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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
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ExquisitelyDecorated · 06/12/2021 22:11

Lovely cake Wassail, hope DD has a lovely day tomorrow.

Merry - I remember having an advent candle once when I lived at home, so that must be 30+ years ago. I sometimes see them in posh gift shops and think about buying one but I think I'd forget and let it burn too long and spoil it. They are a lovely idea though.

That - glad you're feeling better, hope poorly DC isn't too bad.

Mc - commiserations on nursery ailments, I remember with a shudder DS's first winter in nursery (he started in mid-October, there was a lot of illness for all of us, it stood him in good stead longer term, he has only had a couple of days sickness the entire time he's been at school, the only time he's had any proper time off has been for broken bones.

Festive - glad the insurance has paid up promptly, fingers crossed for no more storm damage.

Zoo - love your substitution of rusty pike with stollen and cuppa ❤️

SC - that feeling is familiar to most of us I think, it's probably why this thread has run for so long. I agree with making a manageable list and ticking as you go, power of three is a useful tactic. Christmas is always an extra busy time too.

Red - the EH has become DD's favourite homework spot, we've got fabric covers on the hotplate and it's just the right height for her to stand and work at. I'm always finding her cuddle up to it. Meanwhile the DCats totally ignore it .

Hills - glad the peopleness is hovering on the right side of manageable ATM,

SIng - well done on the OU registration, I am looking forward to you starting and hearing all about it.

Well, I have been a negligent thread leader and not posted any links since about Friday . Back in a minute with some.

However I have ticked off quite a few admin jobs today, kept up with laundry and been at work so not all bad.

OP posts:
ExquisitelyDecorated · 06/12/2021 23:40

Tuesday's Flight Plan is here

Tuesday is Plan and Play day. The mission is to clear out your cutlery drawer. The focus for the month is pampering.

OP posts:
Redsquirrel5 · 07/12/2021 02:03

Well today didn’t go quite as planned!

Went to quiz tonight. I didn’t know many answers. Luckily one of our other team did. We were 5 points behind the winners. We had full marks in three rounds. Some of the famous people had us stumped and the Sports round lost a couple of points. It was good to get out. There were the most I have seen at the quiz.

Not even sure I should try to plan tomorrow. Need to sort the dining room.
Power of 3

  1. Change curtains in the sitting room.
  2. Declutter the rest of sitting room
  3. Vacuum and dust.

I have been asleep but now awake. Wide awake! Damn.

Redsquirrel5 · 07/12/2021 02:05

ED I take it she is a fan. I certainly loved it when I came in from singing I was frozen. Warmed my bum while waiting for the kettle.

Slowchimes · 07/12/2021 07:43

Morning all! Apologies, fell asleep last night before I could do personals! Then woke up in middle of night and tried to get myself rdv on booster vacc website but failed again!

Thank you very much for links ED! And love the idea of a cosy Everhot stove area to come home too! Thanks for support! Trouble is, no such thing as a manageable list ever emerges on the paper! It is always 10 pages long! With branch lists attached! Grin. In fact they sound like your long Christmas list of 2017 Merry! Grin

Wassail that cake is stunning! Bravo! And what a good idea for a theme! Hope your dd has a splendid 17th birthday! I hope ds3 maths went OK! And I do like the idea of a bun run. Finally, what is it about husbands allowing muddy dogs on to furniture and on to beds (or in to beds in dh's case)???

Hands That bottle of Dettol. Hope the lurgy doesn't spread! Glad you are feeling better though! Your focused ta da lists are things of beauty.

Good luck with your power of three today Squirrel! And your mention of the world's loveliest supermarket makes me green with envy! Especially at this time of year! Grin

Zoo (wipes stollen crumbs from chin) thank you for comforting words yesterday! I hope you managed to sort your logistical challenge yesterday of being in three places at once! Hope you can get gp appt soon! V important that!

Oh no Stillfestive here's me wibbling and you have half of your roof missing! Shock You poor thing, that must have been absolutely awful! Especially at this point in your pregnancy! And that's such a shame about the nursery! I am relieved to hear the insurance is sorted though as I imagine that's a big thing to get sorted! And congrats on finishing Christmas shopping! I have hardly started mine although owing to renovation costs, and dd new studio flat costs, we are going very minimal on present front this year. Bravo on being so organised! Take care and take it steady [proffers foot stool, fluffy blanket, cup of cha]

Sing I don't think I have congratulated you on your new job yet! That is a fantastic achievement! Flowers And congrats on OU reg too!

Hills hope lounge decoration went well! Hope the people are cooperative today and appreciate your efforts!

Mc3209 oh no I hope horrid lurgy has gone and that you feel a bit better! I found nursery bugs disappeared totally after age of six but that probably feels like an age yet for you but it speeds by Flowers. As they say about parenting (and pandemics now!) the days are long but the years are short! Flowers

Halfholly hope second storm wasn't too bad!

