Christmas Shopping at Swindon Designer Outlet

Posted on November 29, 2014 by

I’m not really a natural shopper. Most of my Christmas shopping is confined to a hurried Amazon shop a few days before the big day, but I’ve really been trying to get organised this year. We’re a bit spoiled for choice with shopping here in Bristol, but let’s not forget that a short trip down the M4 you arrive at McArthur Glen Swindon Designer Outlet, with over 90 shops to choose from, all at amazing discounts! I do love a bargain, me.

I was kindly invited along by McArthur Glen to take part in their Gift Hunter Challenge – to find gifts for my three nearest and dearest for under £250, as well as a treat for me! Of course, being the hopeless gift finder that I am, I jumped at the opportunity to explore the new mall and tick a few presents off my shopping list.

We started with a little tour of the place, which has considerably grown in size since my last visit a few years ago. The recent addition of the ‘longshop’ mall has added a whole host of new stores to choose from, including Phase Eight, Ghost and a beautiful Paperchase which I spent far too much time in! After our tour we made a beeline straight for the Lindt shop, to fill our boots with tasty treats.

The whole mall looked really festive, with the halls well and truly decked with wreaths, holly and impressive lifesized nutcracker statues. What I love about the Swindon Outlet is that they’ve maintained some of the history of the place – sitting alongside the modernity is hints of it’s former life as part of the GWR, with trains and Victorian bits galore. I was in history geek heaven.

After a busy morning shopping it was time for a sit-down and a well earned Wagamama’s at their beautiful new food quarter, which has just opened. Cue happy noodle face! If noodles aren’t your thing then there’s a Pizza Express and a delightfully kitsch-looking Ed’s Easy Diner, if that takes your fancy.

Of course, let’s not forget why I was there in the first place – for hardcore gift-buying. I had an idea of who I wanted to buy for before I went in there, but that may have changed a little, seeing as I took Tom along to help, and thought he deserved a bit of a treat.

We picked Tom up a new jacket from Tog 24, a new pair of jeans from Ben Sherman (who, as well as being at a discounted price, also had an extra 25% off! Woo hoo!), and some sturdy looking boots from Timbaland. We hardly ever get Tom new clothes, so it was a nice chance to pick up a few bits which will be really useful during the winter. Plus he looks very dashing in his new get-up.

Next up was my little sister, who at the grand old age of 12, isn’t the hardest person to buy for! We have a very similar taste in things (naturally), so I picked out things I would be happy to recieve myself. Alongside a little hot chocolate kit I made with a Le Creuset mug, Lindt chocolates and fancy hot chocolate from Whittards, I got a mini gift set from the Body Shop, plus some of their banana conditioner which I’ve heard amazing things about. As well as this I picked up a few bits from Paperchase, including these awesome cat highlighters and tortoise push pins. I’m definitely resisting the temptation to keep these for myself…

When we first thought about who to buy for with this challenge, the first people we decided to tick off the list were Tom’s parents. They have just re-done their dining room, so we decided to treat them with a new set of salt and pepper grinders from Le Creuset, as well as two mugs in their iconic volcanic orange finish. As well as this we found this absolute bargain Sabatier knife set in kitchen shop Amefa, down from £200 to a very tidy £30!

Of course I needed to find a gift for myself, which turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it would be! I settled on a few treats which I’ve always wanted – a decent fitting pair of jeans from Levi’s, a massive Yankee Candle (plus some mini ones), and I also treated myself to a new pot of my favourite eye cream from their amazing Cosmetics Company store.

All in all, a day well spent I think!

Thanks so much for McArthur Glen for inviting me along to see the new mall and pick out these treats to take home. I think I did pretty well at my Gift Hunter Challenge, but I won’t know until the 25th! What do you reckon?

Keds Swing Dance Ball, Bristol [+ vlog!]

Posted on November 24, 2014 by

Do you ever have those surreal moments where you can’t stop thinking about something, then all of a sudden it presents itself right in front of you? I don’t think I’m explaining myself properly – me and my friend Jude keep going on about how we should take up swing dance lessons with the chaps over at Swing Dance Bristol, but never seem to find the time to do it. So when an email dropped into my inbox about a whole evening of glorious swing dancing merriment, I (quite literally) jumped for joy!

The Friday before last myself and Jude had the pleasure of attending the Bristol Swing Dance Ball, organised by those lovely folk Swing Patrol London, sponsored by Keds. The whole evening was a blur of swirly skirts, upbeat jazz music, gorgeous vintage hair-do’s, chaps in braces, popcorn, and really wishing I was as good at swing dancing as all the other awesome people.

