Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: lifestyle blog

  • Tough Love and Tender Care: My Wake-Up Call with Diabetes

    Tough Love and Tender Care: My Wake-Up Call with Diabetes

    Tender. Loving. Care.

    We could all use a little more of that.

    Lately, I’ve had to face a hard truth — my diabetes is not under control. My blood sugar is high, my weight is up, and my gums are a mess. And yet… I haven’t been doing much to change my habits. It’s easy to talk about people who struggle with their health, but the truth is, I’m no different. Every day I make choices that put my own health at risk.

    Take this morning, for example: I had multigrain toast absolutely covered in Nutella. Not a “just-a-little” situation — I mean covered. Then, of course, I turned around and complained about how awful I felt and how dry and swollen my hands were. The pattern is clear — I keep sabotaging myself.

    A Look Back

    Back in my freshman year of college, I decided I needed to make a big change. After months of ups and downs, I finally focused on both my mental and physical health. Within six months, I lost over 40 pounds through diet and exercise — going from around 150 pounds to 105.

    In the beginning, though, my diet was pretty extreme. I ate very low-carb, counted calories religiously, and allowed myself only one cheat meal a week. Eventually, I relaxed into a more balanced diet and felt healthier overall — confident, lighter, and more “me.” This was all before I was diagnosed with diabetes.

    Fast Forward to Now

    Over time, I slipped back into old habits. I’ve regained the weight and lost most of the muscle I worked so hard for. That wouldn’t be the end of the world… if I weren’t diabetic. But now, my blood sugar, diet, and exercise matter more than ever.

    Honestly, it’s tough. When I get home and see a big plate of pasta waiting for me, it feels impossible to resist. But I know I need to find balance again. My body has been trying to tell me something — I’ve been sick more often, with weird flu-like illnesses, and I was even hospitalized not long ago. Maybe those things are connected, maybe not. But one thing is clear: my diabetes being out of control definitely isn’t helping.

    Moving Forward with Care

    I know I can’t keep blaming being busy, broke, or tired. At some point, I have to take responsibility and start treating my body with the same tender, loving care I give to others.

    So that’s my goal — to show myself a little more grace and discipline at the same time. To eat better, move more, and find a healthier balance with diabetes.

    If you’ve gone through something similar, I’d love to hear your story. Drop your advice, struggles, or little wins in the comments — let’s lift each other up.

  • A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

    A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

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    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. 💙

  • A Sense of Unity — Connecting with My Grandmother in Sweden

    A Sense of Unity — Connecting with My Grandmother in Sweden

    Peak morning, this sunny mile through peaceful wooden Sweden,
    sense of a unity of my blood with all I see.
    I wish Mom would have seen this.
    It is so wonderful to think it is my heritage,
    this graceful, serene land.
    Saw a deer back in the wood.”

    — Vivian Olson, June 15th, 1986

    Reading this entry from my grandmother’s diary fills me with so much warmth. When I picture being back in Sweden, it feels like home — calm, familiar, and full of quiet beauty. In so many ways, I feel like my grandparents are there with me, walking those same sunlit paths and breathing in the same crisp air.

    During my own visit to Sweden, I often found myself thinking about those who came before me — the generations that shaped who I am today. My grandma and I both experienced the same awe for the Swedish landscape, the same peace in its forests, and the same feeling of belonging that transcends time.

    There’s something incredibly special about reading her words and realizing we shared this deep appreciation for the country that’s part of our heritage. Her poems and reflections remind me that history doesn’t just repeat itself — it connects us. Even though she’s gone, her voice continues to guide me, bridging the past and present in the most beautiful way.

  • From Rape Culture to Consent Culture: What We Can Learn from Sweden’s FATTA Movement

    From Rape Culture to Consent Culture: What We Can Learn from Sweden’s FATTA Movement

    I want to inspire Americans to care about reducing sexual assault, to help victims, and to change legislation with a focus on consent. I have chosen to focus on the actions of FATTA as an example of what can be done here in the USA.

    While studying abroad in Sweden, I learned about a powerful organization called FATTA — a Swedish nonprofit fighting sexual violence and advocating for consent in everyday life. FATTA was founded after a heartbreaking case in which three men accused of raping a 15-year-old girl were released because the court claimed her “modest” reaction — pushing her legs together — wasn’t enough to be considered rape.

