Today I'm feeling a little sentimental. It's been a crazy week, a crazy month… a crazy year. Life is good and sometimes it's best to just sit back and think about all the things we have to be thankful for.
We've been putting our efforts into collecting fresh inspiration and imagining where A Beautiful Mess should go in the next few years. After nearly six years of writing this blog, I am well versed in the evolution process. When I started this blog I had no idea where it would take me (and now US!) and that same exciting feeling of unknown potential still exists today. It's crazy to think, but I hope that six years from now I will be sitting in a different hotel room equally puzzled and amazed with where this journey has taken us. Who knows! What I know for sure is that we're even more in love with blogging now than ever before. Sitting down with Emma and an empty notebook to fill with blog ideas is still one of my favorite things to do. Emma inspires me and works harder than anyone I know. I can easily say that partnering with her on this blog was the best business decision I ever made. It just keeps getting better. We love the challenge and we're so thankful for YOU for coming here and reading A Beautiful Mess day after day.
Yesterday, Emma and I spent the day in meetings at our publishing house. We came back to our hotel with two copies of our first book in our hands (eeeee!), a LONG list of to-dos and our heads full so of ideas and inspiration that it was almost overwhelming. We couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces. It's been over a year since we started our publishing journey together, but yesterday made it feel even more real and SO close! Everyone at Random House is so friendly and professional- a total dream team. Simply put… we're giddy.
We have a few other projects in the works (one coming very soon!) and we're still dreaming about what the future could hold. For now, it feels good to celebrate this season and we're thankful to be able to share it with you too! xx. Elsie
155 Comments
This is so inspirational, girls! Thank you for uplifting me after a rough week! Good luck and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!! <3
Congrats!!! So excited for you both. I can’t wait to buy and read your book!!! Your blog has inspired a friend and I to start blogging. It’s been fun, but we are still learning and have a loooong way to go! Thanks!
Wow, it must be amazing to see your own book!! That’s one of the things I enjoy most about your blog – it inspires me! Well done. You two have a wonderful blog and I really look forward to seeing the book!
Congrats! You ladies are very talented & have worked so hard for this. Enjoy!
Allyson
http://www.allysonwonderlandphotography.com/
Can’t wait to get the book! Cheers. x
You two are friendly faces that I look forward to seeing every day. Thanks for all of the inspiration! Best of luck with the next six years!
i am so excited to see where the blog goes and totally need your book! 🙂
kw, http://www.ladiesinnavy.com
You both really inspire me to continue blogging because I love it so much. It’s such an amazing creative outlet! I have two sisters and I’m always telling them how fun it would be if the three of us started a project like this. Thanks for the inspiration, girls!
http://www.sincerelysammie.com/
Congrats! I can’t wait to get a copy of your book! I love your rug under your table… Where is it from? UO?
I love seeing you two everyday! It puts a smile on my face to see such interesting, beautiful posts every day!
Don’t stop and I can’t wait to read your book
🙂
Aj.
http://sparklypineapple.blogspot.ie/
Congratulations on your journey so far, your story is such an inspiration! Cant wait to read your book!! <3
That is amazing, ladies!!! From me and everyone here, we are soooooo happy for you guys! You are the most inspiring and creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Really looking forward to the book!
♥Emma Deer
Ohhhh, I need this book NOW. I pre-ordered it already. It kills me that it comes out in AUGUST.
But congratulations. To all of you. 😀
You girls are the proof that you can do what you love for a living. Keep working hard, the results are fantastic, YOU are fantastic ! 🙂
Casey- yes, the rug is from UO. 🙂
Natalia, OH MY GOODNESS! You already pre-ordered?! You’re amazing!
We’re honored and can’t wait till August!
Thank you so much for the kind words!!
I can’t wait to see what you’re coming out with next 🙂 You’re such an inspiration to me– your blog was what got me started in creating my own!!
Mackenzie
http://www.heybirdfriend.com
Nice pics !
http://www.thestilettoholic.com/
Love from Paris
Congratulations. That sounds so exciting. I think you two are basically living (and working) the dream of all the lifestyle bloggers around here. Amazing!
Btw, I love the iPhone case, any chance you could tell me where you got that. I have been looking for an anchor one all over the place and couldn’t find one that I really liked…I’d really appreciate it.
very inspirational! and actually put a smile on my face:) its nice to see the excitement and enthusiasm you have for your blog 🙂 keep up the great work! and good luck in the future! not that you need it:)
http://iamturquoise.com
i’m so happy for you two and cannot wait to see what you do next!!!
