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.

#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

#251 - How to Start Over! 03/17/2025

#251 - How to Start Over! Today we're sharing a deep dive on how to start over. If you're in a rut, whether in your personal life or career, we're going to share tips for starting fresh! 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/35703510

#250: Winter Bucket List 02/17/2025

#250: Winter Bucket List This week we are making our winter bucket list together. So pull out a sheet of paper and let’s make some fun goals to bring us comfort and joy during our least favorite season of the 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/35286015

#249: Comfort Rewatch - About Time 02/10/2025

#249: Comfort Rewatch - About Time This week we are time traveling back to 2013 for a rewatch of the movie, About Time starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson. This beautiful film checks all the boxes for us - it’s cozy, it’s sci-fiction, it’s romantic. So if you haven’t seen it or it’s been a long time, we are going to convince you to rewatch this movie. 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/35192945

#248: How Reading Changed My Life 02/03/2025

#248: How Reading Changed My Life We’re two sisters obsessed with reading! If you’re not a fiction reader yet, in this episode we’ll do our best to convince you to join the dark side with us. If you already are then you are going to get so many book recommendations from this episode. 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/35096545

#247: One Year Without Social Media with Elise Cripe 01/27/2025

#247: One Year Without Social Media with Elise Cripe Today we have something pretty special. Recently we had our girls trip with a couple of friends, including Elise Cripe, who we often refer to as our third sister. So Elise decided to get off social media over a year ago and we wanted to know EVERYTHING!! 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/34997535

#246: Setting Goals for 2025 12/30/2024

#246: Setting Goals for 2025 This week we’re prepping for the new year with a goal setting episode! We’re recapping how our 2024 goals went and sharing some goals we have for 2025. If you are still considering your new year goals we hope this episode encourages you to dream big for 2025! 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/34634460

#245: Comfort Rewatch - Love Actually 12/23/2024

#245: Comfort Rewatch - Love Actually This week we’re doing a rewatch episode of the 2003 Holiday classic Love, Actually. It’s one of the all time best! We’ll also share some of our holiday traditions that we’re doing this 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/34550960

A Beautiful Mess Podcast

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