Veg Boxes

Seeing all these pumpkins about has got me thinking about Veg Boxes! 

I didn’t realise quite how spoilt I was in Australia, but shopping for fruit and veg at the local supermarket here can leave shivers running down your spine! Try if you dare, but don't be surprised to find yourself surrounded by bruised and battered corpses who've spent their better days in a freezer. Cling tight to the living, but eat them quickly -  they won't stay that way for long.

If like me, you are haunted by the 'ghosts of fresh fruit past,'  give a Veg Box a go!

Veg Boxes can be bought directly from a number of local independent growers in and around Oxford. Whilst ordering can be a bit like playing 'trick or treat,' most schemes offer a ‘basic box’ containing a selection of whatever fruit and veg is in season. Some even supply recipes, fresh eggs and flowers as well. Boxes come in several sizes starting from about £7 for a small box, which is enough for 1-2 people. 

For more information, or to order a Veg Box, contact one of the following independent growers: Coleshill Organics, North AstonOrganics, Vegin Clover, TolhurstOrganic, Close to theVeg 

Don't forget to wind your clocks back!

Sadly, British Summer Time, otherwise known as 'daylight saving' will come to a close at 1am tomorrow morning. Whilst for many of us this marks the dreaded onset of winter and dismal hours of daylight, there is some good news - You'll need to turn all your clocks back an hour before going to bed tonight, which means you'll get to have an extra long sleep in tomorrow morning! 

The White Rabbit - Through the Looking Glass
Illustration by John Tenniel.  

The Oxford Freshers Guide to 'Buying a Bicycle'

Buying a Bicycle - £2.99                                

Cycling is by far the best way to get around Oxford. Every day 22,000 people jump on bicycles to travel from A to B, so why not get out there and to join them? You’ll look good, feel great, save time and money, and benefit the environment all before you’ve started the day’s work. 

When it comes to buying a bicycle you'll save yourself a whole lot of time, money and frustration if you get it right the first time.

The Oxford Fresher's guide to 'Buying a Bicycle' contains everything you need to know to do just that. Check out the contents pages of out FREE sample for a full list of what's included. Or for more information visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

The 'Oxford' shoe

All the hip and happening Oxford Freshers in the early 1800s owned a pair of ‘Oxonian’ boots, 
(a pair of half-boots with side slits). However, like most students they were experimental with their fashion and soon tired of these knee and ankle-high styles. Their solution - Turn them into shoes! To begin, the side slit evolved into a side lace and eventually moved from the side of the shoe to the instep giving birth to what is now famously known as the ‘Oxford.' 

You too can follow in their footsteps - the 'Oxford' has had a huge come back! Take a cue from Selma Blair, Taylor Swift and Sienna Miller by pairing your Oxfords with everything from above knee dresses and skirts to skinny stovepipes and boyfriend jeans

 

Oxford Blue

In Oxford, blue comes in only one shade...'Oxford Blue'. This is the very specific blue of Oxford University, whose association with this colour is so strong, that its name is now recognised throughout the world. 

The origins of Oxford Blue date back to the first boat race in 1829 at a time when the Oxford crew was largely dominated by Christ Church students who sported their dark blue college colours during the race. Soon after Oxford took on the dark blue of Christ Church College as its “colour” and has been worn by Oxford sports men and women ever since. 

'Cambridge Blue' is strangely more of a green than blue and was born in a spur-of-the-moment gesture made by a young Cambridge rower. Before the famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in 1863, (the second of it’s kind), one of the Cambridge crew members tied a light blue ribbon to the boats bow, the colour stuck, and has been with the Cambridge Rowing Team ever since.  

Tip for newcomers: Avoid wearing Cambridge Blue to job interviews or Oxford sporting events. The Oxford/ Cambridge rivalry is fierce!

Oxford Blue Cheese

This local beauty has been around since 1995 and has had great success in its short life. Now world famous, Oxford Blue won 'Best Export Blue' at the British Cheese Awards in 2002 and certainly lives up to expectations.

For true foodies amongst you, my description simply won't do it justice... According to the World Encyclopedia of Cheese, ' Oxford Blue Cheese is a luscious creamy blue with distinct but not strong blue flavour. Aromatic and spicy, it has a hint of dark chocolate and white wine, with tarragon on the finish.' Summed up in one word, delicious!

Oxford Blue is great served simply with bread and crackers, or melted on pasta and grilled meats. It pairs well with Cab Savs, Rieslings and Port and is a great way to jazz up bitter green salads. Here's a yummy recipe I found for a Waldorf Salad with Oxford Blue dressing at The British Larder.

Oxford Blue Cheese is available at the following locations (to name a few):

The Oxford Undercover Market Market St, Oxford.

The Woodstock Rd Delicatessen 15 Woodstock Rd, Oxford

Gluttons Delicatessen 110 Walton Rd, Jericho

Taylors of Oxford 31 St Giles, Oxford & 239 Banbury Rd, Summertown

Masden Bucket Bicycles

I wonder how long it will take before we see the likes of Madsen’s Bucket Bicycles in Oxford? Aren’t they gorgeous? They might cause a few problems when it comes to parking, but they are super stylish and perfect for green minded parents and yummy mummy’s looking to combine urban errand running with kid hauling fun!  

Madsen bikes come in blue, black and yellow and have a range of specially designed accessories including a removable seat and two seat belts for the bucket! Prices start at $1350USD though, so you better start saving. 

For more information about 'buying a bicycle' including everything you need to know about riding in Oxford, check out my downloadable pdf on 'Buying a Bicycle' here.