Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Category: Product Reviews & Favorites

  • Parenting in the Toddler Tornado: Our Favorite Toddler Must-Haves for Screen-Free Fun, Creative Play & Calm Bedtimes

    Parenting in the Toddler Tornado: Our Favorite Toddler Must-Haves for Screen-Free Fun, Creative Play & Calm Bedtimes


    If you’re navigating the toddler-tornado phase (big feelings, bigger energy, and an attention span of about eight seconds 😅), you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not underprepared.

    My toddler is currently 3 years old, so we’re right in the thick of it, figuring out what actually keeps him engaged, happy, and (somewhat) calm throughout the day.

    These are the tried-and-true toddler favorites and toddler must-haves that have been lifesavers in our home. From soothing bath time routines to screen-free storytelling and open-ended play, these are the items we reach for again and again.

    Perfect for parents of toddlers ages 1-4, especially those navigating the busy preschool transition stage.

    🌿 Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath

    When my little guy is stuffy, grumpy, or winding down from a cold, this is my go-to.

    A warm bath with this gentle essential oil blend helps him relax, breathe easier, and settle in for the evening. We’ve used it since he was a baby, and he still asks for his “bubbly bath!”

    We also love the lavender-scented Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath, especially for our bedtime routine. The calming lavender scent makes it the perfect option before bed and helps create a cozy, relaxing environment for winding down after a busy toddler day.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Soothing, calming, and makes sick days feel just a little more manageable

    🛁 Best for:
    Bedtime routines, congestion, and cozy wind-downs

    Shop: Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Vapor Bath

    Note: Always check with your pediatrician if your child has sensitive skin or specific health concerns.

    🌼 Botanical Garden Membership

    If you have access to a botanical garden near you, go! It’s hands down one of the best family memberships we’ve purchased during the toddler years.

    Botanical gardens offer the perfect combination of nature, movement, sensory experiences, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re exploring seasonal flowers, butterfly exhibits, walking trails, children’s gardens, or indoor conservatories, there’s always something new for toddlers to discover.

    For our family, that place is Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa. The butterfly wing, insect zoo, beautiful walking paths, and indoor conservatory have provided countless adventures throughout the year. It’s especially wonderful during cold Midwest winters when outdoor play isn’t always an option.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Perfect mix of movement, nature, and sensory exploration

    🌿 Best for:
    Burning toddler energy and easy, low-prep outings

    ✨ Mom tip:
    Purchase a membership and visit often. Short, frequent visits are toddler gold.

    Shop / Explore: Reiman Gardens Membership | Reiman Gardens (homepage & hours)

    If you’re local, don’t miss my full guide: Fun Things to Do Around Ames, Iowa

    🎨 Truly Washable Markers, Crayons, Paint & Chalk

    One word: washable.

    Because if you have a toddler, you already know, art doesn’t stay on paper. (We’re talking walls, clothes, hands… the dog 🫠)

    Washable markers, crayons, washable paint, and sidewalk chalk give toddlers the freedom to create while giving parents a little peace of mind.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Freedom to create without stressing over the mess

    🎨 Best for:
    Independent play and easy indoor activities

    ✨ Mom tip:
    Keep a small art bin ready to go for quick activity resets

    Shop: Crayola Washable Products

    🎧 Tonies (Screen‑Free Stories & Songs)

    This has been one of our favorite screen-free swaps.

    The Toniebox is designed for little hands. Just pop a character on top and stories or songs start instantly. No menus, no screens, no fuss.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Encourages independence, imagination, and quiet play

    🎧 Best for:
    Rest time or winding down in the evening

    ✨ Mom tip:
    Rotate characters weekly to keep things fresh and exciting

    Shop: Tonies

    🍳 Play Kitchen (Hours. Of. Fun.)

    While I’m cooking dinner, he’s right beside me making his own “meals.”

