A Beautiful Mess Podcast

This week we're talking about how we plan gifts, giving secondhand items and the inevitable "avalanche of stuff" that enters our homes as moms of young kids. We're also answering a listener question about career transitions and one about navigating family relationships after leaving the religion you were raised in.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Get 10% off + free shipping at http://tumbleliving.com/MESS

Try their products and support our show by going to http://drinklmnt.com/ABeautifulMess.

Download the Vinted app for free to start selling with no seller fees, so you keep everything

Tips for getting really thoughtful Christmas gifts:

Slow shopping

Creative gifts

Ask and then follow the suggestions

Experiences

Send the gift early

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 chatting about Thanksgiving dishes, discussing a hot take about why Thanksgiving is the worst meal of the year and answering a question about rugs. We'll also share a book report, so grab your warm beverage and let's get into it.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Head to http://oakessentials.com/ and use code MESS for 15% off your first order at checkout.

Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at http://pendulum.co/MESS.

Elsie's Autumn Senses:

Eating and drinking: Apple cider slushies and Baked Brie with pie crust

Smelling: Heirloom Pumpkin

Watching: East of Eden

Listening: Neptune by Sufjan Stevens

Wearing: Christy Dawn Dresses

Emma's Autumn Senses:

Eating and drinking: Collagen hot chocolate, apple cider, cinnamon tea, royal icing sugar cookies and pumpkin crumb cookies

Smelling: Pumpkin candles

Watching: Nothing but wishes Bob's Burgers would come back

Wearing: Sweater

Favorite Thanksgiving sides:

Elsie: Stuffing, Stuffing meatballs, and Shrimp cocktail

Emma: Baked macaroni and cheese, Dinner rolls with honey butter, and Green bean cassorole

Book Report:

Hollywood Ending by John Green

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 doing our annual reading of listener submitted ghost stories. We're also sharing our review of the movie Verity and a hot take about spoilers in book reviews.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Timeline is offering a 15-day trial of the Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator for just $22. Go to http://timeline.com/MESS to try it for $22. Ready to make it part of your routine? Go to http://timeline.com/MESS20 to shop the full-size Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20%

Head to http://lolablankets.com/ and use code MESS to get 40% OFF your order.

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 is all about fall, what our dreamiest autumn days look like, and what we were like as kids.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Head to http://Wayfair.com to shop all things home.

Visit http://ernesta.com/ and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.

Elsie's cozy Fall dream day:

Wake up at 5am and work on her novel

Paint for an hour and listen to audiobook

Take a fall walk

Have the best sandwich in town for lunch

Paint some more

Pick up kids from school and talk with other parents

Halloween movie and baking project

Family dinner

Make popcorn

Watch TV show with Jeremy

Emma's cozy fall dream day:

Wake up at 6am with kids and have coffee in a Halloween mug

Workout/Go on a walk

Do paint by numbers and listen to audiobook

Wear a cozy sweater

Thifting

Activity with the kids

Make bread with Oscar

Read a Halloween book with the kids

Make soup for dinner

Book Report:

Elsie - The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza

Emma - Margo's got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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.

In this week's episode, Emma is telling the story of her querying journey and the path to traditionally publishing her romance novel. It's a great story, and we are very excited for you to get to hear it. We're also going to answer a listener question about holiday decorating and a hot take about potlucks.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Try their products and support our show by going to http://drinklmnt.com/ABeautifulMess.

Receive 10% off + free shipping at http://tumbleliving.com/MESS.

Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at http://pendulum.co/MESS.

On holiday decorations:

Elsie - complete but likes to buy 1 thing every year for fun

Emma - Adding to her collections

Check out The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Check out Query Bootcamp by Lauren Kay

What goes into a query letter:

A hook (very short one paragraph what your book is, don't give away the ending)

A synopsis

Some comparable titles

1-2 paragraphs about yourself

what your writing goals are

https://reedsy.com/

Tips for navigating rejections:

Talk about it with others

Find inspiration books

It's ok to feel sad

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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's episode is a treasure-hunting guide — how to actually find the best antiques, vintage and handmade stuff online and off. We're also sharing our tips for starting and maintaining a Little Free Library.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Head to http://oakessentials.com/ and use code MESS for 15% off your first order at checkout.

Visit http://ernesta.com/ and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.

Tips for buying art on Ebay:

Put in the type of painting

Keep the words "vintage" or "antique" in the search to weed out all the new stuff

Be consistent

Give it good and different kinds of search terms

Find the fanciest stores that sell vintage

Tips for buying on Etsy:

If you are looking for art, you have to have the word original in your search

Go down your own rabbit holes

Save your favorite shops

Tips for a Little Free Library:

Check out http://littlefreelibrary.org

Clean out your library every once in a while

Book Report:

Emma - The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Elsie - Understory by Chloe Benjamin

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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.

In today's episode we're chatting about the pull of old houses and hometowns — the charm, the challenges and what it actually feels like to move home.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Timeline is offering a 15-day trial of the Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator for just $22. Give it 15 days and see how your skin looks and feels. Go to http://timeline.com/MESS to try it for $22. Ready to make it part of your routine? Go to http://timeline.com/MESS20 to shop the full-size Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20%

Head to http://lolablankets.com/ and use code MESS to get 40% OFF your order.

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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's episode is about the rituals, recipes, and rhythms that make Autumn the coziest season — including traditions we repeat every year and the ones we're trying for the first time.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Visit http://ernesta.com/ and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.

Head to http://Wayfair.com to shop all things home.

