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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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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


The Biggest Lessons Norway has Taught Me
My time living in Norway has taught me some important lessons that have changed my life and I will carry with me wherever I live.

Fiona McKinna
Mar 203 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


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


Sami National Day: The History and How to Prepare
Celebrate Sámi National Day on February 6th and explore the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Indigenous Sámi people. Learn about the first Sámi congress, traditional clothing, music, and food, and discover how to prepare respectfully for events across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and beyond. Honor Sámi heritage and experience the resilience and vibrant culture of Europe’s oldest Indigenous community.

Fiona McKinna
Feb 65 min read


Nordic Winter Outdoor Habits to Improve Wellbeing
Boost your wellbeing this winter with Nordic outdoor habits. From friluftsliv and forest walks to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sauna rituals, discover how Nordic practices help reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen the body. Embrace winter like the Nordics and transform the cold months into a season of vitality, calm, and connection with nature

Fiona McKinna
Jan 234 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


How to Have a Hygge Romjul (Just Like We Do in Norway)
Romjul is the time between Christmas and New Year and in Norway it has a special place. It's cherished and celebrated in simple and intentional ways.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 26, 20254 min read


Christmas Traditions My Norwegian Family and Friends Love
Christmas traditions are fun and important to preserve. I invite you for a peek into my life in Norway as I share some of the traditions my Norwegian family and friends love.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 12, 20253 min read


Nordic Simplicity: Slowing Down Before the Holiday Rush
As November settles in, the Nordic world slows to a gentle rhythm. The bright days of autumn fade, and the darkness invites us to pause before the holiday rush begins. This quiet month is a chance to rest, prepare our homes, and find beauty in simplicity. By slowing down and embracing the stillness, we arrive at December calm, grounded, and ready to welcome the light once more.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 14, 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


How To Bring Scandi-Inspired Interior Touches Into Your Home
You don't need to live in Scandinavia to bring some beautiful Scandinavian touches to your home. With a few simple changes and Scandi-inspired touches your home can be welcoming and hygge.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 17, 20254 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


NEW BOOK! Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic - Now Available 🌲❄️
After months of writing and reflection, my new book Friluftsliv is finally here! 🌿 Inspired by Nordic wisdom, it’s a guide to slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and finding calm in everyday life. I can’t wait to share this journey with you — order your copy today and bring a little Nordic balance into your world.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 23, 20252 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


Puolukkapiirakka (Finnish Lingonberry Tart)
All throughout the Nordic forests, lingonberries cover the ground in the autumn. Finnish lingonberry tart showcases them in all their seasonal beauty. Perfect as a special dessert os simply to have with coffee for fika.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 19, 20252 min read


My Journey: Writing This Book
Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic has been a journey for me. It's been about slowing down, allowing nature into my life and sharing the ways you can welcome into your's. Join me for a few minutes as I share my journey with you

Fiona McKinna
Sep 16, 20252 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


Unveiling My Secret Project...
Friluftsliv: The Nordic Art of Loving the Outdoors is a new book release inviting you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover balance in everyday life. Rooted in Scandinavian tradition, it offers reflections, rituals, and gentle practices to help you embrace the seasons and find calm. Coming 23 September, this inspiring guide shows how even the smallest step outside can change everything.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 9, 20253 min read
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