The Fledglings' nests will be clean in 2013!

[superfluouscurves]

(With many thanks to Jdub for title inspiration!!)

If your house is a mess and you are strugging 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 wine along the way.

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 weekly designated zones of the house; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with more time to do other, more interesting things 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 anyway!

We advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated (although some Fledglings find the compilation e-mails helpful)! 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 mins 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.]

More info here on getting started and Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings. Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound (and you may discover a few of our subversions of the vocabulary along the way).

Huge thanks to Lauren for being our incredibly reliable and organised shining star in the East and leading us throughout the very busy month of December!!

Happy New Year Fledglings!!

All welcome!!

read thread, faints and runs away.

Okay.

I took the car for an MOT today. And walked home afterwards.

That's about it folks!

I loved your story SC unfortunately it didn't stop me eating the last bit of a tin of marron glaces
Gossip well done!

Popping in to say goodnight and welcome to Crazy too!
SC oh dear about the bed - Join me with the Shred? It takes 25 mins a day and you don't have to leave the house. Sounds like it isn't enough to make a difference, but I am going to give it a go for dreary, dark January! And I was aching today after Day 1!

Ta-Da :
Dinner, wash-up, Shred, corrected a set of copybooks, watched double episode of Revenge, stuffed face with buttered toast, hopping into shower and off to bed then. Hoping to be up even another 10 minutes earlier in the morning, and leave the house earlier than I did today.

The shred castle are you flipping mad You are a braver woman then I. Anything that seems like proper exercise is something that I avoid at all costs.

Oi, no, I am flipping mad!

The shred threads on mn seem to have all been replaced by the 5:2 stuff. I love that weight loss fads can be tracked so easily. weird that the whole Atkins thing is being resurrected in so many diff forms though... I must get to grips with the body clutter!

Abso-freaking-lutely knackered today, so am having early night (Tis only 9.40 here bitchy ) but had whole day at work followed by dropping dd1 off at dance and then running a guide meeting). Tomorrow night is our leaders Christmas meal. and then on Thursday lovely friend is having the annual adoption anniversary meal for her dd, and dd1 and I have been invited. She was adopted from China and so every year they have a Chinese feast in honour of her birth family. On a slightly less savoury note, the xh is begging her to take him back. She has told him to back off for a couple of months and then they will talk again. She needs equilibrium on her own for a while, and to let the dust settle.

There will be no flying tonight. but I will get up early and dress to fricking shoes in penance. Pinky promise.

Morning all.

I have little flying to report today but DH (who is not back at work yet) flew admirably yesterday, made dinner and did the washing up so house is still presentable.

To add to the discussion about exercise, I have just completed a Davina workout in my living room. As most of you know I have done quite well losing weight but I think the last couple of stone will be difficult to shift so thought I had better do some exercise. I thought about the Shred but I had a quick peek and it scares the living shit out of me. Maybe in a couple of months.

Better go and get ready.

cuddled glad yesterday went as well as can be expected.

gossip woohoo.

Big waves to everyone else.

Hello everyone. Happy New Year if I haven't already said it.

Back from N Ireland and grandparents on Monday and and back to 'normal' yesterday - school, work, Brownies, usual madness!
Haven't caught up at all as am trying to keep MN time limited for a while and you lot have filled 20+ pages . Will try over next few days but please let me know if I've missed anything.
However my sink is still shiny (as we haven't been here!) and the kitchen is clear though not that clean yet.

Today I need to:

• Get all up and out
• WORK catch-up
• Morning routine
• Dinner in slow cooker
• Clean kitchen floor
• Missions

That's enough so far as work will take much of the day, best get a move on. Have a good day everyone.

Good morning.
cuddle glad yesterday went well and you had lots of people to celebrate your dad's life. That's really great.
justcrazy was also going to suggest you look at flylady's kids section.
Castle good luck with the shred.

Right today.
Tada
Got up and made beds
Fed cats
Got breakfast
Cleared breakfast away
Swished and swiped
Laundry

To do
Go to work
Get dressed (this last is in no particular order)
Afternoon routine
Rr
Hs's
Bath boys
Homework
Special time
Babystep
Mission/detail
Ironing
Bed. No falling asleep on sofa.

I tried the Shred last year and ended up with a bout of sciatica plus it probably contributed to my prolapse worsening so do take care if you have any pre-existing problems.

I've restarted MFP this week.

Morning all. Quick question for you all: what is the rule re school for a child who has had one bout of diarrhoea and still has a sore tummy, but no sickness and no temperature ? I am keeping DS2 off school today, but am I meant to keep him off for two days even if he's feeling better by the end of today?

