Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: black lives matter

  • First Presidential Debate of 2020

    First Presidential Debate of 2020

    Here are some memorable moments:

    “I don’t wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from them, and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”

    –President Trump

    “By the way, I brought back Big Ten football. It was me, and I’m very happy to do it and the people of Ohio are very proud of me.”

    –President Trump

    “Mr. President, please stop.”

    –Chris Wallace

    “He wouldn’t know a suburb unless he took a wrong turn.”

    –Former Vice President Biden

    “Will you shut up, man.”

    –Former Vice President Biden

    On a more serious note, I am appalled by the divisive rhetoric spewed by President Trump. This harmful and toxic pattern needs to come to a stop. If you would like to locate a fact-checker for the debate, please click here. For a general fact-checker on candidates, click here.

    Here is some information about how to vote in the upcoming November election. Together, we have the power to make a difference.

    Step 1: Be sure to register to vote. Check vote411.org for instructions on voting and visit sos.iowa.org for instructions in Iowa. https://www.ballotready.org/ is also an amazing resource.

    Step 2: After you’re registered to vote make sure you know about the different ways to cast your ballot. One great way is absentee voting. Check vote411.org for instructions on voting and visit sos.iowa.org for instructions in Iowa. You can also check out https://www.ballotready.org/

    Step 3: Understanding your ballot and voting in elections are forms of civic engagement. Voting is an opportunity to shape your community and take care of its pressing needs. Below are examples of down-ballot (state or local) seats you may see—research all the candidates on your ballot by visiting vote411.org or https://www.ballotready.org/

    Related Posts:
    How Can I Help?
    August 2020


  • Finding My Voice: Reflections on Race, Resilience, and Hope

    Finding My Voice: Reflections on Race, Resilience, and Hope

    The last couple of months have been heavy — really heavy. Between living through a global pandemic and witnessing the ongoing fight against police brutality and racism, it’s been a lot to process. Today, I wanted to slow down, take a deep breath, and write from the heart about some of my personal experiences and how I’m feeling right now.

    Growing up, I had “the talk” — the one that so many Black families have. It wasn’t about birds or bees; it was about how to act around police and how to keep myself safe. I learned early on that if something ever happened, I should call my family first — not necessarily the police. It’s an unfair reality, but it’s one that has been passed down through generations.

    As someone who’s mixed, my experience has always existed in a sort of in-between space. I’ve been surrounded by love from family on all sides, but I’ve also had to sit through uncomfortable moments — moments when people questioned white privilege, dismissed “Black Lives Matter” with “Blue Lives Matter,” or ignored racism simply because it didn’t affect them personally. Those conversations hurt. They chipped away at something inside me for a while.

    But instead of letting that pain change how I see myself, it changed how I see them.
    It taught me who was willing to listen — and who wasn’t. It showed me that silence in the face of racism is just another form of harm. And though it’s exhausting to always be the one explaining why Black lives matter, I’ve learned to find strength in my voice.

    Sometimes, I still feel drained — like I’ve hit a wall. It’s frustrating to live in a world where I have to defend my humanity, to explain history that’s easily accessible if people just cared enough to learn. But at the same time, I have hope. I see friends, family, and communities showing up, speaking out, and learning how to be better allies.

    That gives me strength.
    That gives me peace.

    I’m still learning how to navigate certain relationships — especially with people I love who hold views I can’t support. But I know I’ll find what’s right for me, and I hope you will too.

    Change takes courage. It takes compassion. And it takes choosing to care, every single day. I still believe we can get there — with open hearts, honest conversations, and a shared hope for something better.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ3in6eZb9w
  • How to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement: Simple, Real Ways to Help

    How to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement: Simple, Real Ways to Help

    If you’ve been feeling unsure about how to support the Black Lives Matter movement, you’re not alone. A few of my friends reached out to ask what they could do, so I wanted to put together something heartfelt and practical — something that can be shared and referenced as you continue learning and taking action.

    Supporting change doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step matters. Here’s how you can get started:

    1. Educate Yourself

    This is where it begins — with awareness, reflection, and a willingness to grow.
    Take the time to read, listen, and unlearn. It’s perfectly okay to ask questions, but remember, it’s not your Black friends’ responsibility to teach you. Growth is a personal journey, and it’s okay if you realize that your past beliefs or assumptions weren’t right. What matters is what you do now.

    Here are some great resources to start with:

    2. Take Action

    Once you’ve learned, it’s time to act — in ways that align with who you are and where you are.