So exciting. I am so happy for the two of you. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you! So inspirational!
xoxo
Juliette Laura
juliettelaura.blogspot.com
That anchor iPhone case is ADORABLE. Where is it from?
Excited for the book. Must be an incredible feeling!
Laura + Jessica, my anchor phone case is from j.crew 😀 xoxo
Looking forward to seeing where the future takes you x
I can’t wait to check out your book! EKKK!!! So excited! 🙂
Thanks Elsie! I’m going on the website right now!
Congrats girls!! Good things happen to good people and all the energy, love and work you put here is spread all around the world and give it back to you. You have no idea how thrill I am to come here every day to see what new idea you are going to share to us.. You have inspire me to start my own blog and I want to thank you girls for that. Energy is contagious remember that. Love, Nina o Carolina from Montevideo – Uruguay 🙂
I love your blog so so much and you girls inspire me to be a more creative and motivated lady! Super excited about your book release and new Modcloth clothing when ever that may be!
Keep doing what your doing and inspiring all us readers!
Lulu xx
https://www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
I am so happy for you! I am really excited to read your book!
I’m thrilled for you both 🙂 i can’t wait to see what that book has in store for us because I must say that A Beautiful Mess is one of my favorite daily reads!
I absolutely love your guys blog! And always excited to see what you’re going to do next! Can’t wait for your book! Good luck with everything!
http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/
Your girls’ blog is so beautiful and inspiring! I have found it a while ago but never bothered to comment however I read this post today and I couldn’t help but tell you both that you have a secret admirer (well, not so secret anymore !;-)
As a creator of beautiful things myself, your blog inspire me to do more…and more!
I love everything that is posted here and I’m looking forward to what the future will bring! You are literally a beautiful wonderful mess! (In a good way)<3 Francisnelli
so excited for you guys! you’ve worked so hard and have the spirit and heart behind it – and it shows. congrats!
This is so exciting, you’re enthusiasm in contagious. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for you lovely ladies.
I know that I am not the only one that feels you guys are truly an inspiration.
Best
Sarah
http://atticlace.blogspot.com
It was sweet to read a little something personal about your journey. I don’t keep up with blogs or read blogs, actually I’m not even sure what the definition of a “blog” is. BUT your blog is my homepage on safari and I make your recipes whenever I cook, borrow your DIY ideas to make special moments with friends and family, and explore your ideas every day. Your blog inspired me to buy a suitcase record player so I can finally listen to my records that have been collecting dust. I dusted off my rainbow onestep and started spending money I don’t have on Impossible Film (but I absolutely adore polaroid photos). I still can’t believe how much of your talent and ideas you share with others (for free), without trying to sell them. It makes me smile and it makes my life more fun. So while you are reflecting in this moment of gratitude, I want to say I am grateful for you and what you do to inspire others. Never stop & carry on because you are loved & appreciated.
Can’t wait to see your “reveal” when the book is finally released! You two are fantastically inspiring. 😀
http://catherinedenton.com
A sister us the best partner to have. They are the only one who’s not scared to tell you exactly what they think and that’s priceless.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
This was a very sweet post. I’m so happy for you guys! I still remember when I first started reading your blog and I still enjoying reading it to this day.
I’m so excited for you two! I love your blog and feel inspired every time I stop by. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you guys!
soooo exciting for you ladies!!!! Love everything you do 🙂
xoRach
So exciting and gosh, your house is pretty.
I WANT THAT PUG!
http://threeinchstitch.blogspot.com
When you wrote about not being able to wipe the smile off your faces, I could totally see that. My sister’s first book is (officially) coming out next month, via Chronicle Books, and I cannot wait. I actually have the first signed copy sitting in my home already! And, even though my sister and I talk nearly every day and I walked through the book process with her, holding the finished copy in my hands was so thrilling– and I had this huge realization of “oh my goodness. This was a HUGE project!”. Talking to her every day made it seem so easy, but looking through the book and seeing every tiny detail made me fully realize what a gigantic undertaking making a book truly is! So, congrats to you both! I hope you have a really fun book launch party planned. I am so excited to attend my sister’s in Greenville next month!
My first two books debuted this year, so I know how exciting it is to hold your book in your hands for the first time! And it’s even better to see it on the shelf. Congrats and I can’t wait to buy a copy of yours!
Congrats on your success! Thank YOU for making this blog a daily source of inspiration for me!
Congrats, you two! That’s awesome and you definitely deserve to enjoy this time! I cannot wait to get my hands on your book. 🙂
You ladies are amazing!! ABM is my favourite morning read – keep up all the awesomeness!
