Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: hair

  • 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!

  • 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. ⚡