September Flying, Fledglings are trying; holiday steps were slow, back to work we go ...

[Stillcounting]

Welcome to the September 2010 Fledgling Flying thread!

This is where from the 1st of the month, we attempt to declutter and follow the 30-step wisdom of the Fat Fairy, with lots of chat and support and mutual motivation along the way. (More info available here! )

Many thanks to our previous splendiforous thread leader Ellie for guiding us through July and August and to her dynamic deputy, the one and only PA. You've both made it a lot of fun!

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach (and don't worry - we are all at different stages):

• repeat or start baby steps (again!)

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.

Together we can do it! All newcomers welcome!

Linzer - I lingered over the life books, but I know I cannot keep more than one thing up to date .

You're more sensible than I am, MrsD. The pocket life book is useful for carrying around with me but I really don't need a calendar and diary at home, so I think the family life book will just have to go next year (sticking all the stickers into both is very time-consuming as well but I just have to do it...).

Linzer I have never actually used the stickers, too lazy! I love the little pocket in the back of the calendar, keep my stamps there. Simple things....

Toffee what a great link - thank you :) and Linzer - Touche Eclat has been a make-up staple since 1997 when the woman who did my wedding make-up introduced me to it. It lasts a long time and although it's by far the most pricey thing in my make-up bag it is the one item I use Mon - Fri. Sat and Sun I just look like an old harridan!

done
all laundry dried and put away
hoovered downstairs
Caught up on some Sky Planner progs - I haven't watched any tv for about 5 weeks.
Early eve church (in lieau of tomorrow morning - it counts as as a Sunday service).
Bins done
Garden pruned and grass cut
DSes clothes sorted into sell, give away, bin...
Bought essential make-up but will try Linzer's link too.

Tomorrow
School work
stuff into loft
meal planning

Linzer and MrsD - I use the Organized Mum calendar as well! Get very excited when I get a new one - you have reminded me to order my next edition. I ordered the one with columns for each person last time and it has worked really well for us. DS2 found the stickers though and has appropriated them for himself. What is the family life book? I shall have to have a look at the website now.

Bob - dragged the slow cooker out of the back of the kitchen cupboard this morning because I thought it would help me get on with work if I had dinner done first thing (and it did). I made chicken with shallots, garlic, smoked bacon, button mushrooms and white wine. Can give you the recipe if you want. There is a thread somewhere on MN about slow cooking too. I'll have a look for it in a minute. I'm slow cooking again tomorrow - sausage casserole (but I'm cheating this time and adding a Schwartz packet).

If that's your idea of a nice relaxing day, Bob,I can't imagine what a busy day must be like for you!

Swan - sounds like you had a nice day. (We won't mention the crumbs to Flylady).

Linzer - glad you managed to survive the visit to that place that I keep meaning to google to find out what on earth it is - and caught up on your reading too. You're another one who says you haven't done much today, then casually mentions FOUR loads of washing. I'm beginning to feel very inadequate here...

MrsD - that's more like it (loafing around, reading and looking at MN)!

Top marks to DH for letting me get on with work today by taking the boys out. He'll have to do something with them tomorrow as well, as I have no childcare till Wednesday and work will be expecting something back.

Am going to do a bit more work now. Was just allowing myself a quick MN break

Bob - The slow-cooker thread is here

Pluto - we x-posted. Can see you have also had a very productive and lovely day. Glad you liked the make-up link. I tried it when DS2 had managed to throw a whole tub of brand-new Clinique face powder all over the bathroom floor and I simply couldn't afford to replace it . I'd already been feeling guilty about spending so much on it in the first place. Now I can treat myself to new make up without feeling bad about it.

Oops - had said I was going to do some more work

Evening! Was mid post then it all disappeared :( PA hope you're doing OK pants about the wait.
Lots of yummy baking feetheart - very

Have had lovely day with DD2 though makes me feel old! The DMs are a great success - 'Ilove love love them, mum! I mean, I really love them!' So I think she's pleased! And she had her cartilage pierced and is very happy with that. Actually it looks quite nice :)

DD1 seems to be coming down with a cold so it tucked up in bed with a bottle ( of the hot water variety )and I'm on my way....see you all tomorrow........

Bob I bought a slowcooker last winter after everyone had been talking about them on this thread and it is brilliant.

Evening everyone I should be sleeping but i was busy watching glee!

Slow cooker lived on my top, today we had pork chops marinated whilst cooking 5 hrs honey, soy, tomato ketchup, Ginger and garlic. It was lovely didn't look all that but meat was very tasty.

Organised mum I have had life book for last two years. Also bought a magnetic fridge family planner! This is brill. Love life book but don't use it sink got iPhone i use iPhone calendar. Although just joined a charity group and not have really full diary so might have to think again.

