Swooping into September - Flylady fledglings assemble!

[MogTheSleepyCat]

First of all, a big thank you to SingToTheSky for leading us through the August thread, (you can park your mop and hang up your duster now)

If you are struggling 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 support and chatter along the way.

The FlyLady link is here . Don't be put off by the twee language of the site – we all agree that the underlying system is very effective.

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 something 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 again next month.

It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be swamped with marketing nonsense. 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 minutes a day decluttering in the current zone
• reinforce baby steps 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.

There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:

• No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one.
• You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
• It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

If you are new; then trying to spend 15mins decluttering daily and doing the baby steps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names) can have scary looking ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you. Do what you can, anything is better than nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

If all else fails, a + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders.

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t. Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome.

SingToTheSky put together a glossary of the many weird and might-seem-a-bit-cliquey terms. We have been going a long time but we always love newbies - hopefully this list will help you settle in.

KCC - the Keep Calm Corner, invented by our lovely Fledgling SC back in March, where the OP posts nice diverting links, memes, questions etc to distract us from the pandemic.

Ta Da - instead of a to do list (which is of course welcome too) we often post our achievements, with accompanying jazz hands, in order to celebrate the positives, however small they seem! Sometimes if we want to share an embarrassed giggle/commiserations we also post a ta didn’t - the stuff we didn’t get done!

BRC - Bag/Box of Random Crap. These are usually formed when we are panic tidying and shove anything in “to sort later” which is also known as a stash and dash .

Power of Three or PO3 - the idea that if you’re feeling really unmotivated/overwhelmed by your to do list, you just choose three things to do, and then post when you’ve done them.

DLMS - didn’t lose my shit - in other words, somehow stayed relatively calm despite a stressful day!

SS/S&S - Swish and Swipe - this is one of the key parts of the morning routine, a quick once over of the bathroom.

And a few basics:
LOL - load of laundry
WM - washing machine
TD - tumble dryer
DW - dishwasher
HSL - hallway, stairs, landing

Thanks up :) just got back from town, was pretty hectic as so busy there and we ended up, against my better judgment, trying the new playground in town. It’s wonderful but soooo busy! Anyway managed to get through the errands with only one bribe at the end 😂 DS was very helpful bless him but it’s quite hard to look after him at times as he gets so distracted and anxious in busy places too due to his ASD.

Dancing I really wish I knew how I remembered stuff. I often do forget things, but in reality my head is always spinning with the gazillions of things I need to keep track of!

Right, time to get the pizza out of the oven. Hungry and tired!

We did end up going out for dinner last night, power was back on when we got home. It seemed to have rained overnight which we desperately needed and settled down a lot of the smoke.

My plan for today is to get decorating for autumn, I'm excited for that. I'm not planning anything else yet as ILs might need my help with a fence. I'll try to check back later with ta das and personals.

Hey all, the weathers was so lovely today so I decided to go for a picnic in Stratford-Upon-Avon. I invited the kids dad so picked him up on the way there. It was a beautiful day and there weren’t too many people out so I felt quite safe. We ate the picnic and then walked into the town, we saw Shakespeare’s birth place but we didn’t go in, there were lots of people dressed in Harry Potter robes and hats, I think some sort of convention going on, but the DC loved seeing them. Then we stopped off at the Christmas shop and got some Christmas cards with the DC’s names. They had some beautiful knitted Peruvian cardigans for the kids, but I couldn’t afford them. The ex came back home with us so got the paddling pool and hose out now to cool down as it is so hot here. Pics attached of DS’s wet footprints and DD spraying him😂. Ex is going to get some chips for tea but he can pay. I’ve ate so crap this week.

Lovely photo ed, hope DD feels okay today!

Thank you mc, she did really well yesterday so hopefully that will continue into the week. And thank you! They can be cute sometimes.

hazel to be fair to them they will sit nicely if I put on a film or show they like. There have been days where we’ve had peppa on all day so they would be quiet. Very scary about the storm, stay safe❤️

Its so annoying THAT, I’m so thankful there’s been no cases at our schools yet.

up it is so difficult isn’t it, I really am so anxious about another full lockdown. As you say, at least childcare is sorted!. And thank you!

