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:

GETTING DIVORCED IN YOUR TWENTIES: THE REALITY

8th Mar 20228th Jun 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Marrying in my early twenties seemed like the natural progression for me. As a young mother I was already so much more mature than my years (or so I thought) and just wanted to settle down. I craved stability.

As far as taboo subjects go this may not be one you have really put much thought into but divorce in your twenties comes with more baggage than you would ever realise. Not only did I have to deal with my marriage breaking down and my own personal thoughts and feelings associated with that but also everyone else’s opinions. Believe me, there were plenty of those!

On paper we were married for over five years, in reality it was barely eighteen months. The shame and disappointment in myself was overwhelming. It was suffocating at times and if I’m honest that was harder to deal with than the breakup itself. I wanted to hide and heal. Divorce wasn’t something that happened to people my age, was it? It felt like a dirty word, sour in my mouth. My social media was full of photographs and memories. Even now many years later I’m still reminded of things I’d usually rather forget.

Whilst my family were amazing for the most part I won’t pretend that there wasn’t an element of ‘I told you so’ in the air. Attitudes like that can be so damaging to a persons mental health at such a vulnerable time. The experience has really taught me more than I ever realised about how important it is to be considerate and kind. Not to judge and that gossip really is the devil.

The fear of giving into failure can ultimately be the thing that keeps you in an unsuccessful marriage and if I could give anyone in my position some advice it would be to never, ever feel ashamed of choosing the path that’ll make you happy in the long run. The short term may seem daunting, even terrifying but before you know it you’ll look back with nothing but relief.

Our experiences are never entirely negative. You can learn so much from what you perceive as a waste of time. I came away from my marriage knowing more about myself and who I wanted to be in the future. I’m stronger, wiser and more grounded than I ever was. My thirties may have started with an ending, but that made way for some beautiful new beginnings and for that I will be forever grateful.

RESOLUTIONS AND REGRETS (BLOGMAS – DAY THIRTY-ONE)

31st Dec 20218th Jun 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

…and just like that it’s New Years Eve again. 2021 has been a strange one. Little snippets of a reality we used to know interspersed with a ‘new normal’.

I feel like I’ve had a permanent headache trying to wrap my brain around what I should or shouldn’t be doing. I’m sure many of you feel the same.

Anyway, I digress. This year has been filled with isolation, binged box sets and far too many biscuits. I don’t want to fall into the old ‘New Year, New Me’ trap but in 2022 I’m making some changes!

Exercise…

I have NEVER been a fan of exercise. However, I will begrudgingly admit that when I do throw myself into some semblance of a routine I do feel better for it. Not just physically but mentally too.

I don’t necessarily feel the need to lose weight, I’m undoubtedly at the heaviest I have ever been (pregnancy excluded) but actually feel quite confident in myself. I would like to be healthier though. Since having covid late last year I would definitely say I’ve been more sluggish, I really hope this is something I can overcome with a better diet and exercise.

I guess it would also be nice to look and feel my best on my wedding day!

Do well at uni…

I’m about to embark on my second term of uni and it’s going well so far! I’m really enjoying it and honestly, I think it was something I desperately needed.

Whilst the course might have taken me by surprise I feel comfortable in my growth and really hope that I can keep it up.

I so want 2022 to be the year that I absolutely SMASH my first two modules. I think that would be a highlight for me. With a creative writing assignment on the horizon as well as some intense reading I’ve got some hard work ahead!

Make memories…

With 2020 & 2021 being somewhat a waste of bloody time I feel like now more than ever is all about seizing the day and really grabbing every piece of happiness you possibly can.

I want to live my life and create the most beautiful memories with my loved ones. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Manifest…

This might sound a bit loopy but I experimented with manifesting back in the summer and can honestly say (in my own experience) that it genuinely works. I really want to try and implement that positive frame of mind into my daily life next year.

I truly believe that good things are coming my way and I am so ready for them!

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Do you have any regrets you’d like to rectify?

3 FAMILY BOARD GAMES THAT WILL HAVE YOU CRYING WITH LAUGHTER (BLOGMAS – DAY THIRTY)

30th Dec 20218th Jun 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

My family are the biggest board game fans I know. We have regular get togethers that revolve around whatever the newest release is and have been known to spend hours laughing/arguing over them.

Here are my top 3 choices right now!

Telestrations

Each player begins by sketching a TELESTRATIONS word dictated by the roll of a die. The old-fashioned sand timer may limit the amount of time they get to execute their sketch, but it certainly doesn’t limit creativity!
Time’s up! All players, all at the same time, pass their sketch to the next player, who must guess what’s been drawn. Players then simultaneously pass their guess — which hopefully matches the original word (or does it??) — to the next player who must try to draw the word they see.
smythstoys.com

This game has led to THE MOST ridiculous amount of belly laughs I have ever had in my life. The sheer ridiculously of it is astounding. It sounds so easy yet somehow we manage to absolutely annihilate any sense of sensible behaviour we may have possessed. Honestly, it’s hilarious.

Colourbrain

YOU START WITH THE ANSWERS
All the answers you need in Colourbrain are in your hand. And they’re all colours!
300 COLOURFUL QUESTIONS
What colour is the lid on full-fat milk… what colour is a sharon fruit… which colour cards would you put down?
bigpotato.co.uk

The concept is so simple (which I love! There is nothing worse than spending half the evening reading the over complicated instructions of a subpar game). As a family Colourbrain is a favourite of ours. With a group of mixed ages it can sometimes be tough to find something that’s suits everyone but this is a winner!

Top of the Pops

TUNE IN, POP OUT
Top of the Pops is back and this time it has got kazoos!

