Meet Nikki from Flora Apothocary {Junk in the Trunk Artisan Feature}

This year Purdy Things is doing something new.. I am going to take part in the Junk in the Trunk Market on November 9th at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. To say I'm excited is a serious understatement!! You haven't heard of the Junk in the Trunk Market?? Well check them out here

 {Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market} 

 

I have decided to feature some of the other vendors from this market! 

Meet Nikki  Wangler of Flora Apothocary

This is what she has to say about her line of beauty products: 

Being in the beauty industry for the past 10 years Ive taken notice that most products on the market contain harsh chemicals. Everything I was buying (even at health food stores) contained toxins.These products are not conducive to the healthy lifestyle I live, and I knew w/my experience I could create something that was actually healthy for my skin. After ordering a few natural ingredients and whipping up some body scrubs, FloraApothecary was born. Flora Apothecary is a clean, all natural, vegan, bath product line. There are no harsh chemicals,parabens,sulfates. FloraApothecary products are made with aromatherapy to heal & rejuvenate the body. Everything is handmade in small batches to ensure quality at my studio in AZ. I like to think of myself as an artisan medicine woman. Ive studied effects of natural oils and aromas and how they affect mood and health, and applied that knowledge into crafting handmade bath products. I am one of only a handful of local crafters that has taken their passion for creating to the next level by offering and distributing a handmade, healthy alternatives to everyday bath necessities. Flora Apothecary was inspired by a love of creating and was motivated by friends and  family who fell in love w/the way they felt after using my products. My mission is not only to bring you an artisan body product line that is clean, simple, and  affordable, but to also add an air of luxury to the everyday cleaning ritual. Im not claiming to have invented soap but I do add splendor to the everyday bar.

 

go check out her website: 

{Flora Apothecary}

 

 

 

 

The {End} of Summer Break

The end of summer break, or the beginning of gaining back some of my sanity! 

If you are like me, you had a crazy summer with up and downs... instead of boring you with all the details.. here are some highlights:

•  Ryan gets admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction.. being treated by a great Dr.
• Kids go to Camp Dossey aka Grandpas house!! 
• Tim and I go on a mini vaca to L.A., visit my grandparents, and some family, have dinner on the beach in Malibu, go to a Dodger game at Dodger Stadium {nothing like being at a home game} go to the Museum of Tolerance {Everyone should go at least once in their life} Go to the Fabric district in LA, and of course Magic Mountain!!! 
• the Boys and Amber go to Church camp {separate weekends}
• Drew went to football camp
• Amber gets admitted to the hospital on the first day of school, she has the same thing as Ryan.. but ended up having to have her Gall Bladder Removed {the surgeon said it was adorable just like her though}
• Tim and I do lots of Golfing... well he golfs I watch and take pictures!! 
• A couple trips to Payson to go riding on the quads
• A few craft dates with friends to make some AWESOME things to post tutorials for soon!! 
• Amber Turned 9  and went to the movies with her BFF and birthday twin!!
• we got a kitten!!!

So much fun!! here are some pictures!! 

 

This year:

 Drew starts 10th grade... and right now he wants to be a pediatrician!

Ryan started 8th grade and wants to be a Biblical Archeologist 

Amber started 4th grade and wants to have the world... she can't decide between model, nurse, teacher, hairdresser, fashion designer, artist, {we think she will be the next Martha Stewart}

They can all be what they want to be! 

The kids being back in school means one thing for me... back to work!! :) 

I'm so blessed to have a job I love! 

TTFN

Becky 

And the winner is.....

Julie Dooley!!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!

Giveaway - {Purdy Things} Mason Jar Tumbler

{Giveaway Time}

Check out these amazing new Mason Jar Tumblers from {Purdy Things}

You can pick from any of the jars and pick your own straw!! 

How to enter:  

For each entry, please post a separate comment, and make sure I have your email address. If you already follow please comment and please let me know the name you follow under.

•  Like {Purdy Things} on facebook
• Follow @Purdythings on Instagram 
• Sign up for the mailing list using the link on the left
• Share the pictures of the Mason Jars from the Purdy Things fan page to your page on Facebook

 The Contest Ends: June 4th 2013 

Good luck!!! 

Mason Jar Tumblers - LOVE them!!

Hi my name is Becky, and I'm addicted to Mason Jars!! 

