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!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve all, and how is it the end of the third week in January?! XYZ years ago today, we got the best gift ever when our son was born! He's grown into a wonderful man of whom we're extremely proud. 

Thanks for your ongoing well-wishes for my mom. She's home as of Tuesday and doing great! So happy to be back in her own bed and now I'm trying to get her not to do too much. 

With getting mom sprung and setttled, I haven't had time this week to really do much but I did manage to finish my Valentine's cards early which I'll share soon. 

In the meantime, let's take a look at some of the brilliant ideas shared last week and for those of you in the path of the extreme cold that's coming, stock up and stay warm! 

Steph Creates shared this beautiful Valentine's Wreath that could easily stay up into Spring!

Master Pieces of My Life shared these gorgeous Floral Heart Ornaments. 

I don't know about you, but when I travel I need multiple bags for things. Jewelry, Cosmetics, CORDS! My French Twist has got you covered with this bright and bold Emergency Kit (See? One more bag for me!) made from Marimekko fabric. They do such wonderful prints! 

Finally, wouldn't this Caramel Toffee Mini Bundt Cake be just the thing with a warm drink on a cold day? From Cindy's Online Recipe Box. 

Thank you to everyone who linked up! Stay warm and let's see what you've been up to this week. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

I hope everyone's start to the New Year has been a good one. Mine's been a mix. THRILLED to have my adult son here for a visit. We extended Christmas (or observed the Orthodox calendar!) and have enjoyed time together as a family. On the down side, my Mom suffered a minor stroke a couple of days before he arrived. Overall, the prognosis is good and the only damage is some weakness in her left hand. Waiting for her to be discharged to a PT Rehab facility for a short stay, and then she'll get to go home which she is very eager to do. 

Not gonna lie, I'm tired and haven't worked on anything for the New Year besides starting a serious clean of my craft room!

Times like this are when I appreciate seeing others' creativity at my weekly party so let's do that!

My French Twist has embarked on one of my loves, jewelry making. Check out her tutorial for Beginner Jewelry Making here and see how she made these lovely earrings. No time like the New Year to start a new hobby, right? 

I've passed on similar ones before but will rethink that when I next see them. Petticoat Junktion shared how to incorporate Vintage Doorknobs into home decor!

If you're looking for ways to Decorate Your Home Through the Winter Months, check out this post from Master Pieces of My Life, which does exactly that! 

New year, more chocolate! Like these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies from Cindy's Online Recipe Box. Yes, please! 

Thanks to all who linked up and can't wait to see what you have to share this week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

Happy October and peak crafty, creative, and cooking season! And just like that, our weather's a bit cooler, the humidity that comes with monsoon season seems gone, and I find myself saying "I'm cold" which is a joke to the rest of the country because I say that when it's below 90. I used to tease my mom and friends mercilessly when they'd say they were cold, and then we moved here and I had to eat those words. Bodies do adjust and change! 

Still having fun with Halloween projects (although I'm feeling that Christmas itch). This week I shared: 

Glam Sugared Skulls

Repurposed Halloween Decor

Some fun ideas shared at last week's party! 

Two Chicks and a Mom shared this fabulous Hanging Halloween Bat, perfect for a porch, door, or inside! 

Whether for Halloween or Harvest, this time of year is pumpkins time to shine! Master Pieces of My Life has some stunning and creative ways to display them! Check out 10 Unique Ways to DIY Pumpkins.

Transform a simple brown bag into an elegant way to display Fall flowers! My French Twist shows you how to make these beautiful Paper Bag Vases. 

Finally, how perfect for the season are these Chocolate Chip Autumn Leaf Rake Cookies from Cindy's Online Recipe Box?!

A huge thank you to all who shared, and I hope everyone's taking a moment to visit other posts! The world needs our creativity, especially now. We, the Makers, are sometimes the ones who bring a bright spot to someone's day with a handmade gift or shared enthusiasm when we find another Creative. Let's use our superpowers for good! 

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter