Last Tuesday, Andrew and I left Dallas and headed to Savannah, Georgia so that we could hang out with Jamie and Brooke Deen and be a part of the new Paula Deen Network.
About two and a half years ago, Brooke Deen reached out to me because she had seen my blogs and thought we had a lot in common. Over the last few years (through really good times and really bad times), we have cemented a truly genuine friendship.
Back before Christmas, Jamie reached out to me and tipped me off that they were going to be creating a Paula Deen Network and that he’d love me to be a part of it…so, now that the network is about to be launched (it launches this September), they invited us out to film.
As a side note, back in 2005, Andrew and I went to Savannah on vacation just to eat at their restaurant The Lady and Sons. To say this was a full circle moment would be an understatement :).
Savannah bound 🙂
When we landed in Savannah and were walking to baggage claim, I looked up and saw these two really sweet ladies Cheryl and Lauren waiting for me :). They had seen my Instagram pic earlier in the morning (the first pic on this post with my flight info on it) and wanted to say hi to me and welcome me to Savannah. They were sooooooo sweet!! Thank you so much ladies! You made my morning!!
After we checked into our hotel, we headed to a lunch at a pub (nothing better than a pub burger!).
As we were walking back to our car, we went past The Lady and Sons restaurant (the famous restaurant Paula and her sons started 25 years ago). Seriously, when we went to Savannah 9 years ago, it was pretty much just to eat at this restaurant.
When we got back to our hotel, Jamie had dropped off a goody bag filled with things he and Brooke love in Savannah (soaps, honey, beer and cookies…perfection!).
And then that night, Jamie and Brooke picked us up at our hotel and we went to dinner at Pacci. Listen, the trip was a total blast but my very, very, very favorite part was just hanging out with Jamie and Brooke on Tuesday night. We are so much alike, we raise our kids the same way, we have the same values and beliefs, the same interests…we are truly good friends.
If you’re in the Savannah area and haven’t eaten at Pacci, you should! This is the secret garden area behind the restaurant. And listen…order the short ribs. Seriously. Order them.
Mr. Deen and Me 🙂
Love them.
So, the next morning, we were to be at Paula’s house at 9:45. Paula used to film everything in her real house (the same kitchen/backyard and such you see on her TV show), but then a few years ago she got tired of living and filming in the same house, so she moved down the road. We went to her studio house to film segments for the Paula Deen Network that begins this fall.
Andrew was sitting out in the audience (yes, they bring in an audience of about 30 people for each taping and they sit in her living room area) and Jamie asked him to come participate. They made some fancy grilled cheese sandwiches together.
So cool! This is the Paula Deen kitchen I have seen a million times on TV and all of MY ingredients for MY recipe are sitting out on the counter for me to make! So stinkin’ cool!
Introducing me before my segment begins 🙂
Paula Deen was just as sweet and wonderful in person as I had wanted her to be. I felt like I had known her forever and that we were old friends. She was so sweet! And I loved that she wanted to see pictures of my kids…and I showed her pics of all of them…all three of them :).
I’m not going to spoil any surprises…but we taped 5 segments that day and they were so much fun. When I have air dates and recipe information, I will share it with you. Let me just say this…at one point, Paula fed me a meatball…while I was blindfolded. Things got crazy ;).
Around 3:00, we were done taping, so Andrew and I hit the streets of Savannah for some walking and looking.
And then the Deen family treated us to The Lady and Sons for dinner that night.
Andrew and I had the VERY best time being a part of The Paula Deen Network! If you haven’t signed up for it, you should! This new network works off of your Smart TV and digital device and I really think it will revolutionize how we view cooking shows, download recipes, create shopping lists and so much more. Click here to sign up today!
Andrew and I loved our Savannah trip. The best part though was just spending time with the Deen family. They are as sweet, thoughtful, grateful, humble and sincere as you would think. They truly are friends for life.
So…what’s cookin’ in my kitchen this week? Well, it’s Meal Planning Monday…
…click here to see the simple and yummy meals I have planned for your week.
And I showed you Paula’s kitchen today…so tomorrow, I think I’ll show you my kitchen too :).
Happy Monday!
Amy Heinl says
What an awesome moment and experience for you. It is so well deserved. Can't wait to watch you when her network shows start in September!
Julie C. says
Oh my gosh, how exciting!!! Everything about this post is just so awesome 🙂 I'm going to have to look into the Paula Deen Network…I love her!!!
Johannah says
So So So Jealous!!! Can't wait to see it on TV! =)
Tab & Erika says
I LOVED this recap!! It looks like you guys had a great time!! Can't wait to WATCH!!! You know me…I'd be filming in a turtleneck! hahaha!
