Decorate.All.The.Things. Wedding Brunch Edition

The official countdown shows less than two months now until my cousin's wedding. This go-round, we're the family of the groom which I thought would be less work. Right? Wrong! So very, very wrong. You don't just have one big shabang to plan, you have two.

Most of the wedding guests are traveling in town for the wedding, so we're responsible for the Rehearsal Dinner and a Post Wedding Brunch of greater guest lists. The women of my family are in a frenzy to plan said events. Picture My Big Fat Greek Wedding, just we're Southern. Basically, women running around making plans upon plans.

You get the idea.

This brings us back to: T-Minus 58 Days until Wedding day. Which means 57 to rehearsal. 59 until Post Wedding Brunch. Between now and then? SO MANY THINGS.

Expect wedding party details to begin gracing the blog as my mind is all wedding wedding wedding right now. A million miles a minute. Currently on my wedding to-do list. Finalize the invitations.

We've been pooling ideas for the brunch on a group Pinterest board which has been fabulous! Enjoy a little of our inspiration for the party and get excited about an invitation debut next week :)

Pink Chevron Tablescape // Mason Jar Centerpiece // Cereal Bar // Biscuit Bar // Coffee Station

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The Third Father's Day

Hard to believe this parenting journey has seen Brandon and I through three seasons of this Hallmark milestone. All cheesiness aside, it's one of those days that causes reflection in even the busiest of days.

Our blur of two-year-old life hasn't left much energy for any excess motivation. But for weeks, I've planned Brandon's gift, a chance to let him dictate our daily activities and some time for him to really relax a bit.

Who are we kidding though? We have a toddler and relaxing is just not in the rulebook. I did, however, manage to keep Jackson entertained long enough for Brandon to sleep in a bit longer than usual. Every parent knows any spare minute of sleeping bliss is heaven!

Our day remained calm as we played at home, cooked our first batch of Dad's Famous Chili and Flapjacks and wasted the day away.

This Father's Day, I hope Brandon knows how thankful we are for him.

Life has thrown several curve balls lately, and he's managed to handle them with more grace than the rest of us. The terrible-twos continue to test our limits and our teamwork is necessary now more than ever. Together, I know we'll continue to see the sunshine through the storm.

You're our sand-seat digger, our handy man, our laundry washer, our dog groomer, the chauffeur, best yard worker, and number one tickle monster.

Thanks for all you do, Brandon. You are such an amazing father to J-Bird.

Weekly Menu Planning Printable

I hope you've all heeded my menu planning advice, and at least attempted some meal planning. Truly, it's as easy as creating a pin board and dedicating just a sliver of time each week that will save you mounds of stress down the road.

Yes, that's correct, I'm on my soap box on Monday morning no less.
But really! This will make your life so!much!less!stressful!

Still having trouble motivating yourself to menu plan?

Perhaps, Tiffany's new printable will get you moving. Once again, my favorite designer has me giddy with this print.

download printable here

Be sure to stop by Tiffany's blog, The Momma Bear Diaries, to download this printable, learn more about her new menu plan linkup, Tasty Tuesdays, and show her a little love. 

Want one customized to your preferences? Just email her at tiffanykuehldesigns [at] gmail [dot] com (and for a small fee of $10) she'll whip up your custom weekly menu plan! 

For more printable inspiration check out the best of free meal plans I've rounded up!

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Don't miss out on the Kiss the Cook Giveaway featuring a Rachael Ray Cookware package that will blow your mind!

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Kiss the Cook Giveaway

Kiss the Cook Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

I'm so excited to share today's giveaway with y'all! There's nothing better than having a reliable set of cookware in your kitchen to get those creative juices flowing. 

Now is your chance to win a Rachael Ray Cookware Package!

Prize Package Includes:

Rachael Ray Hard Anodized II 10 piece Set

Create super-nutritious and innovative meals that are never boring with the help of Rachael Ray cookware. Create Rachael's Vegetable Cacciatore by browning vegetables in the saute pan while the accompanying whole wheat penne bubbles away in the stockpot. Or try adding a little spice to a simple lunchtime meal with a chipotle grilled cheese sandwich browned to perfection in one of the skillets. Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized cookware is the perfect combination of durability and style, and this 10-piece set certainly fits the bill.

