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.

Stavkirke, The Iconic Norwegian Stave Church

Norwegian stave churches are a mix of fairy tale and gothic novel. They are striking and menacing, but beautiful.

Fiona McKinna

Mar 16, 20213 min read

Gregorsmesse, The Primstav Day When We Look for Spring

Gregorsmesse is named for Gregor the Great

Fiona McKinna

Mar 12, 20211 min read

How to Greet Spring Like a Norwegian

Spring is a beautiful time of year in the Nordic countries and we are all eager to get outside and enjoy it. I have some tips to help you

Fiona McKinna

Mar 9, 20213 min read

For the love of wool!

The love of wool in Norway is seeing no signs of ever waning. Wol is warm, versatile and reliable and keeps you warm in the coldest climes

Fiona McKinna

Mar 2, 20212 min read

Fastelavnsboller, Norwegian Shrovetide Buns

Fastelavnsboller are a sweet cardamom bun filled with jam and cream that are eaten at Fastelavn in Scandinavia.

Fiona McKinna

Feb 12, 20213 min read

Sami National Day, and a Traditional Sami stew

Sami national day on 6 February is celebrated by Sami through Scandinavia and Russia. Why not celebrate too with "finnbiff, a Sami classic

Fiona McKinna

Feb 5, 20214 min read

Blåsmesse on the Primstav

Blåsmesse is a special day on the Nordic Primstav that falls on 3 February

Fiona McKinna

Feb 3, 20212 min read

Tjukklefse, the Iconic Norwegian Treat

Lefse are such an iconic Norwegian food, but these tjukklefse are less well known. They are thicker than other lefse. Here is the recipe

Fiona McKinna

Jan 29, 20212 min read

Turmat, the Special Food for Trips

Turmat is food that can be enjoyed on trips. It's easy to carry, but filling and fun. Here are a few tips to inspire you

Fiona McKinna

Jan 27, 20212 min read

Honningkaker, one of Norway's Oldest Recipes

Honningkaker (honey cakes) is one of Norway's oldest recipes. They are soft and light and fragrant with spices. Here is the recipe

Fiona McKinna

Jan 22, 20212 min read

Midtvinter, Midwinters Day

Midwinters Day on the primstav is marked by the symbol of the bear. You must be cautious not to wake it!!

Fiona McKinna

Jan 12, 20211 min read

Bløtkake, Norway's Celebration Cake, For Brettemesse

Bløtkake is a light sponge cake filled with cream and berries that is seen on almost every Norwegian dessert table at celebrations

Fiona McKinna

Jan 11, 20213 min read

Lågen Valley Bread for Eldbjørgdagen

Lågen Valley bread is a hearty and rich loaf from the Lågen Valley in Vestfold, Norway. It's perfect for cold days. Here is the recipe

Fiona McKinna

Jan 7, 20213 min read

The Primstav and a recipe for Riskrem

Riskrem is a comforting and easy Nordic recipe that is perfect hot or cold.

Fiona McKinna

Jan 2, 20213 min read

Krumkaker, a Nordic Christmas Treat

Crispy and light, krumkaker are a classic Norwegian Christmas treat. Make you Christmas truly Nordic with my krumkaker recipe.

Fiona McKinna

Dec 11, 20202 min read

Skolebrød, a favourite of Norwegian kids (and adults!)

Skolebrød is a sweet bread filled with vanilla custard and topped with icing and coconut. It's a favourite in Norway.

Fiona McKinna

Dec 4, 20203 min read

The Nordic Art of Wearing The Right Outfit

Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær. There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes so the Norwegian saying goes.

Fiona McKinna

Nov 29, 20203 min read

Homemade Nordic Polarbrød

Polarbrød is a versatile, soft bread that is popular in the Nordic region. It's easy to make and my recipe will prove that

Fiona McKinna

Nov 20, 20202 min read

Raspberry and Brunost Muffins

Raspberries and brunost (brown cheese) are two favourite ingredients in Norway. I have combined the two into a delicious and unusual recipe

Fiona McKinna

Nov 14, 20202 min read

Living a Nordic Life

Stavkirke, The Iconic Norwegian Stave Church

Gregorsmesse, The Primstav Day When We Look for Spring

How to Greet Spring Like a Norwegian

For the love of wool!

Fastelavnsboller, Norwegian Shrovetide Buns

Sami National Day, and a Traditional Sami stew

Blåsmesse on the Primstav

Tjukklefse, the Iconic Norwegian Treat

Turmat, the Special Food for Trips

Honningkaker, one of Norway's Oldest Recipes

Midtvinter, Midwinters Day

Bløtkake, Norway's Celebration Cake, For Brettemesse

Lågen Valley Bread for Eldbjørgdagen

The Primstav and a recipe for Riskrem

Krumkaker, a Nordic Christmas Treat

Skolebrød, a favourite of Norwegian kids (and adults!)

The Nordic Art of Wearing The Right Outfit

Homemade Nordic Polarbrød

Raspberry and Brunost Muffins

Subscribe Form

Get cosy Nordic inspiration