Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Fledglings Flying into the Festive Season

729 replies

ExquisitelyDecorated · 30/11/2021 22:18

Well here we are, December is upon us and we are settling in for the winter. We aim to follow the fly lady system, it does work if you follow it, but many of us have found that it works better if you combine it with an additional decluttering system to speed up that process. Flylady is more of a maintenance system, some combine it with other systems such as TOMM. Links at the end of the post.

These threads have been running for years, many posters have been here for a long time but new Fledglings and returners are always welcome, just jump in and ask if you don't understand anything.

Experience has taught us that these threads are only loosely about housekeeping, they are more about keeping good company and looking out for one another. So we have the naughty corner fully stocked with cushions, blankets, hot water bottles, comforting drinks and snacks, with a few sausage rolls and mince pies in a nod to the season (gluten free, vegan etc all catered for).

A few of our abbreviations and sayings:

BRC = box of random crap
Mount Washmore = out of control laundry
CHAOS = can't have anyone over syndrome
LMS / DLMS = lose my shit / didn't lose my shit
It's all gone a bit Pontypridd - it's all gone pear-shaped (some sort of spellcheck error)
No Fledgling Left Behind - there is always someone here to lend a listening ear, whether you want to have a grumble, let off steam, or just feel a bit behind or out of sorts. We recognise that many people have a lot going on in their lives, caring responsibilities, work, health conditions, general family life

So, with that, I will pop a couple of links to Flylady pages here:

www.flylady.net/ - homepage

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/ - getting started

We suggest you do NOT subscribe to the emails, unless you want a very cluttered inbox. Ask here instead.

www.flylady.net/d/cruising-through-the-holidays/ - seasonal stuff

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
merryhouse · 22/12/2021 22:54

YesTaDa
went ringing, headache receding
didn't get to ring Cambridge because there were only 5 of us. As the potential 6th person was staying away out of courtesy to us (her husband tested positive) we can hardly complain. Instead we all had a go at calling a touch (excellent), rang some nice Stedman with singles (good), and completely fell apart on St Simons/St Martins (less good - I think everyone was tired by that point Grin)
packed, mostly
decided to wear bra but undo the strap when I take my jacket off for dinner (it's a close dress and I'm not massive)
stitched up annoying flappy bit
got distracted tidying sewing things
put biscuits and half shortbread in picture tin and stuck it up with fancy tape

ToDay
finished my packing
put a wash on
did LFT (all negative)
watched Hawkeye (I could do this all daaaaaaaaaay)
put all stuff in one place
had lunch, early
emptied compost bucket
H washed up
H and S2 packed car
hung washing
got interrupted by phone call from domestically-frustrated sister
finished hanging washing
left, detouring slightly to the music shop across town to pick up the Thing that b-i-l had had an in-depth conversation about with a professional player and teacher in the summer but hadn't actually got round to ordering until three days before Christmas by which point commercial methods weren't going to get it to him in time...
felt no little sympathy with brother-in-law (I think we've all been there)
had decent drive, all things considered - weird vibrating noise only lasted a few minutes on only three occasions...
can't do any flying!
wrote brief email to the agency person

Off to KM tomorrow to see three sisters briefly and drop off presents. And the Thing, of course. Fingers crossed for the car.

Stilllivinginazoo · 23/12/2021 05:57

merry yes,finger crossed for the car!glad ringing was good- I too think I'd rather +partner stayed away and there were different tunes accordingly
Up a LOT of wise words there
Sing hope the lurching passes,or you at least get meds today.i remember D's having labyrinthitis after be smacked into football posts a few years back twasnt pleasant for the poor chap!
Hills sending love,peace and good wishes.from other posters I'm assume peoply people ontop of all the things was just too much.you are but one person and sometimes with so very many plates spinning something has to give my love.dont let it be youFlowers