    We chose the Member’s Mark wooden play kitchen, and it’s been worth every second of the (long 😅) assembly time.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Encourages pretend play and mimics real-life routines

    🍳 Best for:
    Parallel play while you cook or clean

    ✨ Mom tip:
    Add a few real (safe) kitchen items for even more engagement

    Shop: Member’s Mark Kitchen Play Center (Sam’s Club) | Member’s Mark Deluxe Wooden Kitchen Playset (Sam’s Club) | Amazon listing (model variant/availability varies)

    🍝 Play‑Doh Kitchen Sets (Open‑Ended, Imaginative Play)

    Play-Doh truly never misses.

    The kitchen-themed sets are such a fun way to spark creativity. Tiny pasta dishes, cupcakes, pretend meals… all toddler-approved.

    We’ve also had great success with easy-clean slime as an occasional sensory activity. It provides a different texture experience and can keep little hands busy for surprisingly long stretches of time.

    ⚠️ Parent Note: Make sure your child is old enough to understand that Play-Doh and slime are for playing, not eating. Always supervise younger children during sensory play activities.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Creative, hands-on play that keeps little hands busy

    🍝 Best for:
    Rainy days and structured playtime

    ✨ Mom tip:
    Use wax paper or a washable placemat underneath for easy cleanup

    Shop: Play‑Doh Playsets (Hasbro official) | Busy Chef’s Restaurant (Hasbro product page) | Amazon category page (Kitchen Creations)

    🦸 Superhero Dress‑Up (Masks Included!)

    Costumes are on repeat at our house. Hulk, Spider-Man, Superman… you name it.

    A simple set of capes and masks goes a long way and grows with your child.

    💡 Why we love it:
    Encourages imagination, movement, and storytelling

    🦸 Best for:
    High-energy play and creative adventures

    ✨ Mom tip:
    Look for Velcro closures and washable materials

    Shop: Kids superhero capes & masks (Amazon roundup) | Superhero cape & mask set options

    💌 Want More Toddler‑Tested Favorites?

    I’m sharing what’s actually working for us in this season of motherhood, the wins, the chaos, and everything in between. ✨

    You’ll get: ✔ toddler favorites ✔ simple activity ideas ✔ real-life motherhood moments ✔ seasonal family fun 

    Subscribe and join me in the chaos (and magic) of toddler life 💕

  • My Favorite Baby Products as a First-Time Mom ☕💛

    My Favorite Baby Products as a First-Time Mom ☕💛

    Hey there, mama (and all the wonderful helpers out there)!
    Welcome in — I’m so glad you’re here. When I became a first-time mom, I quickly learned that finding the right baby gear can feel like a full-time job.

    Every baby and family is different, but these are the products that made our days a little smoother, easier, and happier. Maybe some of these will make your life easier too — or at least give you some registry inspiration.

    So grab a warm cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in! ☕

    🍼 WillowGo Pump

    Oh, the WillowGo Pump — where do I even start? I wish I had started using it sooner. This cordless, hands-free pump gave me so much freedom. No more being stuck next to an outlet or tangled in cords. I could take walks, do laundry, or comfort my baby while pumping — total game-changer.

    Pro tip: Start with a regular (plug-in) pump when your milk first comes in, then switch to something cordless like this once your supply is established. The convenience is unmatched.

    It’s an investment, but my insurance helped cover part of it — and if that’s not an option for you, there are plenty of great, budget-friendly cordless pumps available too.

    💡 Bonus tip: Keep a manual pump by your bedside for those middle-of-the-night feeds. It’s a quiet lifesaver!

    🤱 BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One

    I wanted to love babywearing from day one — and once I found the right carrier, I did!

    I started with the Solly baby wrap, which was soft and cozy but tricky to tie when I was running on coffee and four hours of sleep. Eventually, I switched to the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One, and it made all the difference.

    It’s structured, easy to use, and has a removable newborn seat that adjusts as your little one grows (up to about three years old!). It’s comfortable for both of us and perfect for walks, errands, or just getting things done at home.

    Looking back, I probably would’ve gone straight for this carrier from the start. It’s that good.