MUSIC FOR EVERYONE
You don’t have to be a music genius to play this game, you just need to know a few songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and beyond

BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Round 1: shout out (or sing) songs against the clock. Round 2: get your team to guess the artist by saying one word, quoting lyrics or murdering one of their hits on your kazoo.
bigpotato.co.uk

One word…kazoo!

This one is so much harder than it sounds so absolutely worth it for the half hour on a off ugly crying from laughter it caused on Boxing Day. If you’ve ever wondered what a Moose in mating season might sound like then ask my father-in-law to give you a song on the kazoo.

Have you played any good ones lately?

MERRY CHRISTMAS! (BLOGMAS – DAY TWENTY-FIVE)

25th Dec 20218th Jun 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Just a quick word from me today, I’m sure you’re all busy!

However you choose to celebrate or not celebrate the day I truly hope it’s a great one.

I know this time of year can be difficult for many. Losing loved ones, battling personal difficulties and just the general slog of working through our new normal has taken it’s toll but there is always something to be thankful for.

Merry Christmas!

Love always, Kelly x

MY EXPERIENCE WITH MALE FRIENDSHIPS (BLOGMAS – DAY NINETEEN)

19th Dec 202118th Dec 2021 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Friendship is a funny thing isn’t it? The act of just finding a person and claiming them in a sense.

I wouldn’t say I’ve struggled with it as such but I’ve always been quite introverted in a way, perfectly happy in my own company and always tending to stick to small friendship groups. I’ve been that way ever since childhood and looking back the majority of those friendships have been with other women which I guess is more or less normal?

Then there’s ‘that’ woman. You know the type. Claims to just not click with ‘the girls’. Men are easier, less drama. We all roll our eyes and make snide comments at such attention seeking because that’s what it is, isn’t it?

However, back in 2015 I started a new job that would change my perspective massively.

Having moved to a completely new area a few years before I didn’t really have many local friends. My job previous to that was a very fast paced retail environment so whilst I had met some lovely people I hadn’t built many lasting relationships of anything more than passing acquaintances.

Working in a much more social setting it was easier to make friends although with it being extremely male dominated it was only a matter of time before I realised I was now ‘that’ woman.

Obviously for me it wasn’t a conscious decision. It was circumstantial but never the less a welcome change. I relished being the only female in my little group. I was well looked after and actually now I can reflect back on that period of my life with honesty, I was spoiled.

My relationship at the time wasn’t a great one to begin with but he definitely wasn’t a fan of my new social life.

This is just my personal experience but I find that I constantly compare myself to my female friends and we all know that comparison is the thief of joy. I now had a newfound confidence because that just didn’t happen to me around these men. In actual fact, they helped me to see myself in a new non critical light. There were never any romantic feelings unrequited or otherwise. Just a really lovely friendship with a group of people who ‘got’ me but happened to be male.

I can also honestly say that in all that time I only ever came across one woman who didn’t immediately welcome my presence in their boyfriends life. We did eventually become friends ourselves though and I put the initial frostiness down to insecurity.

I’m writing this post from a bit of an unusual perspective because whilst I 100% believe that men and women can have a purely platonic relationship I am also the insecure girlfriend who doesn’t understand why another woman would want to be friends with her man. I know that sounds ridiculous. I don’t get it myself.

I completely understand how these types of friendships can come between relationships. As humans we don’t always act in a fair and logical way and a lot of us have deep-seated insecurities that mean we find the presence of a new person an instant threat to our relationship regardless of if we trust our partner or not.

As it stands I now have three friendship groups. Two full of my closest girlfriends and the other where I am the only female. These groups all offer me completely different things, having met them at different times in my life. I would definitely say that I now understand why there are women out there who tend to drift more towards male friendships. They do offer something completely different, a different way of seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes and at that particular time in my life it was exactly what I needed. It hit me through a period where I was broken. It saved me in ways I didn’t realise I needed saving and taught me to love myself in ways I didn’t know I could.

I wouldn’t say I’m now exclusively ‘that’ woman but I certainly get it. It’s not as clear cut as I initially thought.

MARK’S TOMATO, CHILLI AND ROASTED RED PEPPER SOUP (BLOGMAS – DAY FIVE)

5th Dec 20218th Jun 2022 by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Is anyone else bloody freezing right now? Those pesky (but very cosy!) colder months always seem like the perfect time to share one of my favourite recipes with you all and you’re in for a treat!

Hands up, this recipe actually belongs to my fiancé. However, I actually do a good 90% of the cooking in our house and have perfected this myself so I feel entitled to share! With these quantities you should have about 2600ml of soup at the end. Roughly enough for approximately 8 portions at 140 calories each. You will need…

6 red peppers
1200g (3 tins) of plum tomatoes
3 red chillis
4 cloves of garlic
3 medium onions
900ml of vegetable stock (2 cubes mixed with 900ml of water)
4 tbsp of tomato purée
4 sticks of celery
Olive oil
1 tbsp of chilli flakes
1 tbsp of chilli powder
25g of butter
Cream and basil (to garnish)

Chop the peppers, garlic, onions and chilli peppers then throw them into a roasting tin along with the plum tomatoes and olive oil in the oven for half an hour on a medium heat (gas mark 6).

Melt the butter in a pan and sauté the celery. Create the vegetable stock and add the puree, chilli flakes and powder then mix with the butter and celery.

Sometimes I like to add my favourite hot sauce here as well but that is all down to individual tastes.

Remove the roasting tin from the oven and add the contents to the pan. Blend to desired consistency.

Add cream and basil and a side of your favourite bread! Pretty simple right?

I would love to know if you guys decide to give it a go so make sure you take pics and tag me on social media!