love that tool! Makes splitting kindling fun.

[@benlloyddavis]

Yinz are simple living and it makes me happy...thank you!

[@paulineclarke5388]

Your videos always hit the senses, the logs crackling in the stove, the chickens, the dogs etc, I just love how the sounds make me feel so involved in the video ❤️❤️

[@herbertwerner2287]

Its really calming somehow.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Same here.

[@robertmiddendorf1519]

That breakfast is to die for....when I had breakfast I was being buttered up for something ....lol.

[@trumql]

Oh my, I'm getting sciatica just from watching you chopping that wood in a T-shirt :)

[@portugalonawingandaprayer473]

Hazel ☘️ … Arielle you just whip up bread like you are making a cup of tea … bread making and baking is always a big ordeal to me … you make it look so easy ! … always love to see you whip up a meal Eric ! Most of all your life style gives you a healthy appetite … this might sound weird but I love to watch you eat … it’s healthy and looks so tasty … but the fact that you don’t waste anything is very satisfying Great tip about trimming indoor starter onions 🙏☘️😘

[@kellybryson7754]

You're life in Alaska is anything but simple.

[@scrappyquilter102]

You guys make it look easy to produce really great quality KZbin videos. Thank you for not talking all the way through, for showing us close-ups of your wonderful animals, for being down-to-earth and for sharing your life with the world.

[@davidskeels1511]

You just gotta love those tree rounds that refuse to split. Teach it a lesson 🔥🔥🔥

[@corndog5251]

I’d rather watch your show than anything on network TV thank you for the entertainment just easy real cozy entertainment

[@CompostHeap]

Thank you so much Ariel and Eric, your videos enable me to visit Alaska from the comfort of my home in England and also give so much knowledge on how people live their winters... Watching Bandit snatching and playing with that belt reminded me of our small grand-daughters spotting an empty box and playing for hours on end with them, equally enjoying themselves! Yes, the growing season is underway and a few weeks ago, Hubby queried my chopping the onion tops, when I told him Ariel gave hers a haircut, he agreed so I should do the same...

[@jimlong527]

Got to love it Spring Is here but we see 4 feet of snow everywhere around the garden.

[@gailrigelsky3224]

You have the most amazing scenery i could just lose myself in the snow covered trees...I love your videos

[@MamaStyles]

Advice on your french press.Do not stir it at all! I worked for years as a coffee buyer for the worlds largest coffee company and had to constantly do presses all day long at head office and learned a ton. The boiling water in your press makes the glass vulnerable until it cools so stirring shortens the life of your press, A slight accidental tap and it can explode...One of my colleagues had that happen and you guessed it..he stirred in the press.Also when you stir the grounds you interfere with the oils as it steeps and you get a bitter cup. Never take the lid off and the only time you remove that top is to rinse at the end after letting the press sit an hour or two.If you worry about grinds you can pour the coffee into a cup with a sieve. My brazil bodum glass has lasted ten years ..before I learned the tricks as I used to go through glass every 6 months.HTH

[@christinacyrus3824]

The music and the view made me feel like I was in an artic wonderland. W. O. W. You really nailed the opening scene.

[@Ezrait]

I see more and more why you left for Alaska. The shots are just breathtaking. Only in my dreams…..the white snow, the lush trees, wildlife. A nice fire with your significant other, my pets and good food. This is definitely the best life!!!!

[@davidbuben3262]

Another great video guys. Have to say, I could smell the spruce when you were splitting firewood. As a full time Pacific northwest logger and part time tree service owner, (now retired) I had unlimited access to firewood. Between me and my son we cut and sold up to 35 cords a year. I sure do miss Alaska. Thanks for posting. By the way, I scared some of the men when I cut kindling with a hatchet or axe, as I could do it with my eyes closed and super fast, like a chef with his/hers knife. It was musical. Tink tonk, etc. Old growth cedar for crying out loud. 1000 rings per inch. !!! Give or take. You count them. I couldn't.

[@marianfrances4959]

That's awesome!👍😎🇨🇦🌲

[@watermanone7567]

Check your oil in the snow blower, I get engines in my shop all the time that the gas gets into the crankcase if not stored correctly or a leaky needle in the carb. Make sure to shut the gas valve and run the engine out of gas for long term storage. Thanks for another great video.

[@herdogcyn156]

check oil level, smell for gas! Gas in oil then must change oil.

[@zin153]

It's astounding the amount of equipment you need to survive Alaskan winters. (I live in Africa - not a snowflake in sight).

[@Mntdewmania1]

Part of me is always OMG If I were young again I'd do this in a heartbeat! Another part of me is Girl! You grew up in the Appalachian Mountains you already done this 50 years ago. But as a kid you don't appreciate the simplicity or it all..I guess really that's what I wish for again...

