A Beautiful Mess Podcast

Episodet

• 
  #309: Chatty Listener Questions Episode 20.07.2026 42min

  This week we're digging into all kinds of interesting topics listeners emailed us about from body image and the glow up to being the best aunt and even some home decor topics. It's random but it's fun!   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Be prepared to save yourself a ton of time and money — just go to dupe.com and tell it what you're looking to buy.   Questions we answer: What are you doing for a "Summer Glow Up"? Has retiring from influencing affected your relationship with the way you look? Do you have any tips on how to be a great aunt? What do I do with an heirloom crib that I'm no longer using? How do I renovate without losing the history of my house? If your life was a sitcom what would your genre tags be on Netflix?   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.  
• 
  #308: Designing Your Dream Life 13.07.2026 46min

  This week we're chatting about creating a dream life schedule that includes routines and rituals that work together to create a highly customized DREAM LIFE. We love this subject and I think it's something that can really help us through this current season of life and can help a lot of our listeners. Consider it a group project.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Download the Bilt app and join the membership for where you live, at joinbilt.com/mess Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at pendulum.co/MESS   Designing a dream life: Declutter phase Brainstorming and trying out dream routines Experiment until it's perfect Make small tweaks each season.   Book Report: Emma: The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler Elsie: The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis   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.  
• 
  #307: Mini Comforts 06.07.2026 59min

  This week we're chatting about small, free or inexpensive comforts you can employ to fix a bad day.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: You can try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code [MESS] to get 40% OFF your order.   Mini Comforts: Elsie: Making garlic parmesan noodles. Watching Knives Out or another comfort movie. Watching Twilight with my kids (has to be raining). Wandering a Flea Market Taking a walk to peep the Little Free Libraries (or drop books off) Emma: Bake something Going thrifting Get outside Clean something out Do a random art project   Book Report: Emma: Shark Drunk by Morten Stroksnes Elsie: Whistler by Ann Patchett   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.  
• 
  #306: Disney Mom Episode 29.06.2026 51min

  This week we're sharing all things Disneyland and Disneyworld with children including our best advice for keeping magical vibes, favorite traditions, special foods and things we've learned from almost ten years of visiting Disney with small kids.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Go to dupe.com to finally feel confident about what to buy   Favorite things to do/ traditions: Small World Get every kind of snack possible Bibbidi bobbidi boutique Meal with characters   Book Report: Emma: Her Body and Other Parties By Carmen Maria Machado Elsie: Famesick by Lena Dunham   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.  
• 
  #305: Business Ideas (Past, Present & Future) 22.06.2026 1h 8min

  This week we're sharing stories from our past businesses, updates on our current ventures and dream business ideas we're still saving for the future.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Get 57% Off and a Free Gift with code MESS at FirstDay.com Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.   Businesses we talk about: Emma's Cupcake / Bubble Tea Shop Elsie's Scrapbook Product Line Emma's Bar Querying The Golden Bakery   Book Report Emma: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami Elsie: The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer   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.  
• 
  #304: Poolside Books 15.06.2026 43min

  This week we're sharing our Poolside book recommendations as well as Elsie's favorite hot takes. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Get at least 15% off any annual membership at masterclass.com/abeautifulmess Get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/mess Elsie's Pollside Books: The Paper Palace By Miranda Cowley Heller The Wedding People by Alison Espach The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer Emma's Poolside Books: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Things you Save in a Fire by Katherine Center The Vacationers by Emma Straub 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.  
• 
  #303: Best Date Night Ideas 08.06.2026 39min

  This week we're sharing our favorite date night ideas including date nights at home and a listener topic about the trend of romanticizing everything.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at RocketMoney.com/MESS   Elsie's Favorite date nights: Movie Double date Concert Weekend getaway   Emma's Favorite date nights: Fancy Dinner Festival Mini golf Book store Ax throwing Karaoke   Elsie's Favorite date nights in: Movie Nights Fancy takeout at home Sitting on the porch hot tub or night swim walk around the neighborhood   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.  
• 
  #302: Top 3 Places We've Visited 01.06.2026 41min