Patty says
What a fun experience to get to tape with Paula Deen! I signed up for her network as soon as I heard about it. I am so excited for her and her family! Thank you for sharing about your trip and a side note: The Red Sox won all their games this past weekend! I love being able to watch them since I live in Tn. 🙂 Have a great week.
Tara G. says
Rejoicing with you!
Kelly says
What an amazing experience! Love her and can't wait to see the new network and YOU on there!
graceandloveblog says
I am so glad you had such a fun time!! Love you!!
Hilary says
WOWZERS! What an amazing experience and blessing. That's awesome! Can't wait to see, read, and hear more! An opportunity of a lifetime! Thanks for sharing! HIL
Dani {Adventures of a Pharm Girl} says
So glad you had such a good time. Thanks for sharing!
xo Dani
Kimm Atwood says
How fun! Can't wait to see this!! And the gold Tory Burch flips are they not the best! I bought them in May and seriously think I wear them 6 out of 7 days! Happy Monday
allisonwest says
Wow!! Congratulations! She's a legend!
Lindsay D. says
I'm so happy for you guys!! What a great couple of days!! Can't wait to see the show!!
Melissa Kelly says
What a great experience. Can not wait to see your segments.
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
WOW! This sounds like a dream! I love the Deen's! I met Paula a few years ago at a cooking and wine festival. She really is the sweetest. Too much fun!
Anonymous says
We adopted a little boy from Africa a few years ago and I know that if you have a picture you are sooo close! Hang in there – you are almost there!!!
Paula says
I hope you frame those pictures and put them on your Mixmaster mama wall of fame!
AWESOME!
April Parrish says
Shay,
What an amazing opportunity! So happy for you and praying you have many more chances to share what you love to do!
Have a great day! 🙂
Heather Nelsen says
Ahhh! What a dream come true! How incredibly cool the way things have come full circle in the past 9 years. God is pretty cool at caring about the details of our lives and giving y'all such a neat experience like this! Cooking/sharing one of my recipes on a TV show even one time is such a dream of mine! SO stinking excited for you that you got to do this!!!
Polka Dot Blossom says
Thrilled for you! Can't wait to watch it. Congrats on this exciting new venture!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Shay! I love this! What an amazing story of friendship and how small this world can be. I can't wait to see the segments. I'm sure you were fantastic!!
Shesabigstar says
So amazing… it's so crazy to think back to you and Andrew visiting Savannah just to go to that restaurant and then look what happens a few years later. Life is so ridiculously amazing! <3
Lynn {A Taste of Country} says
How exciting that you got to have such an amazing experience! Can't wait to see/hear more about the taping (and Miss Ashby, too). What a sweet family!
Jenny says
What a fun trip! I'm sure you were on cloud nine the whole time! 🙂
Kim Taylor says
Oh what a fabulous experience! I have loved PD for sooooo many years and we planned a trip to savannah back in 2007 just to take the PD tour and eat at Lady and Sons!! Thank you for sharing this experience with us and I'm signing up today for her network! Will look forward to watching you and Andrew as well!! Have a fabulous day!!
melissabunny100 says
What a great little trip…..How cool was that!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
So so cool! I can't wait to see what you guys cooked up!
The Deen's are all such a gorgeous family, I mean, WOW.
Anonymous says
This is so exciting! You have worked so hard for everything you have, and I couldn't think of anyone more deserving. I can't wait to watch. 🙂
Btw, your picture quality is amazing for a phone! Is the the iPhone 5 you have or 5s? And do you guys usually use the front camera when taking selfies?
Elizabeth T. says
Could you do a "Shay's Closet" on everything you wore in Savannah? You looked so cute in every picture!
Desaree Martin says
That is so cool that you got to do that! Can't wait to see your segments. I love Paula Deen.
Darcy says
How cool! And even more fun when you're having such a neat experience with friends {in real life} too. Can't wait to see more details when it gets closer to airing! 🙂
Marty says
Wow! So excited to see these episodes on tv! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
MakeMeUpMia says
This is just awesome girl, can't wait to watch in the future! How exciting 🙂
Ashlee says
It looks like you just had the best time! I can't lie though what caught my eye was the fact that you have pictures of Ashby!!!!!!!!!!!
Amye says
that is so cool! love paula deen! can you tell us where you got your black lace top? it is so pretty!
Maggie C. says
Is your Kendra Scott necklace silver or gold? It looks silver but I've never seen it in silver online.
Sandy P says
We went to the Lady and son in September. My mom makes some fabulous fried chicken, but that chicken was the best. My husband and I would go back just for the chicken!
Anonymous says
So exciting! What a memorable trip for both you and Andrew… your kiddos will love to watch both mom & dad when this airs!!
