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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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Dressing for the Winter - A New Find From Lighthouse Clothing!
Finding a new and stylish winter coat that will cope with the demands of a Nordic winter is no mean feat, but we have done it! These coats from Lighthouse Clothing are our new favourite winter outerwear. We love them and I know you will too

Fiona McKinna
17 minutes ago4 min read


Joulutorttu (Finnish Christmas Star Pastries)
Looking for a delicious and quick Nordic recipe for a Christmas treat? These delicious Finnish pastries are perfect for a touch of Nordic indulgence.

Fiona McKinna
3 days ago2 min read


The Soft Turning of the Year: Practical Nordic Living in Late November
November in the Nordic North invites us to slow down, savour the soft light, and prepare our homes for winter with simple, comforting rituals. From wool blankets and candlelit mornings to mindful walks in the crisp air, this quiet season reminds us to embrace calm, nurture wellbeing, and find beauty in the darkening days.

Fiona McKinna
5 days ago4 min read


Preparing for Winter Adventures: Nordic Outdoor Essentials
Winter in the Nordics invites awe, crisp air, and early evenings. Preparing for outdoor adventures means layering wisely, choosing warm, waterproof footwear, and packing essential accessories like gloves, hats, and a headlamp. Snacks, hot drinks, and safety gear keep you energized and secure. With thoughtful preparation and a friluftsliv mindset, November adventures become magical moments of quiet, Nordic winter wonder.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 174 min read


Nordic Simplicity: Slowing Down Before the Holiday Rush
As November settles in, the Nordic world slows to a gentle rhythm. The bright days of autumn fade, and the darkness invites us to pause before the holiday rush begins. This quiet month is a chance to rest, prepare our homes, and find beauty in simplicity. By slowing down and embracing the stillness, we arrive at December calm, grounded, and ready to welcome the light once more.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 144 min read


Flatbrødsoll (Flatbread Cereal)
This simple and traditional dish is something that brings memories of childhood for many in Norway.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 122 min read


Nordic Wildlife in Late Autumn
November in the Nordics is a season of quiet transformation. The forests fall still, yet life continues in subtle ways — deer move through the mist, bullfinches brighten bare branches, and foxes prowl under long, cold nights. Nature whispers rather than shouts, reminding us to slow down, observe, and find beauty in the soft rhythm of the dark season. Even in stillness, the North is very much alive.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 94 min read


Nordic November Traditions You Might Not Know About
November in the Nordics is quiet, dark, and reflective—a month of subtle traditions. From Sweden’s Mårtensgås goose feast to Norway’s candlelit remembrance of the departed, and Finland’s mindful embrace of “pimeä marraskuu,” these customs celebrate light, warmth, and connection. It’s a time to slow down, enjoy cozy moments, and notice the beauty of the season—a gentle, Nordic way to welcome winter.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 33 min read


Velkommen november! Welcome November
Welcome November and the start of the winter. This quiet month leads us gently into the busy season in the Nordics but gives us much needed time to slow down

Fiona McKinna
Nov 12 min read


What is self care? And Do We Even Care?!
Self care isn't just about bubble baths, beauty treatments, hot chocolate and fluffy blankets. It's about a long lasting, grownup commitment to our mental and physical wellbeing.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 314 min read


Decadent Hot Chocolate with Norwegian Brunost
Really indulge your love of hot chocolate with this decadent and delicious recipe with a couple of secret Norwegian ingredients

Fiona McKinna
Oct 292 min read


How to be Polite in Scandinavia (there are rules!)
Discover the quiet art of Nordic politeness — where kindness lives in silence, personal space, and gentle respect. From unspoken rules on buses to the sacred order of queues, this reflection explores how Scandinavians practice warmth without words and connection without noise — a calm, steady grace that defines life in the North.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 254 min read


Simple or Free Fun Autumn Activities
The simplest pleasures are often the best and autumn is a time to make the most of some activities that are simple or free (or both!)

Fiona McKinna
Oct 205 min read


How To Bring Scandi-Inspired Interior Touches Into Your 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
Oct 174 min read


Swedish Macaroni Bake (Klassisk Makaronilåda)
Pasta is unexpectedly popular in Scandinavia. There are countless dishes that feature pasta as a main ingredient for those of us used to traditional Italian pasta dishes they can seem a little unusual, like Norwegian fiskegrateng. Pasta has been part of Swedish cuisines since the 1600s but back then it was something that only the most wealthy would eat. Commercial pasta production didn't start until the 20th century and really took off after the Second World War. Simple an

Fiona McKinna
Oct 142 min read


The Primstav: Old Wooden Timekeeper & It's Quiet Power in Modern Life
The primstav might be an ancient calendar, but it is still relevant today and especially for those in the Nordics or with Nordic heritage. It's an important link to the past and a simpler time.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 114 min read


Nordic Folklore for Each Season, A time for Firelight and Storytelling
Folklore is part of life in the Nordics. Trolls, huldra and other spirits live among us humans and shape the way we see the world. Maybe it's a little bit of fantasy, but it brings magic to each and every day.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 65 min read


Lingonberries in Scandinavia: Nature’s Wild Treasure of the Nordic Forests
Discover the magic of lingonberries in Scandinavia’s forests. These tart red berries thrive under pine and birch trees, ripening in late summer when foragers gather them for jams, juices, and traditional Nordic dishes. Packed with antioxidants and rich cultural history, lingonberries are more than a superfood—they’re a taste of the Nordic wilderness.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 35 min read


Velkommen oktober, Welcome October!
There’s something quietly magical about October here in the Nordics. The slow and simple change in light, the crispness in the air, the colours of nature moving towards all the autumn hues. As we cross into this deep autumn month, it feels like the earth is breathing out, gathering strength for rest—and inviting us to slow down with it.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 12 min read


Sauna Season Begins: The Nordic Art of Slowing Down as Cold Returns
Discover how sauna season in Norway marks autumn’s arrival—ritual, warmth, and the art of slowing down as the cold returns.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 284 min read
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