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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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What I Don't Want To Lose About Norwegian Life
After many years in Norway, there are certain things about everyday life that have become part of who I am. From the habit of going outdoors whatever the weather to appreciating the changing seasons and finding pleasure in simple things, these are the parts of Norwegian life I hope to hold on to, wherever life takes me.

Fiona McKinna
3 hours ago4 min read


Five Gentle Ways to Tell the Story of Your Seasonal Paper Crafts
Discover five simple ways to photograph and share your handmade seasonal decorations, from quiet still-life portraits to close-up details and gentle moving images. With a little natural light, a thoughtful background and materials you already have, you can preserve the small details that make each creation special. A cosy, Nordic-inspired way to seasonal crafting, without the need for perfection or expensive equipment.

Fiona McKinna
1 day ago5 min read


What can Nordic Habits Do for You?
There are habits that people in the Nordics use all the time to embrace a life of simple, happy intention that we can all do wherever we are

Fiona McKinna
5 days ago4 min read


How To Love Autumn Like You're Nordic
Autumn is beauty itself, but I haven't always felt like that. It was not an instant love affair, I had to learn it. Do you feel the same?

Fiona McKinna
Oct 55 min read


Nordic Grannycore: The Cosy Aesthetic That Makes Life Feel Slower
Nordic Grannycore aesthetic celebrates slow Nordic living through knitting, baking, cooking from scratch, gardening, fermenting, and slow hiking. Rooted in seasonal rhythm and simple traditions, it embraces warmth, handmade gifts, and mindful outdoor life. Discover how Nordic women keep old skills alive through cosy, sustainable, and deeply comforting everyday rituals that connect home, nature, and community.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 25 min read


Why Norwegians are so Appreciative of Good Craftsmanship
In Scandinavia there's a deep appreciation of quality workmanship, but it's not the only place. We can help keep these precious skills alive

Fiona McKinna
Sep 273 min read


5 Great Reasons to Live in Norway
For so long Norway has been somewhere many people would love to live. But why? Let me share my 5 big reasons

Fiona McKinna
Sep 214 min read


How To Have An Unplugged Autumn
What if you spent an evening this autumn doing absolutely nothing “useful”? Put your phone away, light a candle, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book. Try a little knitting, baking or another old-fashioned hobby, and let your home become your cosy retreat. This is your invitation to slow down, embrace the darker evenings and discover the simple pleasures of an unplugged Nordic autumn.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 185 min read


The Nordic Love of Wool
The love of wool in Norway is seeing no signs of ever waning. Wol is warm, versatile and reliable and keeps you warm in the coldest climes

Fiona McKinna
Sep 133 min read


10 Nordic Secrets That Transformed My Life
When I moved to Norway I had no idea that simple Nordic habits would change my life forever. These are the 10 ways my life has changed

Fiona McKinna
Sep 75 min read


The Ancient Nordic Art of Food Preservation
Food preservation in the Nordic countries is an ancient craft shaped by long winters and fleeting summers. From wind-dried fish and smoked meats to fermented vegetables and jars of summer berries, every method was built on patience and necessity. Today, these traditions still linger in kitchens across the region, not out of survival, but as a quiet connection to seasons, time, and a slower way of living with nature.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 44 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


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


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


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 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
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