Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: REVIEW

  • My Favorite Baby Products as a First-Time Mom ☕💛

    My Favorite Baby Products as a First-Time Mom ☕💛

    Hey there, mama (and all the wonderful helpers out there)!
    Welcome in — I’m so glad you’re here. When I became a first-time mom, I quickly learned that finding the right baby gear can feel like a full-time job.

    Every baby and family is different, but these are the products that made our days a little smoother, easier, and happier. Maybe some of these will make your life easier too — or at least give you some registry inspiration.

    So grab a warm cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in! ☕

    🍼 WillowGo Pump

    Oh, the WillowGo Pump — where do I even start? I wish I had started using it sooner. This cordless, hands-free pump gave me so much freedom. No more being stuck next to an outlet or tangled in cords. I could take walks, do laundry, or comfort my baby while pumping — total game-changer.

    Pro tip: Start with a regular (plug-in) pump when your milk first comes in, then switch to something cordless like this once your supply is established. The convenience is unmatched.

    It’s an investment, but my insurance helped cover part of it — and if that’s not an option for you, there are plenty of great, budget-friendly cordless pumps available too.

    💡 Bonus tip: Keep a manual pump by your bedside for those middle-of-the-night feeds. It’s a quiet lifesaver!

    🤱 BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One

    I wanted to love babywearing from day one — and once I found the right carrier, I did!

    I started with the Solly baby wrap, which was soft and cozy but tricky to tie when I was running on coffee and four hours of sleep. Eventually, I switched to the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One, and it made all the difference.

    It’s structured, easy to use, and has a removable newborn seat that adjusts as your little one grows (up to about three years old!). It’s comfortable for both of us and perfect for walks, errands, or just getting things done at home.

    Looking back, I probably would’ve gone straight for this carrier from the start. It’s that good.

    🧼 Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Baby Bottle and Pacifier Sterilizer and Dryer

    I wasn’t sure if I needed a sterilizer at first — but now I can’t imagine going without it. The Dr. Brown’s Clean Steam Sterilizer and Dryer saves so much time and peace of mind.

    It sanitizes, dries, and stores bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts all in one cycle. No more towel drying or guessing if something’s really clean. It’s become part of my daily routine, and I love it.

    🛁 Soft & Snuggly Bath Time Favorites

    Bath time is one of my favorite parts of the day — baby giggles, splashes, and that sweet clean-baby smell.

    I absolutely love the Norwex washcloths washcloths. They’re OEKO-TEX® certified (meaning tested for harmful substances) and some of the softest cloths we own. It’s comforting to know that I can trust this product to be safe for my little one.

    For towels, I found a super soft, budget-friendly option on Temu that’s been a hit. Sometimes I toss it in the dryer before bath time so it’s warm and cozy — my baby lights up when I wrap him in it.

    🎹 Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

    This one was a surprise hit! My baby wasn’t into his first playmat, but the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym? He loves it.

    Watching him kick the piano keys and smile at the lights never gets old. It keeps him engaged longer than any other toy so far — definitely worth adding to your registry.

    🌿 Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath

    When my little guy came down with his first cold, the Oilogic Baby Vapor Bath was a lifesaver. I bathed him two or three times a day when he wasn’t feeling well, and it truly seemed to help ease his symptoms.

    It made those tough sick days a little softer — and gave both of us some much-needed comfort.

    💭 Final Thoughts & Little Extras

    If you’re building your Amazon Baby Registry, keep an eye out for sales and the 15% completion discount — I waited for both and saved quite a bit!

    If I could go back, I’d add an outdoor play yard (especially since I had my son in May — perfect for sunny days!), and of course, stock up on diapers, wipes, and baby Tylenol.

    Motherhood is messy, magical, and full of learning curves — and finding products that make it smoother is such a gift. I hope some of these finds help you too.

    If you’ve tried any of these or have your own must-haves, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Sharing what works is one of the best parts of this journey.