Did no painting last night but today I have

4 loads of washing 3 dried on line due to no tumble dryer discovered rotary airer is actually on wrong size of garden for morning sun!
General tidy
Dinner in slow cooker
Dc up dressed
Dc to shops for shoes both outgrown !!
On way stumbled across a free festivalmso went tomthat for a few hours. Dd kept running away and then enabling everyone there to give me dirty looks when I strapped her screaming into buggy as punishment. Completely lost sight of her once
Dinner served took Dd to tesco (just to get 5 m peace from wailing banshee that is dd)after dh came home.
Dc in bed
Swimming stuff organised for morning lessons
Party clothes set out for a party just after swim lessons

Tomorrow
Shop return rubbish stickers that supposed to be decorating Dd wall which keep falling off
Swim lessons
Party
Home see inlaws returned from holiday
Dinner slow cooked chicken and something
Tidy up some more
Try and get motivated to paint

Sleep now!! Waves to MissB, Nick, Toffee, Nettie, Bob, Swan, Ouch, Pa, feetheart, mrsd, Ellie, sr, sc, linzer, anyone else I missed or lurking

Morning all,

After all this talk of slow cookers, I've decided I want one too - I'd never really heard of them before MN, but all this raving about them has converted me. I found out on another thread that Tesco in Bratislava sells them (at least, I hope they still do) so I feel another trip there may be in order.

MissB Glad to hear your DD enjoyed her birthday - although having her cartilage pierced sounds painful!

Toffee Photovoltaic panels are very similar to solar panels and convert sunlight into energy, so are very environmentally friendly. DH works in renewable energy so we are often having to take "quick" detours to visit particularly "interesting" wind turbines, etc. (And don't get me started on his Lego wind turbine and why he insists on keeping it in the DDs' room instead of out of sight in the cellar with the rest of the Lego!)

The Family Life Book is very similar to the weekly planner calendar, with weekly columns for each person - which is why I probably don't need both. The life book does have some useful additions, though, such as the address book in the pocket at the back and Christmas and holiday planners. I also have the magnetic shopping list and menu planner on the fridge, and I am going to start using the menu planner soon!

DS is demanding breakfast so I'd better go! Have a good day everyone.

Bob I'll have to see whether I can get Touche Eclat here and - equally importantly - whether it's affordable (Frizz Ease costs ?12 here so I only ever buy it in the UK). Apparently you can get make-up much more cheaply at the UN shop in Vienna; it's only for UN employees but I'll ask a friend whose DH works for the UN whether it's available there.

Good morning

Sorry not to get back on here yesterday and to be late this morning. Bad news: having a few computer problems (have to keep doing start-up relaunch - it's fine once I'm in) plus feeling a bit off (headachy, hot & cold, aching bones etc) Only managed half my list yesterday - hope to finish other half today. Good news :car free day here also which is lovely so everyone will be moving about by pogo-stick, donkey, bicycle, roller-skates etc ...

Anyway, hope you are all having a good weekend. I'll be back to catch up with personal messages. In the meantime:

today's baby-step, no 19, is one to ignore in my humble opinion testimonials/crappy poems/general indoctrination

No zones or missions because it is the weekend and we are supposed to be "renewing our spirit" (an egg and bacon sandwich should do it for me!) doing a room rescue or three and finding library books.

Monday to Thursday of this coming week we are in the master bedroom and if anyone can find the sneak peak for the week which isn't last week's schedule on the Fat Fairy site then you are a better man than me!

Have a calm and peaceful Sunday everyone.

Tally-ho!

Morning all :)

Hope you feel better soon SC

Thank you Toffee I'll have a look when dd is at the school the slow cooker will be really handy. Your dinner sounds yum, a recipe would be lovely if you get chance. Well done for getting on with your work, especially on a Saturday, I get very easily distracted on the weekend.

That pork sounds like something my ds would like Nettie have a nice time at your parties.

Hope you can find it Linzer, my cousin lives in Portugal but she buys all her make up and creams etc when she comes to the UK as it's so expensive there.

Today

-S&S
-Wash dc bedding
-Iron school uniform
-Pack school bags
-Make lentil dahl
-Parcel up two birthday presents, ready to post tomorrow

Have a nice day everyone :)

Good morning everyone.

Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly SC, have you caught it from DD? Snuggle up for a duvet day and hope you feel better soon.

It must be nearly winter, I see you're talking about slow cookers again. As I have said before on here, it is the one thing that if it broke tomorrow I would be buying a new one before the sun set!!! I absolutely love mine and always use it at least 2 - 3 times a week. Fantastic for busy days and when we are all not eating at the same time.

