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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

It's August - can the Fledglings keep FLYing with children underfoot?!

830 replies

BlueEyeshadow · 29/07/2011 14:32

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to August's edition of the Fledgling Flyers,
Meine Damen, Mesdames, Ladies! (although any Herren, Messieurs and Gentlemen would be very welcome too, I'm sure, and apologies for the show tunes now lodged in everyone's heads ...)

If you're trying to keep out of CHAOS over the summer holidays, with the dear children creating havoc all around, then pull up a chair, roll up your sleeves and join in the fun.

Fly Lady's website is here, but we don't recommend signing up for the emails unless you want an ironically cluttered inbox. I'll post the links to the information for every day this month and try to keep up with all the chat.

There are babysteps to get you started on forming a routine, and missions to do once each room is decluttered and, as the Fat Fairy says, it's amazing what you can do in fifteen minutes. We'll be starting August in the entrance, front porch and dining room, and sifting the sense from the cutesy language. :)

I notice from the archive that it's the thread's second birthday so I'm sure there'll be cake as well as plenty of Brew, Biscuit and Wine - virtual, so no calories - along the way. Finally, a big thank you to CHB and Swan for leading us heroically through a hectic July! Grin

OP posts:
Makingchanges · 21/08/2011 10:03

Morning all

Off to buy a bike this morning Smile then might take dd swimming or to cinema as she wants to watch smurfs. Other than that we are just going to have a lazy day

NickNacks · 21/08/2011 10:48

Hello Everyone! Morning MC!

We're back home from holiday now and getting back in the swing of things. We had a lovely time! Sorry you lot have been chatting sooooo much in the last 8 days that I don't have time to read it all.

Todays list

Last 2 loads of washing to do
Buy and deliver a gift
Text and arrange a time to visit a new mum and baby
Check online banking
get car cleaned
homebase

Thats it. My mum is coming over later again and will stay for a couple of hours so that eats into the day, and i want to relax and make the most of my last day off before back at work tomorrow.

BBL

Fuzzled · 21/08/2011 10:56

Been one of those mornings. Up most of the night with DS. He was fine, just windy and needed patting every 45 mins or so. Not much sleep.

Now we're supposed to be going out and I'm shattered so no flying today. Oh, and DH isn't even dressed or showered yet so once again I'll have to dress and feed
DS. Don't mind doing it, just want the choice not to!

feetheart · 21/08/2011 14:15

Can anyone help me over here please?

NettieSpaghetti · 21/08/2011 18:37

A quick tada list so I don't loose momentum! Wine is open and I'm on my way to the naughty corner.

Dc rooms tidied
S/s done
Kitchen done
Bed made
Community fete attended
That's all

Been a difficult day today. Last night after getting back from barn dance. Mil blew her top at dh, myriad of reasons and we all left wishing work wise she would take a back seat for a little while for her health. She not impressed and is very angry at us all Sad

Also it's my mum and dads 60th birthday today in Scotland and all my siblings and nieces nephews were there to pass over present of new kitchen. So feint bit homesick too. Sad

Now drinking wine!

You know that way where you just need someone to moan at but there is noone you really want to put it on. So huge apologies but hope you dont mind me popping it on here.

Will be back in fine fettle tomorrow and catch up properly.
Blush

NickNacks · 21/08/2011 18:51

feet Glad you got your pan clean :)

Nettie Sorry you've had a tough day, Mil not helping herself or you guys is she? And homesickness is a bitch- I can't wait to get home from holidays let alone being permanently away from 'home'. Feel free to rant on here anytime! Do your parents really share a DOB? So cool! Enjoy the wine!

My list.

Last 2 loads of washing to do done
Buy and deliver a gift bought but not visited as friend was busy
Text and arrange a time to visit a new mum and baby done
Check online banking DH will do in a minute
get car cleaned done
homebase done

Feeling pleased with myself! BBL

Makingchanges · 21/08/2011 19:00

Nicknacks Welcome home
Nettie don't worry about venting over here - We all do it. Hope it all calms down. Sorry about the home sickness too.

