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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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You Don't Need to be Perfect
Life is not perfect and you don't need to be either. Despite what we see on social media you are enough as you are. Let me tell you why

Fiona McKinna
Jan 6, 20253 min read


Nordic Dill & Mustard Sauce for Fish
As delicious as gravlaks is on it's own, this mustard sauce really elevates it to something special and memorable

Fiona McKinna
Dec 25, 20241 min read


The Icelandic Yule Cat - not as fluffy as you might think!!
The Icelandic legend of the yule cat is not the cosy Christmas fireside tale you might hope for. It's a piece of scary Nordic noir

Fiona McKinna
Dec 22, 20242 min read


A Koselig Jul, A Cosy Nordic Christmas
I know that as soon as I mention Christmas in the Nordics it conjures up a picture of snow-covered wooden houses, long evenings, crisp days and the smell of candles, gingerbread and gløgg in the winter air. In fact something very much like a fairytale Christmas market, that goes on for a month and ends in a magical Christmas celebration that will linger on in the memory for years to come. And would you believe me if I told you that much of a Norwegian Christmas is exactly th

Fiona McKinna
Dec 16, 20243 min read


Sjokolademousse med Polkagris (Chocolate Mousse with Polkagris)
Sjokolademousse med polkagris is a simple, luxurious treat What could be a more delicious treat than a smooth and creamy chocolate mousse studded with one of the Sweden's most beloved candies? In the Nordics on Wednesdays we have something called lille lørdag or the simple habit of making the most of the midweek and celebrating having got this far through the week. I like to make a little treat for Wednesdays and glasses of slightly decadent chocolate mousse are definitely

Fiona McKinna
Dec 11, 20242 min read


The lovely simplicity of Nordic Christmas Decor
I've noticed a move in recent years from the shiny plastic, glittery Christmas decorations to the more natural, simple, Nordic style. It's a style of decorating that is so typically of Scandinavia, known for its charm, simplicity, and warmth. This approach combines minimalism with cosy elements, offering a refreshing break from traditional holiday decorations and a reminder to keep things simple. Most Nordic homes have fairly natural decor in very muted colours Yes, admit

Fiona McKinna
Dec 8, 20245 min read


The Secret of Lagom: The art of Embracing Just the Right Amount
Lagom, how to have not too little, but not too much. The Swedes seem to do it effortlessly, and so can you wherver you are in the world

Fiona McKinna
Dec 2, 20243 min read


Velkommen desember, Welcome December!
Welcome to the cosiest of cosy months in the Nordics. December is all about Christmas, snow and cosiness.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 1, 20242 min read


Silppu, a very traditional comfort food from Finnskogen
Silppu or silpo is a traditional dish from Finnskogen in Norway. Bacon, potatoes, onion and milk are cooked together for best comfort food.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 27, 20242 min read


Uncover the Enigmatic Origins of Norwegian Rosemaling: A Colorful Journey Through History
The beautiful art of rosemaling is so typically Norwegian. This unique style of painting on wood has a rich and exciting history

Fiona McKinna
Nov 24, 20244 min read


10 Unusual Facts About Stockholm You Never Knew!
Stockholm, Sweden's shimmering capital, is more than just beautiful views and rich history. It hides fascinating facts that many tourists don’t know. If you are visiting for the first time or have been before, these ten unusual facts will deepen your appreciation of this remarkable city.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 18, 20244 min read


Mazariner (Swedish Almond Tarts), an Historic Treat
Swedish fika is not complete without these historic treats, mazariner, individual tarts filled with almond paste and topped with icing

Fiona McKinna
Nov 13, 20242 min read


Who was Nikolai Astrup? Uncovering the Mystery of the Underrated Norwegian Artist
Nikolai Astrup is not the first artist you think of as a famous Norwegian artist, but his art was significant and important.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 10, 20243 min read


How to Have Some Winter Nordic Hygge
As winter approaches it's time to think about embracing hygge and making our lives more cosy.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 4, 20244 min read


Velkommen november! Welcome November!
Welcome November, the first winter month in the northern hemisphere.
Here's a round up of the simple pleasures we enjoy in Norway this month

Fiona McKinna
Nov 1, 20243 min read


5 Recipes for Flavoured Butter to Elevate Every Meal
Flavoured butters are a wonderful, easy way to elevate a simple meal into something special. We can make them ahead and freeze them too.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 30, 20242 min read


Norwegian Melkerampe; a Nostalgic Piece of Social History
Melkerampe are inconspicuous little buildings that often grace farms entrances, but they hold a great deal of importance in farming history

Fiona McKinna
Oct 27, 20243 min read


The Cosy Beauty of Swedish Fika
We have all heard of fika, but what exactly is it, and how can we bring this beloved Swedish tradition into our own lives

Fiona McKinna
Oct 21, 20243 min read


4-Korn Brød (Norwegian 4 Grain Seed Bread)
No Nordic table is complete with a hearty and wholesome loaf of bread. Perfect for Nordic open faced sandwiches!

Fiona McKinna
Oct 16, 20242 min read


How to Infuse Your Life with Unbeatable Nordic Energy
The Nordics is place filled with gentle and powerful energy and positivity. We can bring that into our lives wherever we are in the world

Fiona McKinna
Oct 13, 20243 min read
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