by Karen Bush | Mar 31, 2026 | Simplicity, Sufficiency, TtB-Intro
This is a series of posts that look back to the early days of my Tightening the Belt seminars, and explore how those principles have stood the test of time over the four decades since I first started teaching those workshops.
by Karen Bush | Mar 18, 2026 | Conserving, Simplicity
The thrift shop concept resonates with my personal philosophy. I hate to waste anything. I consider recycling an essential service. I love to see people pay less than retail for products they need. Then there’s the good that’s done with the money collected.
by Karen Bush | Apr 22, 2023 | Miniatures, Simplicity
In my exploration of the realm of crafting miniatures, I encountered a niche called book nooks. These little dioramas fit into boxes not much taller and about twice as wide as a hardcover book. I was smitten. I’d love to share my first one with you.
by Karen Bush | Jan 10, 2023 | Miniatures, Simplicity
I’ve long been intrigued by miniatures. Finally I have time to indulge myself and create small worlds. Favourite supplies are gathered on nature walks, work space is compact – miniatures align perfectly with my goal of a resilient, natural retirement.
by Karen Bush | Feb 18, 2022 | Simplicity
Hello, my friends. Did you think I’d quit writing? For a while I was afraid I might have done just that. I’ve mostly been hibernating for the last nine weeks. My get-up-and-go took a hike and all my creativity went dormant.
by Karen Bush | Mar 18, 2020 | Simplicity
I hope this blog post finds you healthy in body and mind. I think about each of you and pray for your well-being, whatever circumstances you find yourself in just now. At our house, we are hunkering down, which isn’t a big leap in the retired life. Our goal right now...
by Karen Bush | Dec 4, 2019 | Simplicity
This guest post is by my husband, Jim Bush, who loves to analyze, problem solve and invent. Jim here! Often, I have looked at the design of a retail product and thought, “I could make that.” Before retirement I never really had enough time to prove it true, but now...
by Karen Bush | Jan 26, 2019 | Simplicity
“Doula” was a new word to me only a year or so ago. In translation from Greek, it means a woman of service. Today, in our culture, it refers to a pregnancy and birth coach-companion. What a wonderful idea. Lately I’ve been involved in a series of...
by Karen Bush | Jan 5, 2019 | Simplicity
Gardening and foraging result in staggering abundance. Keeping pace with the harvest barely leaves me time to catch my breath, in a wonderful way, of course. Finally, sometime in winter, there is a lull and a little free time to get creative with all the treasure we...
by Karen Bush | Aug 24, 2012 | Simplicity
Gourmet baby zucchinis with the blossoms still attached – brush with oil and grill for a summer treat. You can spend $5.99 a pound, or you can just go out to the garden and pick some. It helps slow down production in the zucchini patch if you’re feeling a...
