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 taken us a little bit by surprise. It's also a wonderful start to summer and how July ought to be.

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

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 audiences with chilling narratives, complex characters, and a unique atmosphere. Whether it's through binge-watching series on streaming platforms or diving into gripping novels, fans can’t seem to get enough of this genre. But what is it about Nordic Noir that has made it the go-to choice for cosy nights in? Let’s unravel the mystery.

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?

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 long time and I was excited to read the recipes. It was a collection of fairly unknown and regional recipes from around Germany. I loved it. But after I had read through and made a few of the dishes I flicked to the end of the book and discovered a small section devoted to leftovers and foraged food. It was really only a couple of pages of

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 been admired for their ability to promote simplicity and well-being. With their sustainable practices and emphasis on balance, they offer a way to live a more fulfilling life. This is how i live in my own simple life in Norway and id like to help you explore practical steps towards integrating elements of Nordic living into your own life, leadi

Jonsokblom or red campion is a common flower in Norway. It holds lots of significance in Nordic cultures and especially at Midsummer

Welcome June in the Nordics, the first summer month and a month of joy, long days and beautiful traditions

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!

I don't usually like writing about religious and holy days but in Norway they are entrenched into normal day to day living. It's got nothing to do with the country being religious, because it's most definitely not, but more about tradition. Many of the religious holy days in Norway are included in the primstav (runic calendar) and as it's something I take a keen interest in and have been sharing with you, I feel the need to include as much as possible.

Spruce tip sugar is a delicious and unusual sweet sprinkle that you can make yourself from foraged pine shoots. It's easy and fun to make and adds a very Nordic twist to sweet dishes.

Slow living is nothing new, although many people are only just realising how wonderful it is. It's a chance to make the most of our lives, reduce stress and enjoy moments of hygge in a fast paced and material focussed world.

I had quite the day a few weeks ago. I was working quietly doing some accounting and writing articles and I thought it would a productive and peaceful day. But every few moments I was getting a text, a message, an email or a notification. Some of them were social media notifications, but many of them we reminders of appointments, emails with calendar requests (for the same appointments!) and newsletters from my kids' schools and message about various things. At first I tr

To do lists have power! They are great to keep us focussed and on track in a simple and gentle way

Løvetannsirup or dandelion syrup is a Scandinavian favourite.

You might not be familiar with the name Anne Marie Ødegård (or maybe you are!) but if you are a fan of Norwegian Porsgrund porcelain I can guarantee you have come across her beautiful artwork either on dinnerware or as simple artwork.

Hygge is the Danish concept of enjoying every day life. But how do we embrace that in our lives if we don't live in the Nordics? Let me show you how

Every country has it's special dish for celebratory days and as you know in the Nordics, a celebration is a perfect excuse to indulge a little bit. What I love about traditional Norwegian food is that it so often follows the seasons and makes the most of whatever is in season at that time. This is something that people have been doing for millennia and the traditional dishes have simply evolved and followed the patterns of the seasons. These days with easy access to exotic

The 14th April is a significant day on the Nordic runic calendar. It's the time to turn to the summer months and look forward to warm days

Marzipan is a favourite treat in Scandinavia and Easter is a time to indulge a little in a tradition that is a little surprising