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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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How to Live a Nordic Spring (Even if You Don't Live in Scandinavia)
A Nordic spring doesn’t arrive all at once—it unfolds slowly through light, air, and small everyday moments. In this guide to slow living, discover how to embrace a gentle seasonal shift with outdoor fika, simple home rituals, and a mindset rooted in patience. Learn how to live a Nordic spring wherever you are, finding calm, connection, and quiet joy in the in-between season.

Fiona McKinna
2 days ago4 min read


Following the Reindeer: Seasonal Migration and Sami Life
Experience the magic of the Sami March reindeer migration across the Nordic wilderness. As winter thaws into early spring, herders guide their reindeer from snowy forests to lush summer pastures. Witness the serene landscapes, pale Nordic light, and centuries-old traditions that connect humans, animals, and nature. A journey of patience, resilience, and harmony, perfect for those seeking an authentic Nordic life experience.

Fiona McKinna
Mar 163 min read


What March Teaches Me Every Year About Patience & Light
Every year, March reminds me that becoming doesn’t need urgency. It needs time—and a little more light than yesterday. It's a gentle month that teaches us patience and acceptance of the slow moving seasons

Fiona McKinna
Mar 83 min read


Velkommen mars, Welcome March
March arrives in the Nordics like a whirlwind. But this year is warm and sunny and offers the promise of an early spring. Let's look ahead at what to expect this month in the Nordics

Fiona McKinna
Mar 12 min read


Seasonal Nordic Ingredients to Celebrate in February
February in the Nordics marks the true heart of winter, when snow blankets the land and daylight is scarce. Nordic winter food traditions shine during this season, relying on preserved foods, root vegetables, hardy greens, and cured proteins. From Viking times to today, seasonal Nordic cuisine has supported sustainable, mindful eating. Embracing these simple, natural ingredients connects us to tradition while reducing reliance on ultra-processed food and celebrating authentic

Fiona McKinna
Feb 115 min read


The Best Places to Visit in the Nordics in January
Discover the best places to visit in the Nordics in January—from Norway’s aurora-filled skies to Iceland’s icy landscapes and Finland’s peaceful Lapland forests. Explore cozy winter cities, dramatic Arctic scenery, and authentic Nordic culture at its most magical. Your guide to unforgettable Nordic winter travel starts here

Fiona McKinna
Jan 114 min read


Starting the New Year with Nordic Sustainability
Start the new year with Nordic-style sustainability by embracing minimalism, mindful consumption, and slow living. Discover practical tips for eco-friendly home practices, seasonal routines, sustainable travel, and intentional goal-setting. Learn how simple, thoughtful habits inspired by Scandinavian culture can reduce waste, support the environment, and bring balance and purpose to your daily life.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 94 min read


Velkommen 2026! Welcome 2026!
Let's start the new year with some Nordic positivity and look forward to the beauty that January has to offer us. It's also a great time to plan ahead a little with gardening and take some moments to cook cosy comfort food.

Fiona McKinna
Jan 1, 20262 min read


Epiphany Traditions in the Nordics: Celebrating Twelve Night and Winter Rituals
Discover how Nordic Epiphany traditions blend ancient folklore with cosy winter rituals. From star-singing processions in Sweden to Norway’s candlelit blessings and Finland’s icy dips for renewal, these customs celebrate light, community, and hope. Explore the cultural roots that make Epiphany a uniquely meaningful winter celebration across the North.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 28, 20254 min read


St Lucia Day in the Nordics: Light, Song & Tradition
13 December is a special day in the Nordics. It's a celebration of St Lucia with singing, small parades and special food. It's a moment of joy and light in one of the darkest days of the year.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 13, 20254 min read


Christmas Traditions My Norwegian Family and Friends Love
Christmas traditions are fun and important to preserve. I invite you for a peek into my life in Norway as I share some of the traditions my Norwegian family and friends love.

Fiona McKinna
Dec 12, 20253 min read


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
Nov 28, 20254 min read


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 14, 20254 min read


How To Bring Scandi-Inspired Interior Touches Into Your Home
You don't need to live in Scandinavia to bring some beautiful Scandinavian touches to your home. With a few simple changes and Scandi-inspired touches your home can be welcoming and hygge.

Fiona McKinna
Oct 17, 20254 min read


Sauna Season Begins: The Nordic Art of Slowing Down as Cold Returns
Discover how sauna season in Norway marks autumn’s arrival—ritual, warmth, and the art of slowing down as the cold returns.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 28, 20254 min read


The Gentle Art of Kahvitauko: Why Coffee Breaks Matter in Finland
In Finland Kahvitauko is more than just stopping for a coffee. It's a part of Finnish culture that is an important break in the day and nurtures connection and togetherness.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 15, 20254 min read


Simple Pleasures, Slow Days: The Nordic Art of Doing Less Outside
Discover the Nordic art of slowing down: savoring simple pleasures, embracing slow days, and finding calm in nature. From lingering walks under open skies to quiet moments with coffee by the sea, doing less outdoors becomes a way to restore balance. This mindful Nordic lifestyle teaches us that less is more, and that joy often hides in stillness, fresh air, and everyday rituals.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 5, 20253 min read


Uncovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Winter Wellness for a Healthier You!
Enjoying winter also means being healthy through it regardless of the weather. Let's look at how Nordic people embrace winter wellness

Fiona McKinna
Jan 20, 20254 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


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
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