Banner that says "Cupcakes and Tea with Elizabeth Settles"
Elizabeth portrait

Hi, I’m Elizabeth — welcome to my cozy corner of the internet.

I write about travel, cozy living, product reviews, favorite finds, and the little joys that make life sweet.

About Me Subscribe

Welcome to a softer kind of lifestyle blog

Cozy stories, honest moments, heartfelt travel, and the beauty in everyday life.

Featured Stories

  • East of Eden, Empathy, and the Question My High School Teacher Asked Me

    Netflix’s East of Eden left me thinking about far more than generational trauma and the biblical echoes of Cain and Abel. It reminded me of a question my high school teacher once wrote in the margins of a paper about Of Mice and Men: “Where is your empathy?” As I reflected on Cathy, Cal, timshel,…

    Read more →

  • A soft watercolor-style landscape inspired by Studio Ghibli, featuring misty green forest silhouettes, a glowing moon, blush and peach clouds, and elegant serif text reading “My Favorite Miyazaki Films” with a cozy subtitle below.

    Five Studio Ghibli Films I Return to Again and Again

    Princess Mononoke and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya hold a special place in my heart — two breathtaking stories that feel equal parts magical, emotional, and deeply human. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Miyazaki (and Ghibli-era) films and why these beautifully animated stories continue to comfort, inspire, and spark wonder in my…

    Read more →

  • 3rd birthday party spiderman cake

    How We Threw an Easy & Affordable Spider-Man-Themed 3rd Birthday Party

    Planning my son’s Spider-Man-themed 3rd birthday party was so much fun! From budget-friendly decorations and toddler-approved food to superhero activities like shooting silly-string spider webs, I’m sharing all the details from our affordable and memorable celebration.

    Read more →

Let’s stay in touch 💛

Get my cozy lifestyle tips, travel diaries, and favorite finds — straight to your inbox.

Latest Posts

  • ⭐ Sinners (2025) Review — The Movie That Just Stole My Whole Heart

    ⭐ Sinners (2025) Review — The Movie That Just Stole My Whole Heart

    Sinners has completely taken over my life — so much so that it’s officially dethroned Harry Potter for me. 🎉 While it’s marketed as a horror/vampire movie, Sinners is so much more. It’s a powerful blend of history, culture, music, and resilience wrapped in Ryan Coogler’s signature storytelling. With Michael B. Jordan leading the cast…

  • My Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby

    My Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby

    Preparing for the arrival of a baby involves packing a hospital bag. Essential items include a birth plan, cellphone charger, cozy socks, toiletries, a comfy robe, and an extra outfit for the baby. Consider adding a personal pillow and options for photos. Being well-prepared ensures a smoother experience during this exciting time.

  • Review: The Little Mermaid Live-Action 2023

    Review: The Little Mermaid Live-Action 2023

    Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid captivates with Halle Bailey as Ariel, offering a powerful representation. Enhanced storytelling introduces depth to characters like Prince Eric, while Javier Bardem’s King Triton adds emotional weight. Despite minor critiques, the film celebrates the original with modern charm, earning a strong audience reception.

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

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

    Discover my favorite baby products as a first-time mom — from the WillowGo Pump to the BabyBjörn Carrier and more. Honest reviews, cozy tips, and must-haves for your registry!

  • My Pregnancy Favorites: What Truly Helped Me Along the Way

    My Pregnancy Favorites: What Truly Helped Me Along the Way

    The author shares tips and products that enhanced her pregnancy journey, including Ritual Prenatal Vitamins for wellness, Norwex Cleaning Products for a chemical-free home, comfortable Dr. Scholl’s shoes, and the insightful book “Bringing Up Bebé.” She also found relief with Aveeno Baby wash and enjoyed swimming for fitness.

  • Our Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: Travel Fails, Laughs, and Lessons from Paradise

    Our Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: Travel Fails, Laughs, and Lessons from Paradise

    We dreamed of the perfect Hawaiian honeymoon — ocean views, sunsets, and relaxation. Instead, we got a string of hilarious mishaps, from a closed resort restaurant to a massage gone wrong. Here’s how our “paradise” vacation turned into an unforgettable comedy of errors.

  • 4 Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Extra Special ✨💍

    4 Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Extra Special ✨💍

    This post offers wedding planning inspiration for any stage, sharing four special ideas to enhance the celebration. Suggestions include having a bridal party sleepover for bonding, incorporating family heirlooms for sentimental value, editing music for enjoyable dances, and ending with a memorable last dance. The emphasis is on joy and connection.

  • Our Wedding Day: Lessons, Laughs, and a Little Chaos 💍✨

    Our Wedding Day: Lessons, Laughs, and a Little Chaos 💍✨

    The wedding day, filled with love and laughter, also had its share of hiccups, from vendor mix-ups to chaotic moments. Key takeaways include confirming details with vendors, creating detailed lists for family photos, and following your instincts. Emphasizing the importance of savoring every moment, the experience became a cherished memory, imperfections and all.

  • Adding a Little Magic: How We Made Our Own Wax Seals for Our Wedding Invitations

    Adding a Little Magic: How We Made Our Own Wax Seals for Our Wedding Invitations

    Adding a personal, handcrafted touch to your wedding invitations is easier than you might think — and wax seals are the perfect way to do it. ✨ In this post, I’m sharing how my husband and I spent a cozy evening creating our own wax seals, adding that timeless, romantic feel to each invitation. Whether…

  • A Little Disney Magic in My Kitchen: Tiana’s Beignets ✨

    A Little Disney Magic in My Kitchen: Tiana’s Beignets ✨

    The author reminisces about The Princess and the Frog, particularly Tiana’s beignets. After discovering Disney’s recipe, they attempted baking, enjoying the process despite minor challenges. The resulting beignets were delightful, evoking joy and nostalgia. The experience highlighted the magic of Disney, turning baking into a cozy, rewarding project.