Life in Northern Minnesota: Rugged Beauty, Quiet Resilience

Deep dive into where JuliaJude Bamboo is from!

When most people think of Minnesota, they picture lakes, snow, and maybe a certain quirky Midwestern accent. But to truly understand the essence of this state, you have to venture north—beyond the Twin Cities, past Duluth, and into the forests and lakes of Northern Minnesota.

Up here, life is slower, quieter, and a little more rugged. And that’s exactly why people love it.

Nature in Every Direction

Northern Minnesota isn’t just a region—it’s a vast, wild landscape. From the towering pines of the Laurentian Divide to the clean waters of Lake Vermilion, nature is not a backdrop but a constant companion.

In the summer, locals trade city buzz for the hum of mosquitoes and the calls of loons echoing across the lake. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, berry picking—this is a lifestyle built around the outdoors. Even a simple walk can feel like an escape into a postcard.

And winter? It’s no joke. Temperatures dip well below zero, and the snow piles up. But if you live here, you know that’s not a reason to hibernate—it’s time for ice fishing, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and even dogsled races. You embrace the cold or you don’t last long.

Small Towns, Big Character

Northern Minnesota’s towns might be small, but they’re packed with heart. Places like Ely, Grand Marais, Bemidji, and International Falls offer tight-knit communities and a sense of self-sufficiency that’s rare in today’s world.

Local diners, quirky gift shops, bait stores, and handmade furniture businesses are often run by families who’ve lived here for generations. Everyone knows everyone, and folks still wave when they pass you on the road.

The pace is slower. The people are friendly—but not nosy. And there’s a deep respect for independence and resilience. After all, surviving January in Northern Minnesota is a community badge of honor.

A Life Close to the Land

Living here means knowing your seasons intimately. You split wood in the fall, watch for ice-out in the spring, and check the thermometer before you start your car in the morning. You learn to grow your own food, fix your own stuff, and check in on neighbors when the power goes out.

And that’s part of the appeal—life feels more real here. There's a deep satisfaction in being self-reliant. You build your routines around the rhythms of the land instead of the other way around.

Challenges and Trade-offs

Of course, it’s not for everyone. The winters are long and harsh. Internet can be spotty in remote areas. Job opportunities can be limited, and the closest Target might be two hours away. Some newcomers feel isolated.

But many who call Northern Minnesota home see those challenges as part of the deal. You trade convenience for quiet. You give up speed for space. And in return, you gain a life with less noise, more sky, and a deeper connection to your surroundings.

Why People Stay

Ask a local why they stay, and the answers vary—but most boil down to the same core themes: the land, the people, and the peace.

There’s something magnetic about this part of the world. It’s not for everyone, but those who love it wouldn’t trade it for anything. The stars shine brighter. The air smells like pine. And when you step outside, you can hear the wind whisper through the trees—sometimes, that’s all the noise you need.

Interested in moving to Northern Minnesota? Bring a warm coat, a good pair of boots, and a deep appreciation for silence. You’ll be just fine.

Living a Dye-Free Lifestyle: Why It Matters and How to Start

In today's world of bright packaging, vibrant foods, and colorful cosmetics, synthetic dyes are almost everywhere. While these artificial colors may make things more appealing to the eye, they can also bring unwanted side effects for some people—from skin irritations to behavioral issues in children. If you're considering a dye-free lifestyle, you're not alone—and the benefits may be more far-reaching than you think.

What Does “Dye-Free” Mean?

Living dye-free means avoiding products that contain artificial dyes or color additives. These are commonly found in:

• Processed foods and drinks

• Personal care items like shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste

• Household cleaning products

• Medications and vitamins

• Clothing and textiles

Artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are made from petroleum and are often used to enhance appearance rather than function. While considered safe by many health agencies, a growing number of individuals have experienced adverse reactions or simply choose to avoid them as a precaution.

Why Go Dye-Free?

Here are some reasons why people make the switch:

1. Health Concerns

Studies have linked certain artificial dyes to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even migraines. While research is ongoing, some families notice significant behavioral improvements when removing dyes from their diet.

2. Sensitive Skin and Allergies

Many personal care products with artificial dyes can cause irritation, redness, or rashes—especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema.

3. Cleaner Living

Choosing dye-free products often means you're also avoiding other synthetic additives. Many dye-free items are also fragrance-free, paraben-free, or made with natural ingredients, aligning with a more holistic, toxin-conscious lifestyle.

