Discover the magic of järvenranta, the Finnish word for lakeside living. In Finland, with its 180,000 lakes, järvenranta is more than a shoreline—it’s a way of life. Picture cozy lake cabins, traditional Finnish saunas by the water, morning swims under the midnight sun, and peaceful evenings surrounded by pine forests.

In the Nordics living with the changing light and seasons is essential for a happy and balanced life. But we don't need to live in the Nordics to embrace a life of balance and acceptance. We can welcome a life grounded in the light and seasons wherever we are.

August to me is a time of long summer holidays with the autumn far off on the horizon, but here in Norway August is the month when schools restarts and the autumn markets begin. The fields begin to turn golden and the leaves are turning from dark green to red and orange.

These no bake Swedish punschrulle are a classic that are perfect for fika. Soft choclate and punsch flavoured cake is covered in marzipan and dipped in chocolate.

Norway's beaches are some of Europe's hidden gems. They are pristine, quiet and beautiful and perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts.

Vispipuuro is a traditional Finnish dish that is simple and delicious. It's comfort food in bowl for many Finns and uses just a handful of simple ingredients.

Summer in the Nordics is all about eating seasonally and making the most of what is at it's best. That means lots of delicious and fresh salads

There's a secret to good sleep and it's a Scandinavian thing!! Want to know what it is?

As I write this we are sweltering in heat that feels like something from the tropics. Although we do get warm summer days in Norway it's taken us a little bit by surprise. It's also a wonderful start to summer and how July ought to be.

Pickled herring is about as Scandinavian as you can get, but sometimes it's nice to have make it a little more exciting and flavour packed. Fennel and ginger pickled herrings takes just a few minutes to make and is delicious and unusual

In recent years, the genre known as Nordic Noir has taken the world by storm. This stark and moody world of crime dramas has captivated audiences with chilling narratives, complex characters, and a unique atmosphere. Whether it's through binge-watching series on streaming platforms or diving into gripping novels, fans can’t seem to get enough of this genre. But what is it about Nordic Noir that has made it the go-to choice for cosy nights in? Let’s unravel the mystery.

All throughout Scandinavia at midsummer you see bonfires burning. It's a strange time of year to light a fire and it's been done for millennia, but why?

Spruce tips are delicious seasonal treat. A few years ago I was given a beautiful German cookery book. It was one I had coveted for a long time and I was excited to read the recipes. It was a collection of fairly unknown and regional recipes from around Germany. I loved it. But after I had read through and made a few of the dishes I flicked to the end of the book and discovered a small section devoted to leftovers and foraged food. It was really only a couple of pages of

In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos of daily life. The Nordic countries have long been admired for their ability to promote simplicity and well-being. With their sustainable practices and emphasis on balance, they offer a way to live a more fulfilling life. This is how i live in my own simple life in Norway and id like to help you explore practical steps towards integrating elements of Nordic living into your own life, leadi

Jonsokblom or red campion is a common flower in Norway. It holds lots of significance in Nordic cultures and especially at Midsummer

Welcome June in the Nordics, the first summer month and a month of joy, long days and beautiful traditions

It's just not summer in Sweden without a taste of this heavenly cake. Light sponge is topped with fluffy cream and filled with sweet strawberries. A true taste of Swedish summer!

I don't usually like writing about religious and holy days but in Norway they are entrenched into normal day to day living. It's got nothing to do with the country being religious, because it's most definitely not, but more about tradition. Many of the religious holy days in Norway are included in the primstav (runic calendar) and as it's something I take a keen interest in and have been sharing with you, I feel the need to include as much as possible.

Spruce tip sugar is a delicious and unusual sweet sprinkle that you can make yourself from foraged pine shoots. It's easy and fun to make and adds a very Nordic twist to sweet dishes.

Slow living is nothing new, although many people are only just realising how wonderful it is. It's a chance to make the most of our lives, reduce stress and enjoy moments of hygge in a fast paced and material focussed world.