Is it October already the fledglings utter? We'll Fly with our broom sticks and start to declutter...

[Slimchance]

If 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 and 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 zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do someting 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!

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 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!

Humungous thanks to Whoknows for leading us through the tricky start to the academic year ....

All welcome!!

Morning all.

Have come away to the caravan for a few days and am having a lovely time. No flying to speak of so nothing to post!

Back at the weekend.

Honu that is terrible, hope you get a better arrangement in place soon.

Yesterday was not great, house was a tip thanks to the redecorating - one room is filled with boxes. I did manage to get rid of a bag of cleaning products, our cupboard was bulging! Some more people coming round to collect other bits and pieces today. I do think we will feel much better and be able to enjoy the house more after decluttering.

Can I ask how you all do the Swish and swipe, in detail? what cloth/cleaner do you use? I hate waste (we recycle lots) so it feels wasteful using disposable cloths, but reusing the same cloth esp around toilet feels unhygienic!

Also we are having problems managing our household waste, our collections are every 2 weeks and by the end of the first week the main bin outside is full, and we don't like leaving it out in bags as they get ripped apart by foxes. We probably need a huge wheelie but they are so expensive - any alternatives? Ditto recycling - we have two boxes outside but they are far too small to hold 2 weeks of recycling.

Today:
make bed
wash up
load machine
food waste out and new liner in bag
recycling out
rubbish bin out
print leaflets
collect parcel from sorting office
baby group
put away dry nappies
hang out load
go to tip
freecycle magazines
??for dinner
put away clean clothes
tidy bedroom 15 mins
15 mins paper declutter

I have done the filing! [faints] I hate filing. But I remembered this morning that I need to do my tax return so it made sense to sort the rest out while furtling around with bits of paper.

Silver - for S&S I tend to use anti-bac spray and loo roll which then gets flushed. Don't know if that's any better than disposable cloths, really. I also have a separate microfibre cloth that only gets used in the bathroom and washed on a hot wash. If you're doing washable nappies, could you wash a cloth in with them?

Ellie - have a lovely time at the caravan.

Honu - how daft! Hope you can get something better sorted out.

I have all last night's washing up to do, but I am sitting on the sofa eating a bar of chocolate and MN-ing .

Honu - that is daft. I hope you get a better arrangement in place for you DH.

SC - hope DH's appointment goes ok. Thanks for the reminder about knob polishing .

ellie - enjoy your holiday and the break from Flying .

Goth - lack of sleep mucks up the rest of the day. So sorry.

WhoKnows - I really hope your DD isn't allergic. Fingers crossed.

Swan - have a lovely time with your friends.

Bitchy - I was drawn into all those threads and stayed up too late too. I think I counted eight at one point!

Right, need to shift my backside off this sofa.

Silver I also do similar to Blue with toilet roll. The hand basin gets wiped down with the facecloth, which then goes in to the next boil wash, and we have a clean face cloth each evening. I also have a couple of 'dirty job' cloths (old towel cut into 4) which are used for back of the toilet, they go into a bucket before being washed (usually with cat blankets)

Ellie have fun!

Done
Got up! Yay!
Beds
Yesterday's washing rehung out, towels (just need a little bit longer)
Load laundry on.
Washing up
Windows

Was planning to start back on MPF and 5:2 today, but meh, will start properly next week.

DH has just put some music on, Mad Capsule Markets (Japonese electronic/punk) I may retire to the boudoir and listen to Radio 4.

Silver - I spray the bowl and seat with bleach or antibacterial cleaner, then wipe it off with damp loo roll and flush it away. Like Blue, I use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the bath, sink and shelves. If I'm feeling energetic, I also wipe down the taps with a cloth to shine them. I have had compliments on my shiny bathroom!

DH has taken DS1 out to buy new clothes. After doing the chores, I am going to sneak upstairs and have a sneaky nap - and nobody will ever know (apart from you lot ).

