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Festive fledglings flying through December - the Flylady thread

889 replies

TooStressyTooMessy · 30/11/2019 15:03

Welcome to the December (dare I say the Christmas?!) Flylady thread. This is a really lovely thread where we loosely follow the Flylady system (see the Flylady website ) in the hope of having organised homes and lives.

Every day I will post a link to the launchpad which has everything you need for that day if you do want to follow the system strictly. Plenty of options to follow the system more loosely as well :).

Please do familiarise yourself with the Flylady website, especially if you are new. The Flylady is (understandably) keen that people do look at the website.

On the website there is information for beginners. You can also sign up to the Flylady emails but we would advise not to as there are hundreds of them.

We post our achievements (ta das) and our to do lists and any other general chatter about life / flying.

Information on getting started: www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/

The launch pad is also a good starting place:www.flylady.net/c/lp.php

Fly stands for Finally Loving Yourself. The general idea is that short bursts of tidying / organisation are more achievable than marathon efforts. Flylady advises 15 minute bursts is effort but you can tweak this to fit your own circumstances.

Be kind to yourselves, jump in where you are and be careful not to crash and burn!

Any newbies are very welcome Smile.

**
Flylady also does Christmas missions which I will link to each day. They are really useful and nearer the time she does super missions which help you if you have not managed the regular missions. They are just there to help and as Flylady says... do not worry as you do not need to catch up, just jump in where you are Smile.

Link to the holiday cruising is

here

December’s habit is usually [[http://www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/december/
pampering yourself]] which is much needed this busy time of year. This can be as simple as taking two minutes to have a cup of tea, if long pampering sessions are unachievable.

The website will update to the December missions etc in the next few days so I will link it again if it is different.

*
A daily summary (which should update automatically every day) is available on the Flylady website at flight plan here.

The link to the current zone and missions is [[http://www.flylady.net/c/sp.php#missions here].

Re. zones, do what works for you. I don’t always stick to the zones myself and do what works best at the time!

daily focus

missions for the week

Flykids mission

beginner babysteps.

The best place to look for an overall summary is the launch pad.

Happy flying everyone.

Please note that while there is lots of information on the website, from a security point of view we would advise caution with putting any personal details in or downloading anything.

Also a huge thank you to Ghoulette for the November thread.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
20
TooStressyTooMessy · 28/12/2019 18:14

Star for Family Christmas survival Willow,

Hazel, yes meal planning here atm is about what is in the fridge! Freezer is ok which I am pleased about but fridge has lots of random stuff needing using up.

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Stilllivinginazoo · 28/12/2019 21:08

Just quick pop in to keep up,
Managed tidy a bit in front room before dd1 arrived
Hit shops
Bought myself a pair trousers and gorgeous butterfly bedding for the girls in George sales
Hit wilko/poundshop for storage
Homebargains for few bits whilst dd2 wanted hoover up Xmas lush half price bargains
Then Aldi and few bits from heron foods--

Got in after sandwich tea
Flopped on sofa

I have a sore throat....

ChristmasCroissant · 28/12/2019 21:15

I missed out on a panto trip today because I felt so sick and dizzy, hope I shake this virus off soon!

Are we all fired up with enthusiasm for the New Year? Agree with the comment about positive people, I've heard this described as a red velvet rope policy - be careful who you let into your life.

Place still a tip from Christmas due to my inactivity, hopefully tomorrow will bring improvements!

TooStressyTooMessy · 28/12/2019 21:34

Oh no Christmas Flowers. Hope you feel better tomorrow Flowers.

Hmmm not sure about New Year. I have my usual vague hopes about being more organised and improving finances, decluttering house, being a better mum, spending less time on MN, generally becoming a better person Grin.

Really I stopped making proper New Year’s resolutions years ago. I never stick to them and they just made me feel like shit. Don’t need to start the year feeling like a failure!

Honestly though I have a few vague ones...

  1. When planning things remember to allocate time for getting ready, leaving the house and travel time. I often underestimate the time needed for these things.
  1. My cousin and I have made a resolution to be better at keeping in touch. This will actually be a nice one to keep Xmas Smile.
  1. Bit of a jokey / weird one but I have told my line manager (she is nice, it’s the higher up people that are usually more challenging!) that I will make colour coded timetables / plans and show them to her at regular intervals.

