CHASING DRACULA: OUR DAY TRIP TO BRAN CASTLE, BRAŞOV & PELEŞ CASTLE

27th Aug 202627th Aug 2026 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Uncategorized

One of the things I knew I wanted to do when we planned our trip to Bucharest was get out of the city for a day and see a little more of Romania.

And, naturally, when you’re a horror lover visiting Romania, Dracula was always going to make an appearance.

We booked a day trip from Bucharest visiting Bran Castle, Brașov and Peleș Castle, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

It was a long day, with an early start, plenty of travelling and a lot packed into twelve hours, but it gave us the chance to see three very different sides of Romania.

The Day Trip

We booked our day trip through GetYourGuide, choosing the Dracula’s Castle, Peleș & Brașov Day Trip from Bucharest. It was advertised as a 12-hour trip from Bucharest, taking us to three of Romania’s most famous destinations in a single day.

The tour started early, with a 7am departure, so this was definitely not a day for a lie-in.

For two adults, the day-trip tickets cost just £45 in total.

There was an additional, optional cost of approximately £130 for the two of us for the combo tickets to enter the castles.

That distinction is worth mentioning because, if you’re trying to keep the cost down, you don’t necessarily have to pay the additional entrance fees.

The Coach & Our Guide

The coach itself was incredibly comfortable, which made a huge difference on what was a long day with quite a bit of travelling between destinations.

But one of the real highlights of the tour was our guide, Emanuel.

He was absolutely fantastic. He made the journey enjoyable, was knowledgeable and engaging, and really added to the experience rather than simply getting us from one stop to the next.

Having a good guide can make or break an organised tour, and we genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better one.

Bran Castle

Bran Castle was probably the stop I was most excited about.

As a horror lover, visiting Romania without seeing the castle associated with Dracula would have felt slightly rude.

The castle has exactly the sort of gothic energy you’d expect from somewhere with such a strong Dracula connection.

There’s something particularly fun about standing in front of it knowing how much mythology and popular culture has built up around the place.

Of course, the real history of Bran Castle and the fictional story of Dracula are two very different things, but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable to experience it through the lens of the story.

For me, this was the stop that delivered the Dracula experience I’d been hoping for.

Brașov

Our second stop was Brașov, giving us the chance to explore one of Romania’s most beautiful cities.

After the gothic atmosphere of Bran Castle, it was lovely to have a change of pace and simply wander around the city.

Brașov has that wonderful mixture of historic architecture, colourful buildings and winding streets that makes exploring on foot so enjoyable.

It gave us a chance to step away from the castles and simply experience another Romanian city.

With only one day, we obviously couldn’t see everything, but it was enough to make me want to come back and spend much longer there.

Peleș Castle

Our final stop was Peleș Castle, and it couldn’t have been more different from Bran.

Where Bran felt dark, historic and atmospheric, Peleș felt like something out of a fairytale.

The architecture is absolutely beautiful, and the contrast between the two castles was one of my favourite things about the day.

It’s easy to imagine Peleș belonging in a fantasy film, complete with elaborate interiors, beautiful details and the surrounding mountain scenery.

It was a lovely reminder that Romania’s castles aren’t all about Dracula and dark folklore. There is an incredibly romantic and fairytale side to the country’s architecture too.

How Much Did It Cost?

For two adults, our costs were:

Day trip: £45

Optional combo castle tickets: approximately £130

Total with castle entry: approximately £175

That’s around £87.50 per person if you choose to purchase the castle tickets.

However, the castle entry was optional, and knowing what we know now, I’d actually make a different choice if we did the trip again.

Would I Pay to Enter the Castles Again?

No.

And that’s not because I didn’t enjoy seeing inside them.

I actually think the interiors are worth seeing if you’re particularly interested in the history and architecture. But if I were doing this exact day trip again, I’d skip the optional entrance tickets.

The day is already packed, and there’s a lot to see.

I’d much rather have had additional time to explore the gardens, grounds and surrounding areas of the castles instead of spending quite so much extra on entrance tickets.

For us, I think skipping the interiors would give us the best of both worlds.

We’d still get to see all three destinations, see the castles themselves, photograph them, enjoy the scenery and explore the grounds, while also saving approximately £130 for two people.

That’s quite a saving.

Would I Do the Trip Again?

100%.

Despite the early start and the long day, I would absolutely do this trip again.

