8 Things I Loved & Learned Last Week: 3

Happy Monday beauties!  I hope your weekend was fab.  We got back from Canada late last night, so I'm moving a bit slow this morning.  The trip was an absolute blast and it was so fun to see a part of the world I haven't seen before.   

1.) The first thing I LOVED was seeing beautiful Niagara Falls.  I have a "North American Bucket List" that includes seeing the falls, so it's a spot I have always longed to travel to.  Here are a few pictures I took on instagram:

When I see natural beauty like that, I can't help but be filled with wonder.  The first picture shows the Canadian side of the falls, and the second picture shows the American side of the falls.

2.)  We traveled to Niagara and then north to London, Ontario for the wedding of an old roommate of Sam's.  The city of London was quaint and precious, and it made for a lovely wedding setting.  Although I had not met the bride OR groom until the wedding, it was one of the most touching ceremonies I have ever experienced.  As bloggers, I think we get focused on the aesthetics of a wedding and can easily forget the meaning behind it.  Both the bride and groom spoke at the reception and gave a promise to their spouse about their dedication to one another, their love for one another, and how they planned to weather trials together.  I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience.  Even I teared up!  I made a mental note to remember the true meaning of a wedding when my own day comes.  Here's a picture of Sam and I after the ceremony:

3.)  I learned that Meg of Mimi+Meg blog will be in Houston today to host a Blog Biz Buzz seminar at wedding boutique, TwoBeWed.  Meg will be speaking about utilizing social media to grow your online presence, either as a blogger or a business owner.  The seminars are all about blogging, social media, online branding, marketing, website monetization, how to get your product or services in front of people, and more. There will be time for all of your questions, and for networking with the others at the seminar. We will also have drinks and something to nibble on.  I wish I could be there badly, but have a prior commitment.  If you would like to attend the seminar tonight (6-9 pm), purchase your ticket here!  Amazing sponsors have helped make the event possible, and will be sure to not let you leave empty handed.  Here's a glimpse of these great businesses:

{image via Mimi+Meg}

4.)  I learned that a dear blogger friend of mine, Jessie of The Design Daredevil, will be making an appearance this Friday on HGTV's "The White Room Challenge."  Jessie is a St. Louis based interior designer who isn't afraid to take design risks (hence, her catchy name!)  The show airs this Friday, 9/21, at 8 pm EST.  Their challenge? To transform their ten foot by ten foot white room into an amazing design inspired by the clothing worn by the mannequin in their room. The catch? The challengers must use clothing as a medium! After a trip to the Santee Alley section of the Los Angeles Fashion district to purchase materials, competitors race to create rooms that challenge design rules and bring life to empty spaces, all in under fifteen hours.  I can't wait to see her in action- and I hope you'll check out the episode, too!

5.)  Thanks to Mrs. Lilien, I found my fall uniform, and it's ultra glam.  I'm lusting for that fox Burberry bracelet:

6.) I'm loving that college football started last week.  Can you say BOOMER SOONER?!  I think I need this top to support my OU Sooners in....

{available at Royce Boutique}

7.) I have always adored Carly Haslee's (of The Simple Affair blog) style.  She has a penchant for putting together outfits flawlessly and combining pieces I never would have thought to mix.  That's why I was excited to hear her announcement last week that she is now offering styling services!

8.) Lastly, I LOVED SNL's season premier on Saturday.  Seth Mcfarlane hosted, and Frank Ocean performed.  I've been a longtime fan of Seth's (I've watched Family Guy since I was in middle school & loved the movie Ted). Highlights for me included seeing Jay Pharoah play President Obama, Seth Mcfarlane play Ryan Lochte, and the entire Weekend Update sketch.  Hilarity ensued.  Now I have an excuse to be in every Saturday night by 10:30 pm.  I'm not even ashamed.

I can hardly wait for next week...
Happy Monday!