A Beautiful Mess Podcast

Elsie + Emma are sisters and co-founders of the top DIY blog — A Beautiful Mess. They have written over seven thousand blog posts, so it seemed like a good time to start a podcast! The sisters have a lot to say on everything from home and DIY to family life and business. Visit abeautifulmess.com/podcast for show notes.

Bonus: Nova’s Meditations 12/31/2025

Bonus: Nova’s Meditations We just wanted to wish you a wonderful Christmas or holiday, and we decided to put together a supercut of all of Nova's meditations, just for fun, because they bring us so much joy. Thank you for being here all year, and we're so excited to keep going into the new year. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39564300

#280: Goals and Vision Boards for 2026 12/29/2025

#280: Goals and Vision Boards for 2026 This week we're sharing our goals for the new year and our process for creating tactile vision boards. We'll get a little woo-woo and share our experiences with manifesting and debating a literary hot take. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Get an additional 15% off any annual membership at Emma's goals for 2026: Query The Wedding Photographer Write first draft of Sundaes are for Lovers Write first draft of “Icon” Do a quarterly visual art project Cook her way through a cookbook Elsie's goals for 2026: Query The Surrealist (hoping to get a fiction agent and then sell the book) Complete "Project Lighthouse" Launch my weekly newsletter: The Lost Arts - sign up at Be active on social media (have a professional relationship with it) A lot of small goals like create mini routines, take photos every day, get nails done, read 52 books and go on walks You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39541610

#279: New Year Goals Recap 12/22/2025

#279: New Year Goals Recap This week we're recapping the goals we set for ourselves for 2025, what we accomplished, what we didn't and anything that we're keeping on the list for 2026. We're talking about what makes a good goal and our personal goal setting criteria. We're also sharing our weekly book report and beginning a new segment where we debate listeners hot takes at the end of every episode! The goals we set in our 2025 NY Goal episode: Emma: Get a minivan - No Ambitious food blogging list - Had to pivot in April Pitch cookbook idea - Did pitch but not working on right now Emma’s romance (outline and write half) - Yes Elsie: Write every day - No Query my novel - Yes Write second novel - Started it Launch art website and sell art - Did sell art but didn’t make a website One renovation to rule them all - Yes Most proud to have accomplished in 2025: Elsie - Got passports and taking first trip Emma - Finishing her novel Unforeseen project you spent a lot of time on in 2025: Elsie - Rewriting her novel Emma -Hugo Accomplishment that wasn't on the list: Elsie - Retraining for a new career Emma - Celebrated 40th Birthday Book Report: Emma - Elsie- You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39477355

#278: Favorite Things of 2025 12/15/2025

#278: Favorite Things of 2025 This week we're recapping our favorite things from the past year, including movies, books, purchases, favorite memories and new things that we tried. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Get 25% off your first month at Favorite movie: Elsie - Weapons and The Italian Job (1969) Emma - Wicked: For Good Favorite book: Elsie - The Wedding People and 100 Years of Solitude Emma - Lessons in Chemistry, Funny Story, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Favorite purchases: Elsie - Louise Carmen Journal and her kitchen Emma - Lavender Birkenstock Clogs, pastel lime green sweater, blue sweater, scarfs, and new tattoo Favorite memory: Elsie - Going to italy Emma - Hugo walking and going to Italy Favorite new thing you tried: Elsie - Water color painting Emma - eyeglasses and eating raw fish/sushi Favorite candle: Elsie - Walmart Fresh Cut Frazier Emma - Bath and Body Works Leaves, Burlap Bag, and Thistle Farms You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39399585

#277: Comfort Rewatch - The Family Stone 12/08/2025

#277: Comfort Rewatch - The Family Stone This week we're doing a Comfort rewatch episode for a holiday movie that we love, The Family Stone from 2005 and we're dedicating this episode to Diane Keaton. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Try OneSkin with 15% off using code MESS at Try their products and support our show by going to Cozy interiors: Front room with the Christmas tree Entryway Favorite moments: Emma - Love story between Amy and Brad, when the sister can’t get the engagement ring off her finger, and the mom and dad in bed when they show she’s had a mastectomy Elsie - Bar scene, opening scene of Diane Keaton looking at Christmas tree, Judy Garland scene, and when she spills the egg mixture on the floor Moment you cringed the hardest: Emma - From the beginning when they are really mean to Meredith Elsie - When he goes for her sister You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39306270