Bran Castle gave me the gothic, Dracula-inspired experience I was hoping for. Brașov gave us the opportunity to explore somewhere beyond Bucharest, and Peleș was completely different again, with its beautiful fairytale atmosphere.

The comfortable coach and fantastic guide also made the long day of travelling much easier, and Emanuel genuinely deserves a mention for making the whole experience so enjoyable.

I also really liked that the tour allowed us to see three very different places in a single day.

Would I recommend spending the extra £130 on the castle entrance tickets?

For us, probably not.

Would I recommend taking the day trip?

Absolutely.

If we went again, we’d take the same basic trip, skip the optional castle entry, and use that extra time to explore the gardens and grounds properly.

Because sometimes you don’t need to go through every door to appreciate a castle.

Sometimes standing outside it, surrounded by mountains, trees and centuries of history, is more than enough.

Our verdict: 100% would do it again

For £45 for two adults, the day trip itself was excellent value, and it was easily one of our favourite experiences outside Bucharest.

If you’re visiting the city and have a spare day, I’d definitely recommend getting out into the countryside and seeing this side of Romania for yourself.

Just set that alarm early. Very early.

EVERYWHERE WE ATE & DRANK IN BUCHAREST

24th Aug 2026 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

One of my favourite parts of travelling is discovering where to eat and drink, and Bucharest certainly didn’t disappoint. From enormous portions and delicious Mexican food to cocktails with a view and some seriously beautiful interiors, we managed to squeeze quite a few meals, drinks and sweet treats into our five days.

I wanted to put together a little roundup of everywhere we ate and drank in Bucharest, including what we ordered, how much we spent and, most importantly, what we actually thought.

Prices are based on what the two of us spent, so hopefully this gives you a realistic idea of what eating and drinking in Bucharest might cost.

Big Ben Pub

£52 | Shared starter, 2 mains, 1 beer & 1 cocktail

Our first proper stop was Big Ben Pub, which has lots of outdoor space, making it a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.

The absolute star of the meal was the nachos. They were so good and, to be completely honest, substantial enough that in hindsight we probably didn’t need to order two mains as well!

So if you’re heading here hungry, the portions are definitely worth bearing in mind. Those nachos were absolutely a meal in themselves.

Latin Pizza

£8 | 2 slices of pizza & 2 soft drinks

Sometimes you just want something quick, easy and delicious, and Latin Pizza was exactly that.

The pizza was delicious, arrived really quickly and was perfect for eating on the go while exploring the city.

At just £8 for the two of us, it was also one of the cheapest food stops of the trip, making it a great option when you don’t want to sit down for a full meal.

Grand Cafe Van Gogh

£10 | 1 beer & 1 cocktail

Gorgeous!

Honestly, this is one of those places where the aesthetics are reason enough to visit.

The interior is beautiful and full of character, and we really enjoyed simply sitting there and taking it all in while having a drink.

If you’re anything like me and will happily choose a café because it looks like it belongs on Pinterest, this one is definitely worth adding to your Bucharest itinerary.

Chocoloco

£28 | 2 desserts, 1 beer & 1 cocktail

If you have a sweet tooth, Chocoloco needs to be on your list.

There was so much choice, which made choosing what to have considerably harder than it should have been. We went for two desserts alongside a beer and a cocktail, and everything was delicious.

Definitely one to keep in mind when you’re craving something sweet after a day of exploring.

Trattoria Colosseum

£57 | 2 starters, 2 mains, 2 cocktails, 1 beer & 1 soft drink

Situated right in the middle of Umbrella Street, Trattoria Colosseum is aesthetically gorgeous before you’ve even looked at the menu.

The portions were massive, so come hungry or be prepared to take your time! Thankfully, the food was also incredibly fresh and delicious.

The combination of the colourful umbrellas, the atmosphere and the generous portions made this one of the more memorable places we ate during our trip.

Rose’s Mystery House

£36 | Shared starter, 2 mains, 1 cocktail & 1 beer

Rose’s Mystery House had amazing vibes.

The menu is quite small compared with some of the other places we visited, but everything we had was delicious. Sometimes a smaller menu is no bad thing, especially when it means the focus is on doing a smaller number of dishes really well.

It was a lovely place for a relaxed meal and definitely somewhere I’d recommend checking out.

Caru’ cu Bere

£11 | 1 alcoholic frappe & 1 soft drink

STUNNING.

