I’ve Been Waiting SO LONG to do This! Developing our Homestead

Welcome to Simple Living With Biata where I’m building our dream home and homestead on 18 acres from scratch!
This week I’m cleaning up just some of our NON-Environmentally protected wetlands for our view! I’m so excited to see this space come to life.
I’m also splitting a bunch of wood for our off grid heat source!
Land development has been one of my favourite aspects of this build. Learning to use a chainsaw from scratch, cut trees clear brush and more!
Thanks for watching
To collaborate email:
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[@garyemig8813]

You have set a example of what a real woman is all about. You are The Best

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much Gary

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great job splitting wood Biata

[@vickybentley3949]

You are amazing and such a hard worker i agree that you should cut down in the wetlands and leave them there youll make time for more things and it will be a bit easier on you, love your videos Biata x

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@dinomite_diggers3453]

The more you practice splitting the wood the more accurate you will get but you sure are powering through some fairly big blocks of wood, amazing girl you are. If you keep on splitting through the winter it'll keep you warm and you won't need to burn all that lovely wood. Thank you for continuing to inspire me, I feel quite peckish now seeing that yummy food you cooked on the camp fire. Chainsaw stuck to the bench, that's certainly a trap for young players but as always you got it sorted. Go well Biata.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much for this! I definitely need more practice! Excited to get more skilled :). And the campfire was amazing!

[@kereatifkaryaimajinasimesin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aImnkmBja9aXibc

[@hansdeelstra5548]

Well done biata very good video thank you so much beautiful biata Lady 💪👍🙏😘😻♥️🌹😍🥰great nature happy sunday biata ☕️🙏♥️🌹👍

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much Hans!

[@redblock5949]

I think the Fiskars x25 with a bit shorter handle would've been better for you.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

It could’ve been! I guess I’m not that tall haha

[@rudyfisher7660]

We're on a lot of that wood that you're taking out the wetlands is still usable just stack it up and save it all the smaller limbs I mean you can save as much smallest of you want to do that yes you find 2 trees and you break it up and stack it in about 16 to 20" longer whatever it takes you know that you can stuff in your stove to start with and that gets the started going and when you have a dryer Keep your dryer lint because you can put a little starter wood in there and get it all started up and then you can throw your bigger logs on but any small whims you want to save as much as you can

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Great ideas here! Love the dryer lint suggestion! Thank you!

[@rudyfisher7660]

Bree find somebody who's got a spare tire off a rotten lawn mower the big rear tire take that and throw the bottom section screw in and angle into the log that you've got it mounted on and that'll keep the log from bouncing side to side is much and you can just sit there and split it all the way around just walk around it and split it

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@davidscott8400]

Good morning been waiting

[@puropadre]

Most entertaining log splitting video ever! Well done. ✌️

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@mehmet284]

hi enjoy the video just new here greetings from the netherlands great job hard work wow

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@dlaitch]

Awesome filming once again, Biata. Your ambition and energy is incredible. Great job of splitting the logs and chainsawing the junk from the wetlands. A lazier person would just leave the deadwood lay where it fell but the results of your hard work will show up when the snow is gone. Love your positive spirit and closeness with your daughter. 👍👍✔✔✌🏻✌🏻👍👍

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much! I’m so excited to see what it looks like in the spring!

[@mrbill8542]

Use that little torch to thaw out your chain saw and get it unstuck quickly..

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

With my luck I’d melt the plastic 😂

[@defresh1954]

Nice job B. Information for you, frozen wood splits a lot easier than non-frozen, just so you know.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

It definitely seems that way! Thank you!

[@Marz69181]

Leg

[@rudyfisher7660]

I will also always keep a log under They would you're splitting you don't want to be hitting the ground too much and dulling your ax

[@dp3797]

I’ve been splitting wood by hand for 45 years, I bought a Fiskars X27 about a month ago and it is absolutely the best maul I have ever used.

