Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Author: Elizabeth

  • That One Time in French Class…

    That One Time in French Class…

    You know those random memories that pop into your head out of nowhere and make you instantly cringe? That was me this morning on my drive to work. Out of the blue, I remembered one of my most embarrassing high school moments — and honestly, it still makes me laugh and cringe all at once.

    It was 2011, and I was a shy sophomore in my beginner’s French class. At the start of the year, we all got to choose a “French name” to go by for the semester. I picked Zazie (because someone else had already snagged Gigi, and yes, I was slightly bitter about it 😆).

    One day, I arrived to class a few minutes early and asked to use the bathroom. Totally normal, right? But as I’m in there minding my own business, I suddenly hear my teacher’s voice — calling out “Zazie!” in a perfect French accent. I froze mid-sentence (and mid-bathroom break). My first thought? Wait… did she follow me in here? It was so weird that I just stayed quiet, hoping I was imagining it.

    A few minutes later, the bell rings, and I walk back to class, proud of myself for not being late. But the second I walk in, the entire room is silent. My teacher stands up, looks right at me, and asks me to step into the hallway. I was so sure she was about to praise me or something — because that’s what she usually did when she pulled students aside.

    Nope.
    She accused me of lying about being in the bathroom.

    My jaw dropped. I was mortified. I told her I really was in the bathroom, and that I did hear her voice, but thought it was weird and didn’t know how to respond. She just shook her head and said, “No, you didn’t. You need to tell your friends what to do,” before walking back into the classroom — leaving the door wide open for everyone to hear.

    And there I was, bright red, walking back into class like nothing happened. Everyone stared for a second, then the lesson just… continued.

    Now, years later, it’s one of those stories that makes me laugh every time. I still have no idea why she thought I was lying, but I’ll never forget how small that moment made me feel — or how it quietly taught me to always speak up when someone gets it wrong.

    It’s funny how embarrassing moments can turn into lifelong lessons.
    (But seriously — what was that whole bathroom situation?!) 😂

    Do you have a high school story that still makes you cringe or laugh out loud? Drop it in the comments below — misery loves company!

    Drop some of your stories below!

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  • Recognizing Manipulation and Narcissistic Behavior (and Protect Your Peace)

    Recognizing Manipulation and Narcissistic Behavior (and Protect Your Peace)

    I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how easy it is for manipulation to sneak into our lives — sometimes through relationships, friendships, or even at work. It doesn’t always start with obvious red flags. Sometimes it’s subtle — a guilt trip here, a twisted story there — until one day you realize something feels off.

    Let’s start with what manipulation actually means.

    Manipulate (verb):
    To manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner — like manipulating someone’s feelings.

    Pretty straightforward, right? But when you see it play out in real life, it can be messy and confusing.

    When Manipulation Turns Toxic

    Manipulative people tend to act with their own interests in mind. They might hurt you intentionally, then pretend nothing happened. They may even gather harmless bits of information from you — only to use it later when it benefits them.

    At its worst, this behavior can overlap with traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) — which often includes:

    • An inflated sense of self-importance
    • A deep need for attention or admiration
    • A lack of empathy for others
    • Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships

    What’s tough is that people who manipulate rarely feel genuine remorse. They might say they do, but their actions usually tell a different story. If you call them out, they’ll often deflect, deny, or make it seem like you’re the one at fault.

    The Emotional “Gotcha” Game

    Have you ever had someone deliberately push your buttons, just to get a reaction?
    That’s exactly what manipulators want — an emotional “aha!” moment. They’ll poke at your insecurities or twist your words until you snap, then say things like:

    “See, I knew you were overreacting.”
    “You’re always so dramatic.”

    Sound familiar? It’s a classic move to shift blame and make you doubt yourself. But here’s the truth — your reaction is valid. Their behavior is what caused it, not you. The best way to handle it? Stay calm, breathe, and don’t let them drag you into their chaos.

    Listen to Your Gut

    Your intuition is powerful. If you feel uneasy around someone or constantly second-guess yourself, that’s not “overthinking” — that’s awareness. Trust it.

    Manipulators often start off charming and attentive, giving you all the validation you could want. Then, little by little, they pull away — leaving you wondering what changed. That emotional whiplash keeps you hooked, trying to get back to the version of them that doesn’t really exist.

    You don’t owe anyone endless chances or explanations. Protect your energy. If something feels off, it probably is.

    Believe it! Trust your intuition.

