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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
Redsquirrel5 · 26/12/2021 22:50

Hazel rubbish in the sink is fine as long as it is shiny😁

So sorry to hear about the fire. What a shock.

Merry sounds a busy but lovely time
Zoo glad you had a good day.
Sing sorry you are unwell but glad the rest went ok.
MC made me smile so glad he loves his rocking horse. Is he walking now?
ED glad you had a trouble free Everhot Christmas Dinner. Will have a look tomorrow I have gone to be now. Ours was lovely DH was a bit fraught left with the veg and has announced today that we are going out next year😳as it was too much work. He does go a bit over the top. I did suggest we cook some veg on Christmas Eve and reheat. We has Roast Potatoes, roasted sweet potato, parsnips, squash then carrots, turnip and Brussels sprouts. He forgot about the Yorkshire’s that he wanted and I had said NO! He was adamant too. We had a lot of pans on the hot plate and Cranberry Sauce, stock and gravy. Juggling.
I had got up and made the Pavlova in the morning before 9.
Our visitor, DS2 Spanish lodger really enjoyed it.

That I bet it was busy in your house.
Z welcome back. Your not allowed if if you start flying this week. Bare necessities only.
I actually tidied a few presents and vacuumed the sitting room because I didn’t like the mess!

Wassailing how are you feeling now? Exhausted? At least it is done.
SC extra carrot for the long faced one I hope.
Sounded fun before the big day. Yeah for the cleaner coming back.
Festive feet up and rest now.

Hope I haven’t missed anyone.

I quickly made rum butter but didn’t need it because they didn’t have tea and coffee today. It might keep until next week anyway. Mass was lovely this morning. Not many about 60.
The went to visit a friend who has been unwell. Dropped off her cards from church and my present. Then dropped off the cards to another parishioner who lives opposite her and they had visitors. So spent an hour. Back home and had some cold turkey. DH had given all the veg to the boys last night. Hmm. So had two new potatoes with it. Finished off the Pavlova. Told DH ( he had some too)that it needed eating but really it was because it was so delicious. Probably regret it tomorrow because I should eat the cream. The fruit was delicious.
Tonight we had a bit of turkey and some sausage wreath. Our butcher makes a sausage roll wrapped in puff pastry and slashed then formed into a ring. So delicious with homemade Chutney.

I am really tired. I watched Call the Midwife 2019 in LewiS. Loved seeing the deer near the Callinish Stones. My sister lived near them and the Blackhouses. I hadn’t seen it before.

Came to bed at 9 after falling asleep on the sofa.Sorry if I have missed anyone.

🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋

Shinychestnuts · 27/12/2021 00:19
Shinychestnuts · 27/12/2021 00:21

Oops and waves to Wassail and Zoo of course!

Stilllivinginazoo · 27/12/2021 04:48

hazellovely to hear from you.sorry about mum's house,glad she was safe tho

Lovely to hear everyone's xmases
Hills hope building work isn't going on too much longer?
Xmas day here was just me and zoolets as dad was working.hw was underfoot yesterday,plus teams meet present opening of dd1 gifts
I had asked for pic of them from the wedding...got a 3pic frame with them in middle and zoolets in other ones and a bigger frame dd1 and me❤️❤️classic mum moment "aw,it's lovely"🤣🤣🤣
Kitchen survived most of carnage,living room is bombsite I need deal with today

We popped co op yesterday for wraps as I forgot to get enough rolls to included dad🤣today it seems we need milk as D's forgot to mention he drank all his and there are no bananas

Shinychestnuts · 27/12/2021 05:55

Gosh, you are up early Zoo even for you! Hope you got some sleep! Your Christmas present sounds so lovely! Xmas Smile

I am up because a lot happening here today because it is (unexpectedly) a working day here, I am needed in office this morning, and I need at least 2 hrs to tidy, do laundry, rubbish & recycling, sort out bathroom, cloakroom and kitchen and hoover a bit beforehand. Also need to put together a slow cook cross between beef broth/stew for later on as "young 'uns" always hungry: both studying (important to have nutritious food when revising I think) both (I suspect) not feeding themselves particularly well in their digs. Also need to run quite a few errands this pm.

Have a good one everybody! Brew

HalfHolly · 27/12/2021 10:29

That sounds like a lovely time in Cambridge Merry. Been ages since I've been there, like 1999 or something. I have an ever expanding travel list now as I expect do many.

Laundry on and I've had Christmas pudding for breakfast. With brandy butter. 😁 Tis that time of year.

