top of page
.png)

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.
Search


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


Chasing the Northern Lights in February
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights in February across the Nordics. Discover the best locations in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, plus tips for aurora hunting, winter photography, and staying warm. Combine breathtaking Arctic skies with Nordic winter adventures like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and Sámi cultural experiences for an unforgettable February escape

Fiona McKinna
4 days ago4 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


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


Pytt i Panna, Traditional Swedish Hash
Pytt i panna is the kind of meal that feels like home — humble, warming and quietly generous. Born from leftovers and simple habits, this Swedish hash of crisp potatoes, soft onions and savoury meat turns an ordinary pan into something deeply comforting. In this recipe, pytt i panna becomes a small ritual: listening to the sizzle, waiting for golden edges, finishing with a fried egg or pickled beetroot. It’s food for unhurried evenings when you want something honest, nourishi

Fiona McKinna
Jan 142 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


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


Velkommen desember, Welcome December!
December in Norway is a time of traditions and beauty. The winter might be with us, but we have so much to enjoy.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 1, 20252 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


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


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


Nordic Folklore for Each Season, A time for Firelight and Storytelling
Folklore is part of life in the Nordics. Trolls, huldra and other spirits live among us humans and shape the way we see the world. Maybe it's a little bit of fantasy, but it brings magic to each and every day.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 6, 20255 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


What I Hope You'll Feel When You Read "Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic"
Friluftsliv is my love letter to the Nordic way of reconnecting with nature. In its pages, I hope you’ll find peace, joy, and a reminder that the outdoors is always waiting—whether it’s a forest walk, the scent of rain, or simply sitting with your feet in the grass. This book is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the simple beauty of living close to nature.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 20, 20253 min read
bottom of page