Done
stopped ds2 getting anxious about something
did his music poster with his ideas
cooked supper
visited two friends
long walk
bought bread and meat from local shops!
had short nap in afternoon
wiped table
washed cat bowls
washed dd uniform
washed ds2 PE kit
loaded dw
wiped cooker
recycling
cleaned old fridge a bit
sent dd and ds1 to bed (as they both are extraordinarily good at faffing around doing last minute stuff they should have done at 6pm, like their mother
supervised dd making her packed lunch, she is now into pomegranate seeds, very trendy!
odds and sods really...House still a towering disaster, but at least we've got through the essentials! Homework laundry and food

DH has taken ds2 off to a school function [sigh] too late and too long but it is compulsory unfortunately. Waiting for them to return and meltdown, the pair of them...

Funnily enough, after months of home ed, as soon as DS1 goes back to school he gets stopped by the police and questioned about why he is off school! He was on his way to the skate park and said he explained that he was doing half days at the moment. The policewoman was very stern with him, but accepted it. I think I'd better make him a card with my name and number on it, as well as a contact number at the unit, so that DS can hand that over if it happens again. Luckily, DS1 thought it was quite entertaining, rather than scary.

Only the basics of Flying done today, but it has kept chaos at bay. The washing up seemed to go on for hours. Managed some ironing too. Have just laid all the clothes out for school tomorrow and discovered that DS1 doesn't have a clean shirt, so that's in the wash now.

Swan - well done on helping DS deal with his anxiety. And hurray for the short nap. I had one too - it has kept me going for the rest of the day.

I was amused to discover today that the homework I completed for DS2 helped DS2 complete has been entered for a competition in the school. I will be very annoyed if I DS2 doesn't win!

Am sitting next to DS1 whilst he falls asleep. Off to bed myself in a minute provided I don't click on 'active threads'.

Night all.

You should be fine toffee the craziness has calmed down. Unless you count the fact that honey dragon is trying to stage a coo.

Yes, not so exciting out there now, Bitchy. Anyway, my eyes are closing. am going to get that school shirt onto the radiator, then get myself to bed.

Function went well, ds2 in good mood, and delighted with his Made To Order Poster - however DH was thoroughly bored by it all - hates schooly stuff (I am beginning to agree with him as all these evening events are too much for me, and I suspect, anyone who has to organise them)

Toffee that is actually quite exciting to hear about the truancy officer child catchingI didn't know they existed in RL, although of course I know they exist officially. Seems a bit off -maybe a child is returning from an appt, to school or just going home because they aren't well. Maybe many truants are to be found in the skate park!!!!

*
Crikey, another week has sped by. Hardly caught a glimpse... .

Baby-step no. 25, for Fri 25h Oct is reading Fat Fairy's personal testimony. Eminently ignorable! Does mention how it took her ages to develop routines and not to be impatient/perfectionist etc.

This will be our last day in Zone 4: The Master Bedroom. Spend 15 mins decluttering here!

Once your boudoir is totally clutter-free, you can go on to detailed cleaning.

Friday's mission is flipping your mattress and fluffing your pillows.

Friday is the day for decluttering our cars and handbags.

The habit for October is still clearing paper clutter.

Here is Friday's flight plan which summarises the above.

Have a good day last day of the week everyone!!

Only just finished putting some proofs to bed. Going to heat up some soup and crash. Will catch up properly at w/e! HOpe everyone OK!

Silver Two links explaining swish & swipe in further detail here and here. HTH.

Big feathery wing flaps to one and all!

*

Good morning.