I am nominating DH for twonk of the year award. Last evening I told him to phone a friend who had been trying to contact him, he ended up phoning the wrong friend who has the same first name and then......wait for it......... inviting them all over for lunch today!!! I would have shrieked at him if it was physically possible at the moment, but a whithered look had to suffice!! My fridge is like mother hubbards and the last thing I feel like doing is entertaining. Apparently he is going to do it all, but the thought of that sends my stress levels sky high!!

So, so far today I have:
Loaded DW
Loaded washing machine
cleared kitchen
Boiled eggs - that is about as exciting as my fridge gets at the moment!!
Written out a list of food for DH to collect from the little shop on his way home from bell-ringing. (going to be very expensive from there, but thats his fault!!)
Swept dining room floor

To do:
Straighten my birdsnest hair!
Church
Put food on table (cold buffet stuff)
Try and stay awake while visitors here
Collect DD4 from weekend away
Sort out/shake/iron school uniform for the morning
REST!!!

Lots of chat again on here. Thanks once again for all your kindness, I dont want to take over the thread, but thanks a lot everyone.

APologies for lack of personal messages, but there is just sooooo much!!

Have a good weekend everyone.

Toffee have you bought make-up brushes from that site? They are really cheap but are they any good?

to do

Morning routines
Evening routines
School work
Stuff into loft
Casserole for tomorrow's supper (manic Monday)
Check out slow cookers following PA's enthusiastic pitch for them :)

Morning all. Severe cba today. Super busy day yesterday culminating in hen night although thankfully I came home before it got too raucous! I am clearly at the age of 33, old and boring! Not planning on doing much today. Am going to cook a Sunday roast, clear up from the Sunday roast and get stuff ready for tomorrow. That's it. The weather is disgusting so we are going to watch far more tv and DVDs than is good for us and eat lots of food!

Have a good day!

Pluto - no, I haven't bought their brushes, so I'm afraid I don't know if they're any good. As they are so cheap, though, you don't lose a lot by trying one. My Clinique make-up brush cost £17 (what was I thinking?!), whereas I can see the same from ELF costs £1.50.

Still - hope you are feeling better soon. Try to get some rest today.

Bob - I'll put the recipe on here sometime soon. It's delicious, but I have to say I always feel hungry again shortly afterwards, so I think it needs lots of filling stuff with it. I did 'orange' mashed potato (hidden carrots for DC), but I think I need to provide bread or do a stodgy pudding as well. I have decided chicken just isn't very filling. Or maybe I'm just a glutton .

PA - sorry about your unexpected visitors. Hope it turns out to be good fun, in spite of the extra work involved.

Ellie - sounds like a lovely cba day for you today. Enjoy it.

Linzer - photovoltaic panels actually sound quite interesting - never thought I'd hear myself say that. But I can imagine listening to a lecture on them is a bit too much. You have obviously done it before, hence the book!

I have used the menu planner, with shopping list attached. Bought one for my mum too and she loves it. However, the calendar I use from Organized Mum has a space for a daily shopping list on it, and I use one of the empty columns to write planned meals for each day of the week. Oooh - this is actually making me sound quite organised!

DH has been a star again today. I was up far too late, working, and am feeling lousy today. I think I have a cold . Today is DH's lie in and I did manage to get up and get the kids breakfast (after four hours' sleep), but then I came back to bed and slept till 11. DH was very sweet about not getting much of a lie in after all. He has now scraped together some coins (it really is that bad this month) and has gone to Tesco to buy some fruit and veg, as he thinks we are all getting a bit run down.

The boys are downstairs watching 'Marine Boy' on DVD (anyone of my generation remember that?).

Today, I have to:

Work, work, work. (Must send something back tomorrow)
Make sausage casserole in slow cooker
Wash school shirts for DC
Iron school shirts (or maybe just give them a shake and hang them up, depending on time available)
Sort out DS1's PE kit and swimming stuff
Supervise DS1's maths hwk (honestly, I have had a look and I can't do it )
Do basic routines

Work first, so I feel less panicky about it.

Hope you all have a lovely day. Waves to all those I haven't mentioned.

Quiet on here this afternoon. Hope that means you are all doing nice things in RL. So far today, I have:

done some work
made sausage casserole (dunno what it's going to taste like - had run out of mushrooms, so put carrots, peppers and red wine in instead )
put school shirts in w/m
delegated maths hwk supervision to DH
tidied kitchen
helped DS2 frame his 'Dalek' picture

DH made lunch for us all .

Have taken Lemsip and it's back to work for me now.

Hi toffee, just giggled at your sausage casserole for tonight. WHen I have done this in SC before and not browned the sausages first DS nicknamed it Penis Casserole. Its stuck now, ENJOY

Visitors came and I ended up in bed before they had left. Just crawled out of bed now, all gone DH and DS are playing tennis and DD4 sleeping off her weekend away. All very quiet here.