  This week we're sharing the top places we've visited as well as places we thing might be overrated and a listeners hot take on faux plants. Thank you to this week's sponsor: You can try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess   Elsie's Best Places: Paris New Orleans Venice/Florence Emma's Best Places: Norway Iceland Switzerland Elsie's Overrated Places: Nashville LA Emma's Overrated Places: Mexico Elsie's best trip before kids: Palm Springs Emma's best trip before kids: LA Elsie's best trip with kids: Disney Emma's best trip with kids: Costa Rico   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.  
• 
  #301: Comfort Objects 25.05.2026 32min

  This week we're discussing comfort objects- little things that bring inordinate comfort into our lives. We're also sharing our cozy rituals and ideal way to spend a day.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Go to Biologica.com/MESS and get up to 32% off your first subscription order today! Use code MESS to get up to 57% Off at Firstday.com   Elsie's comfort objects: Hoodies and quilts A blank journal Books / Library ladder Emma's comfort objects: Cardigans Bedside books Couch blanket   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.  
• 
  #300: Summer Bucket List 18.05.2026 40min

  This week we're sharing what's on our Summer bucket list and discussing a hot take about shoe-free rules in homes. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Get 15% off at Masterclass.com/ABEAUTIFULMESS Go to Dupe.com to finally feel confident about what to buy Elsie's Summer Bucket List: Family vacation to New England Summer Reading Goals Teaching kids basic skills Establish a family movie night Draft a new novel Emma's Summer Bucket List: On Sabbatical Family night in Branson Make a digit collage project Take a trip with her husband Clean out kids' toys and books 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.  
• 
  #299: Yesteryear & What Kind of Genius are You? 11.05.2026 1h

  This week we're discussing Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and taking a quiz on what kind of genius we are. We'll also chat about a listener hot take on whether or not kids should be taught euphanisms. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm Get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/mess   The 6 Types of Genius: Wonder Discernment Invention Enablement Galvanizing Tenacity   Feel Something, Make Something by Caitlyn Metz Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke   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.  
• 
  #298: The Five Minute Practice that Changed my Life (with guest Katie Day) 04.05.2026 55min

  This week we are joined by our bestie Katie Day who is here to share the five minute practice that changed her life. We'll also discuss a hot take about white tennis shoes.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess   Katie's 5 minute practice: Get water 3 things you are grateful for First person goal   Connect with Katie: https://www.instagram.com/ohkatieday/ https://ohkatieday.com/ Go to https://ohkatieday.com/habitlab to join the Habit Lab with discount code MESS Shailey & Katie's Lemonade Stand Podcast   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.  
• 
  #297: What it's really like working with family 27.04.2026 49min

  This week we're getting honest about what it's really like working with family. We've been working together since our early 20s and people always ask how we do it so today we're spilling the tea. We're also discussing what we're reading and a hot take about long vs short books.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Use code [MESS] to get up to 57% Off at Firstday.com   Biggest Pro: Time spent together   Biggest con: More risk to the relationship   Book Report: Elsie: Lincoln in The Bardo by George Saunders Emma: Lights Out By Navessa Allen 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.  
• 
  #296: Books That Changed How We See the World 20.04.2026 51min

  This week we're talking about the books that genuinely shifted how we see the world — not just 5 star reads, but the ones that rewired our thinking and books we still find ourselves talking about years later.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Make sure to go to Biologica.com/MESS and get up to 32% off your first subscription order today! Just use code [MESS] for 15% off the Premium Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com.   Elsie's books: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton Station Eleven by Emily Sr. John Mandel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro   Emma's books: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen   Nonfiction Bonus: Elsie: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg Emma: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt   Book Report: Elsie: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn Emma: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune   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.  
• 
  #295: Millennial Time Capsule 13.04.2026 53min

