Birth-o-Versary Blog Candy and a little Double Trouble

Today I have a fun little post for you, including BLOG CANDY (at the bottom of this post...) but up first is a fun challenge that my friend Karen and I came up with, she's so clever, and titled it "Double Trouble." Because, yes, that's what we are when we shop together. On Friday we had a trip to Starbucks, a visit to our Local Stamping Store Right at Home Scrapbooking and then lunch and a lot of chatting.

Who am I kidding? We both ran our mouths the whole time...not just at lunch. The dialogue at the store was like this "Oohh, did you see this?" or "Oh my goodness, how cute is thiiiiiiis?" or "Wouldn't this look fabulous with..." and of course, everything that either of us found, uuuummmm we both bought.

Yes, we left with lots of the same stuff. So, we had the fun idea that we'd both use one of the new Stamping Bella Green Bean Baby images with this fun October Afternoon Report Card paper that I discovered. Karen is posting today too, I'm headed over to see what she's been up to with her half of the "Double Trouble." I'm totally sure that its super super cute! I'm looking forward to many more fun Friday adventures and upcoming Double Troubles with "Miss K." (that's what my boys call her!)

My sample is made with Leila Always Measures Up, and of course, the October Afternoon Report Card paper pack. For fun, I grabbed this week's sketch from Taylored Expressions - TESC87. You may have already noticed, but I am *completely* addicted to my new Fiskar's Apron Lace Punch.

This is a big month for me.... I'm holding onto these last few weeks at 35 for dear life. My husband reminded me that next week, I'll be closer to 35 than 40. Um, that's not so nice. See for a few months each year, I get to lord it over him that I'm younger...so I guess I deserved a little gentle ribbing from him....

In other personal news, I've been growing out my hair since January. A sweet little friend of mine donated her hair and I was so touched, that I decided I could hold onto that ponytail a little longer to help someone.

My "big chop" is scheduled for October 30th. I'm excited, but also completely nervous. I think I have the eight inches required for Pantene Beautiful Lengths... the only question is if it will leave me with "The Mom Do." My hair stylist is amazing, and a few years ago I made him swear he'd never give me the M.D. no matter how much I begged. So, if it turns out that that I don't yet have enough length for the donation, he'll give me the bare minimum trim and I'll continue the growing process.

As promised... the Blog Candy Part!

To celebrate both my birthday and The Big Chop, I thought it was about time to celebrate with some Blog Candy! Its been a while! I'm SO thankful for all of you that come by to visit, and I cherish each of your comments. It so brightens my day to hear from all of you, and makes me know that my babbling in here doesn't echo.....

Here's what is included in my ...just a little celebration... Birthday Blog Candy Package

**MFT's "Grow Love Plant a Tree" and "The Poppies" Stamp Sets

**Stamping Bella - Gift Certificate for $15

**The Cat's Pajamas - "Smells like Cake" and "You Say its Your Birthday" Stamp Sets

**Unity Stamp Company - "Crazy for Daisies" Stamp Set

To enter, all you need to do is to create a project with a Buttony Bow on it. After all, its one of my very most **favorite** things! I'll leave the challenge open Midnight on October 26th. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I recently did a tutorial that will show you what I'm talking about, and how to make one!

Just a note: please be sure that you're only uploading NEW creations for this challenge, not linking up cards you've created in the past! Thank you!

I've added a Mr Linky widget to this post, so all you have to do is add a direct link (as in link to that post, not link to your main blog page) to your Buttony Bow creation and you'll be entered. You may enter as many times as you'd like between now and the 26th at Midnight EST. One winner will be selected at random!

I'll also be perusing the submissions and will share with you my favorites. I'm saying right now my Top Ten, but that assumes that at least ten of you will play, I certainly HOPE you do!!