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Knäck, Swedish Christmas Butterscotch
Swedish Christmas candy is a traditional treat in Scandinavia and it's so easy to make that we can enjoy a little taste of Sweden wherever we are in thr world.


Velkommen desember, Welcome December!
December in Norway is a time of traditions and beauty. The winter might be with us, but we have so much to enjoy.


Preparing for Winter Adventures: Nordic Outdoor Essentials
Winter in the Nordics invites awe, crisp air, and early evenings. Preparing for outdoor adventures means layering wisely, choosing warm, waterproof footwear, and packing essential accessories like gloves, hats, and a headlamp. Snacks, hot drinks, and safety gear keep you energized and secure. With thoughtful preparation and a friluftsliv mindset, November adventures become magical moments of quiet, Nordic winter wonder.


Flatbrødsoll (Flatbread Cereal)
This simple and traditional dish is something that brings memories of childhood for many in Norway.


Nordic Wildlife in Late Autumn
November in the Nordics is a season of quiet transformation. The forests fall still, yet life continues in subtle ways — deer move through the mist, bullfinches brighten bare branches, and foxes prowl under long, cold nights. Nature whispers rather than shouts, reminding us to slow down, observe, and find beauty in the soft rhythm of the dark season. Even in stillness, the North is very much alive.


Nordic November Traditions You Might Not Know About
November in the Nordics is quiet, dark, and reflective—a month of subtle traditions. From Sweden’s Mårtensgås goose feast to Norway’s candlelit remembrance of the departed, and Finland’s mindful embrace of “pimeä marraskuu,” these customs celebrate light, warmth, and connection. It’s a time to slow down, enjoy cozy moments, and notice the beauty of the season—a gentle, Nordic way to welcome winter.


Decadent Hot Chocolate with Norwegian Brunost
Really indulge your love of hot chocolate with this decadent and delicious recipe with a couple of secret Norwegian ingredients


How to be Polite in Scandinavia (there are rules!)
Discover the quiet art of Nordic politeness — where kindness lives in silence, personal space, and gentle respect. From unspoken rules on buses to the sacred order of queues, this reflection explores how Scandinavians practice warmth without words and connection without noise — a calm, steady grace that defines life in the North.


Swedish Macaroni Bake (Klassisk Makaronilåda)
Pasta is unexpectedly popular in Scandinavia. There are countless dishes that feature pasta as a main ingredient for those of us used to traditional Italian pasta dishes they can seem a little unusual, like Norwegian fiskegrateng. Pasta has been part of Swedish cuisines since the 1600s but back then it was something that only the most wealthy would eat. Commercial pasta production didn't start until the 20th century and really took off after the Second World War. Simple an


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.


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.


Pulla, Finnish Coffee Bread
Pulla or Finnish coffee bread is a daily staple in Finland. These sweet, aromatic and fluffy cardamom buns are easy to make and taste delicious.


Swedish Potatoes in a Dill Sauce (Dillstuvad Potatis)
Delicious dishes don't need to be fancy. This Swedish classic is a simple dish of potatoes and dill and will thestar of any meal.


Norwegian Brunost Apple Crumble
An unusual twist on a classic autumn dessert makes it a little more exciting and brings a taste of Norway to the dinner table.


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.


The Rise of the "Coolcation" in Scandinavia
Coolcations are trending—explore Nordic escapes, crisp air, and serene adventures for a refreshing break from the heat.


Kanelbullar, Swedish Cinnamon Buns
Fill your kitchen with the warm scent of baking and cinnamon with these Swedish kanelbullar.


Järvenranta; Finnish Lakeside Living
Discover the magic of järvenranta, the Finnish word for lakeside living. In Finland, with its 180,000 lakes, järvenranta is more than a shoreline—it’s a way of life. Picture cozy lake cabins, traditional Finnish saunas by the water, morning swims under the midnight sun, and peaceful evenings surrounded by pine forests.


Living With The Light: How The Seasons Shape Nordic Mentality
In the Nordics living with the changing light and seasons is essential for a happy and balanced life. But we don't need to live in the Nordics to embrace a life of balance and acceptance. We can welcome a life grounded in the light and seasons wherever we are.


Velkommen august! Welcome August!
August to me is a time of long summer holidays with the autumn far off on the horizon, but here in Norway August is the month when schools restarts and the autumn markets begin. The fields begin to turn golden and the leaves are turning from dark green to red and orange.


Punschrulle, Swedish No-Bake Punsch Rolls
These no bake Swedish punschrulle are a classic that are perfect for fika. Soft choclate and punsch flavoured cake is covered in marzipan and dipped in chocolate.


Secret Beach Heaven in southern Norway's Vestfold county
Norway's beaches are some of Europe's hidden gems. They are pristine, quiet and beautiful and perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts.


Vispipuuro - Finnish Whipped Dessert. Pink Food!
Vispipuuro is a traditional Finnish dish that is simple and delicious. It's comfort food in bowl for many Finns and uses just a handful of simple ingredients.


Norway's Must-Try Summer Salads
Summer in the Nordics is all about eating seasonally and making the most of what is at it's best. That means lots of delicious and fresh salads


Two Duvets: The Scandinavian Sleep Secret
There's a secret to good sleep and it's a Scandinavian thing!! Want to know what it is?


