Cupcake!

I have to admit that I am a cupcake junkie and I LOVE our local shop, Cupcake. I search for excuses to devour one of their delicious cupcakes!! This week we adventured to the King Street shop downtown after our Aquarium play date. Trips to the shop never get boring because there are always nine featured yummy flavors that include both the traditional flavors and some unique seasonal choices. I could not resist all the chocolate in this beauty, a Chocloate Tuxedo Cupcake.

One of my favorite pick me up gifts for friends and family are these sweet little cupcake tokens. What better way to say thanks for being sweet than a cupcake token??? Hmmm.. Halloween is coming and I think these would be perfect little treats!! Great spin on the gift card idea!!

You can't miss either of their signature cars either?? Doesn't it make you smile??

Cupcake also offers mini cupcakes, which I think are the perfect size for a "finger" food type party. You can also order a super-sized version that would feed a small dinner party. Yum Yum!! Visit their web-site for more details, especially the different options for cupcake parties. If you live in the Charleston or Columbia area, be sure to follow Cupcake on Twitter or Facebook for great discounts!!

Favorite Summer Gadgets

Yippee for this new silicone ice and baking tray! Yes, you heard that correctly. You can freeze this to make ice and bake some yummy goodies in the same tray! They come in a variety of colors and you can order numbers or letters. You can even order one tray of all the same number. Perfect for your birthday celebrations. The flexible material is non-stick and dishwasher safe. What a great fun way to teach letters and numbers. Wouldn't you practice your spelling words with a yummy treat?? I love multi-purpose gadgets!

Here are a few ideas for the molds......

1. Chocolate molds - delicious!!!

2. Melt old crayon pieces for some new unique favors.

3. Jello anyone????

4. Ice - I made a ton of the number 1 for our neighbor that is going into first grade this year. Her mom is going to add them to her drinks to get her excited about starting school. We even added food coloring to the water to jazz them up!!

5. Cute soap for bath time.

6. Butter Mold

7. Candle Mold

Recipes and directions for making crayons, chalk, and soap can be found here at Sillycone Inc.

Order Here to spell out your fun! Hehe!

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Dodeline Designs Giveaway!!

Everything local wins my heart and the adorable stationery from Dodeline Designs is no exception! The modern designs and phrases scream lowcountry and the south.

I was giddy with excitement when my sweet little package of cards arrived in the mail. I LOVE the bright colors and coordinating envelopes. My hubby even creeped over to take a look and called dibs on this Street Sign card inspired by 2 of our popular historic streets downtown Charleston.

I could not help, but smile when I read the phrase on this card. "Bless your heart!" That is such a southern phrase!! Hehe

Of course my favorite was the vibrant pink and blue Peony inspired card.

I can think of a million uses for these precious cards. I have purchased a few of the "Welcome" cards for little guest gift baskets and notes. Who can resist the Coburg Cow card?

If you are local, you can spot Sarah's cards at Open House, Mac and Murphy, and Celadon. Just another reason to visit some of my favorite stores!!

Not only is Sarah extremely talented at creating stationery and custom invitations, but she also designs web-sites and blogs. A one stop shop for a little sassy lowcountry flair!!

Now here is the BEST part...... One lucky Pluff Mudd reader will win 4 cards of their choice!! Hmmm, so many amazing designs how will you decide??

ENTER TO WIN YOUR SET OF 4 CARDS!

There are lots of chances to win this giveaway!

You can enter lots of times by doing any one of the following to increase your odds of winning.

or....

You can do just ONE entry!

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. Hop over to the Dodeline Designs web-site or Etsy shop,

come back & leave a comment with your favorite item!

2. Become a fan of Dodeline Designs on Facebook.

3. Become a fan of Pluff Mudd Studio on Facebook

& leave a 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 Sunday, August 1st 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

Sweet Pillow Cookies!!

Yum Yum!! I originally saw these Pillow Cookies over at Bakerella and I could not wait to try them. It doesn't get any better than chocolate chip cookies and brownies together!!!!!

Get your aprons out because you will want to bake up these delicious treats!

Let's get started...

First of all, you need to bake up your favorite brownies. I used a good old-fashioned box kit of brownies and baked them the night before I baked the cookies. I used an 8 x 8 pan, but I think a larger pan would have made the brownies a little smaller and easier to place in the cookies. Cut the brownies into 1 inch squares. I cut 16 and used 14 of the brownie squares. You will not use all of the brownies, so you can eat the leftovers.

Next, whip up your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough.