How to Start Living Dye-Free

Going dye-free doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to ease into it:

1. Read Labels Carefully

Learn to identify artificial dyes on ingredient lists. They often appear as “FD&C” followed by a color and number (e.g., FD&C Yellow 5). Watch out for these in everything from fruit snacks to cold medicine.

2. Switch One Category at a Time

Start small. Swap out your shampoo or toothpaste for a dye-free version. Once that’s routine, tackle your pantry, makeup bag, or cleaning supplies.

3. Choose Whole Foods

Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains are naturally free of dyes. Cooking at home allows you to control what goes into your meals and avoid hidden additives.

4. Find Trusted Brands

Many natural brands now offer dye-free versions of common products. Look for certifications or labels like “dye-free,” “artificial color-free,” or “made with natural ingredients.”

5. Be Patient With the Process

It’s okay to take it step by step. Some products are easier to replace than others. Celebrate small wins and give yourself grace along the way.

The Benefits of Going Dye-Free

Many people report feeling better overall after making the switch. Common improvements include:

• Fewer skin irritations or breakouts

• Better digestion

• Fewer headaches or allergy symptoms

• Calmer behavior in children

• A greater sense of control over health and wellness

Final Thoughts

Living a dye-free lifestyle is about more than avoiding color—it's a choice to be more mindful about what you allow into your body and your home. Whether you're motivated by health, sensitivity, or a desire to live more naturally, cutting out dyes can be a powerful and empowering step.

Remember: You don’t have to do it all at once. Small, consistent changes can lead to lasting impact.

Confessions of a Scrunchy Mom: Finding My Balance Between Crunchy & Silky

Hi, I’m Joscelyne — mom of one, lover of iced coffee, and a proud scrunchy mom.

If you’ve never heard the term “scrunchy mom,” let me introduce you to the middle ground of modern motherhood. Imagine a Venn diagram where the “crunchy moms” (think all-organic, cloth diapers, babywearing, no-screen time) and the “silky moms” (formula-feeding, disposable diapers, iPads on airplanes) overlap — that’s where scrunchy moms live. Right in the sweet, chaotic center.

And honestly? I love it here.

What Being a Scrunchy Mom Means to Me

When I had my baby, I felt this pressure to choose a side. Was I going to be the all-natural, essential-oil-carrying mama? Or the modern, tech-embracing mom who loves convenience?

Spoiler: I chose both. And neither. I chose what worked — for my baby, my mental health, and my reality.

Yes, I breastfed... but I also supplemented with formula when my supply ran out.

Yes, I made homemade baby food with organic carrots from the farmer’s market… and also bought pouches from Target when we were running late (again).

No, we didn’t cloth diaper. As much as I love the idea, I cant handle the extra work in my already busy life.

The Scrunchy Mom Motto: "Do What Works — And Don’t Apologize"

We scrunchy moms are flexible. We believe in science and home remedies. We’ll give our kids elderberry syrup and Tylenol. We love babywearing, but we also love strollers (especially with a cupholder for our coffee).

Most of all, we believe that moms don’t have to be all-or-nothing.

There’s no gold star for struggling to maintain a rigid parenting philosophy if it’s stressing you out. There’s power in being adaptable, in changing your mind, in trying something new — even if it means doing things differently than you imagined before kids.

Why I’m Sharing This

Because I spent too much time trying to fit into boxes that didn’t feel right.

Because I’ve seen moms tear themselves apart over cloth vs. disposable, screen time limits, organic snacks, sleep training, and every decision in between.

Because I want you to know that if you're somewhere in the middle — not crunchy, not silky, just figuring it out day by day — you're not alone. You're a scrunchy mom. And that's something to be proud of!

And honestly, the beauty of being a scrunchy mom is the freedom it brings. I don’t feel boxed in by anyone’s expectations — not society’s, not the internet’s, not even the ones I used to place on myself. I’ve learned that motherhood isn’t about following a script; it’s about showing up every day with love, patience (or at least the effort), and the willingness to pivot when something just isn’t working. Flexibility has become my superpower, and it’s made me a better mom — not a perfect one, but a present one.

Final Thoughts (and a Pep Talk)

You’re not failing because you didn’t make sourdough bread or because your toddler watched two hours of Cocomelon while you got work done. You’re not “less than” because you chose epidural over unmedicated birth or daycare over staying home.

You're doing what works — and that makes you an incredible mom.

So here’s to the scrunchy moms: the middle-ground mamas, the real-life jugglers, the women raising babies with love, grace, and the occasional drive-thru coffee.

You're my people. 💛