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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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Ut på tur, Getting Outside on Sundays
Getting outside once a week is a wonderful Nordic habit to adopt and you will be in good company - most of Norway is "ut på tur" too

Fiona McKinna
2 days ago5 min read


10 Ways my Family and I Keep Life Simple and Stress-Free
Life can be stressful and full of pressure but we can choose some simple daily habits to make life a little easier.

Fiona McKinna
Apr 204 min read


5 Ways to be Healthy the Nordic Way
The Nordic countries are famous for good health so how can we welcome that into our own lives?

Fiona McKinna
Apr 174 min read


A Nordic Spring Routine: How to Live the Season Gently
Embrace a Nordic spring routine with slow mornings, fresh air, and gentle daily rhythms. Learn how to follow the light, spend time outdoors, and shift your home and mindset with the season. This guide to Nordic living shows how to move from winter to spring without pressure, creating calm, balance, and connection through simple, everyday habits inspired by life in Scandinavia.

Fiona McKinna
Apr 124 min read


How to Live a Nordic Spring (Even if You Don't Live in Scandinavia)
A Nordic spring doesn’t arrive all at once—it unfolds slowly through light, air, and small everyday moments. In this guide to slow living, discover how to embrace a gentle seasonal shift with outdoor fika, simple home rituals, and a mindset rooted in patience. Learn how to live a Nordic spring wherever you are, finding calm, connection, and quiet joy in the in-between season.

Fiona McKinna
Apr 64 min read


Simple Living isn't about owning less - it's about wanting less
Simple living isn't about having less and paring your life down to the bare minimum. It's about wanting less and feeling that gentle shift that is so liberating as we let go of the need to constantly strive for more.

Fiona McKinna
Apr 33 min read


Living Intentionally Without Turning Life into a Self-Improvement Project
Intentional living is often framed as self-improvement, but true intentional living is quieter than that. It’s not about optimising your life or becoming someone new—it’s about noticing. Noticing mornings and evenings, small daily rhythms, and ordinary moments that give life meaning. Inspired by Nordic ideas of enough, presence, and simplicity, this gentle approach invites you to slow down, let go of constant improvement, and live fully in the everyday.

Fiona McKinna
Mar 224 min read


Following the Reindeer: Seasonal Migration and Sami Life
Experience the magic of the Sami March reindeer migration across the Nordic wilderness. As winter thaws into early spring, herders guide their reindeer from snowy forests to lush summer pastures. Witness the serene landscapes, pale Nordic light, and centuries-old traditions that connect humans, animals, and nature. A journey of patience, resilience, and harmony, perfect for those seeking an authentic Nordic life experience.

Fiona McKinna
Mar 163 min read


What March Teaches Me Every Year About Patience & Light
Every year, March reminds me that becoming doesn’t need urgency. It needs time—and a little more light than yesterday. It's a gentle month that teaches us patience and acceptance of the slow moving seasons

Fiona McKinna
Mar 83 min read


Why Nordic Life Looks Simple but Feels Deep
From the outside, Nordic life can look deceptively simple—white walls, wooden tables, quiet coffee moments, and a whole lot of lagom. But this simplicity is anything but shallow. Rooted in intention, presence, and slow living, Nordic life invites us to notice what truly matters. Through simplicity, hygge, and a deep respect for time and nature, meaning is found not in adding more, but in living with greater depth and awareness.

Fiona McKinna
Mar 63 min read


Small March Rituals That Make Everyday Life Feel Special
March teaches us that small rituals matter. That ordinary days are worthy of attention. And that by tending to the quiet moments, we make space for the light to return—naturally, patiently, and in its own time.

Fiona McKinna
Mar 24 min read


Velkommen mars, Welcome March
March arrives in the Nordics like a whirlwind. But this year is warm and sunny and offers the promise of an early spring. Let's look ahead at what to expect this month in the Nordics

Fiona McKinna
Mar 12 min read


Fermented Dairy - an Historic Nordic Staple
Fermented dairy products are not just culinary staples in Nordic cuisine; they are a celebration of rich flavours, traditions, and health benefits. Imagine starting your day with a bowl of thick skyr or enjoying a refreshing filmjölk smoothie in the afternoon. Intrigued? Let me invite you to join me for an exploration of Nordic fermented dairy, revealing their history, types, and delicious recipes that are sure to excite your palate. The Historical Significance of Fermented D

Fiona McKinna
Feb 224 min read


Hidden Gem: Car-Free, Cosy Norwegian Island
Escape the bustle of the mainland to this island idyll off the coats of southern Norway. Beautiful serene beaches, pretty Norwegian coastal homes and the peace and quiet of car-free paths await you.

Fiona McKinna
Feb 205 min read


5 Simple Ways to Take Your Healthy Nordic Habits with You
Nordic living does not belong only to forests ad fjords. It can travel with you. Discover 5 simple ways to carry healthy Nordic habits into everyday life - from nourishing seasonal food and daily time outdoors to simpler rhythm and small, steady pleasures. A gentle guide to creating calm, balance and intentional living wherever you are.

Fiona McKinna
Feb 164 min read


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
Feb 115 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
Feb 84 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
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