Well we cannon towards xmas whether ready or not
Another crap sleep-awake at 2.gave up at 4
Tada
Cats fed(loved early brekkie,better not think it's going to be a permanent arrangement)
Wash on
Check coats are dry(nope,so tumble back on as food shopping for Xmas today)
Clear trail of crumbs from kitchen surfaces
Give up trying to identify sticky patch and scrub/disinfect
Tidy out fridge(easy,not much in it)
Check and tidy freezer space as we have sorbet or d.free Ice cream at Xmas
Relocate dining table surface and scrub
Find my bed-
Moved presents into bags
Stocking fillers together in a box
Gathered up all paper off cuts ,boxes,cardboard and add recycling
Tidy my corner in front room(mostly a case of gathering the 1001to do lists,checking what's been/not been done then recycling stuff
Wash in drier
More in
Tidy bookcase
Clean behind sofa 1
Clean behind sofa 2
Write shop list

Need wake dd2 soon,heading out 710 so as to be one first in at Waitrose(fingers X)
I've given up on any hope hot dinner as lil zoo flatly refused eat hot food currently.thinking wraps and part bake baguettes with filling and lots fruits,veggies and party bits
Need make pastry today and promised D's some baking biscuits too ..

Stilllivinginazoo · 23/12/2021 05:59

Also...

Tada
DS scarf-as requested multi coloured and with tassels!

Fledglings Flying into the Festive Season
Shinychestnuts · 23/12/2021 06:51

Morning all! Yikes this week is disappearing fast! Hope everyone is as OK as possible?

Glad your dd is OK Sing

Hope you are OK Hills and that you get some time over Christmas just for you, if at all possible, in current circs? Take care Brew

Merry great that bells were able to ring out! Sounds wonderful! And Star Star for amazing list! PS, think I am going to sign my name off with the letters DF after it from now on ...yours, SC,
Domestically Frustrated GrinGrin I very much sympathise with your sister anyway! Smile Safe travelling x

We are adopting similar cleaning policy this year Stillfestive! I just hope the oven doesn't smoke us out! It is a choice between cleaning fridge and oven today and fridge won!

Those are lovely photos ED and thanks for relaxing festive play list! Smile Hope you can take a break this Christmas!

Reading your post and that of Halfholly the thought has crossed my mind that we all need to cut ourselves a bit of slack! This is our second Christmas in a global pandemic folks! The uncertainty and the stress and the constant testing, ans worry over the dc, all take their toll over time. There's not one fledgling on here, who hasn't been adversely affected in one way or another. Let's give ourselves some credit that we are doing OK (or in my case , scraping by Grin) in really difficult times! Xmas Smile

Hang in there everybody Flowers

Speaking of difficult times..have to go and face the day now...it is going to be a bit of a bruiser!! (wibble). And I had a bit too much to drink last night with friends in a responsibly distanced fashion and my head hurts slightly! Wink I feel a hell of a lot better for having got out though and for the company. We have hardly seen people during the past two years, so when we do, it's extra special (and I say that as a confirmed introvert).

I suspect alcohol in some shape or form is going to be key to navigating this Christmas but as a menopausal women, I no longer metabolize it well, so from now on I am going to be wearing riding hat and gardening knee pads to guard against falls GrinGrin

We can do this folks! (Blows hunting horn as a rally cry!) Have a good day everyone! Tally-ho!!!!!!!!!

(Leaves out lashings of hot fresh coffee, panettone and tangerines for Zoo and anyone else in need!)

Shinychestnuts · 23/12/2021 06:57

X posts Zoo that scarf is amazing!!! Bravo!! Very Dr Who! Grin Good luck with your day x

Sing have you tried the wotsit manoeuvre on bed? Can't think of name! It really helps!

Shinychestnuts · 23/12/2021 07:00

Sorry Sing Epley manoeuvre I mean! Very good! Do it with someone else in room though.

Waves to Redsquirrel Wassail Hazel and everyone else I have missed!

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 23/12/2021 07:52

Morning SC! Hope the headache recedes soon! Glad you got to see friends, this will be the second Very Strange Christmas in a row, I agree.

Hills I missed your post, but take all the time you need. We'll be waiting when you come back. Look after yourself in the meantime, lovely.

Zoo brilliant scarf! So very colourful. Sorry you didn't sleep again, lovely. I think salad bits, hot rolls and party snacks would be lovely Christmas food.

Ds1 and GF did indeed appear yesterday, were able to introduce GF to DS1's Oddmother and then DS2 and NGF turned up to say hello and we ended up with fish and chips for eight and silly word games round the table (I'm Thinking Of A Fish and No More Jockeys). It was one lovely family moment that I so enjoyed. The Waltons we are not, but it was so nice.