[@queenbee3647]

Enjoyed spending time with you at your cabin. Spring keeps teasing us here in NE Ohio. Not smart to assume when you live here. Easter clothes always are draped in winter coats! 😁 Looking forward to your next trip to the cabin. Stay safe, kiss the boys for me. 🌹

[@theuglyhomestead5455]

You guys are great to listen to while doing my chores! I always wait until you have 5 videos uploaded then binge watch you while catching up on chores. Love the inspiration that you guys give me! Keep it up!

[@Coastal.Redwood.Homestead]

I’m just so amazed at how beautiful your videos are. You two are a blessing for us all.

[@sandrachristensen7282]

Loved the part where Bandit was playing with the drive belt of the snow blower. So glad you went back to that again at the end of the video. Dogs are awesome!

[@tulle7358]

Loved that too. He was so puppy happy for this "simple " new toy 😆😂😍🥰 it just melts my heart! ❤️

[@myboyzr2]

Drive belt! Best dog toy! This made my day!

[@Sasywhatsbiz]

Yay I was hoping you would show us how the plants were doing! Can't wait to see the planting and year of the garden as you post. Have a lovely day!

[@karen6778]

Same! I really enjoy all the gardening videos from seed starting to harvest and everything in between. So incredible to witness the entirety of them preparing the garden beds, starting the seeds, planting, watering, feeding, etc and in such a challenging environment with such a unique growing season. It’s awesome!!! 🤗

[@patriciaherman6499]

Just watching chopping wood makes me say, thank you God we had a wood splitter. Hopefully, one day you'll get one it'll save your shoulders and back as you get older 🤪.Looking forward when you reside your cabin. Be Blessed. 😊🇺🇲

[@julianosilva6862]

Have y’all thought or plan on increasing the cabin size by a few feet for more storage (food / second water barrel)? Asking because you mentioned redoing the siding. Love bandits new toy!🙂

[@djahant]

Could you do a video about the chickens. What breed, how to decide to cull and why or a certain age? Your chickens are really beautiful! Really interested. The never ending firewood is great exercise! You are eating great off grid and I love this channel so much!

[@S8ANC]

Bandit makes me laugh just having a blast lol

[@babyshayleen]

Bandit was having the best time with that belt... made me smile!!!

[@gallantservices8327]

when chopping your wood , put a rubber bungee about 1/4 way down from the top, then split the wood around a circle , saves time on every stroke from picking up each split

[@judyjenson2918]

I love your chickens, they look so well cared for and im not even in to chickens.......lol. You need a tire to chop your wood in.

[@daydreambeliever6603]

It’s almost time, Bandit. You may begin your excavation and Tera forming of wild Alaska😉💕💕💕💕as soon as the snow is gone.

[@goheminidishi1691]

Prior to installing the new siding, maybe check out a house wrap product. Tyvek/typar are major brands. Along with ice and snow/water shield for areas where you have major openings into the cabin such as chimney, windows, doors. Use of these products will increase the r-value and help with cold air intrusion. A lot of small air leaks add up.

[@lindag4484]

Our New Hampshire moose are big but Alaskan moose are enormous! Your biscuits look amazing, as do your chickens. They all look so happy and healthy. ...and who knew an old belt would make the best dog toy? Bandit, of course! Great, 'at home' video!

[@richardwhite3711]

the kindling splitter is worth it just to hear the dinging sound it makes when you use it LOL

[@dalemoralez9379]

Hey Eric sometimes when you get gas in the cylinder like that it will bleed down into the oil that something that you might want to take a peek out if you smell gas and oil just change your oil I had that happen to me with a Rototiller it just sends the oil out and makes it not lubricate as well it can cause the motor to freeze up love the video though you guys are busy bees up there bandit it’s like a child give him the simplest toy and he makes the best of it I think there’s a lesson to be learned for all of us not to worry so much about what you don’t have but what you do have make the best keep up the videos sure do enjoy them👍

[@Kar1heikk1]

Now you got me hungry. But its bed time here. Finland.

[@ewelina3817]

Hi Simple Living Alaska, you are getting very good in building. I was thinging, You can build addition to your house. Add the door instead of back window. Make outdoor shower bigger so you can have more space for changing. Place outdoor shower towords the new back door of the house. Therefore, you can go from the hose to you shower :). But the outdoor shower would not be connected to the house by screws or nails Im thining about local codes. Addtionaly, I would add a second back door in shower extention so you would go to your outdoor toilet faster. I think more about winter time and snow. To be honest I would connect them all, outdoor shower and outdoor toilet and the house :). I belive in you guys! :).

[@susanbailey3553]

Your photography is stellar! Bandit looks like part reindeer. The way he leaps I thought he might take off into the sky. I love your videos!

[@loreneconley2858]

I loved the intro to this video Always enjoy watching what you make to eat. Bandit was so cute playing with that belt. Happy Spring can't wait for the next video.