Welcome ello!

Thank you dancing!

Enjoy your pizza sing, glad to hear you had help doing the errands.

Will post ta da’s tonight.

Tada
All shopping put away
20minute necessary nap
Load wash done
More in
Washed lower floors

Can you believe I took dd2 over local nature reserve to calm and pick up conkers?!my hips killing me.her phones saying we did over 25,000 steps today,but it's inaccurate by over an hour of time spent walking

Tea will be easiest thing I can find!

ta da
Made beds
Got DC ready
Got ready
S&S
LOL
Fed pets
Made breakfast
Cleaned out animals cages
Washed up from breakfast
Put washing on line
Hoovered whole house as was getting grubby
Dusted
Went to Stratford
Got home
Picked up poo
Wiped down table
Washed up from chips
Tidied playroom
Plumped sofa
Brought washing in
Put away
Sorted through DC’s backpacks we took to Stratford
Put away their things
Bleached wash cloths
Bathed DC
Ex put DC to bed
Put dirty clothes in washing basket
Saw Ex off
Washed water bottles, filled them up and put them in fridge for tomorrow
Showered
Washed face
Washed down bath, sink and toilet
Made cup of tea
Settled down watching bgt

zoo that's quite a hike you've done! And that's on top of your epic ta das. Hats off to you!

Orange you ta da list looks impressive. Looks like you had a fun day!

Hazel what autumn decorations are you putting up?

Today has been my day without housework (other than usual morning and evening routines), so no Ta Da from me.

A bit of a rant/thoughts out loud coming up.

Today is one of my best friend's birthday, and although I feel a bit sad I couldn't make it to her small birthday bash (I am a bit over cautious with coronavirus at the moment. She understood), they dialled me in on a video call. Was really good to see my two closest friends, as between working from home and this pandemic I haven't seen them in too long.
I am a bit rattled by a comment my friend made today. Just a bit of a background: weight and body image have always been sensitive topics for me, before getting pregnant I was very thin and toned. This pregnancy I've gained quite a bit of weight. I have a big bump (which I love), but the other bits like bigger butt/thighs/face/arms not so much, plus I am getting a bit of swelling now, so not exactly a pretty sight. Today my friend said "I am so happy to finally see you fat". I realise they've been drinking by the time I joined in on video, and I am sure she didn't mean anything nasty by it, but I feel so rotten after this comment. My DH has been amazing at not mentioning the weight, and saying/doing all the right things to make me feel attractive (even though that's not how I feel).
Yes, once the baby is out I will go on a diet and exercise regime of some sort and I will get back to my pre-pregnancy size, but that comment just floored me.

So I will be sulking in the haughty corner with my decaf until I feel better.

Mc that is such a shitty comment! :( I don’t know what it is about friends’ weight that makes some women (sexist I know but from reading threads it is mostly women) eager to cut others down?! 🤔 I’ve not experienced it myself but then the last time I was slim and toned I was probably about 7 😳😂 - but in my friendship group we are all different sizes and everyone is supportive, as it should be. You’re growing an entire person! It’s a lot of change for you and it’s worth it but it’s also ok to struggle with that change 💐

Glad to have got through the day, it’s been long and I’ve mostly watched crap on YouTube since getting home TBH. DH is really struggling from the long day at work - it’s sad that a not quite three year old knows when to ask “are you in pain daddy” :(

Links for Sunday 20th September

There are no mission as it is the weekend – hurrah!

Baby step 20 is include a load of laundry in your daily routines

Habit of the month is Before Bed Routine

The focus for Sundays is to Renew your spirit

Apologies for being so absent from the thread - work is crazy, stupid busy and I am doing ridiculously long hours. Will try to catch up by tomorrow

Mc- Sending you a massive hug.

