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Housekeeping

Fledglings flutter round the May Pole – FlyLady May 2015

383 replies

Greymalkin · 30/04/2015 12:46

First of all, a big thank you to Dogsbum for leading us (for the very first time) through the April thread; fantastic job!

If you are struggling with C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (Something That Undermines Family Fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of chat, support and chat along the way.

The FlyLady link is here Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound!

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do something more interesting instead!

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again!

It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated! All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

  • start or repeat baby steps
  • repeat baby steps + do 15 minutes a day decluttering in the current zone
  • reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.
  • And if you are really enthusiastic and have finished decluttering - you can go on to detailed deep cleaning in each zone.

    There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:

  • No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one!
  • You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
  • It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

    If you are new; then trying to spend 15mins decluttering daily and doing the babysteps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names!) can have scary looking ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you! Do what you can, anything is better than nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

    If all else fails, a Brew + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!


    Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

    Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t! Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome
OP posts:
Greymalkin · 30/04/2015 13:02

Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake

Here we go fledglings! Links for Friday 1st May:

The flight plan is here for an overall summary.

Our habit of the month is Moving More

Tomorrow’s baby step is Keeping your sink shiny

The Daily focus for Friday is Declutter your Car, Bag and Purse day

We will be in Zone 1: The Entrance, Front Porch and Dining Room Declutter in here for 15 minutes each day.

Our mission for today in this week’s zone is sweep and tidy around your front porch and door

If you have finished your decluttering, the detailed cleaning lists are here

Launch pad is here and is full of all the info you need each day, well worth a look.

Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake

OP posts:
LinzerTorte · 30/04/2015 14:09

I'm in! Thanks for the new thread Grey and for doing a fantastic job last month Dogsbum. Flowers

The house has been sadly neglected over the last few weeks so I really need to do some serious Flying in May. I have the feeling I may have said the same last month.

LinzerTorte · 30/04/2015 14:13

When did Good Housekeeping become just Housekeeping? Shock Are we lowering our standards? Grin It probably fits in with Flylady's ban on perfectionism, though!

Steadycampaign · 30/04/2015 14:23

Ditto and ditto Linzer Grin

Housekeeping definitely could not be described as "good" here, but as ever, starting the new month with good intentions!

Dogsbum you were a star running the April thread Thanks.

Thanks for taking us all on in May Greymalkin!

BlueEyeshadow · 30/04/2015 16:20

Marking spot.
Thanks to Dogs for April and to Grey for May! Thanks

Oh, hadn't noticed about dropping the "good", Linzer!

Leg is improved, but a day of much frustration on the work front leading to me screaming at the boys. Oh dear.

Dogsbumhair · 30/04/2015 22:23

Thanks everyone for being so nice about me running the April thread, loving all the Flowers Thanks also to Grey for taking up the baton. Not sure if I've completely lost the plot but I actually feel slightly bereft ending the month and my role, bit like leaving a job that you have happy memories of, god I have lost it haven't I Blush Grin

Toffee glad you enjoyed my 'still alive' texts Smile

Steady I know, where did the month go? I'm starting to think it's heat rash, not my eczema that is giving me trouble, I'll always accept a fluffy throw though, a furry one is even better Grin

I bought myself a Janome sewing machine today, impulsive perhaps but what the hell! Not sure which of your bobbin explanation fits my machine, it sits in a clear box top loaded in front of needle, which is that?

Glad dog communication is explained, bless him!

Grey good to hear another thumbs up to the idea of getting a sewing machine. I figure if I make one set of curtains I'll get my money back and hence everything else is a bonus.

I have slowed down a lot today, tiredness has messed up my brain - can't remember what I'm doing. Today I've managed to achieve buying the sewing machine and making a loaf of bread and not much else, just wandered around feeling dazed and confused I think, not to mention itchy.