To do

⭐Shower
⭐Ironing
⭐Walk with family (with 30 minutes added of trying to get family off PS4, looking for gloves/inhaler/keys and out the door. Then likely going back after 5 minutes to make sure we've switched off a glowing snowman decoration etc

⭐Eat the very last of the ham and turkey
⭐More laundry
⭐☕
⭐Start to think about what I need to do over the next year

HalfHolly · 27/12/2021 10:30

Oh Hazel your poor Mum 🙁

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 27/12/2021 11:52

Oh Hazel I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's house. It must be very difficult being thousands of miles away and unable to door much more than watch and sympathise. Thank goodness no-one was hurt and hurrah for the neighbour who spotted it. Glad you had a nice Christmas otherwise and have found some of the house!

Merryhouse that sounds like a really lovely celebration at S1's college. Properly magical.

Hills I hope the builders get you warm and weatherproof and push off home soon!

Red your day sounds lovely too. Arf at "must finish up the pavlova", hope you are not paying for it today.

Sing hope you are feeling better today, sounds like you needed the rest.

SC sorry about last minute Christmas crisis of work and internet making today an unexpected working day. Hope you can get everything done!

Zoo what a lovely gift from DD1 and her DH! There is always some vital food missing here too.

Yesterday was a very calm, unstructured day of many washes and no actual meals, I tested some of my new bath stuff, spent some of my Christmas money online in the sales, read a bit of book and watched Around The World In 80 Days.

Today, more tidying I think, but first a turkey and pickled walnut sandwich, and some chocolate log 😋.

SingToTheSleigh · 27/12/2021 13:23

Afternoon all. I’ve had another lazy morning. Dizziness still bad, but a little better, so maybe yesterday was the peak?! 🤞

We have about 90min till the others arrive, and the others just got back from a few errands in town. Need to try and help with getting the place ready now, but need a bath too, my hair is a tangled mess.

Stilllivinginazoo · 27/12/2021 17:03

We I popped to shops and ended up acquiring (for cheese)cracker selections box at bargain 50p in reductions post Xmas(x2 as we big cracker eaters) as well as essentials
5lol done,6th on(but still huge piles)
Dd2 decided today's the day try reclaim some of her space from clutter
Cue 3+ hours of get out everything,checking dates on make up,for damage,do you use it/love it etc..we have done top wardrobe,bookcase and under desk plus drawers with all beauty /self care stuff in
Missing scented candles,jewellery and stationery aplenty has been found with delight
Binbag rubbish,almost sane recycling and a carrier bag for chazza
I'm calling that a huge win,esp as she's an epic hoarder!

SingToTheSleigh · 27/12/2021 22:11

That is brilliant zoo I still need to watch the series (I saw the one off episode when it was first aired) and show the Caglets in case they get inspired too!

DSCs just left after our Christmas, lovely afternoon/evening! Feeling very grateful that the dizziness has receded a lot today.

One thing I’m determined to do in 2022 as part of my one resolution - having more fun - is to try and arrange regular game evenings with DSCs, we all love board games both silly and serious but have got out of the habit. So it would be nice to regularly play some on an evening where we don’t also have a big dinner/quiz/presents to fit in. Thinking once a month or so would be good.

Hoping I continue to recover tomorrow and can help clear up a bit, put presents away, laundry etc.

Shinychestnuts · 28/12/2021 00:58

I am shattered. 5 mins short of a 20 hour day, most of it spent on my feet! A good day though!

Glad dizziness is receding Sing!
And bravo for decluttering Zoo!

G'night all!

Stilllivinginazoo · 28/12/2021 04:15

So fed up on this insomnia
Been awake since 2 AGAIN
I feel so very tired in my body,but brains is saying nope

Shinychestnuts · 28/12/2021 05:38

Me too Zoo I've just had five or so hours and that appears to be my lot for tonight, bummer, although going to make myself à cup of camomile tea and a banana sandwich and see if that helps! I usually feel worse if I drop off again though!

Not helping: a long list of things on my "to do" list whirring through my head!

[Hands Zoo fluffy blanket, eye mask, lavender pillow, cashmere socks, glass of milk and ginger biscuits and some relaxing music.]

Stilllivinginazoo · 28/12/2021 07:41

sc totally get that.i had another 45 minutes but tbh feel worse for that...

Tada
Cats fed
Wash on
Wash up
wipe kitchen surfaces
Realise spillage in fridge
Clear that up(lil zoo poring fruit juice in there.ahw Said nothing either,lil madam)
Make to do list for the day (urgh)
Wash in drier
More in
Sort some online banking

Has anyone taken tree down yet?I'm itching to tidy it all away,esp as the cute bower on mantlepiece is thick with dust!!