[@tombastion8097]

Biata,, u sure are not affraid of hard work i am proud of u and your cute little pond is going to look alot nicer in the summer, i hate dead trees............😃😃😃

[@Marcel-fo2cb]

Pretty lady and versatile.you sure can swing that axe.You guys are doing an awesome job.Stay healthy and safe

[@kereatifkaryaimajinasimesin]

Good

[@mt2020]

You need to watch this video. Your front hand is to far forward when you are chopping. Your going to get hurt, strain or pull a muscle. Booth hands back together. Your AC Yo will get better

[@timothytate3968]

You got to make sure that you hit the center of the wood 🪵🪓 not the edge. And always make sure that you hit the wood with the blade of the axe not with the handle. If you can remember these things splitting wood will go a lot more smoothly. So far you doing a pretty good job and splitting the wood 🪵🪓. I will give you a little bit of a hint when it comes to splitting wood always look for the natural crack in and try to split along that natural cracked the wood will split a lot more easily.

[@keithcox255]

Enjoyed watching you split your wood, wax on wax off!😅

[@phyllismccurdy2984]

Glad you bought another axe. The one you were using looked pretty heavy and dull. Frisker has Some great tools. Hope you plan to build a woodshed to keep the snow off your wood. And also get it off the ground. All the hard work you are doing you don’t want your wood to rot.

[@eddeetz493]

Use a large tire with multiple rounds to hold the splits upright so you don't have to reload with each swing. Use the hardwood branches 4 to 6 inch x 4 ft long to grow mushrooms.

[@kerfmasterstihl395]

Another member of the mushroom brotherhood!

[@georgefadous3568]

You can try to put the wood inside two or three old used rubber wheels, thus will prevent the wood from falling and it’ll keep it next to to each other

[@Chris-nw6ql]

Your doing a fine job with your learning skills

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@Chris-nw6ql]

Your welcome

[@roderickdcrawford9982]

When you get to love stuck in like that turn the action flip it upside down and lock the back of the head on it with with the log it's on the ground and then that'll split it really easy

[@waderue]

sweety, you stand a little closer to the block but you doing great spitting wood

[@JJBrown-lw1dv]

You're figuring out how fun and satisfying splitting wood can be. Especially in the winter, when the wood splits better and when the cold keeps you cool. My two recommendations. 1. keep the handle parallel to the ground as it hits the wood. That way in a mishap the axe head goes into the stump and not into you foot. 2. Layers are super essential to moderate your temp so you don't get too sweaty. I usually have at least three layers in winter, and i'm constantly taking off and putting on layers to keep my body temp more even.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much! I find the same here, lots of layers! I appreciate it!

[@brandonb5818]

This channel should be called "Play in the Snow with Biata"

[@jcmdaf]

WOW is hired to help me split firewood for next winter ehehehhe 😂

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Hahaha too funny

[@jcmdaf]

@@SimpleLivingwithBiata personally I love to do this ( chopping wood and splitting it ) but with help it 's always better .. I say nervously ehehehh

[@thomasallen2714]

Hello beautiful i will give it to u n u r a hard worker not all woman r like u not everyone is lile u sweetie

[@davisphillips7792]

Thank you for sharing and bringing us along for the family fun as well. Your lil one is a helper and doer like you! The wetlands are cleaning up great can’t wait till next week.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

She sure is! Thank you so much!

[@flowerstone]

Swinging the straight down over your shoulder will help accuracy. Your misses are cause by a slight sideways motion. Like they said, practice makes perfect. 😊 Look for a crack along the top of the block. Try aiming your axe along that crack. It’s the way the block wants to split naturally

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Oh great to know! Thank you! Going to have to remember that this week (not next weeks video but the week after haha)

[@camper273]

Good choice for an axe! Have the same one. Just found your channel. I'm watching all your videos right now. Love to see more videos like this! Greetings from Germany.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much! And thanks for watching all the videos! I hope you enjoy them :)

[@robbbranche]

I'm contacting Biata Inc. to have a new roof put on, come on down to Orlando young lady....time and again she shows us she can do anything. Always an outstanding work attitude, and always good solid work! Well done young lady! Oh, hotdog with some potatoes please...

