Nesting: It's a Chick Thing by Ame Mahler Beanland & Emily Miles Terry

We had the pleasure of chatting recently with Ame Mahler Beanland and Emily Miles Terry about their latest book. Take a peek at what they had to say:

gfb: Let's first start off by having you both tell us a little about yourselves, and what made you write this book.
emily-We love our homes and gathering with girlfriends and family, and we're trying to achieve less perfection and more fun! We wanted to write a book that covered the four pillars of nesting--entertaining, cooking, decorating and gardening, but that takes the pressure off and frees up women to enjoy themselves in their homes rather than slaving away in them.
ame--Emily and I were frustrated with a lot of the lifestyle advice that we came across. It was daunting and made home-making and entertaining seem more like work than fun and when we bemoaned this with our friends and family--our chick network--we found we were far from alone. We wanted to create a book that made women feel empowered, excited and inspired in their homes and gardens.

gfb: Would you say this is the perfect book for the domestically-challenged?
emily-Yes, the idea behind it being--if we can do it, anyone can do it!
ame--Or if you are a Domestic Diva, this book will inspire you to loosen up and not take things so seriously.

gfb: What is your favorite section of the book?
emily-This time of year, I really turn to the entertaining section which helps me relax, mix a mean martini, and get my home ready for the festivities and chaos to come.
ame--I love the gardening section. Nature really inspires me and I love the wild and rambling attitude of the garden. It's always surprising.

gfb: What would you say to someone who feels like they live in a "box" - an un-interesting colonial with square rooms. Is there hope for a charming nest?
emily-Absolutely--Take a risk, go out on a limb. Many women and men have told us that the first chapter of our book, which is on decorating, got them fired up to change your nest. We have a great style quiz and all sorts of ideas for quick-fixes and nest improvements!
ame--Every fabulous nest is a simple box when you distill it down. It's what you do with the box and how you fill it that really makes it sing. I love Dorothy Vreeland's advice--"Never fear being vulgar--just boring." Decorating is not forever--just go for it and deal with the consequences later! You can "do-it-yourself" and you can "undo-it-yourself."

gfb: Can you share with us some of your best pointers for decorating on a budget?
emily-Paint, Paint and more Paint. Nothing is less expensive and has more impact than changing the color of paint in a room.
ame--Tag sales, flea markets, and thrift stores--you can find wonderful, quirky things from furniture and lamps to artwork and accessories. There's a big difference between cheap and inexpensive--one chick's trash is definitely another's treasure. And spray paint--you can transform anything with a can of spray paint! Mirrors, frames, furniture, etc.

gfb: We have to ask - is there a little Martha Stewart in either one of you?
emily-O.k., ame, they're on to you!
ame--Maybe in my dreams...or nightmares! I can't decide.

gfb: Say you are having a couple over for dinner who you would like to get to know better. What main course would you serve?
emily-Great question! I try to go with an entree that can be prepared beforehand and can be quietly baking or roasting when my guests arrive so I can make them feel comfortable. Our Lasagna recipe (pg. 171 in the book) would be perfect in this instance--even the pickiest of eaters like it, and if you or your guests aren't meat eaters you can make it without the meat. For an appetizer our BLTeenies (page 103) are wonderful because you can make them the day before (they even taste better that way!) and it's scrumptious!
ame--I'm not as Betty Crocker as emily, I might do pizza from a great Italian restaurant and make a good salad-- the field greens, toasted pine nut, feta, artichoke hearts and dried cranberry combo from our "Raising the Salad Bar" guide on page 177 is always great. Open a great bottle of wine and it's an easy, relaxed evening for everyone.

gfb: What is next up on your plates?
emily-Researching our upcoming book--it's just arduous (ha-ha)--we get to talk to very fun and gregarious chicks, test new chicktail recipes, and taste many new appetizers.
ame--It's a tough job but a chick's gotta do it!

About the authors:  Ame Mahler Beanland and Emily Miles Terry are the co-authors of the best-selling book, It's a Chick Thing: Celebrating the Wild Side of Women's Friendship.  Ame is also an award-winning editor and art director.  Emily is a public relations specialist.  Visit them at their website, chickstyle.com.
Nesting: It's a Chick Thing