Velkommen juli! Welcome July!
As I write this we are sweltering in heat that feels like something from the tropics. Although we do get warm summer days in Norway it's taken us a little bit by surprise. It's also a wonderful start to summer and how July ought to be.


Fennel & Ginger Herring (Fänkål och Ingerfarssill)
Pickled herring is about as Scandinavian as you can get, but sometimes it's nice to have make it a little more exciting and flavour packed. Fennel and ginger pickled herrings takes just a few minutes to make and is delicious and unusual


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.


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?


How to Make Chocolate Covered Spruce Tips
Spruce tips are delicious seasonal treat. A few years ago I was given a beautiful German cookery book. It was one I had coveted for a long time and I was excited to read the recipes. It was a collection of fairly unknown and regional recipes from around Germany. I loved it. But after I had read through and made a few of the dishes I flicked to the end of the book and discovered a small section devoted to leftovers and foraged food. It was really only a couple of pages of


Unlocking the Secrets to Embracing a Simple Nordic Lifestyle
In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos of daily life. The Nordic countries have long been admired for their ability to promote simplicity and well-being. With their sustainable practices and emphasis on balance, they offer a way to live a more fulfilling life. This is how i live in my own simple life in Norway and id like to help you explore practical steps towards integrating elements of Nordic living into your own life, leadi


Jonsokblom: The Red Campion Flower and Its Enigmatic Traditions in Nordic Cultures
Jonsokblom or red campion is a common flower in Norway. It holds lots of significance in Nordic cultures and especially at Midsummer


Velkommen juni! Welcome June!
Welcome June in the Nordics, the first summer month and a month of joy, long days and beautiful traditions


Heavenly Swedish Strawberry Cake (Himmelsk Jordgubbstårta)
It's just not summer in Sweden without a taste of this heavenly cake. Light sponge is topped with fluffy cream and filled with sweet strawberries. A true taste of Swedish summer!


What is Kristi Himmelfartsdag?
I don't usually like writing about religious and holy days but in Norway they are entrenched into normal day to day living. It's got nothing to do with the country being religious, because it's most definitely not, but more about tradition. Many of the religious holy days in Norway are included in the primstav (runic calendar) and as it's something I take a keen interest in and have been sharing with you, I feel the need to include as much as possible.


Spruce Tip Sugar (Granskudd Sukker), a Perfect Nordic Sprinkle
Spruce tip sugar is a delicious and unusual sweet sprinkle that you can make yourself from foraged pine shoots. It's easy and fun to make and adds a very Nordic twist to sweet dishes.


What is slow living
Slow living is nothing new, although many people are only just realising how wonderful it is. It's a chance to make the most of our lives, reduce stress and enjoy moments of hygge in a fast paced and material focussed world.


Escape Info Overload: Your Stress-Free Guide
I had quite the day a few weeks ago. I was working quietly doing some accounting and writing articles and I thought it would a productive and peaceful day. But every few moments I was getting a text, a message, an email or a notification. Some of them were social media notifications, but many of them we reminders of appointments, emails with calendar requests (for the same appointments!) and newsletters from my kids' schools and message about various things. At first I tr


Unlock the Secret Power of To-Do Lists
To do lists have power! They are great to keep us focussed and on track in a simple and gentle way


Løvetannsirup (Dandelion Syrup), a Scandinavain Favourite
Løvetannsirup or dandelion syrup is a Scandinavian favourite.


Anne Marie Ødegård, Artist and Designer
You might not be familiar with the name Anne Marie Ødegård (or maybe you are!) but if you are a fan of Norwegian Porsgrund porcelain I can guarantee you have come across her beautiful artwork either on dinnerware or as simple artwork.


Hygge: Daily Joy in Simple Pleasures
Hygge is the Danish concept of enjoying every day life. But how do we embrace that in our lives if we don't live in the Nordics? Let me show you how


What Do Norwegians Eat at Easter?
Every country has it's special dish for celebratory days and as you know in the Nordics, a celebration is a perfect excuse to indulge a little bit. What I love about traditional Norwegian food is that it so often follows the seasons and makes the most of whatever is in season at that time. This is something that people have been doing for millennia and the traditional dishes have simply evolved and followed the patterns of the seasons. These days with easy access to exotic


14 April is Sommerdag on the Nordic Primstav
The 14th April is a significant day on the Nordic runic calendar. It's the time to turn to the summer months and look forward to warm days


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


Velkommen april, Welcome April
It's a simple joy to find ourselves in the months leading up to summer. It comes so suddenly it feels in the Nordics. One moment we have snow and the next we have warm sun on our backs and the glittering sea with banks of wild flowers and all the wonderful summer food.


Fløtegratinerte Poteter (Creamy Gratin Potatoes)
Fløtegratinerte poteter is a simple and delicious dish of cream, potatoes and garlic. It's really popular in the Nordics with good reason!


Why keeping your distance matters more in Nordic culture
Giving one another space in the Nordics is a really important part of the culture. It shows respect and thought for others.


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


Traditional Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
Traditional Finnish salmon soup is the ultimate fast food with melt in the mouth salmon, fresh vegetables and herbs in a creamy broth
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