Quickie Breakfast Ideas to Avoid the Evil Muffin (Top)

Written with love, by Nikki Lian

Too many times we are running out the door in the morning either forgetting to eat breakfast or we just don't have the time. Then on the way to work, we grab a coffee and that lemon-poppy muffin thingy that's been sitting out for hours containing way more sugar than we should be consuming in a day.  This isn't a good way to start your day.  So here are some quick and easy ideas to get your eating off to the right start!

Egg Whites and Oatmeal

Sounds sooooo boring, but is actually quick and delicious! What I do is keep my oatmeal in an old protein-powder jug with a scooper.

In a Tupperware, I add one scoop (approximately 1/4 cup) and 2-3 egg whites depending on how hungry I am. I use the containers of egg whites because it's quicker (and sometimes cheaper) than using actual eggs and having to separate them and toss the yolk.

Then I add about 1/2 cup to a cup of Almond Milk. Measure depending on how soupy you want your oatmeal. I microwave for about a minute and a half (again, it's your preference but make sure your eggs are cooked) and then stir in a packet of Truvia.  You can always substitute water with Almond Milk and Truvia is optional. Obviously I have a sweet tooth!

Yogurt Smoothies

If you have a long drive to work and can't eat with a fork, try a delicious smoothie to sip on while fighting traffic.

Some simple ingredients are using a cup of Greek yogurt (for your protein source), some frozen berries (antioxidants) and a splash of Almond milk depending on what consistency you prefer.  If you decide to use fresh berries or a banana add some ice for that cold, refreshing blend. 

Another smoothie recipe I absolutely love is a cup of almond milk, three ice cubes, a scoop of chocolate protein powder and a half of a banana (again, to conquer my sweet tooth).  I have a single serve blender that I add all of my ingredients to and blend for about a minute. The blender is an actual travel cup that you can actually drink out of--how easy is that!

These are a few ideas that take easily under five minutes to prepare - much quicker than waiting in a long line at Starbucks or sitting at the drive-thru at McDonalds--AND about half the sugar intake.

Today on The Bridal Boutique // Cup of Joe Engaged Mug by E&H Creates

Today's Bridal Boutique item is just hilarious and is perfect for that Sunday morning cup of Joe while working on your wedding plans! Buy it for yourself as an engagement gift, or get it for your best friend as a little surprise for the day when her wedding plans are getting stressful!

Need it? Click the purchase link below and it'll take you straight to the E&H Creates page!

All photos courtesy of Bleudog Fotography

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We plan WITH you, not FOR you

Today may come across as a little bit "venty" but in reality, I want it to be a learning experience for each any every one of you. The ultimate goal of The Overwhelmed Bride is to teach you how to plan a wedding, the in's and out's of the industry, the faults and mishaps that many brides run into, and to ultimately keep you from getting stressed out and upset through the planning of your wedding!

So here I go!

I highly recommend that EVERY bride gets a wedding coordinator, whether it be to plan the entire wedding, or to be there just the month or day of the wedding. If you need a little convincing, head to our coordination page to learn why you should hire a wedding coordinator.

Now that I have you convinced, you're all ready to hire your perfect coordinator! Just like every other vendor you hire, it is important that you mesh well with your coordinator, that the price is right (or more, what he/she provides for the price offered), and that you trust him or her to plan your wedding alongside you and your fiance.

There is a key word in there...ALONGSIDE.

No, your wedding coordinator is not there to plan your entire wedding FOR you, but to plan it WITH you!

I can research photographers, find the exact photography style you are looking for, with a personality that meshes well with yours and with a price that works right with your budget. I can set up your appointment on a day and time that is perfect for you and your fiances' schedules, review the entire contract and make necessary changes, but at the end of the day, signing on the dotted line and swiping that credit card is up to you and up to you only.

As a wedding planner, I do all of the above and more and most of the time, I urge my couples to make decisions as quickly as possible, so they can move on with the next item and the next vendor, and just enjoy the rest of their engagement rather than meeting potential photographer after potential photographer. But in some cases, it isn't always that easy.

Moral of the story?

You can only get out what you put into it.

And that counts for every vendor you hire! If you don't respond to emails and calls, there is nothing I can do to continue planning with you. If you won't make a decision on songs or respond to an appointment request with your DJ, there is nothing they can do to help you plan the details of your day!

So as much as you want to sit back and relax, the reality of planning a wedding is that you DO need to be involved no matter how much behind the scenes work your vendors do for you! If you'd like me to plan your entire day, have a credit card on file for you, and not ask you about anything, I would be more than happy to do so. But in my eyes, a wedding should reflect the couple and every couple is different. So when your coordinator or florist or videographer emails you, respond. And the planning will be as seamless as possible :)

We are here to help you with everything and anything, but it it YOUR wedding day so we are there to plan WITH YOU, not for you!