You are growning a baby, its one of the most beautiful things in the world to do. I bet you look bloody beautiful!
Don't take on that friends rude comment. I always thought the most important thing was that the baby grows healthy and well.
Try to focus on positive energy for you and your baby.

Oh God MC - friend needs their head wobbled. Maybe they meant 'to see you fully blooming' but put in a really stupid drunk way. It's mostly water retention. And if you breast feed that gobbles up loads of calories. Just enjoy it all - you're almost there. Lovely squishy newborn cuddles.

I've been to Shakespeare's house too orange. Really enjoyed Stratford. God it's so long ago now!

mog you're doing fine. Hope you get some time to yourself this weekend. Husband and I cleaned the house properly today. And the entire family had baths. That's us done for a year 😂. And we watched an episode of Inspector Morse. Ironing done and everything. Fry up for dinner. Perfect day 😁

mog we bumble along as long as links are posted!you doing great!.
MCwere it not for covid restrictions id come bang their heads together.not cool at allfwiw bums get bigger to balance front weight of bumps/bigger boobs so we don't topple forwards all the time
Maybe a touch jealousy sneaked out with the drink?growing babies is an amazing job.love your body and what it's doing❤️

Tonight's insomnia is bought to you by the song "nothings guna stop us now"FFS
I expected decent rest given amount walking did yesterday and lack sleep night before that

Oh mc that's awful what she said! Would she normally say something so callous or could it be the alcohol that's impairing her choice of words? Either way try not to let it get to you, although I know that's hard to do.
I put up a garland, along with a chalkboard sign that I made, I change that periodically to something new. I'll add a pic. I also have some ceramic pumpkins I add to the decor a little bit, plus put up a wreath on the back door that we use all the time, and a metal sunflower on the front door. That'll be it for a few weeks until I can go all out for Halloween 🎃

zoo don't forget to stretch when you get done walking a fair bit, it might help although sounds like it's more joint related. That sounds painful.

Sing I hope DH is feeling better soon. Is there anything he can do/ avoid to have less pain?

Mog don't you worry about being dedicated to the links, you're doing a fantastic job especially with keeping busy at work.

lisette that sounds like a perfect day to me. I haven't watched inspector Morse in forever!

Ta Das:
🌻 Sorted mail from kitchen table (a Hotspot)
🌻 LOL x1 - towels (that actually got washed twice as they didn't smell clean and fresh the first time - they sat in the washer too long)
🌻 Spent too much at the grocery store buying random stuff we really didn't need, will still need to do proper shop tomorrow
🌻 Sorted out cds that we no longer want. DS asked why don't we keep some, so I asked him when we listened to a cd last. He couldn't tell me! I haven't listened to a cd for well over a decade.
🌻 Decorated for autumn 🍂
🌻 Had ILs over tonight for dinner. I made Tuscan salmon with roasted cauliflower. DD made a dip for fruit and we bought angel cake to go with it.
🌻 rotated DW x3!
🌻 cleaned kitchen floor
🌻 wiped surfaces and sink
🌻 cleaned kitchen window inside
🌻 wiped front of washer & dryer
🌻 wiped kitchen bin

I'm tired now. I was wide awake a little while ago as I had a 3rd cup of coffee late this afternoon. It hasn't been stressful, I felt productive and I even got to sleep in a little bit.

🍒👋 to everyone

I forgot the picture!

Morning all,

Thank you for the comments about DCat (who jumped on me at 6am, thanks DCat). She is gorgeous but does like a human to sit on whether the human wants her to or not. Also DD who was right as rain again yesterday.

I did quite a a bit of decluttering and paper pile sorting yesterday, menu planning plus online shopping order, plus 1x LOL and nagged DH into doing his ironing - he had a pile of at least 20 tops to do, he lets it all mount up but it gets in the way.

Today I have to go and fetch click and collect shopping, have a sort out of the fridge rather than just chuck it all in. Not sure after that. Feeling a bit twitchy about the whole covid thing again, as it seems is everyone else.

