Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 42

Finding Rest In Random Ways

You made what? While I'm not going "granola" I did spend time Saturday making my own laundry soap.

I've been wanting to do this for quite a while - my cousin and others have been telling me about making your own soap for two distinct reasons: 1) You can control the scent and 2) it's budget friendly.

So when I found myself staring at the laundry soap today at the store - and being frustrated at a) the price and b) the scents (it seems I've become a bit extra sensitive to some of the smells), I thought, "I have extra time, why not try Rebecca's recipe."

So I found myself purchasing the ingredients and making soap - a batch of liquid AND a batch of powder soap (I found that recipe thru Google)..



Ingredients For Both RecipesBorax Laundry Booster - $3.38 (box)Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda - $3.24 (box)Three pack Ivory Soap - $1.24
Supplies:For Both: A Cheese Grater (I started with the one pictured and ended up with a hand-held small grater.)For The Liquid - a sauce pan, measuring cup and wisk.For The Powder - a bowl, spoon and measuring cup.

Grate the soap, like cheese. I found the smaller grater worked easier (along with a small bowl, rather than a plate).  
Rebecca's Liquid Soap
  Ingredients:
1 Cup of Borax1 Cup of Washing Soda1 Bar of Soap
(I used Ivory, my cousin has used Dove.)3 gallons of water
Directions:Grate the bar of soap, and mix it into the borax, soda and water.Heat over a medium/low heat until it is clear.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. When it cools, it will get this "gel like" texture. Mix it up (she said you can whip it with a mixer if you like). Pour it into a gallon bucket (or re-use bottles like I did). Make sure to leave enough room in the bottles so you can "shake" or mix it up before each use.

Note: I made a third of the recipe, because I don't have a huge pot, like my cousin. This made two "regular size" bottles of soap (about what I would have paid at least $8 for each, at Walmart). 


Use a bit more than you would of "commercial" soap, because it's not as concentrated. 

Powdered Laundry Soap I found the powdered recipe here. 
Ingredients:
1 Cup Borax1 Cup Washing Soda1 Bar of Soap (again, I used Ivory, since I had a three pack), grated.
Directions:Mix the grated soap, the borax and soda in a bowl until it becomes a very fine powder. This recipe makes approx. 32 ounces of powder. Store in a sealed container.
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load of wash. I had a small scoop that I decided would work great for this.

It was easier - in that you don't have to "cook" it, You do the same steps, but you don't add water, obviously. The Ivory soap grated well.
  So Why Did I Do This.....
It's been a long week. I've felt like I've been wound up, tighter than a 10-day-alarm clock trying to get everything done. As I drove away from Upward's practice, I realized for the first time since the New Year, that I really didn't have anything to do this afternoon.

I knew I wanted to work on my One Little Word project, and read a bit, but for the most part, I didn't need to go anywhere or do anything.

That's how I ended up at the store, purchasing laundry soap (or the ingredients) because well, I could do laundry while watching a movie this afternoon.

It took more than an hour for me to "unwind." Having to grate bars of soap proved a "great" way to make me rest, because well, you can't "hurry" that process.

I also had to "wait" and "rest" while the soap "cooked" on medium heat. While it didn't take a lot of effort, I just couldn't leave my apartment because well, the stove was on.

So I watched Netflix (yes a crime show...and even started watching a movie).

And I sat. quiet. resting.

Finding peace.

I guess that's a good trade off for making laundry soap today.[image error]

Quote of the Day: Creativity

"Creativity isn't just the things we chose to put in, it's also the things we chose to leave out."

~ Austin Kleon from "How to Steal Like an Artist (And 9 Other things Nobody Told Me)"

All too true..... thanks Ali Edwards for the quote that makes me think today.....[image error]

Twelve on the Twelfth: January 2012

Several scapbooking sites are promoting a new idea this year: Capture twelve photos on the twelfth of each month, during 2012. (You can read more about this idea here).