So when I was seeing mason jar tumblers I knew I had to make one!! So I did!! 

The ones I was seeing were too wide for my cupholder, so I found some 24oz jars that fit PERFECTLY!! 

The next task was to find a way to insulate the jar to keep the drink cold, and keep the outside dry, and I did that!!! This sleeve will keep your drink cold for hours, {My ice was still there 2 hours later, in the car, and I live in Arizona!! }

 

I've had such a great response to these that I'm making them available to you!! for only $16 you can have an amazing Mason Jar Tumbler of your own!! I will be posting a pattern to craftsy for the sleeve soon!

Check out the {Purdy} Things Mason Jar Tumblers

If you have an idea or color scheme in mind please 

{contact me}

 I would love to create a jar just for you!!  

 

And Here I Go {Again}

Again, that is the part that is KILLING me. 

I saw this and it sums it up perfectly.. 

About 5 1/2 years ago I made a change in my life and I lost all my weight from having kids, I was the same size as I was in high school, I could go into any store and buy clothes and NOT worry about a muffin top or cellulite. I had worked my body into this lean healthy machine... 

Then I tore my miniscus disk, and I was off my leg for 5 months.. I would have a burger here and there, and talked myself into believing that even though I wasn't able to workout, I could eat whatever I wanted, when  I was given the green light to exorcize, I didn't really change my food and getting back in the habit just didn't happen, I had other things that I made a priority. 

Here I am 5 years later, and I'm right back to where I was... and the fact that I've been here before and I SWORE I would never be back hurts.I know EXACTLY how to prevent this, and how to loose it, and yet I'm doing nothing?? OUCH.  Honestly it's that hurt that then fuels the emotional eating, and then I sit and feel sorry for myself, and then nothing gets done about it. What a vicious cycle I'm on. If you have read this blog before, I suffer from depression and anxiety which can reallly take it's toll on me. And I know that my thoughts about myself and my weight don't help. So in this journey I won't just be changing my body I'll be changing my mind.

  I have tried to get back into running, and working out like I used to, my knee just can't handle it, so I have to start a bit slower this time around. Do things that are easier on my knee, and still have the same effects. So for now I'm building up muscle to support my joints, before going all out on the cardio.  

I know that it will take a little bit before I see the changes, and I have a journey ahead of me... but I'm going to take it one baby step at a time!! I'm better than I was yesterday!!  I'm not quite brave enough to post a before picture though....

{Upcoming} 2013

yes here we are almost halfway into 2013, I have a list a mile long of projects to show you, and thoughts to share, and a journey I'm on, yet again... 

BUT for now I will share something crazy... 

I have a weekly planner

I looooved this one from {www.andcute.com }

Yes I have printed up a weekly to do, so I can organize my time better. 

If you know me you will know that I am HORRIBLE at this. Not too good when you want to have a blog that will inspire others. Yet I have this burning urgent desire to blog, and like I said I have 984573483 ideas for it... I just needed to organize my thoughts, and my process. :) 

I will be sharing with you soon!!! 

XOXO

Becky

Spring Fling {Giveaway} Winner!!

By using www.random.com

our winner is: 

 Kunac Marija

You have won a $50 gift cerftificate to

www.purdythings.com

 

Here are your random numbers:

36

Timestamp: 2013-03-28 14:17:16 UTC

{Caged} Protecting Your Heart

Guard your heart.. For me this is easier said than done. 

Do you have someone in your life that does more harm than good to you? Their words are toxic, their actions are harmful to your walk with the Lord, they don't respect your boundaries, they hurt you with no remorse.. I think we all have had someone or something in our lives that has caused major hurts. A wise friend said something that has stuck with me... as a child if you are abused you can't walk away from it, as an adult you have the choice to walk away. You are able to choose to stop the cycle, and toxicity. 

Though it may hurt, what is worse?? Being a treated in a way that makes you feel unworthy and unloved,{which is not the case, you are loved and worthy because Jesus died for you!! } or being able to walk away and pray for the person, and love them from afar. 

I know that it is so hard to make the decision to walk away from a person or situation that you love dearly, but are so hurt by. It's heartbreaking to know that in walking away you are hurting that person too. Maybe it will be the wake up call that person needs to realize that the way they treat is wrong, maybe you will never reconcile with that person, but they learn to treat others better... either way, protect your heart from those that aim to hurt you, cause self doubt, make you feel unworthy, or unlovable. 