Ello - welcome! We only have one bathroom. I use toilet duck and loo brush in the bowl, then spray and wipe with loo roll them flush. For the basin and bath I have a big heavy duty sponge which tackles toothpaste and soap, I don't use it every day but it gets squeezed out and left to dry in a bathroom cabinet, for every day I use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe the basin, mirror and taps, it only gets slightly damp from the basin surface so I just fold it and put it away again, changing it once every few days. I don't S&S every single day, especially now we're all back at school and work.

That - sorry you are homeschooling again, that really is rubbish.

Mc - I'm not surprised you're rattled by that comment, sounds as though someone is jealous of your normally slim self.

Morning all! It feels very autumnal here this morning.

I love the idea of decorating for autumn Hazel (and the chalk board looks lovely). I read a thread on here recently about making the house cozy for autumn. We need to sweep out the log burner and get some wood, and I fancy some sort of garland for the mantelpiece.

Mog you’re doing great with the links, thanks for keeping me on track

Mc that was a bit of a shitty comment from your friend, I bet she’s kicking herself this morning. I think it says more about how she feels about herself than how you’re actually looking though. I actually got to my dream weight by the time DD was about 6 months with little effort, much slimmer than pre-pregnancy unfortunately I piled it back on when I stopped breastfeeding and ate too much cake but thats my own fault and we won’t talk about it

Lisette that does sound like a perfect day! And well done on being so productive. Hope you’re relaxing and enjoying your lovely clean house today.

ED I need to take a leaf out of your book and do some meal planning today. Well done on the decluttering and paperwork sorting.

Glad the trip to town went ok Sing.

Zoo I hope you aren’t too sore after all the walking yesterday. Sorry you haven’t slept well again but I am entertained by the randomness of your ear worms

Yesterday’s ta das:
✅ LOL washed, line dried (haven’t had anyone to look at the TD yet ) and put away
✅ kitchen wiped down
✅ downstairs dusted, hoovered, mopped

Was going to hoover the stairs too but DH had taken DD down to the beach after lunch and I happened to look out the window and they looked like they were having much more fun than me, so I joined them. We had a good few hours down there and nicely tired DD out.

We then couldn’t be bothered with a barbecue so had frozen pizza and salad for tea. We shared a bottle of wine once DD was in bed, and managed a good chat about future plans - the extension, financial stuff etc. We’ve decided to get the hall rolling with plans, quotes, planning permission etc next year .

This morning I’ve got a bit of a fuzzy head but dragged myself up at 8 with DD. We’ve had breakfast and there’s an LOL in. I’ve filled the sink with water but the dishes seem to just be soaking at present . Today I will meal plan, shop, iron, and re-mop the living room floor as it is a bit sticky from who knows what. I’m also going to make a crumble with the apples from our tree.

Enjoy your sundays everyone!

Morning all. I am still in bed 😳 yesterday really took it out of me it seems! Thankfully some of my to do list can be done from here:
📌sort meds for the week
📌home ed stuff for the week and beyond (ideally I want to fully sort more than a week at a time)
📌sort clean laundry

Ladies, you are truly amazing. Thank you for all your kind words 😘😘😘 I feel a lot better today.

Hazel oh, I like the chalk board idea! I might borrow that one 😬

Mog you are doing a fab job! I hope you manage to catch your breath a bit this weekend before jumping into a chaos head first on Monday.

Ello Hi 👋👋 we got one bathroom. My bathroom S&S consists of spraying daily shower spray thing after every shower (I don't wipe it down) and putting bleach down the loo. That's daily. Then every other day I just do quick once over on whichever bit looks the grubbiest - mirrors (window cleaner spray and kitchen roll), quick sink once over (bathroom cleaner and a microfibre cloth which is then dried in the utility room and washed once or twice a week). Once a week I do a bathroom blitz anyway, so not much really needs done between those.

