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.

Vi elsker iskrem! We love icecream

You might not associate ice-cream with the Nordics, but it's a treat that's been enjoyed here for more than 100 years.

Fiona McKinna

Jul 15, 20242 min read

Life on the Water

From the time of the vikings Nordic people have had a connection to the water and it's part of everyday modern life

Fiona McKinna

Jul 14, 20244 min read

Agurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad)

Norwegian cucumber salad is a popular side dish in the summer. It's just a handful of ingredients that make the best of this delicious veg

Fiona McKinna

Jul 10, 20242 min read

Velkommen juli, Welcome July

Welcome to July in the Nordics and all the wonderful things we can expect to enjoy in the heart of summer

Fiona McKinna

Jul 1, 20242 min read

Velvære, Nordic mental wellbeing

The Nordics is well known for promoting a balanced lifestyle both physically and mentally, but how can we bring that into our own lives

Fiona McKinna

Jul 1, 20246 min read

5 Reasons to visit southern Norway

Visitors to Norway often rush straight to Oslo, bergen or Stavanger. But southern Norway is a special place of history, culture and scenery

Fiona McKinna

Jun 23, 20244 min read

Midsummer traditions in Scandinavia

Midsummer in Scandinavia is magical to say the least and each country celebrates in a slightly different way

Fiona McKinna

Jun 17, 20246 min read

Spekemat, the Norwegian charcuterie board

Spekemat is the Norwegian version of the charcuterie board, but it's been around a lot longer than the latest fad.

Fiona McKinna

Jun 12, 20244 min read

An unexpected passing....

There are moments in life when we feel loss more than others, but we can look at it in a different way to simply a huge loss.

Fiona McKinna

Jun 9, 20244 min read

What is a Norwegian Confirmation?

In April, May and June the churches are full of people in national dress celebrating confirmations. This old tradition is a coming of age

Fiona McKinna

Jun 3, 20244 min read

Velkommen Juni, Welcome June

Welcome June, the most beautiful of the months in the Nordics. The flowers are out, there are endless celebrations and the sun is shining

Fiona McKinna

Jun 1, 20242 min read

Drønning Maud fromasj (Queen Maud's dessert)

This delicious, creamy dessert was created for the late Queen Maud. It's both elegant and simple and perfect for any day of the week.

Fiona McKinna

May 29, 20242 min read

The Seter (Norwegian summer farm)

Seters are Nordic summer farms are a unique piece of Nordic tradition that is sadly dying out.

Fiona McKinna

May 26, 20245 min read

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Brunost or brown cheese is a Norwegian icon, but it can be an unusual flavour when you first try it.

Fiona McKinna

May 20, 20244 min read

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

Early in the spring and summer sorrel is at it's best. It's an ancient vegetable and we don't use much now, but it's delicious!

Fiona McKinna

May 15, 20243 min read

How to decorate for a Syttende Mai celebration

The best Norwegian decor comes out for Norway's national day on 17 May, but it's also a chance to make our space look great for the summer

Fiona McKinna

May 12, 20247 min read

Norwegian National Pride

Norwegian national pride is at it's most obvious in May the month of Norway's national day.

Fiona McKinna

May 6, 20243 min read

Sharing our lives with animals keeps us grounded

Sharing our lives with animals has some surprising health benefits that make it worthwhile in more ways than just companionship

Fiona McKinna

Apr 28, 20244 min read

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

Ramsløk or wild garlic is in season in April and it's a ingredient in Norway. My simple recipe make the most of this delicious ingredient

Fiona McKinna

Apr 24, 20242 min read

What is a bålpanne?

What is a bålpanne? You'll see these tripod grills all over the place in Norway and people will happily use them in public spaces

Fiona McKinna

Apr 15, 20244 min read

Living a Nordic Life

Vi elsker iskrem! We love icecream

Life on the Water

Agurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad)

Velkommen juli, Welcome July

Velvære, Nordic mental wellbeing

5 Reasons to visit southern Norway

Midsummer traditions in Scandinavia

Spekemat, the Norwegian charcuterie board

An unexpected passing....

What is a Norwegian Confirmation?

Velkommen Juni, Welcome June

Drønning Maud fromasj (Queen Maud's dessert)

The Seter (Norwegian summer farm)

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

How to decorate for a Syttende Mai celebration

Norwegian National Pride

Sharing our lives with animals keeps us grounded

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

What is a bålpanne?

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