mini trip to cali.



Hi everyone!
Earlier this week we took a super duper quick trip to L.A. for a big test Zak had to take.
First off let me say that I am so dang proud of him.
He's studied so hard, all the while being a wonderful husband, father and best friend.
He does so much for us, and still kills it in school.
I truly believe with all my heart he was born to be a doctor {haha that auto corrected to actor for a sec and that would have been hilarious} and you're now less than a year away from it happening!
Okay sorry for the mushy gushiness.
I'm just so proud of all his hard work and dedication.
So anywho!
For one of his clinical exams we had to go to L.A., so we decided to make a mini vacation as well.
On our first night we swung by a family reunion that my dad's side of the family was having.


It was super last minute, so it was such a sweet surprise to have Liam spend some more time with his pop and meet other family members.
Fun fact: all of them are names William {obviously except Zak, that's where Liam's namesake came from}!
Love us some fam time!


The next day we took off for L.A.!
We ended up renting a little beach cottage a block away from the Redondo Beach Pier-
{best location ever}. 
It was a teeny tiny place, but perfect for our short stay.


Zak always studying!



Once we got all settled in we ventured around the neighborhood a bit, but then turned in early since Zak had his test the next day.
Side note: we started watching Stranger Things on Netflix that night and it's soooo good!
And scary!
We just finished it this morning and we're so bummed it's over. :(
Anywho!
The next day it was super sunny and pretty warm so we kinda lounged most of the morning.



We went out to the beach once, but decided it was a little too warm to stay long.
One thing I've learned about traveling with kids is that you gotta just go with the flow and not plan out too many things to do.
I mean, we had all the intensions of spending the day at the beach, however it was close to 95 degrees and we didn't pack an umbrella or anything {parent fail} so that was now outta the picture.
But instead we had fun playing inside and then once the sun started setting {and Zak was at his test} Liam, Romie and I adventured around the neighborhood and then had a nice little sunset date at the pier.



It was really sweet!
The next morning we got up super early and headed down to the shore.


Somehow we've become morning people and always swim/go outside in the morning since it's way cooler and no ones ever around.
It was the perfect morning!


Zak went and grabbed some coffees and we spent the morning relaxing on the beach just talking.
It was Liam's first time in the sand and he loved watching the waves and seagulls fly by!
I even uploaded a little vid of him putting his toes in the sand for the first time on my Instagram!
Seeing everything through his eyes is so wonderful.
He's seriously the best little babe.



He was so content just sitting there with us, then he nursed some and fell back asleep so Zak and I were able to just hangout for a while.





He leaves really soon for about a month so times like these are so precious to me!
Afterwards we packed up the car and headed back home!
We stopped by to see Liam's great aunt nana and took a little drive to see the Colorado River for the first time ever!
It was so pretty, but super hot so we just looked from inside the car.:)
Afterwards we visited some more, had dinner and then said our goodbyes and headed home!
We got back just in time to binge watch some more Stranger Things!
I told yah it was a quick one!
And can I just say that Liam is awesome at traveling!
I was kinda dreading the drive- I didn't know if we'd be stopping like a thousand times since he's not the biggest fan of his carseat- but nope it was a piece of cake!
He slept most the time, letting Zak and I indulge in some podcasts, and then played while we would grab some food and that was it!
No crying!!!!! Like what. How did we get so lucky?!
Oh yeah!
I also wanted to tell yah all about a new drink that's kinda my fav right now. 


Since being pregnant and now nursing Liam I'm careful what I eat/drink and try to stick to whole simple foods as much as possible. 
So when Ocean Spray reached out to me about their new PACt Cranberry Extract Water
 drinks I was interested in trying these puppies out!
 I'm picky about what I feature on my blog, I never want to recommend something I don't like or believe in, and these were really good!
This juice has the fraction of sugar and calories {only 10 per serving} that most drinks have-
they were a perfect thing to throw in our bag and take to the beach with us.
I drink so much water nursing.
Like, so much. So having a little cranberry flavor throughout the day is a sweet treat!


Well it's almost the weekend, hooray!
Not really, though because Zak leaves Sunday:(
But we're going to make the best of it!
I hope you have a wonderful afternoon!

xoxo







say yes to the dress.


Hi all!
How's your day going so far?!
Mine has been such a sweet one!
We just got back in town and I got to spend the morning trying on wedding dresses!
Yes, you heard that right.
Zak and I are having another wedding!!
Hahaha yeah right. But I wish!
PS if you follow me on Snap Chat (@SidneyCoats) you can see all the videos and pictures- I was totally digging wearing a wedding dress again}!
You all know how much I love everything weddings-
I mean I've been a part of FIVE in the past year alone.
So when Brilliant Bridal contacted me to do a sponsored post, I couldn't resist!
And I'm so excited to show you these gowns-
they're beyond gorgeous!
I picked about six different styles to show you, and if you're in the market to get hitched you gotta find this store pronto.
It's darling.




Brilliant Bridal specializes in off the rack wedding dresses, AKA couture gowns discounted up to 80% off retail prices.
I know!
Fun fact: back in the day my I bought my wedding dress off the rack as well.
Best purchase I've ever made!
The shop has all kinds of styles {and I'm going to show them to yah shortly} from boho, modest, glamour and romantic-
they've got it all.
The first gown I tried on was a Ros La Kelin piece, and I was pretty obsessed with the top portion.
It's like a nude silk with tons of beaded details that looked so romantic!


And the back you guys, my FAV!


Those capped sleeves were so dainty!
Loved all the details. 


Next up we got some glam gowns for yah!
These were like the ultimate princess dresses.
The second I put these on I felt like I needed a horse and carriage stat.


The beaded corsage with the flowing bottom was stunning together. 



I had to mix it up and tried on this blush number.
Man oh man was it fun!
That top was shimmering so much- I didn't wanna take it off.



Now this one was a fun party gown!
Love the mermaid fit- so flattering!
My favorite part though had to be the sleeves.
I loved the floral detail. 
So pretty!




Okay so now for a classic more modest gown.
The floral detailing was just gorgeous.
We added a belt to synch the waistline and it was the cherry on top of a perfect sundae!


Look at that neckline!
Obsessed.



I got a little too into this one. 
I could've taken this puppy home with me real quick!
It had the perfect twirly train.


Okay so now for the dreamy boho gown.
Guys, this one might have been my top choice!
But lets be real, I loved them all.
This one was dainty, and romantic and light and airy and just screamed "lets go elope in Paris!"




I had to add a little hair flip in there-
it was the perfect occasion!



The selection was awesome-
so many different dresses to compliment every body type and style!
It's so important to feel comfortable and like your best self in your wedding dress. 
And the store gets new inventory each week-
from high end designers people!
You're bound to "say yes to the dress" here!


They also have tons of accessories like jewelry, bridal t-shirts, belts and veils too!
Those Cathedral length ones made my heart so happy.





I had the best morning!
The stylists were the sweetest and helped me pick out all of these gowns.
They really know their stuff and make yah feel like a million bucks I tell yah!
Oh and good news- they have two locations in AZ.
One in Phoenix and the other in Mesa.
They're also in other states too-
you can check out more of the store details here!


I hope you enjoy all these pretties gowns just as much as I did!
Playing dress up is really the best.
I hope you all have a lovely night!

xoxo