Linzer glad to see we aren't the only couple who worried about falling down the stairs! DP actually suggested that I could go down the stairs on my bum while he was away Hmm not sure if he was serious or not Grin Stairs down from attic bedroom are really steep so maybe he was!!

Good to hear that your DD is feeling better, mowing the lawn sounds like a positive sign.

Anyway, I’m exhausted so thinking about going to bed, fingers crossed exhaustion final kicks in after three bad nights. I’m going to be hopeless at coping with lack of sleep, I can sense the madness looming already!

I remember at uni if I ever got really sleep deprived due to essays, etc. I just got more and more manic and hyperactive, like I was drunk or something, that will be fun for DP if that happens when Meerkitten arrives! I’d forgotten about that as it’s been so long and I’m generally such a good sleeper that it’s never been an issue. We’ll see what happens Grin

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 30/04/2015 22:27

Thank you Grey and thank you Dogsbum for March.

Linzer - glad to hear DD is doing so well. I'm sure the hospital will have told you, but you really need to watch out for the effects of exercise on blood sugar levels, DH's drops when he exercises. Even just being hot for long periods affects it, all related to metabolism.

Had a nice day today, DD was "feeling sick" this morning, but went off to school ok (while I worried about her!). We had a chat about things we can change to make her life easier and lots of cuddles.

Flying wise, just the basics today, got friends coming round for coffee in the morning so I will have to get up a bit early and straighten the place up, but it isn't too bad overall.

Fizrim · 01/05/2015 10:11

Good morning, y'all. DD was pain-free this morning (yay!) although I am still nervous about the stomach thing, which seems to have come back following another cold earlier this week. Have rested her from all after-school activities this week! Also had compulsory singing of Hakuna Matata on the way to school to cheer us up (although then heard one of my mum's favourites on the way home and got tearful again ...) as I have been dropping her at school and coming home for a sob. I am declaring May the month when I get a grip!

Just made myself a coffee with caramel syrup, let's hope it gives me some impetus for the morning! Have a good day everyone.

Fizrim · 01/05/2015 10:12

There is a thread about the topic title change, due to legal action allegedly!

Steadycampaign · 01/05/2015 11:50

Morning! Sorry to hear about ongoing dc illness but glad to hear your dd is feeling better this morning (having had such a rum time) Fizrim (sorry I missed your post on other thread last night!!) no wonder you have been finding it very frustrating. I think worrying over a sick child is one of the worst types of worries of all tbh.

And so sorry if I missed this earlier in the thread (or haven't remembered properly) but did you lose your mum recently? Many many condolences if so and no wonder you are feeling upset. And rest assured you don't need to 'get a grip' for posting on here xx

That's v. interesting about the legal action Fizrim you would have thought copying could be couched as flattery in this instance!

Hope your dd is feeling better/cheerier today Whoknows thanks to your reassurances. Enjoy your coffee morning!

Hope you managed to get a good night's sleep and catch up on rest last night Dogsbum and hope you like your new Janome (feel rather responsible for that choice now!!! But yes, that is the most accessible position for bobbin imho). Oh yes, and as a fellow sufferer of heat rashes, you have my sympathy!

Good your leg feeling better Blue but sorry about frustrating work situation.

Well dd and I have made a loom band snake, a loom band mustache and a loom band bow this morning (with the help of You Tube Fizrim). I think it is time to get some fresh air. Lovely sunny day here!

As for Flying, it ain't happening!!

Greymalkin · 01/05/2015 13:47

Hello Fledglings, hope you are all well and poorly DC are recovering.

I've had a productive day so far:

Cats fed
DS dressed and taken to nursery
Dragon ordered to clear up his treasure hoard my eBay stash for listing
Beds made
Dishwasher emptied
Washing put on and now hung up to dry
Science experiemets chucked out of fridge and freezer
Inventory made of contents of freezer
Meals planned for next week
Kitchen food cupboards sorted through - out of date things chucked, cupboards organised
Trip to Tesco:
-food shop
-prescriptions picked up
-glass recycled
-car washed
Receipts emptied from purse
Sold some outgrown toys of DS's on a Facebook group

Yesterday I managed to do some serious decluttering in the dining room and it looks so much better-I can see more of the table top than I've seen in eight months!

