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.

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

What can I do with all these zucchini!!!!

Zucchini are not just for leaving on your neighbours' doorsteps in the night! I have 3 fab reasons why you should grow and eat them

Fiona McKinna

Jul 12, 20244 min read

Agurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad)

Norwegian cucumber salad is a popular side dish in the summer. It's just a handful of ingredients that make the best of this delicious veg

Fiona McKinna

Jul 10, 20242 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

Velvære, Nordic mental wellbeing

The Nordics is well known for promoting a balanced lifestyle both physically and mentally, but how can we bring that into our own lives

Fiona McKinna

Jul 1, 20246 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

Velkommen Juni, Welcome June

Welcome June, the most beautiful of the months in the Nordics. The flowers are out, there are endless celebrations and the sun is shining

Fiona McKinna

Jun 1, 20242 min read

7 reasons to keep chickens

Hens are not only producers of eggs but great pets to share our lives with. Here are 7 great reasons to keep hens yourself

Fiona McKinna

May 31, 20245 min read

The Seter (Norwegian summer farm)

Seters are Nordic summer farms are a unique piece of Nordic tradition that is sadly dying out.

Fiona McKinna

May 26, 20245 min read

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Brunost or brown cheese is a Norwegian icon, but it can be an unusual flavour when you first try it.

Fiona McKinna

May 20, 20244 min read

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

Early in the spring and summer sorrel is at it's best. It's an ancient vegetable and we don't use much now, but it's delicious!

Fiona McKinna

May 15, 20243 min read

How to decorate for a Syttende Mai celebration

The best Norwegian decor comes out for Norway's national day on 17 May, but it's also a chance to make our space look great for the summer

Fiona McKinna

May 12, 20247 min read

Sharing our lives with animals keeps us grounded

Sharing our lives with animals has some surprising health benefits that make it worthwhile in more ways than just companionship

Fiona McKinna

Apr 28, 20244 min read

The Easy Way to Make Beautiful Bunting (step by step tutorial with photos)

Colourful and beautiful bunting can make a summer space look cosy and inviting. Follow my tutorial to make your own

Fiona McKinna

Apr 26, 20244 min read

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

Ramsløk or wild garlic is in season in April and it's a ingredient in Norway. My simple recipe make the most of this delicious ingredient

Fiona McKinna

Apr 24, 20242 min read

What is a bålpanne?

What is a bålpanne? You'll see these tripod grills all over the place in Norway and people will happily use them in public spaces

Fiona McKinna

Apr 15, 20244 min read

Simple ways I save money and make life easier

Simple ways I save money everyday and make my life easier. They are all easy to implement and you can start today

Fiona McKinna

Apr 14, 20246 min read

Lapskaus, Norwegian beef and vegetable stew

Lapskaus is a firm favourite in Norway and a well loved comfort food. It's a dish that is simple but delicious and so easy to make

Fiona McKinna

Apr 12, 20243 min read

Living a Nordic Life

Vi elsker iskrem! We love icecream

What can I do with all these zucchini!!!!

Agurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad)

Velkommen juli, Welcome July

Velvære, Nordic mental wellbeing

Midsummer traditions in Scandinavia

Nordic Raspberry Summer Cake (Bringebær Kvæfjordkake)

Spekemat, the Norwegian charcuterie board

Velkommen Juni, Welcome June

7 reasons to keep chickens

The Seter (Norwegian summer farm)

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

How to decorate for a Syttende Mai celebration

Sharing our lives with animals keeps us grounded

The Easy Way to Make Beautiful Bunting (step by step tutorial with photos)

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

What is a bålpanne?

Simple ways I save money and make life easier

Lapskaus, Norwegian beef and vegetable stew

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