SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE GIFTS FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN

Friday, December 31, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 4

Which cancer kills the most women?
  1. Breast cancer
  2. Ovarian cancer
  3. Lung cancer
  4. Endometrial cancer
  5. Colon cancer
You are correct if you answered: Lung cancer


Breast cancer gets all the attention, but lung cancer kills 68 percent more women (67,000 a year versus 40,000). The primary cause of the disease, of course, is smoking. Although it has declined in both sexes, about 20 percent of women still light up. "Most smokers have tried to quit and failed," says medical oncologist Worta McCaskill-Stevens, M.D., program director in the division of cancer prevention at the NIH's National Cancer Institute (NCI). "But past failures don't mean you can't do it -- you may not have tried the right method for you. Talk with your doctor." There are more ways to help people quit smoking than ever, including gums, patches and inhalers.

Home Journal

Thursday, December 30, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 3


To reduce risk of all major cancers, how many servings of fruits and vegetables should women consume each day?
  1. Three
  2. Four
  3. Five
  4. Eight or nine
You are correct if you answered: Eight or nine

"To prevent cancer, you should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but ideally eight or nine," says Linda Nebeling, Ph.D., R.D., the chief of the health promotion research branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and a nutritionist with the Institute's "5 A Day" program. ("Our name is a little misleading," she admits.) "They are our main sources of antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and E, all of which help prevent the cell damage that can lead to cancer." Unfortunately, according to the latest NCI research, only 31 percent of women eat the minimum five daily servings. "It's not that hard to reach your quota," says Nebeling. "Have fruit with breakfast, a salad at lunch, vegetables with dinner and fruit for snacks." One serving equals one medium piece or one half cup of fruit, three quarters of a cup of 100 percent fruit juice, one half cup raw or cooked vegetables, one cup of leafy greens or one half cup of cooked peas or beans.

Home Journal

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 2

What is the leading cause of death for women of all ages?
  1. Breast cancer
  2. Ovarian cancer
  3. Lung cancer
  4. Heart disease
You are correct if you answered: Heart disease

Surprised? Heart disease actually kills nine times more women -- 371,000 versus 40,000-each year. In fact, heart disease kills more women annually than all cancers combined (260,000).

Compared with men, women who suffer heart attacks are more likely to have another or to die from them. The first symptoms of heart disease tend to appear 10 years later in women (at about the age of 45) than in men. "Many physicians underdiagnose coronary artery disease in women, even when women report the same symptoms as men," says Legato.

Another problem is that about 20 percent of women with heart disease don't exhibit the classic symptom of pain under the breast bone that radiates to the left arm or the jaw. "They experience upper-abdominal pain, nausea and shortness of breath," says Legato. "This is the reason they are sometimes sent out of emergency rooms with Valium for their 'hyperventilation' and antacids for their 'indigestion' instead of receiving the correct diagnosis."

Even when women do experience chest pain, "It's not always the crushing pain men typically report," says Patrice Nickens, M.D., director of cardiovascular medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the NIH. "Women are more likely to feel intermittent chest pain that's fairly tolerable. As a result, they're less likely to seek medical care and less likely to be treated within a few hours of a heart attack, when treatment is most likely to be lifesaving."

Fortunately, many cases of heart disease can be prevented. What does it take? Not smoking, exercising more and eating less saturated fat, for starters. You should also control your weight and stress levels, and be sure to get cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly. (High blood sugar can signal diabetes, which significantly hikes heart disease risk.)

Note: Heart attacks are most likely to occur in postmenopausal women, when a drop in the hormone estrogen is thought to increase risk. If you experience any persistent chest or upper abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath, see a physician immediately. 

Symptoms of heart attacks may also include sweating, unexplained anxiety, and radiating pain in the jaw or down one arm.

