Hi, I’m Chelsea Lords—the recipe developer, writer, and creator behind Chelsea’s Messy Apron. I started sharing recipes online in 2013, and I’m still just as excited to bring you delicious, dependable meals that everyone can enjoy.
Before I had my three kids, I worked in a restaurant kitchen for seven years—and I’ve been hooked on cooking ever since! Now I spend my days creating flavorful recipes that are easy to make. Whether it’s a 30-minute one-skillet dinner or a new twist on cookies, I love creating recipes that readers come back to again and again.
Credentials & Experience
- 12+ years of recipe development, testing, and blogging
- Trained with chefs around the world including Roy Choi, Rick Bayless, and Steven Raichlen
- Completed international cooking courses in Italy, the Maldives, Scotland, and Bali
- Featured in magazines and digital cookbooks (including one recipe that was turned into a puzzle sold at major retailers like Target)
- Partnered with Kroger’s food waste initiative, creating a recipe that was served to over 500 people, including two celebrity chefs
- Awarded $5,000 for the Utah Food Shelter for my contribution to food sustainability and community awareness
Education
- Undergraduate degree (B.S.) in Exercise & Wellness from Brigham Young University, with an emphasis on nutrition, personal training, and exercise physiology
My Expertise
- Recipe development: I test recipes multiple times, often over the course of months (or even years), before sharing them online
- Family-friendly cooking: As a busy mom, I specialize in meals that are quick to prep, easy to clean up, and approved by picky eaters
- Mix of it all: You’ll find cheesy pastas, light salads, indulgent desserts, and easy weeknight dinners—all in one place
- Engaging content: I love using videos, step-by-step photos, ingredient tips, and prep hacks to make cooking more fun and doable
Behind the Blog
I started Chelsea’s Messy Apron out of a tiny kitchen and a big love for food. What started as a passion project has grown into a space visited by millions every year—and I’m just as involved today as the day I got started.
When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me soaking up life here in Utah—walking the neighborhood, reading a good book, or cheering on my kids at their sports games. I also love to travel, and I try to take a cooking class wherever I go—it’s one of my favorite ways to explore new flavors and techniques.
Stay Connected
Follow along for new recipes, behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, and quick cooking tips:
Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
Or sign up for my newsletter to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox.
If you’d like to contact me directly, please visit the contact page or email me at info@chelseasmessyapron.com. I get a lot of emails, so while I’ll do my best to respond, I don’t have the time to reply to every email I receive.