Caru’ cu Bere is an absolute must-visit, even if you’re only popping in for a drink.

The architecture alone is incredible, but what really makes it special is the combination of the history, beautiful surroundings and traditional atmosphere.

We were also fortunate enough to experience a live traditional performance while we were there, which made the visit even more memorable.

This was definitely one of those places where the building itself becomes part of the experience.

Mexikanos

£27 | 2 mains & 4 soft drinks

Hands down, my favourite meal of the trip.

The staff were SO friendly and the food was probably the best Mexican meal I’ve ever had, which is really saying something because tacos are my absolute favourite.

Everything about the experience was fantastic, and this is the one place from our trip where I immediately knew I’d happily go back.

If you love Mexican food, put this one on your list.

Old Habits

£28 | 3 cocktails & 1 soft drink

Old Habits had such cute, relaxed vibes.

It was the sort of place where we could sit back, enjoy our drinks and take a little break from wandering around the city.

The drinks were delicious and the staff were really friendly, too. A lovely spot for a few cocktails without it feeling overly formal or stuffy.

NOMAD Sky Bar

£12 | 1 cocktail & 1 soft drink

We visited NOMAD relatively early, so it was actually quieter than we’d expected.

Rather than being a downside, though, it gave us the chance to sit back, take a breath and properly enjoy the view without the usual hustle and bustle you might expect from a sky bar.

Sometimes a quieter moment is exactly what you need after a busy day of sightseeing.

Kilkenny Irish Pub

£8 | 1 Guinness & 1 soft drink

This one was a massive hit with my husband, largely because they had a dart board.

Sometimes you don’t need anything particularly complicated. A Guinness, a soft drink, somewhere relaxed to sit and a dart board apparently ticks all the boxes.

It made for a nice, casual stop towards the end of our Bucharest adventures.

So, How Much Did We Spend?

Across all 11 places, we spent a total of:

£277

That’s for two people and includes everything from quick slices of pizza and full meals, desserts, cocktails and drinks.

And that’s probably one of the things I loved most about eating and drinking in Bucharest. There was plenty of choice whether we wanted something cheap and quick, somewhere beautiful to sit for a cocktail, or a proper meal.

Bucharest gave us a surprisingly brilliant food and drink scene, and we barely scratched the surface. Between the traditional Romanian restaurants, colourful cafés, cocktail bars and wonderfully random little pubs, there was always somewhere else around the corner to try.

THE REALITY OF STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH

10th Oct 2024 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Almost a year ago, I shared a post about embracing self-kindness and setting realistic goals for the year ahead. I talked about slowing down, nurturing ourselves, and practicing self-compassion. In the moment, I truly believed that would be my path for 2024. But the truth is, I haven’t published a single blog post since then.

Why? Because I’ve been struggling. Depression, burnout… they crept up on me in ways I didn’t expect. I had days where just getting out of bed felt like an impossible task. The passion I once had for writing, self-care, and all the little joys in life seemed to fade. And you know what? That’s okay.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and I feel compelled to share that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve struggled. In fact, I think it’s time we all start being a little more honest about how tough things can get.

You are not alone…

Mental health is such an invisible, often misunderstood battle. We put on brave faces, keep pushing through, and sometimes, we crash. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted, please know you are not alone. There are so many of us out there who understand exactly what you’re going through. You matter, and your mental health matters too.

It’s easy to talk about self-compassion when you’re feeling good, but it’s even more important to practice it when you’re at your lowest. Over the past year, I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to take a step back, to feel lost, to struggle. And that doesn’t make me a failure – it makes me human.

I have also had to allow others to pick up the slack and have spent the majority of the last few months feeling like a failure. A failure as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend…well the list just goes on really doesn’t it?

Moving forward…

I’m still navigating this journey, and I don’t have all the answers. But what I do know is that being kind to myself has been more important than ever. Some days, just getting through the day is enough of an achievement. And slowly but surely, I’m learning that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay too.

So if you’re reading this, take a moment to breathe. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

Let’s continue this conversation, not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day. Let’s make sure no one ever feels like they’re in this alone.

Boo x

NEW YEAR, NEW ME…OR WHATEVER.

31st Dec 202310th Oct 2024 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

I honestly don’t know how many times I have entered the New Year with that fresh start mentality. It is exhausting and honestly, I just don’t think I can handle it right now.