I used this recipe recommended by Bakerella!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup butter room temperature

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, plus one egg yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

12 oz. bag of miniature chocolate chip cookies

Directions:

1. Beat the butter in a mixer until it is creamy.

2. Add the light brown sugar and beat until smooth.

3. Add eggs, yolk, and vanilla and beat until smooth.

4. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.

5. Add flour mixture to butter mixture and beat until combined.

6. Stir in mini chips.

7. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Voila!! Cookie Dough!! Of course this is my favorite Kitchen Aid mixer!!!!

Now, the good part!!!!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Layout a sheet of parchment paper. Scoop out the cookie batter using a half-cup measuring cup. My cookie dough was really cold and kind of stiff, so I used a spoon to pack it in and scoop it out. Next, place the dough on the parchment paper. These cookies are HUGE, so I only put 6 on a large baking sheet. After, I scooped six cookies, I used the back of a tablespoon to make an indention for the brownie.

Now, place the brownie squares into the cookie dough and work the dough around the brownie. Use your hands to shape the cookie into a ball.

If the dough gets too sticky, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Bake the six cookies for about 18 minutes at 350 degrees. (Mine were so big, it actually took about 22.) I covered the cookies with foil for the last few minutes to keep the outside from getting too crunchy.

Once they are finished cooking, place them on a cookie rack to cool.

Now the part you are dying for.... Check out the brownie on the inside.

These cookies are huge and one batch makes about 12 cookies. Next time, I think I will use a little less batter for each cookie. I also want to mix in some peanut butter chips. :)

Now I could not keep all these deliciously treats to myself, so I made some "Thanks for being sweet!" favor tags and delivered them to friends.

Download your FREE set of favor tags for your cookies and sweets here!

Happy baking!!

As usual, I would love to see pictures of your cookies or creations with the fun favor tags.

Thanks for being a Pluff Mudd Studio blog follower!!

Yummy Ice Cream Cake Pops

Love these ice cream cake pops from Bakerella! They scream summer party!!!

(Photo Courtesy of Bakerella)

The best part about the ice cream cake pop is that the icing does not have to be perfect. The little drips make them look more like real ice cream cones. I LOVE the chocolate sauce and the "cherry" is a yummy peanut butter M&M! More details can be found over at Bakerella, but the directions and "how-to" can only be found in her book.

Pluff Mudd Studio is now an affiliate of Amazon.com!
If you decide to purchase any of our recommended reads, please use the links in the post to support our blog!

Hydrangea Cupcakes

One of my favorite flowers to cut from the yard and add to floral arrangements are hydrangeas! I keep adding different varieties of color, texture, and blooming season. The pink, blue, and purple color depend on the acidity of the soil, except for white hydrangeas which do not change. (Usually, the natural acidity of Charleston soil keeps the hydrangeas shades of blue and purple.) I bring them over in vases to dinner parties, deliver them to the secretaries in my office, place on the bedside table in guest room, had them in my wedding florals, etc. Here is a picture of them making a premier on my mantel at a baby shower I hosted.

(I think I am obsessed a little!!)

So you can bet that I am smitten with these Hydrangea cupcakes from Glorious Treats! The recipe for the chocolate cupcakes and the vanilla cream cheese frosting is available on her blog. Plus, detailed directions for making the beautiful petals. You must check it out!

Guess what tip she used to make those fabulous petals?

Our favorite, Wilton 2D!!!!

(Photos from Glorious Treats)

I can not wait for a luncheon, bridal shower, etc. to make these beauties!!

Thanks for sharing Glory!!

Super Sweets!

I LOVE our local Charleston parent magazine for so many reasons and the July issue did not disappoint. One of the feature stories included birthday themes and "Sensational Sweets". Of course I was drawn to the sweets, so here are several of my favorites....

"Pink Princess Cupcakes" by Barbara Beery was given to me as a gift and I have found a ton of ideas that are easy to replicate in this book.

order here

I have a crush on animal prints and these wild cupcakes from Beery's book are so sassy!!! Wouldn't these be perfect for a Safari, Stylish Sweet Sixteen, or Jungle theme party?!? I am even thinking how I could work this in to a ladies night......Hmmm Cupcakes and Cocktails anyone???

"What's New Cupcake?" by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson has popped up everywhere and has been the inspiration for a lot of my party themes.

order here

Cate has a play date at the aquarium coming up at the end of the summer. This is her outfit from Shrimp and Grits Kids. I love the smocked gold fish and guess what????

You guessed it.... there are cupcakes to match in this book!!!

I am not really a baker or that great at icing yet, but I love the pictures and ideas in the book "Confetti Cakes for Kids" by Elisa Strauss and Christie Matheson.

order here

Hmmm - Are you inspired to run to Barnes and Noble or check out Amazon for these fantastic books?? I would love any other recommendations of your favorite sweets books.

