Get to know Tras-os-Montes

Trás-os-Montes is a region located in northeastern Portugal, bordering Spain to the north and east. Did you know? The name Trás-os-Montes means “beyond the mountains” and refers to the region’s location beyond the Marão and Montesinho mountain ranges. Trás-os-Montes is known for its rugged landscapes, traditional way of life, and unique cultural heritage. The region […]

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Getting to know Mason – are cocker spaniels good homesteader dogs?

Owning a Cocker Spaniel on a homestead can be a rewarding experience for both the dog and its owners who chose a simple life. Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and trainable, which can be helpful when living on a homestead. However, there are […]

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Get to know Elroy and the Tras-Os-Mastiff breed

Get to know Elroy and the Tras-Os-Mastiff dog breed – adorable – loyal and powerful (Elroy our Tras-os-Montes Mastiff at 5 1/2 months) The Trás-os-Montes Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Portugal in the Tras-os-Montes region. Also known as the Transmontano Mastiff, this breed was originally used for herding […]

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Living with my miss-shaped brain and being happy

Writing this piece has long been on my mind and is perhaps part of my recovery. Yet, being me, I had to gather my thoughts before putting pen to paper and find a way to make it positive and helpful for others… Because I, selfishly, do hope to change the world and make it a […]

The 2 sauces we cook and eat all the time.

We cook this every Autumn. Living on a homestead means that we get to harvest and cook with the freshest ingredients. As part of our lifestyle series, we thought we’d share with you our awesome Fig Sauce recipe made with Portuguese ingredients. We traditionally eat it with cheese, liver pâté, or charcuterie. We hope you’ll […]

What inspired our dream bathroom?

Here are a few things you didn’t know about us, Dan and I are massive fans of a show called The Block Australia. In fact, we think that Australians have a leg up on the world when it comes to building and designing bathrooms. We especially love how Australians build intimate spaces that feel luxurious […]

Ketchup aux Fruits du Québec- Fruit Ketchup from Québec

While I’m not in Quebec now, I’m convinced that kitchens all over the “belle province” are smelling like fruit ketchup nowadays. Fruit ketchup is definitely part of Quebec’s heritage. For us French Canadian, nothing can beat the taste of fresh tourtière with a side of fruit ketchup, even for breakfast if you add a fresh […]

Living off-grid in Portugal for 1 month is changing us – here’s how.

For most people living off-grid means acquiring an expensive solar kit and several batteries to make sure the everyday commodities are always available. However, the reality is that one can change habits to avoid the high cost of getting set up off-grid. In fact, after a month living off-grid, we have to admit that we’ve […]

Visiting North Portugal – Tras-Os-Montes

As North Portugal warms the hearts of more and more expats, it’s normal to wonder what it can offer you as a digital nomad or soon-to-be expat.With its breathtaking 360 degrees of mountain view where ever you are located, the wildlife is abundant in Tras-Os-Montes. North Portugal bath itself in traditions, where hard work and […]

We’re starting to prep for the big move!

Today is July 15th, Our moving-in date is in 15 days, and the house is progressing nicely. It’s really exciting to see to know that our simple life is about to start. But now that the heat wave stops us from working, with the thermometer clocking at 43° in the shade. Our priorities had to […]

Creating our dream home is changing us for the better

There is indeed something magical about building a house with the person you love. It’s no wonder some say it’s a couple’s goal. In a certain way, Daniel and I believe that when a house is made with love, love only can live in. It brings me an immense sense of security to know that […]

We’re Simple Life Portugal – Answers to FAQ

It’s been heartwarming to see the support we’ve received from the online community about our project, our Youtube videos, Instagram posts, and our blog. It’s truly, touching to know that people all over the world are watching us. I suppose the 4 years old me who wished to be a movie star one day but […]