When we’re kids, the word “learn” is so closely associated with school that we kind of attach this negative connotation it.  But the problem with school is that too often we have to learn things that we’re not passionate about.  And I’m saying this as a college-educated woman who is now a high school English teacher and someone who puts a high value on education.

But the older I get the more I realize that when I learn something that I’m passionate about, it’s so much fun.  {I may or may not have squealed in delight more than once this weekend… and received a few eyebrows raised from David.}

I learned a few things over the past two days… {1} how to do glitter letters in adobe illustrator, {2} that I can create Christmas pillows, {3} how to add social media icons to the blog.

All three of those things made me ridiculously happy.  {And I’m thinking you should make me even more excited by following me on bloglovin, subscribing to email, following me on Facebook, pinterest or instagram.}  Just sayin’!

And while I’m making requests… do you know anyone who can help me add a button to the blog?  I’ve seen all the people who will redesign my entire blog {and charge an arm and a leg for it} but I actually like designing my own stuff.  So all I need is a little help with actually placing it on here.  I tried Google but came up unsuccessful.

Although I did most of the decorating before Thanksgiving, I couldn’t take pictures of it until Saturday.  Because on Saturday, my favorite part happened… more on that in a sec.

Here’s the living room.

{Look who wanted to be in the picture!}

I picked up this chalkboard at Hobby Lobby for $6 when I was creating the collage.  I love this easy {and free!} way to change up the decor with the seasons.  It seriously might be my favorite piece from the collage… and how do you choose favorites with all the greatness that’s a part of the wall?

My tree photography could probably use some work.  I made two changes this year.  {1} Extra lights… I think we have 4 or 5 strands and {2} the ribbon.  Both of these changes made such a huge difference in the outcome of the tree.  I bought the mesh ribbon with some shimmer and put it on after the lights but before the ornaments.  The lights reflect off the shimmer of the ribbon and it creates a really cool effect.  I also loosely twisted the ribbon as I draped it around the tree.

And all that expertise came from my seasonal Pinterest board.

No fireplace means we pretend we have a mantle.  But I do love the stockings Gram made for us a few years ago!

Aren’t you loving those pillows?  Me too!

And on to the kitchen.

These personalized ornaments that Aunt Sue or Gram gives us every year are some of my favorites.  I think it’s so fun to look back at each one and reminisce the memories from each Christmas.

Ok.  Favorite part.  Are you dying to know what it is?

You have no idea how excited I was to make these.  Actually, I was way more excited that they actually turned out because not all my Pinterest projects are a success.  But I’m so glad this one is.

And.

It gets even better!!

Because I’m sharing a tutorial on Thursday!  And I loved making these so much that I’m thinking I might make some with inspirational quotes or lyrics for all year.  Who says fun pillows are just for the holidays?

Make sure you check back on Thursday!!

Oh… back to the rest of the weekend…

So most of Saturday was spent making the pillows and taco soup {also coming up this week… check back on Wednesday for that one} and then we went to our monthly hangout sesh with the besties.

Love them like crazy!

And, around here, Sunday is just catch-up day/get prepared for the week.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

{Linkups}

| Biana | Meghan | Ashley | Leeann | Kimberlee | Ash |