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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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Seasonal Nordic Ingredients to Celebrate in February
February in the Nordics marks the true heart of winter, when snow blankets the land and daylight is scarce. Nordic winter food traditions shine during this season, relying on preserved foods, root vegetables, hardy greens, and cured proteins. From Viking times to today, seasonal Nordic cuisine has supported sustainable, mindful eating. Embracing these simple, natural ingredients connects us to tradition while reducing reliance on ultra-processed food and celebrating authentic

Fiona McKinna
1 day ago5 min read


Sami National Day: The History and How to Prepare
Celebrate Sámi National Day on February 6th and explore the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Indigenous Sámi people. Learn about the first Sámi congress, traditional clothing, music, and food, and discover how to prepare respectfully for events across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and beyond. Honor Sámi heritage and experience the resilience and vibrant culture of Europe’s oldest Indigenous community.

Fiona McKinna
6 days ago5 min read


Authentic Sami Winter Menu to Celebrate Sami Day
Discover authentic Sámi winter cuisine perfect for the winter. From reindeer stew and traditional Gáhkku flatbread to hearty root vegetable soups and cloudberry cream dessert, explore recipes that warm the body and celebrate Sámi culture. Learn how to prepare a full Sámi-inspired winter meal using traditional ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques rooted in Nordic heritage.

Fiona McKinna
Feb 24 min read


Velkommen februar, Welcome February
The winter is not over yet, but let's make the most of the cosy season.

Fiona McKinna
Feb 12 min read


Lighting the Winter. Embracing Candles, Lanterns and Cosy Corners
Embrace the Nordic way of lighting the winter with candles, lanterns, and cozy corners. Discover how Scandinavians transform long, dark nights into warm, inviting spaces using soft lighting, mindful rituals, and simple decor. Learn tips for creating hygge-inspired corners, layering light, and bringing seasonal warmth into your home. Perfect for intentional living and enjoying the magic of winter in comfort and style.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 253 min read


Nordic Winter Outdoor Habits to Improve Wellbeing
Boost your wellbeing this winter with Nordic outdoor habits. From friluftsliv and forest walks to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sauna rituals, discover how Nordic practices help reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen the body. Embrace winter like the Nordics and transform the cold months into a season of vitality, calm, and connection with nature

Fiona McKinna
Jan 234 min read


Nordic Winter Rituals to Slow Down and Recharge
Discover Nordic winter rituals to slow down and recharge this January. From mindful mornings and cozy hygge spaces to forest walks, seasonal cooking, and calming candlelight, these simple habits help you embrace intentional living, reduce stress, and find warmth during the long, dark Nordic nights. Learn how to bring the peaceful, restorative rhythms of Nordic winters into your everyday life.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 194 min read


The Best Places to Visit in the Nordics in January
Discover the best places to visit in the Nordics in January—from Norway’s aurora-filled skies to Iceland’s icy landscapes and Finland’s peaceful Lapland forests. Explore cozy winter cities, dramatic Arctic scenery, and authentic Nordic culture at its most magical. Your guide to unforgettable Nordic winter travel starts here

Fiona McKinna
Jan 114 min read


Starting the New Year with Nordic Sustainability
Start the new year with Nordic-style sustainability by embracing minimalism, mindful consumption, and slow living. Discover practical tips for eco-friendly home practices, seasonal routines, sustainable travel, and intentional goal-setting. Learn how simple, thoughtful habits inspired by Scandinavian culture can reduce waste, support the environment, and bring balance and purpose to your daily life.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 94 min read


Nordic Hygge; Making the Long Nights Cosy
There’s a certain beauty to winter if we let it arrive at its own pace. Nordic hygge encourages us to soften the edges of January—filling our homes with candlelight, warmth, and simple rituals that bring comfort. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book, a shared pot of tea, or a moment of mindful stillness, hygge reminds us that contentment often lives in the smallest, most ordinary moments.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 53 min read


Velkommen 2026! Welcome 2026!
Let's start the new year with some Nordic positivity and look forward to the beauty that January has to offer us. It's also a great time to plan ahead a little with gardening and take some moments to cook cosy comfort food.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 1, 20262 min read


Epiphany Traditions in the Nordics: Celebrating Twelve Night and Winter Rituals
Discover how Nordic Epiphany traditions blend ancient folklore with cosy winter rituals. From star-singing processions in Sweden to Norway’s candlelit blessings and Finland’s icy dips for renewal, these customs celebrate light, community, and hope. Explore the cultural roots that make Epiphany a uniquely meaningful winter celebration across the North.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 28, 20254 min read


How to Have a Hygge Romjul (Just Like We Do in Norway)
Romjul is the time between Christmas and New Year and in Norway it has a special place. It's cherished and celebrated in simple and intentional ways.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 26, 20254 min read


What is Christmas Like in a Norwegian Village
Join me for a little journey through my tiny Norwegian village and discover the special things we enjoy at Christmas

Fiona McKinna
Dec 15, 20253 min read


St Lucia Day in the Nordics: Light, Song & Tradition
13 December is a special day in the Nordics. It's a celebration of St Lucia with singing, small parades and special food. It's a moment of joy and light in one of the darkest days of the year.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 13, 20254 min read


Metsäkävely: The Finnish Habit of Forest Bathing
Discover the Nordic art of metsäkävely, or forest walking—a simple, mindful way to reduce stress and reconnect with nature. Learn how this Finnish tradition brings calm, boosts wellbeing, and helps you slow down in every season. Step into the quiet of the trees and experience the restorative power of the forest in your everyday life.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 1, 20254 min read


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
Nov 28, 20254 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
Nov 26, 20252 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
Nov 23, 20254 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 17, 20254 min read
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