Paula’s Birthday Celebration…Mardi Gras Style!

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Paula’s Birthday Celebration…Mardi Gras Style!

By Paula Deen

I can’t believe it.

Another year has come and gone! This year, I added 66 candles to my birthday cake, and I wasn’t sad about it at all. I’m another year older, but y’all, I’ve got say that I’ve never felt better before in my life. I’m taking better care of myself, and I’m paying attention to the things that mean the most to me, like my friends and the ones I love.

Usually, I use my birthdays as a moment to pause and reflect. I think about the previous year, and what I’ve done and where I’m going. And trust, me I always count my blessings. I thank God for every thing and every person he has blessed me with, and I don’t take any of it for granted. I always say that any day the good Lord lets me wake up on the right side of the dirt, it’s a good day. And I mean it.

This year, though, I have to admit, was a little more special than most. For anyone that knows me, they know that I love a good celebration, and birthdays aren’t any different. I just love any excuse to gather my family and closest friends and laugh, cut up, and all-in-all, just have a good ol’ time!

My sweet Brandon Branch, my faithful design director and right-hand man, threw me the party of a lifetime this year. He went all out and planned a beautiful Mardi Gras soiree. Y’all, it completely took my breath away! I got such a kick out of seeing all of my friends and family dressed up in purple, gold and green get-ups. They were all decked out in festive beads and masquerade masks – it was priceless!

Take a look at some of the fun we had!

My wonderful friends at Back in the Day Bakery, Cheryl and Griff, baked me a fabulous cake! Brandon also ordered two King cakes from Paul’s Pastry Shop. My beautiful friend, Susan Mason, pictured at the far left, planned an exquisite Mardi Gras menu! We had parmesan cheese rounds, crawfish pies, shrimp corn dogs, red beans and rice, grits and grillades, and of course, a chicken, sausage and shrimp gumbo! We also had these adorable macaroons from my new favorite sweet shop, Maison de Macarons. Y’all, it was all so finger-lickin’ good.

It was definitely a night to remember! I had a house full of love that night, that’s for sure. When guests entered my house, they were greeted with beads, masks, and even Hurricanes from Pat O’Brien!

My absolute, most favorite memory of the evening had to be the sky lanterns. My guests and I lit and flew 66 lanterns into the night sky. We all formed a parade in the house and marched out to the dock where we lit them. It was so beautiful to see them turn into precious stars as they floated away. I was immediately reminded of how loved I am. They were like 66 little blessings to me.

I think my dear friends, Cheryl and Griff, of Back in the Day Bakery, were the best dressed of the evening. What do y’all think?

My darlin’ niece, and her handsome husband, Brian, were in attendance. I was so delighted that they brought their little bundle of joy, Sullivan!

Photography by Christine Hall Photography.

Reader Comments:

Paula, I have been a fan of yours for a very long time and I just adore you. I also have Type 2 Diabetes and was diagnosed only a year and a half ago. I am 69 years old and in this time since discovering I had Diabetes they have found many other problems. My thing is I made myself angry. After the diagnosis I first lost 27 pounds. but thought that was so good that I went back to my normal eating habits and gained it all back and more. My ideal day in Savannah would be to go to Tybee Island Beach and seeing you, whether it would be at your house(which I would love)or the restaurant. I know I don't stand a chance, but that is just this 69 year old (on Tuesday) Feb. 26th birthday wish. Anyway, I love you and Michael and the BOYS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. i AM NOT SURE OF THE DATE OF YOUR BIRTH, BUT LOVE YA.

By Anne Bishop on February 24, 2013

Paula, you are an inspiration....you have IT all together !!!! Go Girl !!! You've only just begun!! Have a wonderful year ahead......no wonder you feel "The Love" 'cause Darlin' it's Out There For You !! One southern woman to another, Nita Leftwich, Naples, Fl

By Anonymous on February 23, 2013

I am a huge fan of you and your son's. You have inspired myself and my family to be healthy.

By Catherine Mitchell on February 05, 2013

I MADE THE CAULIFLOWER, ZUCHINI AND VEGGIE SALAD WITH MARRINATE. MY HUBBY WENT WILD OVER IT. SO LOOKS LIKE I WILL MAKE IT AGAIN WITH REST OF VEGGIES. WE USED IT AS A MEAL ITSELF. LOOK FORWARD TO SOME OF YOUR NEWER AIRED PROGRAMS. I AM TAPING SOME. BEST DISHES FROM CT.ROSIE

By R,Herdman on February 04, 2013

Sorry I missed your birthday So Happy Haappy. New to twitter Love you and yoursSee yall resl soon...Betty

By bettyboopsdogs on February 02, 2013

WE GROWN-UPS MAY NOT ALWAYS ADMIT IT, BUT WE LIKE A PARTY ALSO. YES EVEN ON BIRTHDAY. FINDING SOMEONE TO THROW ONE FOR U, NOW THAT IS ANOTHER STORY. kEEP HAVING DUN. rOSIE IN cT.