And guess what? I only went and made my very first vlog about it!

Hey, it’s not perfect, but I thought a little video would sum up the feel of the evening perfectly, especially when it was almost too dark to get any photos whatsoever! The few I did manage to get turned out OK though…

Keds Swing Dance Ball Bristol photobooth

We started off the evening with a drink and a go in the photobooth (look at those props!) which was pretty hilarious – these photos are from the ‘Bloopers’ Photo Booth album on Facebook. Before we knew it, it was time for our swing dancing lesson, and let me tell you, I am not a natural. I really had no idea that I have such a hopeless grasp of rhythm, but to my credit I did start getting the hang of it towards the end. Jude was amazing at it, obviously, because she’s one of those people who is good at everything.

Keds Swing Dance Ball Bristol - Lily Doughball outfit post

We were very kindly each gifted a pair of Keds to attend the Swing Dance Ball in, which I teamed with my peach scuba skirt from ASOS (which was perfectly swishy for dancing in) crop top from H&M, and vintage chiffon scarf. I’ll be sharing a full outfit post in the next couple of weeks, so keep those eyes peeled.

Keds Swing Dance Ball Bristol popcorn cups

The rest of the evening was spent munching popcorn, trying to dance with my two left feet and watching fantastic performances from proper good swing dancers, including a ‘speed shim sham’ – a group competition where the music gets faster and faster and if you make a mistake, then you forfeit. It was down to three chaps at the end, and the guy in the hat won a brand new pair of Keds!

If you fancy attending one of these events then they have one date left on this leg of the tour – 28th November (this Friday!) in Edinburgh. It’s definitely worth the trip up there, believe me (plus you get to see Edinburgh in winter).

Thanks so much to Keds for inviting me to the event, I’m not entirely sure I’ll be taking up swing dancing any time in the near future but a girl sure can dream!

Christmas Wishlist!

Posted on November 22, 2014 by

Christmas Wishlist | Lily Doughball Bristol Lifestyle Blog

Ok, so I’m beginning to get just a teeny tiny bit excited about Christmas now – today we spent the day Christmas shopping, and I’ve bought our first bottle of Baileys, which is the official sign for the festive season beginning.

With that in mind, and the fact that the big day is only 32 DAYS AWAY, I’ve made a shortlist of beautiful treasures that I hope Father Christmas will be popping in my stocking this year.

1. Twin Peaks Colouring Book
2. AllSaints ‘Hawks’ Leather Jacket
3. Bill Murray T-Shirt
4. Dr Martens Joyce Brogues
5. imo ‘Sunrise’ Camera Strap
6. Lush Rosie Gift Set

The first item on my list needs no introduction, nor explanation. It’s a Twin Peaks colouring book, from one of my favourite illustrators on Etsy. It’s a Twin. Peaks. COLOURING. BOOK. It’s like someone has read my mind and smushed my two favourite things together. Just remember to get me some crayons, too, Santa.

With this next item I am totally dreaming. I can most definitely not afford it, that’s for sure, but I’ve been searching for the perfect leather biker jacket for some time now and this ticks all the boxes. It’s from AllSaints , which is all absolutely stunning, but this one definitely stood out for me for its classic style but little details like the texture on the shoulders.

If somehow that beautiful jacket ends up under the tree this year, I reckon this Bill Murray T-Shirt would go rather nicely with it. I imagine having Bill Murray emblazoned across your entire upper body has the same effect as wearing a poncho – we all know it’s impossible to be unhappy in that situation.

My Dr Martens collection definitely needs expanding. These beautiful brogues caught my eye because they kind of resemble Audrey’s (from Twin Peaks, obvs), plus I can just picture them jazzing up a cute floral dress or even teamed with a nice pair of jeans (Pssst – don’t forget, you can get 15% off until the 30th at the Bristol store – 16 Broadmead, Bristol BS1 6HH. More details here).

I really hate having the strap attached to my camera – it’s ugly, awkward, and I can’t help feeling that I’m ever-so-slightly gloating having ‘CANON’ emblazoned around my neck. The thing is, I am very afraid of smashing it. I think this adorable camera strap from ‘imo’ on Etsy might make me less reluctant to properly look after my belongings.

You can’t have Christmas without a bit of Lush, or I certainly can’t anyway. I can’t think of a more perfect gift set from Lush this year – this Rosie set not only has the best Lush product of all time, Rose Jam shower gel, it also has its namesake bubbleroon bubble bar and Ro’s Argan with the same amazing smell, plus a whole host of other rosy-scented goodies. Yes please!

