Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: FOOD

  • 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!

  • 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

  • College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    College Throwback: A Night at Johnny’s 🍻

    Okay, let’s talk about Johnny’s. If you went to Iowa State, you already know the magic — and if you haven’t been, add it to your bucket list ASAP. Going back recently gave me all the college nostalgia feels. There’s just something about being surrounded by Cyclone pride that takes you right back to game days, packed stands, and that unbeatable energy of Hilton Magic.

    Now, here’s the wild part — rumor has it you need to make a minimum donation of $12,500 for direct access to Johnny’s. Um, excuse me?! My college self could barely afford ramen noodles and Cherry Vodka Sours, let alone that. 😂 But hey, we’re manifesting. Maybe one day I’ll make that donation like a true alum baller. As Rihanna once said, “Work, work, work, work, work.”

    Let’s get to the good stuff though — the food, the bar, the atmosphere. It’s next level. I shamelessly hit up the buffet three times (because college habits die hard), and the unlimited lemonade refills? Chef’s kiss. 🥤

    The crowd, the cheers, the buzz — it’s like being wrapped in Cyclone spirit all over again. There’s something about Johnny’s that just feels like home for every ISU fan. It’s classy, it’s chaotic, it’s a total blast.

    So here’s to Johnny’s, to Hilton Magic, and to all the Cyclones who still get chills when the crowd starts chanting. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone. 🌪️❤️💛