Ok so day didn't turn out as planned. I went and bought a bike - spending much more than planned but got a lovely bike that feel much happier with and can pick it up tomorrow Grin Then however ended up at hospital for DH to have finger x-rayed as yet again he has broken it playing cricket Biscuit Did take DD to park but she ended up banging her head on some concrete play binocular things so then she felt ill so came home. Cue DD feeling much better when friends appeared and so she went round to friends house and me and DH have lounged on the bed (Only cool place in house) and watched telly snuggling.

Not a single bit of flying done and I still have most of my list from yesterday too as DD kept coming back from the party so tomorrow is going to be a busy day.

Anyway DD, DH and I are going to catch up on yesterdays X Factor (She loves to dance to the singing - if you can call it that) and I'm going to menu plan and write my list for tomorrow

Hope you've all had a fab weekend - Back tomorrow

elliepac · 21/08/2011 19:59

I go missing for a day or so and you have a party without me. Are you trying to tell me somethingWinkGrin. In all cheesiness seriousness, i bloody love this thread and everyone on it. My house is undoubted a little a lot better than pre fly days over the last two years I have made some good friends Smile. I love you guys SmileGrin.

Reason for absence has been the crazy madness of preparing for ds birthday tomorrow. I am finally ready just about. House bits people will see is clean and tidy, presents bought and wrapped. We are having a bbq tomorrow afternoon complete with bouncy castle. DH has got to tidy the garden tomorrow morning and I have to go get the fresh bits for the bbq.

I am now going to collapse in a heapGrin.

Back tomorrow. I can't believe my baby boy is going to be 8 tomorrow. Time goes so fast. This time 8 years ago I was in a syntocin/ diamorphine drug haze asking DH to go and get me Michael Bolton GrinGrin. I have never even fancied Michael Bolton, would have understood if i had asked for George Clooney Grin.

Fuzzled · 21/08/2011 20:21

No flying done today bar cooking.

Grin to elliepac and Michael Bolton

Nettie - vent away

See you all tomorrow!

BlueEyeshadow · 21/08/2011 21:36

OK, doing round-up earlier than usual as I've got a moment on the laptop. I hope there's not too much chatter afterwards, although it seems pretty quiet on here at weekends!

Dragons is struggling with meds but has plans for Sept.

MC bought a bike but had an accident-prone DH and DD.

NickNacks is back from holiday and enjoying the last of her time off. Well done on getting your list ticked off.

Fuzzled had a bad night but has done cooking.

Feet popped in to enquire about burnt-saucepan-cleaning.

Nettie had a trying day. It's tough not being able to be with your family. Hope the Wine helps -

ellie has been crazily preparing for DS's birthday. Hope the BBQ goes well.

I've done no flying today either, but cooked a roast dinner, which turned out reasonably well in the end, despite being madly stressful. Boys are still bouncing off the ceiling because of having Granny and Grandad around. We're going to Cromer on the train tomorrow which might tire them out, or which might send the excitement levels through the roof!

So, now for the links:
Babystep: Check your control journal.
Mission(when it updates). New zone tomorrow is the master bedroom.
Sneak peek for the week will be here when it updates too.

OP posts:
Toffeefudgecake · 22/08/2011 00:14

Sorry, have been awol from this thread over the weekend. Managed to get the house in a fit state for our visitors on Saturday, then had to tidy it up all over again for MIL coming to tea today, but at least it wasn't as bad second time around. Have spent this evening packing, as I'm taking the boys to my mum's tomorrow - a journey that takes hours and will involve two trains and a lot of buses.

Don't know if I'll be able to get onto this thread from Mum's, so I wish you all a happy week.

SilveryMoon · 22/08/2011 07:55

Morning all.
Gotta get back on track today.
TO DO
Shower and dress
Swish and Swipe
Boys to get dressed
Ironing
Put clean clothes away
Tidy away
What's for dinner?
Off to a friends house
Mission
Clean kitchen
Lay out tomorrows clothes

That'll do.
Have a good day everyone Smile

CHBitchyIceDragons · 22/08/2011 08:28

have a lovely trip toffee.
I spent yesterday doing renewing my spirit kinda stuff. Which totally worked and put me in the mood for considering tackling the chaos bombsite that is this house. However, didn't sleep as was worrying stupid worrier personality and now there is just not enough caffine in the world.

list start like this:
get up
hospital appointment
something, probably laundry.
sleep.

