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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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Learning to Love Winter: A Nordic Way of Seeing the Season
For years, I thought of winter as something to endure. Then I moved to Norway, where I discovered a different way of living with the cold and darkness. Through small Nordic rituals, cosy moments and a new appreciation for the changing seasons, I learned that winter wasn't my enemy after all. It was an invitation to slow down, find beauty in the ordinary and embrace the season.

Fiona McKinna
2 days ago5 min read


How to Create a Nordic-Inspired Self-Care Ritual for Every Season
Borrow from hygge, fika, friluftsliv, and sauna culture to build a self-care ritual that feels cozy, personal, and easy to return to on hard days.

Fiona McKinna
3 days ago4 min read


What I Don't Want To Lose About Norwegian Life
After many years in Norway, there are certain things about everyday life that have become part of who I am. From the habit of going outdoors whatever the weather to appreciating the changing seasons and finding pleasure in simple things, these are the parts of Norwegian life I hope to hold on to, wherever life takes me.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 164 min read


Five Gentle Ways to Tell the Story of Your Seasonal Paper Crafts
Discover five simple ways to photograph and share your handmade seasonal decorations, from quiet still-life portraits to close-up details and gentle moving images. With a little natural light, a thoughtful background and materials you already have, you can preserve the small details that make each creation special. A cosy, Nordic-inspired way to seasonal crafting, without the need for perfection or expensive equipment.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 155 min read


Nordic Grannycore: The Cosy Aesthetic That Makes Life Feel Slower
Nordic Grannycore aesthetic celebrates slow Nordic living through knitting, baking, cooking from scratch, gardening, fermenting, and slow hiking. Rooted in seasonal rhythm and simple traditions, it embraces warmth, handmade gifts, and mindful outdoor life. Discover how Nordic women keep old skills alive through cosy, sustainable, and deeply comforting everyday rituals that connect home, nature, and community.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 25 min read


How To Have An Unplugged Autumn
What if you spent an evening this autumn doing absolutely nothing “useful”? Put your phone away, light a candle, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book. Try a little knitting, baking or another old-fashioned hobby, and let your home become your cosy retreat. This is your invitation to slow down, embrace the darker evenings and discover the simple pleasures of an unplugged Nordic autumn.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 185 min read


The Ancient Nordic Art of Food Preservation
Food preservation in the Nordic countries is an ancient craft shaped by long winters and fleeting summers. From wind-dried fish and smoked meats to fermented vegetables and jars of summer berries, every method was built on patience and necessity. Today, these traditions still linger in kitchens across the region, not out of survival, but as a quiet connection to seasons, time, and a slower way of living with nature.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 44 min read


Swedish Pizza Africana (Banana Curry Pizza)
Not all classic recipes are traditional and this classic Swedish retro pizza is one that divides opinion. Pizza Africana is an exciting combination of bananas and curry, not something you find often on a pizza!

Fiona McKinna
Aug 213 min read


The Nordic Obsession with Wild Swimming
The Nordic obsession with wild swimming isn’t just about fitness or bravery—it’s about ritual, presence, and making the most of a short summer. From icy fjords to forest lakes, people of all ages plunge into cold water with surprising joy. The shock is instant, the calm that follows is addictive. In a region where summer is fleeting, wild swimming becomes a way to feel fully alive, grounded, and awake to the season.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 74 min read


Why it’s important to find an Affordable Travel eSIM with Fast and Reliable Data For Your Trip
Most of us rely on our phones when we travelling and it can be really upsetting to discover that that we can't get coverage in the place we are visiting. So doing a bit of research into the right eSIM for your phone is crucial.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 303 min read


More People are Choosing Slow Living Over Hustle Culture, Here's Why
Feeling constantly exhausted? You are not alone! Many of us are choosing slower living to create a healthier life. Work-life balance, reducing burnout and embracing minimalism can help us find joy in everyday life. Learn practical ways to slow down, set better boundaries, simplify your routines, and reclaim your time. This guide explores why more people are choosing intentional living over hustle culture—and how you can too.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 294 min read


Why Finland's Education Model is Such a Success
Why is Finland's education system consistently ranked among the world's best? Discover the Nordic principles behind Finland's success, from trusted teachers and student wellbeing to critical thinking, equality, and lifelong learning. Explore how the Finnish approach creates confident, independent learners and why educators around the world continue to look to Finland for inspiration.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 286 min read


How to Travel With Autistic Children
Travelling with autistic children often requires more planning than simply packing a suitcase and heading off. As parents of three autistic children, we've learned how preparation, flexibility and a good understanding of sensory needs can transform family travel. From choosing quiet accommodation and making time for nature to using airport assistance and planning regular breaks, these simple strategies have helped us explore the world with confidence and far fewer meltdowns.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 246 min read


A Deeper Look at Education in the Nordics
Discover why the Nordic education system is admired around the world. From collaborative classrooms and flexible degree programmes to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional student support, universities in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland offer a unique approach to learning. Whether you're considering studying abroad or simply curious about Nordic life, explore what makes this education model so successful.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 236 min read


4 Traditional Nordic Foods You (Probably) Won't Find Outside Scandinavia
There are some foods that are so traditional that you rarely find outside their country of origin. How many of these Nordic foods have you eaten?

Fiona McKinna
Jul 215 min read


What Nordic Life Teaches Us About Getting Through Difficult Times
When life feels difficult, Nordic living reminds us that comfort is often found in the simplest things. A warm bowl of soup, a familiar routine, a walk in fresh air, or quiet practical support can help us keep going. Discover how the Nordic approach to resilience embraces the changing seasons, steady daily rhythms, and small acts of care that make even the hardest days feel a little more manageable.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 165 min read


How to Have a Beautiful Nordic Lawn
Keeping a lush, green lawn in a northern climate isn't always easy. Long winters, frozen ground and short growing seasons all put grass to the test. In this guide, I share the lessons we've learned caring for our own Nordic garden, from choosing the right grass varieties and adjusting mowing heights to aeration, fertilising and smart technology. With a little planning, you can enjoy a healthy, resilient lawn that's ready for summer.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 106 min read


Living With The Midnight Sun: When Evening Never Quite Arrives
What is it really like to live with the midnight sun? Across Norway and the Nordic countries, July brings long days, bright evenings and a unique relationship with time. From late-night walks and outdoor living to the practical challenges of sleeping when darkness never quite arrives, discover how the midnight sun shapes everyday life and why Scandinavians treasure these fleeting weeks of endless summer light.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 104 min read


The Nordic Case for Slowing Down How You Say Thank You
What if a simple greetings card could reflect the values of Nordic living? Instead of becoming waste, plantable seed paper cards transform into wildflowers, turning a small gesture into something that continues to grow. Discover how slowing down, choosing with intention, and embracing thoughtful everyday rituals can make even saying thank you a little more meaningful.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 93 min read


The Norwegian Confirmation - A Family Celebration Like No Other
What happens at a Norwegian confirmation? Join our family as we celebrate this important Norwegian rite of passage. From the weeks of preparation and confirmation classes to bunads, family gatherings, traditional food, gifts and cake, this personal account offers a glimpse into one of Norway's most cherished traditions. Discover what a Norwegian confirmation is, why it matters, and how families mark the journey from childhood to adulthood.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 265 min read
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