    Examples of Manipulative Behavior

    Manipulative or narcissistic individuals may:

    • Intentionally hurt you, then act like nothing happened.
    • Use your words or vulnerabilities against you later.
    • Twist facts or shift blame with phrases like “That’s up to you, believe what you want.”
    • Refuse to take responsibility, making you feel like the problem.
    • Withdraw affection or attention to keep you chasing their approval.

    These patterns are emotionally exhausting — and you don’t have to tolerate them. Awareness is the first step toward protecting yourself and building healthier relationships.

    Final Thoughts

    No one is perfect. We all have moments where we act selfishly or fail to communicate clearly. The difference lies in whether someone is willing to listen, learn, and grow — or whether they keep repeating the same harmful patterns.

    The key takeaway? Stay aware. Trust your gut. Set boundaries.
    And remember — manipulation says far more about them than it ever does about you.

  • 👻 A Haunted Adventure in Chicago: Ghosts, History, and a Little Bit of Lunch

    👻 A Haunted Adventure in Chicago: Ghosts, History, and a Little Bit of Lunch

    If you’ve been following my adventures for a while, you know I love three things: food, ghosts, and Chicago. So when I stumbled across a Facebook event for a haunted bus tour through the Windy City, I knew I had to go. A day filled with eerie stories, historic landmarks, and a good meal? That’s my kind of itinerary.

    The tour ran from 10 AM to 4 PM and even included lunch—perfection. Since Chicago is only a five-hour drive from home, I packed my bags, grabbed my camera, and hit the road. We stayed in a charming little suburb, just ten minutes from the train station, which made exploring the city so easy. I have to admit, taking the “L” again gave me a bit of nostalgia—it’s such a classic Chicago experience.

    Our haunted journey began at the historic Congress Hotel, a fittingly spooky place rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. I was thrilled to see that our tour guides were the same pair I’d met years ago on a similar trip. It felt like a full-circle moment, especially since one of my favorite memories growing up was going on ghost tours with my mom.

    🕯️ Historic Haunts & Chilling Stories

    Our first stop was the Battle of Fort Dearborn plaque—a quiet piece of history with an unsettling past. Many believe the area is still haunted by the soldiers who died there. It gave me chills to stand where such tragedy once took place, especially since the plaque is one of the only remaining markers of that historic event.

    Next, we visited the school once attended by Bobby Franks, the 14-year-old victim of Leopold and Loeb’s infamous 1924 murder case. Standing there, knowing what happened just down the street, was haunting in a very human way. The tragedy still lingers in the air.

    Of course, no Chicago ghost tour would be complete without a stop at the site of H.H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle.” Even though the building no longer stands, one of its original basement walls remains as part of the current post office’s foundation. Tour guides shared stories of workers who refuse to go down there alone, citing oppressive, negative energy. I couldn’t help but get goosebumps just listening.

    The conversation about Holmes’s mysterious death fascinated me—some believe he faked his execution, others that he switched identities. DNA testing hasn’t solved the mystery either, which makes his legend all the more eerie. I was genuinely shocked to learn he was allowed to be buried under concrete at his own request. The irony isn’t lost on me—his victims never got that choice.

    Then came the story of Richard Speck, the murderer of eight nurses in the 1960s. Standing in front of the apartment where it all happened was truly unsettling. One of our guides even shared that her aunt had been the neighbor who heard the lone survivor cry for help. It’s a chilling reminder of how these stories are not just tales from history—they happened to real people, in real neighborhoods.

    Battle of Fort Dearborn Plaque
    Location of the Richard Speck murders
    Where the main part of where the murder castle stood.
    Where the main part of where the murder castle stood.
    The location of the murder castle now is the location of a post office.

    🍗 Lunch with a Side of Ghosts

    After a morning filled with dark history, we stopped for lunch at The Great Escape Restaurant, known for its delicious comfort food and haunted past. The chicken and potatoes were absolutely divine—and as an Iowan, I can confirm their homemade ranch dressing was next-level good.

    The owner even joined us to share a few of his own paranormal encounters at the restaurant. Employees have seen apparitions, heard unexplainable noises, and some refuse to enter the basement alone. During renovations, they even unearthed two pairs of buried hands. (Yes—actual hands!) Needless to say, I didn’t ask for a basement tour.

    The Great Escape Restaurant
    The Great Escape Restaurant
    The restaurant’s windmill

    🌆 Final Thoughts

    Between the food, history, and paranormal tales, this ghost tour was everything I could’ve hoped for. Chicago never disappoints—whether you’re there for deep dish pizza, architecture, or stories that give you goosebumps.

    If you ever get the chance to take a haunted history tour, do it. You’ll walk away with incredible stories, a little more knowledge, and maybe even a few goosebumps of your own.

