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.

Velkommen september, Welcome September

Velkommen høst, welcome autumn! September is really the first official autumn month in the Nordics. For a few weeks, the weather has...

Fiona McKinna

Sep 1, 20243 min read

How Norway Has Quietly Become the World Leader in Electric Cars

Norway is the world leader in electric cars with more per capita than an other nation. But why are they so popular?

Fiona McKinna

Aug 25, 20243 min read

Skolestart - Back to school in Norway

It's skolestart (school start) in Norway and time to get ready for some new routines and changes. What can you expect at school in Norway?

Fiona McKinna

Aug 23, 20245 min read

Ever Tried a Triathlon in Norway? Get Ready for a Wild Ride!

Norwegian triathlons are considered the most challenging in the world. Taking place in amazing scenery and with tough courses.

Fiona McKinna

Aug 19, 20243 min read

Blåbærsuppe (blueberry soup)

A simple and very traditionally Nordic way of serving berries. After a day in the forest blåbærsuppe is the perfect snack

Fiona McKinna

Aug 14, 20242 min read

A Story of Friendship and Enduring Love

A story of love, sisterhood and lifelong friendship between the most unexpected of creatures.

Fiona McKinna

Aug 11, 20245 min read

Louhisaaren Juoma (Finnish blackcurrant leaf drink)

This unusual sparkling Finnish drink use blackcurrant leaves for a delicious and refreshing flavour that is a reminder of summer days

Fiona McKinna

Aug 9, 20242 min read

Velkommen august, Welcome August

Velkommen august, welcome August! Let's look forward to what the month has to offer in its gentle way here in the Nordics

Fiona McKinna

Aug 1, 20243 min read

Bring some hygge magic to your next adventure

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

Jul 26, 20244 min read

Italiensk Salat, a taste of Norway

Despite it's name Italiensk salat does not come from Italy. It's a Norwegian classic that most people in Norway eat at least weekly.

Fiona McKinna

Jul 24, 20241 min read

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

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

Sørlandsbolle (chocolate covered vanilla cream bun)

Sørlandsboller are a speciality from southern Norway. A soft cardamom bun is filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate icing.

Fiona McKinna

Jun 28, 20243 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

Nordic Raspberry Summer Cake (Bringebær Kvæfjordkake)

Raspberries, soft sponge, meringue and cream - what's not to love! A slice of cake outside in the summer is the perfect hygge experience

Fiona McKinna

Jun 14, 20243 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

Living a Nordic Life

Velkommen september, Welcome September

How Norway Has Quietly Become the World Leader in Electric Cars

Skolestart - Back to school in Norway

Ever Tried a Triathlon in Norway? Get Ready for a Wild Ride!

Blåbærsuppe (blueberry soup)

A Story of Friendship and Enduring Love

Louhisaaren Juoma (Finnish blackcurrant leaf drink)

Velkommen august, Welcome August

Bring some hygge magic to your next adventure

Italiensk Salat, a taste of Norway

Vi elsker iskrem! We love icecream

Life on the Water

Velkommen juli, Welcome July

Sørlandsbolle (chocolate covered vanilla cream bun)

5 Reasons to visit southern Norway

Midsummer traditions in Scandinavia

Nordic Raspberry Summer Cake (Bringebær Kvæfjordkake)

Spekemat, the Norwegian charcuterie board

An unexpected passing....

What is a Norwegian Confirmation?

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