What about everyone else? Enthusiastic?

I used to absolutely hate the time after Christmas as a child and before I had my own kids. I loved Christmas so much and was so sad it was over. Now I am a mum and find Christmas prep so stressful I actually love the time after Christmas. All e niceness of Christmas with much less rushing around.

We have a busy week of festive activities coming up so deliberately had a quiet tidying up type day today.

DH is out and I have already done tomorrow’s Tesco order. I plan to have a glass of prosecco and figure out how to find space in the fridge for it Xmas Hmm.

Festive cherry waves to all.

OP posts:
TooStressyTooMessy · 28/12/2019 21:37

StarStarHaloStarStar

Launch pad

Christmas missions

‘We got there in the end Halo

StarStarHaloStarStar

OP posts:
Tinselette1940 · 28/12/2019 23:50

Hope you feel better soon Christmascroissant

ShamblyChristmas · 29/12/2019 00:39

I haven't quite got there yet Xmas Grin and oh dear I fear I will be drummed out of the fledgling nest for being too whingy and not positive enough! Smile

Again, thanks for all the supportive messages! Much appreciated! It's 1 .15 am here and I have just wiped down the tables and put on the fourth dishwasher load of the day after clearing up yet another dinner! Just stopping off to say g'night on my way to bed (as I turn off computer). I started at 8.30 am and basically have only been off my feet today while eating dinner and when I had a 10 min sit down around 5pm. I thought I would get a chance to write more cards/pack more presents (for next week) but the choring took up all the time! At least I did get some alone time though I guess!

Ta da:
wrapped four presents and wrote four cards
cleared dining room tables
tidied tv room
hoovered all downstairs
mopped all downstairs
dusted all of downstairs
carried a load of things downstairs
carried a load of things upstairs
s& s bathroom
shone kitchen sink
cleaned stove top (took ages)
hand washing up (a lot) and put away
dw x 4 (will unload last in morning)
polished silver (again)
wm loads x 4
2 hung up/2 td
cleaned downstairs cloakroom and loo, changed towel etc
sorted leftovers/emptied and sorted and cleaned fridges
watered and revived Christmas flower arrangements
refilled fruit bowls
peeled stacks of potatoes
made salad
made vinaigrette
made mince pies x 2 trays
planned menu for tomorrow (when 4 more will be joining us!)
set tables, prepped, served 3 course dinner and cleared up
rubbish
wms set and loaded for morning

Toostressy I used to rock up to my sister's house with a bottle of wine or less and stay for ages without a thought in the world! Nowadays we stay in a cheapo travel lodge in the vicinity (usually coordinate with dh client visit so we can charge the trip to office) and wouldn't dream of imposing on them for more than three days. Everyone has such busy lives. You sound like you would be a very nice guest to have to stay!

Haven't had time to think about resolutions yet but will enjoy reading everyone else's. Need to lose weight for a family wedding in April so that will be my main focus; as well as fitness.

Glad it went ok Willow you did better than me because I have cried twice so far (not in public).

Glad to see you treated yourself to new trews Zoo and hope sore throat doesn't escalate

So sorry you are feeling ill Chic hope you feel better soon

Well done re: meal planning Hazel

You are flying high KTCluck sorry about seagull bombing though!

I like the sound of your annotated home blessing Tinselette and hope blessing provides the fresh new start you need

Cherry waves to everyone else! And now to zzzzzzzzzz!

Bowerbird5 · 29/12/2019 00:40

Did a bit of cleaning and putting away in the kitchen.
We were invited to a friend’s house for lunch. Stayed quite a while. Lovely lunch. Swapped presents. I had a box of miniature gins with tonic. I like presents like that. They don’t clutter the house.😁 I bought her something for outside.

Got the fire going when we got back and settled down with DH to watch tv. We haven’t achieved much today but it has been lovely and relaxing. I did stick a wash on and washed & sorted the cutters for icing. Must do something tomorrow. The sitting room, kitchen and bathroom are fairly clean and tidy. Need to achieve something in the boudoir. Might attempt a walk out somewhere.
We don’t have many visitors. My sisters occasionally and in the last few months my niece. We’ve occasionally put up people that we know when the snow is bad and they close the roads and motorway. It doesn’t happen very often. We don’t have a spare room so I usually tidy mine and give them that as it means they can get up when they feel like it.

