Living Without an Address

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Ever wish you could pack up all your belongings, keeping only what fits in your van, and just go?

The life of a nomad is a daily road trip. You get to see new places, experience new things, you’re always on the move. Each day is a different adventure. Nomad living is becoming a trend, and you might be surprised to find out it’s much easier than you think.

Photo Courtesy: Tyler Lillico, Unsplash

Photo Courtesy: Tyler Lillico, Unsplash

First, let’s rule out the obvious primary concern: obtaining a steady income. How do you earn money if you’re constantly on the move? Luckily, in today’s internet-focused society, it’s easier to earn money without ever having to visit the office.

Photo Courtesy: Avi Richards, Unsplash

Photo Courtesy: Avi Richards, Unsplash

If you work an office job, ask your employer if this would be an option for you. If it turns out you are needed in the office for a meeting or conference, Skype is a wonderful tool that allows you to be there without physically being there. And conference calls have been around for years—for that particular reason. You can submit all your stuff online by using the free WiFi at McDonald’s. Better yet, with all the money you’re saving from not paying rent (or a mortgage), or the dozens of other bills that come with owning or renting a place, you can pay for a WiFi hotspot for your laptop. You’ll have an internet connection virtually anywhere.

If you don’t have the option of working away from your work site, maybe you should consider getting a different job. Here are some job options that allow you to make money while travelling. These options take more initiative and effort, and you should establish yourself in this job before leaving everything behind. But they’re options, nonetheless.

Photo Courtesy: Kevin Bhagat, Unsplash

Photo Courtesy: Kevin Bhagat, Unsplash

  • Writing (blogging, travel writing, freelance writing)

  • Online business

  • Social media

  • Musician

  • Web design

  • Photographer

  • Airbnb (rent out your place to make money)
     

This is just a sampling of jobs that allow you to travel.

For more information, check out https://expertvagabond.com/best-travel-jobs/, or
https://matadornetwork.com/abroad/20-awesome-travel-jobs-and-how-to-get-them/

Photo Courtesy: Huib Scholten, Unsplash

Photo Courtesy: Huib Scholten, Unsplash

Now, let’s address hygiene and nutrition. How will you shower? How will you cook your meals? Where will you rest your head at night? Unless you’re a total hippie who doesn’t mind showering once a month, sleeps in their car, and is perfectly content doing your business in the woods, you should consider buying an RV, a trailer, or a bus that you can remodel to suit your taste. They’re much more affordable than houses, they provide all the comforts of home, and you only have to pay for gas.

Otherwise, if you don’t mind living out of a suitcase (or a backpack), backpacking might be for you. Many hostels offer free rooms in exchange for work. Some might even pay you. This way, you’ll earn money, or at least get a free room.


Nomad living isn’t for everyone. You need to do your research and have at least a makeshift gameplan before you hit the road. But if wanderlust has taken hold of you, if you want an experience to remember, or if you feel stuck and want to drastically change your life, the nomadic lifestyle could be exactly what you need.

Photo Courtesy: Justin Luebke, Unsplash

Photo Courtesy: Justin Luebke, Unsplash

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Natalie is a self-proclaimed hippie who loves Earth, animals, and sometimes, people. She hopes to inspire others to live in a more kind-hearted, environmentally-conscious way, while making their lives less materialistic and more meaningful.

What Vegans Want You to Know

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There are more and more vegans popping up every day, and still, there is tension between many vegans and their meat-eating counterparts.

Photo courtesy: Hannah Busing, Unsplash

I’ve been vegan for almost one year now, and I’ve had my fair share of backlash. I’ll start by saying that my transition to a vegan lifestyle has been nothing but beneficial for me. Finally, I’m able to live a life that aligns with my values and beliefs, and best of all, it has made me a much healthier person. This is why I wonder why so many people (friends, family, even strangers) seem to have a problem with my lifestyle.

Don’t worry—this post isn't an attempt at converting you. I’ll keep the ‘preachy’ vibes to a minimum, and you can eat your steak in peace. This is simply a friendly how-to on treating your vegan neighbours in a respectful, non-confrontational manner. This way, you’ll avoid insulting your friends. You’ll keep the peace and everyone can move on, living their lives the way they see fit.

Here are the top things I wish non-vegans knew:

1. Yes, I’m getting enough protein. Please ignore the myth that meat is the best (or only) way to get protein. There are countless, good sources of protein out there. A lot of those sources actually contain more protein per gram than meat. Have faith that your vegan friend knows where to get some protein.