I feel the need for crumpets this morning

StillFestive · 28/12/2021 08:26

I think I’m taking my tree down today Zoo. I don’t really want to - I’m not sick of it yet and we usually leave it up til after new year at least, but we thought it’s probably easier to do it now pre-baby and be all clean and tidy before I go in. DD’s gifts are all upstairs but need put away properly in her room. Had planned to do it yesterday but we were rather lazy and concentrated mainly on decluttering the chocolate Grin

So sorry about your DM’s house Hazel, must have been such a shock. Such a relief no one was hurt though.

Stilllivinginazoo · 28/12/2021 08:35

still I feel decluttering chocolate is ESSENTIAL before baby comes😁
I asked all the zoolets if they were ok with it coming down (they are fine with it so taking it down today),I usually do it before new year as it feels more cluttered with it up and I like the calm barer feeling once it's packed away!

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 28/12/2021 10:02

I am gritting my teeth and fighting the urge to take the tree down as DH and the DC say it is pretty still and they like it. But I'd really like my house back. The foil ceiling decorations DH particularly loves make the ceiling feel too close but they will stay up til beyond New Year 😭.

DS1 and GF are going home today, taking half the house with them (but also sending a bit home with DH because it "clutters up their flat" 🤣).

Sorry for the non-sleepers but glad you had a nice day, SC. Zoo what brilliant clearing work with DD2!

StillFestive I agree it is extremely important that you declutter the chocolate before the babe makes her appearance. How much does DD know about the imminent arrival of her sibling?

I will be spending today gently poddling round the house and tidying things, interspersed with little naps.

First, a wash and a dog walk.

SingToTheSky · 28/12/2021 10:27

Morning everyone.
Festive totally agree on getting the decorations down now. As for the chocolate, well, I hope there will be more for the recovering mum :o

This is the first year I haven’t felt a burning urge to take the tree down by NY. I do like the feeling of a fresh start but now the living room is nicer it doesn’t feel so obtrusive. Thus despite the fact I haven’t felt festive at all, the tree can stay up till epiphany unless the others want it to come down earlier.

I haven’t got up yet. Took ages to doze off (at least I did finish a book first) and just as I did, Cagletini woke up crying with leg pain (happens at night sometimes).

Don’t think we have any plans or places to be or people to see today.

ExquisitelyDecorated · 28/12/2021 10:31

I'm the total opposite, tree stays up till 12th Night or the night before the DCs go back to school, I hate taking the decs down, the house feels really bleak without them and the tree isn't in the way at all in it's corner.

OP posts:
Shinychestnuts · 28/12/2021 10:59

Same here ED! Our house lends itself to Christmas decorations (they cover a multitude of sins) and it looks awfully shabby and bare without them, so mine stay up to twelfth night.

Need to do a huge decoration box re-organisation/ rationalisation/ sort when they do come down though.

Can totally understand you wanting it all packed out of the way ahead of your baby's arrival though Stillfestive!

Zireael · 28/12/2021 11:17

Good morning fledglings; Ive missed all your chatter but as before, expect I will struggle to keep up and miss loads.

Hazel - you're poor mum, I can't begin to imagine how devastating and life-upending it must been to have that happen to your home.

SC - we have two nine month old French Bulldog brothers. They are very much puppies still, even though they look almost full grown. They are lovable clowns most of the time - other times, total t*ats!

Growing up we used to have our Christmas decs up until twelfth night too - there is no way I will keep that tradition going! The house ends up feeling cluttered and like the rooms are shrinking in on me.

Despite Red's orders, I really do have to Get Stuff Done today. I have spent almost threee days sitting on the sofa gaming in one form or another and I can't ignore stuff any longer!

But first ... more coffee

SingToTheSky · 28/12/2021 12:26

Right. Must stop lazing.

po3.1
❗️Take meds (not the ADHD one, too late for that as I won’t sleep!)
❗️LOL
❗️Do Cagletini’s other new puzzle with her

SingToTheSky · 28/12/2021 14:37

Oh man. So, so sleepy. 😩😳

po3.2
❗️Eat something fairly decent
❗️Gather rubbish and recycling upstairs
❗️Ring friend

IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 28/12/2021 15:05

Right, things achieved:
❤️ Kitchen tidied and wiped
🧡 Dog walked
💛 Started a list of all the things DS1 and GF have left behind 🤦
💚 Coffee and mince pies
💙 Hard floors downstairs swept and mopped
💜 Bit of a lie down
❤️ Decided I could not face stripping and remaking our bed, just pulled the duvet up instead
🧡 Tidied my dressing table and put new books on my bookshelf
💛 Helpfully ate up leftover blini and caviar 😋🤣
💚 Spoke to DM, who rang for a chat
💙 Parcelled up bra to go back Bravissimo tomorrow

🎄Thinking about sorting out and putting away Christmas gift bags, material, ribbons and tags, and possibly running the hoover round downstairs
🎄 Considering the possibility of handing out clean washing.