Re sister. I probably confused things by mentioned Her SIL who had lost 10 kilos. I have decided to ignore her. It isn’t difficult as she is 12,000 miles away and we don’t Skype ( heaven forbid) or speak very often. We get on ok. It is my weight and how we live. We relax in our home whereas they have a bit of a show home. They didn’t have any children. They work from home so can have a quick tidy if someone is late. They don’t have to add travelling time either. My journey can be 1 1/2 hrs if I get in the rush hour/ snail pace traffic 🐌

Bowerbird5 · 29/12/2019 00:44

Wow sC you must be exhausted. I think it is a pity your visitors muck in more.

HungryHazelEyes · 29/12/2019 05:35

I agree with bower SC you have been extremely busy and deserve a day off with your feet up and a glass of wine!

Work went well, part-time job so a short shift. Once home I unloaded and loaded dishwasher, wiped counters and washed hand wash dishes. DH dried and we got them all put away. Went to in-laws tonight for dinner so will go home to a clean kitchen.

SC I have to meal prep, keeps costs down, make sure I get everything in I need for dinners. Since I work full time I have no time during the week to do that. I don't usually get anything made beforehand, although this week we're using up leftover ham from Christmas Eve and boxing day.

TooStressyTooMessy · 29/12/2019 07:20

Oh no SC, I feel bad for changing the links now! When do all your visitors finally leave then? Is it decided it will be after New Year? Could you stage an intervention and say people have to help you?

OP posts:
Tinselette1940 · 29/12/2019 07:27

Gosh SC that's all a lot 😲. I'm bewildered just reading that list. Rope others in to help.

IVEgotthetinselBITCHES · 29/12/2019 08:01

Some very busy people on here!

I have an essay due on Thursday which i have done very little of the work for again so that needs to be a focus for me i think

3 yo DS is under the weather Sad

House is semi decent

Ta da

Dryer on
Made notes on what essay needs to cover

foxessocks · 29/12/2019 10:16

Morning everyone! Sorry I've been reading the thread but not getting round to writing much! Hope you are all okay and enjoying holidays (if you are on holiday!) SC you don't sound like yours is much of a holiday though Sad

We have been so busy, it's been fun but I'm starting to feel like I don't want to socialise anymore!

This mornings feeble ta das so far...
Dishwasher emptied and reloaded
Sides wiped
Washing hung up / more on
Sorted out some of dd's craft stuff she has created the last few days (keychains and other random stuff that.you hang up Confused)

ShamblyChristmas · 29/12/2019 10:23

Oh don't feel bad Toostressy we did all get there in the end (wrt Christmas anyway) didn't we !!!??? Xmas GrinXmas GrinXmas Grin This thread has been a godsend and kept me going and you have been amazing to keep posting links throughout Flowers

It's 11.03 here and I've only just woken up Xmas Shock so I feel slightly more human now! Everyone else has slept in too (apart from DH who has been up for an hour). And remember I only have one teen, only work a very few hrs outside the home per week (although that will be changing in Jan) so in a way this is my "job" ifyswim. Having said all of that, NYs still up in the air. DH and I spoke last night. I'm not happy about it as DD and I rarely get to spend time alone with DH when he is not working (when he is a different person) and he needs the rest.

Anyway, it's a realky gorgeous, sunny day here so I am going to take advantage and get out of the house for a bit and walk a furry. Also need to pick up ingreds for big "finale" dinner tonight! Also need to get some tiny presents for the teen girls who will be coming (friends of DD).

I'm with you on the meal planning Hazel it's so less stressful when you know what is for dinner and I hate food waste.

Glad you had a relaxing day Bower you deserve it and are always doing things for others Flowers

Oh no, your poor 3 yr old I've just when you were all free of lurgy!
Hope it doesn't develop in to anything worse and that he recovers quickly. Good luck with essay!

Things have been quite surreal here. Wish I could write more about it but can't. It's certainly been an interesting Christmas! Xmas Wink. One I won't forget in a hurry!

