BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all, and Happy Fall Y'all!! 

And happy birthday to my two oldest (as in how long I've known them!) friends who share the same birthday tomorrow, and to another dear friend, whose birthday is today! I share a birthday month with some amazing women. 

Hope you've all had a creative week. Started haunting my halls, which to normal people is early, but to "us types" is LATE. HA HA. Already seeing Christmas popping up. 

This week I shared:

Blinged Out Pumpkin Pail 

I've also been working on some new ornaments to add to my Halloween tree, and Mr. Chocolate is pretending he didn't hear me say I need a bigger one. 

Lots of wonderful Fall inspiration was shared at last week's party, so let's take a look at some ideas! 

Building Our Hive shared a beautiful Day of the Dead Wreath. Living in the Southwest, this tradition is huge here, and I really love what it represents, plus all of the art around it. 

Ann's Entitled Life shared this equally beautiful Fall Lantern Swag, which can last now through November! 

If you love Mackenzie-Childs' style but not the prices, Master Pieces of My Life shows you how to achieve the look for less. And while signature black and white is well known, I was in Dillards last week, and they have a collection in various colors, inspiring us to branch out if this isn't your palette. 

Finally, how perfect are these No Bake Acorn Cookies from Cindy's Online Recipe Box? 

Thanks as always to all who linked up! Let's see what's in store this week. 

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BFF Open House: 2 Week Party

 

Happy Friday Eve, Creative Peeps! As you can see from the title, this will be a TWO-WEEK party because Mr. Chocolate and I are running away to our favorite home away from home, Disneyland (again!). This time, we're celebrating our 35th Anniversary (and an early birthday for me!). I have no idea where the time has gone, but here we are. We met 40 years ago in college, were "just friends" for four years, then dated and got engaged within months. And guess where we celebrated our engagement, spent part of our honeymoon, have observed anniversaries, birthdays, son's HS and college graduations? And now in our Junior-Senior years, we're still at it. The marriage and Disney! 

And it's going to be fully decorated for my favorite season, so that's even better!🎃

 

This week I shared: 

DIY Witch Broom 

Summerween Printables:

Now, let's take a look at some fun ideas from last week's party and I'll see you on the other side in a couple of weeks! 

The Apple Street Cottage shared this gorgeous Fall Pillow she made from her fabric stash! Perfect for the entire Fall season! 

Mason Jar Crafts shared 15 Fall Recipes in Mason Jars. These look delicious, not to mention how practical and functional they are whether to use yourself or whip some up as gifts! 

Crazy Little Lovebirds shared how to use wood pumpkin cutouts to make these festive Jack O'Lanterns. 

And finally, Cindy's Online Recipe Box shared this Frozen Banana Split Cocktail that would be a hit with Mr. Chocolate since he loves banana splits. You can skip the alcohol if you like, and it'll still be amazing! 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and wishing you all an early Happy September! See you in a couple of weeks. 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, Creative Peeps! Just when I thought we were winding down monsoon season, the skies opened up, and we had both quite the light show and thunderstorm last night. Whew! I'm so thankful this big dog of ours is unfazed. 

I know a lot of kids are already back in school. It seems around here, like they just got out! If you're sending kids back, good luck, and I hope all goes smoothly. I remember those days when it seemed like every day, more paperwork came in with lists of supplies needed!

I started on some Halloween projects this week and shared this one:

Dollar Tree Vintage Ghost Makeover 

Looks like the trend this year is BIG on vintage so these were fun! 

As we wind down Summer and start up Fall, here are some ideas from last week's party! 

Steph Creates used supplies from Dollar Tree to create this lovely Autumn Leaf Wood Riser. 

Petticoat Junktion shared how to use repurposed items and paint to make pretty Painted Succulents, unifying them with one color. 

Got ribbon scraps or just ribbon? Check out this idea from Artsy Karma on How to Make a Ribbon Bowl! 

