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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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Funny Norwegian Phrases to Brighten Your Day
Every language has it's own idioms and funny expressions, but Norwegian ones are some of the funniest. Can you guess what each one means?

Fiona McKinna
Feb 23, 20253 min read


The Quirky Traditions of Scandinavian Fastelavn: What You Didn't Know
Fastelavn is a joyful and fun celebration throughout the whole of Scandinavia. It's a time to embrace joy before the start of Lent

Fiona McKinna
Feb 17, 20255 min read


How to celebrate your birthday Norwegian style
Norwegians certainly know how to celebrate. Birthdays are organised in a special way, but we can do the same wherever we are in the world.

Fiona McKinna
Feb 9, 20255 min read


Velkommen februar, Welcome February!
February is such a romantic sounding month. It has the promise of an early spring, longer days and the romance of Valentine's Day. In the Nordics Valentines Day is not celebrated as much as elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world. It's marked but in a very understated way and there is no exchange of cards and gifts in schools for example. We do, however, celebrate some other days and in true Nordic fashion these are not allowed to go unnoticed or without cake and a

Fiona McKinna
Feb 1, 20252 min read


Uncovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Winter Wellness for a Healthier You!
Enjoying winter also means being healthy through it regardless of the weather. Let's look at how Nordic people embrace winter wellness

Fiona McKinna
Jan 20, 20254 min read


10 Ways to Make Life Lovely
What if I told you that you didn't need to spend time wishing your life was like someone else's? You already have a lovely life right now

Fiona McKinna
Jan 10, 20254 min read


You Don't Need to be Perfect
Life is not perfect and you don't need to be either. Despite what we see on social media you are enough as you are. Let me tell you why

Fiona McKinna
Jan 6, 20253 min read


The Top Living a Nordic Life Podcasts of 2024
Welcome January and 2025!! At the beginning of the month I usually write an article for my VIP membership readers that focusses on the...

Fiona McKinna
Jan 2, 20252 min read


Romjul, a very Nordic Post-Christmas tradition
Romjul is the relaxing and slow time after Christmas, but before New Year. In the Nordics it's marked in a special way

Fiona McKinna
Dec 27, 20244 min read


The Icelandic Yule Cat - not as fluffy as you might think!!
The Icelandic legend of the yule cat is not the cosy Christmas fireside tale you might hope for. It's a piece of scary Nordic noir

Fiona McKinna
Dec 22, 20242 min read


A Koselig Jul, A Cosy Nordic Christmas
I know that as soon as I mention Christmas in the Nordics it conjures up a picture of snow-covered wooden houses, long evenings, crisp days and the smell of candles, gingerbread and gløgg in the winter air. In fact something very much like a fairytale Christmas market, that goes on for a month and ends in a magical Christmas celebration that will linger on in the memory for years to come. And would you believe me if I told you that much of a Norwegian Christmas is exactly th

Fiona McKinna
Dec 16, 20243 min read


Gløgg, Scandinavian Hot Mulled Wine
A Nordic Christmas is not complete without a delicious warming cup of gløgg or mulled wine. It's so easy to make ourselves.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 13, 20242 min read


The lovely simplicity of Nordic Christmas Decor
I've noticed a move in recent years from the shiny plastic, glittery Christmas decorations to the more natural, simple, Nordic style. It's a style of decorating that is so typically of Scandinavia, known for its charm, simplicity, and warmth. This approach combines minimalism with cosy elements, offering a refreshing break from traditional holiday decorations and a reminder to keep things simple. Most Nordic homes have fairly natural decor in very muted colours Yes, admit

Fiona McKinna
Dec 8, 20245 min read


The Secret of Lagom: The art of Embracing Just the Right Amount
Lagom, how to have not too little, but not too much. The Swedes seem to do it effortlessly, and so can you wherver you are in the world

Fiona McKinna
Dec 2, 20243 min read


Velkommen desember, Welcome December!
Welcome to the cosiest of cosy months in the Nordics. December is all about Christmas, snow and cosiness.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 1, 20242 min read


Elevate Your Dining with Linen Tableware
Linen table ware is a beautiful simple luxury that we can enjoy everyday and can elevate our daily dining to something special

Fiona McKinna
Nov 29, 20244 min read


Uncover the Enigmatic Origins of Norwegian Rosemaling: A Colorful Journey Through History
The beautiful art of rosemaling is so typically Norwegian. This unique style of painting on wood has a rich and exciting history

Fiona McKinna
Nov 24, 20244 min read


10 Unusual Facts About Stockholm You Never Knew!
Stockholm, Sweden's shimmering capital, is more than just beautiful views and rich history. It hides fascinating facts that many tourists don’t know. If you are visiting for the first time or have been before, these ten unusual facts will deepen your appreciation of this remarkable city.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 18, 20244 min read


How to Have Some Winter Nordic Hygge
As winter approaches it's time to think about embracing hygge and making our lives more cosy.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 4, 20244 min read


How to Start Embracing a Simpler Life
In this pressured and busy world, simple living is becoming ever more appealing. How do we start to live a simpler life? Let me show you

Fiona McKinna
Nov 1, 20247 min read
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