Featuring thought-provoking articles and morsels of the good life - designed to inspire more full & balanced living.
Brought to you by ‘Nattie up North’ creator, Natalie Koivu.
**This blog was retired in 2024.**
**Thank you for your interest! Please feel free to browse old posts.**
In a time of spiritual-malnourishment, let’s foster some greater health in our souls.
This springy concoction multitasks as a healthful soda and a fun drink for the kids. Or morph it into your new favorite cocktail with some sparkling wine and Campari.
A forest-fresh, springtime comfort food perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Delicious & healthful, these fiber-rich, protein-packed muffins are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat.
My take on the Scandinavian favorite Lox-on-Toast & an easy way to make any breakfast feel special.
Basically springtime goodness in a bowl, this woodsy take on traditional Carbonara is a great way to highlight your freshly-harvested haul of morel mushrooms. And it’s…so good!
This warm & satisfying Ground Beef, Cheddar Cheese and Elbow Noodle “Hotdish” makes a simple + yummy camp meal (or weeknight dinner!) for the whole family.
Easy, beautiful, healthful and delicious. The perfect side dish to brighten up a cozy winter dinner.
A simple but elegant winter appetizer served over crackers. Six ingredients and only 10 minutes to make!
Delicious, festive, cozy, cute, brimming with brown liquor and arguably healthy…what’s not to love?
Nothing says “cozy season” quite like a bowl of soup, and if a hot broth isn’t warming enough, I especially love a fall soup with a little kick to it! This Yellow Coconut Curry Soup checks all the boxes.
This military-inspired workout is a simple and powerful upgrade to any walk, working strength, posture and cardio at the same time.
Because simple is often best: 25 uncomplicated & free wellness-boosters.
“Cold Exposure” is surging in popularity. Here’s a look into my experience with the practice, plus the science-backed reasons experts embrace it.
My go-to weekly scrub. A natural & easy do-it-yourself for soft & radiant skin.
Starting to feel those winter blues, are you? Know that you’re not alone. The cold, extra darkness, and difficulty getting out to do a whole lot can quickly become a recipe for diminished happiness during the coldest months. But, there’s hope!
Oh, essential oils. I hesitated to make this my first “Healthful” blog post because I know they can seem a little hokey, but the fact of the matter is I delight in using essential oils essentially every day. They add real value into my life & can do the same for you!
A rare update on my personal life: a peak at our wedding and some big updates!
A dozen packable, healthful, and crowd-pleasing snack ideas to keep you hiking strong.
A compilation of Icelandic norms, eats & attitudes you’ll want to adopt as your very own.
It’s Morel Mushroom season. Learn how to forage for this elusive springtime delicacy. A great family activity!
It’s that time of year when the days are short and nights long. When the wind bites, the whole world seems frozen solid, and we begin to wonder why we choose to live in a place where the air hurts our face. It begs the question: how do outdoorists enjoy it without suffering? Read to find out!
Traveling alone can be a life-changing way to experience more of the world…and yourself! As promised, here are some tips and considerations that will arm you for your first solo venture.
No matter how far off it sometimes seems, surely the world will eventually reopen for travel once more. Whether you’re eyeing another continent or just another town, you’re going to want to venture alone. Here’s why.
How facing my fears on the Pacific Ocean and landing the fish of a lifetime lead to greater clarity and inner peace.
It was late afternoon. The minor was just underway, and that weed line looked juicy. I could feel it. There was a musky down there that would turn my luck around.
Over the last few months I’ve mentioned to a few people I’m starting a blog. The response I almost always get is: “Cool. What kind?”
Hi I’m Natalie,
A lover of all things “North,” I’m a native Minnesotan currently living in Finland. Having built a life I love through purposeful, faith-centered & balanced living, I want to help others do the same.
If we’re not growing, we’re not living. Here you’ll find all things self betterment, from big ideas to the most practical, all designed to help you live better.
