Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse......

Not a creature was stirring, not even a Christmas mouse.... Last year, one of my friends introduced me to these adorable cookies! We had a ladies night and whipped up a batch for our work cookie exchange and for Cate's "school" of course.

Here are the directions!!

Christmas Mice

1 jar maraschino cherries with stems
1 package Hershey's kisses
1 package of Oreos
1 tube red decorating gel
1 tube green decorating gel
Slivered almonds
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons shortening

Drain cherries well and count them. Unwrap an equal amount of chocolate kisses.

Separate the Oreo cookies keeping the cream filled side for the mice cookies.

Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave and stir till smooth. Dip the cherries in the chocolate, shake to remove excess. Position the cherries on the cream filling of the Oreo, slightly off center with the stem hanging over the edge. Dip the flat bottom of the Hershey Kiss in the melted chocolate and attach to the front of the cherry.

Position 2 slivered almonds for ears in between the cherry and the Hershey Kiss. It took me a mouse or two to figure out to place the rounded side up instead of the pointed side. The pointed ears were just not as cute. :)

Use red gel for eyes. Use the green gel to draw 2 holly leaves slightly apart, put a red berry in the center with the red gel.

Now a few things I learned! I kept the chocolate warm by setting it in a bowl of warm water, it made it easier to dip the cherries. If you can find the larger size cherries, use those. The ones I got were kind of small and didn't fit quite right. I took a toothpick, and used some of the slightly set chocolate from the side of the bowl to fill in any holes in the cherries and to make the head and body look more connected.

If you let them set a few minutes before adding the ears, the almonds will stay in place better. I tried putting them on right away and they kept falling over.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper to set the mice on as you put them together. When you get them all done, let them set for a few minutes before decorating.

After I took the photos, I realized I did not really "clean" up the white cream filling. These are perfect!


I also stumbled across this idea of placing them on white chocolate covered Oreos, which would save the time separating and create a perfect white base.

After finishing a few and getting our system in place, they were really easy and required NO BAKING! Just time to put them together. I promise these will be a hit! Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Reindeer Cookies for Santa!!!

I could not resist making the adorable red-nosed reindeer cookies that were in the December 2010 Parents Magazine!! I sent these cookies with Cate to her "school" party, our office cookie exchange, and a white elephant gift exchange and they were a HUGE hit. The best part was that they not only looked cute, but they tasted delicious.

Here is the VERY easy recipe:

Ingredients:
Pillsbury's Simply Peanut Butter cookie dough
Chocolate covered mini-pretzels (I used Flipz.)
white cookie icing
mini baking chocolate morsels (The original recipe called for M&M minis, but I could not find them anywhere in brown. They were all red and green.)
Red M&Ms

Directions:
1. Shape the cookie dough into triangles.
2. Bake according to the package directions.
3. While the cookies are still warm push the chocolate covered mini-pretzels on the top of each side to resemble the antlers.
4. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
5. To make the reindeer face attach the brown chocolate morsels for eyes and a red M&M for the nose with cookie icing. I pushed the pointed tip of the chocolate morsel into the icing and cookie, so the flat part was facing up for the eye. (I think that I would use red cookie icing for the nose next time.)

Enjoy!!!!!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Magic Reindeer Food

Last year during the holidays my students were painting cute little plates for Santa's cookies. One of the sweet little girls was so worried about leaving a snack for the reindeer too. This year I am prepared with Magic Reindeer Food!
Here is the recipe....
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of red or green sugar crystals

Some recipes call for glitter, but that is not a great idea for the wildlife and our wild little ones that may want to sample the snack.

This adorable set was made with scrapbook stamping supplies. I whipped up a set of reindeer party circles for Cate's treats. I love the test tubes! I did a quick Google search and these are made in plastic by tons of companies. Very Cute!


Loved the cupcake reindeer graphic on this sweet tag.

(Image via Paper Fections)

The Idea Room shared this version of the treat with the famous cute poem.

Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon (Rudolph's Nose) will make it sparkle bright
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home.

The best part is you can download two versions of the poem tag for FREE here!

We would love to see pictures of your Magic Reindeer Food or other holiday goodies for our little angels! Email us at pluffmuddstudio@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Lollipop Tree!

OMG! I love this lollipop tree advent calendar from Garnet Hill. This is a yummy way to count down to Christmas. I was even thinking of putting in our party circle lollipops that represent the numbers or a surprise that is not candy. This will surely make an appearance on our dessert table too! Perfect for cake pops, candy kabobs, etc. :)


Have you found any amazing holiday decorations?

Monday, November 15, 2010

Making my list and checking it twice!

I must admit that I started making my Christmas list months ago. As I visited family and friends, I would type gift ideas into my iphone notes. I have also been pulling out pages from magazines with ideas and some unique gift ideas! I have even been keeping a list of ideas for Cate! With Thanksgiving sales right around the corner, I want to be ready!
Here are a few things on Cate's list for Santa....

First up, these adorable stackable Babushkups from Fred and Friends! Aren't they precious?

Of course Cate is all girl and loves her American Girl Bitty Baby! Santa will be delivering her the stroller and some additional outfits.

