About Nola Noreen!

I am a life-long learner who likes to explore opportunities, and live simply.

Photo taken by my Sweetie while on a road trip from Canada to New Mexico in Vinny Van Gogh, our van converted for camping. Taken at one of the many coffee shops we visited, because nothing about life is simple without coffee! (2024)

Welcome

I share my adventures in simple living as a mid-life Gen-Xer anticipating retirement on the beautiful East Coast of Canada.

After moving away for career opportunities, I recently returned to the tiny village in rural New Brunswick where I grew up – population 400!

I do rewarding work I love in the community’s nursing home, and have a soft spot for the seniors in my care.

My journey to simple living began when my marriage ended as I turned 40.

More by survival instincts than good planning, I simplified my life, paid off more than $150,000 in debt, launched two amazing children into the world, and seriously downsized my stuff, my home, and my life.

I became a minimalist, slowed down, and simplified everything about my life.

Thanks to my simple lifestyle, even with the financial hiccup that comes with divorce, I am now exploring early retirement in my 50’s.

This blog promotes simple living as a way to get clarity on your life purpose and grow as a person. I share notes on how downgrading my lifestyle has upgraded my life.

My simple life right now includes exploring:

Living in a 670 sq foot “cottage” and making it my permanent home.
Wild camping and all things nature.
Cross country (not always my own country!) road trips in Vinny Van Gogh, my Dodge Caravan converted for camping.
Establishing a food forest & gardens, growing and preserving my own food, and eating farm raised eggs, beef and pork.
Journaling, meditation, & self care.
The idea of leveraging my hobbies and interests to make me mad $$$ to spend in retirement.
Planning a wedding north of the artic circle.
Coffee. Lots of coffee!

My Blog