Wishing you all fabulous days.

wonderif · 22/08/2011 08:45

hi can i join pleaseeeee?

i have so much to do today engineer coming tomorrow so house needs to be sorted.

already done

kids up
dogs poop lifted and washed down :)
2 washes on as we speak
bin emptied

still to do breakfast
bath kids and dress etc and myself lol
hoover hall n stairs
make beds and quick hoover over rooms
empty dishwasher and refill no doubt
mop floors

off to start with the breakfast and empty dishwasher only have to 3pm as i am working later :(.

Fuzzled · 22/08/2011 09:11

Wonderif - welcome! Smile

All Flyers welcome here!

Will be back once DS is napping to post my huge to-do list as have to get ready for guests tommorrow. I feel a crisis clean coming on! Grin

Toffeefudgecake · 22/08/2011 09:14

Thanks for the good wishes, CHB. Couldn't resist popping back onto this thread whilst checking train times elsewhere!

Wonderif - welcome. I recommend Flylady's Crisis Cleaning tips for panic cleaning when someone is coming round. The 15-minute bursts of activity in different rooms keep you motivated (although I have to say that my 15-minute tea break is usually more like half an hour). Good luck.

Am feeling that panicky feeling myself, thanks to waking early and thinking I have loads of time and therefore not rushing to get ready.

Ta da! list so far:

Boys and myself dressed
My b/fast
Make beds

To do:

Finish packing
Put rubbish out
Sort M&S returns to post
Quick room rescues
S&S
Sort kitchen
Leave sticky note reminders for DH (eg water the plants, swish and swipe - he'll probably ignore them, but I can try)
Collect DS's prescription from chemist (or holiday will go rapidly downhill)
Catch the train!

Toffeefudgecake · 22/08/2011 09:16

Oh, and feed the boys, who are refusing b/fast at the moment Confused.

NickNacks · 22/08/2011 09:46

Just a quick one as working but Homebase are selling a pack of three different microfibre clothes (Kitchen and Bathroom, Multipurpose, Windows and Mirrors) for a £1. I picked mine up at the till.

Happy FLYing everyone.

LinzerTorte · 22/08/2011 10:08

We're back home and I am drowning in unpacking! Have more or less unpacked, but finding somewhere to put everything is proving to be a problem. The bookcases are full and I have clothes all over the bedroom because I bought too many and have no more space in the wardrobe or drawers. Blush At least there's not too much laundry to do as we left most of our clothes at my parents', but I have plenty of tidying, decluttering and cleaning to be getting on with.

DS is back at kindergarten (school doesn't start for another two weeks) so it's easier to get on with things with him out of the way, but I have to pick him up in 45 minutes - and we've only just got back from doing all the food shopping. We arrived home at midnight on Saturday but couldn't buy anything yesterday as shops are closed on a Sunday; luckily I had some milk in the freezer, as I wouldn't be able to survive without tea and coffee!

Toffee Have a lovely time at your mum's.

Welcome wonderif. Smile

Am not sure where to start, so thought I would have a Brew and catch up with the thread first. Will try for a manageable list of three things:

Empty dishwasher
Put away food shopping
Swish & swipe

elliepac · 22/08/2011 10:10

Morning all! It is a beautiful day here and it made all the more beautiful by the fact it is my baby Hmm boy's 8th birthday today!

Presents opened, new bike ridden up and down the street at half 7, bouncy castle here and dc's bouncing Grin. I did have a go but came off quite quickly. Pelvic floor isn't quite what it was iykwim WinkGrin.

List for today is:-
Butchers for bbq stuff
Tesco for bits and bobs
Tidy garden
Prep food
Enjoy sunshine and bbq with family ad friends.

I must say i think ds is more excited about havig his best friend to sleep for the first time than anything else Grin.

Glad I am busy today as tomorrow is gcse results day and i normally spend the day before stressing, wonthave time for that today!

Back later!