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Haha thank you! I haven’t done a roof yet but this spring/summer I will!

[@thomasallen2714]

Hello beautiful why don't u get a dry pod

[@h8troodoh]

If it's green wood, block it up before it gets too cold,let those blocks freeze up, requiring much less effort as the ice within the green wood shatters, making the wood split almost effortlessly..

[@coritipton9071]

You are such an inspiration. Keep up the great work.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Will See later now I'm going to outside

[@ДедухИгорь]

Дрова рубати гарно.виходить 💪🌼

[@mrbill8542]

You are one lean mean splitting machine !!! We may have to start calling you "mommy muscles"-You go girl!!!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you!

[@thomasallen2714]

Damn girl i see u r beautiful n a hard worker love it

[@kevinjohnson4418]

I almost miss this episode had to fake sick at work lol

[@jaxsun72]

Absolutely ridiculous thumbnail.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

You don’t have to like it 🙂

[@Chris-nw6ql]

You tell them

[@thomashodge1154]

I found it to be enjoyable 😂

[@georgevangordon9728]

Biata, Suggestion: After your foundation is formed up and before the concrete is poured double and triple check your plumbing locations

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@nicolepeppler6475]

I watched a video of a lady who used a wood chopping sword!!!! She’s Canadian. I bet you would rock a wood chopping sword!!! Stay safe. Can’t wait for the next video!!!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

I’ve followed her on IG recently! She’s AWESOME!

[@jacobkelly4671]

I realize they are expensive but you may want to eventually consider an RTV (Kubota) or a small tractor especially to help with hauling cut timber - will speed things up immensely and reduce wear and tear on your body and joints. Something to consider especially in the long term. Excellent job!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Definitely considering this long term! It would be amazingly helpful. Or even a work snowmobile in the winter and pulling the sled with that

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Biata

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you Kevin!

[@rickbell3402]

All good progress, Biata! You’re smart to think now about pacing yourself. On a property of your size, there will always be more work to do, even after you move into your house.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

It’s so true. Thank you so much Rick

[@kerfmasterstihl395]

You are a STRONG Lady!! Check out flat-filing you saw chains. Guilty of Treeson or Aaron Hovis has great content on saw chain sharpening on KZbin. Be blessed, shoot straight!!!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! I’ll check him out!

[@ronnielloyd4514]

As always you are amazing

[@abidine762]

hello dear friend you are lovely

[@wadeprior5203]

Good afternoon how you doing today hope everything is fine keep up the good work. That water doesn't get inside the house but whatever you guys got keep up the good work God bless you guys 👍❤️💪😍🐱

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you! The wetlands are a lot lower than the house so no worries there :)!

[@stephenfriday1352]

When splitting log I put car tyres around the base log & 2 on top, With log in the middle of the tyre ,So when you hit and split the log the axe doesn't try to cut your legs off and the log doesn't fly off in 2 different direction's saving time and your back pick them up.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Love this idea! Thank you!

[@tomekwozny1706]

I envy you, you live in a beautiful place away from civilization, the noise and the smell of exhaust fumes.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

It’s definitely a beautiful place to be, thank you! I lived in a big city for a few years and it wasn’t for me

[@robertrickabaugh3304]

Get a log splitter

[@Argosh]

You may want a bigger chopping block or anchor it. As a rule of thumb if the chopping block moves when you hit it, it's too light to be safe.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Oh very good to know! Thank you!

[@markholland2612]

Seconding the comment about splitting logs with knots.....look at the log section (round) and put the knot section at the bottom of the log you are splitting. (turn it over if you notice a knot at the top section of the cut log section - round) Awesome work you are doing!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Makes a lot of sense! Thank you mark!