Home Journal

Monday, December 27, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 1

Of the following, which does NOT help prevent heart disease?
  1. Controlling blood pressure
  2. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
  3. Exercising regularly
  4. Sleeping eight hours a night
  5. Quitting smoking
You are correct if you answered: Sleeping eight hours a night

"There are many good reasons to get eight hours of sleep a night," says Lawrence Friedman, M.D., special assistant to the director of the NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). "But heart-disease prevention is not one of them." Controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and eating lots of fruits and vegetables have all been shown to help prevent heart disease. Other heart helpers include eating fish rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, and keeping your cholesterol low.

Home Journal

Sunday, December 26, 2010

WISDOM FROM THE OLD COMIC LADY


Every thime I start thinking too much about how I look, I just find a Happy Hour and by the time I leave, "I look just fine."

Saturday, December 25, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Friday, December 24, 2010

CHRISTMAS EVE WISHES

Thursday, December 23, 2010

STAR-TOPPED TREE NAPKIN


Simple way to present your napkins
at the
Christmas dinner table.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTERPIECE



I came across this idea on My Home Ideas for a simple yet festive Christmas table centerpiece.  Simply gather small wrapped presents, a tiered pedestal, and some holiday greenery.  This centerpiece should last the entire season or until you have given your dinner guests their presents.

This idea could be used for any occasion in which you have party favors for your guests.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

4 BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS CREATIONS

Here are some beautiful
Christmas creations
by
EtsyKids shops.

by
Tiny Belles Boutique

by
Snuggle Bug Kidz

by
Baa Baa Baby Boutique

 
by
Diva Babies

Monday, December 20, 2010

COOKIE BAKING SECRETS

by
MyRecipes.com
  1. SPLIT THE DOUGH
    Work with half of the cookie dough at a time when rolling or cutting cookies.  Keep the other half refrigerated.  Chilled dough is easier to handle.
  2. CHOOSE BAKING SHEETS WISELY
    Bake cookies on shiny, heavy aluminum baking sheets without sides so it will be easier to slide cookies onto a cooling rack.
  3. KNOW HOW TO GREASE
    Grease baking sheets with cooking spray or solid shortening instead of butter or margarine.
  4. USE PARCHMENT PAPER
    Parchment paper eliminates the need for greasing baking sheets.  It promotes even browning.
  5. DON'T OVERLOAD THE OVEN
    Bake one sheet of cookies at a time on the middle oven rack.
  6. BE CAREFUL WITH OVERBAKING
    Check cookies for doneness at the minimum baking time.
  7. USE COOLED BAKING SHEETS
    Cool baking sheets between batches before reusing; wipe the surface of each with a paper towel.
  8. COOL BEFORE STORING
    Cool cookies completely before storing them in an airtight containers.

    Thursday, December 16, 2010

    PILLSBURY BACON QUICHE BISCUIT CUPS



    INGREDIENTS
    5 slices bacon
    1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
    2 tbsp. milk
    2 eggs
    1/2 cup shredded Swiss Cheese (2 oz)
    2 tbsp. chopped green onions (2 medium)
    1 can Pillsbury Grands Jr. refrigerated biscuits

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray 10 regular-size muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray.
    2. Fry bacon until crisp.  Drain on paper towels.  Crumble bacon, set aside.
    3. In small bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add milk and eggs, beating at low speed until smooth.  Stir in Swiss cheese and onions.  Set aside.
    4. Separate dough into 10 biscuits.  Press or roll each to form 5-inch round.  Place 1 biscuit round in each muffin cup; firmly press in bottom and up sides, forming 1/4 inch rim.  Place half of bacon in bottom of dough-lined muffin cups. Spoon cheese mixture evenly into cups.
    5. Bake 21 - 26 minutes or until filling is set and edges of biscuit cups are golden brown.  Sprinkle each with remaining bacon, lightly press into filling.  Remove biscuit cups from pan.

    Wednesday, December 15, 2010

    CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINT POPCORN

    by
    Make It Do

    This is a tasty Christmas treat 
    you can make for
    family and friends.