Am keeping today's list short, as I'm not sure how much DS2 will need me with him.

To do:

Morning routines
Tackle cobwebs in bathroom
Do ironing in 15 minute bursts
Put clean washing away in 15 min bursts
Home ed (both boys)

DS2 is calling for me. Time to cuddle up in bed with him and read a story (one of my favourite things ).

Hope you all have a good day.

Unfortunately yes Toffee. even one bout is 48hrs which was a nightmare when ds was reacting to dairy with the reintroduction process.

Running late here. A lot of shouting and yelling is going on. brb after schol run.

Bugger. Thought that might be the case, but was hoping not. Thanks, Bitchy.

Apart from his poorly tum, DS2 is very lively and hasn't stopped chatting since he woke up. We have done a sticker book together and he's even followed me to the loo to chat. Have managed to get away for 5 mins to have a quiet cup of tea and ring school.

It will definitely be a 'You can do anything for 15 minutes' day today.

Morning everyone!

castle shred definitely does work! It's very good even if her voice does make you stabby I need to restart!

To do today:
Routines
Clean bathroom
DD and mindee to rhyme time
Laundry
Kitchen hotspot
Yesterday and today's missions
School run
5 children at tea time!
Friend round for catch up when DD is in bed!

BBL!

Morning ladies.
FOr the past 3 weeks we have had house guests of one sort or another and today everyone finally leaves. HORRAH It's a V strange feeling but I want to open all the windows and spring clean! However I think I'll have to be a bit more realistic and stick a home blessing hour plus some anti procrastination tasks.

Ta da:
Have taken DD to school

To do
Unload / re load dishwasher
Put laundry away
Reboot laundry
Hoover upstairs and down
Declutter our bedroom
15 mins of paperwork (anti procrastination)
15 mins of hotspot clearing
Possible trip to Oxfam.
Exercise
Meditate
Tidy DS's bedroom
Clean bathrooms

OK - I"m off to set my timer! Shall report back later.

Cuddled - I do seem to remember vacillating between getting very busy in the house and feeling unable to do anything at all or just wanting to sleep after my DF died. You don't quite know what to do with yourself, but whatever you feel at any time it's normal.

I also found just sitting and going through old photos and memorabilia was very comforting.

It's good that you have exercise and meditation on your list too.

lauren - that's a good list. Good luck with the five children at teatime .

Does anyone else have a serious allergy to the things they are meant to be tackling?

No routines today (alright I did the s & s, as ds2 had peed everywhere)
I am going to jump in and deal with the playroom instead of doing more obvious relentlessly dull things, as Dh needs a packing table for his business and the contents of car are dumped in there atm.

Madwoman you are so energetic and cheerful, I don't know where you get the zing from could it be winter sports?

done
up at crack of dawn
3 children off to school (ds has been at home for last two days with fainting)
wiped up cat fight near cat flap, loads of fur!
cleaned cat pee off walls of kitchen yesterday eve
put away some laundry and changed some sheets yest

todo
playroom
money
recycling for tomorrow's collection
TIDY MY ROOM

MOrning all!
Have had a few days of flying and feel tired today - my DC3 woke at 4.30 and I haven't really been back to sleep since.

Did cook 2 x big meals yesterday and froze some, so meals for today are sorted - just lacking in motivation today. Having a cup of tea and MN and hoping to gain some inspiration!

I had no idea that flylady nhad a list of all the baby steps somewhere, so i went through the whole website and made my own word document [loser/embarassed emoticon!] - can e-mail my copy to anyone who wants it though!

I also went back to Weight Watchers last night ... I'm not that fat...just frumpy, and it is getting worse not better, so a good job I went back! But now all I can think about is food!!!

I will spend the day trying to fly and trying not to eat - doesn't that sound like fun, not sure when my life got so wild!!!!!

I'll update later - hope you all have a productive day!

Morning all

Another sunny day in Glasgow! (Maybe this is spring, the tree outside is covered in blossom) Still having to scrap condensation off windows, but got them open today.

Done
Dd packed lunch
Dh taken her to school
Windows
Put clothes away
Fed cat
5 min tidy up in bedrooms

To do
Get dressed
Wash up
Ironing
Vacuuming
Mission - not too bad as did salad compartment on Sunday
See advisor at Jobcentre, she's suggesting I go self employed, but I don't know what I'm good at!
Collect Dd
Dinner - already done
Wash up & shine sink
Applications
Knitting
EARLY NIGHT!

Morning all. Not feeling too brilliant today so am going to take it steady, but hope to get a few bits done.

Done:
1st load of washing in
dishwasher on (with last night's pots!)

To do:
Vac lounge
Finish tidying kitchen
Dusting in lounge

Off to midwife booking-in appt later so that'll do me for today.

