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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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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


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 14, 20254 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 9, 20254 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 1, 20252 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 31, 20254 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 26, 20254 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 20, 20255 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 17, 20254 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 12, 20254 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 3, 20255 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. The changing of light & skies October begins with shorter days: dawn comes later, dusk creeps in earlier. The sun is lower in the sky. That g

Fiona McKinna
Oct 1, 20252 min read
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