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...

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.  

A coincidence? I think not...

I am so thrilled that I have FINALLY found a paint color for my new office!  I have been scouring the internet, home design magazines, wearing my House Beautiful 500+ Best Colors iPad app out trying to decide on a color.  (If you haven't seen it, get it!)  And yesterday, while on one of our many trips to Home Depot, I found the perfect color.

Behr's 130A-1, Sweet Nothing.  

The name couldn't be more perfect.

Home Office.

On a day like today, I wish more than anything our 1 bed, 1 bath, 600 square foot home was a true single-family home complete with.... (drumroll please!).... a Home Office.

Yes, that's right, a home office.  I'm dreaming of having a space I can go to where I can work, feel comfortable and at peace with myself while I slave away for the man.  

I'm taking notes now on all the things I love about different home offices and will one day be able to post about my very own space.  I know if my husband has anything to do with it, he'll help me make it the most fabulous office ever.