I agree with a previous comment… please do a "what I wore" for this trip 🙂
Anonymous says
congratulations! Must agree with Elizabeth T. we need a Shays Closet on the clothes you wore in Savannah!
Shannon says
How exciting!!! I love Paula Deen and am super excited there will be a new network starting up. Definitely off to sign up and congratulations on getting to be a part of it 🙂
V @ X-tremely V says
love, Love, LOVE Savannah! My husband and I actually spent our honeymoon there! So beautiful! And we loved eating at The Lady and Sons restaurant!
What a wonderful time with the Deen family! They truly look and sound so sweet!
I need to check out that station and make sure to watch when it starts! Can't wait to see you on TV…again 😉
Jaclyn Johnson says
Hi Shay! How exciting for you and what a wonderful opportunity!! So funny how life comes full circle like that. SO exciting that you have pics of Ashby too, I can't wait until we hear more about her! Also, can't wait to see your kitchen tomorrow 🙂 – Jaclyn G.
Anonymous says
You showed pictures of all THREE kids?!?! Is an update on the adoption process in order????
Shirley C. says
What an exciting time for you and Andrew…congratulations! I'm looking forward to watching! And, the fact that you have a picture of your new baby girl is even more so!
Beth K says
You have pictures of Ashby?? YAY!!! So exciting! Hoping we in the blogosphere get to meet her soon too! (All in good time, of course!) Our family is starting the foster-to-adopt certification process in September, and I'm excited/terrified! 🙂
Congrats on your Savannah visit and filming!
Hilary Jose says
How fun! I agree with the other few comments about your clothing! That black top? So cute! Is it still in stock?
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I can't believe it's 3:00 p.m. and I'm just now reading this post! And is it weird that seeing all of the pictures kind of made me nervous for you? Like I got all jittery thinking of you BEING IN PAULA's KITCHEN! WITH A FILM CREW! All of the pics were great, and I can hardly wait to see the episodes!!! COME ON FALL!
Sandra Litcher says
How exciting for you!! Love everything about this post!
Aubrey says
Woohoo! This is such a fun post and I am soooo excited for you!
When I peruse foodnetwork.com (and I peruse it at least three times a week!) I know that any Paula Deen recipe is going to be good. She's my kind of lady!
mandy says
How awesome of an experience I bet that was for you (and Andrew too)! Paula and the Deen boys are my fav and I can't wait to watch when they premiere the network, but I'm even more excited for tomorrow when you show us your kitchen! We are in the very beginning stage of building our home (design) and I am looking forward to getting some more ideas for my custom kitchen. The samplers you have posted so far are such a tease. 🙂 I know it's going to be AMAZING !!
Shelly says
This is just so darn exciting for you! Your hard work and dedication has brought great things your way.
Lora G says
I'm so excited for you, couldn't happen to a sweeter person! Can't wait to follow along on the blog 🙂
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
What an amazing and exciting experience! I'm so thrilled for all the great things coming your way!!! xo
mel @ the larson lingo says
Ahhh!!!!! I LOVE this post! So, so, so awesome!!! What an incredible experience you had! Can't wait to watch you on it this Fall 🙂
Jeanie says
So AWESOME! I can't wait to see the shows.
Angie says
Now that is seriously exciting!!!
Unknown says
Very cool, congratulations on your opportunity!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Amazing!!! What a FABULOUS trip 🙂
Slightly Askew Designs says
I hit publish too early 🙂
So so so proud of all your hard work, sweet friend! Love you!
Anonymous says
Hi Shay! Would you mind sharing what hotel you stayed at? We are going to Savannah in a couple months and I could use a suggestion. Thank you! Loooks like you had an awesome trip!!
Jaren says
What a cool moment of a lifetime! I just adore that family! That is so cool you and Brooke became friends. What an amazing opportunity. I can't wait to tune in to see you and the Deen family (two of my favorites) on TV! Truly an amazing opportunity for you. I hope it brings you so much success because you work very hard and deserve it!!
DetroitDuchess says
Wow! What an awesome opportunity for you! Congratulations, I can't wait to watch your segments!
Tiffany Huebner says
#1, so exciting that you have a photo of Ashby! That must mean you're close to the end of this process. Prayers for you right now!
And #2, so wonderful you get to be part of such an amazing network and got to meet and cook with Paula. Sounds like a fabulous trip and experience.
Brittany Jackson says
We LOVE LOVE LOVE Savannah and the Deen Family. Two years ago (next month) my husband and I got married on Tybee Island (on the beach by the Light House). The day before we had lunch at The Lady & Sons. We back every year for our anniversary. (It's a short trip for us from Atlanta).