    Thanks for stopping by — and if you enjoyed this post, feel free to send me a coffee ❤ — it keeps the writing (and the mom-ing) going! ☕

    Send me a coffee ❤

  • 💍 My Honest Review of the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box

    💍 My Honest Review of the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box

    Wedding planning can be so exciting — and a little overwhelming! That’s why I’ve fallen in love with small moments of joy along the way, like my latest discovery: the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box. If you’re a bride-to-be looking for a bit of monthly magic, this one’s for you. Each box is beautifully curated with over $120 worth of bridal goodies, designed to make the wedding planning process feel more special (and way more fun).

    When I subscribed, I decided to skip the Intro Box and go straight for the themed monthly boxes — best decision ever! I had tried another bridal box before, but the items just didn’t feel “me.” Maeven, on the other hand, nailed it. Every piece felt thoughtful, stylish, and high-quality. Here’s a peek at what came in my first box — and why I’m already hooked.

    🧶 MRS. Knit Pom Pom Hat

    I couldn’t love this hat more if I tried! Living in Iowa means cold winters, so this cozy “MRS.” knit pom hat couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It’s soft, cute, and perfect for those snowy morning coffee runs. Definitely going to be a winter staple!

    ☕ “MRS.” Glass Mug

    I’m obsessed with this mug — it’s so simple, elegant, and perfect for that newlywed glow-up. My fiancé and I are currently house hunting, and I can already picture myself sipping morning coffee from my “Mrs.” mug in our first home together. (Manifesting that kitchen counter moment ✨).

    🎈 Pop Fizz Clink Sign, Ring Balloons, & Acrylic Tag

    These are going to be so fun to use for upcoming celebrations! The “Pop Fizz Clink” sign will make a cute addition to my bridal shower mimosa bar, and I love the idea of reusing it for the bachelorette party — or even the wedding reception. The acrylic ornament/bag tag will be perfect for our honeymoon luggage (we’re still deciding between Japan and Canada — I’ll keep you posted!).

    🧦 Bride Vibes Socks

    Okay, these made me laugh because I literally had a similar pair that my fiancé stretched out with his giant feet. So, I’m thrilled to have a fresh pair that’s just mine this time! They’re soft, comfy, and perfect for those cozy nights of wedding planning with a glass of wine in hand.

    Overall, I am so impressed with Maeven’s attention to detail and quality. It truly feels like a box full of joy every month — perfect for brides who want a little luxury during the whirlwind of wedding prep.

    If you’re considering subscribing, I say go for it! It’s such a sweet way to celebrate your engagement journey and make every step toward “I do” feel a little more magical. 💕

    Have you tried Maeven (or another bridal box)? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below — let’s share some bride-to-be excitement together!

    I am absolutely delighted with the contents of this month’s Maeven subscription box. As a self-proclaimed leader in luxury bridal subscription boxes, Maeven has certainly lived up to their reputation. I am eagerly looking forward to discovering what surprises the next box holds. If you are considering subscribing or are already a subscriber, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s connect and share our excitement!

    Send a coffee ❤

    Don’t forget to subscribe!

  • TLC’s I Love a Mama’s Boy: A Wild Ride I Wasn’t Ready For

    TLC’s I Love a Mama’s Boy: A Wild Ride I Wasn’t Ready For

    Wow — where do I even begin? As a longtime fan of TLC (yes, I’m one of those people who plans my Sunday nights around 90 Day Fiancé), I was curious when I Love a Mama’s Boy premiered. It falls right between 90 Day Fiancé and Pillow Talk, taking over that prime slot once held by Smothered and Unexpected. And let me tell you — those shows suddenly seem tame after this one!

    From the very first episode, I was both fascinated and slightly horrified. The dynamic between these mothers and sons is… intense. Many of the moms seem genuinely unaware of how unhealthy their attachments have become, and I found myself thinking, maybe therapy wouldn’t be such a bad idea here. Meanwhile, the girlfriends and fiancées? My heart truly goes out to them. The emotional tug-of-war they face would test anyone’s patience!

    It’s wild watching how differently these men treat their partners versus their mothers. There’s this strange mix of aloofness and blind devotion that honestly makes me want to yell at the screen — in the best, most reality-TV-loving way possible.

    By the halfway mark, I was squirming in my seat. Some moments were so cringe-worthy, I had to change the channel for a breather (and maybe pour another glass of wine). But as uncomfortable as it gets, I Love a Mama’s Boy is addictive in that classic TLC way — messy, dramatic, and impossible to look away from.