While many of us focus on goals like eating healthier, exercising more, or learning a new skill, there is one resolution that often gets overlooked – being kind to ourselves. In a world that constantly demands more from us, it’s important to take a step back and prioritise self-care and self-compassion.

Embracing self-kindness…

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly striving for perfection and comparing ourselves to others. We often forget that we are only human, with our own strengths and weaknesses. This year, let’s make a conscious effort to be kind to ourselves, embracing our flaws and celebrating our accomplishments, no matter how small.

I know that I could really do with putting less pressure on myself. I work full time, have three beautiful children and am studying part time for a degree, but despite all of that I’m always looking for more.

So my first resolution is going to be to calm the fuck down and just take a breather.

Nurturing your mind, body and soul…

Being kind to yourself goes beyond just positive self-talk. It’s about nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Take the time to indulge in activities that bring you joy and help you unwind. Whether it’s reading a good book, taking a long bath, or going for a walk in nature, prioritize self-care and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for our overall well-being. Make self-care a priority in your life. Set aside time each day to do something that brings you joy and helps you recharge. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, journaling, or engaging in a hobby, find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

I used to love taking over the bathroom for a couple of hours at the weekend. Running a steaming hot bath and just spending some time on my skin and haircare. It made me happy and I always felt more myself after. I need to bring that back in 2024.

Practicing self-compassion…

We often hold ourselves to impossibly high standards and beat ourselves up for not meeting them. This year, let’s replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a loved one. Acknowledge your mistakes and shortcomings, but also recognize your strengths and the progress you’ve made.

I have been through a tremendous amount in the last fifteen years and I honestly think I need to spend some time just acknowledging that trauma and healing. It’s something I have never down and it’s clearly long overdue.’

Setting realistic goals…

While setting goals is important, it’s equally important to set realistic ones. Be mindful of your limitations and don’t overburden yourself with unrealistic expectations. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

One last thing…

As we embark on a new year, I encourage you to make a resolution to be kind to yourself. In a world that often emphasizes productivity and perfection, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. Remember, you are worthy of love, care, and kindness. Embrace your uniqueness, celebrate your accomplishments, and be gentle with yourself during challenging times. Here’s to a year filled with self-compassion and personal growth.

Boo x

If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out some of my other ramblings:

‘DELICATE CONDITION’ BY DANIELLE VALENTINE REVIEW

20th Aug 202316th Aug 2026 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

Valentine’s writing style is hauntingly captivating, painting vivid and chilling images that will leave you breathless. To be honest, it is horrific in the most beautiful way.

I wanted this baby so badly.
But she may be the death of me…

Anna Alcott is desperate to have a family. But as she tries to balance her increasingly public life as an indie actress with a gruelling IVF regime, she starts to suspect that someone is going to great lengths to make sure that never happens. Crucial medicines are lost. Appointments are moved without her knowledge. She’s sure she’s being followed. And when she finally does get pregnant, someone breaks into her house and steals the ultrasound photograph of her baby. But despite everything she’s gone through, not even her husband is willing to believe that someone is playing twisted games with her.

Then her doctors tell her she’s lost the baby. Despite her grief, Anna ignores the grave-faced men lecturing her – because she can still feel the baby moving, can see the toll it’s taking on her weakened body. Isolated in a remote snowbound town, Anna is sure that whoever has been following her is closing in on her and her unborn child. And as her symptoms become more terrifying, she can’t help but wonder what exactly is growing inside her… and why no-one will listen when she says that something is horribly wrong.

‘Delicate Condition’ by Danielle Valentine

This book delves deep into the complexities of gender and power, exploring the struggles and triumphs of women in a way that is both thought-provoking and empowering with a focus on dark feminist themes.

Valentine masterfully weaves together elements of horror and psychological suspense, creating a modern-day homage to the classic novel ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ by Ira Levin, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

While ‘Delicate Condition’ is undeniably a gripping read, I couldn’t help but crave more of Valentine’s twisted storytelling. The book left me hungry for further exploration into the dark and mysterious world she created.

Overall, ‘Delicate Condition’ is a must-read for fans of horror, feminist literature, and psychological thrillers. With its horrific beauty and thought-provoking themes, it is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

‘I DID IT FOR YOU’ BY JAYNE COWIE REVIEW

15th Aug 202316th Aug 2026 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

If you could test your son for a gene that predicts violence, would you do it?

Antonia and Bea are sisters, and doting mothers to their sons. But that is where their similarities end.