Now I'm going to grab a Brew and read some of my book for a bit, then in order to take my thread leading seriously, I shall do some 'detailed cleaning' in the entrance hall...

I will post links for tomorrow late tonight once I get back from archery.

OP posts:
Dogsbumhair · 01/05/2015 13:52

Steady don't worry about sewing machine responsibility it ended up being more the fact that I ended up buying the machine used by the people who gave me the sewing lesson and I bought the machine from the shop where they bought them from and get them serviced, etc. So don't worry! Grin They bought the machine because it's a no frills, hard working, lasts forever type machine which is what I figure I need and it will also be useful that they have the same machine when I go for further lessons with them.

In fact I'm thinking about going on a one day course with them tomorrow that is about putting in zips and buttons. I keep trying to tell myself all the reasons I don't have time but I can't get past the fact that I really want to do it so knowing me I'll probably end up going for it. At least I'll be sitting down all day so no one can accuse me of overdoing it. If I don't go I'll spend the day doing DIY, so I know which option is safer Wink

Thankfully I finally got a good nights sleep last night, I think the issue is definitely some sort of heat rash, not too sure what I can do about it though. Ended up not getting up until 11.30 this morning as I just crashed out.

I haven't really done anything today due to lie in and I think I'll end up just pottering this afternoon. I'm seeing Mole Man later this afternoon, so we'll see how that goes! Smile

madwomanbackintheattic · 01/05/2015 14:49

too early for me to be productive here, but place marking for later.
TGIF...

Shannaratiger · 01/05/2015 15:10

Afternoon all

Bedroom floor cleared yesterday. Haven't faced the paper work yet, just put it all into one drawer!

Ta Da

Hoovered all bedrooms.
Made fruit sauce for breakfast.
Have finally got back on diet. Been really good this week! Shock

Loving my new Dyson, makes hoovering so much easier than with the old henry.

I will do better this month. I'm struggling abit with the change of routines due to volunteering finishing and working. I think it's the dyspraxia and associated slight autism. Will get settled soon.

Grey thanks for taking on the May thread. Can't believe we're in May already.
Blue hope the leg improves soon.
Fizrim hope Dd is feeling ok - it's horrible when they're ill.

Have SAT's next week so Dd is feeling really stressed. She is only at about year 2 or 3 level (in literacy I think). We've all told her that because she's going to the SN secondary school it doesn't matter if she gets every question wrong as they won't even look at them! I think she will also be having her second period at the same time. Sad

The school is fantastic giving her loads of help but it's still hard as she knows that she is way behind most of the others and her brother (year 3) is rapidly catching her up and keeps offering to 'help' her with her homework, which involves doing all her maths as he loves it and Dd with dycalculia hates it!!!

Time to fetch them from school and have the Friday visit to the sweet shop! At least they have a school lunch on Friday so doesn't matter if they don't want much tea.

Hope everyone as a great evening.

Will try and get on a computer over the weekend if i can get the kids off watching other people playing 'Five nights At Freddies' on you tube. Confused

Swanhildapirouetting · 01/05/2015 16:30

waves feebly

Had a good day. Out for most of it. Ds2 invited to visit a friend which he was v happy about. Football played before that in park at home ed group.

Cleaner came - I tried not to stress and we watched the Last bit of Moby Dick film (not a success I thought it was superb moving lyrical etc etc but ds2 said with a curl in his lip that it was a watery Godzilla and therefore very silly.)

Toffee sorry that your poor DM has lost her partner and hope looking for a new house near you will help her somewhat.

Dreaming about writing a poem for a statement application Shock They might as well ask us to do that really - the level of complexity required..Hmm I think the home edding must be getting to us too - we feel like we are being called to account all the time. Ds2 sounds like he will get a lot out of new school.

