Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: motivation

  • Finding My Balance: Living Healthier with Diabetes 🌿

    Finding My Balance: Living Healthier with Diabetes 🌿

    Living with diabetes is a journey that’s constantly evolving — full of ups, downs, and lessons along the way. Right now, though, I finally feel like I’ve found something that truly works for me.

    If you’ve been following along, you might remember that I left off in a pretty rough place. I was first diagnosed with diabetes around 19 years old, and it completely took me by surprise. At the time, I weighed barely 110 pounds, hit the gym every single day, and ate what I thought was a clean, balanced diet. Still, I was always exhausted, had dark circles that no concealer could hide, and was constantly thirsty. Deep down, I knew something was off.

    Eventually, things got worse — to the point where I ended up in the hospital. Recovery took months, and it forced me to face the truth: I needed to make real changes. And thankfully, I did.

    Fast forward to today, and I can finally say this — I feel alive again. I haven’t felt this good in years! My doctor started me on Ozempic, and honestly, it has been a total game-changer. If you’re managing diabetes and struggling to find the right fit, I hope this gives you a little hope. I’ve lost about 15 pounds, my energy is back, and I genuinely feel (and look!) so much healthier.

    That’s not to say it was easy. When I first started Ozempic, the side effects were rough — nausea, fatigue, the works. But with time and patience, those symptoms faded, and I’m so glad I didn’t give up. My medical team has been absolutely incredible, and I’m so thankful for their guidance and support through it all.

    The only downside? Ozempic isn’t recommended during pregnancy, so that’s something I’ll need to plan for in the future. But for now, I’m just taking it one day at a time and celebrating how far I’ve come. Diabetes will always be part of my life, but right now, I’m feeling strong, balanced, and hopeful for what’s ahead. 💪✨

    If you’re navigating your own health journey — with diabetes or anything else — know that it’s okay to take your time finding what works for you. Be patient, listen to your body, and celebrate every little win along the way. 💕

    Here I am walking my mom’s dog Riis – he’s so goofy

  • 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.

  • 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