This week we're recapping the goals we set for ourselves for 2025, what we accomplished, what we didn't and anything that we're keeping on the list for 2026. We're talking about what makes a good goal and our personal goal setting criteria. We're also sharing our weekly book report and beginning a new segment where we debate listeners hot takes at the end of every episode!

The goals we set in our 2025 NY Goal episode:

Emma:

Get a minivan - No

Ambitious food blogging list - Had to pivot in April

Pitch cookbook idea - Did pitch but not working on right now

Emma's romance (outline and write half) - Yes

Elsie:

Write every day - No

Query my novel - Yes

Write second novel - Started it

Launch art website and sell art - Did sell art but didn't make a website

One renovation to rule them all - Yes

Most proud to have accomplished in 2025:

Elsie - Got passports and taking first trip

Emma - Finishing her novel

Unforeseen project you spent a lot of time on in 2025:

Elsie - Rewriting her novel

Emma -Hugo

Accomplishment that wasn't on the list:

Elsie - Retraining for a new career

Emma - Celebrated 40th Birthday

Book Report:

Emma - Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Elsie- The Uncool by Cameron Crowe

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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.