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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
4 days ago4 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 174 min read


Flatbrødsoll (Flatbread Cereal)
This simple and traditional dish is something that brings memories of childhood for many in Norway.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 122 min read


Nordic Wildlife in Late Autumn
November in the Nordics is a season of quiet transformation. The forests fall still, yet life continues in subtle ways — deer move through the mist, bullfinches brighten bare branches, and foxes prowl under long, cold nights. Nature whispers rather than shouts, reminding us to slow down, observe, and find beauty in the soft rhythm of the dark season. Even in stillness, the North is very much alive.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 94 min read


Nordic November Traditions You Might Not Know About
November in the Nordics is quiet, dark, and reflective—a month of subtle traditions. From Sweden’s Mårtensgås goose feast to Norway’s candlelit remembrance of the departed, and Finland’s mindful embrace of “pimeä marraskuu,” these customs celebrate light, warmth, and connection. It’s a time to slow down, enjoy cozy moments, and notice the beauty of the season—a gentle, Nordic way to welcome winter.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 33 min read


Velkommen november! Welcome November
Welcome November and the start of the winter. This quiet month leads us gently into the busy season in the Nordics but gives us much needed time to slow down

Fiona McKinna
Nov 12 min read


Decadent Hot Chocolate with Norwegian Brunost
Really indulge your love of hot chocolate with this decadent and delicious recipe with a couple of secret Norwegian ingredients

Fiona McKinna
Oct 292 min read


How to be Polite in Scandinavia (there are rules!)
Discover the quiet art of Nordic politeness — where kindness lives in silence, personal space, and gentle respect. From unspoken rules on buses to the sacred order of queues, this reflection explores how Scandinavians practice warmth without words and connection without noise — a calm, steady grace that defines life in the North.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 254 min read


Swedish Macaroni Bake (Klassisk Makaronilåda)
Pasta is unexpectedly popular in Scandinavia. There are countless dishes that feature pasta as a main ingredient for those of us used to traditional Italian pasta dishes they can seem a little unusual, like Norwegian fiskegrateng. Pasta has been part of Swedish cuisines since the 1600s but back then it was something that only the most wealthy would eat. Commercial pasta production didn't start until the 20th century and really took off after the Second World War. Simple an

Fiona McKinna
Oct 142 min read


The Primstav: Old Wooden Timekeeper & It's Quiet Power in Modern Life
The primstav might be an ancient calendar, but it is still relevant today and especially for those in the Nordics or with Nordic heritage. It's an important link to the past and a simpler time.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 114 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 65 min read


Velkommen oktober, Welcome October!
There’s something quietly magical about October here in the Nordics. The slow and simple change in light, the crispness in the air, the colours of nature moving towards all the autumn hues. As we cross into this deep autumn month, it feels like the earth is breathing out, gathering strength for rest—and inviting us to slow down with it.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 12 min read


Sauna Season Begins: The Nordic Art of Slowing Down as Cold Returns
Discover how sauna season in Norway marks autumn’s arrival—ritual, warmth, and the art of slowing down as the cold returns.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 284 min read


Pulla, Finnish Coffee Bread
Pulla or Finnish coffee bread is a daily staple in Finland. These sweet, aromatic and fluffy cardamom buns are easy to make and taste delicious.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 232 min read


The Gentle Art of Kahvitauko: Why Coffee Breaks Matter in Finland
In Finland Kahvitauko is more than just stopping for a coffee. It's a part of Finnish culture that is an important break in the day and nurtures connection and togetherness.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 154 min read


Nordic Cleaning Rituals: Embracing Calm Through Tidying
Recently my family and I have had a bit of purge on our clutter. Periodically we look around and decide that there are things that really must go and the last month or so has been like that. it occurred to me that I might not be alone. There is a quiet joy in tidying that goes far beyond spotless kitchen worktops or folded laundry. In the Nordic tradition, cleaning is not simply a task to be checked off—it’s a ritual. A rhythm. A way of creating peace within the home, and b

Fiona McKinna
Sep 145 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 91 min read


Velkommen september, Welcome September!
There is always something about the turn of September that feels both exciting and grounding. After the brightness and ease of summer, the Nordic world shifts its pace. The light softens, the mornings turn cooler, and nature begins her slow transformation into autumn’s rich tapestry. I love this time of year. There’s a sense of balance returning—between time spent outdoors soaking up the last warmth of the sun and time spent indoors, creating a cosy nest for the darker months

Fiona McKinna
Sep 13 min read


Norwegian Brunost Apple Crumble
An unusual twist on a classic autumn dessert makes it a little more exciting and brings a taste of Norway to the dinner table.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 272 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 243 min read
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