Antonia had her son tested to make sure he didn’t possess the “violent” M gene.

Bea refuses to let her son take the test. His life should not be determined by a positive or negative result.

These women will go to any length to protect their sons.

But one of them is hiding a monster.

And there will be fatal consequences for everybody….
‘I Did it For You’ by Jayne Cowie

To start, I loved the realistic depiction of a dystopian now, because I can’t even say that this story was set in the future!

Whilst at first glance, the M Gene and all it entails may seem far fetched but the more you immerse yourself in to the story you realise just how easy it would be to find ourselves in a society just like the one in ‘I Did it For You’.

I loved the whole concept and only wish I could read and discover other stories from within the M Gene universe. I found the idea so intriguing and to see this horrific situation through the eyes of four very different people was incredibly interesting.

The book is filled with clever plot twists that grab your attention and keeps you hooked throughout the entire story. These developments keep you guessing until the very end.

The multiple point of view format added an extra layer of excitement and suspense which I totally vibe with whilst the emotional depth of the characters and their struggles made this book a truly heart-wrenching read at times. The only downside to the entire reading experience was that I didn’t want the story to end. I became so invested in the characters and their journey that I found myself wanting more.

‘I Did it For You’ is a brilliant and captivating book that I highly recommend. Jayne Cowie has a way of writing an exceptional story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

‘WHO SHE WAS’ BY TONY PARSONS REVIEW

26th Jun 202316th Aug 2026 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

Tony Parsons is undoubtedly a master storyteller with his engaging storylines, authentic characters, emotional depth, and thought-provoking social commentary.

Although he has certainly established himself as a prominent figure in the literary world, however, I feel that his latest offering missed the mark by such a way that it feels almost unrecognisable as one of his works.

His novels are often filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to tear yourself away from turning the page but ‘Who She Was’ just felt like a rushed mess of half finished ideas.

A bonfire burns on a Cornish beach in the middle of the night.

Nearby, a young woman waits for morning, and for the estate agent to arrive with the keys to her new life in the peaceful fishing village.

She carries with her no trace of her previous life or the past she has left behind.

Quickly she becomes an object of fascination among the locals; one in particular finds that he is falling in love with her.

But can anyone really have a new life?
What happened to this woman’s old life?
And what price did she pay to escape it?

When secrets long buried explode into the light, they will change the lives of everyone around her.
‘Who She Was’ by Tony Parsons

One of the most crucial aspects of any novel is the development of its characters. Sadly, ‘Who She Was’ fails to deliver in this regard. Tom, the central character, never truly comes to life on the pages. His motivations, desires, and struggles remain shallow and underdeveloped, leaving readers disconnected from his journey. ‘Who She Was’ also suffers from inconsistent pacing throughout its pages. The story drags in some sections, making it difficult to maintain interest, while rushing through others, leaving readers feeling disoriented. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the narrative and prevents readers from fully immersing themselves in the story. The emotional depth of the story remains shallow, leaving readers detached from the characters and their experiences.

‘Who She Was’ by Tony Parsons falls short of being anything other than alright. The novel’s lackluster character development, predictability, inconsistent pacing, and absence of emotional depth make it a disappointing read. While every reader’s taste varies, this particular work failed to leave a lasting positive impression on me.

BALANCE ACTIVE FORMULA SKINCARE REVIEW

26th Jun 2023 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Did you know that Balance Active Formula is available to buy in Home Bargains?!

The budget skincare brand offers a variety of products that are ingredients-led, focusing on high levels of actives that provide a targeted solution to different skin types!

It’s never been easier to educate yourself and gain an understanding into what you’re really smothering your face with, plus the formulations are backed up by science and that’s always a relief!

To begin with I started with the AHA + BHA Retexturising 10% + BHA 2% Serum (£4.99) which is formulated with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to deeply exfoliate, brighten and improve skin texture!

It’s the perfect way to strip things back and start afresh!

The Gold + Marine Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Masks (£3.99) and Gold + Marine CollagenHydrogel Under Lip Mask (£3.99) duo felt like a real treat and stayed firmly in place which was a revelation all on its own as I’ve found in the past that lip masks in particular are slippery little sods!

Colloidal Gold is a hero ingredient which is known for its healing properties and leaves you with a radiant glow whilst Marine Collagen helps to smooth and protect skin structure, so with that in mind I decided to follow the eye and lip masks with the matching Gold + Marine Collagen Rejuvenating Serum (£4.99), going for gold as it were.