    That moment sparked outrage and inspired a movement.

    According to Girls’ Globe, in 2012 there were over 16,700 reported sexual offenses in Sweden, with 98% of offenders being men and 95% of victims being women. By 2016, the number of reported assaults dropped to around 10,500, and while there are many factors involved, FATTA’s advocacy for consent culture has been a huge influence.

    What FATTA Stands For

    Sweden’s legal definition of rape once centered around violence and force rather than consent. FATTA challenged this outdated definition — pushing lawmakers to redefine sexual assault in terms of mutual agreement. In 2016, FATTA proposed a consent law, which emphasized that sex without consent is rape.

    They didn’t stop there. FATTA also launched FATTA Man, an initiative focused on men’s responsibility in changing social norms. Because sexual assault isn’t just a “women’s issue” — it’s a human one.

    Their advocacy gained national support. Some major music festivals in Sweden, previously plagued with assault reports, were even canceled until safer environments could be guaranteed. Bands like Mumford & Sons refused to perform until change happened.

    What About the United States?

    In the U.S., we still have a long way to go. According to RAINN, every 8 minutes, the victim of sexual assault is a child — and only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators are convicted.

    In Iowa, where I’m from, the law defines sexual abuse but doesn’t clearly define consent. You can read the full Iowa legal definition here. Shockingly, Des Moines Register once listed Des Moines as one of the top 100 sites for human trafficking in the U.S.

    The statistics are devastating:

    • 94% of women who’ve been raped experience PTSD symptoms.
    • 1 in 3 Native American women are victims of sexual assault.
    • Victims are 10x more likely to use major drugs and face lifelong trauma.

    These aren’t numbers. They’re real people — our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors.

    How We Can Create Change

    If Sweden can redefine its laws and culture around consent, we can too.

    Here’s how we can start:

    1. Educate and talk about consent — with our friends, families, and in schools.
    2. Lobby legislators to clearly define consent in U.S. law. You can find your representatives here.
    3. Create and support consent-based organizations that empower victims and change the conversation.
    4. Use your voice — whether that’s through social media, art, or advocacy, your words matter.

    It’s time we build a culture that values respect, equality, and consent.
    Let’s make it happen — it’s a party of consent in the USA.

    References & Resources

    Find Your Elected Officials

    FATTA: From Rape Culture to Consent Culture

    Girls’ Globe: A Campaign That Inspires Change

    RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

    BRÅ – Swedish Crime Prevention Council

    “Brett Och Station.” BRÅ – Brottsförebyggande Rådet. N.p., n.d. Web.

    Enqvist, Anna Falgén, María Rendo, Kupona Foundation, Shakira Choonara, and Gendercide Awareness Project. “FATTA: A Campaign That Inspires Change.” Girls’ Globe. N.p., 18 Mar. 2014. Web.

    From Rape Culture to Consent Culture. FATTA, fatta.nu/.

    Halpin, Hayley. “Swedish Music Festival Cancelled for 2018 following Rape and Sexual Assault Reports.” TheJournal.ie. N.p., n.d. Web.

    Rood, Lee. “Des Moines Identified as Top 100 Human Trafficking Site.” Des Moines Register. Des Moines Register, 16 Nov. 2016. Web.

    “Statistics.” Statistics | RAINN. N.p., n.d. Web.

    “Tea Consent (Clean).” YouTube. YouTube, 13 May 2015. Web.

  • After All Tomorrow Is Another Day – Losing a Grandparent

    After All Tomorrow Is Another Day – Losing a Grandparent

    “We’re at the age where we’re starting to lose people.”

    That’s what my friend said as we sat across from each other at a local coffee shop — two friends who hadn’t seen each other in months but picked up like no time had passed.

    During the conversation, we spoke about loved ones who had left us this year. I explained how I had seen a loved one’s body minutes after their soul had left. I almost couldn’t believe it was the same person. There was nothing behind their eyes. I was taken back by the blank stare, and the body reminded me of wax. I will never forget this image, and sometimes I wish I could. However, this image also seems to give me peace. I believe his soul had left his body and moved on to a better place.

    I’m not sure what I believe in, but I know that there is a God. Sometimes I wonder if those who have so little confidence in God are the ones who have never seen a body without a soul.