#276: Christmas Cookies & Novel Updates 12/01/2025

#276: Christmas Cookies & Novel Updates This week we are riffing about our favorite Christmas cookies to make every single year, and we're updating you on our novels. So two of our favorite subjects, cookies and novels! Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Try OneSkin with 15% off using code MESS at Top 3 Christmas Cookies: Emma - , , and Elsie - , , , and Novel Update: Emma - On third draft - still need to have it proofed one more time Elsie - Rewrote entire novel after getting feedback on it You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39209800

#275: Gift Giving Ideas 11/24/2025

#275: Gift Giving Ideas This week we're going to share ideas for putting together advents, unique ideas, low cost or free holiday gift ideas, epic personalized gift ideas and neighborly gift ideas. And we'll also share our book report. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: 40% off your first month at Adult Advent Ideas: Books Lipgloss Hair oil Dutch oven Water bottle Small treats T-shirt Kid Advent Ideas: Reuse old toys Cookies Candy Snacks Creative Gift Ideas: Watercolor post cards Fancy set of watercolors Journal Low Cost (or free): Used book that you loved Pictures Epic personalized gift ideas: Leather bound of their fave book CD player with CDs Record player with records Go on Etsy Jewerly Recipe engraved on cutting board Quilts Fancy food Snow outfit (for kids) Art Neighborly gifts: Teachers - Have kids make cards with picture and money inside Jar of baking ingredients Free library Book report Elsie: Emma: You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39138505

#274: Themed Thanksgiving, Pasta Christmas & Other Traditions 11/17/2025

#274: Themed Thanksgiving, Pasta Christmas & Other Traditions This week we are talking all about holiday traditions, things we do for Christmas, things we do for Thanksgiving, anything cozy, interesting or quirky. And at the end of the episode, we'll also have a book report. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code [MESS] at Themed Thanksgiving Ideas: Greek Ralph Lauren Polo Bar Indian Dim sum Chinese Mexican Book Report: Elsie - Emma - You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/39045700

#273: Italy Recap 11/10/2025

#273: Italy Recap This week we're sharing all the details of our recent trip to Italy, specifically Florence and Venice. If you're planning to travel to one of those places, or if you're in the mood to just travel vicariously through our stories, it's gonna be a big story time episode today. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code [MESS] at . Visit today to get started Florence: What we did : Art museum Combo movie theater/book store Perfume shop What we ate: Cacio e pepe Squash blossom Gnocchi What we bought: Got tiny tattoos Emma - silk scarf, stove-top espresso maker charm necklace Elsie - moth and butterfly platter, Italian translation of The Secret History, 3 toys for Oscar, marbled journal, tiny marbled books for kids Venice: What we did: Canals Peggy Guggenheim collection Gondola tour What we ate: Pizza Pasta Sign up for Elise’s newsletter at Book report Elsie: Emma: You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38959420

#272: Holiday Bucket List 11/03/2025

#272: Holiday Bucket List This week we're sharing our holiday seasonal bucket list and how to make your own. If you're like us and you get a little overwhelmed by the long to-do list this time of year, we definitely recommend creating a bucket list to keep the magic in your schedule during the busiest season. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Try LMNT and support our show by going to . Elsie: Polar Express Cookie baking marathon Christmas movie marathon Be extra thoughtful and creative with gifts Put favorite books in her free library Emma: Polar Express Sunday night dinner and treats Make Hugo’s first hair ornament Holiday Movie Night Take Oscar to paint pottery You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38872915

#271: Second Acts 10/27/2025

#271: Second Acts This week we're sharing our stories about how we're changing careers in our thirties and forties. What led us to this point and the logistics of making it happen. If you are in a similar position or dreaming about starting a new career, we hope that this episode will be helpful and encouraging for you. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Visit today to get started. When approaching your second act: Give yourself every bit of training you would give your kid Invest in your education Form a business plan in phases Interview other people who are doing what you want to do Start small How to find support during this time in life: Find groups of people doing the same thing Talking to a therapist You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38777550

#270: Why We Retired from Influencing 10/20/2025

#270: Why We Retired from Influencing This week we're sharing the story of how we became influencers and why we decided to retire from it over the past few years. There are so many pros and cons to this career path that we don't hear talked about often enough. In this episode, we'll share our experiences as well as any advice for anyone considering going into influencing. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: You can try OneSkin with 15% off using code “MESS” at . Pros of influencing: Working with favorite brands Getting paid to craft Pairs well with other jobs Cons of influencing: Mean comments Risky career Not a steady paycheck Tips for being an influencer: Think of your business like a table - it needs a lot of legs to stand up right Invest your money Build something you can keep later Have a newsletter You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38629145