Cate is just starting to learn how to play with puzzles. I love the Melissa and Doug wooden puzzles. These oversized pieces will be perfect and some of them even make sounds. With holiday traveling and weekend trips, puzzles are the perfect flat toy that will pack easily in our suitcase too!
What were some of your child's favorite gifts? What is Santa going to bring your little ones? I would love some tips for my little 18 month ball of energy!

Cookie Jar Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Jessica Keels (Comment #20) our winner of The Cookie Jar giveaway! I can not wait to see what kind of yummy creative cookies Lisa designs for you! Please share pictures!


True Random Number Generator 20Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Thank you to everyone that participated!
If you have a product you would like to showcase, feel free to e-mail me! I love to highlight creative women following their passion.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Perfect Pink Party

Claire's perfect pink party is just precious! Claire's mom, Katena, is so talented and made all the desserts and a lot of the decorations, including the adorable tutu table skirt!

This ruffled cake is too cute! I absolutely love the custom topper from Enchanted Belles!


Hop over to Taylor Made Baking for many more details and photos of decorations, the invitation, and the precious birthday girl! Thanks for sharing Katena! The party was wonderful.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Scarecrow Cupcake

How cute is this scarecrow cupcake from Bright Ideas?!?!
Plus, it includes my favorite Twix!
OMG - I can not wait to make these for Cate's little "school"!

Don't forget to send us your favorite Thanksgiving/Fall treats! If you get a chance to make these, send us a picture.

Teepee Cupcakes

I love these Teepee cupcakes for Thanksgiving!
I think they will be perfect treats for our little Indians at home and in our classrooms.

Disney Family Fun provides a tutorial here.

(photo via Disney Family Fun)

Christie from These are a Few of My Favorite Things, whipped up this version!
Tutorial found here.

I would love to see any of your Thanksgiving treats and favorite recipes!

Monday, November 1, 2010

The Cookie Jar Giveaway!

Have you been looking for some beautiful cookies that taste fabulous? Then, look no more! The Cookie Jar is your final stop! For Cate's first birthday party I was searching for a cookie designer that could take my invitation and design the perfect cookie to coordinate. Lisa created flawless yummy cookies that were the talk of the party. Since then, I have ordered cookies to coordinate with all my parties. They have appeared on the dessert table, been the party favors, etc. Lisa is an incredibly talented artist and professional!
Check out a few of her creations......

These were from Cate's Splish Splash Summer Party!
The frog princess cookies were from Cate's first birthday party!
I love this Bubble Gum theme from The Tomkat Studio and the cookies are too cute! I have noticed cookies from Lisa at The Cookie Jar popping up on some of our favorite party gals blogs too!

(Gumball Photo via The Cookie Jar)

Pluff Mudd Studio has blessed me with the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented women and Lisa is no exception!

So....Here is something super sweet for Pluff Mudd Studio readers.........
you can win a $40 Etsy shop credit to sample some delicious cookies of your own!

You know the drill...
HERE'S HOW TO ENTER TO WIN........

There are lots of chances to win this giveaway!
You can enter lots of times by doing any of the following
or....
You can do just ONE entry!
Just remember the more times you enter, the more chances to win.

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each action that you complete, so you have a better chance of winning! The more entries increases your odds!!! PLEASE LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENTS, SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER!!!!
Good Luck!!

1. Hop over to The Cookie Jar's Etsy shop & leave your e-mail address with a comment about your favorite cookie design!
2. Become a Facebook fan of The Cookie Jar & leave your e-mail address with a comment that you are a follower (or already are!)
& leave your e-mail address witha comment here that you are a fan (or already are!)
4. Become a blog follower of Pluff Mudd Studio & leave a comment here that you are a follower (or already are!)
5. Post about this giveaway on your own Blog, Facebook Page and/or Tweet about it & comment here with the links! (up to 3 entries for posting)



Winner will be chosen on Monday, November 8th at 11:00pm (EST).
Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Open to US residents only.
Winner will be chosen using random.org

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ellie Kat Designs Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Christine (comment #3)!
You are the lucky winner of an adorable tutu from Ellie Kat Designs!


True Random Number Generator 3

Thank you to everyone that participated!
We are in for a sweet treat for our next giveaway!
Stay Tuned!!


Saturday, October 23, 2010

Vampire Glam!

I think this Vampire Glam birthday party is perfect for an October birthday. A little touch of diva with a spooky Halloween twist. This 'spook'tacular party was styled by Corrie, from Teacups and Trucks and I love all the coordinating details that make this party FABULOUS!

These "Witches Brew" labels are so creative and I am sure the little vampires sucked them down!!!

Love the candelabras, feather boas, and hot pink and black color combination.



I designed these favor tags to coordinate with the theme! If you are looking for some last minute Halloween party circles or favor tags for Halloween parties, these would be perfect! There is also a Halloween design package in the Etsy shop, which can be personalized for your little goblin too!

Isn't this birthday vampire precious?!?! Thanks for sharing your party with us Ruby!

(Photos Courtesy of Teacups and Trucks)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Introducing Ellie Kat Designs!!

