The Deen Team

Paula Deen is adding to the Deen Team of bloggers this fall and I’m plum giddy to be throwing my name in the hat!  For my entry submission, I’m going to share a little bit about little ol me and then I’m going to throw out why I think I’ve got what it takes to join the team.
 
All About Amanda
I’m a so-Southern girl that loves delightful décor, perfect parties and being queen bee in a home full of boys! I’ve spent my whole life living in the South. Originally from Savannah, I eventually stepped out from behind the moss curtain and made the move to Atlanta for college (Go TECH!). I always intended to go back home but two degrees, one husband, two homes and two boys later I’m here for the foreseeable future.

I love fabulous home decor, drinking sweet tea on the porch, the ballet, seersucker, monograms, Coca-Cola, reading, everything Southern, bow ties, smocked outfits and knee socks on the littles, grits, throwing parties, cooking, the beach, red apple martinis and, most of all, my family.

July 2012 797 copy
Amanda, Whit (almost 4 years) aka “The Baby” and “Cookie”,
John (almost 7 years) aka “The PCP” (precious cutie pie) and Honey

 
Top 10 Reasons Why I’ve Got What it Takes
1.  I Love Paula
As evidenced by this post last year, I LOVE Paula! I love her show, I adore her magazine, I swoon over her book (Savannah Style), I crave the buffet at The Lady and Sons, I am an unashamed rubber-necker when driving past her house on the way to my parents’ home, and I admire her motivation, determination, humor and self-made success.

 

2. It’s Genetic
Apparently, loving The Lady is genetic. As a child I remember Daddy-O coming home from work and telling us about the divine lunches he’d pick up from “The Bag Lady” in one of the squares in downtown Savannah. Thirty-some odd years later and my parents live just around the bend from Paula. I’ve gotten a few excitedly hushed calls from Mother (I can all too well envision her hiding behind the co-cola end cap) telling me she’s just seen Paula on aisle 3. And, on occasion, I am thrilled to open my inbox and see something like Paula’s gates decorated for Halloween (Mother is constantly on Daddy-O for careening around the bend in a manner that impedes her drive-by photography.)

December 2007 Christmas 057 Lunch at The Lady and Sons – a family holiday tradition – December 2007

 
3. I’m a Mommy and a Wife
As y’all well know, Honey and I have the supreme honor of being parents to two precious littles. I adore rambling on about the good, the bad, the ugly, the unbelievable and the unforgettable of raising up two Southern Gentleman in the best way a self-professed girly-girly knows how to do. Lord knows I never ever in my wildest dreams EVER thought I’d be catching fiddlers in the marsh or dreaming up a gazillion ways to make a baseball snack look cute. (Let’s face it, I thought I’d be a unicorn-riding princess…or at the very least that I’d have a couple of unicorn-riding-princess-dreamers of my own.)

paula1 celebrating 10 years – a team snack – fishing off the dock – the apples of my eye

 
4. I’m a Party Person
There’s nothing I love more than throwing a good party. Whether it’s a birthday party for the littles, a supper club gathering for our friends or a back to school bash for the neighbors, I take the planning, crafting, designing and cooking that goes into throwing a party super seriously.

 
5. I’m an Eater
Allright y’all, confession time…this “reason why I’ve got what it takes” originally started out as a place where I was going to flaunt my cooking skills. But I wouldn’t be fooling anyone…least of all The Queen of Southern Cuisine…with that sort of nonsense. While I do enjoy cooking, what I really love is eating. And I really super duper love making a fun family meal with recipes that don’t require a degree from the culinary institute, or ingredients that I can’t pronounce, to pull it off.

 
6. I Love to Decorate
Over the last three years, Honey and I have teamed up to overhaul our 1968 forever home – trading out the navy carpets with gold bows and the dark walls and trim for coastal accents and colors reminiscent of the rivers and marshes that we love so much. As y’all know, he finished our entire basement himself by watching YouTube videos and reading how-tos while I was teaching myself to sew drapes, skirt tables and upholster chairs. It’s been no small task to balance my love of shiny, beautiful over-the-top things with durable, down-to-earth, utterly invincible elements necessary for a house with two active (for lack of a better word) boys. This has led to crazy sounding things like mixing crystal chandeliers with outdoor rugs and family antiques with Ikea finds.

 
7. I’m So-Southern
I love the South: the people of the South, the manners of the South, the “come on over for a spell and sit on my back porch with a sweet tea while the littles catch lightening bugs in the bare feet” demeanor of the South. “Y’all” is a sight word around these parts (I added it right to the top of the list after “you” and “all”) and in this house co-cola solves everything from a tummy ache to a pot roast.
 