Ds2 being quite difficult here too at times - I completely understand what you mean about not even noticing that one is stepping in time after time to sort out "situations". Ds was grownup though yesterday (these flashes of maturity are encouraging Hmm- he said to me that he liked the way I was treating him as trustworthy and independent (I made him go to football by himself and wouldn't drive him) I am having to face up to the fact that a lot of what I find difficult about ds2 is when he

doesn't agree with me [shock horror] and has quite strong opinions. I don't know why I am used to the other two disagreeing with my opinions 24/7 but I suppose I thought of ds2 as the compliant one. Now of course being "grownup" he has his own ideas too!

SC DEM and Dog you will be pleased to hear I bought some new material to do sewing with Wink I bought some navy material with boats on it to make a skirt out of and facing in different toning colour. And some white retro material with leaves

ToffeeWhirl · 01/05/2015 17:29

I wondered why the thread was so quiet today. Doh. Forgot we were starting a new thread today. Blush

Going to catch up now.

ToffeeWhirl · 01/05/2015 18:21

Dogs - Thanks and non-alcoholic Wine for running the April thread so expertly. Glad you enjoyed it too.

Grey - thank you for thread-running this month.

Thanks, Swan. DM returned home today, but has returned to lots of comforting cards and answerphone messages, so is cheered by that.

Who do you feel is calling you to account in your home education? Or is this just your internal critic? It's hard doing it alone. I have enjoyed a lot of it, but will also be enormously relieved to hand over the responsibility to teachers again.

Sympathies on difficult DS2. I can't even articulate what we do to avert problems, I just know that if we don't do these instinctive things it all goes wrong Grin.

That material sounds beautiful.

Whoops, am being called to help DS2 cut out and make a cardboard Tudor house Confused. BBL.

Dogsbumhair · 01/05/2015 20:17

Blimey Fizrim can't believe that about legal action, sounds bonkers, might have to look for the thread.

Swan fabric sounds very nice. I'm definitely not at the skirt point yet. In fact can you or any of the other sewers suggest a nice easy project that I could practise basic sewing skills on to get my confidence up before I buy any decent material to do a real project?

Thanks Toffee I actually bought some non-alc wine this evening so I can feel like I'm having a grown up drink, so I think I might just have a glass now you've suggested it Wink

Shannara we've got a second hand Dyson and a Henry and I have to say I prefer the unbreakable Henry. I'm convinced the Dyson doesn't like me as I can't get it to behave when I try to use it and it will often cut out on me, never on DP Hmm I view them as his and hers hoovers and his is definitely the high tech, clean, fancy one and mine is the low tech workhorse that gets all the dirty DIY clean up jobs Wink I know my place Smile

Things went pretty well with Mole Man, apparently it is a seborrhoeic keratosis (I've never heard of it either) apparently it should just drop off on its own, so I think I'm pretty happy with that to be honest. Sounds like I don't need to be concerned with its flakiness as that is a normal part of the shedding process. I just hope it hurries up and drops off sooner rather than later.

I haven't done any flying today apart from washing up and a quick hoover in the front room but I have done a few teeny tiny little DIY painting jobs. Each one very small and quick but each one needing a different paint brush as it's a different colour or the next coat, so I seem to have spent longer washing brushes than painting, but at least it means I'm ticking off those fiddly little jobs that are so small that I normally can't even be bothered to do them.

I think I'll chill out and watch a bit of tv with some non-alc Wine Have a good evening fledglings.....

Castlelough · 01/05/2015 20:23

Feather duster at the ready for a productive May! Really hoping to get back into good housekeeping routines this month. My baby is almost 4 months old now! Am feeling much more energetic and my new baby carrier/sling was delivered today, so no more excuses! Hopefully I'll be strapping baby on and whizzing about!