Every little girl loves playing dress-up and tutus are the must have accessory!
(I think I may love dressing Cate up in her tutus more than Cate!)
Tutus can be so festive for holidays, football spirit, birthday parties, etc.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to handmade tutus by Ellie Kat Designs. Isn't this hula girl adorable?!?!

Love the zebra print....

I think this one is perfect for Halloween!!

So....Here is something fabulous for Pluff Mudd Studio readers.........
you can win your very own tutu from Ellie Kat Designs!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER TO WIN YOUR ADORABLE TUTU........

There are lots of chances to win this giveaway!
You can enter lots of times by doing any of the following
or....
You can do just ONE entry!
Just remember the more times you enter, the more chances to win.

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each action that you complete, so you have a better chance of winning! The more entries increases your odds!!! PLEASE LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENTS, SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER!!!!
Good Luck!!

1. Hop over to Ellie Kat Designs Etsy shop & leave your e-mail address with a comment about your favorite item!
2. Become a Facebook fan of Ellie Kat Designs & leave your e-mail address with a comment that you are a follower (or already are!)
& leave your e-mail address witha comment here that you are a fan (or already are!)
4. Become a blog follower of Pluff Mudd Studio & leave a comment here that you are a follower (or already are!)
5. Post about this giveaway on your own Blog, Facebook Page and/or Tweet about it & comment here with the links! (up to 3 entries for posting)



Winner will be chosen on Monday, October 25th at 11:00pm (EST).
Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Open to US residents only.
Winner will be chosen using random.org

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Perfect Purple Baby Shower

One of my favorite local party gals, Corrie from Teacups and Trucks LLC, did an amazing job with this perfect purple baby shower!
I love using purple for a baby girl!
(Cate's nursery and baby shower were both purple, so I have a little bias!)
Isn't this dessert table precious and so yummy?!?!

I designed the food labels and monogram favor tags to coordinate with the decorations.


Love this cake! The fondant is beautiful!



Photos Courtesy of Majestic Images and Teacups & Trucks LLC

Pluff Mudd Studio can custom design food labels, favor tags, and party circles for your special event too! We LOVE special requests and the inspiration that comes from our customers.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Kiki La Ru Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Jessica Coates (comment #10) winner of the cake bunting by Kiki La Ru!!!
True Random Number Generator 10Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats Jessica, look for an email from Kiki La Ru!
Thanks to all who participated!!!
I am so excited about the next giveaway... stay tuned! We are in for some sweet surprises!
If you have a product you would like showcased, please contact me!!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Precious Halloween Pillows

How cute are these pillows that premiered on eighteen25 from guest blogger Jen from Tatertots & Jello?!?! I am always swooning over all the ideas on both of these FABULOUS blogs!
These pillows reminded me of the Kiki La Ru cake bunting and now I must have both for my Halloween celebrations!!

The complete tutorial for these Painted Halloween Pennant Pillows (with step by step pictures too!) are posted over at eighteen25!

(Photos from eighteen25)

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Kiki La Ru Giveaway!!!

Oh My Goodness I LOVE this cake bunting from Kiki La Ru!
As I was searching for alternatives to my usual cupcake toppers, I stumbled across these beauties!!! We have been hosting a lot of little dinner parties lately and the cake bunting is perfect to dress-up my simple cakes! I also think these would be perfect for dessert tables, October birthdays, and Fall Carnivals.
Cake Walk anyone?



Lucky for us DIY lovers, Dawn offers a DIY kit in her Etsy shop!
The best part is that each DIY kit comes with her yummy cake recipe featured in the photos!


So....Here is something sweet for Pluff Mudd Studio readers.........
you can win your very own cake bunting from Kiki La Ru!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER TO WIN YOUR ADORABLE CAKE BUNTING........

There are lots of chances to win this giveaway!
You can enter lots of times by doing any of the following
or....
You can do just ONE entry!
Just remember the more times you enter, the more chances to win.

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each action that you complete, so you have a better chance of winning! The more entries increases your odds!!! Good Luck!!
1. Since it is Halloween and the season for sweets, leave a comment with your favorite candy!
2. Hop over to Kiki La Ru's Etsy shop
& leave a comment with your favorite item!
3. Become a blog follower of Kiki La Ru & leave a comment here that you are a follower (or already are!)
& leave a comment here that you are a fan (or already are!)
5. Become a blog follower of Pluff Mudd Studio & leave a comment here that you are a follower (or already are!)
6. Post about this giveaway on your own Blog, Facebook Page and/or Tweet about it & comment here with the links! (up to 3 entries for posting)



Winner will be chosen on Sunday, October 10th at 11:00pm (EST).
Any entries received after this time will not be considered. Open to US residents only.
Winner will be chosen using random.org

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Lego Man Real Party

This Lego man party is absolutely adorable!!
Katena created this party for her her son's 7th birthday party.
I love these BIG red balloons.
Great alternative for an older boy that may not be into the frilly tissue poms.

The tablecloth is bubble wrap spray painted green.
Looks just like the lego mats!


Katena used her amazing baking skills to make the cake, cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops!

These cookies are precious!



Visit her blog for more pictures and details! Thanks for sharing Katena!
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