8. I’m a DIYer
The shower is a dangerous place for me. It’s the five minutes of my day (or every other day to be more exact) that I have to myself. And my mind tends to run wild thinking of things to do, things to make, things to decorate…you get the picture. So, usually with the baby as my second in command, we craft up all sorts of fun things, from décor to party favors to printable files for Dixie Delights’ readers to download for free!

 
9. I Celebrate
I celebrate holidays, birthday, accomplishments and sometimes just Mondays. There is really nothing I love more than making merry! I’m not choosy about what we celebrate, just as long as we do! I mean, it could be the last day of school, the first day our holiday elf comes for the season, a new episode of Scooby Doo, St. Patrick’s Day or a spelling test. Not to get all serious on y’all, but I look at every.single.day we have together as an immense blessing and I just can’t think of a good reason not to make the most of it!

 
10. I WANT IT!
As I worked on writing this “why I’ve got what it takes” narrative (it admittedly got very long…I sure hope there wasn’t a word limit!?!?), I realized just how much I want to join the Deen Team. Y’all know I’ve got no shortage of things to rattle on about and I’d love the opportunity to share thoughts, stories, ideas and even those free printables with Paula’s readers each month. Paula, as a member of your Deen Team, I will make you proud!

August 2008 Savannah 132
With Paula’s likeness August 2008

I suspect Paula’s people will be checking in over here soon, so I’d be as pleased as punch if y’all would weigh in… Do you think I have what it takes? I would literally squeal with delight while doing a jig in my front yard if I were to be picked!
xoxo

By dixiedelights | Filed under Uncategorized

122 thoughts on “The Deen Team”

  1. Oh good Lord YES, Honey, you have what it takes. I think you are an excellent candidate for her blog! Actually, I can't imagine anyone better!!! I will celebrate with you on this achievement (saying prayers and keeping my fingers crossed). I look forward to reading all about it while being jealous all at the same time! :)

  4. Good luck Amanda!!! You MOST DEFINITELY have what it takes and I can't think of a BETTER blogger for Paula to pick!! You've got this girl!!!

  5. Good luck Amanda!!! You MOST DEFINITELY have what it takes and I can't think of a BETTER blogger for Paula to pick!! You've got this girl!!!

  9. Amanda this was absolutely perfect in every way !!! You have this in the bag girl !!! They would be silly not to pick you !!!

    Wishing you good luck all the way from California !!!

  10. Amanda you truly out did yourself here. Absolutely perfect in every way. You got this girl !!! They would be silly not to pick you !!

    Wishing you good luck all the way from Cailfornia !!!

  14. Amanda, you truly have what it takes. In fact, I couldn't imagine a better person for the Deen Team! Your enthusiasm for all the things you love comes through in every word you write and you inspire so many of us every day! Best of luck – you deserve it!
    Cheers to you! – Shelley

  17. I stumbled upon you blog a while ago and subscribed as one of your first ten readers. What attracts me to your blog is the positive spin you have on your life. You've manage to make everyday life sparkle. I don't miss a day of reading. I adore this blog!

  19. Amanda, you most certainly should be picked! Why afterall if paula had a daughter she would be exactly like you! Even though I live in No. IN your blog is the first I read everytime, envious of living down South, cute family and wonderful fun times! You go girl, make us all proud! Love ya to bits! Lori

  22. You and the Deen Team……….what a super combo! Your blog posts as part of the Deen Team would definitely make Paula proud! You are an original, just like Paula!

  24. Amanda, I couldn't think of anyone better. I am in awe of your made decorating, cooking, party planning skills to name just a few!!
    Good luck to you. We couldn't have anyone finer to represent us Atlanta gals.

  25. If anyone has what it takes, you do! You're the most Southern girl I know, next to Paula that is.

    I'm from Paula's hometown… so I know the kind of people she comes from.

    You'd fit right in!

  27. You are my idol, so you are perfect for this. I have entered too, but I know that my mentor is a shoo-in for this honor. Love ya like a sis! xo

  29. You more than have what it takes. Dixie Delights is the first blog I look at every evening. Paula will be thrilled to grab you up and get you into a Deen Team uniform!

  35. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!! Paula would be plum crazy not to pick you! I soooo enjoy reading your blog and I am a darn Yankee!! ;-)

  37. I have often thought that you have a way with words and should write for the Savannah Tourism Board. I live here and you even make me want to visit! You would be the best pick for Paula!