    INGREDIENTS:

    1/2 cup unpopped popcorn (approx. 16 cups popped depending on your popcorn and popper)
    2 cups white chocolate chips
    1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
    a dash of salt
    popcorn may be lightly buttered if desired

    DIRECTIONS:  (see Make It Do  for step-by-step pictures)

    1. Start by popping 1/2 cup of popcorn. This makes approximately 16 cups of plain popped popcorn.
    2. Place peppermint candy canes or candies into a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin finely crush. 
    3. In a heat proof bowl, carefully melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent scorching. It takes about 1 1/2 minutes.
    4. In a very large bowl start drizzling the white chocolate evenly over the popcorn, then quickly sprinkle the crushed candy and a dash of salt over the popcorn. Stir vigorously to evenly coat all the popcorn before the chocolate starts to set up.
    5. Once it is evenly coated, turn the popcorn out onto waxed paper in a thin layer and allow to cool.
    6. When the popcorn is completely cool and dry, break up into small pieces.
    7. Place in bags or tins for gift giving.

    Tuesday, December 14, 2010

    SALTY CHOCOLATE - PECAN CANDY

    Salty Chocolate-Pecan Candy


    This candy will soften slightly while at room temperature.


    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Bake: 15 minutes
    Yield: Makes 1 3/4 lb.

    Ingredients

    • 1  cup  pecans, coarsely chopped
    • 3  (4-oz.) bars bittersweet chocolate baking bars
    • 3  (4-oz.) white chocolate baking bars
    • 1  teaspoon  coarse sea salt*

    Preparation

    1. Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    2. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.
    3. Line a 17- x 12-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Break each chocolate bar into 8 equal pieces. (You will have 48 pieces total.) Arrange in a checkerboard pattern in jelly-roll pan, alternating white and dark chocolate. (Pieces will touch.)
    4. Bake at 225° for 5 minutes or just until chocolate is melted. Remove pan to a wire rack. Swirl chocolates into a marble pattern using a wooden pick. Sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans and salt.
    5. Chill 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month.
    *3/4 tsp. kosher salt may be substituted.
    Note: For testing purposes only, we used Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars and Ghirardelli White Chocolate Baking Bars.
    Southern Living, OCTOBER 2007

    Monday, December 13, 2010

    PILLSBURY CRANBERRY LAYER BARS


    INGREDIENTS

    1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
    1can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    2 teaspoons grated orange peel
    1egg
    1cup chopped fresh cranberries
    1cup white vanilla baking chips (6 oz)
    1cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
    1cup coarsely crushed pretzels (2 oz)

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Break up cookie dough into pan. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until puffed and edges are golden brown.
    2. In medium bowl, beat condensed milk, orange peel and egg with whisk until combined. Remove partially baked crust from oven. Spread milk mixture evenly over crust; sprinkle evenly with cranberries, chips and pretzels.
    3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until center is set. Cool 1 1/2 hours. 
    4. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. 
    5. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

    Sunday, December 12, 2010

    CHRISTMAS MOUSE MACAROONS by PARENTS MAGAZINE

    Christmas Mouse Macaroons

    'Twas the night before Christmas
    when all through the house
    not a creature was stirring,
    not even a mouse.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 bag (8 ounces) sliced almonds
    1 large egg white
    1/2 cup sugar
    3/4 cup chocolate chips, divided
    Black licorice laces
    Hot cinnamon candies
    White tube decorating icing

    DIRECTIONS
    1. Heat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Reserve 3 tablespoons sliced almonds for mouse ears, and place remaining almonds in food processor; pulse until finely ground. Add sugar and egg white, and pulse to combine. Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips, add to mixture, and pulse.
    2. Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into teardrop shapes; place on baking sheet 1 inch apart. Bake 25 minutes. 
    3. While cookies are still warm, insert 2 almond slices for ears and 1 piece of licorice lace for tail. Let cool completely.
    4. Melt remaining chocolate chips. Dip front of face in melted chocolate, and attach a cinnamon candy for nose. Using icing, pipe 2 eyes. Let set 10 minutes.