  • The Little Mermaid Live-Action: A Beautiful Wave of Representation

    The Little Mermaid Live-Action: A Beautiful Wave of Representation

    Disney recently announced that Halle Bailey will star as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid—and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s such a powerful moment for young girls everywhere to see another princess of color on the big screen.

    When The Princess and the Frog came out in 2009, I was already 13, and while I loved the idea of Tiana, I didn’t really get to experience that childhood magic of seeing someone who looked like me as a Disney princess. Having that kind of representation earlier would’ve meant the world.

    Of course, the casting has sparked plenty of online discussion—some positive, some not so much. But it’s important to remember that The Little Mermaid is a fairytale, not a cultural story rooted in specific traditions like Pocahontas. While Hans Christian Andersen was Danish, Disney’s version of Ariel was never tied to that culture. It’s a timeless story of curiosity, love, and finding your voice—and Halle Bailey’s take on Ariel is simply an evolution of that story for a new generation.

    I’m genuinely looking forward to watching this film in theaters. Seeing a Black actress step into such an iconic role feels monumental and long overdue. It also brings back fond memories of Brandy’s Cinderella—a magical, barrier-breaking performance that proved diversity belongs in every fairytale.

    And don’t worry—we’ll always have the beloved animated Ariel too. But this new Little Mermaid promises to bring something fresh, inclusive, and inspiring. Here’s to singing along (again) to Part of Your World—this time with even more heart. 💙🧜🏽‍♀️

    Her voice is amazing!

  • Game of Thrones Finale Thoughts: Sansa, the Hound, and Missed Opportunities

    Game of Thrones Finale Thoughts: Sansa, the Hound, and Missed Opportunities

    I still can’t believe Game of Thrones is over. Honestly, I’m still trying to wrap my head around that last episode… actually, the whole final season! But there’s one moment that really stuck with me — the conversation between Sansa and the Hound.

    “I heard you were broken in. Broken in rough.”

    “Without Littlefinger and Ramsay and the rest, I would have stayed a little bird all my life.”

    When I first heard that, I thought, okay, I get it — she’s saying her trauma made her stronger. And in a way, I do believe that people can grow through painful experiences. But the more I thought about it, the more uncomfortable it felt. It almost sounded like the show was saying Sansa’s abuse was the reason she became powerful — and that just doesn’t sit right with me.

    And what was the Hound getting at anyway? Was he saying he could’ve saved her? Or that she should’ve listened to him back in King’s Landing? I couldn’t tell if Sansa was brushing him off, being genuine, or just done with the conversation. It’s weird because there were so many other things that shaped who she became — watching her dad die, losing her family, surviving manipulation after manipulation. Why did the writers make this the defining piece?

    It’s not the first time the show’s handled these kinds of storylines in a questionable way. Remember Dany and Khal Drogo? The way that whole relationship was framed still makes me cringe. I’ve heard it’s written differently in the books, so it really makes me wonder why the show chose to go that route.

    Honestly, this whole season felt rushed — like they were checking boxes instead of letting the characters breathe. I wish the Sansa and Hound moment had been explored more, because it could’ve been such a meaningful scene. Instead, it just left me confused and a little disappointed.

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  • Game of Thrones Season 8 Finale: My Totally Chaotic Thoughts

    Game of Thrones Season 8 Finale: My Totally Chaotic Thoughts

    Welcome back to my messy brain dump about the Game of Thrones finale — because wow, what a ride. I can’t believe it’s actually over. Let’s relive the chaos together:

    1 Grey Worm… really? You’re doing way too much right now.

    2 Jon Snow — looking fine as always, but also, babe, what are you doing?

    3 Tyrion out here telling it like it is. Yes, king, speak your truth!

    4 Daenerys… girl, what happened to you? Chill. Please.

    5 I mean, yeah, she has to go — but does it have to be Jon?

    6 WAIT. He did it?! Oh no. Oh yes? Oh no again.

    7 That’s it? That’s how she goes out? I feel robbed.

    8 Drogon crying over her body — okay, that broke me. 😭

    9. What?

    10. Sansa! Yes, tell that man to sit down. HAHA.

    11. Aww, Sam.

    12. Okay, Bran.

    13. What?

    14. Uhhhh.

    15. Oh, so now you’re finally gonna pet him?

    16. What?

    17. Okay, Arya.

    18. What?

    19. Sansa, yes! Queen!!

    Ayye!
    Her tiara is perfect!