Remember you are so loved by our creator!! You are a unrepeated miracle that has a purpose!! When those feelings of self doubt and worthlessness start to come over you, pray for the Lord to shield your heart and mind from the attacks. I've been praying daily to be so full of the Holy Spirit that Satan can't touch me. Does it mean that I don't have the self doubt, and feelings of worthlessness, but as soon as those thoughts come, the Lord reminds me that those are the lies of the great deceiver, and not the truth! The truth is that I am a child of God who is loved unconditionally, and so are you! And most of all remember this verse:

Romans 8:28

 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan.    

No matter how hurt you are now, the Lord will keep
His promise to make it for good. 

xoxo

Becky  

Spring Fling {Giveaway}

Happy First Day of Spring!! 

Spring is my favorite season, the flowers blooming, the fresh air, and Easter!! 

To celebrate I'm giving away a $50 gift certificate to 

{Purdy Things}   

How to Enter:

• Follow This Blog
• Like PurdyThings on Facebook
• Follow Purdy Things on {Pinterest}
• Pin a Purdy Things item on {Pinterest} and tag @Purdythings
• Sign up for the mailing list {link on the left} 
• Share this giveaway on facebook tagging @Purdy Things 
• Share this giveaway on Pinterest tagging @PurdyThings 

Leave a comment for each thing you do, the drawing will be held on March 27, 2013 

 

Check it out!! Purdy Things Affiliate Program

LOVE Purdy Things..Are you always spreading the word, and giving out the website??  Why not get paid for it!!!
Sign up as an affiliate and you will earn 15% commission on every order placed through your link.  

{Purdy} Things Affiliate Program

 

{Baking} Dangerously Delicious Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

My husband's favorite cookie is Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, but they have to be soft and chewy. So I tried the recipe on the Quaker Oatmeal box... but it was missing a few things... so I played a bit, and this is what I came up with. I make a least 3-4 batches of these cookies a week for him to take to work, and share with his co-workers. His love language is Acts of Service... but I think food should be considered a love language too!! I shared some of these amazing cookies with a friend, and she called them Dangerously Delicious.. hence the name. I hope you enjoy them!! 

1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces, or 115 grams) butter, softened {do not soften in the microwave}
2/3 cup (125 grams) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup (95 grams) all-purpose flour {I prefer unbleached}
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon table salt
1 1/2 cups (120 grams) rolled oats
3/4 cup (120 grams) raisins
1/2 cup walnuts (65 grams), chopped {optional}

Pre-heat oven to 350 

In the mixer bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, wisk together the rest of the ingredients, minus the raisins. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl, and mix on medium speed. Add your raisins. 

I've learned that if you chill your dough before you bake it, it will create a softer cookie. So I chill for 5 minutes before I bake. 

Spoon the dough onto a well greased cookie sheet, bake for 7-9 minutes. Let cook on the cookie sheet for at least 2 minutes before you transfer to a cooling rack.

Getting my {Sewing} On!! Hostess Apron

I love to sew, but I hadn't had time to do it... 

But lately I've been on a sewing kick!! 

I made this Apron for my little princess, and I got such a great response from it, 

that I've decided to sell them!! 

 

Turquoise Eiffel Tower Apron

As I make a new one, I will take pictures and create a pattern for it!!

Chevrons {everywhere}

Chevrons are everywhere!! Not that I'm complaining, I absolutely love bold patterns.

So I designed this Chevron Infinity Scarf: 

The Infinity Scarf can be found at {Purdy} Things

And the Pattern Can be found at either the {Purdy} Things Craftsy Shop, or in the {Purdy} Things Pattern Circle 

Here are some more fun DIY and Handmade Chevrons!! 

 I will be doing this Rug!! I just {heart} it so much!! 

 DIY Chevron Rug tutorial from: 

Jimmy Choos on the Treadmil

Talk about a new take on an oldie!! I think these are awesome!! 

I might have to get my daughter to make these!! She would love it! 

DIY Chevron Friendship Bracelet Tutorial from:

ByWilma 

Check out the rest of her site, she has {lots} of amazing DIY tutorials!!

Have you found any great chevron tutorials??? I would love to see them!!!

xo

Becky

Purdy Things Takes On {The Beard}

For the longest time I've been asked to make a {Purdy} Things version of a bearded beanie... 