Trying to get a grip of every thing that is going on here today. Next week is going to be ultimately crazy and I am out late tonight.

ta da
Dw filled and running
put dry stuff on draining board away
check internet stuff
finish building a pretty spread sheet
5mins figuring out what needs to happen in lounge to get tidy
Strip bedding
figure out that constant cold has actually been dust allergy and I just need to mainline the anti-histamine and tackle the clutter big stylee

to do
shower
make cake
towel wash
finish making bag
finish quilting quilt (finally figured out how to get around not having a walking foot or being able to lower the feed dogs without ending up with major rucking)
Finish cutting dress
unpick layers of dress stitched together
sew skirt pieces together
Make pattern for sleaves for dress
tweak pattern pieces for top/body of dress
Consider if want to dip dye in parts or as a whole. (any advice on this matter would be good)
clear car out
hoover car
wash car outards
measure up thingy needed in car
purchase more oil for car and put in it before long journey tonight
sew name tags into 2 pairs of trousers
unpick seam and add smaller elastic to pj bottoms x 2

And that is just half the to do list so will leave it there

Special brew anyone?

ta da
Dw filled and running
put dry stuff on draining board away
check internet stuff
finish building a pretty spread sheet
5mins figuring out what needs to happen in lounge to get tidy
Strip bedding
figure out that constant cold has actually been dust allergy and I just need to mainline the anti-histamine and tackle the clutter big stylee
Make cake
finish quilting quilt (finally figured out how to get around not having a walking foot or being able to lower the feed dogs without ending up with major rucking)
Sort out plans for tonight
Sort out alternations needed for a pair of trousers.
unpick layers of dress stitched together
put plants to sleep
Dead head flowering plant
water plants as required
Air out room
ironing
folding
sock pairing
Shower

to do
finish making bag - in progress
Finish cutting dress - in progress
sew skirt pieces together
Make pattern for sleaves for dress
tweak pattern pieces for top/body of dress
Consider if want to dip dye in parts or as a whole. (any advice on this matter would be good)
clear car out
hoover car
wash car outards
measure up thingy needed in car
purchase more oil for car and put in it before long journey tonight
sew name tags into 2 pairs of trousers
unpick seam and add smaller elastic to pj bottoms x 2

Afternoon all Bitchy

Quiet today.

Done
Beds
Morning routine
3 hours at 'Helping Hands' at school, cutting and sticking
Ironing
Washing up

The sun has finally come out, but I'm not sticking the laundry out as we usually have a 3o'clock shower.

Have decided I'm not going to volunteer for the Halloween party as I'm doing Helping Hands once a fortnight, plus 5 hours assisting a school trip on Monday and have already volunteered to help with the school garden! And yes, I am aware that 'no is a complete sentence', I'm explaining to my subconscious which won't shut up!

Goth - I know how you feel, both Brownies and swimming club have sent out pleas for helpers this week, hut as I already do PTA and scouts executive committee plus ad hoc volunteering in school it's enough really. if you want any tips about gardening club do ask, I have been running one of those for the last three years too, but have said I won't be doing it next year. bet I end up back there though.

INSET day here. Decided to take DCs to nice, genteel soft play in the next town as DS will be too old for it soon and wanted one last go. Unfortunately there has been a serious accidnt on the road between towns, so it took a long time to get there, I saw the air ambulance coming in at about 10.15 and road still shut. Got caught up in a bad one on the same road yesterday too . Soft play was nice though, practically empty and I managed an hour of crochet.

Came back and helped Dcs get their own lunch, baked a cake, cleared up, then been playing a board game. Off to town (on foot) in a minute, traffic is still gridlocked, need to return a Cd to the library, it is well overdue as first we lost the disc then the box.

Two loads of washing done, plus a little cleaning, feeling more energetic today than I have all week .

Not quite sure where today's gone. I seem to have frittered it away without achieving very much.

Perhaps a Bitchy special brew will give me the get-up-and-go to get going... [holds out mug]

Actually, have done:
Laundry and put it away
Stripped boys' beds
Bit of work
Few emails
Cooking
Planning half-term
Posted friend's birthday card
Bit of exercise

So not quite as bad as all that.