    Saturday, December 11, 2010

    TOASTING NUTS

    Lots of Christmas recipes call for toasted nuts.  Toasting brings out the fragrant oils and enhances the flavor of the nuts.  Place nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.  Be sure to shake the pan once during cooking and check frequently to be sure the nuts do not burn.  Enjoy!

    Thursday, December 9, 2010

    SEND A FREE THANK YOU CARD TO TROOPS IN IRAQ



    XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

    Pick out a thank you card
    on this website.
    Xerox will print it
    and
    send it to a soldier
    serving in Iraq.

    Wednesday, December 8, 2010

    BEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS - 3

    Brr....
    One of the best photos
    from
    National Geographic.

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010

    BEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS - 2

    Here's another cute National Geographic photo 
    of 
    mama polar bear and her baby.

    Monday, December 6, 2010

    BEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS

    Love this photo of mama cheetah and her babies.
    This is one of the best photographs 
    from
    National Geographic.


    Sunday, December 5, 2010

    HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR

    We hosted our Christmas Happy Hour last night.  Sharing good food and conversation with our family and friends. I especially enjoy this time of year!

    Friday, December 3, 2010

    ROLO PECAN PRETZEL TREATS


    Check out these delicious and easy to make candies 
    by
     Party "JEN"erations

    Thursday, December 2, 2010

    COOKIE DOUGH GIFTS

    Cookie Dough Gifts

    Print your favorite cookie recipe and baking instructions on white paper or vellum. Tie it around a frozen log of dough wrapped in parchment for an easy Christmas gift. 

    Tuesday, November 30, 2010

    THANKSGIVING THANKS

    Feels like its been a long time since I blogged.  I was sick for a while and then had a quick trip home to Missouri for Thanksgiving to see my family.  I am so thankful for family, friends, good health and spirits.  My wish is for everyone to enjoy their daily lives.  Here are 3 little ones I usually see on a daily basis and keep me in good spirits.  As I tell them, "I love you from the green grass all the way to the blue sky and back!"

    Friday, November 19, 2010

    HONESTY

    This is a news video clip about a man who returned $3,300 he found in a lost backpack.  What a wonderful thing to do - a very hard decision I am sure since the man was homeless.  That says a lot about his integrity.

    Tuesday, November 16, 2010

    ETSYKIDS' DECEMBER DESIGN CHALLENGE ENTRIES

    Here are a few of the wonderful creations in this month's
     EtsyKids Peppermint Swirl design challenge.
    Kinder Kouture

    Peppermint Hair Bow
    by
    Lil Belle Bowtique



    Candy Stick Lane

    Hope this gets everyone into a festive mood for the coming holidays!

    Sunday, November 14, 2010

    ARRRGH - THE PIRATES ARE COMING!

    by 
    Snazzy Snugglies

    Just listed this crayon roll up in my etsy shop.  Crayon roll ups make wonderful party favors, birthday gifts, and Christmas stocking stuffers!

    Saturday, November 13, 2010

    THANKSGIVING EDIBLE CHILDREN'S NAME CARDS OR PARTY FAVORS



    These miniature horns of plenty -- which double as edible name cards -- make striking party favors for a Thanksgiving table.
    Materials
    • Sugar cones
    • Ribbon
    • Store-bought decorator's icing
    • Fruit-shaped candies or cereal
    • Doilies (optional)
    Instructions
    1. For each place setting, tie a ribbon around the opening of a sugar cone.
    2. With a tube of store-bought decorator's icing and a steady hand, squirt the name of a guest along the side of the cone.
    3. Place the cone on a doily-covered saucer. Then fill it with candies, such as raspberry jellies, fruit-shaped sweets, marzipan fruits, candy corn and citrus slices. For an inexpensive alternative, use fruit-shaped cereal. Let the goodies spill out over the opening and around the cone.

