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

Morning!

Yak at having to go back to work That. Hope it doesn’t make you miserable this time around.

Well done on the bake sale Bower!

Thanks for the link Lisette. I was eye rolling at your DH and then read he likes ironing. I’d forgive DH of pretty much anything if he’d get the ironing board out once in a while . I used to struggle with risotto (there were some disasters) but then I cracked it with this recipe and I’ve never looked back. Simple and tasty.

Loving all the meal planning ideas. We tend to do chicken x 2 veggie x2 and fish/red meat x 3 as a rough guide then work round that.

Hope DS is feeling better soon Orange. And yours too Sing

There was very lazy weekend in our house. I managed a grocery shop, and did the downstairs home bleurgh while DH took DD to the park. Sunday none of us left the house but I did read a full book. We had a roast cooked by DH but I was inexplicably exhausted by 6pm and didn’t even manage the full clean up. We both went to bed leaving a tip in the living room. I did sort some birthday presents and find a replacement basket for DD’s toys in the living room though. The wicker one we were using had gone really stinky . Not sure what’s happened to it, it’s just a general musty smell. Has anyone else had this issue? I don’t think anything has been spilt on it. I got all uniform etc washed but after all my wise words to Sing I did none of my usually Sunday prep. Not working Monday at the minute means it’s fine to do it today instead though.

This morning’s ta das:
✅ beds aired and made
✅ LOL in
✅ s & s
✅ fed cats and people (DH left for work at 5:30)
✅ set a two minute timer and convinced DD it was a really fun game to see how much of the living room we could tidy before it beeped. It worked
✅ kitchen is put back together
✅ pork mince out of the freezer for ragu, and broth mix soaking for work lunches.
✅ financial stuff done (it’s pay day 🥳)

Need to:
📌 hang out the washing
📌 wrap up warm and head out for a breezy autumnal walk
📌 upstairs home bleurgh
📌 wrap birthday things
📌 get DD to make a couple of birthday cards
📌 make ragu, soup and overnight oats
📌 ironing, future friending, planning and reflecting (didn’t do that yesterday either)

Right, best get moving. After watching “The Social
Dilemma” on Netflix on Saturday night I have deleted my facebook app and I’m not wasting time on my phone during the day. Back tonight. Happy flying all!

Oh and very impressive log store Hazel! Hope you aren’t too sore today.

sing, orange hope little ones feeling better. Upholder thank you for the risotto recipe 💐. Home bleurgh this morning. It is cold up here today. Brrrrrrrr 🌿🍂🐿️🥜🌰🎃 lovely wood stack hungryhazel. Foxes wishing you a good day.

Bower well done on the cakes. I hope you are feeling okay. I've had to leave jobs that really weren't working out, sometimes when there's been a lot of aggro. Some situations just can't be fixed. Allow yourself some hibernation for the rest of this year. Greenwellies congrats on the anniversary. We are twenty years married next June. Speaking of which, under careful supervision he has contacted the local sparky to detail what we need to have done.

Orange- hope your DS is ok and recovers soon. Hope Dgran spoils him rotten with lots of hugs.

Mc- bump painting sounds so cool and special!

Sing- i have made sure i washed and dried the DC clothes. Got 5 hangers for each child. I have place all clothes down to top, leggings, dress, vest, pants and socks onto the hanger to stop me having to frantically find clothes. I think in will do it for my self too. I am trying to cope and trying to learn to be more organised so I dont just turn into a puddle of tears.

Up- thank you, I am going to try that overnight oats idea now! I must stop eating bread.

That- i am sorry you have to go back to somewhere you dont want to work.

Foxes- Welldone for being recognised that you did all that extra work- I hope the flowers where pretty

Cin- you sound so organised!

Lisette- soo funny how you explained you dh!

Wellies- you have so much going on, i feel dizzy.

Bower- Your cake stall sounds lovely and Its great you sold so many!
I am sad you had to resign, as I say repeatedly, we are losing the most caring and kind staff. Its not right, our children should be with staff who are kind, caring and love being with the children.

I have been trying to stay off MN to try and get house chores done. My kitchen looks more like a kitchen rather than a bomb site. Dh and myself have done tiny tidying ups everytime we went into the kitchen.

I have been leaving the kids with family and going on bike rides in the park. Its helped my mental health getting away from the house and never ending chores. I feel more refreshed and happier getting on with the house. I am back on the pumpkins seeds and feel more perkier.

If anyone has got any tips or advice on what to do about parking outside school. Seen a car reverse into parents and children. Its shocking and upsetting. I feel like I have to do something, I dont want to see children getting injured. Going to compose email to school. Are there any help organisations?
Thanks. Cherry waves to anyone I missed. And sorry if i have got any names mixed up as i am on my phone and its not letting me scroll up. (Off to do overnight oats.)