    🧼 Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Baby Bottle and Pacifier Sterilizer and Dryer

    I wasn’t sure if I needed a sterilizer at first — but now I can’t imagine going without it. The Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Sterilizer and Dryer saves so much time and peace of mind.

    It sanitizes, dries, and stores bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts all in one cycle. No more towel drying or guessing if something’s really clean. It’s become part of my daily routine, and I love it.

    🛁 Soft & Snuggly Bath Time Favorites

    Bath time is one of my favorite parts of the day — baby giggles, splashes, and that sweet clean-baby smell.

    I absolutely love the Norwex washcloths washcloths. They’re OEKO-TEX® certified (meaning tested for harmful substances) and some of the softest cloths we own. It’s comforting to know that I can trust this product to be safe for my little one.

    For towels, I found a super soft, budget-friendly option on Temu that’s been a hit. Sometimes I toss it in the dryer before bath time so it’s warm and cozy — my baby lights up when I wrap him in it.

    🎹 Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

    This one was a surprise hit! My baby wasn’t into his first playmat, but the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym? He loves it.

    Watching him kick the piano keys and smile at the lights never gets old. It keeps him engaged longer than any other toy so far — definitely worth adding to your registry.

    🌿 Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath

    When my little guy came down with his first cold, the Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath was a lifesaver. I bathed him two or three times a day when he wasn’t feeling well, and it truly seemed to help ease his symptoms.

    It made those tough sick days a little softer — and gave both of us some much-needed comfort.

    💭 Final Thoughts & Little Extras

    If you’re building your Amazon Baby Registry, keep an eye out for sales and the 15% completion discount — I waited for both and saved quite a bit!

    If I could go back, I’d add an outdoor play yard (especially since I had my son in May — perfect for sunny days!), and of course, stock up on diapers, wipes, and baby Tylenol.

    Motherhood is messy, magical, and full of learning curves — and finding products that make it smoother is such a gift. I hope some of these finds help you too.

    If you’ve tried any of these or have your own must-haves, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Sharing what works is one of the best parts of this journey.

    Thanks for stopping by — and if you enjoyed this post, feel free to send me a coffee ❤ — it keeps the writing (and the mom-ing) going! ☕

    Send me a coffee ❤

  • 💍 My Honest Review of the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box

    💍 My Honest Review of the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box

    Wedding planning can be so exciting — and a little overwhelming! That’s why I’ve fallen in love with small moments of joy along the way, like my latest discovery: the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box. If you’re a bride-to-be looking for a bit of monthly magic, this one’s for you. Each box is beautifully curated with over $120 worth of bridal goodies, designed to make the wedding planning process feel more special (and way more fun).

    When I subscribed, I decided to skip the Intro Box and go straight for the themed monthly boxes — best decision ever! I had tried another bridal box before, but the items just didn’t feel “me.” Maeven, on the other hand, nailed it. Every piece felt thoughtful, stylish, and high-quality. Here’s a peek at what came in my first box — and why I’m already hooked.

    🧶 MRS. Knit Pom Pom Hat

    I couldn’t love this hat more if I tried! Living in Iowa means cold winters, so this cozy “MRS.” knit pom hat couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It’s soft, cute, and perfect for those snowy morning coffee runs. Definitely going to be a winter staple!

    ☕ “MRS.” Glass Mug

    I’m obsessed with this mug — it’s so simple, elegant, and perfect for that newlywed glow-up. My fiancé and I are currently house hunting, and I can already picture myself sipping morning coffee from my “Mrs.” mug in our first home together. (Manifesting that kitchen counter moment ✨).

    🎈 Pop Fizz Clink Sign, Ring Balloons, & Acrylic Tag

    These are going to be so fun to use for upcoming celebrations! The “Pop Fizz Clink” sign will make a cute addition to my bridal shower mimosa bar, and I love the idea of reusing it for the bachelorette party — or even the wedding reception. The acrylic ornament/bag tag will be perfect for our honeymoon luggage (we’re still deciding between Japan and Canada — I’ll keep you posted!).