[@tomsmith8348]

Only comment.DOIN GREAT!!🌞🌻

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you!

[@brianiller2793]

If you want something tuff to split try a Sycamore it's all twisted and very hard to split

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Really?! That seems crazy!

[@hulkthedane7542]

You are a natural talent when it comes to splitting wood! But take it easy on the amount you split at a time in the beginning - you might get some very sore muscles ☺👍🌞💪💪💪.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Haha so true! Thank you! I should pace myself a bit more lol

[@tomchaplin2420]

I do a lot of log splitting here in Australia for winter , I recommend you get yourself a 20t log splitter, my one here only cost me $ 1200 a lot better then an axe & a lot more efficient.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you! This might be a “one day” thing as we build the home! It would be very exciting to have!

[@МихайлоКулаківський]

This beautiful smaile

[@mauricebrown9094]

Maybe you should have tossed your cut wood into your sled and take it to it's final stacking place.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

This is a great idea! I think I’ll do that. Easier than double lifting all the logs lol

[@wayneday3916]

Biata I'm not sure if this will be necessary but I was told to avoid your cement from sweating put plastic down on the ground and pour cement on it. Not sure how it all works but a friend was talking about sweating cement in his basement and he had to remove the it and do it over. Just something you may want to check into.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Hey Wayne! Yes you’re right! It’s required by code to have a plastic Vapour barrier!

[@flybywire5866]

Fun fact: That strange white stuff can be easily removed with a hair dryer😇😁

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Hoping to get a leaf blower to help with the smaller snow falls haha

[@johnmcmccormack9203]

The beauty of an axe Biata is that no matter how cold it is the axe will keep you warm, I thought at one point we were going to get some bikini shots. HA ha. Keep going as you are you are really doing wonderfully and stay safe

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Haha it definitely keeps you warm! We’ve had a warm winter too so sometimes the sweater has to come off!

[@stvooplayhouse]

The wood chopping is going to give you an amazing body,but you know women live longer than men so your husband needs to stay in shape to.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Haha so true! He works out daily and lifts heavy cabinets!

[@veli-pekkalopperi4792]

You have a Finnish axe👍

[@raymondcoggins297]

Mornin beautiful

[@tonyseidita5766]

Get yourself a better pair of work gloves so you can grip the handle better.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

It’s so hard finding good and WARM work gloves haha! What do you recommend?

[@mikelskelley]

Who needs gym membership or a log splitter, great to see your all enjoying the snow n having a blast, take care

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Exaaactly! Thank you so much!

[@malachy9400]

Thats pretty good technique, you're a machine.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you!

[@TheJony5123]

another idea is,i use an old quad tire to split wood instead of chasing the wood after it falls,just plop your wood in the middle of the tire and chop your way around it,easy peasy

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

That’s a great idea! Thank you!

[@rudyfisher7660]

Your next project is a woodshed you don't want to put boards together leave them about all an inch apart and put side boards up knocking off a most of the wind snow rain and that way then put your slot a slanted roof on it you build it on the side of your shirt even

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Yes! We definitely need the wood shed! Thank you!

[@sunline24]

The wetlands look a lot better cleaned up. That kind of work sure sucks the energy out of the legs.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

I agree! So excited to see them in the spring!

[@DM-eb7tu]

Hi Biata, thanks for another awesome video. Gosh it looks so cold there...

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you! It’s been a relatively warm winter but it did get to -38 with the windchill on Friday 😫

[@10putty]

This was a fun episode, you don't see a girl swinging an ax, good job Biata!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much! It was a blast!

[@donaldshields2483]

You were such a very hard worker at all cause you’re really tough what does your husband do I see him there once in a while and I was just curious God bless

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

He’s a cabinet installer and does some demos and fine carpentry! Thank you!

[@leightonhoward8545]

Biata you will build your muscles doing that manual work

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

I sure will! Thank you!

