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.

The Seter (Norwegian summer farm)

Seters are Nordic summer farms are a unique piece of Nordic tradition that is sadly dying out.

Fiona McKinna

May 26, 20245 min read

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Brunost or brown cheese is a Norwegian icon, but it can be an unusual flavour when you first try it.

Fiona McKinna

May 20, 20244 min read

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

Early in the spring and summer sorrel is at it's best. It's an ancient vegetable and we don't use much now, but it's delicious!

Fiona McKinna

May 15, 20243 min read

How to decorate for a Syttende Mai celebration

The best Norwegian decor comes out for Norway's national day on 17 May, but it's also a chance to make our space look great for the summer

Fiona McKinna

May 12, 20247 min read

Norwegian National Pride

Norwegian national pride is at it's most obvious in May the month of Norway's national day.

Fiona McKinna

May 6, 20243 min read

Velkommen Mai, Welcome May

May is a beautiful month in the Nordics with not only longer days and warmth, but celebrations that go on through the month

Fiona McKinna

May 1, 20243 min read

Sharing our lives with animals keeps us grounded

Sharing our lives with animals has some surprising health benefits that make it worthwhile in more ways than just companionship

Fiona McKinna

Apr 28, 20244 min read

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

Ramsløk or wild garlic is in season in April and it's a ingredient in Norway. My simple recipe make the most of this delicious ingredient

Fiona McKinna

Apr 24, 20242 min read

What is a bålpanne?

What is a bålpanne? You'll see these tripod grills all over the place in Norway and people will happily use them in public spaces

Fiona McKinna

Apr 15, 20244 min read

The Norwegian Hotdog

Hotdogs are unexpectedly popular in Norway and are topped with an exciting array of unusual toppings. Which one would you choose?

Fiona McKinna

Apr 10, 20244 min read

Ja vi elsker camping (yes, we love camping)

Camping is an incredibly popular activity in the Nordics in the summer and it has so many things going for it. Let me inspire you to try it

Fiona McKinna

Apr 1, 20244 min read

Velkommen april, Welcome April

The days are getting longer in the Nordic and it's time to think about how to make the most of the warmer weather to come.

Fiona McKinna

Apr 1, 20243 min read

Kladdkaka med apelsin (Swedish sticky chocolate cake with orange)

Kladdkaka is a Swedish favourite. It's a deliciously gooey rich chocolate cake that is really easy to make but won't last long!

Fiona McKinna

Mar 27, 20243 min read

Why not use a pretty basket

Baskets are not only practical to use, but are pretty. They bring some nostalgia and romance to our lives. So why not use one?

Fiona McKinna

Mar 24, 20245 min read

Nordic Easter traditions you may not have heard of

Easter is a time for slowing down a little in the Nordics and enjoying the arrival of spring with some more unusual traditions and habits

Fiona McKinna

Mar 18, 20244 min read

Denmarks sweet indulgence, Sarah Bernhardt cakes

These decadent Danish treats have a really interesting history. Layers of macaron, and chocolate truffle are covered in dark chocolate

Fiona McKinna

Mar 13, 20243 min read

The Norwegian love of cross-country skiing

Everyone knows that Norwegians love to ski and they seem to be born to it. There are some things about it that might surprise you

Fiona McKinna

Mar 10, 20244 min read

Fredagskos, Friday cosiness Nordic style

Fredagskos is the unique Nordic way of celebrating the end of the week. It's simple, intentional and cosy and it's an easy habit to embrace

Fiona McKinna

Mar 4, 20244 min read

Velkommen mars

Velkommen mars! Welcome March and the first spring month. There is lots to look forward to in the Nordics this month as we embrace spring

Fiona McKinna

Mar 1, 20243 min read

Småsuppe, a rustic soup from southern Norway

Småsuppe is a rustic and hearty soup from southern Norway. It's incredibly easy to make and is perfect for those cold evenings.

Fiona McKinna

Feb 28, 20243 min read

Living a Nordic Life

The Seter (Norwegian summer farm)

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

How to decorate for a Syttende Mai celebration

Norwegian National Pride

Velkommen Mai, Welcome May

Sharing our lives with animals keeps us grounded

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

What is a bålpanne?

The Norwegian Hotdog

Ja vi elsker camping (yes, we love camping)

Velkommen april, Welcome April

Kladdkaka med apelsin (Swedish sticky chocolate cake with orange)

Why not use a pretty basket

Nordic Easter traditions you may not have heard of

Denmarks sweet indulgence, Sarah Bernhardt cakes

The Norwegian love of cross-country skiing

Fredagskos, Friday cosiness Nordic style

Velkommen mars

Småsuppe, a rustic soup from southern Norway

Subscribe Form

Get cosy Nordic inspiration