By R.herdman on February 02, 2013

dear paula i hope you had a wonderful birthday....i just love the lanterns you lit and let float off in the night sky......you are the most beautiful person inside and out......i have a postcard that you sent me back a few years ago and i have it framed......my husband and i watch you every chance we get......happy belated birthday my dear......lisa xo

By lisa campbell on January 28, 2013

My birthday is in June. My #1 wish is to meet you. Maybe this year. Happy Birthday Paula, wishing you many more. It looked like everyone had a great time. Frankie

By Frankie Whitfield on January 27, 2013

Hey Paula....Happy Birthday I'd like to say May all your dreams come true but I beleive the dreams have become a reality. Love the recipes you share with us...your family/friends are such a delight. May you have another 66 years of happiness. God Bless you. Melinda from Ohio

By Melinda Beatty on January 27, 2013

well paula i just wanted to say that was a nice bday party that you had and i'm glad that your health is doing alot better now. congrats to the weight lost of the entire family. i hoping to see you in april at the sandestin wine festival in destin, fl. i had to go thru the same thing i lost 34 lbs this year for medical reasons too. so stay sweet and stay a good momma to those two boys.

By gail thurman on January 26, 2013

It truly looked like you had a grand party and to think you got to enjoy it all. A celebration of life is totally awesome... We live on the lake but with 10 degrees on my birthday 2/25 we couldn't expect people to go out in the cold. Around here people use Fireworks in the Winter it is safer and dark skies show them brilliantly. We wish you all the best Paula keep believing He is with us always. You have been blessed to catch it early this disease I have been constantly aware and try to maintain activity. Now I have a knee replacement it makes a world of difference. Glad you have the resources to help you. I use a bike in our bedroom to help me and use weight strengths... Wishing you all the best you brighten this persons life with your laugh... Happy Birthday Girl...

By Barbie Dosemagen on January 26, 2013

Hey Paula!!!!love your new slots game!!having fun but really dont know what Im doing yet!!ha ha!! Its all fun for me anyways!!!I love your sweet fun ways of making everyone feel like part of your family!!I want to say too how very proud I am of you!!Your new look is sooo looking good on you and I see that your medical diabetis didnt get the best of you!!!! Sooo happy for you as you made it happen by taking control but yet not really haing to give up all that butter!!!!I love you Paula!!!!Thanks for sharing you love for family and your friends!!You are a blast and always look forward to my newest Paula Deen magazine in the mail!!!keep on keeping on!!! love ya!!!margie B

By margie bartlett on January 26, 2013

Happy Birthday, Paula!!!! You always make me laugh and smile no matter what my mood. Thank you so much for just being you. You were everyone's gift on your actual real birth day. lol Good hugs and best wishes!!!! from Granny C.

By Granny C. on January 26, 2013

Happy birthday, Paula!!! You always make me laugh no matter what my mood. Thank you so much!!! Love and best hugs!!!

By Granny C. on January 26, 2013

Late birthday wishes to you. Glad you had such a wonderful party. I do enjoy your shows. Wishing you the very best to you and your family and a happy new year!

By Judy on January 26, 2013

Happy Birthday Paula! May you have a wonderful year. Love ya Jackie

By Jackie Blazek on January 26, 2013

Hope you have a great Birthday, you look great and deserve all of those candles.Hope to get to meet you soon.

By Susan Adkins on January 26, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAULA!!!!!!!! I too will be 66, March 5,2013. You make my day, when I am watching you on tv. Your love for life, great personality, and that fun loving way about you is a gift you give to us. If you would like to have another friend that has your same outlook on life, just let me know. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS, Your loyal fan, Barb

By barbara j beach on January 25, 2013

Happy Birthday Paula! My husband turned 66 today as well! I hope you had a wonderful and blessed birthday!!

By Caroline Greenlee on January 25, 2013

hope you had awonderful birthday say hello to michael

By julia on January 25, 2013

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Paula’s Birthday Celebration…Mardi Gras Style!