Your giddiness makes the rest of us giddy. Keep it comin’!
I never comment but have to say you’re one of my absolute favorite blogs, so much really good content and ideas, and I’m thrilled for all of your success and the inspiration you put out there every single day!
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
Reading this was even really motivating for me! Congratulations it sounds all so very exciting!
i’m so glad you guys get to do what you love to do and that you can do it together as sisters! i would love to have my sister as a business partner! thanks for writing on here and for all that you guys do. i love coming here everyday and seeing what recipes, DIYs, or what you guys have been up to. oh! and i can’t wait to read the book! how exciting!
Love your blog and it is so inspirational to read about your successes! Congratulations on the book.
I am so happy for you both! What an amazing accomplishment and many more of them to come, I’m sure.
Is it hard to make a living off of blogging; like getting sponsors and making an income this way? I guess I don’t really get the process and stuff but would love to learn, since blogging is a new passion of mine.
You’re both inspirational! Thank you!
xo- Raegan
Sounds like you both have plenty of plans for the future 🙂
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
congrats to both of you! wish my sister and i can work together…..hmmm maybe one day. inspired by you two girls to make that happen. its amazing how success can bring out the best in everyone. its truly a talent but you both have worked very hard to get here I’m sure 🙂
http://fashion-a-holic.com
Ok – I’ve been reading for awhile…but I don’t recall seeing a pug. Who’se cute pug is that?? He/she looks A LOT like our pug Lila!!
So excited and happy for you both! Thanks for your hard work and sharing your beautiful blog with all of us. I’m looking forward to checking out your book when it comes out!
Congrats girls, hard work always pays off. We can see how much effort you put in for our enjoyment and inspiration. It’s admirable!
Such a happy, exciting post! Congrats on all of your success. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Can’t wait for the book! (And would you please tell me what brand and shade of white are on the walls in these photos?!)
I am in awe of you dedication to this blog! It is inspiring to say the least! Keep up the good work 🙂
So exciting! You guys are an inspiration and such an encouragement in following dreams!!
Happy to read this 😀 congrats!! you deserve it
xo
So happy for you two!! Love the photos 🙂
I have had a couple of rough weeks with personal loss at some levels and the only thing that keeps me sane it’s the thought of the journey. Sometimes, these things happen in order to send us to another, better, greater level. Thank you for the inspiration!
Oh my gosh you ARE going to tell us when your book finally comes out right? 😀 I can’t wait to get my hands on your published book!
Congratulations to the both of you!
It is so exciting looking back and celebrating how far you’ve come, and also very exciting planning where you want to go! I would love to see a post about how you both got to where you are today – ie, did you complete any university degrees, or how did you set the wheels in motion to make your creative passions into your profession? I am really keen to know!
🙂
CONGRATULATIONS! Your posts are always so inspiring and it’s such a pleasure to follow up your journey. You deserve your success and we can’t wait to see more incredible things from you. 🙂
Awesome 🙂 It makes me so happy to see people doing what they are passionate about and you two bring so much fun and inspiration to your blog! I can’t wait to see what’s next. 🙂 Thank you for all that you do!
xo
Melyssa
http://thenectarcollective.com
Oooo congratulations on the book, will it be coming to the UK?
I must admit, I’ve been reading your blog probably for the entire 6 years, watching you evolve. Have really got on board with your DIYs and especially the recipes (but not the green ones, just not ready for that yet).
A question if I may, you have obviously painted those chairs, I recall the post, does the paint chip? Do your nieces play on them? I have the most boring table and chairs and really want to yellow them up (cos I came up with that idea myself.. not copying or anything), anyway its been a while, whats the durability like? Do you have to patch them?
It is obvious how much hard work and professionalism goes into your work, both the blog, and other creative projects – incredibly inspiring to follow! Excited to see the book 😉
Camilla x
Congrats! You are such an inspiration and I wish you both the best for the next 6 years!
I really like your blog, nice inspo, great pics and how you make like sisters perfect job..
http://www.fashiondenis.com
Congratulations 🙂
I just love to get excited about the future and coming up with plans and plans and some more plans 🙂 its one of the best things ever… and now I need to get out my notebook and indulge in some planning myself 🙂
Have a wonderful day,
xx Cici
I can’t wait to have your book in my hands!! Best of luck for all your future projects!!!
Congratulations on getting so close to publishing your first book 🙂 And truthfully your excitement can´t be contained and it´s inspiring!
The blog is amazing, you have all kinds of new things on it ALL the time. I am sure you have tons and tons more of great ideas. That´s why I come back day after day since I discovered it.
xx
We are so thankful you post day after day ♥
Lovely, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next. It is amazing how something can grow and become something you never imagined.
