it is much easier to cycle in the snow than ride in the rain

And it must be said that riding part way between rain and snow is far worse than the two combined. We have got to know the two well and everything in between in the past few weeks as Oxford has transformed to a glorious white winter wonderland. It has gone from cold and miserable tucking your head in to avoid the cold hard splats of rain on your face, to excitingly gliding through fluffy little flakes of snow, to rather terrifyingly sliding along icy slushy ground as the snow melts and refreezes. This also has the slightly amusing added perk of seeing students try to stay upright like bambi on the icy sidewalks - although I imagine I would find this thoroughly less amusing if it were me!

As Oxford was hit with a reasonable amount of snow over the weekend we took advantage and stayed in all weekend long enjoying relaxing, reading, roasting, baking and watching movies. What pure bliss!  

Above. The office is far less daunting when an old sandstone beauty covered in snow and below the view from my desk isn't too bad either.

happy happy!

...and then it was 2013! We are in a bit of shock here that it is already 2013 whilst simultaneously being rather impressed with all that we packed into 2012 including so many exciting adventures and beginnings. December flew by in a whirlwind of work, flying, friends, family and Australian summery-bliss. We are now safely settled back in the UK after spending new years flying across the globe, including taking off in Kuala Lumpur at midnight and enjoying the fireworks display from the sky, which was a new and fun perspective.

While back the southern hemisphere we had an amazing and thoroughly chilled out time. It included a seriously gorgeous family wedding, precious time poolside with incredible friends and family as well as many cuddles with many of their delightful and gorgeous little bubbas, much christmas baking and home cooked deliciousness that resulted in three weeks of gluttony comprising amazing wine and summery produce, and a beautiful christmas with our families. 

We are now both fully immersed back at work and trying to stay true to our new years resolutions that included all the usual of getting fit and so on... along with some a little more fun such as cooking a new meal every week. While we are at it we may even get around to posting all of the photos promised from the last few months of 2012. 

On that note, we hope that you all had a magnificent christmas and very wonderful start to 2013!

Below. A few snaps from a perfect seaside wedding that featured some truly stunning ladies  

 

 The spectacular location was only beaten by all of the beautiful personal touches 

Above. A South Australian icon - the froggie cake 

   

Above. The groom and his bride

  Above. Some homemade mince pies for everyone to enjoy

 Christmas lunch... Aussie style

  

Above. Master of the Macaron, Pierre Herme's book a surprise from Kris Kringle and possibly the source for many of the new recipes to try out this year... Below. Salted caramel number one on the list! 

Below. Any trip back to Australia has to include the quintessential Aussie dessert... pavlova! For boxing day we pimped it up with a double chocolate meringue and summer berries!

Below. The first of fifty-two new recipes to try in 2013 Chorizo and spinach risotto