#269: Ghost Stories 2025 10/13/2025

#269: Ghost Stories 2025 This week we’re sharing our annual tradition Ghost Story episode. Every year we read listener submitted ghost stories and it’s so much fun. If you’re easily scared, don’t worry most of the stories are typically pretty cute but we’ll give a warning if anything is going to be scary. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: You can try OneSkin with 15% off using code “MESS” at . You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38553685

#268: What We Learned Offline 10/06/2025

#268: What We Learned Offline This past year Emma and I both spent a significant amount of time off social media after more than fifteen years working professionally as social media influencers and running online businesses. Today we’re going to share what we learned offline including the pros and cons and how we want to approach social media moving forward. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Try a sample pack at . Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Listen to Episode Pros and cons: Pros: Boredom is a gift, get into the flow easier, more time, learn more about yourself Cons: Feels lonely, FOMO What did you miss? Emma: Catching up with random friends and not being up to date on current events Elsie: Book Tok Anything surprising? How easy it was and how little it’s missed Book Report: Elsie - (Neopolitan Series) by Elena Ferrante Emma - by Ali Hazelwood You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38466820

#267: How to Curate your Closet 09/29/2025

#267: How to Curate your Closet This week we’re sharing tips for cleaning out and curating your closet for fall. We’re also diving into Color Analysis and how it changed the way we shop, tips for collecting vintage and how to make a dream closet mood board. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Visit today to get started. Book recommendations: by Anuschka Rees by Anuschka Rees by Allison Bornstein Closet Clean Out Tips: Try every single thing in your closet on If you haven’t worn it in a year ask yourself why Switch out seasonal clothes and analyze when you bring them back out Tips for building up a dream closet: Make a mood board Focus on one things at a time Vintage Tips: Make sure you will really wear it Vintage is great for a special occasion Book Report: Elsie - by Amy Tan Emma - by Helen Hoang You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38376350

#266: Fall Books, Movies & Decor 09/22/2025

#266: Fall Books, Movies & Decor This week we're sharing our recommendations for a fall reading list, movies to watch and decor ideas to get into the festive spirit. We'll also share design decisions that we regretted. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with today. Top 3 Fall Books Emma by Ira Levin by Jennifer Claessen by Kate O’Shaughnessy Elsie by Alice Hoffman by Rachel Harrison by Sarah Penner Top 3 Fall Movies Emma Harry Potter Twlight Knives Out Elsie (what's playing in my kitchen) Hocus Pocus Practical Magic The Nightmare Before Christmas BONUS: Horror: Susperia 2018 (remake of 1977) and Funny horror movie: Companion 2025 Top 3 Fall Decor Ideas Emma Halloween bats Giant stuffed skeleton Spooky village Elsie Asylum for criminally insane women (mirror from Etsy) Halloween Lego sets Kitchen decor (black ribbon, candles, a jar of candy corn or trail mix) Listener Request: Have you ever made a design decision you regretted? Emma - Painted kitchen cabinets a butter yellow color and cooper backsplash Elsie - Too much shiplap Book Report: Elsie - by Maggie Stiefvater Emma - by Arthur Golden You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38295305

#265: How To Start A Book Club 09/15/2025

#265: How To Start A Book Club Today we're gonna share the benefits of being a part of a local book club and creative ideas for starting your own. We get a lot of questions about how to make adult friends and hands down a book club is the best way to get started! At the end of the episode we're also sharing the hills we'd gladly die on. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code MESS at . Dream Book Clubs: Elsie - All year round moody book club Emma - Host it and have a theme based on the book What about ideas for gathering that don't involve reading? writing group clothing exchange crafting nights pool moms Listener Request: What hills will you die on? Elsie The book ending of The Idea of You is the correct ending Extremism of any kind is dangerous. Emma Doesn’t want to ever own a cat Book Report: Elsie- by Amy Tan Emma - by Karen Joy Fowler You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38208025

#264: Mona Lisa Smile - Comfort Rewatch 09/08/2025

#264: Mona Lisa Smile - Comfort Rewatch This week we're dissecting a favorite comfort watch movie for decor and home inspiration. This one is perfect if you need something to get into that autumn mood. This is an ongoing series for us, and this week's selection is Mona Lisa Smile from 2003. We'll also be sharing a book report and our best ideas for freezer meals. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Try OneSkin with 15% off using code [MESS] at Decor inspiration: The campus during fall time 1950’s wedding Little house that Julia Robert’s character lives in The dormitories What aged well vs what did not in this movie: Aged Well - acting, aesthetics, ads from 1950s Didn’t age well - making the love interest a man who sleeps with his students Freezer Meal ideas: Book Report: Elsie- Emma - You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38115100