    Donate
    Financial support can make a real difference. A few trusted options include:

    Protest
    If you feel comfortable and safe, look into local protests or community gatherings.
    Show up, listen, and protect those around you. Your presence and voice matter.

    Call Out Racism
    When you hear or see racism — online, in conversation, or in your own circles — speak up. Change only happens when silence ends.

    Be a Friend
    Check in on your friends, especially those in the Black community. You don’t need to assume how they’re doing, but a simple “I’m thinking of you” can go a long way. Remember, this pain is generational and deeply felt, especially during times of crisis.

    Vote
    Voting is powerful. Elect leaders who are committed to racial justice and equality.
    You can also reach out to your elected officials — federal, state, and local — to voice your support for anti-racist policies.

    Keep Talking About It
    Conversations about anti-racism need to happen often — at home, with friends, and even with your kids. Change starts with awareness, and awareness starts with dialogue.

    The road toward equality and justice is ongoing, but if we each take responsibility for our part, we’ll get there together. 💛

    Feel free to share this post or these resources — every share helps spread understanding and action.

    Other Resources: 

    Curious Parenting
    “For more resources on raising anti-racist kids, check out the resources The Conscious Kid, Teaching Tolerance, and Mamademics have created.”
    A Practical Guide to Defunding the Police
    No More Money for the Police
    Do Something
    White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack



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  • Inspiration Boards & Unapologetic Role Models

    Inspiration Boards & Unapologetic Role Models

    Have you ever watched The Secret? It’s one of those self-help documentaries that really makes you think about how powerful your mindset can be. One of my favorite takeaways was the idea of creating a vision board (or as I like to call it, an inspiration board). It’s such a simple but meaningful way to keep your goals front and center — a daily reminder of what you’re working toward. The idea is that what you focus on, you attract. ✨

    Lately, I’ve been filling my inspiration board with incredible womxn who remind me what strength, confidence, and authenticity look like — Mareena Robinson Snowden, Tarana Burke, and Amandla Stenberg.

    Mareena Robinson Snowden is the first Black womxn to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from MIT. How amazing is that?! She’s brilliant, driven, and unapologetically herself. I love that she’s so open about her journey — how she wasn’t always sure STEM was for her, but with persistence, support, and curiosity, she carved her path. She reminds me that Black is professional, and that confidence is something you build, not something you’re just born with.

    Tarana Burke — what an honor it was to meet her while I was a student at Iowa State University. As the founder of the movement, she spoke with such honesty and power. I remember leaving that lecture feeling seen, hopeful, and inspired to take action. When someone asked her what comes next for the movement, she said simply: “You.” That has stayed with me ever since. Her message was clear — if you want change, be part of it. Lift others up. Support, don’t tear down.

    And then there’s Amandla Stenberg. I admire her so much for her activism and her willingness to speak truth to power. She even turned down a role in Black Panther so that a darker-skinned actress could take it instead. That’s the kind of integrity and awareness that makes her such a role model. She celebrates Blackness in all its beauty and complexity — and that’s powerful.

    These womxn have one thing in common: they work hard, lift others up, and live unapologetically. They remind me that confidence, compassion, and courage are all connected.

    And of course, I can’t forget my honorable mentions: Michelle Obama, Zoë Kravitz, Gabrielle Union, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon — all inspiring in their own unique ways. 🌸

    Here’s to filling our vision boards — and our lives — with purpose, strength, and the people who remind us to shine without apology.

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    Easy Irish-Inspired Comfort Recipes for Winter Nights

    Warm up your winter with cozy, Irish-inspired comfort foods. From buttery colcannon and easy homemade sausage rolls to a rich Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew, these hearty dishes bring a touch of Ireland to your kitchen. Simple, rustic, and full of flavor — perfect for cold nights and busy days.

    by Elizabeth

    Cozy Holiday Traditions I’m Bringing Into Motherhood

    Cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and slow Christmas mornings—this year, I’m leaning into simple, meaningful holiday traditions as a mom. From stockings “delivered” by Santa to Butter Braids, Christmas Eve church, family photos with our pup, and intentional gift-giving, these are the sweet, heartwarming rituals that make the season feel like home. Perfect inspiration for families,…

    by Elizabeth

    Bring a Little Irish Magic Into Your Year: My New Gaeilge & English 2026 Planner

    Bring a touch of Ireland into your everyday routine with my new 2026 bilingual Irish & English planner and matching journal. Inspired by my own Irish heritage and a meaningful family trip to Ireland, this cozy set blends culture, intentional planning, and the magic of Gaeilge into one beautiful keepsake. Perfect for travelers, heritage lovers,…

    by Elizabeth