I can't think of a better way to mark a transition from Summer to Fall than these S'Mores Cookie Bars from Cindy's Online Recipe Box! No campfire needed. 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and let's see what you've been up to this week! 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve and Happy June! JUNE! How did it get here already? 

I hope everyone's had a good week. Mine's been better than recent weeks, and even shared a few things I've had a chance to work on. Met with a new doctor on an ongoing issue that's been frustrating, so that's helped mentally.  I always had this idea that my retired life woud be chill. Instead, it's been one medical thing after another between my mom, husband, me! But fingers crossed, we're done for a while! OK enough whining. 

This week I shared: 

Mandalorian Father's Day Cards

What to Watch Journal

 And now let's take a look at some fun features from last week's party! 

The Apple Street Cottage shared how to make a beautiful Stepping Stone from Thrifted Plates. 

Petticoat Junktion shared how to use Ric Rac in Home Decor after being inspired by current trends. 

Master Pieces of My Life shared how to make a Wire Cloche from a Dollar Tree Trash Can. 

After all that creating, treat yourself to a piece of this delicious Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Coffee Cake from Cindy's Online Recipe Box! 

Thanks to all who've linked up, and for all of the well wishes as I've been going thru some stuff. Appreciate you and this space remains a haven for me, and I hope for you, too!

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, Creative Peeps. I hope you've had a good and of course, creative week! Nothing too exciting here at Casa Chocolate, which is just fine by me. Boring is good, and gave me a chance to play around with a couple of things. I had a chance to play with ideas and techniques I've wanted to play with, so this week I shared:

Dotted Bowl Vases

Adventures In Scrape Painting

Some really good thrifting and repurposing ideas were shared at last week's party, and now more than ever, "frugal" the word, so let's take a look at some ideas. 

Thrifting Wonderland shared how she made this handmade card using Thrifted Craft Supplies! Don't sleep on your local thrift stores for all kinds of craft supplies. I've been thrilled to find things at these and you just never know! Plus, have you seen the price of cards?! You can make several for what one costs. 

My Thrift Store Addiction shared a beautiful Garden Armillary Sphere she rescued and refinished. Looks brand new! 

Press Print Party shared how to make No Sew Gnomes. These are for Spring, but could easily be adapted to other seasons, and doesn't a Gnome just make things more fun?

Finally, wouldn't any Spring dessert table be made better with this Strawberry Chocolate Kahlua Swirl Bundt Cake? Yes...yes it would! From Cindy's Online Recipe Box. 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and can't wait to see what you've got in store this week! 

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BFF Open House Two Week Party

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! 2026 is speeding by. I'm a Winter Olympics fan, given that I spent years in an ice rink back in the day, so of course, that's the highlight for me. So proud of the US Team. Much respect for how Ilia Malanin is handling things after being under the microscope of so much pressure. He'll be back in 2030. What's your favorite Winter Olympics event? 

This party will be up for two weeks. The big kids are escaping next week to Mickey's House to celebrate Mr. Chocolate's birthday and getting through a crazy year last year. It will also be a nice break for me after dealing with Mom's health. As tired as I am, I know I'll hit those 25k steps each day, regardless! It's how we stay young. 

Had a chance to sit and play with some of my Bead and Gem Show finds this week!

And Spring is starting to make its way. Lots of fun inspiration shared at last week's party so let's take a look at some inspiring ideas!

Crazy Little Lovebirds shared a genius way to Transform a Plastic Organizer into an Artificial Succulent Hanging Garden! 

Sonata Home Design shared a great DIY Grid Mirror Hack that would elevate any space. 

Who among us has never found themself needing a Gift Bag without one on hand? My French Twist show how to DIY them!

Finally, Cindy's Online Recipe Box shared this yummy looking Chocolate Marble Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Strawberry Glaze. 

Thank you all for continuing to share your creations here each week. With the world as heavy as it is, creativity, art, beauty...more important than ever. 

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