#263: Renovation Updates 09/01/2025

#263: Renovation Updates It’s time for a big renovation update. Both the things that have gone well and the things that didn’t go as planned. I’ll also share my tips for renovating a kitchen as a parent to two young kids and what we’re excited to finish next. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with today You can try LMNT products and support our show by going to What’s gotten done? Garage (mostly) Marigold’s mermaid bathroom Watch Elsie’s update on her kitchen renovation Plans that have changed? Not doing the addition Not doing the bathroom Not doing the laundry room Most exciting update? To have the kitchen done Back porch When will Elsie be done? Hopefully by the end of September BOOK REPORT: Elsie - Emma - You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/38039310

#262: Reading & Writing Updates 08/25/2025

#262: Reading & Writing Updates This week we’re sharing updates on we’ve been writing AND reading so far in 2025. What have you been writing? Emma- Finished first draft of her new novel, The Wedding Photographer and updating her other novel, Cloud Nine Elsie- Rewriting novel, The Surrealist and working on 2nd novel What have you been reading? Emma - , , , and Elsie - , , , , , and You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/37930510

#261: Autumn Bucket List 08/18/2025

#261: Autumn Bucket List We are back for our fall season with weekly episodes beginning with our traditional Autumn Bucket List episode. In this week’s episode we’ll plan our seasonal list of fun things we want to try and do during the upcoming fall season. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at . Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. Thank you to this week’s sponsor: Try LMNT at Download your own autumn bucket list . Elsie’s Autumn Bucket List: Baking, baking & more baking Re-read Magic Lesson & The Secret History Host a Halloween party Spend a whole week organizing the new kitchen Got to Italy with Emma Emma’s Autumn Bucket List: Update Hugo’s room Deep clean couch Family Halloween costume Go apple picking Go to Italy with Elsie Book Report Elsie - Emma - /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/37846980

#260: Comfort Things 08/04/2025

#260: Comfort Things This week we’re sharing our lists of comfort things including fragrances, movies, books, snacks and even travel locations. We’ll also share our ideas on memory keeping for those of you who need to print of some photos from your phone. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/37646110

#259: Listener Questions 07/21/2025

#259: Listener Questions This week we’re sharing listener questions we collected from a recent survey. Thank you to the more than 1000 of you who took the time to respond to our survey. In this episode we’ll share answers to questions in the categories of business, art and writing, home decor, family lifestyle and unhinged personal questions. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/37454655

#258: Our Brick & Mortar Business Story 06/30/2025

#258: Our Brick & Mortar Business Story This week we’re sharing the story of our first brick and mortar business including the highlights, the low points, why we ended up closing it up and if we would ever open a local business again. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/37098760

#257: Summer Bucket Lists 06/09/2025

#257: Summer Bucket Lists This week we’re sharing our Summer Bucket List. With the last day of school just a few days away we can’t believe we’re already here. In this episode we’ll share things we’re planning to do this summer as sell as an embarrassing story and an update on Elsie’s remodel. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/36901180

#256: Become an Optimist (in 5 steps!) 05/19/2025

#256: Become an Optimist (in 5 steps!) This week we’re teaching you to become an optimist and convincing you it’s the best way to live life. So get your rose colored glasses ready- this is a topic we’re so obsessed with. It could change your life! You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/36601880

#255: How to Antique Shop 05/05/2025

#255: How to Antique Shop This week we’re sharing a guide for how to antique shop inspired by some questions that Candace, one of our listeners, sent in. We promise you that by the end of this episode you’ll be itching for a flea market run- or at least we will. It would mean so much to us if you could please fill out this survey about the podcast: You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/36419460

#254: Spring Bucket List 04/21/2025

#254: Spring Bucket List This week we’re sharing our Spring Bucket Lists which are filled with things we’d like to do, new traditions and fun goals for the coming season. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/36234230

#253 - Elsie’s Renovation Hell 03/31/2025

#253 - Elsie’s Renovation Hell This week Elsie is sharing details and progress of her yearlong renovation including what she’s doing and how she’s hoping it will improve her daily life in her home. Plus- for our longtime listeners- Elsie has a potentially surprising update on the whole "Forever Home" label. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/35913965

#252 - How to Write your First Novel 03/24/2025

#252 - How to Write your First Novel This week we're answering listener questions about how to write your first novel. We're sharing everything we learned in the process that we wish we could tell ourselves on day one! You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. /episode/index/show/abmpodcast/id/35813665

A Beautiful Mess Podcast

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