Hope you are all having a good SUnday.

We've had a nice sunny afternoon here and have just got back from a walk through the woods up to the ruins of an old castle. The DC normally start moaning after we've been walking for about five minutes and DS insists on being carried, but they were quite happy to run around today as there were other children there.

Still to do today:
Send new baby card written
Plan English lesson
Invoice
Supervise piano practice
Investigate slow cookers

I have found all of one slow cooker that I can actually buy here in Austria. It's 55 euros, which seems to be on the expensive side. OTOH if I go to Bratislava to buy one, I'll inevitably end up spending far more than that in Tesco and M&S. (If only Bratislava had a Boots too, my life would be complete!)

Toffee Sorry to hear you're not feeling well; your DH sounds wonderful, though. I always tend to get ill when I'm feeling run down, which is usually because I've got too much work on, which is when I can least afford to be ill... it's a vicious circle. You certainly sound like you're working hard, so I hope you're able to get some rest too.

ellie I had a CBA morning too, so now have lots to get done this evening...

PA Hope you survived lunch! My DH would get far more than a withering look from me if he made the same mistake, but I think he knows better than to invite anyone over for lunch without checking with me first.

Bob Lentil dahl sounds yummy. I love Indian food, but unfortunately there aren't many Indian restaurants or much in the way of Indian ingredients/food in the supermarkets here.

SC Sorry to hear you're feeling under the weather; I hope the egg and bacon sandwich renewed your spirit.

Right, must go and supervise the first lot of piano practice.

Lmho @ penis casserole

We have had a super busy day.
Left dh in bed so no bed making today
Raining so house full of wet washing? Radiators full and wet washing everywhere!
Shop to return faulty items-done
Aldi shopping
Swimming lessons- paid for new term ouch
Party -lovely ate lotsa posh food and cake! all shattered!
Run round house as dpil coming round after dinner
Chinese restaurant with in laws returned from their travels.
Home to chill.
Dh friend has split with partner so unfortunately date night cancelled as dh has invited him round quite rightly but im ever so slightly

Totally envious of toffee dh he sounds fab
pa well done getting through unexpected visitors even if you needed a sleep.
linzer love justifying of spending wee bit more of slow cooker. Add petrol and lunch at bratislava {sp} best just buy it now.
Ellie your rainy day sounds fab especially eat too much food. At 34 I bet i more boring than you! At least you were out and not watching back to back glee.

Waves to everyone else as time to run out for Chinese yum

PA - I did remember to brown the sausages first and have also chopped them up, so it won't be a penis casserole tonight . Glad you managed to get through your social event and sleep too.

Linzer - sounds like a lovely day. Good luck with buying your slow cooker. Yes, I think I am run down. Have started drinking Vit C drinks, but probably a bit late for that. Looking forward to at least one day when both DC are at school and I don't have any work to do.

Nettie - another great-sounding day (apart from all that wet washing ).

Yes, DH is being a star this weekend, no doubt about it.

Have laboured through half of another chapter (it's dull stuff this time) and now am about to serve up penis sausage casserole with garlic bread for the family. Time for a glass of wine too, I think. Then it's back to work.

Hello,
I've not given up already, my computer has died!
I'm at my mums so thought I'd check in and write down a quick catch up list.
Thought I might go onto the Fly site and see if I can see what next weeks zone will be...

Part should arrive Wednesday so should be back to it by Thursday. Sorry for not staying and chatting, I promise to hang around a bit more next week, hope everyone has a great week.

Well for the first time in a while I can confidently say I completed my list today! Have:-

Watched toy story and ate biscuits
Had lunch then watched ratatouille
Cooked roast chicken dinner and chocolate pudding
Kids to bed
Stuff ready for morning
Settle down to watch Australian masterchef

So have done nothing bar films cook and eat. How come I am so tired then?

Dh has been a grumpy sod all day. It is his 36th birthday tomorrow, you'd think he was turning 100! He might not make his birthday at this rate

Good evening all :)

I've had a relatively productuve day

-S&S done
-Wash dc bedding done
-Iron school uniform done
-Pack school bags done
-Make lentil dahl done
-Parcel up two birthday presents, ready to post tomorrow done
-Weekly home blessing done
-Hoover done

The sausage casserole sounds lovely Toffee too I think I'll give that a go next week, hope you feel better soon and your dh does sound lovely :)

How are you PA? Did your dh do all the lunch, I blooming well hope so

The lentils were lovely Linzer I cheated and used Pataks curry paste but the Jamie Oliver ones are delicious if you can get spices, ginger and garlic. Walk sounds lovely, we usually walk by the sea at the weekend but dd hasn't been upto it today.

Ooh chinese Nettie I haven't had a proper one for ages, enjoy

Hope you're feeling better SC and you've had a nice day ellie x