    Whew, baby. I can’t imagine being in those women’s shoes! I truly hope everyone involved finds some balance, therapy, and maybe just a little healthy distance.

    Have you watched I Love a Mama’s Boy yet? It’s definitely not your average love story — and I’d love to know what you think. Would you stick around for the drama, or run for the hills?

  • ✨ Fall FabFitFun 2020 Box Review — Worth the Hype?

    ✨ Fall FabFitFun 2020 Box Review — Worth the Hype?

    Woohoo! My box finally arrived — and let me tell you, it was worth the wait! There was a little mix-up with my debit card (I had to replace it due to a security issue), so my add-ons didn’t go through in time. Sadly, that meant missing out on the Botkier New York Trigger Backpack I had my eye on, but the rest of the box totally made up for it.

    Here’s what came in my Fall 2020 FabFitFun box and my honest thoughts on each item:

    💁‍♀️ FOXYBAE 25mm Black Curling Wand with Rose Gold Barrel

    I’ve always wanted to try a curling wand, and this one is absolutely gorgeous. The rose gold detailing gives it such a luxe feel! I can’t wait to use it for soft, bouncy curls — especially for holiday events.

    👓 Nectar Sunglasses Blue Light Blocking Glasses in Brown Tortoise

    Hands down, my favorite item from the entire box! Since I work from home and spend hours in front of my computer, these blue light glasses are a total game changer. If you didn’t get these in your box, I highly recommend grabbing a pair.

    💧 Masontops® Glass Water Bottle with Neoprene Sleeve in Turquoise

    This bottle is adorable and eco-friendly! I love that it’s glass with a protective sleeve. The turquoise color isn’t usually my vibe, but it’s growing on me — plus, it keeps my water cold for hours.

    ✨ Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

    This one was just okay for me. I know Dr. Dennis Gross has a great reputation, but this serum didn’t wow me. Still, I’ll give it a fair shot in my skincare routine before making a final call.

    🍴 HIP Cutlery Set

    Such a cute and practical surprise! I probably wouldn’t have picked this out myself, but I love having a reusable set on hand for quick lunches or picnics. Bonus points for the fun color.

    🎃 Voesh® New York Pedicure in a Box Duo – Pumpkin Spice

    Confession: I’m not the biggest pumpkin spice fan (I know, shocking for fall!). But I do love a good self-care moment, and this will pair perfectly with my at-home foot bath.

    💆‍♀️ Tokyo Perfect Repair Treatment Masque

    My hair needed this! After years of coloring, it’s been through a lot. I’m taking a break from dyeing for now, so this repairing mask is exactly what my hair deserves.

    💫 The Beauty Crop® Glow Milk

    I wouldn’t have chosen this myself, but it’s fun to experiment with new makeup. The Glow Milk gives a nice dewy finish — perfect for when you want that fresh, radiant look.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, I’m so happy with this season’s FabFitFun box! It had the perfect mix of beauty, wellness, and lifestyle goodies. Even though I missed out on my add-on, I’m still thrilled with what I received. I can’t wait to see what surprises are in store for the Winter box!

    Did you get the Fall 2020 box too? Which item was your favorite? Let me know in the comments — I love comparing notes with other subscribers!

  • Movie Review: Mulan (Live-Action) — A Fresh Take on a Classic Heroine

    Movie Review: Mulan (Live-Action) — A Fresh Take on a Classic Heroine

    I finally watched the Mulan live-action remake this weekend with my fiancé, and honestly — I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Between the controversy and all the early reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the film turned out to be beautifully done and full of powerful moments. Here’s what stood out to me most:

    💄 Mulan’s Makeup & Costumes

    Can we take a moment to appreciate the makeup and costume design? Absolutely breathtaking! The artistry behind Mulan’s look was both elegant and historically inspired. Every detail — from the subtle symbolism in her colors to the intricate fabrics — added so much depth to her character. The makeup might have leaned a bit dramatic at times, but honestly, it worked. The overall visual experience was stunning.

    🐉 Xianniang, the Witch

    One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I adored Xianniang (played by the incredible Gong Li). While I originally hoped the live-action version would stay closer to the animated film, this addition brought an unexpected layer of complexity. Xianniang’s story felt symbolic — showing what Mulan could become if she let her power isolate her. It was haunting, empowering, and completely mesmerizing.

