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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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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


My Nordic Morning Routine (It Doesn't Include a 5AM Run!)
Join me, Fiona of Living a Nordic Life as I share my morning routine in my little corner of southern Norway.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 13, 20254 min read


Swedish Potatoes in a Dill Sauce (Dillstuvad Potatis)
Delicious dishes don't need to be fancy. This Swedish classic is a simple dish of potatoes and dill and will thestar of any meal.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 9, 20251 min read


There's no Such Thing as Bad Weather: Why the Nordics go Outside Anyway
Autumn in Norway is a season of contrasts—golden sunny days or rainy, misty hikes through lush green forests. Norwegians embrace it all with the concept of friluftsliv and the right outdoor clothing. Discover how to enjoy rainy days, dress like a local, and find beauty in every kind of weather

Fiona McKinna
Aug 30, 20254 min read


Autumn Comes Early in Norway
Autumn arrives early in Norway in a gentle and quiet way. It's a chance to make the most of the last of warm weather before the start of winter.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 24, 20253 min read


Järvenranta; Finnish Lakeside Living
Discover the magic of järvenranta, the Finnish word for lakeside living. In Finland, with its 180,000 lakes, järvenranta is more than a shoreline—it’s a way of life. Picture cozy lake cabins, traditional Finnish saunas by the water, morning swims under the midnight sun, and peaceful evenings surrounded by pine forests.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 9, 20254 min read


Velkommen august! Welcome August!
August to me is a time of long summer holidays with the autumn far off on the horizon, but here in Norway August is the month when schools restarts and the autumn markets begin. The fields begin to turn golden and the leaves are turning from dark green to red and orange.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 1, 20252 min read


Two Duvets: The Scandinavian Sleep Secret
There's a secret to good sleep and it's a Scandinavian thing!! Want to know what it is?

Fiona McKinna
Jul 6, 20254 min read


What Makes Nordic Noir the Go-To Genre for Cosy Nights In?
In recent years, the genre known as Nordic Noir has taken the world by storm. This stark and moody world of crime dramas has captivated audiences with chilling narratives, complex characters, and a unique atmosphere. Whether it's through binge-watching series on streaming platforms or diving into gripping novels, fans can’t seem to get enough of this genre. But what is it about Nordic Noir that has made it the go-to choice for cosy nights in? Let’s unravel the mystery.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 21, 20255 min read


The Nordic Tradition of Midsummer Bonfires
All throughout Scandinavia at midsummer you see bonfires burning. It's a strange time of year to light a fire and it's been done for millennia, but why?

Fiona McKinna
Jun 15, 20252 min read


How to Throw a Nordic Midsummer Party
Midsummer in the Nordics is a magical time of year with long days and an abundance of flowers. It's also a time for special celebrations

Fiona McKinna
Jun 13, 20254 min read


Unlocking the Secrets to Embracing a Simple Nordic Lifestyle
In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos of daily life. The Nordic countries have long been admired for their ability to promote simplicity and well-being. With their sustainable practices and emphasis on balance, they offer a way to live a more fulfilling life. This is how i live in my own simple life in Norway and id like to help you explore practical steps towards integrating elements of Nordic living into your own life, leadi

Fiona McKinna
Jun 7, 20255 min read


Jonsokblom: The Red Campion Flower and Its Enigmatic Traditions in Nordic Cultures
Jonsokblom or red campion is a common flower in Norway. It holds lots of significance in Nordic cultures and especially at Midsummer

Fiona McKinna
Jun 1, 20254 min read


What is slow living
Slow living is nothing new, although many people are only just realising how wonderful it is. It's a chance to make the most of our lives, reduce stress and enjoy moments of hygge in a fast paced and material focussed world.

Fiona McKinna
May 11, 20253 min read
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