Furthermore... my diet is my concern, not yours. I don’t ask you if you’re getting enough Vitamin C, and I surely don’t interrogate you about your diet once I find out you eat meat. I’m not saying that some vegans don’t criticize meat-eaters for their choices... however, most of us keep quiet, unless we’re feeling scrutinized. As long as I’m healthy, and I’m getting all the nutrients I need, why say anything at all?

2. Don’t rain on my parade (please). I feel proud to be vegan, and you shouldn’t try to squash that pride. If a smoker quit smoking cigarettes, you wouldn’t make them feel bad for not smoking anymore. If someone’s making a decision to be more healthy or to improve their lives, what’s the problem? If you can’t be supportive, you should probably stay out of it.

3. Don’t try to spark a debate. Trust me... this is something that happens way too often. It ruins friendships and everybody loses. Please — just don’t do it. The majority of vegans have done at least some basic research on the matter. We keep an arsenal of information on veganism and the meat/dairy industry. Don’t force us to use that arsenal.

4. If I eat something that isn’t vegan, don’t criticize me. Like someone trying to save money and stay on a strict budget, I do slip up from time to time... but I live by vegan principles about 99% of the time. Again, it’s my life. We can’t all be perfect 100% of the time.

5. Don’t engage negatively in social media posts. Unless I’m directly insulting you, don’t post rude comments on my social media. Veganism is a big part of my life. If I see a post that strongly resonates with me, I might share that post (just as you might share a motivational picture or a video featuring cute kittens). Perhaps I want to inspire or inform people — what’s so awful about that? My intents are never malicious; however, certain people still feel the need to drop a negativity bomb... and who does that benefit?

Vegans aren't out to get you, but we're allowed to discuss our views and opinions just like you're allowed to voice yours. Food is a big part of our lives as human beings — the subject inevitably rises in conversation from time to time. In these conversations, you'll likely detect a vegan or two. It might do you best to keep an open mind. No matter what, please, treat them as you would any other person. We all deserve a little kindness and respect.

Photo courtesy: Toa Heftiba, Unsplash

Natalie is a self-proclaimed hippie who loves Earth, animals, and sometimes, people. She hopes to inspire others to live in a more kind-hearted, environmentally-conscious way, while making their lives less materialistic and more meaningful.

5 Steps to a Minimalist Wardrobe

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Most of us have way more clothes than we think.

We hoard clothes.

We keep clothes ‘just in case’, and they pay tax by taking up space in our closets, our wardrobes and our lives. Take some advice from an aspiring minimalist: eliminate the excess.

Photo Courtesy OF Shanna Camilleri ON Unsplash.COM

You might ask yourself, “What if I need this dress for a specific occasion?” or “What if I lose weight and this pair of jeans fits me again?” Do yourself a favour: get rid of that pink sequin dress you haven’t worn in three years. Donate those jeans that may or may not fit you again. If your size or style ever changes, you can always find great things at a thrift store.

If you’re worried you’ll lose your style by getting rid of your clothing, worry not -- downsizing can actually help your style emerge by forcing you to keep only the items that you like best and that make you look best.

If you’re ready to make a change, whether it be to transition from materialism to minimalism, to be more organized, to figure out your style, or just to make some space in your closet, follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to a more condensed and effective wardrobe:

  1. Keep only five or less of each item type (five t-shirts, five sweaters, three skirts, etc.).

  2. If something doesn’t fit well or isn’t comfortable to wear, get rid of it.

  3. If you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it.

  4. If you’re unsure about something, try it on!

  5. Having trouble? Invite a friend over for a second opinion.
     

You can make this fun. Invite someone over, crack open a bottle of wine or a few beers and bring out some snacks. Make a day out of it! A friend can provide support if you’re struggling.

If you’re doing it on your own, that’s fine too. I believe in you. Be ruthless. Ask yourself, “Could I wear this every day?”. If the answer is “no”, you might want to rethink whether that clothing item is something you truly need. The only exception would be if you live in a place like Canada and have winter- or summer-exclusive items. Tailor this exercise to fit your needs (and climate).

This might not be a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but it’s ‘one size fits most’ at best.

Photo courtesy OF Alexandra Gorn ON unsplash.COM

Natalie Cousineau is a self-proclaimed hippie who loves Earth, animals, and sometimes, people. She hopes to inspire others to live in a more kind-hearted, environmentally-conscious way, while making their lives less materialistic and more meaningful.