What treats are on your Christmas list this year?

A Few of my Favourite Things

Posted on November 20, 2014 by

Lily-Doughball-AW14-fashion-2

Ah, winter. I adore it when the weather gets proper cold; every morning this week I’ve left my house to find the park at the bottom of my road is coated in a beautiful layer of freezing cold mist, to the woe of the early-morning joggers and dog walkers. Of course, all this deliciously cold weather has been the perfect excuse to road test my brand new winter coat, which I picked up for a bargainous £10 at a charity shop on North St t’other week. All my best coats have come from charity shops – this beautiful vintage camel coat has joined its sister, my 50s faux fur coat which I picked up for £20 last winter. Gotta love a bit of vintage!

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{ Coat & scarf – vintage // Dress – vintage (from Beyond Retro) // Bag – BritStitch Half Pint // Boots – DUO Abel in Black Glitter(*) // Glasses – London Retro ‘Fitzrovia’ }

I’ve teamed my new favourite coat with my current favourite dress – this long jumper number I got from Beyond Retro with pearl detailing on the shoulders. As well as being ricidulously comfortable it’s also toasty warm, and you can team it with everything. I’ve partnered it with a vintage scarf I picked up at a festival this summer, my new favourite Brit Stitch bag, and my superbly glittery new boots from DUO(*).

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Sassy.

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Lily Doughball UK fashion blogger: Brit Stitch Half Pint and red nails

I am in love with this bag. I’m having an awkward dilemma in that I want to wear it with all the things, but at the same time don’t want to get it dirty or ruin it (does anyone else have this problem?!). I think it goes perfectly with my new fave camel coat, especially when teamed with the oranges and browns in my scarf.

Lily Doughball UK fashion blogger: DUO Abel boots black glitter

Of course, this outfit is completed with my brand new glittery Abel boots from DUO(*), which I picked up at their event a few weeks ago. I love the cut of this boot, it’s so flattering, plus I think they are understated enough thanks to the black colour, but certainly glittery enough to jazz up any outfit. These will be a staple this winter!

Have you got any favourite new purchases for the cold weather?

DIY: Easy Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas

Posted on November 18, 2014 by

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Seriously, everywhere I look there are Starbucks red cups, chunky knits, festive lights switch-ons, and a bitter foggy mist in the air. Christmas is only just over a month away (AAAAAAHHHH!) and if, like me, you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, then its time to raid those craft drawers, dig out those Sharpies, and get Christmas craftin’.

I’ve been compiling a list of easy-peasy festive DIYs that I know anyone would be happy to unwrap on Christmas morning. Not only do these save you pennies, it’s nice to give something handmade, plus you’re bound to have loads of fun making them.

1. Zip Pouch Tutorial
zip-pouch-diy
First up is this rather adorable looking ‘zipper pouch’ – super easy to make, with only a few supplies needed. Either fill with Christmas treats like chocolate coins, or make a mini travel kit with a face spray, lip balm, pocket mirror and hand gel. Find the instructions here.

2. Jumper Mittens
sweater mittens
Utilise those old raggedy pullovers and turn them into jazzy mittens! Only takes a few minutes – you can knock up a pair for your whole family (even your cat?). Instructions can be found here.

3. Pom Pom Tassel Bookmarks
diy pom pom bookmarks
How cute are these?! If you can make a mean pom pom you can whip a couple of these up in no time. Get the tutorial here (ps – it’s in Finnish, but the pictures are more than enough to show you what to do).

4. Homemade Soap
diy soap
I want to know how much the fancy soap shops make at Christmastime. Save yourself a packet by making your own – invest in a good quality base and add whatever you like. Here’s a nice recipe for grapefruit and poppy seed.

5. Notebook Tote Bag
notebooktote
So cute and clever! All it takes to turn a boring old tote bag into a portable notebook book bag are a couple of rolls of thread and a sewing machine. Get the instructions here.

6. Pocket hand warmers
hand-warmer
It’s getting a bit nippy outside, so warm your mitts with these easy-peasy DIY hand warmers, using only material scraps and rice. Pop them in your jumper mittens for maximum toastiness! Instructions here.

7. Sharpie + Mug = ultimate DIY
Sharpie mug
Of course, if you’re looking for the ultimate in easy DIYs, then all you need is a plain mug and a sharpie. These bad boys have been all over Pinterest for a while now; make it festive by adding a personal message and tying up in some nice cellophane with some hot chocolate and a bag of mini marshmallows. Get the instructions here, with some useful tips here.

