Paula Deen Home

As we begin to make our house a home, I have been on the search for furniture for a number of rooms.  We need pieces for our formal living room, dining room, master bedroom and home office.  Needless to say, we need to buy a lot.  The blessing, it doesn't need to be done tomorrow.  I'm the type of person who loves a bargain, but at the same time, am not willing to sacrifice my style and/or taste in the meantime.  Like I always say to my husband, referencing the day I met him, "When you know, you know."  That's how I am with furniture.  

So when I came across this desk, I was in love.  It totally suits my style.  But, I was so surprised that the line was from the one and only Southern food queen, Paula Deen.  She's launched her own Home Furnishing line, Paula Deen Home.  I absolutely love that traditional, yet shabby chic style with a twist of character each piece has.  If you haven't checked out her line, it's a must.  

Here are a few of my favorites...

Dessert First

Meet Anne Thornton.  Host of Dessert First with Anne Thornton on the Food Network.   Not only is Anne my new favorite cooking show host, her recipes are to die for.  I recently discovered her show this weekend (where have I been??) while catching up on some weekend television.  As soon as I saw that she was making Salted Caramel Banana Macarons, I was sold.  

Make sure you tune in to the Food Network on Saturdays at 12:30pm/11:30 Central for her fabulously delicious show.

Here are some of my favorite recipes by Anne:

Salted Caramel Banana Macarons

Couture Caramel Apples

Deepest Darkest Chocolate Cheesecake

Almond, Pear and Cherry Pocket Pies

Cookie Dough Truffles with Sea Salt

Protect This House!

Now that the college football season is upon us, I've been thinking about creating an inspiration board for those football parties that will be had by many this year.  Being as though we are season ticket holders for Maryland Football, I found it only fitting to create an inspiration board in honor of the Terps.  Plus, I still can't get over these uniforms!! 

Have a great weekend and be safe out there with all of this crazy weather.

Weekend Festivities - Check...

We had a great holiday weekend that was spent celebrating with family and friends.  Curtis had no idea about his surprise birthday party I had planned and was thrilled to have so many of our closest friends join us at our new home in honor of his 30th birthday.  (He refuses to admit he's anything other than 29.)  In true Maryland style, we had a bushel of crabs, grilled corn on the cobb and plenty of cold, adult drinks to go around.

This weekend also kicked off the start of the Maryland football season and the home opener game against University of Miami.  Not only did Maryland take home a W, they also stirred up the sporting world with their new uniforms.  I must say, despite all of the criticism received, I absolutely loved them.  They were so different, so eye-catching and they did exactly what they needed to do ... got everyone talking.

And, on the home front I painted my office.  I love my new color!!  I am so proud that I tackled the painting as I have never done a whole room before.  The process is tedious but definitely gratifying.  I loved seeing the transformation take place.  I can't wait to post pictures once my room is complete!  (Sorry for the lighting...an evening photo with only one lamp in the room.)

Bushels of Love

I'm looking forward to a bushel of these babies this weekend and a nice cold brewsky.  It's going to be a great next few days full of good friends, family and Maryland football.  

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend.  

Country Livin'

It's been a rough week for the Patterson family.  Upon the onset of Hurricane Irene, we were vacationing in Rodanthe, North Carolina with our family.  A week ago today, we had to cut our trip short and evacuate.  Hurricane Irene hit the Outer Banks and left much destruction in her path.  The beautiful, 6,000 square-foot home we stayed in, sadly, burned to the ground.  (I am still in shock that it's no longer there...read here to find out what happened.)  Once Irene landed upon Maryland, she left us with no power for nearly 5 days.  In the meantime, I came down with a severe ear infection.  Let's just say things haven't been going as planned.  

Despite all of the generators, extension cords, make shift showers and sickness, we made it through.  Thank you so much to all of our friends and family who were so generous and helped us get by virtually unscathed.  And to my husband, you never cease to amaze me.  Thank you.

Being new homeowners, there is a lot to learn and we are getting nice dose of it right smack in the face.  Nonetheless, we are loving the challenges it brings and wouldn't change it for the world.

And the picture above sums it all up.  I get to pass this fresh flower farm every day on my way home.  Who wouldn't want to look at something so picturesque?  

Oh yeah, I can't wait to go and buy my very first bunch of flowers from them too.  Oh the joys of country living.  

Movin' on Up...

As a good friend of mine said, "It's like hearing from the Queen of England."  It's something I never expected and something I only imagined of when I first got started creating Sweets Tables.  But my day did come and I finally heard from her.  Only this queen is the Queen of Sweet ... Amy Atlas.

I couldn't be more thrilled to finally graced the blog pages of Sweet Designs.  I am honored and it gives me more inspiration to continue creating beautiful tables full of Sweet Nothings.

To see the full posting, click here.