top of page
.png)

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.
Search


Dressing for the Winter - A New Find From Lighthouse Clothing!
Finding a new and stylish winter coat that will cope with the demands of a Nordic winter is no mean feat, but we have done it! These coats from Lighthouse Clothing are our new favourite winter outerwear. We love them and I know you will too

Fiona McKinna
13 hours ago4 min read
Â
Â
Â


Nordic Simplicity: Slowing Down Before the Holiday Rush
As November settles in, the Nordic world slows to a gentle rhythm. The bright days of autumn fade, and the darkness invites us to pause before the holiday rush begins. This quiet month is a chance to rest, prepare our homes, and find beauty in simplicity. By slowing down and embracing the stillness, we arrive at December calm, grounded, and ready to welcome the light once more.

Fiona McKinna
Nov 144 min read
Â
Â
Â


Simple or Free Fun Autumn Activities
The simplest pleasures are often the best and autumn is a time to make the most of some activities that are simple or free (or both!)

Fiona McKinna
Oct 205 min read
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


Lingonberries in Scandinavia: Nature’s Wild Treasure of the Nordic Forests
Discover the magic of lingonberries in Scandinavia’s forests. These tart red berries thrive under pine and birch trees, ripening in late summer when foragers gather them for jams, juices, and traditional Nordic dishes. Packed with antioxidants and rich cultural history, lingonberries are more than a superfood—they’re a taste of the Nordic wilderness.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 35 min read
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


The Rise of Digital Nomads in Scandinavia: Tech & Lifestyle Trends
Picture this: you’re sipping coffee in a sleek Copenhagen café, laptop open, surrounded not by students but by nomads juggling clients across time zones. Scandinavia has quietly cracked the code—blazing internet, eco-friendly cities, and a culture that says yes to balance. Whether it’s kayaking after work in Sweden or networking in Oslo’s co-working hubs, the Nordics make remote work feel less like a grind and more like a lifestyle upgrade

Fiona McKinna
Sep 64 min read
Â
Â
Â


The Epic of the Edda: How Norse Mythology Shapes Modern Nordic Identity
From stormy seas to streaming screens, Norse myths refuse to fade. The Eddas still shape Nordic identity—whispering of resilience, trickery, and hope. These aren’t relics of the past; they’re stories that live, adapt, and bind us across time.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 33 min read
Â
Â
Â


There's no Such Thing as Bad Weather: Why the Nordics go Outside Anyway
Autumn in Norway is a season of contrasts—golden sunny days or rainy, misty hikes through lush green forests. Norwegians embrace it all with the concept of friluftsliv and the right outdoor clothing. Discover how to enjoy rainy days, dress like a local, and find beauty in every kind of weather

Fiona McKinna
Aug 304 min read
Â
Â
Â


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
Â
Â
Â


Friluftsliv: the Word that Changed How I Live
Friluftsliv means so much to Nordic people. It's something we should all have more of in our lives. It can balance our hectic world with calm, connection and peace.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 224 min read
Â
Â
Â


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 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.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 215 min read
Â
Â
Â


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 152 min read
Â
Â
Â


Why are Scandinavians so Happy?
Why are Scandinavians so happy? There are some key reasons why they are. Sone of the reasons are part of Scadinavian society, but many we can adopt in our lives right now.

Fiona McKinna
May 156 min read
Â
Â
Â


Essential Nordic Lifestyle Ideals Explained Quickly
Whay are people in the Nordics so happy? You can be like that too with some simple of these simple Nordic lifestyle ideals.

Fiona McKinna
Apr 185 min read
Â
Â
Â


Easter Marzipan: A Surprising Scandinavian Tradition!
Marzipan is a favourite treat in Scandinavia and Easter is a time to indulge a little in a tradition that is a little surprising

Fiona McKinna
Apr 64 min read
Â
Â
Â


Sisu: How to Have True Finnish Resilience
Sisu is the very essence of Finnishness. It conveys a resilience and bravery in the face of adversity that we can all benefit from

Fiona McKinna
Mar 173 min read
Â
Â
Â


Six US Cities Where Scandinavian Culture Thrives
Scandinavian culture is not only important to those living in Scandinavia, but also in te US. Here are six cities in the US where it thrive

Fiona McKinna
Mar 95 min read
Â
Â
Â


Ready or Not, Here Comes the Nordic Spring
March is the first spring month in the Nordics and one we eagerly anticipate. Long winter days begin to warm up and the snow melts

Fiona McKinna
Mar 35 min read
Â
Â
Â


The Quirky Traditions of Scandinavian Fastelavn: What You Didn't Know
Fastelavn is a joyful and fun celebration throughout the whole of Scandinavia. It's a time to embrace joy before the start of Lent

Fiona McKinna
Feb 175 min read
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page