Zoo Insomnia is a pain. Lots of coffee your way ☕☕☕

ED I am very glad DD is back to her normal self.

Sing sending strength to your DH. It's really tough ploughing through chronic pain.

Up beach day out sounds awesome! I love outings like that. Beach days out and a soft swirly ice-cream in a cone 🤤
And very impressive planning with action plans in place. I need to take a leaf out of your book.

I could’ve sworn I posted my list last night.

ta da from Saturday
🪐poked DD1 about chores, homework and getting ready for ballroom/street dance
🚀added some laundry to DD1’s and later to dryer
👽printed and signed form for dancing and added note about the fact DD1 may struggle with masks
🛸walked to town
🪐got cash and broke it up to get the right amount for ballroom fees, saw DD1 onto the bus
🚀bought Cagletini some leggings using Boots points (she spent so much time naked in lockdown I forgot she didn’t have that many clothes for nursery!)
👽tried new playground
🛸Asda for a quick top up shop (easy stuff for today)
🪐walked home via local park

Pretty much vegetated the entire evening after that!

I’m still in bed but have antiprocrastinated and done some admin etc. Must actually get up now though. DD1 wants to go out again but is quite amenable to the rules of getting everything done before she goes out - she’s done some history revision with DH and then came up to me for maths. It is so hard to know how much to help with maths though - I do have issues with all maths work being online (even before the pandemic - I do understand why it’s safer under current rules) - all they see is a correct or wrong answer, not the working out behind it. I’ve asked for contact info for the teacher though.

Thanks for the kind comments re DH - I’m not really sure if he sees much pattern other than doing too much. It’s more predictable with me, but then I have had longer to get used to my conditions. He has a few different things interacting in ways that doctors don’t even seem to understand (mainly osteoporosis and degenerative disc disease but past injury issues too) but they are trying a procedure next month where they burn away some of the problem nerve? Eeeek.

Right, must get up and discuss various things with DH. I was hoping to go to the gym today but that’s not happening. At least I still used the centre twice this week (yoga and aqua fit) so I don’t feel I’m going backwards, I’m building up to four times a week (one each of yoga class, aqua fit class, gym session and swimming session). Pretty sure I’m due on today which is probably not helping!

Sing Hopefully them doing the nerve treatment will help DH, it does sound scary, although if they didn't think it would work (or at least help) they wouldn't offer it. Hopefully your cramps ease up soon. adds extra chocolate to naughty corner and some Fluffy pillows

Thank you for the kind words re decorating. I do love this time of year when the weather changes and the leaves turn orange, although not so much when it gets really cold.
Not much done today yet other than skyping my mum and rewriting a list for Costco. I have to go today, I'm working on my 2nd cup of coffee right now so I can be ready to leave. We have spent the last hour and a half chasing and zapping flies. I've lost count but probably at least 20 have been killed, and more keep showing up. Nothing makes me cringe more and make me feel my house is dirty, even though I know it really isn't.

up I'm very jealous of your beach day. We haven't had one of those since we last visited UK in 2016 😭 I love the sea air.

Hiya all! I’m really tired today, why are the weekends so short? I’m sorting out things for the week, need to get the uniform ready. I’ve started putting it all out for the week, with pants and socks just so it’s easier in the morning. DM and Dgran have come for Sunday Lunch, it’s a nice break for me as the kids are all over them.

Thank you mc I had a lovely day!. I’m sorry about your friends comment. You’re growing a baby, that’s an incredible thing and your body is incredible for doing it. Please don’t let it get to you, I’m sure you look beautiful!

Don’t apologise mog!

We go there quite often lisette, I love it there. Next time I’ll go into the houses, they’re so interesting. It sounds like you’ve had a lovely day.

Lovely decs hazel, I’ll attach some pics of mine. I love decorating for autumn.

zoo I hope you aren’t too sore! I’m sorry you didn’t manage to sleep.

sing I’m sorry your DH isn’t well. I hope the procedure helps.

Your beach day sounds lovely up!

Have blurred out pics