Morning all! Just on the bus to town having been for my first swim in at least six months. Felt sooo good to be back in!

The app is Habitica which I’ve tried briefly a few years ago on the iPad but I’ve now got it on my phone and understand it a bit more. It’s a bit nerdy-gamey :o as you get or lose points :o but I like the layout and the fact it’s divided into habits, daily tasks and one off “to do” tasks which you can put deadlines, checklists etc in.

Hope little one feels better and isn’t sick anymore orange 😫 dealing with puke is one of my most dreaded parenting duties.

Dancing I am trying to cope and trying to learn to be more organised so I dont just turn into a puddle of tears. Oh my. That is very relatable! So much to keep track of and juggle isn’t there?! It’s overwhelming. I must say it’s one of the reasons I love this thread so much though, I know I’m not alone! I don’t understand people who can just stay on top of this housework, life admin malarkey! At least on here we all understand it isn’t easy. 💐

Sing- thats why I love this thread too.

Wonderful you went for a swim, Sing.
Weldone for going and doing things for you.

I have finally caught up. DH is on the computer so I didn’t see why I shouldn’t be too.

There were quite a few resigned in the last two years. Some were given a handshake ( generous offer) to go. We are all staff that have been there a long time so therefore expensive. I was at the top of my scale as were several teachers. I had a chat over cake buying and she said it isn’t the calm, wonderful place I was lead to believe. Still problems and some other staff thinking of going. Another off with stress. This makes me feel better and that I have done the right thing. She is also relieved that she is leaving. She has been there 22 years and I had been there quite a few years more. Part of the problem was that I wasn’t nice to the children which is rubbish. Loads of the kids love me. They know I will tell them off if they had been misbehaving but I talk to them later and we chat about how things can be made better and give them strategies to help them. Someone told her something which hasn’t been disclosed to me and was just brought up at the last meeting. I think I know who and she is a favourite now. She believes that person. She hasn’t been there long and has caused trouble in the past. I am feeling better this morning. I am not looking for another job as I was worried about Covid and my health as I have asthma and an erratic immune system. So I will take the rest of this year off.

Wellies. They are not making me cake. I suddenly realised I hadn’t asked them for a donation so if they donate some money I will make them a cake of there choice. DS1 will probably chose Barm Brack as it keeps and he can take it with him for snack when fell walking. DS2 might chose carrot cake.

I can’t find salmon recipe but will put it on when I find it.

ED great glad you like them. We have the 110i. After choosing the model you then have to chose the colour! We went for sage but I did like the aubergine too. We bought a new one but Skipton centre have recondition ones that look like new. They have a lot if you are anywhere near. I made fantastic roast Tatties last night. It cooks from the bottom so you have to get your head around that. It does take longer to heat to higher temperatures than they say. You just need to remember to put it on earlier if you want it over 200. There is a Facebook page one they run and another that someone else started which is great for recipes, tips and animal pictures. As it is on most of the time it gives a lovely warmth through the house. Ours is a cottage so three rooms link through. We open the door at night and it is not so chilly in the morning. We haven’t lit the Woodburner yet though it is getting near. We usually wait until October. Our kitchen is roughly 15x12’ and the back door is there. It is lovely and cosy when you walk in whereas it was always chilly in winter. Good luck with your choice. We took a while.

Our menus are loose.

Monday - left overs if we had a Roast
Tuesday- fish
Wednesday- veggie
Thursday- meat
Friday- Fish often fish pie, salmon or occasionally fish shop.
Saturday - veggie
Sunday- Roast or Shepherd’s Pie, casserole

Oh meant to say loved the Electrician story.🤣🤩

I think it's between the 100i and 110i Bower and probably one of the blues (not the teal). Our kitchen is a similar size but as well as a back door it has French windows so we are a bit short of counter/storage space but I don't want to get rid of either set of doors. We also sit in there to eat so we need either table and chairs or island, plus the WM (no utility). So quite a bit to juggle. They had 4 models at the showroom we went to, we don't plan to do this till next year so we will go back a bit nearer the time I think.

That’s what we were between. Is it the new(ish) pale blue. It reminded me of vintage colours. We also have a big pine table for six. WM is next to our door and integrated which I like. No utility either but drier and small freezer are in the shed.

EDHere are some before and after. We are still waiting for the tiles.

Very nice. I like the green range. Husband is cooking roast dinner. Today I cleaned the kitchen cupboard doors and the washing machine drawer etc.

So pretty bower!

I haven’t done much except making a card for someone, and doing one of Cagletini’s new jigsaws (I may have hit the charity shops today) :) swimming really tired me out! DH had a rough night so he went to bed when I got in. So it’s good that DD1 didn’t have dancing, even if that was because I’d forgotten to book early enough 😳.