So there you go! Super easy tutorials for a DIY Christmas. Have you got any favourite winter projects? Let me know!

Image credits:
1. See Kate Sew
2. A Beautiful Mess
3. Projektila
4. A Beautiful Mess
5. Say Yes
6. Rae Ann Kelly
7. A Beautiful Mess

TGI Friday’s Brand New Menu

Posted on November 15, 2014 by

Frequent readers of this blog may well already know how dedicated to burgers I am. And even hot dogs, for that matter. So when lovely Lyzi got in touch to ask if I wanted to pop along to the unveiling of TGIs brand new menu, I couldn’t really say no could I?! It would ruin my excellent burger ambassador credentials.

We arrived at TGIs and were very warmly greeted by our hosts, and immediately ushered towards the bar to order a drink. Lyzi had a fancy gin cocktail, but I opted for one of their famous milkshakes, which the bartender chap said they had been serving since the 60s! I went for the obvious choice, chocolate. Needless to say, it was absolutely amazing; ridiculously thick and made up of probably about 90% ice cream. I drank it waaaay too quickly and felt a bit sick. Rookie error.

We were then escorted over to our VIP area (!) and had a photo taken on the red carpet, which was a bit of a surreal experience! After a brief chat with the chef and a preview of the new dishes, it was time to take our seats, along with SJ and Hayley. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a TGIs – probably about 7 years – but I was impressed by the level of décor in this place. There were guitars and mixtapes hanging from the walls! Awesome.

The new menu is nothing short of amazing. There’s a truly epic burger on the menu to please the carnivores, plus some innovative and really tasty looking veggie options. It’s also currently only available at a few selected restaurants, so at Cabot Circus you have the chance to try something exclusive! SJ had a really nice looking starter of bruschetta, while Hayley tried their pork belly skewers. Me and Lyzi made the exact same food choices – chilli chicken wings to start, followed by a ‘Mexidog’ hot dog, served in a brioche bun with a mound of guacamole and creamy southwest sour cream, topped with pickled jalapenos.

It was all of my favourite foods wrapped up in one. The hot dog itself was amazingly good quality, and the softness of the steamed bun was just the right texture when paired with the creamy guac and crunchy toppings. I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t too spicy, but that might be welcome news for some people. The chicken wings more than made up for it though, they were hot! Thankfully we were given some wipes to tidy ourselves up with; along with their amazing blue cheese dip they’re definitely not first-date material, being slightly on the messy side.

After a couple more cocktails (including this lovely non-alcoholic treat, Blueberry Breeze) it was time to waddle back home. Thank you so much to TGI’s for the invite, and I look forward to seeing the new menu rolled out across all restaurants in the UK in the new year.

Perfect Winter Boots: Dr. Martens AW14

Posted on November 12, 2014 by

Occasionally, an email will drop into my inbox and I will do a proper double take. This was most definitely one of those occasions. I’ve been wearing Dr. Martens boots since I was about 3 years old, and am now the proud owner of three pairs, and myself and Thomas almost exclusively live in Docs throughout the winter months.

This exciting email was offering me a sneaky peek at the brand new AW14 Rugged and Casual ranges, which have just hit the Bristol Broadmead store. I was invited down to take a closer look, and to pick out a pair to road test and to style an outfit around.

Dr Martens boots in Broadmead Bristol
Dr Martens Broadmead Bristol sign

As with previous Dr. Martens collections, they have drawn inspiration from the culture that the brand is so deeply rooted in. From Northern Soul-style monkey boots, to a nod to their rebellious nature in the biker boots, and even the shearling lining of the Core Premium Jay boot which echoes the clothing choices of those early 60s skinheads; everything is referencing the culture that Dr. Martens is celebrating.

All of these little touches make for a really refined and striking collection, which as well as looking amazing (I would buy any of these boots in a heartbeat!), they also have the reassurance of fantastic quality which is built to last, and would all be the ideal winter boot.

Dr Martens boots in Broadmead Bristol

On arriving in the Broadmead store I was met by Kat, who as well as rocking some awesome tattoos and Bettie bangs, really knew her stuff when it came to Dr. Martens. She talked me through the new range – what was new, what was different (lots more styles in the gorgeous supple gaucho leather), and in the end pointed me towards a beautiful pair of Alexandra boots. Soft black leather meets a higher heel in a traditional-styled boot, but with an interesting twist in the detail around the ankle.

