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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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10 Unusual Facts About Oslo (To Make Your Trip More Memorable)
Oslo is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year with an abundance of culture, history and green space. It's small but mighty

Fiona McKinna
Jan 12, 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


Nordic Dill & Mustard Sauce for Fish
As delicious as gravlaks is on it's own, this mustard sauce really elevates it to something special and memorable

Fiona McKinna
Dec 25, 20241 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


Sjokolademousse med Polkagris (Chocolate Mousse with Polkagris)
Sjokolademousse med polkagris is a simple, luxurious treat What could be a more delicious treat than a smooth and creamy chocolate mousse studded with one of the Sweden's most beloved candies? In the Nordics on Wednesdays we have something called lille lørdag or the simple habit of making the most of the midweek and celebrating having got this far through the week. I like to make a little treat for Wednesdays and glasses of slightly decadent chocolate mousse are definitely

Fiona McKinna
Dec 11, 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


Silppu, a very traditional comfort food from Finnskogen
Silppu or silpo is a traditional dish from Finnskogen in Norway. Bacon, potatoes, onion and milk are cooked together for best comfort food.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 27, 20242 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


Braisert Pølse med Sider or Epler (Sausages Braised in Cider and Apples)
Make the most of autumn with this comforting dish of sausages, apples and cider, gently cooked until meltingly tender.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 15, 20242 min read


Mazariner (Swedish Almond Tarts), an Historic Treat
Swedish fika is not complete without these historic treats, mazariner, individual tarts filled with almond paste and topped with icing

Fiona McKinna
Nov 13, 20242 min read


Who was Nikolai Astrup? Uncovering the Mystery of the Underrated Norwegian Artist
Nikolai Astrup is not the first artist you think of as a famous Norwegian artist, but his art was significant and important.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 10, 20243 min read
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