Today is last minute Christmas prep (ice cake, wrap last FC gifts, email people who fell off the cards list, tidying. And more tidying) and then actual Family Games Night this evening. DH is collecting the turkey and the gammon, and dropping DS1 and GF to see DM, then coming back round to pick them up again.

Sending 🍒👋 to everyone and 🤞 everyone's Christmas plans go well today.

HalfHolly · 23/12/2021 07:53

Morning all (waves at SC - hope your body holds up today. I not only can't drink as much alcohol, I can't eat as much either!)

Coffeed up here and have a morning of wfh and organising.

Merry - hope the car behaves and glad you had a lovely trip.

Zoo I LOVE the scarf.

Sing hope arm is not too sore in your house.

I need more coffee...

I was just thinking of my oven and it is just clean enough. The fridge has been cleaned but is heaving with food. Might rearrange things for easier access.

It is Christmas Eve's Eve - but don't panic! No fledgling left behind.

HalfHolly · 23/12/2021 07:56

That sounds like a lovely family evening wassail. Lovely to have them all gathered in

WassailHound must have been beside himself with excitement and wassailHerselftoo

HalfHolly · 23/12/2021 07:57

There is a 'Show me your Christmas fridge' thread elsewhere if you are interested!

StillFestive · 23/12/2021 08:02

I’m not often accused of producing wise words Zoo, a definite fluke Grin. Can’t believe how much you’d done before 6am, even by your standards. Scarf is lovely.

Hope the hangover clears for you shortly and I’m so glad you had a nice night SC. My fridge will have to win over the oven too I fear, and as the turkey is going in ours rather than MIL’s being smoked out is a danger.

Enjoy your time away Merry, are you back home before Christmas? Your BIL owes you a favour!

Hope a good sleep ahead improved things Sing.

DD was up several times in the night wanting in my my bed, but we are trying to keep her out as there isn’t room next to by massive bulk and I get so hot, plus if her sister proves to be anything like her we will probably have to resort to co sleeping. So it was disturbed night last night while we kept coaxing her back to her own bed, and today I am snoozy. Zoo has inspired me so going to make a start on some flying soon.

StillFestive · 23/12/2021 08:05

Sounds lovely wassailing Smile

Rubbish you still have to work today Hope, do you have tomorrow off?

merryhouse · 23/12/2021 09:02

H said similar - "if we were the kind of people who kept score..."

However as I have been hiding 200 miles away since the dementia hit I think I've used up all our credit already Grin

Negative LFTs this morning (well, not spoken to S2 yet but he hasn't called out any bad news).

Think I will eat old banana and natural yoghurt for breakfast. See you all later!

Stilllivinginazoo · 23/12/2021 09:14

merry you aren't selling me that brekkie🤣🤣🤣
UpI start strong then if I burnout stuff still got doneWink
Schope the day goes well,you can do it
Hope loving the fridge thread too!
wassail sounds very Walton's to me and I love it!I'm hoping on some family time today if I can race thru last jobs

We were 37th in queue outside Waitrose,arriving 5mins before 730 opening
Fruit n veg was typical scrum but once out of there were raced around grabbing bits and were 2nd out if the shop,and took 20 minutes(timed as dd2 was having a panic attack and I promised we would try and be out in 30-not withstanding checkout queues)
Home and all shop away by 840
Breakfasts made(pear,blueberry and apricots prepped.toasted bagels and D's had cereal and banana he got himself❤️)

About to wash up
Laundry is folded and put away,load 3in drier,towel wash is on now

To do
Mop floors
Clean dining table chairs
Bedrooms
Make pastry/Xmas baking

StillFestive · 23/12/2021 09:45

That is impressive work Zoo! Amazed the queue was that big to get in. I’ve gone to aldi for opening on Christmas Eve before and I was straight in. We must be a lazier bunch up here Grin

After thinking about the oven I though I’d better have a look and it does seem to be at risk of smoking our turkey. So, I’ve sprayed it with Koh cleaner (non-toxic, non-fumey, and no scrubbing required) and I’m having 5 while it does it’s stuff. I’ve also:
✅ hung up a LOL, put another one in and sorted out the final pre-Xmas load (DH’s work clothes, one last thing to worry about when he’s going back in the midst of newborn chaos)
✅ done DW and some hand washed dishes
✅ carried clean laundry and other assorted crap upstairs
✅ quick tidy of living room
✅ grumpily washed my dustpan and rubber brush that DH seems to have used to sweep up compost from re-potting the little outdoor xmas tree and shoved back in the cupboard. The arse.