[@smartorstrong]

I do not recommend leaving the logs to go in the water. Your tannin levels will rise and your water will turn a brown color.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Oh that’s probably why the water is so brown! It used to be a forest and the beavers dammed up a stream so now it’s wetlands witch a bunch of dead trees under the water!

[@newhampshire-bob1604]

Did the deer come out and want to try your nibbles at the party? Maybe get some deer food so you can have it on hand to give them when they show up!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

I keep some apples in the car for them! Hope to see some more soon :)

[@Marz69181]

Watch your lake with that axe….🙏🏻🙏🏻🥵

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you!

[@glennreach6930]

You are quite the axe wielding lumberjill!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@ldn0224]

wood splits easier when frozen. not so easy when warm.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Right?! So much easier! I never want to split in the summer again lol!

[@nickkraft5932]

That thumbnail is friggin smoking!!!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you!

[@davidscott8400]

Try going around the edges don't start in the middle

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you David! I’ve heard it splits better there. Need to get better aim lol

[@punjabseth260]

nice👌🌼

[@robertgraves3215]

Nice work! Great form, I see you also have the blade twist thing down. Amazing. Have you seen Kevin Kevech, Buckin' Billy Ray, Skillcult, and Chris Killinger on You Tube? Great fun to watch, and they'd love you. Slow and easy does it .

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Honestly the blade twist is 100% accidental but I learnt this week on KZbin that it’s helpful 😂. I’ve been slowly going through all the amazing wood splitting videos! Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@robertgraves3215]

@@SimpleLivingwithBiata Buckin' Billy Ray Smith did a decent one on having a higher chopping block (like knee high) so that the axe stops on a horizontal plane, reducing chance of footstrike from a glance bow. I also wanna try the car tire method , that looks awesome. Much less bending over to fetch more split pieces. Wranglestar did a video where he made a custom chopping station thing with two car tires on top. I wear shin guards now. And steel toed Logger boots. More accidents happen with shorter handles (camp axes, hatchets) than with longer handles. I have a Hudson Bay (Council Tool) that chops amazingly , but it's kinda squirrely. That bog area looks like a cool place to find fatwood.

[@ruralridez6165]

Fiskers splitting axe are the best I love mine.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

They are! I’m loving this one too!

[@HarrywragWarmbear]

See the wood as a circle, and aim your axe towards the edge , the log will split quicker and you won't get the axe stuck so often you are doing a great job 😊

[@markgilmour5757]

Push the log to back of the chopping block, that way the follow through embeds in the chopping block, not your leg. That's is mega scary chopping.

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Interesting! Thank you!

[@markgilmour5757]

@@SimpleLivingwithBiata watch the fiskar video on splitting logs safely

[@AbedWally]

You are working so hard beata... well done

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@mortenmyhrmoen7592]

🇳🇴👍👍👌

[@anthonyjones2223]

A good work out get those muscles going 💪 ❤️

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Thank you so much!

[@Dorchwoods]

Killin it!! Buckin Biata Ray

[@Dorchwoods]

Also, just throwing this out there as it's bit me in the past. I would leave your firewood uncovered until it's seasoned. That tarp will prevent the wind and sun from hitting it. I've experienced moldy / mushroom covered firewood in the past from covering it too early

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Bahaha thank you! Loved this!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Oh thank you! This is great to know, should I put something on top to keep the snow off?

[@Dorchwoods]

@@SimpleLivingwithBiata I honestly don't and have great luck just leaving it exposed all year. The only time you need to cover it is when you know you're going to burn it soon. If you do end up covering it though, I think just a folded tarp over the top of the stack only is the way you wanna do it

[@Phill2tj23]

Try putting your top hand a higher towards the axe head and letting it slide down a as you follow through with your swing it will give you more control and power. Also split way more firewood than you think you'll need. Awesome content as always cant wait for next week.

[@davidgeorge5146]

“Biata vs. Nicole Coenen”!!!

[@SimpleLivingwithBiata]

Oh she’s awesome!