This set has all the essential pieces to make memorable meals every day. Hard-anodized construction provides even heat, helping to reduce "hot spots" that can burn food, and it's coated with a durable nonstick both inside and out for exceptional food release and easy clean up. The tempered glass lids allow you to monitor your food while it cooks, keeping heat and moisture sealed in. Grippy handles feature striking orange padding for a comfortable feel.

This cookware is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and dishwasher safe for convenient, fast and simple cleanup. Set includes 1-Quart and 2-Quart Covered Saucepans 6-Quart Covered Stockpot 3-Quart Covered Saute 8.5-Inch and 10-Inch Skillets

Rachael Ray Bakeware Set - Orange (5 Pc)

This Rachael Ray 5-Piece Nonstick Bakeware Set is perfect for sweet and savory dishes alike. With five versatile pieces, this set has what you need for baking everything from fresh cookies to decadent cakes and breads, but Rach uses this set for so much more. The cookie sheet is perfect for roasting vegetables or oven fries; the rectangular cake pan is the perfect size and shape for a cheesy lasagna; the loaf pan is the essential pan for homestyle meatloaf; and the round cake pans fit the bill for quiches or a zesty chicken tortilla casserole. Rachael Ray bakeware is made from durable carbon steel that can bake over and over again with the same great results. The grippy handles provide a firm grasp when pulling items from a hot oven. The sturdy construction also resists warping so cakes and pies come out perfectly round every time. This bakeware is oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for convenience and a portion of the proceeds from this purchase goes to Yum-o!, Rachael's nonprofit organization that helps kids and their parents develop healthy relationships with food and cooking. Set includes 10-Inch x 15-Inch cookie sheet 9-Inch x 13-Inch cake pan 9-Inch x 5-Inch loaf pan Two 9-Inch round cake pans

Rachael Ray Nylon Tool Set - Orange (6 Pc)

These slender spoons are lightweight and easy to hold. Fill your kitchen drawer with these must have tools. The flat head on this ladle mean no more pan-tilting so you get every last drop, just glide and remove. This classic whisk stands alone with it's wide base and easy to grip handle. It gets the job done and keeps your counter clean. The long flexible heads on these Spatulas can flip everything from delicate eggs to juicy steaks. The open design lets grease fall back into the pan instead of landing on your plate. Thank you to each reader who is taking the time to visit, read and entering to win this fabulous prize package.

Do take a moment to also visit our lovely co-hosts whom without them great things such as these would not be possible: Making Memories With Your Kids, TOTS-Business Resources for Bloggers and Business Moms, Monica's Rants Raves Reviews, My Vegan Gluten-Free Life, Ultimate Coupon Club, Capri's Coupons, Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, The Mandatory Mooch, Quick Tattletails and Cloth Diaper Addicts.

One lucky reader will receive a Rachael Ray Cookware Prize Package!

Giveaway ends June 24th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canada residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. The View From 510 is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

So What Wednesday

Today, I'm putting it all on the table with my friend Shannon and saying so what?

Dear Lord, this phrase applies more to my life each and every day as we delve further into terrible-two land.

So, what?!

If I told my child he had to wear shoes to school because all the other kids are doing it. Not because his toes could get hurt or too sandy or too cold, but because the other kids are doing it. Yep, instilling the peer pressure at a young age in our house.

That I attempted to turn my toddler eating sugar-filled chewy treats into a learning lesson. Blue treat. Green treat. Lellow treat. Parenting at its finest up in here.

If I'm now scheming a massive cookout thanks to this week's Kickoff to Cookout Season series!

I've been studying, yes studying, the session agenda for BlogHer. And? I've narrowed down every session choice but one!

That I'm nowhere near ready for BlogHer and I'm in denial about the to-do list that needs to be drafted. Because for real? I'm SO.EXCITED. BlogHer veterans out there, what will I forget to do to prepare? Advice?! Business cards for BlogHer, custom ones at an affordable rate? Where should I purchase them?!

That our AC went out last week and yet I'm still planning this not-always budget friendly trip to Chicago.

That I'm feeling both inspired and burnt out all in one fowl swoop this week.

That I'm going to plug my Kickoff to Cookout Season series just one more time.

And? Thank goodness for cute toddlers.

Bless it. He even let us burry him in the sand.

Head over to link up your So What Wednesday posts with Shannon :)