SingToTheSleigh · 23/12/2021 10:16

Morning all!

Hell hath no fury like a heavily pregnant woman cleaning compost off a brush!!! 😬🙈

Can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. I don’t feel festive in the slightest!

GP triage went well, they were understanding of the fact I’d struggle to get there today and have sent a prescription for the anti nausea stuff. DH has other stuff to collect so he can go later and also get a bit more wrapping paper etc. He managed to get a dentist appt early this morning so all good there.

Friends are not coming on 25th (their original plans were in jeopardy but have worked out ok!) which is a shame in one way but a relief in another as I didn’t feel remotely prepared and now I can enjoy cleaning up a bit when I’m hopefully feeling better. I’ve been sensible this time though and suggested two or three days after our big family day on 27th, to avoid being thoroughly peopled out by hosting two days running! DH struggles with that too and with both of us being on a low par already we need to protect our boundaries.

po3.1
❗️Get up and have meds/breakfast, make DD1 do LFT so friend can visit
❗️Discuss Xmas plans with DH, probably make a list of timings and food etc
❗️I can’t even think of anything else I’m up to doing right now so I’ll say read another chapter 🤣

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 23/12/2021 10:48

Oh god my list has grown.

To do
🎅 Make mince pies (so turkey can go in fridge where pastry currently is)
🥶 Ice cake so marzipan fruits can be moved
🎅 Wrap last presents
🥶 Make hummus or throw out the chick peas
🎅 Laundry
🥶 Tidying
🎅 WTAF is for lunch?
🥶 Family games night with bacon sandwiches
🎅 More kitchen clearing.

Think I might just get in the bath and ignore all of it.

ExquisitelyDecorated · 23/12/2021 11:32

Morning all, apologies for lack of posts lately, my phone is glitching and won't load threads properly so I have to get the Ipad out to post. Think the phone needs a total reboot (according to google) but I need to check it's properly backed up first, I have already updated the software to no avail.

DS had his booster this morning, it was a bit of a palava as the centre is 10 miles away in the middle of a vast industrial estate full of roundabouts and identical looking buildings which are hard to navigate even with satnav. Got there in the end and were told we should be in the other centre (10 mins walk away) then we got sent to the Moderna section instead of the Pfizer section by mistake and had to be moved to the Pfizer area (DS is under 18 so only allowed Pfizer). But everyone was unfailingly helpful, polite, kind, what an amazing job they are all doing.

DD has just had her 6th form college interview by phone, she's much more independent than DS.

I'm tidying, need to start wrapping and ice the cake. We are probably going to have to scale back our already minimal plans to see family as this horrible non-covid cold keeps circulating amongst us and the elderly parents need to be taken into consideration, a bit fed up with it all TBH.

OP posts:
HalfHolly · 23/12/2021 12:26

Work's not so bad still I'm at home finishing off stuff but I have tomorrow off!

Stilllivinginazoo · 23/12/2021 12:35

ed sorry your child's being persistent annoying and messing with plans.glad D's got his jab in the end
Up compost you say?LTB🤣🤣🤣

Wassail hope get your peaceful bath

DS floor mopped
Bathroom floor mopped

I've overexerted after set to with girls and their fetid ratsnest.i asked clear floor so I could mop.i asked lil zoo if shoes in middle landing were for the bin.no response or movement to either.LMS and took D's very brisk walk I'm now regretting...

More washing done
After much complaining lil zoo finally sorted washing piles (I'm not bloody sorting it as well wash,dry,and fold for lazy lil madam!)
Shoes still on landing
Crap still on bedroom floor...

To do
Wash hall, living room and kitchen floors
Bit tidy up living room
Bit washing up

SingToTheSleigh · 23/12/2021 13:45

Ooh exciting about the college interview ED!