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 01/05/2015 22:24

Evening all,

Well, the whole downstairs was guest-ready in 15 mins this morning (vacuumed, mopped, loo and sink cleaned and kitchen counters wiped). Made possible by general lack of clutter compared to how it used to be. So, coffee with friends was nice, went on to have coffee with another friend in town later and more coffee in Sainsburys cafe while waiting for DD at her tutor's. My sort of day!

Shannara - we're in the same boat, yr6 SATS coming up but DS is going to indie soecial school in Sept so largely irrelevant, but as I am still appealing contents of his statement it would be awkward if he pulled stunning results out of the bag.

DarkEvilMoon · 02/05/2015 00:48

Ah the joys of sleep walking boys. Some one remind me that I need to dis-infect, steam and bleach the sink tomo Hmm

madwomanbackintheattic · 02/05/2015 03:42

Dd2 has g6 PATs as well (same deal as SATs) but is staying at the same school (complete through school, and I finally have every kid in it!) I am very thankful we don't have the trauma of statementing for a new place (with or without poems! I always put lots of photos in - makes it harder for the team to ignore the fact that this is an actual, real, child with a personality, not just a box ticking exercise...)

The school are pretty switched on and have already agreed extra time for the PATs, as well as working on extra stuff for transition to the junior high grades in sept. Her home room teacher has suggested that school provides her with an extra set of text books so that she doesn't have to carry them to and from home, yay! The learning support teacher has gone slightly further and suggested that she has a complete set of everything in each classroom she uses (text books for that class as planned, but also everything else she might need for that subject - pencil box etc). She can cart her laptop ;-) It should make it easier for her to do the classroom switches etc.

Learning support are also going to target ds1... We have a cunning plan to make him take Learning Strategies as an option. Not sure how popular that is going to be.

Today was pretty much a write-off.i worked ten hours around dd1's dance comp (tap solo today), and managed only getting home and cooking dinner. I am counting that as a victory because I didn't call for take-out. Baby steps Grin I have high hopes for tomorrow! How I love weekends!

And ew DEM. We are still dealing with wet bedding. Is it wrong to be slightly envious of a contaminated sink?! Blush

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Greymalkin · 02/05/2015 05:50

I forgot to do the links last night Blush

How thoughtful of DS to get me up at 4:45 this morning so I can get the links done before any of you are up...

Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake

Links for today: Saturday 2nd May

The flight plan for today with an overall summary

Tomorrow’s baby step is Getting dressed to your lace up shoes (This is a debatable one on the thread; the grey household is a strictly shoes off zone, and it doesn’t stop me from getting stuff done!)

The Daily focus for Saturday is Family Fun Day

Our habit of the month is Moving More

This week we are in Zone 1: The Entrance, Front Porch and Dining Room. Declutter in here for 15 minutes each day.

There are no missions on the weekend.

The detailed cleaning list for this zone is here for the more experienced Fledglings

Launch pad is here and is full of all the info you need each day, well worth a look.

Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake Brew Cake

OP posts:
Greymalkin · 02/05/2015 06:05

Whilst I remember - Dogs here is a link for a really excellent beginners tutorial on how to make a cushion cover with a zip closure
I used this for my very first attempt at putting in a zip and it worked really well. And given that is a project consisting of flat fabric and straight sewing lines its ideal if you are just starting out, but also want a bit more of a challenge.

Swan I'm quite envious of your skirt making plans, I haven't quite been brave enough to take the plunge into making actual clothes

Big big wing flaps to Castle - so lovely to see you back

DEM -

Shannara and Madwoman - enjoy your weekend ahead of school exams

Right, I'm off to make coffee, I'll leave the pot on the bar where Dragon will keep it warm - if you would like some you need to scratch him behind the ear first

OP posts:
DarkEvilMoon · 02/05/2015 11:40

To be honest Madwiman I am just glad he did not pee into the bath.

to do
blow stuff up in the name of science
clean sink (and rest of bath room)
Deal with the bath filing system storage.

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