    20. What?

    21. What?

    22. Seriously!?



    After that, I had to restart the episode just to make sure I hadn’t blacked out and missed something. Like, Tyrion gets off easy, but Jon goes back to the Night’s Watch? Make it make sense.

    At least Sansa ended up where she belongs — in charge and looking stunning with that tiara. Queen behavior only. 👑

    The finale wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t a total disaster either. I’m just glad we survived it together. Our watch has ended… now bring on the spinoffs!

    I want it, I got it

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  • Game of Thrones: My Completely Unfiltered Reactions Ep 4

    Game of Thrones: My Completely Unfiltered Reactions Ep 4

    Welcome back to my disorganized thoughts while watching Game of Thrones! I’ve been waiting for this episode all week — especially with Emilia Clarke hyping it up. Obviously, I pulled out the biggest TV I could find (okay fine, it was my projector), because this deserved a cinematic moment.

    Alright, let’s get into my real-time chaos:

    1 NO. I said, RING THE BELLS!

    2 Dany, babe… you’re spiraling. Did you have to kill Varys? Actually… maybe. That food scene was weird.

    3 YES. Battle time! Go off, Grey Worm!

    4 Wait—just ring the bells, everyone.

    5 YES! (for now?)

    6 Oh… oh no.

    7 GREY WORM, STOP!

    Image result for jon snow episode 5
    Look at him all shocked -_-


    8 Jon, please, I need you to get it together.

    9 Dany! Girl! Just go for the castle and chill. You’re doing too much.


    10 Jon, handle these people. Please.

    11 Arya 😭 — and the Hound?! What a moment. Also, wait… who else has green eyes??

    12 Cersei, run girl, RUN.

    13 ARYA?! Not like this! Not after all that! (Meanwhile, I’m nervously opening and closing my peanut can like it’s a stress ball.)

    14 Arya, honey, breathe.

    15 Jon, just leave.

    16 She really killed that mom and daughter… wow.

    17 WHAT?! She got burned by the dragon?!

    18 Oh wait, never mind. False alarm.

    19 And Cersei… that’s it? That’s the death we get? Too soft. I’m mad.


    By the end, I was just sitting there like… okay, HBO, I feel the difference between your writing and the books. Dany has officially gone full villain, and someone’s gotta stop her.

    Also — WHO has the green eyes?! I’m losing sleep over this. 😅

    This episode gave me straight-up anxiety. I kept opening and closing my peanut can the whole time like it was gonna fix something. I’ve always said I’d be a Stark, and honestly, tonight just confirmed it. ❄️

    Can’t wait for the finale (and the documentary!) — but until then, tell me in the comments: what house are you?

  • Game of Thrones: Episode 3 — My Disorganized Thoughts (a.k.a. The One Where I Yelled at My TV)

    Game of Thrones: Episode 3 — My Disorganized Thoughts (a.k.a. The One Where I Yelled at My TV)

    Holy Honey Bunches of Oats, y’all — welcome to my chaotic thoughts about Episode 3! 🐉 I spent most of this episode trying to figure out who was fighting who, where everyone was, and if anyone could see through all that darkness. But here we go…

    1. Really?! They had to put Ghost front and center like that? Nope. I’m stressed already. Did he even survive?! I saw screenshots that say yes, but when I watched the preview… nada. I’m suspicious. 👀
    2. Grey Worm, please live. I’m begging you. You and Missandei deserve your beach retirement moment.
    3. Lady Lyanna Mormont — nooo 😭! The smallest warrior with the biggest courage. Who’s going to keep shaming grown men now?
    4. Arya, my queen, is out here kicking all kinds of undead ass. Honestly, not surprised.
    5. Knew it! The crypts were not safe. I’ve been saying this for weeks. The dead are literally rising, and y’all hid in the basement with the dead? Make it make sense.
    6. Also, Jon Snow, my dude — WHY are you walking so slow?! Move those legs!
    7. Dany almost died like three times, and every time I screamed, “OPE! Nope, she’s good.”
    8. Jon yelling at that dragon was both brave and dumb. I was like, “Sir, that’s a dragon, not a puppy.”
    9. And ARYA. My hero. Assassin. Legend. Where did she even come from at the end?! Like, ninja stealth level: 1000. That jump?! I gasped, yelled, maybe threw a pillow.

    A
    R
    Y
    A

    You absolute bad bitch. 🙌

    Closing Thoughts

    Okay, okay — that was wild. I’m still recovering. I’m convinced Arya is the only reason anyone survived. I hope she’s the one to take down Cersei next (though I’m scared to hope for too much). And it does look like Grey Worm made it!

    Until next time, my fellow anxious Thrones watchers — may your torches stay lit and your faves stay alive.

