Elizabeth Settles

09/10/2026

🕸️ Spider-Man. Cake. Balloons. Birthday fun.

Our Spider-Man themed 3rd birthday party was a huge success, and I've shared all the details on the blog!

Read it here: 👉 https://elizabethsettles.com/2026/09/10/spiderman-themed-3rd-birthday-party/

08/09/2026

The toddler stage is equal parts amazing, exhausting, and full of surprises. 💛

Over time, we've found a handful of products that truly make life easier, and I've gathered them all into one blog post. If you're raising a toddler or shopping for one, this list might save you some time and money.

Read it here: 🔗 https://elizabethsettles.com/2026/08/08/toddler-must-haves/

I'd love to hear your own toddler must-haves in the comments!

07/14/2026

🥓🍕 Breakfast pizza lovers, this one’s for you!

I put two popular contenders head-to-head: Casey's vs. Pasquale's Pizza - The Restaurant. Which one came out on top? 🤔

Read the full taste test and see if you agree with the results: 👉 https://elizabethsettles.com/2026/07/09/caseys-vs-pasquales-breakfast-pizza/

Breakfast pizza is basically a Midwest love language. In this post, I’m putting two local legends head-to-head: Casey’s breakfast pizza and Pasquale’s. I share what makes each one special, why Pasq…

07/02/2026

Back in Iowa, there are days when I suddenly remember a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The sweet scent of the sea.

The mist on my face.

The seals scattered across the rocks like punctuation marks at the edge of the world.
I wrote about that memory—and why it still means so much to me—in my latest blog post.

🌊 Mist, Myth, and Seals: A Memory from Ireland
🔗 https://elizabethsettles.com/2026/04/02/seals-and-selkies-on-the-irish-coast/

07/01/2026

So heartbroken to hear about the fire in Nevada, Iowa, last night 💔

I recently featured 's Drive-In in my Things to Do in Ames blog—it’s such a fun, nostalgic spot with a drive-thru and soft serve 🍦 Definitely one of those small-town gems.

Thinking of everyone there and sending lots of love. Hope to see you back again 💚

If you want to check out the post:

Looking for family‑friendly, year‑round things to do in Ames, Iowa? From Reiman Gardens and local ice cream spots to creative escapes, cozy downtown gems, and a welcoming community, this guide high…

06/18/2026

Looking for fun things to do in Ames, Iowa? 👀

I rounded up some of my favorite local spots—from places like The Memorial Union Workspace to hidden gems you might not expect!

Check out the full list 👇
https://elizabethsettles.com/2026/06/18/ames-iowa-things-to-do/

What’s your favorite Ames spot? Tag them below! 💬

Looking for family‑friendly, year‑round things to do in Ames, Iowa? From Reiman Gardens and local ice cream spots to creative escapes, cozy downtown gems, and a welcoming community, this guide high…

06/04/2026

✨💔 Saying Goodbye to Outlander 💔✨
I just shared a post about why Outlander has meant so much to me—and why it’s so hard to say goodbye. This story has stayed with me in ways I never expected, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about the impact a story can have, I’d love for you to read and reflect with me. 💭📖

👉 Read the full blog here:
https://elizabethsettles.com/2026/06/04/saying-goodbye-to-outlander-why-this-story-meant-so-much-to-me/

If Outlander has ever touched your life, tell me in the comments—I’d love to hear your story. ❤️

A personal reflection on the ending of Outlander—the magic that drew me in, the unexpected connection to my Scottish heritage, and why saying goodbye felt like losing a piece of myself. A story of …

05/20/2026

I don’t think anything fully prepares you for postpartum… no matter how much you try.

There were so many things I didn’t expect—the emotions, the mental load, the quiet moments that felt heavier than I thought they would. And honestly, some of it caught me completely off guard.

I wrote this to share the parts no one really told me, but I wish they had. If you’re in this season now or you’ve been there before, I hope this reminds you that what you’re feeling is valid—and you’re not alone 🤍

You can read it here:
👉

An honest postpartum story about recovery, anxiety, loneliness, and healing—what new motherhood really felt like behind “glowing baby bliss.

05/13/2026

🎬 Just dropped a new review!
If you love twist endings, you NEED to watch this 👀
Netflix’s His and Hers seriously surprised me, and I had to break it all down. 🤯
Check it out here ⬇️
👉

His & Hers on Netflix is a dark, twist‑filled psychological thriller that completely blindsided me — and I don’t say that lightly. This spoiler‑heavy review dives into the shifting perspectives…