Sign up for Emma's newsletter: https://www.emmachapman.com/

Favorite Annual Autumn traditions:

Elsie: Kitchen movies, decorating the house, and making fun recipes

Emma: Halloween sugar cookie decorating, decorating the house, and Halloween movie night

New Autumn traditions:

Elsie: Boo baskets and Halloween cookie boxes

Emma: Thanksgiving cookie box

Autumn traditions that flopped:

Elsie: Trying movies (keep trying theme very year)

Emma: Weather related activities (have a backup plan)

Autumn non-negotiables:

Elsie: Baked brie, decorating, and neighborhood witch's weekend

Emma: Orea truffles, pumpkin decorating, and wagon walks

Book Report

Elsie: Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Emma: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 Fall Bucket Lists and giving you ideas to make your own. We've also got a spooky season debate and a decor hot take that we're so excited to rage about.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Try their products and support our show by going to http://drinklmnt.com/ABeautifulMess.

Get 10% off + free shipping at http://tumbleliving.com/mess

Halloween manifestos:

Elsie - Do what feels good to you

Emma - Loves fall

Elsie's Fall Bucket List:

Halloween Mouse House

Apple Cider Slushies

Pink House (Witch Theme)

Social Media Challenge (100 days)

Finishing my novel revision and query

Emma's Fall bucket List:

Family Halloween Costume

Fall/Halloween Activities with kids

Apple picking

Bake seasonal treats

Query children's picture book

Book Report

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 figuring out our three style words, trying to convince a skeptic that cookbooks are worth it, and giving our best tattoo advice to a listener. Plus we'll share a hot take on gender reveal parties.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Download the Bilt app and join the membership for where you live, at http://joinbilt.com/mess.

Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase at http://Wayfair.com

Head to http://lolablankets.com/ and use code MESS to get 40% OFF your order.

Start your free trial at http://shopify.com/abm

Check out Allison Bornstein: https://www.instagram.com/allisonbornstein6/

Elsie's 3 style words:

Cozy

Vintage

Goth

Emma's 3 style words:

Weird

Colorful

Mom

Tips for buying cook books:

Something that fits your diet and your needs

Buy your kids a cookbook and let them pick out some recipes,.

Tips for getting Tattoos:

Start with 2 tattoos

Fine line is the quickest

If you want a small tattoo, go to someone who specializes in fine line

Choose one style

Don't overthink how it's going to look in 20 years

Research your tattoo artist

Speak up for what you want

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 helping our fellow autumn souls survive the remainder of summer heat and we're reminiscing about our favorite features from old houses that we still miss. We're also debating whether painting brick homes white needs to stop.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Get an extra 20% your first order when you go to http://pendulumlife.com/mess

Receive at least 15% off any annual membership at http://masterclass.com/abeautifulmess

Visit http://ernesta.com/ and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.

Tips for surviving summer:

Collect everything that you love about summer

Start shopping for Autumn home decor

Miss from previous old houses:

Emma - Black exterior

Elsie - The secret library, theater room, and pool

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 chatting about what we love about writing, our different privacy boundaries, a fun hot take and a brand new ghost story that happened in my bedroom recently.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Be prepared to save yourself a ton of time and money — just go to http://dupe.com and tell it what you're looking to buy.

Visit http://ernesta.com/ and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.

What's in Emma's cauldron:

A smut book

Crochet sweater

Frank Sinatra CD

What's in Elsie's cauldron:

A novel that made her cry with an artsy cover

Designer dress that looks witchy

A paint set or camera

Book Report:

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 discussing what to do when your new home isn't speaking to you, and you aren't sure what it needs to feel cozy. We're also discussing whether we think modern design has lost its charm, and we're sharing a few of our favorite home decor books and art books

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Download the Bilt app and join the membership for where you live, at http://joinbilt.com/mess.

Get an additional 20% OFF plus Free Shipping with our code MESS at http://Jiyuskin.com

Mentioned in today's episode:

Mud Witch

Berek

Poshmark

Papier

Grandma Moses: An American Original

Julie Blackmon: Midwest Materials

Robert E Smith

Mothers and Children

A Tale of Interiors

Island Hopping

Sarah Sherman Samuel

Memories of Home

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 discussing the best parties we've ever thrown, tips for hosting that will save you a little sanity, and we're debating a hot take about Doctor Seuss.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Try their products and support our show by going to http://drinklmnt.com/ABeautifulMess

Extra 20% your first order when you go to: http://pendulumlife.com/mess

Best party they have thrown:

Halloween house warming party

New Year's party

Nova's Survivor theme birthday party

Wine pairing dinner party

Clothing exchange party

Wine ranking party

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 are sharing how we play our days to stay productive and also happy. We are also debating hot takes on the controversial topics of astrology and raisins.

Planning Styles:

Emma - Uses paper planner for meals and notes app for daily to-do list

Elsie - Only appointments go on her digital calendar

Project Management:

Emma - Make a roadmap and seasonal bucket list

Elsie - Checklist

What makes a productive day:

Emma - Activity with the kids and play time for her

Elsie - Reading with kids for an hour, one household chore, and reading or watching TV before bed

Book Report:

The Hotel Nantucket by Ellen Hilderbrand

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at http://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 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 http://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 http://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 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 http://joinbilt.com/mess

Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at http://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 http://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 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 http://drinklmnt.com/ABeautifulMess

Just head to http://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 http://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 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 http://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 http://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 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 http://firstday.com/

Head to http://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 http://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.