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Living a Nordic Life
Welcome to Living A Nordic Life, helping you live a Nordic Life, wherever you are.
From my home in southern Norway I'd love to share my Nordic lifestyle, cooking and surroundings with you, and show you how I have discovered that you don't need to live in Norway to enjoy and embrace a Nordic lifestyle and way of living.
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Swedish Lufsa, Potato Pancake with Bacon
Lufsa is a simple Swedish dish of just a handful of ingredients. It's hearty, filling and delicious and wonderfully traditional.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 262 min read


How to Make Your Next Camping Trip a Little More Hygge
Hygge is something we can bring with us everywhere we go, even on camping trips. I have some tips to make your next trip extra cosy

Fiona McKinna
Aug 235 min read


Swedish Pizza Africana (Banana Curry Pizza)
Not all classic recipes are traditional and this classic Swedish retro pizza is one that divides opinion. Pizza Africana is an exciting combination of bananas and curry, not something you find often on a pizza!

Fiona McKinna
Aug 213 min read


Why Do Scandinavians Love Liquorice So Much?
Liqourice is one of those flavours that you will find everywhere in Scandinavia, but you might be surprised to find it in more than candy

Fiona McKinna
Aug 173 min read


Seaweed, The Quiet Superhero!
Seaweed has been nourishing Nordic coastal communities for centuries, long before it became a modern superfood. Rich in minerals, fibre and antioxidants, this remarkable marine plant supports both our health and the health of the oceans. From vast kelp forests teeming with life to the simple pleasures of coastal cooking, discover why seaweed truly deserves its reputation as the quiet superhero of the sea. Perfect inspiration for your next Nordic-inspired recipe.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 125 min read


Let's Holiday Like We're Norwegian!
Many Norwegians happily spend the holiday in their own country. There are lots of things to learn from this and we can do exactly the same ourselves with a few tips to get started.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 94 min read


The Nordic Obsession with Wild Swimming
The Nordic obsession with wild swimming isn’t just about fitness or bravery—it’s about ritual, presence, and making the most of a short summer. From icy fjords to forest lakes, people of all ages plunge into cold water with surprising joy. The shock is instant, the calm that follows is addictive. In a region where summer is fleeting, wild swimming becomes a way to feel fully alive, grounded, and awake to the season.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 74 min read


How To Embrace a Scandi-Inspired Home
You don't need to live in Scandinavia to bring some beautiful Scandinavian touches to your home. With a few simple changes and Scandi-inspired touches your home can be welcoming and hygge.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 34 min read


Why it’s important to find an Affordable Travel eSIM with Fast and Reliable Data For Your Trip
Most of us rely on our phones when we travelling and it can be really upsetting to discover that that we can't get coverage in the place we are visiting. So doing a bit of research into the right eSIM for your phone is crucial.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 303 min read


More People are Choosing Slow Living Over Hustle Culture, Here's Why
Feeling constantly exhausted? You are not alone! Many of us are choosing slower living to create a healthier life. Work-life balance, reducing burnout and embracing minimalism can help us find joy in everyday life. Learn practical ways to slow down, set better boundaries, simplify your routines, and reclaim your time. This guide explores why more people are choosing intentional living over hustle culture—and how you can too.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 294 min read


Why Finland's Education Model is Such a Success
Why is Finland's education system consistently ranked among the world's best? Discover the Nordic principles behind Finland's success, from trusted teachers and student wellbeing to critical thinking, equality, and lifelong learning. Explore how the Finnish approach creates confident, independent learners and why educators around the world continue to look to Finland for inspiration.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 286 min read


A Very Norwegian Pilgrimage for St Olav
Olsok is a special day in Norway and marks the pilgramage to Trindheim to celebrate St Olav.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 264 min read


How to Travel With Autistic Children
Travelling with autistic children often requires more planning than simply packing a suitcase and heading off. As parents of three autistic children, we've learned how preparation, flexibility and a good understanding of sensory needs can transform family travel. From choosing quiet accommodation and making time for nature to using airport assistance and planning regular breaks, these simple strategies have helped us explore the world with confidence and far fewer meltdowns.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 246 min read


A Deeper Look at Education in the Nordics
Discover why the Nordic education system is admired around the world. From collaborative classrooms and flexible degree programmes to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional student support, universities in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland offer a unique approach to learning. Whether you're considering studying abroad or simply curious about Nordic life, explore what makes this education model so successful.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 236 min read


Lemon Curd, An Unexpected Norwegian Favourite
Lemon curd is a simple and easy jam to make and keep. It's unexpectedly popular in Norway and my recipe always sells out on my farmstand.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 223 min read


4 Traditional Nordic Foods You (Probably) Won't Find Outside Scandinavia
There are some foods that are so traditional that you rarely find outside their country of origin. How many of these Nordic foods have you eaten?

Fiona McKinna
Jul 215 min read


The Great Berry Season Has Begun
The great berry season has begun across the Nordic countries. From wild blueberries hidden beneath forest canopies to sun-warmed raspberries along country lanes, July brings one of Scandinavia's most cherished summer traditions. More than simply gathering food, berry picking is a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the simple pleasures of Nordic living. Discover why berry season remains such a treasured part of summer life.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 203 min read


What Nordic Life Teaches Us About Getting Through Difficult Times
When life feels difficult, Nordic living reminds us that comfort is often found in the simplest things. A warm bowl of soup, a familiar routine, a walk in fresh air, or quiet practical support can help us keep going. Discover how the Nordic approach to resilience embraces the changing seasons, steady daily rhythms, and small acts of care that make even the hardest days feel a little more manageable.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 165 min read


The Old Coastal Life - Living With The Sea, not Against It
The old Nordic coastal life still lingers in quiet places where the sea sets the rhythm of everything. Fishing villages, weather-worn harbours, and drifting boats speak of a time when people lived in close conversation with wind and tide. It is a way of life shaped by patience, observation, and respect — where nothing is rushed, and the sea still feels like it quietly decides the day.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 123 min read


How to Have a Beautiful Nordic Lawn
Keeping a lush, green lawn in a northern climate isn't always easy. Long winters, frozen ground and short growing seasons all put grass to the test. In this guide, I share the lessons we've learned caring for our own Nordic garden, from choosing the right grass varieties and adjusting mowing heights to aeration, fertilising and smart technology. With a little planning, you can enjoy a healthy, resilient lawn that's ready for summer.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 106 min read
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