    THANKSGIVING OREO TURKEYS


    Check out Our Best Bites for their step-by-step photographic instructions to make this edible turkey party favor. 

    Friday, November 12, 2010

    QUICK AND EASY THANKSGIVING TURKEY KID TREATS


    For these turkey treats, spread a dollop of vanilla frosting on a round cracker. Place a chocolate kiss near the bottom of the cracker. Add candy corn pieces above the kiss for the turkey feathers. Spread a small amount of frosting on one side of another candy corn piece and "glue" to the top of the kiss for the beak. Let frosting dry, then attach a caramel square to the back of the cracker with frosting to help the treats stand upright.

    Thursday, November 11, 2010

    VETERANS DAY

    Thanks to all the veterans
    for keeping our country safe.

    Wednesday, November 10, 2010

    KID-FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING DECORATIONS

    Pompom Turkey Friends
    This goofy gobbler is so cute your kids will want to make one for each place setting—or a whole flock to decorate the center of the table! Start by cutting feathers out of orange, red, and brown craft foam, then glue them together to make a fanned-out tail. Glue a brown pompom to the feathers to make the poufy body. Cut out a pair of yellow craft foam feet and glue the pompom body on top. Glue on googly eyes and a yellow craft foam bill. Now that's one quirky turkey!  This came from Parent's Magazine.

    Saturday, November 6, 2010

    Friday, November 5, 2010

    GARDENING TIPS FOR MUMS


    Tip 1
    When night temps drop (mid-September), buy plants as they start to break bud. You’ll maximize bloom time. To find the color and type of flower you’re after, check plant tags and cross-reference with already opened blooms. Garden centers usually group like selections together.
    Tip 2
    For impact, sport no more colors than are on your team’s jersey. You will stretch your dollars by choosing darker shades such as bronze and burgundy. They look better longer; spent flowers are less noticeable. The same is true for mums with double, as opposed to single, daisy-like blooms.
    Tip 3
    What you see is what you get: Buy the bigger plant. Once buds start to open, you’re pretty much guaranteed flowers ― no matter where you display them. They’ll be happiest in sun, but if you’re planning to compost them once the show is over, it’s fine to bend this rule.
    Tip 4
    Keep flowers coming by watering and pinching. Soil should be moist, but never wet. Check daily while weather is warm, every other day when it’s cooler. Fertilizing is not necessary. Remove faded blooms to encourage even more buds to open and you’ll have color through October.

    If plants dry out, submerge in a bucket of water, or jab a sharp pencil into the soil several times and then water.

    Wednesday, November 3, 2010

    ALEXANDER HENRY'S YOKO BLANKET


    I came home tonight to find I made a sale in my etsy shop.  I love this fabric with black satin!

    Tuesday, November 2, 2010

    FALL IS HERE

    The weather is cooler.
    Tree leaves are changing.  
    Fall is here!

    WINNER OF THE ETSYKIDS' OCTOBER DESIGN CHALLENGE


    Winning entry of the EtsyKids' Design Challenge
    "Woodlands" theme

    Monday, November 1, 2010

    WINTER ISSUE OF MODERN HANDMADE CHILD

    
    This is a seasonal online magazine helping families to embrace the handmade way of life. The Winter 2010 issue is full of fun crafts you can do with your children during these colder months, the latest handmade fashions for keeping warm indoors and out, delicious recipes, and inspiring ways to celebrate this festive holiday season the handmade way.  Check it out.

    Sunday, October 31, 2010

    Saturday, October 30, 2010

    CATCHING UP ON PAPER WORK

    What a wonderful day - worked around the house and put a dent into cleaning my study.  I really need to get organized!

    Friday, October 29, 2010

    MUMMY HOT DOGS


    These should be yummy for a Halloween party!