I definitely need to write up some of my assignment this evening.

Thanks.

I have found it!

Salmon and vegetable fried rice from WW.

Serves 4

1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 red pepper, sliced
200g (7oz) baby sweet corn
200g(7oz) sugar snap peas
200g (7oz) long grain rice, cooked.
45g (11/2oz) Pak Choi
200g(7oz) cold cooked, hot smoked salmon, flaked
4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1-2tbsp soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime

1. Heat sunflower oil in a large wok. Add the red pepper, sweet corn and sugar snap peas, fry for two minutes. Add the rice and cook through.
2. Stir in the park Choi, flaked salmon, sweet chilli sauce and soy sauce, and heat for 2 more mins.

Squeeze over the lime juice just before serving. Tip) Cook the rice the night before and chill in fridge.

I am not keen on reheating rice but I do use those vacuum packed rice occasionally and I had a lime and coriander one so I used that which makes it very easy. I also bought a marked down bit of salmon so I did half and half hot smoked and fresh salmon.
Per serving
344cals, 6g fat, 0.8g sat fat, 50g carbs.

It was really quick to make and it was delicious.

Stripped bed.
LOL
Fed hens
Vacuumed

Had a migraine/ aura and couldn’t see so I have a quiet day. Didn’t have anything to eat until tonight. Had slice of gammon, pineapple and poached eggs which were perfect. Probably a bit of stress.

That sounds lovely bower I’ve screenshot the recipe, thanks. Sorry about the migraine, wouldn’t be at all surprised if that’s the build up of stress! DD1 used to get migraines from stress, just like DH did (in fact, he got them right up until we got together #clearlythebestwife #smug) - exactly the same progression every time. I’m actually surprised she’s not ended up having them again lately, but I think she is better able to leave the bad situations (or hit back!) which is preventing the stress escalating, compared to when she was younger and would be very much a deer in headlights.

Would love some ideas for my soup maker please? It’s one of those that cooks and blends a soup in 22min from scratch. So I could chop the veg in the morning before an exercise class, then when I get back I could wash hands, bung it in and it would be ready as soon as I’ve showered. I’ve used it for carrot, and a curried carrot and parsnip I think... leek and potato was not as good as what I make myself :o I guess really I can just shove anything in there.

That recipe sounds tasty Bower, thanks. Hope the migraine is shifting. Your kitchen looks lovely and I love the colour you chose. The walls in my kitchen are a similar shade.

Hope you like the oats Dancing.

Too future friending Wellies

Yay for the swimming Sing.

I’ve had a busy but successful day. Managed all of my to do list (I know , didn’t know it was possible ), a nice walk with DD this morning, some playtime with her this afternoon and I’ve future friended my little pants off. Currently sat with a hot chocolate and my planner. The house is tidy and I am organised for my 4 work days. I even did a bit of proper cleaning in zone 5 - pulled the sofas out, decluttered some toys and decrumbed under the sofa cushions. I will try and keep up with the thread but it’s more likely I will burst in and collapse in a dishevelled heap on Friday, gin in hand. I’m expecting a busy week . Night all!

Bower- your new kitchen looks beautiful! I am drooling over your lovely green range...wow.

Sing- i make a fab butternut squash soup in the soupmaker. I roast big chunks of butternut squash and carrots in oven for 25mins.
Then put it all into the soup maker with a veg stock. Its a lovely filling, comforting soup. Its a weight watchers recipe that I tweeked alittle bit.

Sing I made a sweet potato, carrot, leek and red lentil one the other day, that was chunky and tasty.

Up- weldone for being organised at being your 'FF' its so good what you have done!

TaDa
Drank tea at exactly the right temperature
got out of bed to see S2 off
downloaded track & trace app
hoovered lounge while H was out
exercise class
lol - including spare room bedding (sob)
made lunch
interim shop
took recyclable-with-bags plastic to the bag recycling
got three BagsForLife replaced
made cauliflower cheese
melted coffee jelly and stirred some sugar into it

TaDidn't
most of the ToDo list

H is watching the Dune miniseries now (he and S1 are very excited over the forthcoming film. I'm less so...)

Links for Tuesday 29th September

We are on the home stretch for September and are in Zone 5 The Living Room

Spend 15 minutes decluttering here before moving onto detailed cleaning.

Our mission today is to take 5 minutes to get rid of anything that you don't love or use in your living room/family room

Baby step 29 is is to have some ‘you’ time and complete a pamper mission Link here

Habit of the month is Before Bed Routine

Tuesday daily focus is planning : meal planning, activities, look ahead to next week to see what you can do today to help – organize any birthday cards, paperwork etc