    👑 Jet Li as the Emperor

    Epic. Just epic. I do wish they aged him up slightly for the role, but it’s Jet Li — he can do no wrong. His calm authority and subtle power were perfect for the character.

    🎖️ “Honor to Us All” Moment

    One of my favorite parts of the movie was when Mulan finally restores honor to her family. The emotion in that scene hit so beautifully — it felt like a love letter to the spirit of the original.

    🌸 The Reveal

    Without giving too much away, Mulan’s reveal as a woman plays out differently in this version — and I actually loved it. It felt more intentional and mature, highlighting her bravery rather than shame or fear.

    .

    What I Would’ve Changed

    Of course, no remake is without a few things I wish were handled differently:

    • Mushu & the Phoenix:
      I had mixed feelings here. The phoenix was visually stunning, especially in the moments where it paralleled Mulan’s growth — but I missed Mushu’s playful spark. The film could’ve used just a touch more humor or warmth.
    • The Love Interest:
      While I appreciated seeing Mulan as an independent heroine, there was definitely some subtle chemistry with one of her fellow soldiers. I wasn’t mad about it — just curious where it could have gone.
    • The Controversy:
      It’s impossible to ignore the backlash surrounding Liu Yifei’s political comments. While I understand that actors are entitled to their opinions, I wish her response had been more thoughtful given the context. Still, I don’t believe that should overshadow the artistry of the film itself.

    Final Thoughts

    Mulan is visually stunning, emotionally rich, and refreshingly empowering. While it takes creative liberties from the original, it still captures the heart of the story — courage, honor, and self-discovery. If you missed it in theaters, it’s now streaming on Disney+, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a watch.

    Grab some popcorn, pour a glass of wine, and let yourself get swept up in the story. I’d love to hear your thoughts — did you love it, or do you prefer the animated version? Let’s chat in the comments!

    I often feel that any movie remake, especially when it comes to Disney’s live-action versions of their animated classics, will be scrutinized for flaws or perceived shortcomings. With that said, here are a few observations I have about what could have been done differently.

  • My Fairytale Pandemic Engagement ✨

    My Fairytale Pandemic Engagement ✨

    I have the most magical news to share—last week, my boyfriend of three years asked me to marry him! 💍 I was completely caught off guard and absolutely over the moon. Growing up, I always adored Cinderella, and Josh made my childhood dream come true with the most romantic, fairytale-worthy proposal. To top it off, he even surprised me with a stunning Cinderella ring from the Disney Bridal Collection. I still can’t stop staring at it—it’s pure magic!

    We’ve already started planning for our big day, aiming for a summer 2022 wedding. It hasn’t been easy with everything going on in the world, but we’re determined to make it happen. Our guest list is shaping up beautifully, and we’re so excited to pick our wedding party once we can celebrate together in person. In the meantime, we’re taking premarital classes online and soaking up every joyful moment of being engaged.

    To keep the celebration going, I subscribed to the Miss to Mrs. Bridal Box, and I’m officially obsessed! My first box included the cutest bridal goodies— a desktop wedding countdown, a bridal appointment planner, jewelry wipes, a sleek portable mug, an inflatable “love” sign, and a gorgeous necklace. Each item feels like a sweet reminder of this exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to see what the next box brings. (Stay tuned—I might do an unboxing soon!)

    💍 Bonus Tip for Brides-to-Be:
    If you’re in the midst of wedding planning, I highly recommend the Kate Spade Bridal Planner. With 48 beautifully designed planning pages, it covers everything—from your wedding checklist to honeymoon prep. It’s stylish, practical, and makes staying organized a total breeze.

    I’m so grateful for this season of love and excitement. To all my fellow brides-to-be, I’d love to hear your engagement stories and any wedding planning advice you have! Drop your tips and stories in the comments below—let’s share in the joy together. 💕

     Miss to Mrs bridal box

    The goodies!

     Kate Spade bridal planner

    Find our photographer at:
    Nataliegaydar.com

  • 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.

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    Don’t be walkin’ on somebody
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