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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 Have An Unplugged Autumn
What if you spent an evening this autumn doing absolutely nothing “useful”? Put your phone away, light a candle, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book. Try a little knitting, baking or another old-fashioned hobby, and let your home become your cosy retreat. This is your invitation to slow down, embrace the darker evenings and discover the simple pleasures of an unplugged Nordic autumn.

Fiona McKinna
2 days ago5 min read


10 Nordic Secrets That Transformed My Life
When I moved to Norway I had no idea that simple Nordic habits would change my life forever. These are the 10 ways my life has changed

Fiona McKinna
Sep 75 min read


The Ancient Nordic Art of Food Preservation
Food preservation in the Nordic countries is an ancient craft shaped by long winters and fleeting summers. From wind-dried fish and smoked meats to fermented vegetables and jars of summer berries, every method was built on patience and necessity. Today, these traditions still linger in kitchens across the region, not out of survival, but as a quiet connection to seasons, time, and a slower way of living with nature.

Fiona McKinna
Sep 44 min read


How to Make Your Next Camping Trip a Little More Hygge
Hygge is something we can bring with us everywhere we go, even on camping trips. I have some tips to make your next trip extra cosy

Fiona McKinna
Aug 235 min read


Seaweed, The Quiet Superhero!
Seaweed has been nourishing Nordic coastal communities for centuries, long before it became a modern superfood. Rich in minerals, fibre and antioxidants, this remarkable marine plant supports both our health and the health of the oceans. From vast kelp forests teeming with life to the simple pleasures of coastal cooking, discover why seaweed truly deserves its reputation as the quiet superhero of the sea. Perfect inspiration for your next Nordic-inspired recipe.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 125 min read


The Nordic Obsession with Wild Swimming
The Nordic obsession with wild swimming isn’t just about fitness or bravery—it’s about ritual, presence, and making the most of a short summer. From icy fjords to forest lakes, people of all ages plunge into cold water with surprising joy. The shock is instant, the calm that follows is addictive. In a region where summer is fleeting, wild swimming becomes a way to feel fully alive, grounded, and awake to the season.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 74 min read


How To Embrace a Scandi-Inspired 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
Aug 34 min read


More People are Choosing Slow Living Over Hustle Culture, Here's Why
Feeling constantly exhausted? You are not alone! Many of us are choosing slower living to create a healthier life. Work-life balance, reducing burnout and embracing minimalism can help us find joy in everyday life. Learn practical ways to slow down, set better boundaries, simplify your routines, and reclaim your time. This guide explores why more people are choosing intentional living over hustle culture—and how you can too.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 294 min read


How to Travel With Autistic Children
Travelling with autistic children often requires more planning than simply packing a suitcase and heading off. As parents of three autistic children, we've learned how preparation, flexibility and a good understanding of sensory needs can transform family travel. From choosing quiet accommodation and making time for nature to using airport assistance and planning regular breaks, these simple strategies have helped us explore the world with confidence and far fewer meltdowns.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 246 min read


The Great Berry Season Has Begun
The great berry season has begun across the Nordic countries. From wild blueberries hidden beneath forest canopies to sun-warmed raspberries along country lanes, July brings one of Scandinavia's most cherished summer traditions. More than simply gathering food, berry picking is a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the simple pleasures of Nordic living. Discover why berry season remains such a treasured part of summer life.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 203 min read


What Nordic Life Teaches Us About Getting Through Difficult Times
When life feels difficult, Nordic living reminds us that comfort is often found in the simplest things. A warm bowl of soup, a familiar routine, a walk in fresh air, or quiet practical support can help us keep going. Discover how the Nordic approach to resilience embraces the changing seasons, steady daily rhythms, and small acts of care that make even the hardest days feel a little more manageable.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 165 min read


The Old Coastal Life - Living With The Sea, not Against It
The old Nordic coastal life still lingers in quiet places where the sea sets the rhythm of everything. Fishing villages, weather-worn harbours, and drifting boats speak of a time when people lived in close conversation with wind and tide. It is a way of life shaped by patience, observation, and respect — where nothing is rushed, and the sea still feels like it quietly decides the day.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 123 min read


How to Have a Beautiful Nordic Lawn
Keeping a lush, green lawn in a northern climate isn't always easy. Long winters, frozen ground and short growing seasons all put grass to the test. In this guide, I share the lessons we've learned caring for our own Nordic garden, from choosing the right grass varieties and adjusting mowing heights to aeration, fertilising and smart technology. With a little planning, you can enjoy a healthy, resilient lawn that's ready for summer.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 106 min read


The Nordic Case for Slowing Down How You Say Thank You
What if a simple greetings card could reflect the values of Nordic living? Instead of becoming waste, plantable seed paper cards transform into wildflowers, turning a small gesture into something that continues to grow. Discover how slowing down, choosing with intention, and embracing thoughtful everyday rituals can make even saying thank you a little more meaningful.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 93 min read


How To Create a Calm Nordic Home That Feels Lived In
Learn how to create a calm Nordic-style home with simple furniture, natural materials, soft lighting, muted colours, and less clutter.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 144 min read


The Perfect Midsummer Party Buffet (Nordic Style!)
Midsummer is a time of endless celebration, long days and beautiful weather. The midsummer celebration in the Nordics is a special event with friends and family and of course delicious food.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 124 min read


The Last Day of Spring: A Quiet Nordic Turning Point
Spring ends quietly in Norway on 3 June, marking a gentle transition into the long, light-filled Nordic summer. This reflective article explores the beauty of the final days of spring, from blossoming birch trees and growing gardens to the anticipation of outdoor living. A celebration of seasonal rhythms, slow living, and the unique way Norwegians cherish every precious moment of warmth and light.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 12 min read


Why Nordic Summer Feels So Precious
Nordic summer is precious not because it is perfect, but because it is fleeting. In Norway and across Scandinavia, people embrace long light evenings, outdoor living and simple seasonal pleasures with remarkable enthusiasm. From late-night swims and balcony dinners to strawberries in the sun and quiet fjord evenings, Nordic summer culture is built around appreciating ordinary moments before the light begins to fade again.

Fiona McKinna
May 244 min read


Norway’s Grilling Season Begins (Yes, Really)
Grilling in the Nordics doesn’t wait for summer. It happens all year, but early May is when it becomes easy again. Shops fill with new pølser, lighter sides appear, and eating outside feels realistic, not ambitious. The “official” grilling day might be unnecessary, but it’s a useful nudge—light the grill, keep it simple, and get back outside.

Fiona McKinna
May 43 min read


Ut på tur, Getting Outside on Sundays
Getting outside once a week is a wonderful Nordic habit to adopt and you will be in good company - most of Norway is "ut på tur" too

Fiona McKinna
Apr 265 min read
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