Patricia Shannon Title: Lifestyle Writer Education: University of Central Florida Location: Birmingham, AL Expertise: Etiquette, Beauty, Housekeeping, Decorating, Gardening, Entertaining Patricia has worked as a lifestyle writer and expert for over a decade. She focuses on topics such as cleaning, gardening, decorating, floral arranging, etiquette, and beauty. Over the years she has helped millions of readers tackle anything from finally cleaning their washing machine to pulling off a professional-looking centerpiece for their holiday table. HighlightsUniversity of Central Florida - Bachelor, Journalism, minor in English-writingLifestyle Editor, Southern Living, 2013 - 2022Contributing Lifestyle Writer, Southern Living, 2022 - Present Experience Patricia began her professional writing career in 2009 with Southern Accents magazine. There she was based in the copy and fact-checking department, working on stories written by the industry’s leading voices and featuring Southern style-makers and decorators renowned in their field. From there, Patricia jumped into the world of food writing, spending two years as a contributor for Cooking Light magazine, while also contributing to sister sites MyRecipes.com and RealSimple.com. She went back to her roots in 2013 as a staffer for Southern Living where she once again delighted in covering topics ranging from etiquette, beauty, homes, decorating, gardening, and more. She helped conceptualize some of the brand’s most successful pillars and franchises while ideating and writing weekly content geared toward readers’ seasonal interests and search trends. Education Patricia graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2009 with a degree in journalism, and minor in English - writing. She was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the University of Central Florida’s academic honor society. About Southern Living Southern Living, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, celebrates the food, homes, places, and culture of the South. We reach 7.2 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.