DIY Sea Salt Spray // #HandmadeHomemade2013

I have a mix between wavy and curly hair, but not many people would know that since I ((use)) to straighten my hair most of the time. Until one morning my husband walked into the bathroom and said, "it smells like burning hair." YIKES that's no good. My morning routine was quickly revised - no more blow dryer and no more straightener ((unless I'm desperate)).

I went to the store to stock on anti-frizz products and wanted to purchase sea salt spray - but not for that price tag. And that's when I made my own!

Sea Salt Spray was easy to make and now my hair is the easiest to do! My mornings feel more free. So, if you have curly hair - try to let it dry naturally with a little help from curly lotions and sea salt...you won't go back to using that darn straighterner every day!

I added sea salt spray to my wet hair last night and then reapplied this morning! It worked wonders!

What you'll need:
Empty spray bottle
Hair Gel
Coconut Oil
Sea Salt
Water

Fill up the bottle with warm water so salt dissolves. Then add about 1teaspoon of oil and gel and 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Shake bottle! I added a bit more gel and salt just because I felt like it needed it!

viola! 

with joy,
Aneta Nina

unspeakable J O Y

I returned from the grocery store about an hour ago and as I was about to dive into the rest of my night: cleaning, laundry, planning the week, give with JOY, etc. But I realized that I felt a little heavy. Not heavy like I ate five cookies last night because I did, but that's besides the point; I felt heavy in the sense that I really didn't feel like myself.

It was an amazing weekend surrounded by amazing friends and time with the husband, but I realized that I didn't make quiet time a priority. I didn't start my weekend mornings with quiet prayer and time in the Word -- Y I K E S!

So, I write this post tonight as a journal entry in a promise to myself to keep my blog about my R E A L life. To share with you my joys, sorrows, the good and the bad! Tonight, I wanted to express my weakness and selfishness in "my time" vs. intentional time with my God who makes me strong - right now I feel weak! But the more time I sit outside on my balcony with the Word and my prayers, the more I begin to feel that unspeakable J O Y  that He promises! Spending time in His Word is necessary daily.

Goodnight and here's to a week starting on the right foot!

with joy,
Aneta Nina

A Spring Sale // give with JOY

Weather in Colorado has made it hard to believe that spring is on it's way! The snow we needed finally came in March and April not December - go figure. But I'm not complaining because the melted snow will make the grass vibrant and the flowers bloom!

And in celebration of the changing seasons, I decided to refresh a few card designs and add new ones to my shop. With that, we are celebrating with a B I G spring sale - 25% off now through April 30th! Use coupon code: SOFRESH13. (and I won't mind if you share this amazing deal with your friends)

This is a great time to stock up your #HappyMail and fill some mailboxes with JOY!

...start shopping now!

With joy,

Aneta Nina

I made hummus // #HandmadeHomemade2013

I like my hummus - but I don't like spending $4.99 or more for a small container that last me four lunches! So, I made my own!

I didn't use a recipe. I followed the ingredient list from one of my favorite hummus - which I reused the container my hummus!

Ingredients I used...
black and garbanzo beans
hot peppers
lime juice
one red pepper
half of onion
two garlic cloves
soy sauce
oil
water (I used too much)
tahini sauce
random spices.

It turned out quite lovely, but next time I won't use the same amount of water or tahini sauce that I did - You live you learn!

with joy,
Aneta Nina

ps // Hopefully you are inspired to make something vs. buying it! Follow #HandmadeHomemade2013 on Instagram!

I have a reason to sing...

There's this song that resonates with me - more honestly - it overwhelms me! I desire to have a spiritual life that not only claims these words, but lives them:

Desert Song // Hillsong 

And this is my prayer in the battle

When triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

In every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing -- WOW, no matter what I'm facing I know that my God is still big, still redeeming, still loving, still full of mercy and provides me with strength and grace. And that my friends is what I desire! 

And because those lyrics are ruling my life right now, I designed two prints using my own photography of the beautiful Rockies. They aren't up on my shop - but soon! Look for them this weekend with a special offer!! 

But here's your exclusive peek at them:

with joy,

Aneta

don't judge

Ah, the whole don't judge topic - it's a fun one eh? I feel like we all say don't judge, yet most of us are guilty of doing it! I'll be the first to pop my hand up to that one.

I recently fell upon this quote: Don't judge my choices without understanding my reasons. 

Can I get an AMEN?! I often feel judgement on my choices - and it isn't fun - heck I do it to others too - but if I lived by those words, I bet I wouldn't be so quick to judge.

We never know the battles someone faced/is facing that influences their choices. Let's take the time to love others before judging their choices. 

with joy,
Aneta Nina