Morning everyone. The bad thing about having to do something in the evening is that its been a while since I was last on (although it was late yesterday afternoon so not that long really) and this thread has moved on loads.

Since I couldn't get on yesterday here is yesterday's tada list

• turn on washing machine
• Dry laundry
• Go to town for bits and pieces esp need to go to the poundshop for cleaning stuff as I am running out not that I had much to start with
• Wash up 3X
• Put laundry away
• lay out clothes for Wednesday
• baby step no 8: Write up routines.
• Ring up adult learning services to check Im on level 2 of one of my courses as Ive had no confirmation regarding that. She said she couldn't see due to her computer being slow, but if Im not on she will put me on and Im to go next Mon night.
• Fill machine for Wed
• Shine Sink
• Running Club

So today's lists

tada

• Wash up
• turn on washing machine
• apply vanish to some clothes
• put out hotspot (I actually did this for the first time today, it was only yesterday I decided exactly where my hotspots were and I have 3)

todo

• 2nd load of washing
• drying
• take laundry upstairs
• wash up 2X
• Shine Sink
• put out hotspot
• lay out clothes for tomorrow
• fill machine for tomorrow
• 5 min room rescue ??????
• coursework

Right so I know this may be a really silly question, but what exactly do I do for a 5 min room rescue? The link for babysteps day 9 Flylady talks about decluttering for 15 mins. So is the 5 min room rescue decluttering but only for 5 mins? Which room? The current zone or can I choose?

SC thanks for the links I had a quick look and was a bit overwhelmed TBH, will add things as I go rather than looking at the full thing just now. Sorry to hear about your new bed. Hope you are ok.

Toffee hope your DS feels better soon. Look at the positives, if he has to stay off school tomorrow, but is fit and well you could plan some fun things to do together.

Good luck with the Shred/MFP/WW and any weight loss plans those of you doing it. Ive tried the shred and loved it, but (for reasons unknown to even me) I dont bother with it any more. I took the Paul McKenna route last year and even though I dont listen to the CD or read the book anymore I still try to follow the odd rule (ie dont eat when not hungry, eat slower, stop eating when full etc) plus I took up running which I love. Its worked well for me so far.

Have a good day everyone. Off to empty the first load of washing and get the second load in now.

Crossed posts. Good luck at the Midwife's MrsPennyapple

Its sunny, but cold here in North Yorkshire, but we are expecting it to get colder this week and next so no surprise there.

Right off I go again

Lilleth - yes, you are quite right (about doing something fun with DS2). Actually, I think we might make cookies again today, as the boys loved the ones DS1 and I made yesterday.

MrsP - sorry you're not feeling good. Hope your first appointment at the midwife goes well.

Goth - at the spring day (and blossom) in Glasgow .

WhatKaty - my DH started his New Year diet on Monday - he is very grumpy and tired. He also can't stop thinking about food - and has an odd craving for champagne! (We have both given up alcohol for the sake of his diet ).

Swan - Does anyone else have a serious allergy to the things they are meant to be tackling? - Yes, yes, yes! I am having a serious attack of cba-ness at the moment. Lovely cleaner is coming tomorrow though, which should shame spur me into action. Today, I am employing the power of 15 minutes .

Must also turn off my computer!

We have managed breakfast. Waved grumpy DH off to work.

Er, that's it...

Morning all! Good luck at the midwife today MrsPennyapple How exciting! (and congratulations too!)

Today's list:

Ta da:
Get dressed
DS1 to school
Washing on
Dry nappies
Make up wipes
Make beds
Put clean clothes away
Wipe cupboard fronts
Prep dinner- slow cooker Barbecue Chicken

To do:
Clothes to charity bin
Hotspots sort
Stuff nappies
Swish and swipe
Room rescue- not sure what to do but I shall attack the loft room
Sweep kitchen
Mop kitchen
Empty stair basket
Hang washing
Evening routine.

Id better get on while I still have some motivation and DS2 is asleep on DH's shoulder!

Hope everyone has a good day!

Lilleth room rescue can be the zone or another room. 5mins of gathering and removing stuff that belong else where/in the bin. IF memory serves me right.

Me Swan really really can't be arsed today. just want to sleep. can't but just want to. feeling cold and achy.

To do list
up and moving
ds through shower and up and ready for school
label ds' trousers for school - bought last night but too tired to label
label ds' new school shoes
get ds to school
register with web site
do a heap load of paperwork
meeting in next town
ds' swimming lesson ds isn't going he is too tired and will be going straight to bed when he gets in from school.
more paperwork
early night. - really really needed!

Thanks Bitchy