Dr Martens Rugged Collection style outfit post | Lily Doughball UK Fashion blog

On getting them home, I decided to style my boots simply. I opted for a charity shop denim dress, my favourite necklace, and a brand new Harrington jacket I picked up last week – in another nod to the 1960s Dr. Martens culture. The Alexandra boots set off the outfit perfectly, but to be perfectly honest, you could style them with anything. They’d look good with a bin bag on.

Dr Martens Rugged Collection AW14 Alexandra boots

Stepping into these boots for the first time was like stepping on clouds. Usually Dr. Martens boots take a bit of commitment to break in the first time, but the softness of the leather on these boots meant they were unbelievably comfy from the get-go. The colour of the leather is something I love too – it is listed as black, but due to the dying process, has a striking green tinge to it, which again is a nod to the military theme which Dr. Martens is emulating with this collection.

Everyone needs a decent pair of boots for the colder months, and I’m a firm believer in comfort and quality when it comes to choosing them. The latest Dr. Martens campaign is #STANDFORSOMETHING, showcasing something you believe in, and what you stand for – as cheesy as it sounds, I stand for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes! I’ve had far too many blisters from cheap bad shoes, but all my Docs have been worn in to the point that they are like carpet slippers. So. Comfy.

As well as finding my own pair of perfect winter boots, you’ve also got the chance to find yours. Dr. Martens have very kindly offered a special discount for my readers! Now’s the chance to bag a 15% exclusive discount at the Bristol store – just print off this page and take it to to the Bristol store at 16 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3HH. This discount will be valid until 30 November 2014, so you’ve got a good few weekends of shopping time left to use it. Now’s the chance to finally get your hands on that pair you’ve been dreaming of for months.

A massive thanks to Dr. Martens for inviting me down to look at their range and letting me road test a beautiful pair of their boots, and of course for treating my readers, too!

The Next Banksy?

Posted on November 11, 2014 by

One of the main reasons for starting this blog was to kick-start me into being creative with my spare time. Whilst the blog has grown and I have met some truly wonderful bloggers, been to some amazing events, and been lucky enough to even work with some of my favourite brands, I can’t help lamenting the fact that I haven’t done much on the creative front.

So when a lovely lady contacted me on behalf of Direct Blinds to tell me about a competition they were running to find ‘the next Banksy‘, I jumped at the opportunity. Sure, Direct Blinds may not be the the first company which comes to mind to design for, but by jove to they sell some pretty fancy blinds. Plus it gave me the chance to actually do some drawing for once – a kick up the bum that I needed, if you will.

art supplies

I was sent a fabulous box of paints and pencils to get cracking on my design, but being a bit of a shy artist and designer, I defaulted back to what I know – dip pen and ink. I utilised some beautiful new watercolour pencils, and began drawing what was in my head. I had a look at some of the Julie Dodsworth designs for inspiration, but to be honest, I was just drawing what came to mind.

teacups and teapots illustration

pansies illustration

boats illustration

pizza illustration

I started off fairly simple and straightforward; teapots and tea time things for a kitchen blind (including authentic ink splodge), pansies for a fancy vintage-style bedroom blind (turns out pansies are quite difficult to draw), boats for a nautical themed bathroom blind, and pizza because… well, pizza. I’ve caught the drawing bug again, and would love suggestions as to what to draw next. I’m definitely still learning, too, so if you’re an illustrator and you have some tips/constructive criticism then let me know!

Having a look at the other entries on the I’m certain I have no chance of winning! Nevertheless, I’m really grateful for this opportunity to pick up the pencils, paint and ink again. Who knows, you might be seeing more of my illustration on here in the future…

For more information on the Next Banksy Competition, head on over to the Direct Blinds website. Enter on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the tag #makemeadesigner. You’ve got just over a week to enter – the competition closes on 21st November. Good luck!

My Perfect Fit with Triumph Magic Wire

Posted on November 9, 2014 by

Firstly, I’m not entirely sure what percentage of my readership is male, but I apologise – this post isn’t going to be completely relevant to you, I’m afraid.

I don’t think anyone wears the right sized bra. I certainly don’t, and don’t ever think I have. I know that it’s completely different from one shop to the next, but I’ve yet to find one which doesn’t dig in uncomfortable places, or suffers from some kind of strap malfunction.