    Ingredients

    • 1  (11-oz.) can refrigerated breadstick dough
    • 12  bun-length hot dogs
    • Wooden picks (optional)
    • Vegetable cooking spray

    Preparation

    1. Preheat oven to 400°. Unroll breadstick dough, and separate into 12 strips at perforations. Gently stretch each strip to a length of 8 inches.
    2. Wrap 1 dough strip lengthwise around each hot dog. Secure with wooden picks, if necessary. Coat lightly with cooking spray. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
    3. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes. (If using wooden picks, remove before serving.)
    Garlic Mummy Dogs: Substitute 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated garlic breadstick dough. Proceed with recipe as directed.
    Parmesan-Garlic Mummy Dogs: Substitute 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated Parmesan-garlic breadstick dough. Proceed with recipe as directed.
    Garlic-Herb Mummy Dogs: Substitute 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated garlic-herb breadstick dough. Proceed with recipe as directed.
    Southern Living, OCTOBER

    Wednesday, October 27, 2010

    HALLOWEEN BEAN BAG TOSS


    Clear out a space in the yard for an old-fashioned bean bag toss. Everything -- from the wooden jack-o'-lantern cutout to the Halloween bean bags -- is homemade. And if the large pumpkin doesn't fit in with your party decor, try another simple shape, such as a ghost or a witch.

    Monday, October 18, 2010

    ETSYKIDS' OCTOBER DESIGN CHALLENGE - WOODLAND THEME

    by

    This is one of my favorite selections from the October EtsyKids' Design Challenge.  This month's theme is "Woodland".  Each month the design challenge winner selects the theme for the next monthly challenge.  This is a great process in which all EtsyKids members can showcase their "themed" creations.

    Friday, October 15, 2010

    MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL FALL CRAFT FAIR


    I am participating in this craft fair this weekend.  It is my first venture into this venue for my etsy shop.  I am excited, yet anxious.  I hope everything works smoothly!  Come visit me if you're in the area.  My booth location is in Gym D # 38.

    Monday, October 11, 2010

    COLUMBUS DAY


    HRISTOPHER COLUMBUS discovered America in 1492. At least that is what all elementary school children were always taught: "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." Of course, Columbus never did "discover" North America, and the regions he did explore were already inhabited. He only discovered them from the viewpoint of the Europeans. 

    Columbus and 90 crewmen were aboard the three ships that were to make the first voyage to the New World, the NiƱaPinta, and the flagship, Santa MariaColumbus' expedition was unique and important in that it resulted in the first intertwining of Europe with the Americas, resulting in the first permanent European colonies in the New World.

    Wednesday, October 6, 2010

    Tuesday, October 5, 2010

    BLACK CAT HALLOWEEN CUPCAKES


    INGREDIENTS:

    3/4 cupChocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below)
    24 smallyellow gumdrops
    Black licorice laces
    12 standard-size cupcakes
    1 cupchocolate sprinkles
    24 chocolate Candy Melts or chocolate coating dots

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Fit a piping bag with a #4 plain tip and fill with 1/4 cup frosting; set aside. To make eyes, cut an 1/8-inch thick slice off the larger end of each gumdrop; add a small piece of licorice lace to the cut side of each slice. For ears, cut chocolate coating dots into triangle shapes with a paring knife. Cut licorice laces into 1-1/2- to 2-inch lengths for whiskers.

    2. Frost cupcakes; coat generously with chocolate sprinkles. Insert ears into the icing of each cupcake, add whiskers and eyes and pipe a frosting nose. Makes 12 cupcakes.

    CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
    In a mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened and 1, 8-oz pkg cream cheese, softened together until creamy, about 2 min. Stir in 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, sifted. Add 1 lb (4 cups) confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well. Beat in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 3 to 4 tbsp milk and stir until smooth. Can be refrigerated up to one week; bring to room temperature and stir before using. Makes 3 cups.