    Image result for lady mormont and giant



  • Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 2 Recap: My Disorganized Thoughts (and a Whole Lot of Feelings)

    Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 2 Recap: My Disorganized Thoughts (and a Whole Lot of Feelings)

    Okay, Thrones fam — Episode 2 had me feeling every emotion possible. From Ghost’s return to Arya’s… big moment… to Dany being Dany, here’s my totally disorganized (but deeply felt) breakdown.

    🐺 1. GHOST IS BACK!

    Our fluffy boy has returned, and my heart is full. Hi, sweet baby Ghost — please don’t leave us. I’m begging.

    ⚔️ 2. Arya Said, “I’m a Grown Woman Now”

    WELL. That happened. I’ve got so many mixed feelings — proud, shocked, uncomfortable, impressed. Maisie Williams may be 20 now, but my brain still sees her as little Arya with her sword lessons. Still, good for her! Just praying no one walked in mid-scene.

    👑 3. Dany, Sweetie, Let’s Talk

    So… Dany finds out Jon is her nephew and immediately focuses on the part where he’s the rightful heir? Girl. Maybe pause and process the other detail? I swear she’s getting more power-hungry by the minute. If she and Jon both survive, that’s gonna be one awkward family dinner.

    🌴 4. Grey Worm & Missandei Deserve Better

    They’re preparing to die and still worried about racism in the North. Like… y’all. Can we not? I just want them to run off and live happily ever after on a sunny beach somewhere. They’ve earned it.

    😍 5. Tormund. Just… Tormund.

    That’s it. That’s the note. Marry me, wildling daddy.

    💭 Final Thoughts

    If one more person says the women and children will be “safe in the crypts,” I’m calling it now — something is going to go horribly wrong down there.

    Also, Sansa? She’s basically me. The facial expressions, the energy, the quiet judgment. All of it.

    Until next week — let’s mentally prepare (and emotionally crumble) together. 💀Welcome to my disorganized thoughts after watching GOT Episode 2 of Season 8.

    Image result for aint nobody got time for that
    Don’t be walkin’ on somebody
    Image result for episode 2 game of thrones
    Image result for heart emoji


  • Things to Do in Ames, Iowa (From a Local!)

    Things to Do in Ames, Iowa (From a Local!)

    Ames, IA — gotta give my hometown some love! I’ve lived here since I was born, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you’re a prospective student visiting Iowa State University or just passing through central Iowa, there are so many hidden gems worth checking out.

    🦆 Mucky Duck Pub

    The Mucky Duck Pub is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Ames. The food is great, the atmosphere is cozy, and they even carry treats from across the pond. When I was in France, my mom introduced me to her favorite candy bar — the Lion Bar — and I was thrilled to find it again here. Total nostalgia moment!

    If you get the chance, stop by on St. Patrick’s Day for their buffet-style Irish breakfast. My Irish ancestry is thankful… but my diabetes? Not so much. 😅

    🍜 Grandpa Noodle Gallery

    This local favorite was run by two Iowa State grads and featured incredible noodle dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. My go-to order was the “create your own noodles” — mixing sauces, veggies, and toppings into the perfect comfort meal. Sadly, they closed at the end of 2019, but I’ll always have fond memories (and a few noodle cravings).

    💉 Hugo and Mump’s Heroic Ink

    When it comes to tattoos and piercings in Ames, Heroic Ink is the only place I trust. Tracy is my artist of choice — she’s talented, professional, and always makes sure I’m comfortable and informed.

    Bonus: every so often, Hugo teaches monster-drawing classes at the Workspace in the Memorial Union. And if you’re looking for a fun Friday night activity, check out their Paint Your Own Pottery workshops — it’s such a relaxing, creative way to end the week!

    💆 Pure Luxe Salon and Spa

    Pure Luxe is one of my favorite salons in town. The team is incredibly friendly, and they genuinely care about their clients and the community. Fridays are especially great — they offer $5 waxes, which is perfect if you’re on a beauty budget. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling pampered and refreshed.

    🎨 Siricasso

    If you haven’t heard of Siricasso, you’re missing out. He’s a wildly talented local artist who creates custom designs on jackets, shoes, and murals — pretty much anything you can dream up. Check out his Facebook page to see his work. I absolutely love my customized jacket from him! #SaveTheArt

    Ames may be a small town, but it’s full of creativity, flavor, and good people. Whether you’re here for school, visiting family, or just exploring, I hope you’ll enjoy these local favorites as much as I do.

    What are your go-to spots in Ames? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to check them out!