    🧦 Bride Vibes Socks

    Okay, these made me laugh because I literally had a similar pair that my fiancé stretched out with his giant feet. So, I’m thrilled to have a fresh pair that’s just mine this time! They’re soft, comfy, and perfect for those cozy nights of wedding planning with a glass of wine in hand.

    Overall, I am so impressed with Maeven’s attention to detail and quality. It truly feels like a box full of joy every month — perfect for brides who want a little luxury during the whirlwind of wedding prep.

    If you’re considering subscribing, I say go for it! It’s such a sweet way to celebrate your engagement journey and make every step toward “I do” feel a little more magical. 💕

    Have you tried Maeven (or another bridal box)? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below — let’s share some bride-to-be excitement together!

    I am absolutely delighted with the contents of this month’s Maeven subscription box. As a self-proclaimed leader in luxury bridal subscription boxes, Maeven has certainly lived up to their reputation. I am eagerly looking forward to discovering what surprises the next box holds. If you are considering subscribing or are already a subscriber, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s connect and share our excitement!

    Send a coffee ❤

    Don’t forget to subscribe!

  • ✨ Fall FabFitFun 2020 Box Review — Worth the Hype?

    ✨ Fall FabFitFun 2020 Box Review — Worth the Hype?

    Woohoo! My #FabFitFun box finally arrived — and let me tell you, it was worth the wait! There was a little mix-up with my debit card (I had to replace it due to a security issue), so my add-ons didn’t go through in time. Sadly, that meant missing out on the Botkier New York Trigger Backpack I had my eye on, but the rest of the box totally made up for it.

    Here’s what came in my Fall 2020 FabFitFun box and my honest thoughts on each item:

    💁‍♀️ FOXYBAE 25mm Black Curling Wand with Rose Gold Barrel

    I’ve always wanted to try a curling wand, and this one is absolutely gorgeous. The rose gold detailing gives it such a luxe feel! I can’t wait to use it for soft, bouncy curls — especially for holiday events.

    👓 Nectar Sunglasses Blue Light Blocking Glasses in Brown Tortoise

    Hands down, my favorite item from the entire box! Since I work from home and spend hours in front of my computer, these blue light glasses are a total game changer. If you didn’t get these in your box, I highly recommend grabbing a pair.

    💧 Masontops® Glass Water Bottle with Neoprene Sleeve in Turquoise

    This bottle is adorable and eco-friendly! I love that it’s glass with a protective sleeve. The turquoise color isn’t usually my vibe, but it’s growing on me — plus, it keeps my water cold for hours.

    ✨ Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

    This one was just okay for me. I know Dr. Dennis Gross has a great reputation, but this serum didn’t wow me. Still, I’ll give it a fair shot in my skincare routine before making a final call.

    🍴 HIP Cutlery Set

    Such a cute and practical surprise! I probably wouldn’t have picked this out myself, but I love having a reusable set on hand for quick lunches or picnics. Bonus points for the fun color.

    🎃 Voesh® New York Pedicure in a Box Duo – Pumpkin Spice

    Confession: I’m not the biggest pumpkin spice fan (I know, shocking for fall!). But I do love a good self-care moment, and this will pair perfectly with my at-home foot bath.

    💆‍♀️ Tokyo Perfect Repair Treatment Masque

    My hair needed this! After years of coloring, it’s been through a lot. I’m taking a break from dyeing for now, so this repairing mask is exactly what my hair deserves.

    💫 The Beauty Crop® Glow Milk

    I wouldn’t have chosen this myself, but it’s fun to experiment with new makeup. The Glow Milk gives a nice dewy finish — perfect for when you want that fresh, radiant look.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, I’m so happy with this season’s FabFitFun box! It had the perfect mix of beauty, wellness, and lifestyle goodies. Even though I missed out on my add-on, I’m still thrilled with what I received. I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store for the Winter box!

    Did you get the Fall 2020 box too? Which item was your favorite? Let me know in the comments — I love comparing notes with other subscribers!