  38. Yes, indeed! I think another great description for you is "Paula Deen's long-lost daughter who lives in Georgia's big city" you'd bring the perfect blend of the PD brand and the hip young mommy ideas.

  40. Miss Amanda has what I call a touch of "unintimidating refinement" wrapped up in an extremely personable package. Her blog offers the necessary ongoing creativity of varied posts to tempt readers into a daily fix. She's super smart, allowing her to choose the best wording when explaining step-by-steps. Plus, she's a hoot & a half. She has flawless decorating sense, so you can be assured her tutorials won't disappoint. And lastly, I consider her my Book Recommendation Guru–I've yet to not love any book she mentions in her "On My Bedside" feature.

  41. Miss Amanda has what I call a touch of "unintimidating refinement" wrapped up in an extremely personable package. Her blog offers the necessary ongoing creativity of varied posts to tempt readers into a daily fix. She's super smart, allowing her to choose the best wording when explaining step-by-steps. Plus, she's a hoot & a half. She has flawless decorating sense, so you can be assured her tutorials won't disappoint. And lastly, I consider her my Book Recommendation Guru–I've yet to not love any book she mentions in her "On My Bedside" feature.

  42. Absolutely Amanda! You are wonderful sponsor for all things southern. And this Yankee grandma ought to know! ( I've been living in the south for a long time). You epitomize the southern belle in all of the right ways and I think Paula would love to have you on her team. Keep on doing the things you love – You do a fabulous job!

  44. I think you would be the ideal addition to The Deen Team. I adore your blog. I happen to be making a trip to Savannah soon and will be stopping by Lady and Sons. If I run into Paula, I'll sing your praises. Good luck.

  46. Best of luck to you–I loved reading this post as it reminded me of all the many reasons that you are on my blog roll. I am consistently inspired by your projects and have three of my friends reading you each day too. As a former Printing Press Extreme user, girl in love with my sillouette machine, Southerner, and well educated-woman-turned-SAHM; I am just smitten with your blog and I am sure Ms. deen will be too!

  47. I absolutely LOVE reading your blog! You most definitely have what it takes and would be a PERFECT fit to join Paula's Deen Team! Good luck Amanda, you have my vote!

  48. You DEFINITELY have what it takes to be apart of the "Deen Team!!!!" I really hope they choose you Amanda, because you are beyond talented!!! Best of luck to you, and just know you have all of your faithful readers cheering for YOU! :-)

  49. I think they would be insane if they didn't add you to their team! In fact, I would have to question their "taste" in decor and food style. I have seen your blog mentioned on so many other blogs, so when I finally checked it out, I was so bummed I didn't check and join as a follower sooner! Your ideas are both creative and inspiring. I am confident they will see all the wonderful and catchy posts that we get to see daily and they will not hesitate to have you join! Good luck to you!

  50. Your style is what attracted me, but your writing is lovely, too! Loved every word (even if you left out the b-word…butter!). —gina

  51. You have a fabulous blog Amanda, a beautiful family, such creative party ideas, you're a superb decorator, you write so well in your blog – which again I read everyday, and you deserve to be on the 'DEEN TEAM'. I am a young 55 year old new Grandmother and send you much love and blessings as you are a lovely Southern gal. Good Luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

  52. I have been reading your blog for over a year now. It is honestly the first thing I check each morning when I sit down at the computer. ( Second is The Uptown Acorn and US Magazine.) Anyhow I cannot imagine that someonewould NOT pick you! I wish you the best of luck!
    Natalie

  55. I saw that she was searching and I would be tickled if you were picked! Aside from the fact that you are a Yellow Jacket (Go Dawgs!) I'd say you're pretty much the perfect little Souther blogger! One of my favorites for sure! Good luck!

  56. Amanda, I don't think that there could be a more perfect person to add to the Deen team than you! I have loved your blog from my very first read; and I look forward to seeing your blog posts pop up in my sidebar. Wishing you the best!!! You deserve it!

