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Living a Nordic Life
Welcome to Living A Nordic Life, helping you live a Nordic Life, wherever you are.
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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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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
20 hours ago3 min read
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The Rise of the "Coolcation" in Scandinavia
Coolcations are trending—explore Nordic escapes, crisp air, and serene adventures for a refreshing break from the heat.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 185 min read
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Kanelbullar, Swedish Cinnamon Buns
Fill your kitchen with the warm scent of baking and cinnamon with these Swedish kanelbullar.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 132 min read
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Järvenranta; Finnish Lakeside Living
Discover the magic of järvenranta, the Finnish word for lakeside living. In Finland, with its 180,000 lakes, järvenranta is more than a shoreline—it’s a way of life. Picture cozy lake cabins, traditional Finnish saunas by the water, morning swims under the midnight sun, and peaceful evenings surrounded by pine forests.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 104 min read
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Living With The Light: How The Seasons Shape Nordic Mentality
In the Nordics living with the changing light and seasons is essential for a happy and balanced life. But we don't need to live in the Nordics to embrace a life of balance and acceptance. We can welcome a life grounded in the light and seasons wherever we are.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 45 min read
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Velkommen august! Welcome August!
August to me is a time of long summer holidays with the autumn far off on the horizon, but here in Norway August is the month when...

Fiona McKinna
Aug 12 min read
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Punschrulle, Swedish No-Bake Punsch Rolls
These no bake Swedish punschrulle are a classic that are perfect for fika. Soft choclate and punsch flavoured cake is covered in marzipan and dipped in chocolate.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 302 min read
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Secret Beach Heaven in southern Norway's Vestfold county
Norway's beaches are some of Europe's hidden gems. They are pristine, quiet and beautiful and perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 274 min read
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Vispipuuro - Finnish Whipped Dessert. Pink Food!
Vispipuuro is a traditional Finnish dish that is simple and delicious. It's comfort food in bowl for many Finns and uses just a handful of simple ingredients.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 162 min read
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Norway's Must-Try Summer Salads
Summer in the Nordics is all about eating seasonally and making the most of what is at it's best. That means lots of delicious and fresh salads

Fiona McKinna
Jul 132 min read
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Two Duvets: The Scandinavian Sleep Secret
There's a secret to good sleep and it's a Scandinavian thing!! Want to know what it is?

Fiona McKinna
Jul 74 min read
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Velkommen juli! Welcome July!
As I write this we are sweltering in heat that feels like something from the tropics. Although we do get warm summer days in Norway it's...

Fiona McKinna
Jul 12 min read
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Fennel & Ginger Herring (Fänkål och Ingerfarssill)
Pickled herring is about as Scandinavian as you can get, but sometimes it's nice to have make it a little more exciting and flavour packed. Fennel and ginger pickled herrings takes just a few minutes to make and is delicious and unusual

Fiona McKinna
Jun 252 min read
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What Makes Nordic Noir the Go-To Genre for Cosy Nights In?
In recent years, the genre known as Nordic Noir has taken the world by storm. This stark and moody world of crime dramas has captivated...

Fiona McKinna
Jun 225 min read
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The Nordic Tradition of Midsummer Bonfires
All throughout Scandinavia at midsummer you see bonfires burning. It's a strange time of year to light a fire and it's been done for millennia, but why?

Fiona McKinna
Jun 162 min read
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How to Make Chocolate Covered Spruce Tips
Spruce tips are delicious seasonal treat. A few years ago I was given a beautiful German cookery book. It was one I had coveted for a...

Fiona McKinna
Jun 113 min read
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Unlocking the Secrets to Embracing a Simple Nordic Lifestyle
In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos of daily life. The Nordic countries have long...

Fiona McKinna
Jun 85 min read
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Jonsokblom: The Red Campion Flower and Its Enigmatic Traditions in Nordic Cultures
Jonsokblom or red campion is a common flower in Norway. It holds lots of significance in Nordic cultures and especially at Midsummer

Fiona McKinna
Jun 24 min read
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Velkommen juni! Welcome June!
Welcome June in the Nordics, the first summer month and a month of joy, long days and beautiful traditions

Fiona McKinna
Jun 12 min read
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Heavenly Swedish Strawberry Cake (Himmelsk Jordgubbstårta)
It's just not summer in Sweden without a taste of this heavenly cake. Light sponge is topped with fluffy cream and filled with sweet strawberries. A true taste of Swedish summer!

Fiona McKinna
May 283 min read
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