Still to do:
Finish off tea
re-make beds
Put today's laundry away

ta da
Dw filled and running
put dry stuff on draining board away
check internet stuff
finish building a pretty spread sheet
5mins figuring out what needs to happen in lounge to get tidy
Strip bedding
figure out that constant cold has actually been dust allergy and I just need to mainline the anti-histamine and tackle the clutter big stylee
Make cake
finish quilting quilt (finally figured out how to get around not having a walking foot or being able to lower the feed dogs without ending up with major rucking)
Sort out plans for tonight
Sort out alternations needed for a pair of trousers.
unpick layers of dress stitched together
put plants to sleep
Dead head flowering plant
water plants as required
Air out room
ironing
folding
sock pairing
Shower
towel wash
bedding wash
white wash
finish sewing bad
Unpick seam in pjs ready for elastic - but have lost the jar of elastic
name 2 pairs trousers
pick up oil
pop into shop for a few bits
empty 75% of car
wash car outers
wash dash board and all plastic bits in front
ice cake.

Now have half an hour to get changed and ready for going out.

Still in CBA mode. Have done the Flying basics, but that's it. Had another sleep in the afternoon, but that's cos I was up at 5 with DS1 and his OCD issues.

DS1 is a bit giddy with his newfound freedom and let's just say he's keeping us on our toes.

Glad it's half term now.

Glad it's half tem here too, but we have a busy week ahead, I so wish I didn't have to work, busy there at the moment.

Had a nice afternoon/evening with library/bit of shopping, then DD went to drama and I picked her up and fetched Dominos on the way home, we then sat and watched tHe Muppets Christmas Carol as it was the only film the DCs could agree on. Just finished writing up PTA minutes and loading up lots of photos to make photo books forthe DCs - I'm determined to catch up with sorting the thousands on the computer into something more usable.

SC was it you that recommended the Usborne children's cook book? We bought it today .

Getting a bit worried about the storm warnings for Monday, we're in the South. Will be removing everything that moves from the garden tomorrow, not sure about the trampoline, it is not secured to the ground, might try and take the net off.

Am also a bit worried about the storm warnings, WhoKnows (like the Halloween change ). I have instructed DS1 to be back early from the skate park on Sunday and we are planning to bring any loose stuff in from the garden, eg a fragile potted tree. We are also checking batteries in torches, matches, candles, etc. I think the DC are quite excited about it now.

Oh dear, very worried about the weather warnings. We're supposed to be going to Legoland on Monday...

From the Legoland website: 'LEGOLAND Windsor is predominately an outdoor attraction with many rides being outside. Some rides and attractions may close in cases of high winds, thunder or lightning due to health and safety.

Indoor attractions include Laser Raiders, Scarab-bouncers, Imagination 4D Theatre and the Discovery Centre workshops.

Sun cream, umbrellas and rain ponchos are available from the Retail stores.

LEGOLAND Windsor regrets that refunds will not be issued due to inclement weather. If you come prepared you will still have a great day!'

Sorry, Blue. Hopefully the weather predictions will turn out to be wrong.

Evening all. HOpe everyone OK. V. quiet on here today. Sorry to have been absent - work still stacking up and going through horrible confidence wobble. Don't seem to have confidence or focus I had before (not having done work like this in a while). Eek. Need to get a grip.

Not helped by going out to supper tonight where dh and I were the oldest there by at least two decades .

Anyway, sorry for 'woe is me' post. Need to catch up with everyone but will do so tomorrow when I am less tired/maudlin pickled .

Weather reports do look worrying, don't they? Had better batten down the rabbits ... .

Big feathery wing flaps to everyone!

*

Saturday's baby-step, no. 26 for Oct 26th is another one to ignore about Flylady e-mails. Although she just witter on about banning perfectionism and it taking a month to establish a habit etc etc.

No zones or missions because it is the weekend thank heavens.

We are still clearing paper clutter in Oct.

And Saturday' s daily focus is having some family fun.

[Leaves out for Bitchy any late Fledgling revellers.]

oops - she does witter on ...[hic]