  57. Amanda-

    I have no doubt that if this is what your heart truely desires and it is The Lord's calling for you then you've got this in the bag! And I'm equally certain that no matter the outcome, you will continue to inspire your readers. I for one want to thank you for inspiring me to finally make some decorating decisions that I've been putting off for years (even responding to emails about fabric samples–such a dear you are) and more importantly reminding me how blessed I am to be mommy to an amazing princess and two little men! At the end of the day, you can have a beautiful home but If your relationships aren't tended to it's all wasted. Have a beautiful day with your family and I'll be back first thing in the morning to get my Dixie delights fill:)

    Hugs from Naperville, IL!!
    Amelia

  58. ABSOLUTELY!! Your blog is so original and genuine. I love how creative you are and how you make everything so fun for your kids. Since I started reading your blog, I have been striving to make the mundane extraordinary. You are so inspiring with your down to earth sensibilities, with out an air of pretension. I think you would be a perfect fit!! Plus, I would love to see a fellow Tech fan get it! ;) Good luck!

  59. I am really pulling for you! You should be a "shoe-in". And… surely Paula will look the other way when it comes to all that black and gold! Good luck from your biggest fan in Athens, Georgia!

  60. Good luck! You should totally make the team. I love your blog and look forward to reading it every day. You are so personable, I feel like I could call you up and chat about everything under the sun. If you need us to vote for you, please be sure to post it. Good luck!

  61. You are absolutely perfect for the job! Good luck and I hope you'll still update on Dixie Delights when you start blogging for Paula! See, in my mind you already have the job!

  62. Paula Deen…..if you are reading this……this is your girl…she so has what it takes……pick her……..Pick Amanda
    Andrea in Illinois

  63. I can't think of anyone better for the job! Except maybe me…oh, but you have to actually write a blog not just read them:) Dixie Delights is seriously the first thing I read every morning. Even before my email! Your decorating posts are my replacement for my old favorite, now out of print, Southern Accents magazine. If you don't get picked, I would say the butta has definitely gone to Miss Deen's brain! Don't forget Sister when you become famous!!! xoxo

  64. By luck I stumbled upon your awesome blog a few months ago and am HOOKED! Love all of your creative ideas-be it crafting, decorating, entertaining, parenting, or cooking! I look forward to reading your blog everyday!! You would make an awesome addition to the Deen Team!!

    Katie from Dallas

  65. Paula,
    You must pick her! As a California girl, I get a true taste of Southern living by reading Amanda's blog and delight in enchanting my own littles with many of her ideas.

  66. Good Luck Amanda
    I have been following your Blog with eager anticipation daily for the past 12 months, I love everything you do, the Deen Team would be mad not to pick you ! I love your home so much, I want to move all the way from Sydney, Australia and live in your Guest bedroom !!

  67. Good Luck Amanda
    I have been following your Blog with eager anticipation daily for the past 12 months, I love everything you do, the Deen Team would be mad not to pick you ! I love your home so much, I want to move all the way from Sydney, Australia and live in your Guest bedroom !!

  68. Absolutely! I peruse several blogs but only really read a couple. Love yours and think you're perfect for the Deen Team!

  70. I read your blog every day and love, love, love your creative ideas and way with words! Good luck, you would be a treasure on the Deen Team!

  71. i could not think of anyone more perfect for the deen team! your blog is the best one out there!!! it is the first one of my daily reading line up. your taste is impeccable, your writing is witty & entertaining and you're from savannah!!! what more could they ask for?!?! so here is a vote from a girl in ELIZABETHTOWN (the town that inspired the movie in which paula made her acting debut!)

    Good Luck,
    ~amy
    elizabethtown, ky

  74. You are a super talented lady, you have raised decorating creativity to an art form! You would be perfect for the Deen Team!!

  77. You should definitely be picked! I have NEVER followed a blog in my life, but I find myself having to check yours every day! I just cannot figure out how you have time to reach such perfection :). You would be an asset to the Deen Team!

  78. You should definitely be picked! I have NEVER followed a blog in my life, but I find myself having to check yours every day! I just cannot figure out how you have time to reach such perfection :). You would be an asset to the Deen Team!

  79. You should definitely be picked! I have NEVER followed a blog in my life, but I find myself having to check yours every day! I just cannot figure out how you have time to reach such perfection :). You would be an asset to the Deen Team!

  80. You are simply fabulous Amanda…look forward to seeing what you are up to everyday…sweetest kids, great husband, wonderful, blessed life! Go ahead and get ready for the team because you are definitely the best!!!! Marti in TN

  81. Absolutely! Your blog has inspired me that a girly Southern girl can manage to have fun with her two boys and still preserve some of her girly self in the process. I am a New Orleanian (via Mississippi) who also was a former ballet dancer, who now has two little boys, and is in the process of renovating a Garden District house. Your blog is such an inspiration!