Have a good day everyone!

ShamblyChristmas · 29/12/2019 10:26

I know the feeling Foxes! Xmas Grin 👋

ChristmasCroissant · 29/12/2019 11:25

I am feeling more human today and the world isn't spinning quite as much as it did yesterday every time I attempted to get upright - brilliant! Kitchen needs some serious work now, though!

TooStressyTooMessy · 29/12/2019 13:24

Glad you are feeling better today Christmas.

foxes, we were given a lot of arts and crafts stuff for the kids to do this Christmas. I am grateful but I know some people will have had an evil smile on their face as they were buying / gifting them. I particularly hate sewing... this is well known and they got loads of sewing kits!

Good luck with essay Ive. Amazing that you are studying at this time of year and with kids to look after.

Sounds intriguing SC!

Cherry waves to all.

We have just been ice skating Xmas Grin. Was fab. Hoping to do some tidying in DDs’ rooms this afternoon but not sensing much enthusiasm for this.

OP posts:
Tinselette1940 · 29/12/2019 13:31

Good luck with your essay I've.

⛸️❄️🏒🛷⛸️⛸️⛸️ Toostressy sounds fun!!

IWillWearTheGreenWillow · 29/12/2019 13:59

Afternoon all! I managed a lie in til 8am (I usually wake up at about 6.15) so I must have been tired from yesterday!

SC, you really do need a rest or your body will force one on you (wags finger). Hope your "interesting" Christmas has been ok and your DH agrees to spend time with you and DD.

Bower, glad you got a day off and have decided to ignore your sister!
Christmas, great you're feeling better and the world is spinning less.
Tinselette, loving the sound of the actual Home Blessing, hope it brings peace.
I'VE, good luck with the essay, hope your 3 year old is feeling better.
foxes it sounds like we all need a quiet day with our feet up to get over the Holiday Season.
Stressy, ice skating sounds brilliant. I'll swap sewing with your DC for skating with mine? (which I really loathe as my balance is appalling) Grin

I've reached the point where I'm never quite certain what day it is, and I am very full of cheese.

Ta Das (but bear in mind it is 2pm!)

  • DW emptied, reloaded and run x2
  • paper cracker tat etc cleared off table and recycled / binned as neccessary
  • table cloth etc washed
  • 2 x clothes washes (and a third to come)
  • 3 x washes from previous days sorted / handed out
  • cloakroom S&S
  • utility room rejigged to account for xmas food eaten
  • fridge emptied, "catalogued", sorted roughly into meals and repacked
  • kitchen floor swept and mopped
  • lunch achieved with DS2 and DS3.

Now sitting down with a coffee and MN as I am definitely having today off!

Stilllivinginazoo · 29/12/2019 15:46

I am certain I've no idea of the day,and cheese is my biggest food groupXmas Blush

Christmas glad things stopped spinning.when D's had labrynthitis(sp?)it was awful for himFlowers

Little zoo visiting a friend
Cat poo ended up on landing carpet courtesy of a human hair in poo attatch kitty bum.wasnt spotted and stepp down staircarpet(only place in effing house that is carpeted) and schlepped into living room and kitchen..
I wondered why I could smell poo...
All lower floors scrubbed with zoflora,stair carpet seems unmarked bar one splodge so ive cleaned that and sprayed disinfectant spray
3loads washing done

I seriously need work on rehoming Xmas gifts,but had bad night dd2 anxiety and my own for some reasonand feel really worn out!

Tinselette1940 · 29/12/2019 17:51

I am full of manchego cheese greenwillow

Ugh that's just grim zoo - just awful
Would bicarb help with the pong?

TooStressyTooMessy · 29/12/2019 17:57

Oh no zoo.

Mmmmmm manchego cheese.

Had a bland tea of omelette with potato wedges, celery and peppers. A proper Christmas tea using up what was in the fridge!

OP posts:
TooStressyTooMessy · 29/12/2019 18:41

Useful organisation thread here

OP posts:
Tinselette1940 · 29/12/2019 19:48

I like Diane in Denmark's tip of using gold/silver or brown paper wrapping all year around. Must do that - paper for every occasion.