I decided to try this - at least for one month - to see what photos I could take. It sounds easy, but actually, I had to consciously think about what photos would be in my "twelve."
Here's the shots from 01.12.12. Some are pretty boring, but they actually capture a compete snapshot of my life today.
Not So Early Morning Wake Up Call: I didn't really want to get up this morning - I spent time after my alarm went off, laying in bed listening to NPR give results for the recent presidential primaries. It reminded me that I really need to register to vote with my new Arkansas address. (I always wake up listening to NPR).
Taking Note Of The Weather: Canadian winds I guess - brought snow to NWA and cold weather to Little Rock. Made it hard to get out of bed and the warm covers today.
Self Portrait Of The Day: I decided to try wearing my contacts today, the first time since "eyegate" 3-1/2 months ago. I made it most of the day before coming home to swap out for my glasses.
First Stop Of The Morning: I decide to use my free "sweet 15" coupon to get a vanilla, caramel latte. I bought a Venti because, well, it was free. I've realized that I'm satisfied with a "Tall," - because I never finish the venti size when it's in my hands.

I forgot that they were having taste tests this week at the "bux" for their new coffee. I found out I'm "mellow" because I like the new "blond" roast.

So it was a double "free" day at Starbucks - a free latte and a free "pot" of blond coffee. 
It was also interesting, because during my stop I ran into three parents from St. James (one kidz ministry, two Upward dads). It was one of the first "small town" feeling things I've had happen since moving to Little Rock.
One Of Today's Tasks: Making sure the children's bulletins for both worship services were printed on time. I don't always remember on Thursday...but this week, I did!
Still Aunt Kaylea:  I may be in Little Rock, but I can still send the scrapbooking stuff (thanks to Carl's meeting in Little Rock today) so Kiki can have a scrapbook "theme" birthday party on Saturday. Fortunately, this was part of what got unpacked and sorted over the Christmas holiday.
Shoveling Away: I'm trying to weave through the pile of stuff in my planner - I just seem to be on "catch up" all the time. Would like to be ahead at some point.
The Week's Big Event: The First Soupier Games. Trying to organize a HUGE district event - with lots of help, thanks to Laura and the crew. We have at least eight churches and more than 75 kids and adults coming to tomorrow night's event. Exciting times!
What I'm Reading Today: The Jerk Magnet by Melody Carson. One of the newest young adult books I'm reading, to review for Revell Books. It's a decent read for probably younger high school gals. (Maybe even middle school.) It focuses on the idea that you can't judge a book by it's cover (or in this case, a girl by her beauty.)
Upward, My Upward. Two weeks into the 2012 season. Still working out the bugs, but things are going OK. (And we haven't needed the first aid kit yet!) Seeing the kids have fun makes all of the stress worth it.
Feeling Special: Today I wore a pair of my Christmas shoes - that John bought me. It was an unexpected Christmas present - but he wanted to take me shoe shopping because he knows shoes are one of the last things I'll buy for myself. Wearing these today made me think of our friendship and how it's grown over the years - since we first met my sophomore year in college. It takes a really good friend to go shoe shopping with ya. I'm glad John's in that category
Finding My Writing Niche: I'm trying to write more - for myself on my blog. It's a dose of creativity. I'm not sure I can keep it up, but so far, I've posted on my blog each day in 2012. If I miss a day, it will be ok... but I'd like to see how many days I can post in 2012. (This picture also reminds me that I need to re-design the blog - maybe that's a task for a snow day.)[image error]

Blog Tour: Shadow of Your Smile (Review)

What would you do if you woke up and 25 years of your life was gone?

Noelle faces a new reality - and a blank past - when she wakes up from an accident without a memory. She is left trying to build her future, without letting her past tear her down.

In The Shadow of Your Smile, Susan May Warren examines the life and marriage of Noelle and Eli Hueston, and how secrets, pain and grief can tear down the very structure of a marriage.

I found this book a bit heavier than Warren's usual contemporary romance novels. At times it was down right sad. But I think ultimately, Warren has captured a side of marriage - and life - that normally doesn't find its way into the a novel.

Frankly, she has captured well, reality. She shows what goes into a marriage when the "for worst" pops up.

Yes it's a novel, and yes, there's a "happy ever after" ending. But ultimately, Warren portrays one key message when it comes to marriage - it must be built upon the love of Jesus.

On a scale of one to five, with five being the highest, I give it a three. It's not my favorite Warren book,(frankly, I like the humor in her PJ Sugar series) but it's a solid addition to the Deep Haven series. If you are wanting a novel that makes you think - or are ready for another visit ot Deep Haven, then this is the book for you.

More About The Book
(From The Publisher)
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can't quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston's marriage.

After twenty-five years, they're contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn't remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What's more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can't remember?

Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/the-shadow-of-your-smile.

More About The Author
Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota's beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women's events and retreats speaker, she's a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer's workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Online Resources
Follow the blog tour here!
Buy it at Amazon

It's A Contest
Come Back to Deep Haven and Win a $200 Visa Card from @SusanMayWarren!

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.




One grand prize winner will receive:
A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you've been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)The entire set of Deep Haven Books The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan's blog, Scribbles ! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.



Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Litfuse Publicity Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail. [image error]

Quote of the Day: Joy

Just something to think about today....to remember that joy ultimately comes from relinquishing control.
Maybe a lesson I need to learn in life.
Found on Pinterest, (source: http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality)[image error]

Random iPhone pic

Found this on my phone. Not sure when I saved it.

Decided to share it as my test Blogger ap post. Wanted to see how a "mobile" post looked - and if I liked typing a blog post with my thumbs. Lol.

So enjoy!

A Lesson In Sharing

During Tween Time on tonight, we started our new study/series on the subject of service.

My goal for this semester is to start building a culture of service within the kidz ministry at St. James.

The lesson focused on learning to share what we have, using the model from Acts 2:44 (NLT) "and all believers met together in one place and shared everything they had."

To do this, we made "Sharing Soup," that the girls (our guys were absent tonight) could share with someone - maybe a teacher, or a friend, or even a neighbor.

We did this by mixing in a large bowl:

1 lb. dried lentils
1 lb. split green peas
1 lb. pearl barley
1 lb. brown rice
1 lb. alphabet (or elbow) macaroni
2 cups instant onion flakes

Once you mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl and stir, you divide up the soup into resealable bags - 1-1/2 cups of the mixture at the time. You keep making bags until the mixture is completely divided. It made at least seven bags.

When you are finished, you attach a card with this info to the dried ingredients

"Sharing Soup"1-1/2 cups of dry soup mix6 cups water
Simmer for 1-1/2 hoursThen add ingredients of your choice, such as celery,shredded cabbage, tomatoes and/or leftover meat.
As I share this soup, I'm sharing my faith.Remember, that Jesus Loves You!
I guess part of this lesson sunk in, because during the prayer time, I asked the girls to think about one thing/way they could share with others this week – and give it as an offering to God.

Here's what they said:My TalentI can share my timeLove (x 2)I will share my soup.My awesomenessI can share God's loveWhen my friend's pencil ruined, I gave her my pen.
I really like working with the T2 kids - even when they drive me crazy when it seems like they are ignoring me. That's life right? Short attention spans, big hearts. One mom already told me on Facebook that her daughter plans to share her soup with her teacher tomorrow.

I really hope this semester lives up to my goal. I think these kiddos could truly "rock the world" if I can "tap into" their passion for service.

We'll see what happens.

Welcome 2012.....

As I started to wrap up the January One Little Word assignment, one of the things left on the "check list" included taking a photo of myself. 
Ok, let's face it. I'm a lot more comfortable on the other side of the lens - definitely not on the "front" side.
But in the spirit of the class, I decided to take the picture - in a non-traditional way.
Using the Pocketbooth ap on my phone - I took a series of "photo strips" and ended up creating a mosaic photo. (I bought this ap a year ago, and it was well worth the .99 cent price tag!)

Click here for details.
Random, quirky and well just a bit of fun. Who said the assignment had to be normal.......

So welcome 2012....ready or not, here I am!

Need a Laugh?

A humorous look at the "cost" of using cell phones in a church.... please watch with humor... it might even make you smile....come on, ya know we've all thought it when someone's phone went off during prayer time....or worse, during the sermon.....(and yes, I was guilty of being on my phone during the service Sunday, answering a text from a parent....)

Remembering Your Baptism

Sunday's service at church focused on remembering the importance of baptism.
I think one of the messages that resonate from me is that baptism is a sign of God's love & grace in my life - that began as an act of my parents (and the congregation of our United Methodist Church), and now is something I claim as an adult.
I joked that today's service made me want to have a sketch pad, to make a visual representation of what I was hearing - which is shocking, because I'm not an avid sketcher.
Instead, I settled for snapping a few pics at the end of the service. 
I'm still processing the service - and the liturgy. 
But it reminded me of the importance of baptism as a sacrament.
Baptism is the beginning of the faith journey.
I'm thankful that it is part of my journey.