Sunday Southern Days

We have received some of the most beautiful messages and advice in the baby shower cards given to us recently. I hated the idea of just storing them in a box, so I sought out an organized way to keep them together and display them. Two 1 1/2" binding rings from the scrapbooking section of your local craft store and a two-hole punch. Three minutes and done!

May 18, I had the honor of being in Norfolk for my "at home" Baby Shower, hosted by my sister and cousins. They did a beautiful job! Details were just perfect. The first photo shows one of the centerpieces -- Tiffany & Co.-inspired bags that said "Poulos & Co." with attached pearl beading and fresh peonies. Our menu was delicious BBQ buffet, and favors were precious S'mores Kits for the guests to take home. As guests arrived, they wrote a well-wish on a paper onesie cutout, later to be hung on a "clothesline" made from tiny pearl strands strung within a photo frame. We'll plan to hand that in the baby's nursery once it's decorated. Here are some photos from the day: My JMU girls! Wonderful friends from home The Kira/Kyras and their baby bumps! Tiny pineapples. Kind of my thing. Beautiful "mom" gift from my parents -- Gold and turquoise necklace SisterCousins We

We had the privilege of celebrating our niece, Gia's, Sweet 16 Birthday Party last weekend. We hosted it in The Captain's hangar at work, which was so much fun for a different type of party venue. My sister-in-law did a beautiful job of coordinating the decor with turquoise and zebra print linens and favors. The food was delicious and The Cakery in North Aurora baked a perfect cake to coordinate with the color scheme. The photo booth was a big hit and the birthday girl entered via private plane with The Captain at the yoke. Here are some photos from the night: The Birthday Girl arrives! We're Greek. We can dance anywhere.