Tag: blog

  • 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!



    Recent Posts:

    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.

    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,…

  • 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




    Blog Support

    Feel free to donate to Elizabeth’s Cupcakes & Tea through Paypal. Any amount is appreciated, and will keep this blog running.

    $1.00

  • 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 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 Stockholm: My Travel Itinerary & Budget-Friendly Guide

    Things to Do in Stockholm: My Travel Itinerary & Budget-Friendly Guide

    Things to Do in Stockholm: My 4-Day Itinerary & Budget Travel Tips

    What an incredible trip so far — I can’t recommend Stockholm, Sweden enough! From historic palaces to cozy cafés and fascinating museums, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer backpacking adventure, here’s a look at my Stockholm travel itinerary, complete with money-saving tips and local highlights.


    🥐 Day 3: The Nobel Museum & Vasa Museum

    Rise and shine in beautiful Stockholm!
    I started my morning with a delicious breakfast at the Zinkensdamm Hostel — one of the best hostels in Stockholm for budget travelers. A good breakfast sets the tone for the day, and this one did not disappoint.

    💡 Budget Tip: I saved money by making sandwiches from the breakfast buffet to enjoy later for lunch (the staff was totally fine with it!). They also provide free pasta in their shared kitchen, which was a lifesaver for longer stays. For extra snacks or picnic food, visit a local COOP grocery store — they’re everywhere and super convenient.

    After breakfast, I took the short ferry across to Djurgården Island to explore the Vasa Museum. The ferry ride takes less than five minutes and offers beautiful views of the city’s waterfront. Stockholm is made up of many small islands connected by bridges and ferries — it’s part of what makes exploring so fun.

    Next, I toured the Nobel Prize Museum. Admission is around $13 USD for adults and free for anyone under 18 — I wish more countries followed this model! My favorite exhibits included tributes to Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr., which were incredibly inspiring.


    👑 Day 4: The Royal Palace & Skansen

    Day four began with a visit to the stunning Royal Palace, located right in the heart of Stockholm. It’s one of Europe’s largest palaces and home to some of Sweden’s most historic treasures.

    While I personally preferred Drottningholm Palace (which I’ll share in a separate post), the Royal Palace has a unique charm — part regal, part modern. Getting there is super easy thanks to Sweden’s efficient public transportation system.

    Afterward, I spent the afternoon at Skansen, one of my favorite experiences in Stockholm. It’s the world’s oldest open-air museum — part cultural village, part zoo — where you can stroll through a recreated 19th-century Swedish town, meet native animals like moose and lynx, and enjoy live demonstrations of traditional crafts. It’s such a peaceful and educational way to experience Swedish culture.


    💰 Stockholm Travel Tips

    Get the Stockholm Pass if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions — it covers many of the top sites and can save you quite a bit.
    Use public transit. The metro and ferries are clean, safe, and easy to navigate.
    Eat smart. Try local cafés and bakeries instead of restaurants for most meals — or cook a few times if your accommodation allows it.
    Visit museums on free days. Many offer free entry at certain times of the month.


    ✈️ Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Stockholm

    Stockholm completely stole my heart. Between the serene ferry rides, beautiful palaces, and friendly locals, it’s a city that blends old-world charm with modern simplicity. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or budget-conscious traveler, Stockholm, Sweden has something for everyone.

    Have you visited Stockholm? Share your favorite spots or travel tips in the comments below! 💬

    📸 Photo Gallery


  • Reflections from Sweden: My Grandma’s  (Mormor) Words and the Vasa Ship

    Reflections from Sweden: My Grandma’s (Mormor) Words and the Vasa Ship

    While in Sweden, I came across one of my grandma’s old diary entries from her own trip decades ago. On a page titled “Comparisons,” she wrote:

    “Comparison:
    In those days, people feared things
    like lion’s faces. We fear things in
    the shape of mushroom clouds — nuclear bombs.”
    ~ June 1986

    She was writing about the Vasa Ship, the 17th-century Swedish warship that famously sank on its maiden voyage and was later recovered and preserved. The “lion’s face” she mentions refers to the carved lion figurehead at the front of the ship — a symbol of courage and power that’s been part of Swedish culture since medieval times.

    Reading her words while visiting the Vasa Museum myself in the summer of 2017 was surreal. It felt like we were sharing a moment across time — her thoughts from 1986 intertwining with my own experiences.

    I remember watching teams of researchers working carefully on the ship, preserving it for future generations. The recreated colors of the Vasa were so vivid and striking — a reminder that history can breathe again when we take the time to care for it.

    Her reflection about fear — how it changes shape across generations — stuck with me. The world she knew was different, yet her words still ring true.

    Maybe that’s the beauty of shared experiences: even when years and oceans separate us, our thoughts and emotions still find a way to connect.

    vasa2

    VASA
    A picture of the lion I took at the Vasa Museum!

  • A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

    A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

    18699418_10213656478474402_5268149819448280759_o

    While studying abroad in Sweden, a group of us decided to hop on a two-day cruise to Tallinn, Estonia — and wow, what a hidden gem! Tallinn felt like stepping straight into a storybook, with its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and dreamy sea views.

    We took the Baltic Queen (Tallink) cruise ship, which was clean, surprisingly spacious, and served the best mixed drinks. (Seriously, I’m still thinking about that mojito.) Plus, bonus points — they have accessible-friendly rooms, which is always great to see.

    Once we arrived in Estonia, we had a guided tour planned… but about 15 minutes in, we collectively decided, “Nah, let’s do our own thing.” 😂 Best decision ever. We found a cozy café for lunch and wandered through the old streets at our own pace.

    One of my favorite discoveries was a local bookstore filled with international editions of Harry Potter. I love collecting the series in different languages — though my wallet did not approve at the time! I ended up skipping the Estonian version, but I did grab a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Swedish. The cover? Absolutely gorgeous.

    Later that day, a friend and I split off from the group to explore some of Tallinn’s hidden corners — old walls, watchtowers, and postcard-perfect views everywhere we turned. It was the kind of place that feels magical without even trying.

    Tallinn, I’ll definitely be back. 💙



  • The Magic That Stays With You ✨Page 394

    The Magic That Stays With You ✨Page 394

    If you know me at all, this post probably won’t surprise you — because yes, I’m that person who still adores Harry Potter. The books, the movies, the characters… they’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

    When I heard about Alan Rickman’s passing, I felt this wave of nostalgia and sadness. It reminded me just how much these stories have shaped me.

    I still remember one Halloween in elementary school when I dressed up as Hermione. It was the perfect costume — all I needed was my curly, slightly wild hair and a wand. My mom even entered me in a Hermione lookalike contest at our local bookstore (I felt so cool).

    To this day, whenever I’m sick, bored, or just need something comforting, Harry Potter is my go-to. It’s like revisiting old friends who know exactly how to make things better. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to relate to the characters in new ways — especially Severus Snape. Alan Rickman brought such depth and humanity to that character. His performance taught me that people are rarely just good or bad — there’s so much in between.

    I love that these characters — Hermione, Luna, Snape — still live with me in some way. They’ve grown up with me, comforted me, and inspired me.

    So thank you, Alan Rickman, for giving life to one of the most complex and unforgettable characters in the wizarding world. Always. ⚡