Triumph Magic Wire bra

Triumph Contouring Sensation Magic Wire bra £36 (*)

Just as I gave away all (yes all… but one) of my bras a couple of weeks ago in a fit of clearing-the-house-out frenzy, in steps Triumph, to ask if I wanted to test out one of their new-fangled Magic Wire bras. I was invited up to Cribbs Causeway to have a fitting, and had a lovely afternoon sipping fizzy and listening to a lovely lady telling us how to overcome our every day ‘niggles’, which is what the magic wire is all about – fixing the little things which bother us, like a poking wire or loose strap here and there.

Triumph Magic Wire bra label
Triumph Magic Wire bra inside cups

I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I had been sent the fancy Contouring Sensation version of this bra, which looks very pretty with its side lace detail and little bow at the front. What I like most though, is that the main body of the bra is black, but the straps are nude, meaning I have the option to wear it with a great deal more things than I would a black-strapped bra. It also has three eyelets at the back, so you know this is some heavy-duty support going on.

The beauty of the Magic Wire bra is that there is nothing inside to poke at you – the ‘magic’ bit is a revolutionary support system in the form of an integrated silicone wire which offers all of the support with none of the discomfort. I have to admit that compared to my cheap Asda offerings this was absolutely amazing on; it just goes to show that it’s worth spending money on a decent fitting bra! It might be tempting to stock up on £4 throw-away items, but working from my Quality-vs-Quantity approach I would much rather spend the extra amount and have it last three or four times as long, not to mention give much better support.

I’ll have to admit, I had never tried a Triumph bra, as I always believed them to be out of my price range, but since trying this I’m seriously considering buying one in each colour! Thank you to Triumph for letting me road test their wonderful new creation, you’ve helped me find my perfect fit!

Simple Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Posted on November 6, 2014 by

Cor blimey it’s cold! I understand that it’s a bit of a blogging cliche to talk about how the time has flown, and ‘is it November already?!’ but I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. I seem to have blinked and missed most of autumn; one moment summer was clinging to the tails of September, but now winter has come back with a vengeance. I had two scarves on last night to shut out the cold, and I’ve put my heating on in honour of the nippy weather. Winter is well and truly coming.

pumpkin and butternut squash winter warmer soup | Lily Doughball UK Lifestyle Blog

To combat the parky weather outside, I harnessed all my autumnal powers to make a true winter warmer – this simple pumpkin and butternut squash soup. I inherited my awesome soup-making skills from my mam, she does a mean leek and potato, and I reckon this soup could be my signature dish.

Soup is super easy to make, and you can quite literally use whatever you’ve got in – frozen veg, leftovers, even tinned tomatoes. I happened to have a little pumpkin and half a butternut squash to hand, so I rustled up this guy to warm up a cold afternoon.

You will need (serves 2-3):
– small edible pumpkin, cubed
– 1/2 butternut squash, cubed
– a few cloves of garlic
– olive oil
– 750ml chicken stock
– an onion, sliced

pumpkin and butternut squash | Lily Doughball UK Lifestyle Blog

Step one: cut up your butternut squash and pumpkin, nestle some garlic cloves in there, sprinkle over some salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Pop it in the oven at 200C for about 45 mins. It will come out all charred and delicious, a bit like this!

roasted charred pumpkin and butternut squash | Lily Doughball UK Lifestyle Blog

Step two: Fry your sliced onion in a bit of olive oil until soft. Take the cloves of roasted garlic and squish them into the pan as well. Peel the skins off the roasted veg (be careful, it’s hot), chuck it in the pan and fry that off for a bit too.

pumpkin onions and garlic being fried | Lily Doughball UK Lifestyle Blog
(I’m aware this is probably the worst photo I’ve ever taken, but it was pretty steamy)

Step three: Top up with chicken stock, and leave to simmer for around 20 mins.

pumpkin and butternut squash winter warmer soup in ikea pan | Lily Doughball UK Lifestyle Blog

Step four: BLEND BLEND BLEND. You can either use a stick blender or a liquidiser, but remember to let it cool down a bit! You don’t want to get splashed by hot soup. Not nice.

pumpkin and butternut squash winter warmer soup | Lily Doughball UK Lifestyle Blog

Step five: Apply to face, preferably with a big slab of bread and butter, and watch the horrible weather outside lashing against your window. Alternatively, pop it in a Thermos and go for a walk in the woods. Either way, it’s sure to warm your cockles and make you feel all autumnal. Lovely.

Hey winter, you can stay. We’re over summer, anyway.

Lily Doughball

Bristol-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog

Monthly Archives: November 2014