  82. YES you ABSOLUTELY deserve it!!!! OMG!! you are my FAVORITE blog!! its the first blog i read in the morning! :) i always enjoy your posts and your creativity! i hope you get it!!!

  83. Oh, Amanda!!
    I have chills!!

    You've totally got it, I can't think of anyone better!

    I've only been a reader (fan) for a few short months, but I enjoy your blog so much!

    I've got my fingers crossed for you, good luck!

    Mandy

  86. YES, YES, YES! I sit down at the computer each day eager to see the next the thoughtful, creative, beautiful thing you will share with us that day. You are truly and inspiration. Paula must pick you! Ya'll are meant to be together!

  87. You are as southern as they come! I enjoy your blog so much…my girls are all almost grown and reading about your beautiful family brings back all those wonderful memories. Can't wait to see your post celebrating that you are on the Deen Team. :)

  90. Amanda- I absolutely love reading your blog. You make everyday things so special and you are never afraid to laugh at yourself. Your blog inspires me (and I know others) to make things more fun for my kids. I love that you share your recipies and other cute DIY projects so that your readers can create them easily on their own. You would be a PERFECT addition to the Deen Team! Good Luck!

  91. Amanda, I can't think of any other blogger in Blog Land who is more Sweet Southern Style than you. I'm from the Northeast (with a 2nd home in Florida, but that doesn't count we're all northern transplants there.) I follow your blog because you are so very Southern and Fun. She would be foolish not to pick you. Good Luck, Debbie

  96. Amanda, I'm new to your blog and love it. It is the first blog I read every morning. There are so many different things that you write about that I know Paula's readers would love. Good Luck and let us know when you find out you made the team!

  97. Paula Deen could not find a better person for her team than Amanda! As one of Amanda's close friends for the past 12 years, I can attest that none of what she has posted is just for show or for her blog or in this case to make the team. Amanda just has a special knack for making an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. I never see her house look the same. She has always added a new special touch and is the most creative person I know, making things on her own that look better and more meaningful than something store bought. She does things for others, celebrates every day, and she is an outstanding wife, mother, sister, and friend. She is the epitome of a southern woman and would make an awesome addition to Paula's team. They will wonder how they ever made it without her!!!!

  98. Awesome article! I would think reading this and looking over your blog would make their decision easy. :) So many creative ideas, especially the things you do for the boys and your parties.

    Best of luck!
    Pat

  99. OF COURSE you have what it takes!!! This job was made for you! But Deen or no-Deen, you will always be my go-to girl for holiday ideas, birthday themes, soccer snack ideas, home decorating tips, fun kid dinners, etc.
    XOXO,
    B

  100. I was introduced to your blog thru Ron's blog and I can't imagine missing one of them! I love how you love life and those in it! You are truly inspirational!

  104. Amanda, your blog is amazing. The fact that you celebrate things both big and small is so admirable. What a fabulous philosophy!

  107. Love your blog, Paula would be lucky to have you on her team.Like some one else said, "If you dont have it, no one does."Good luck, keep it up. :)

  108. Love your blog. Like someone else said"If you dont have it, no one does". Paula would be blessed for you to be on her team. Good luck and keep up the great work:)

  109. Paula,

    Amanda has this in the bag! There is not a better blogger out there if you are looking for a great writer and someone as talented as they come.

    Kendall

  111. They would be lucky lucky to have you. You are so funny creative and a great mother. What a blogger u are!! I have loved being a fly on the wall in ur life. U inspire me keep us posted c Lovett

  113. Your blog is the first thing I check everyday! You will make a great addition to Paula's team!
    Natalie

  114. Amanda,
    I look forward every day to reading your blog. You would make a great Deen team member!.
    Nicole

  115. You are so creative..in so many ways! You would be a great addition to her team! I enjoy viewing your before & after projects and love your decorating! You and Ron need to combine forces….now that would be powerful team! **Ron Carrier @ The Uptown Acorn.

  117. When do you find out? I can't wait to hear the big news. I've seen a couple of entries but yours has to be the winner.

  118. You absolutely have what it takes. More than anyone else or any other blog writer I can think of. Good luck!

  119. No matter what Miss Paula is looking for you've got it honey. Let us know when you know you won!

  120. The Deen Team would be extremely lucky to have you on board, but I'm looking forward to the debut your very own "Dixie Delights" show! You've got what it takes and I'm a huge fan! Good luck!

  122. You are always number 1 in my book and I know the Deen team will see you should be their number 1 too! Can't think of a more perfect person for the job:) Love ya, N

Comments are closed.