  This week we're entering a world in which there are no iPhones, no internet, no apps, no online shopping, no social media no steaming and no smart tech of any kind. Yes: We're traveling to a land where you get advice from magazines, information from encylopedias and to speak to someone you must pick up the phone and dial numbers.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/abm   Things we miss: magazines (specifically at Borders bookstore) malls in the 1900s AOL chat maps phone books phone calls on land lines listening to an album start to finish on the day it came out scheduling your entire life around your favorite tv show no one being about to reach you Toys R Us (is an amazon childhood) computer lab   GUILTY PLEASURE TREASURE Elsie: Traitors Emma: Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies   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.  
• 
  #294: Developing Your Signature Style 06.04.2026 38min

  This week we're talking about how to develop your creative palette and style without being derivative. This is a subject that applies across different creative practices from art to writing and even how you dress or decorate your home.   Thank you to this week's sponsor: Try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess   Steal like an Artist by Austin Kleon   Steps to develop your creative palette: Step one: Develop your taste (Be a fan! Appreciate art!) Step two: MAKE DERIVITIVE WORK (keep doing so until your own style emerges) Step three: Keep developing, keep growing, keep making (to infinity & beyond)   BOOK REPORT State of Wonder by Ann Patchett   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.  
• 
  #293: Vision Board and 5 Year Plan 30.03.2026 43min

  In this week's episode we're diving into how to make vision boards and 5 year plans. If you're in the mood to think about your goals and dreams, you're in the right place. We're also answering some listener questions and engaging in a Hot Take Debate about whether romantic comedies are actually the worst. How to make a vision board: Create different categories for your goals (family, work, fitness, etc) Write in present tense Get pictures from the internet or magazines "We overestimate what we can do in a day, but we underestimate what we can do in a year." Check out Remit Sethi's books: I Will Teach you to be Rich Money for Couples 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.  
• 
  #292: Spring Bucket List 23.03.2026 42min

  In this week's episode we're sharing our Spring Bucket List since it's officially the first week of Spring. It's still pretty cold where we live, so a lot of this is wishful thinking, but it's fun to plan things to look forward to. We're also sharing an extra hot Hot Take Debate about kids and iPads. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm Head to Wayfair dot com right now to shop all things home. Elsie: Get new hair & general glow up for the joy of it Read all the Brontë novels Start buying fresh flowers & practicing making little arrangements Paint all the time Finish our Mouse Mansion! Emma: Easter baskets Decorate entry way Refresh fairy garden Start walking outside again Wallpaper the kitchen 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.  
• 
  #291: Work from Home Stories 16.03.2026 59min

  In this week's episode we're talking about the highs and lows working from home and how we balance our career dreams with raising young children. We've got several great listener questions to cover and we'll share an extra hot Hot Take Debate. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Go to brooklynbedding.com and use my promo code MESS at checkout to get 30% off sitewide Just use code [MESS] for 15% off the Premium Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com Our home work spaces: Elsie - Uses her sunroom as her art studio and moves around to different spaces in her house with her laptop Emma - Extra bedroom is office, sometimes works from coffee shop or library Pros and cons of working from home: Pros - Good way to keep life balanced Cons - Lots of distractions How you deal with distractions: Set timer to get tasks done Time boxing Use a reward system Book Reports: Elsie: The Prestige by Christopher Priest Emma: Twisted Love by Anna Huang HOT TAKE DEBATE Anne: Here's my hot take: we don't need any more movies based on books. They're different mediums! Let books be books and movies be movies. I want to see more movies that were written to be MOVIES and tailored to that medium, written to take advantage of all the cool things you can do onscreen. Same for books: I want more authors to take advantage of the cool things you can do in a book that you CAN'T do onscreen. I've read books that felt like they secretly wanted to be screenplays. Play to the strengths of your medium! No more crossing the streams! A Joke & A fact with Nova. 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.  
• 
  #290: Life Changing Mindset Shifts 09.03.2026 38min

  This week, we're talking about mindset shifts that changed our lives. Sometimes, before your life can change, your perspective has to change first. We're also doing a rapid fire hot take debate with a bunch of listener submitted hot takes. Thank you to this week's sponsor: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm   Mindset Shifts: What's the best that could happen? Why not me? Cheer for yourself like you would others Practice being an optimist We overestimate what we can get done in a day but we underestimate what we can get done in a year Learn to see patterns, possibilities and opportunities   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.