To be honest I was slightly intimidated by it.

I finally decided to just do it. I am not one to follow someone elses pattern, so I played around with some of my favorite stitches to create some texture, and came up with this variation of the Beard Beanie. 

   {Purdy} Things Bearded Beanie

You can get your own, and customize the colors and size! 

These are just great for the outdoors lover, the beard is detachable, so you can take it off when you go indoors while leaving the hat on. 

So what do you think?? 

{Recipe} Graham Cracker Toffee

I looooooove this toffee, and when I said I was making it this year I've had lots of people ask me what the recipe is, so here you go!! 

 

Graham {Cracker} Toffee

Ingredients:

One pacakge of Cinnamon Graham Crackers

1 cup unsalted butter {2 sticks}

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips

{Optional Toppings}

Nuts

Toffee Chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a cookie sheet with wax paper, or grease well {I prefer to use a throwaway pan, and wax paper}then line up the pan with the crackers.

 

In a small pot combine sugar and butter and bring to a boil. Once mixture is at a boil, continue boiling for 3 minutes. Mixture should be a deep caramel color. Immediately pour over crackers and spread to cover crackers completely.

 

Bake at 400 degrees for 5 to 6 minutes.

 

While the crackers are in the oven, take the chocolate chips in a pan, on low and melt the chocolate chips. 

 

Remove from oven and pour the melted chocolate chips over the top, using a knife or spoon spread the chocolate evenly. Then if you want to, sprinkle the toppings over the top. 

Place in fridge for about an hour to cool, and break apart to serve. 

Enjoy!! 

xoxo

Becky

 

 

{30} Day Challenge: Become a Respectful Wife

I absolutely LOVE {LOVE}LOVE this man!

He is my best friend, my spiritual leader, the father to my children, hard working, protective, kind compassionate, and a million other things that make it easy to respect him for who he is. So I saw a 30 days Husband Encouragement challenge and thought I would do that, because what better way to show my love and respect for him than to do something like this for him.  When I read it though, I noticed that respect wasn't a huge part of it, showing him love and encouragement is, but men have a God given need and desire to be unconditionally respected by their wives.
 

{Ephesians 5:33} 

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

What is a great thing, is that  the more we focus on what we are giving them, the less we focus on what we are getting, and in the long run we end up getting the love we need without asking for it.

So here is what I adapted from the {original challenge} 

I will be doing 5 days at a time :) 

{Day 1} 
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.    {Prov. 31:11-12}

 You can't say anything negative about to your husband, or about your husband, one step further when you think negative about your husband, pray to find the positive. 

Next make sure to tell him something that you respect about him. Is he a hard worker? Is he a great dad? Is he compassionate?? All the traits you love about him, are things that you can tell him you respect about him. 

{Day 2}  
Through love serve one another. {Galations 5:13b}

So how was yesterday?? Did you make it through the day?? If not, it's ok, you can do it today too!

My husband has a servants heart. It's something I really respect and admire about him. So today look for the things that he does to serve your family. Thank him for the things he does to serve you. Let him know how much you respect his desire to serve his family. 

{Day 3} 
This is a fun one!! Leave a note for him somewhere where he will find it during the day. Either in his car, his briefcase, next to his toothbrush, be creative. Let him know that you are so blessed to be his wife, and that you admire the man that he is, and that you are thankful for him. 

{Day 4} 
Let him labor, working with his hands what is good. 
{Ephesians. 4:28b} 
 Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday and complain about the kids or vent about your day?  Or do you strengthen and
encourage him with your words? Do you ask him about his day first??  A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Praise his dedication, and ability to provide. Give him time to decompress when he gets home from work, so he can be fully available to the family. 
 
If your husband is out of work, unable to work, You can still praise him, and show him that he is a man to be respected.  Give him encouragement on the job search, praise his marketable qualities. 

{Day 5} 
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. {Ephesians 4:29}

For the last few days we have been telling him how much we respect him. Have you told others how much you respect and admire him??  I like to facebook my admiration for my husband. It's so good to share with others the respectable, and wonderful qualities of the man you married. Bringing up your respect and admiration of his qualities in conversation will also let him know how much you truly do respect him. 

So there is the first 5 days :)
I would love to know how it's working for you, on my next post I will be sure to let you know how things are going here :) I'm so excited to do this journey with you all!