Pluff Mudd Studio is now an affiliate of Amazon.com!
If you decide to purchase any of our recommended reads, please use the links in the post to support our blog!

Pool Party!!!

Here's what I am working on... Pool Party!! This has been a quick turn around since we just finished styling Cate's frog princess first birthday. I LOVE these mini beach ball water bottles from Oriental Trading. I am going to personalize them with a party circle sticker for the little ones. I am going to mimic the idea of using the umbrella from one of the parties featured at Kara's Party Ideas for our dessert table. We'll see how it holds up being outside. That was a challenge for Cate's party.

I am smitten with the new invites I designed for the party. Next up.. party circles, food labels, favor tags, etc. Any ideas for a wreath or door decoration??

Ellie's Flamingo First Birthday Bash!!

One of my very sweet customers sent in several photos of her daughter's Flamingo First Birthday Bash! Isn't Baby Ellie precious in her flamingo t-shirt and tu-tu?!?! Ellie's mom, December, ordered a set of my Flamingo Party Circles and I love all the different ways she used them at her party (water bottle labels, napkin rings, food picks in the pigs in the blanket, etc.) The flip-flop crackers are too cute! I am definitely filing that idea for future summer theme parties. And of course, I am crazy about the tissue pom-pom napkin rings on those coordinating flamingo napkins.

Thanks for sharing this amazing stylish party!!!

Tissue Paper Wreath

DIY Tissue Paper Wreath Tutorial

This is the easiest, most inexpensive, versatile wreath I have designed yet!!! I kept seeing completed versions of a tissue paper wreath in magazines, on blogs, etc. and decided one night to give it a try for Cate's birthday party. This wreath can be made with any color or combination of tissue paper colors to coordinate with any party color palette, which makes it a perfect "go to" for any event!!!

Materials:

Foam wreath

Tissue Paper - cut into approx. 5 x 7 pieces (I used 3 packs)

Hot Glue

Skewer

Floral Wire

Ribbon (Bow)

Directions:

1. Cut a lot of 5x7 tissue paper pieces. I used three packs of tissue paper. (The small pieces that were left over after I cut the larger pieces were perfect for the outside and inside edges, so save those!!)

2. Pull the tissue paper in the center and twist into a point. There is one sample in the picture above. This takes some time, so turn on your favorite TV show to entertain you while you twist or include the kids.

3. Push the skewer through to make 2 holes at the top of the wreath. Pull through the floral wire to make a hanger on the back.

4. Heat up that hot glue gun. I used a wooden skewer to poke a hole in the foam wreath and squeezed some hot glue into the hole. (In the beginning, I thought I would poke a bunch of holes first. This did not work as well as I thought because each piece of tissue paper was a little different size after twisting. )

5. Use the skewer again to poke the tissue paper into the hole. This will save you from burning your fingers. :)

6. Continue poking holes, filling with glue, and pushing in the tissue paper until you have filled in the entire wreath.

7. Use the same process to fill in the center and outside of the foam wreath with the smaller left over pieces.

8. Finish off with a coordinating bow. I added one of my 3 inch party circles in the middle of the bow to include Cate's frog princess party theme.

VOILA!! A beautiful wreath!!

Pink Chandelier Giveaway Winner!!

Congratulations to Ali (comment #7) winner of the adorable sequin t-shirt from Pink Chandelier!!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:7Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats Ali, look for an email from Pluff Mudd Studio!
Thanks to all who participated!!! There is a new and exciting give away coming up soon, so stay tuned!!!

Frog Princess Party Thank You Notes

I have been eager to share Cate's Frog Princess Thank You notes, so I am so excited for this post. I did not want to steal the joy of opening a card fresh out of the mailbox by posting the pictures before Cate's friends received their Frog Princess thank you note. I am a BIG believer in writing thank you notes, so naturally I wanted note cards that matched the party theme.

I was lucky enough to connect with Lindy, from Itsy Bitsy Paper. I sent her the graphic and she whipped up these pretty personalized card. The envelopes were even printed with our return address and a tiny version of the frog. I was giddy with excitement when I opened the package to find this pretty pack of note cards.

You must visit her Etsy shop and check out all her fabulous designs. You can also connect with Lindy on Facebook for the latest Itsy Bitsy Paper updates! She was a joy to work with and made everything absolutely stunning!

Don't forget to enter to win the Pink Chandelier Giveaway for the fabulous sequin number t-shirt! Giveaway ends July 10th!!

Cate's Frog Princess Party!!

Cate's first birthday, a Frog Princess theme, was a blast!