In a time of spiritual-malnourishment, let’s foster some greater health in our souls.
Experience the fullness of nature in a whole new way - while positively impacting body & mind too - all with one simple activity.
Because life’s meant to be delicious! Browse for nature-inspired meals, snacks & drinks perfect for home, adventure, and everything in between.
This springy concoction multitasks as a healthful soda and a fun drink for the kids. Or morph it into your new favorite cocktail with some sparkling wine and Campari.
A forest-fresh, springtime comfort food perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Delicious & healthful, these fiber-rich, protein-packed muffins are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat.
My take on the Scandinavian favorite Lox-on-Toast & an easy way to make any breakfast feel special.
Basically springtime goodness in a bowl, this woodsy take on traditional Carbonara is a great way to highlight your freshly-harvested haul of morel mushrooms. And it’s…so good!
This warm & satisfying Ground Beef, Cheddar Cheese and Elbow Noodle “Hotdish” makes a simple + yummy camp meal (or weeknight dinner!) for the whole family.
Easy, beautiful, healthful and delicious. The perfect side dish to brighten up a cozy winter dinner.
A simple but elegant winter appetizer served over crackers. Six ingredients and only 10 minutes to make!
Delicious, festive, cozy, cute, brimming with brown liquor and arguably healthy…what’s not to love?
Nothing says “cozy season” quite like a bowl of soup, and if a hot broth isn’t warming enough, I especially love a fall soup with a little kick to it! This Yellow Coconut Curry Soup checks all the boxes.
To me, “healthful” living is about cultivating health & wellness of mind, body, spirit, and surroundings. In this section, you’ll find everything from lifestyle tips to natural health to articles that will help you be the best “you” at home, work and in your relationships.
This military-inspired workout is a simple and powerful upgrade to any walk, working strength, posture and cardio at the same time.
Because simple is often best: 25 uncomplicated & free wellness-boosters.
“Cold Exposure” is surging in popularity. Here’s a look into my experience with the practice, plus the science-backed reasons experts embrace it.
My go-to weekly scrub. A natural & easy do-it-yourself for soft & radiant skin.
Starting to feel those winter blues, are you? Know that you’re not alone. The cold, extra darkness, and difficulty getting out to do a whole lot can quickly become a recipe for diminished happiness during the coldest months. But, there’s hope!
Oh, essential oils. I hesitated to make this my first “Healthful” blog post because I know they can seem a little hokey, but the fact of the matter is I delight in using essential oils essentially every day. They add real value into my life & can do the same for you!
“If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes, or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody.” – Anthony Bourdain
A rare update on my personal life: a peak at our wedding and some big updates!
A dozen packable, healthful, and crowd-pleasing snack ideas to keep you hiking strong.
A compilation of Icelandic norms, eats & attitudes you’ll want to adopt as your very own.
It’s Morel Mushroom season. Learn how to forage for this elusive springtime delicacy. A great family activity!
It’s that time of year when the days are short and nights long. When the wind bites, the whole world seems frozen solid, and we begin to wonder why we choose to live in a place where the air hurts our face. It begs the question: how do outdoorists enjoy it without suffering? Read to find out!
Traveling alone can be a life-changing way to experience more of the world…and yourself! As promised, here are some tips and considerations that will arm you for your first solo venture.
No matter how far off it sometimes seems, surely the world will eventually reopen for travel once more. Whether you’re eyeing another continent or just another town, you’re going to want to venture alone. Here’s why.
How facing my fears on the Pacific Ocean and landing the fish of a lifetime lead to greater clarity and inner peace.
It was late afternoon. The minor was just underway, and that weed line looked juicy. I could feel it. There was a musky down there that would turn my luck around.
Over the last few months I’ve mentioned to a few people I’m starting a blog. The response I almost always get is: “Cool. What kind?”
Experience the fullness of nature in a whole new way - while positively impacting body & mind too - all with one simple activity.