Other benefits include…

Firmer looking skin.

A glowing, smoother looking complexion.

Reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles!

However, with a serum for every skincare concern you can’t go wrong. I was also sent the Vitamin C Brightening Serum (£4.99) which is lightweight and non-greasy with a radiant finish. It contains two forms of stabilised Vitamin C that will help to reduce the appearance of age spots and leave you with a more even-looking skin tone!

On the other hand, you could always go with the Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum (£4.99). This water-based formulation with can be used every day to help reduce blemishes, improve skin texture and encourage a healthy complexion. I found Niacinamide an absolute lifesaver through lockdown and constant mask wearing so it’s absolutely worth it’s weight in gold to me!

And just like that, skincare on a budget has never been so easy.

Get yourselves to Home Bargains immediately!

‘THE BRIDE’ BY JOHN NICHOLL REVIEW

11th Jun 202316th Aug 2026 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

‘The Bride’ by John Nicholl is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. This novel is a perfect blend of suspense and mystery that will leave you wanting more.

The story follows Daisy as she writes about her past so that her unborn child might one day understand how she came to be in the position she has found herself in. Her life has taken take a dark turn, one she claims to have never expected but it spins becomes clear that nothing is what it seems.

She’s on trial for murder… Now it’s her turn to tell her story…

The truth is that I loved James with my whole heart. We were soulmates: meant to be together forever. On the morning of our wedding, I had just found out I was carrying his child.

But it’s time to tell my side of the story. It’s time everyone knew what happened on that wedding day, on our honeymoon, and on that fateful last drive together. It’s time everyone found out about the secrets and about the threat that loomed over our marriage. It’s time everyone found out who really killed James.

And I need everyone to believe me. To believe I’m not a killer. Because if they don’t, then my baby won’t just have no father… she’ll have no mother.
The Bride by John Nicholl

John Nicholl does an excellent job of building tension throughout the novel. The pacing is perfect, and the plot twists are unexpected and satisfying. Daisy felt well developed as a character and although I would say she was anything but likeable, I felt myself drawn in and very invested in her fates.

One of the most impressive aspects of ‘The Bride’ is how Nicholl tackles difficult subject matter such as death, violence and mental illness. He does so in a sensitive and thoughtful way that adds depth to the story without feeling exploitative.

Overall, ‘The Bride’ is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. John Nicholl has crafted a masterful tale that will leave readers breathless. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up all night, this is the one for you.

A LOVE LETTER TO MY HAIR STYLIST

1st Jun 2023 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Want to hear all about my pet hate? It’s an unusual one (in that live never heard anyone else talk about it) It’s the people that say ‘it’s just hair’. I know that sounds ridiculous but let me explain…

It’s not just hair for me. For so many people it is a huge part of their identity. A way to express yourself creatively. Something to hide behind or make you stand out from the crowd. Maybe going to the salon is your only time to relax away from work commitments and home life. Whatever the reason your hair is important to you it is valid and it’s ok to feel that way.

I’m sure we have all been through our fair share of hair horror stories. It took me YEARS to find someone who just ‘got’ me. I first met Sian (super stylist extraordinaire) in 2014 when I was pregnant with my son and in desperate need of a pick me up. I’d already lived in the area for three years and had COUNTLESS rubbish haircuts from expensive but very wonky fringes to mullet-like layers. It was not a good time for me and I was prepared for yet another disaster.

Then magic happened and it transformed my life and the way I saw myself.

I know it sounds terribly dramatic but that’s honestly how I felt. Lockdown has taught me many things, to be grateful for the life we have, to never take famly and friends for granted being the most important, but amongst all of that something I will take away with me is to never underestimate the power of a good stylist and the right haircut.

It takes a special kind of person to make others feel good about themselves countless times on a daily basis. It may not be considered a traditional caring profession but through the years Sian has made me laugh, listened to my troubles and asked for updates on my life. She’s seen me through special occasions, restyles and trims. Each and every time allowing me to walk out the door feeling like the absolute best version of myself.

I don’t know what kind of sorcery she possesses (actually I do. It’s years and thousands spent on training and constantly expanding her knowledge to keep up with every changing fashion and trends) but I feel so grateful to be able to benefit from it.

As an aside, I’d like to wish Sian Hair and Beauty a very happy 10 years in business! I’m thoroughly looking forward to the next 10!