This was the first birthday party I have styled and I loved searching through all the blogs for ideas and inspirations. Looking at all the pictures has me giddy with excitement.

Here are a few of the pictures and details from the party. I will add more specifics, tutorials etc. in future posts, but I could not wait to share.......Enjoy!!

The party was inspired by this adorable Shrimp and Grits Kids Smocked Bubble!! The bright pinks and greens were the color scheme for the party and the frog princess made quite the debut throughout all the little details. (That's not my Cate by the way...just a photo of the outfit. :))

Cate's invites kicked off the party with the sweet frog princess graphic and bright pinks and greens. I love polka dots, so I added a pink border with green polka dots. I like to jazz up the envelopes too, so her invites were sent in a green envelope with a cute coordinating address label. (The printable invites are coming soon to the Pluff Mudd Studio Etsy shop!)

I sneaked in a little polka dot here and there in the party decoration too. :)

The custom crown was made by Amy from the amazing Esty shop, True Love Found. I sent her the digital file of Cate's invite and she made this precious coordinating crown. She even included some polka dot ribbon the bottom.

Love it!!

I love to design a wreath that welcomes the guest and includes the theme. I made a tissue paper wreath (tutorial coming soon) for Cate's party. It turned out much better than I expected. I accented it with a green polka dot ribbon with a frog 3 inch party circle in the middle. It was perfect for her party.

The tables looked beautiful set-up along the marsh front! I was lucky to find a couple sets of pink polka dot and green polka dot plates on sale. The pink and green cups were part of that same set. The party circles made lots of appearances in the party decor!! (The printable party circles are coming soon to the Pluff Mudd Studio Etsy shop!)

The grass centerpiece, accented with pinwheels and 3 inch party circles, complimented the outdoor landscape. Val, from Crafty Go Lucky, sent me the cute frog and pink paper precut into pinwheels. I just spray painted skewers pink and attached them. I backed the 3 inch party circles with coordinating scrapbook paper, attached them to the pink painted skewers, and added some ribbon....Voila...... a centerpiece.

The napkin rings are small versions of the tissue pom-poms hanging above the dessert table (tutorial coming soon). Each child had their own cup personalized with a 2 inch party circle. This was key since all the cups were either pink or green. The party circles were perfect drink tags for the adults too. It was easy to identify your drink by the different tags, frog Cate, happy birthday, #1, etc.

The dessert table was filled with yummy cupcakes, oreo pops, cheerios, animal crackers, custom frog cookies, etc. Of course the party circles made an appearance again as we labeled all the treats. I added in the polka dots using the fun fabric and polka dot ribbon. The adorable frog painting was made by one of my friends, Thanks Noelle!

These precious cookies were custom made by Lisa from The Cookie Jar. I sent her the graphic and she matched it perfectly! The kids loved these sweet treats.

Isn't this cake precious?? The gals at Ashley Bakery surpassed all my expectations with the cake and cupcakes!! I thought the frog cake would be her smash cake, but the bakery sent a smash cake much easier for Cate to eat. I guess all that fondant would have been hard for her to manage. I made the yummy Oreo Pops and sprinkled them with pink and green to coordinate with the dessert table- visit the Pluff Mudd Oreo Pop tutorial.

The frog pond cupcakes were my favorite!!! Even the pink cupcakes were accented with a little fly. It was fun to watch everyone ooh and aah over them!

Every party for one year olds needs the staple of Cheerios and animal crackers!

Here is Cate's smash cake! She was so dainty!! Mommy had to get in there and help her get started.

Once she got going, there was no stopping her. She really enjoyed it.

The party circles made yet another appearance in her high chair banner.

Of course you can't have a party without favors!!! Each child had a box of goodies from Cate- "Thank you for hopping over to my pad!"

These amazing photos were taken by Lynn, from Town and Country Photography. She captured all the details and really made the party look stunning. Most importantly, all the wonderful memories are preserved for us to share with Cate and remember her very special birthday!! (Visit her web-site, the front picture is one of my wedding portraits - hehe.)

Our pug, Sophie Lulu - Cate's best buddy, even got in the spirit with her pink boa collar!

I must say a special thanks to my in-laws, Cate's Grammy and Granpy!!! Recently we sold our house unexpectedly quick, so we moved into a condo while waiting on our next home to be ready. They graciously hosted the party at their house and the location on the water was perfect. They went above and beyond helping me decorate, preparing food, cleaning etc.

I am very blessed!

The next couple of posts will include more specifics of vendors, tutorials, lessons learned, Cate's party outfit, etc. I also can't wait to share Cate's personalized custom thank you notes. SOOO many fun and exciting things!!!!! Yippee!!!!