[@sarahmcvay6689]

I KNOW ❤❤ my 7 and 8yr old girls BEGGED to send them a ball like our puppy has ....

[@annettemaddalone4297]

the dog was so funny with the gasket lol

[@michaelsfabwork2985]

I love your videos and your life still. My wife and I go to Alaska in July every year and i look forward to it all year long. Take care and stay safe

[@atir4u]

Happiness is doing things with your hands.

[@lorettathomas1917]

Oh WOW!!! So beautiful, picture perfect!! Thanks for sharing! 👍👐

[@RDubdo]

In addition to kindling, I use my grease rags to start a fire. Before that I was always frugal with the rags for cleaning up oil and diesel but now the more I get them soaked the better then I store them in a 5 gallon bucket with a lid on it to prevent the smell.

[@wesleycameron1034]

If you need any paint tips I have been painting homes for 20 years. Don’t buy cheap paint. Lol resilience from Sherwin Williams is a really good product.

[@joebacarella2829]

Wow, I remember when you filled that wood shed, you guys really chew through the wood for heat, the cost is high, but a splitter is a no brainer, Eric is swinging that axe like a beast, and that wood is rock solid, take care.

[@janetclark8754]

hehe doggies are just like creative kids, they can make a toy out of everything

[@jamessparks2691]

Always enjoy your videos. Listening to your chickens remind me that when they are singing before they lay, this a survival tactic to protect the nest.. Make a lot of noise to distract predators, then go silent while they lay, come off the nest with another burst of sound, again to distract. Keep the nest safe. Chickens also have a totally unique sound they make. A warning sound for snakes. Once you hear it, you immediately look for a snake. And there will be a snake. Also splitting the kindling. In Missouri we have Box Elder trees. These trees dry out after you cut them. Too dry for heat value, but after laying all summer they make excellent kindling. The best kindling. I don't swing the mall anymore. Slower, but the gas powered wood splitter is better, these days. Be safe, keep the videos coming.

[@joolzmac1]

A great vlog, guys! I love getting a glimpse of your busy day. Wow, that breakfast looked so good - beautiful flaky biscuits. Would you share the recipe and show us how you made them? 😊

[@brendag2891]

Funny, I just watched Trent & Allie camping in Utah, and Trent was complaining about the same French press, saying he doesn't like the taste, but enjoys the process.

[@marthaturki4891]

Love seeing the fur baby playing with he belt! Love ya guys!

[@surferjoegomangosurfsupyouup]

HI FROM VACAVILLE, CA !🇺🇸🇮🇱🇵🇱

[@surferjoegomangosurfsupyouup]

CLONE THIS COUPLE AND INSERT IN EVERY COUNTY ACROSS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !🇺🇸🇮🇱🇵🇱

[@MisterTee2010]

Looks like Bandit is happy with his new toy 🤗😘🥰

[@janesmith8050]

Every time I get to watch one of Simple Living Alaska videos, I feel like I am being given a wonderful gift. Thank you for your generosity!

[@bradtatro8718]

Yaa Baby....Been Waiting.....Thanks Again You Two.....& ..Da Boys !!!!!

[@dominickriegle8447]

Arielle I hope you're right that Spring is among us.....sure hope so!!! Eric I agree with you, that little kindling jig is a great tool. Bandit doesn't need fancy toys, he loves his drive belt....LOL! Love the episode!

[@defineddisabledlife3463]

Bandit cracked me up so much playing with the old belt. 😂😂😂

[@lisawegener2664]

The beginning of the video was brilliant with the drone shots over the trees, can’t wait to see your next adventure, love and hugs from England too you both xx

[@milagrohndz65]

It’s beautiful 😊

[@patsymeyers7455]

@@milagrohndz65 1

[@wilwilliamson8831]

So someone else watches from the uk 👍

[@karinhusas1370]

Allways good to see you👀 From 🇳🇴

[@Weshole5W]

Use an old tire to stand your logs in while splitting them will keep them standing up and together while you split saving the trouble of picking them back up after every whack. Love your videos!

[@MathiasGreenwalde]

damn that wood is nice and dry. I have a bunch of mesquite in my backyard and its so dry and dense it just shatters in random directions when you split it.

[@Gardeningchristine]

Yay! Cooking, gardening and beautiful scenery! Keep it up guys!

[@joharmon2148]

Always something to fix. Good to get ready for next winter. And planting season is almost there. Your starts look good.

[@organicgreenpeace6360]

Its so fun to see whomevers filming at the time peek through the bramble, its like from the perspective of a small child or animal in awe of what's in front of them, like those moose! I love the scenery as well, I can feel the cold 🤣

[@garyfrederick7607]

it is always a pleasure. thank you for sharing. Me? i build a foundry for melting and storing metals. always making something and staying busy. be safe take care.