Makingchanges · 22/08/2011 10:19

Morning all

Linzer Welcome home. Hope you had a great time and find somewhere for all your clothes.
Ellie Hope DS has a great party and it isn't too stressful for you
Toffee enjoy your time with DC at mums. I hope DH surprises you and follows your instructions
Fuzzled hope you don't have too much crisis cleaning to do

OK well busy day today. I have to

  • Gym - Next
  • Back for lunch for all - DH is working from home today so better feed him too
  • Off to fracture clinic to see how much damage DH has done to finger - We know its broken but suspected damaged or separated ligament too
  • DD to Swimming lesson
  • Back to town to pick up my bike
  • Tidy kitchen
  • Hoover lounge
  • Post book club book
  • Sort out overflowing show cupboard
  • Sort through DDs uniform for what else we need to buy
  • Reply to school re interview
  • Photo for our room and DDs frame

Unfortunately way too many of those jobs were also on Saturdays list Sad

Right off to gym first then. Have a good day. Back later

Toffeefudgecake · 22/08/2011 10:25

Happy BD Ellie's boy!

Welcome back Linzer!

Just finished my list. House looking OK Shock. Off to catch the train now.

Happy Flying to you all.

Smile
Fuzzled · 22/08/2011 10:54

Morning all (again!) Have some nice biccies and Brew on me!

Toffee have a nice trip
Ellie wish your DS a happy birthday and sneak in some Tena to your trolley so you can have a good bounce once he's asleep Grin
Linzer welcome home and hope the unpacking grows legs and sorts itself out for you (well, we all live in hope! Although with my DH's socks...)
CHB/Dances hope ankle is better and have some of my extra strength stash of [coffee]. Can I also suggest IRN-BRU to get you through the day. Nectar of the gods too Grin
and waves to everyone else.

Right, so I have guests tomorrow. Had a quick survey of house this morning while trying to persuade DS to walk - few steps so we're getting there Smile

  • My bedroom will become a junk room for the day - I can reasonably shut the door on it and no one will notice (it's only an afternoon visit!) so I can hide store things in there. Blush
  • Dining room is tidy and dusted from last week's efforts, so I will just whizz a duster round there and a quick hoover tonight while DS plays with DH.
  • Living room needs a dust, but I can do this while DS plays tomorrow morning. Toys (as guests also have children) don't need to be tidied up (thank god!). Also a hoover, again will do tomorrow as a last minute thing.
  • Kitchen is really messy!!! So, I need to hoover the floor and mop it (will mop tomorrow as DS still needs to eat today!) and wipe down all the surfaces while trying to rearrange counters so they look cleaner (they are, but with so much stuff, it looks messy when it isn't).
  • DS's room is tidy, but I'll need to move out the inflatable mattress and bedding so people can see it (they are bound to ask!).
  • Hellhole Study/Spare room (never sure what to call this room!) has lots of stuff in it that needs sticking in the loft, so will bung in sucky bags. It's not like they'll be using the room and a tidy, but functional room is acceptable (please tell me it is!)
  • Bathroom/Toilet needs to be cleaned - not a clue when I'll do this as can't do it when DS is crawling about and can't do it when he's asleep Confused : may hve to do it tonight and ban DH from using any other loo other than our ensuite Grin. Bathmats will be washed and tumbled tomorrow morning.

Dear god... it's a mountain to climb!

Someone have the Wine ready for tonight!

Anyways, thanks for reading if you've got this far! Grin Will be back tonight with Ta-Da list hopefully!

CHBitchyIceDragons · 22/08/2011 13:30

Right list update:

get up done
hospital appointment done
something, probably laundry. ran a simple errand
sleep. decided pj day needed

sucessful day in terms of aim. now curling up for some sleep. needant have worried last night.

feetheart · 22/08/2011 14:04

Thanks for helpful suggestions yesterday - my lovely pan is clean and sparkling again and the house has stopped smelling of burnt fruit..........almost!

Happy Birthday little ellie, hope you all have a lovely day

Been quite busy with work and sorting out stuff for event I'm involved in organising for next year - the joys of event insurance!! Flying has been limited as usual:
Ta do includes:

  • DC fed and bathed - latter takes MUCH longer than it should and they are claiming to be hungry again now
  • Washing on
  • S&S whilst DC in bath
  • Sort out some dry washing

Really need to:

  • Get salmon out of freezer for dinner
  • Put last night's ironing away
  • Air sleeping bags for camping trip at w/e (we are off to MN Bank Holiday camping thing in Sussex :))
  • Make cake with rather tasteless peaches in the hope that they taste better cooked
  • Hoover throughout
  • Mop kitchen floor

However its a beautiful day and the park is calling :)

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