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Cute pics!
http://fashionbrunette.blogspot.com
Congratulations! That is amazing that you guys are living your dream and have been so incredibly successful! You are such an inspiration.
Mary
http://balancingitblog.com
Congrats on progressing through your journey of evolution!
Congrats ! Your blog is amazing girls…
Check out my new outfit post :
http://hidinginheaven.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-one-with-mint.html
This post makes me so happy 🙂 I am so excited to buy your book and to see where the future takes you!
I’m so excited to see what comes! I’m a newer reader and reading this and seeing how far you two have come is amazing and so inspiration! Thank you so much for being an inspiration 🙂
P.s. where were these photos taken because it looks simply adorable!
Super excited for you ladies! ABM is my favorite blog – so inspiring and fun. I can’t wait for your book!!! Cheers to continued blogging and other successes!
~Sacha
Love your blog! Question…I have been looking for a rug for our bedroom just like the one under your dining room table. Is it vintage, or did you buy it somewhere?
It’s so encouraging to hear about your journey. I’m a relatively new blogger still finding my voice and audience and it feels good to know that everyone has to start somewhere. I can’t wait for your book!
Congratulations to you girls!! You’re an inspiration 🙂
xox
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com
You don’t know how I’m excited for your book!
I’m counting the days until the publishing of your book!
I’m so curious and thrilled! Can’t wait!
Novella
http://9lla.it/
Fashion & DIYs
Congrats :). I love this post, its good to see other people getting places with dreams, and it helps inspire! I also am in love with the yellow chairs :3
Congratulations! You are two of the hardest working women bloggers around and you deserve the rewards that come from it. Oh, and cake too!
You guys inspire me every day! Reading your posts really does make me want to make my own blog better and better. Congratulations on your book!
Aw… so wonderful to follow your successes. The two of you are an inspiration. Excited about what the future has in store for you xx
I am reading you from France, I love your blog: its vintage style, and the so great DIY projects! Keep the great work! xxx Isabelle
Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you both too!
Stories like this are inspiring! Congratulations and thanks!
you are very inspiring. Lovely post.
http://lovelybusybee.blogspot.com/
Congratulations! As a new blogger I find what you do very inspirational and it’s much more difficult than it looks! I’m excited to see what you’ll come up with next and can’t wait to read the book.
Congrats!! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
xo Ashley
thetiniestfirecracker.com
Oooh that’s so exciting! Loving all the optimism at the moment. I just got my first order from a local cafe to stock them with gluten free baked goods. Looks like I’m in business! It’s lovely to see others making it too. Hurray for girls!
sooooo cute
Looking forward to (still) reading your blog 6 years from now! Congratulations!!
I am so happy for you two and I just love reading your blog. It always puts a smile on my face. Can’t wait to see, what’s next. You two are great and it’s not difficult to see that you really love what you’re doing.
Your blog is amazing, thank you for all your posts, you’re so inspirational!!
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4164275
http://beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
All of the above, it’s an absolute delight to check in with you every day. And Emma, your patterns are amazing in these pictures, the best outfit I have seen anywhere in ages, love it!!
I love hearing about you guys & business; you two are so inspiring!
xo Melanie
thehalfginger.blogspot.com
Looking forward to your future projects!
http://www.stylexvenus.com/
Can’t wait to get my hands on your book so hope its happy to take trip over the pond to me in the UK… So inspiring! Big love to you both x
Best blog in my reader by Far. I look forward to ABM popping up in my feed everyday. Inspiring me to keep working on my own creative pursuits.
Best!
Ash
TheBoardAndWire.blogspot.com
Congratulations to you both! What an exciting time. You are both an inspiration. xx
Check out my blog: http://www.valengostyle.com
Amazing! Can’t wait to buy the book. I look forward to reading your blog daily, its very inspirational.
Keep up the great work, ladies!
houseofrubyjean.blogspot.com
Brooke- our rug is from Urban Outfitters. :))
Christy, Good question. I shared about painting the chairs (method, supplies etc) here- http://abeautifulmess.com/2012/12/nes.html I have had them since November now, and no chips! We use them everyday. I definitely recommend the paint used there. I am actually about to use the same paint on an outdoor set of chairs!
Thanks so much for your kind words! 6 years is forever- I owe you a big hug!
Elsie
Hi Sam- We actually wrote a big post about education here- http://abeautifulmess.com/2012/03/ask-emma-and-elsie-on-education.html I’ve been blogging here for almost six years and blogging daily for 3 or 4. Almost of all the business opportunities we’ve had (including our bood deal, product lines etc) have come as a result of simply putting our best work right here on this blog. It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Thanks for asking!
