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 oneskin.co Try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess 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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 Shopify.com/abm Try OneSkin with 15% off using code MESS at oneskin.co Top 3 Christmas Cookies: Emma - Butter cookies, Snowball cookies, Peanut butter Blossoms, and Puppy chow Elsie - Sugar cookies, Gingerbread cookies, Thumbprint cookies, and Oreo truffles 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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 Ritual.com/ABM 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: Piranesi by Suzanna Clark Emma: Apprentice to a Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 shopify.com/abm For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code [MESS] at oneskin.co Themed Thanksgiving Ideas: Greek Ralph Lauren Polo Bar Indian Dim sum Chinese Mexican Book Report: Elsie - Audition by Katie Kitamura Emma - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Alma Cuervo You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 oneskin.co. Visit GrowTherapy.com/MESS 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 elisejoy.com Book report Elsie: Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico Emma: Secret History by Donna Tartt You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 shopify.com/abm Try LMNT and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess. 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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 GrowTherapy.com/MESS 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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 oneskin.co. 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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 oneskin.co. You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm Listen to Episode #247: One Year without Social media with Elise Cripe 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 - My Brilliant Friend (Neopolitan Series) by Elena Ferrante Emma - Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 GrowTherapy.com/MESS today to get started. Book recommendations: The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees Personal Color by Anuschka Rees Wear it Well 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 - The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Emma - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 Dupe.com today. Top 3 Fall Books Emma The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin The October Witches by Jennifer Claessen The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy Elsie Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman Cackle by Rachel Harrison The Lost Apothecary 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 - The Raven King Series by Maggie Stiefvater Emma - Memoirs ****of a Geisha by Arthur Golden You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 oneskin.co. 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- The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Emma - We are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 oneskin.co 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: Soup Meatballs Cookie Dough Chili Lasagna Pizza Dough Book Report: Elsie- The Wedding People by Alison Espach Emma - Who's That Girl by Mhairi McFarlane You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 Dupe.com today You can try LMNT products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess What's gotten done? Garage (mostly) Marigold's mermaid bathroom Watch Elsie's update on her kitchen renovation HERE 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 - Just Kids (Patti Smith Memoir) Emma - Funny Story by Emily Henry You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 - The Nature of Witches, Lessons in Chemistry, The Love Hypothesis, and Who's That Girl Elsie - The Wedding People, We Have Always Lived In The Castle, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Bell Jar, Klara And The Sun, and Little Women You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com. Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Try LMNT at DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess Download your own autumn bucket list here. 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 - Wool by Hugh Howey Emma - Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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: https://abeautifulmess.com/podcast-survey/ You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
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 abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.