I’m bored and so frustrated at the dizziness. DH has gone off for 90mins of Santa-ing and then hopefully to pick up stuff. Didn’t really get a chance to discuss plans in detail - DH was busy cleaning the hallway/stairs and I was lying down pathetically!

po3.2
❗️Get dressed and make hair look vaguely non rat nesty in case I have to answer the door etc
❗️Find box for DS to wrap his present to DH while he’s out (he built a Lego Sauron!)
❗️Make sure DH has a list of what he’s getting after his shift

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 23/12/2021 21:16

I'm sorry you feel so rubbish Sing, hope the meds kick in soon.

Zoo absolutely right that lil madam zoo should sort the washing. I'd suggest the shoes are placed atop the bin, myself.

I have achieved most of my list

❤️ Wrapping complete!
🧡 Mince pies made for those who indulge and Christmas jam tarts for those who don't
💛 Laundry
💚 Tidying
💙 Bacon sandwiches
💜 Games of Uno and the Triv we had as a wedding present, so the questions were set in 1995! It was all very good humoured, for the first time ever.
❤️ DW on
🧡 Kitchen and table wiped
💛 Floor swept

Still to do tomorrow
🎅 Ice cake
🎅 Hummus

Now, I am finally going to have my quiet bath 🤣.

ExquisitelyDecorated · 23/12/2021 22:01

Evening all,

Wassail - well done on the wrapping. I have only wrapped three things and only finished present buying at about 5 this evening.

Sing - hope you start feeling better soon, doesn't sound nice.

Zoo - I'm not surprised you LYS.

Up -grrr at dustpan and brush, that would so happen here too.

Tada!

2 x LOL, need to put another on before bed.
DS to covid jab centre
Tidying
Iced cake (DS did 90% of it)
BT engineer to sort out broadband
Shopping for last min bits
Quick bite to eat
Outdoor carol service
Delivered a card on the way home
Another quick bite to eat
Made stuffing.

Need a list for tomorrow:

Make pastry
Swish and swipe
Washing into dryer
Wrapping
Iron Christmas tablecloth and clear table
Prep potatoes / veg
Make mince pies
Make cinnamon buns for Christmas morning

OP posts:
Redsquirrel5 · 23/12/2021 23:44

Everybody is so busy. Zoo😳that was you sorted early. Love the scarf.

I am sooo tired. I am going to sleep shortly.

Finished most of the wrapping last night.

Today went to Hobbycraft. Bought 50 sheets of tissue. Some cups and resisted temp to browse.
DH queued for M&Swhile I was in Hobbycraft. I bumped into our village landlord.

Went home and spent the afternoon making my window, then made 2 dozen mince pies which have mostly been eaten by the village window trailers along with mulled wine. Put arch up and put lights on. Window worked out and it stopped rain at 6:30 so people came out we then went to the pub for a few drinks while the pheasant casseroled in the oven. DH painted the nativity for me.

🎄Need to collect the fish platter, last minute fruit and veg.
🌲collect turkey, ham and buy sausage meat, sausages and bacon.
🎄drop off food bank parcel. Drop off scarves to Women’s refuge.
🌲brief visit to pupil give decoration and card. Other one is no longer with mum. Probably for the best. Don’t know where he lives now. Just realised I haven’t posted a card to another one whose mum wants me to keep in touch.
🎄need to make Pavlova
🌲need to peel and sort veg.
🎄put pigs in blankets
🌲4:30 carols on the green. Then to outside the inn to sing Away in the manger and unveil. The Holy Trinity.
🌲Santa dash to church
🎄help bf with wrapping presents,wine might be involved.

My legs ache. I had boots with a heel on and now the calf’s of my legs ache like hell and one ankle is sore after twisting it in the dark.

Sleep beckons

Stilllivinginazoo · 24/12/2021 07:28

red wish I'd thought to make scarves women's refuge☹️your day sounds busy but very festive!
*Sing hope today you feel better

Another 2am wake up
Up at 4

Tada
Cats fed
Wash up done
Made pastry
Made vanilla vegan cupcakes
Realised fairy cake tin doesn't fit in mini oven
Made free wheeled jam tart/galette style mine pies
Put rest pastry in fridge and try that later
2lol done-one fold and put away,2nd in drier now
About go hunt next load to wash

To do
Baking
Acquire more bread,milk,fruit as teens gave devoured a LOT of it(anyone would think they have worms it something?!

Swipe left for the next trending thread