Kate- our white walls are “Thistle Seed” by Valspar. I love the color most in our rooms with lots of natural light. In bathrooms and closets (or any room with fewer windows) I would go with a brighter white to get the same look.
Thanks for asking + have a great weekend!
Stephanie- This pug is Jeremy’s and mine. Her name is Suki. Emma also has a fawn pug named LoveLove.
I don’t blog about them very much, but I instagram them quite a lot…. http://instagram.com/elsiecake XOXO!
Raegan,
Good question. Yes, it is hard to make a living from blogging/sponsors. It is a lot of work and it takes time to build a solid program. If this is something you are trying to get into I highly recommend trying https://app.passionfruitads.com/ and taking our e-course, Blog Love. 🙂
Remember not to put too much pressure on yourself and to celebrate each small step! XO- elsie
Cannot wait to get my hands on your book!
You both are such an inspiration! I have been following this blog for years now and I it’s one of my daily things I look forward to checking in. I wish you both great success and look forward to seeing your progress in your future projects!! Much love from L.A.!!!
So excited about your book! 😀
I’ll preorder it. x
love both of you! 🙂 i really like your blog, seriously! So much inspired me! 😉
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Congratulations guys, you are both amazing!
Ronnie xo
congrats, sounds super exciting (& sisters are the best). Gorgeous photos too 🙂
You two women are a pure inspiration and I wish you nothing but the very best in all that you do xo
Louise,
http://thehouseofthebaskervilles.blogspot.co.uk
I had no idea you were writing a book but after following your blog for some time now I’m so excited to read it!
Huzzah!
xo
Diana
http://unusuallylovely.com
love the pics and blogs xxx
You guys are unbelievable how you keep coming up with ideas…..you are fabulouly talented.
Well done.
A big fan in the west of Ireland.
Sxx
there is such an air of anticipation on your blog since the new year… we can tell big things are in the works but we don’t know exactly what! hehe. I can’t wait to buy your book (my birthday is in august so that’s pretty perfect…) and looking forward to hearing more about your thoughts on ABM’s evolution and your new projects!
Congrats! You two are an amazing inspiration and I am super appreciative. Can’t wait to see what else is to come!
Congrats on you book! That is really awesome! And thank you for all the hard work you put into this lovely blog that I love reading!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.blogspot.com
You ladies are a total inspiration. I can’t wait to get your book. Congrats 🙂 Rosie x
http://www.everywordhandwritten.blogspot.co.uk/
you guys are such an inspiration.
thanks for always being such a positive, creative place to come.
i can’t wait to see where ABM goes in the years to come!
liz
GYPSI
you do incredible job with this blog and you should be proud. I love reading this blog very much, and I guess that’s the best think about blogging, you can make people happy even with a small things.
I wish you many years of good work
Cheers 🙂
I’m really happy for you! Can’t wait to have more news!! 🙂
You sisters are so inspirational! Probably the most amazing bloggers alive on this planet today. Half of the things I do are from your blog. I am so going to get this book! By the way, love the bright interior!
Elsie, could you name the brand of your dress? It looks beautiful and so familiar but I can’t recall where it is from! tks!
Makes me hopeful for my own dreams. The two of you are amazing!
Congrats you two. I am so excited to see this book you are talking about. You guys are an inspiration to me for what I hope my future will be and working on my own blog/business and everything. I love reading your blog daily.
Kayleigh
http://www.thewayiwanderlust.blogspot.com.au
Congrats! very inspiring! 🙂
This is such a nice post! i’m so happy for the amazing things coming your way- you guys are inspiring and deserve it!!!!
looking forward to all that’s ahead:-)
Elsie, you´re so sweet and hardworking. An inspiration for me! I wish you and Emma the best years ahead!!!
How exciting!!!! That’s awesome, congrats you guys!!
You ladies are so inspirational!
x Sara from tinysugarbee.blogspot.com
So exciting! Looking forward to where you all and this blog goes for 2013!
Thank you to both of you for being amazing inspirations! Can’t wait to see what you gals continue to do next!
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
I’m happy for you! It all sounds like a dream come true and it’s so inspiring to see where life can take you if you dare to dream – and work hard. Keep up the good (great!) work and take care.
I just love your design style, your house is awesome!
You guys are great together! I can’t wait to see what you guys achieve next!
Sarah
http://www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage
Nice
WHERE DO YOU TWO GET YOUR SHOES?! I’m a bit obsessed.