A Beautiful Mess Podcast

#324: Thoughtful Gift Giving Ideas

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 Tumbleliving.com/MESS Try their products and support our show by going to 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 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.

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#323: Thanksgiving Debate + Cozy Fall Home

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 Oakessentials.com and use code MESS for 15% off your first order at checkout. Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at 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 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.

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#322: Ghost Stories

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 Timeline.com/MESS to try it for $22. Ready to make it part of your routine? Go to Timeline.com/MESS20 to shop the full-size Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20% Head to 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 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.

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#321: Cozy Fall Dream Day

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 Wayfair.com to shop all things home. Visit 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 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.

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#320: Emma's Book Querying Journey

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 DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess. Receive 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/MESS. Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at 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 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.

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#319: Finding the Good Stuff

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 Oakessentials.com and use code MESS for 15% off your first order at checkout. Visit 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 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 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.

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#318: Old Houses, New Chapters

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 Timeline.com/MESS to try it for $22. Ready to make it part of your routine? Go to Timeline.com/MESS20 to shop the full-size Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20% Head to 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 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.

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#317: Autumn Traditions

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 ernesta.com and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice. Head to 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 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.

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#316: Fall Bucket List

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 DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess. Get 10% off + free shipping at 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 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.

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#315: Our 3 Style Words & Tattoo Talk

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 joinbilt.com/mess. Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase at Wayfair.com Head to LolaBlankets.com and use code MESS to get 40% OFF your order. Start your free trial at 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 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.

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#314: Enjoying Summer (Ew!) & Favorite Old Houses

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 Pendulumlife.com/mess Receive at least 15% off any annual membership at masterclass.com/abeautifulmess Visit 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 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.

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#313: What We Love about Writing

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 dupe.com and tell it what you're looking to buy. Visit 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 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.

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#312: When Your House Doesn't Feel like Home

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 joinbilt.com/mess. Get an additional 20% OFF plus Free Shipping with our code MESS at 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 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.

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#311: How to be the Ultimate Host

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 DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess Extra 20% your first order when you go to: 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 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.

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#310: Day Planning

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 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.

#309: Chatty Listener Questions Episode

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.

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#308: Designing Your Dream Life

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.

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#307: Mini Comforts

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.

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#306: Disney Mom Episode

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.

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#305: Business Ideas (Past, Present & Future)

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.