Hazel you sound so organised as ever, bravo to you, and your baking sounds amazing!

I am going to post this now b4 ancient tablet refreshes itself!

To be continued...

Slowchimes · 07/12/2021 07:55

Yoohoo! My marketing project lady has just cancelled! It's not good really but it frees up an ENTIRE day when I can chore and do Christmas prep! And I can stop getting gussied up, stop trying to locate make up and town shoes that aren't covered in mud, and can put on my expandable trackie pants and focus on all things domestic! Thank you God!

SingToTheSleigh · 07/12/2021 08:06

Morning all! I am in bed having opened birthday presents and had chocolate croissant and tea. I am sneezy and dizzy and my throat hurts, happy birthday indeed

I have a staff meeting at 9.30, hoping it’s not too long today! Then at 4 I have an autism research reading group run by the local uni. I love that I get to do interesting stuff like this for work. (Thank you SC btw! 🥰) I’d already cancelled piano for this week due to said group, which is good as I’m definitely not up to it. Will postpone birthday dinner out too. Cake tomorrow with DD1’s best friend who turns 15!

DS has chemistry today so they’re off to the next town (with Cagletini - we’ve dropped the Tuesday nursery session as the timings don’t work with my weekly staff meeting, and this way she gets quality time with DH).

po3.1
❗️Meds, get dressed
❗️Write list of extra shopping needed (I always crave sweet chilli crisps for an itchy throat…)
❗️Set up downstairs for meeting and log on by 9.15

SingToTheSleigh · 07/12/2021 08:08

SC always good when someone else cancels something that means you get free time without being the bad guy! 😁

I’m not getting up yet. Just nope.

Slowchimes · 07/12/2021 08:27

Yes indeed Sing ! And happy birthday to you! FlowersCakeBrew

So sorry you are feeling ill though...take it steady...hope meeting goes well!

Your job does sound v interesting indeed!

Slowchimes · 07/12/2021 08:30

Right, last bit of post ...

Halfholly I know what you mean about the Irish blessing Grin but I do love it! (Half of my family are from Galway\ Achill Island Smile). When did you last get back to Dublin?

I am sure I have left loads of people off personals post - apologies - but must go and make most of unexpectedly retrieved time!

Merry I meant to say, it's so lovely to hear that some choirs are still singing and hopefully not pinging!

Huge waves to anyone I have missed! Flowers

Speaking of music, I have this carol (of the bells) ringing in my head currently! The meter is quite motivating! Have a productive day everyone!

[Oops will have to post from phone]

Slowchimes · 07/12/2021 08:34

m.youtube.com/watch?v=SQadcm_dwEM

Sweet faces of choir boys too!

HillsBesideTheSea · 07/12/2021 08:42

Morning.

My life in one sentance "well that didnt go to plan"

No idea about today. Was supposed to be out of the house having a nice day but didnt get what was needed yesterday done. So that is really in question, and likely to be cancelled.

I should really get up and check if ds needs to be in school for 9.

HillsBesideTheSea · 07/12/2021 15:03

I have just washed windows in the rain. FML.

Dubious life choices seem to be my speciality atm.

Next up? Teen with attitude.

HalfHolly · 07/12/2021 15:37

SC - 2019 was last visit. Before that it was 2008 (I emigrated to the UK in 2007). All my family are now in Australia, having left Ireland in 2008 for good. Their move has not been a success - parents are at each other's throats and are completely dysfunctional. They have not managed to integrate at all and are lonely and isolated. To think I was upset originally when they announced they were off to the other side of the world. Now I'm not sure it's far enough 😁. Anyway I went back to Dublin for a friend's wedding but it's really strange to be in your home city when you've no family to visit. I actually didn't go to my home village at all - it felt too hard. But my surname is a good Galway name and I've always felt at home there.

HalfHolly · 07/12/2021 15:56

I have just cleaned all small appliances in the kitchen Hills. There are toast crumbs everywhere. It's as if someone has murdered a loaf of bread. Decalcified coffee machine and kettle and took apart and cleaned coffee grinder. I'm eyeing the kitchen window so I thought of you.

Other than that I did household admin and kidmin.

HalfHolly · 07/12/2021 21:41

I've done tons today. I cleaned all the medicine boxes and got out of date meds ready for Chemists. Washed floors, hoovered, sorted laundry, changed Hoover bags, sorted kitchen presses. Office paperwork. Sorting. Tesco shop. Ordered new lint unit for tumble dryer, ordered surprise for ds for Christmas.

Slowchimes · 07/12/2021 22:53

Well done Halfholly that's a mega list and a half Star Star Star
Sorry to hear about your parents - that sounds really tough about them not settling so well - to be fair to them, the conditions everywhere are tough for expats atm, but it sounds like more than that Flowers I hope things improve for them. It is odd going back full stop and even odder when your support network is no longer there. Flowers

Better than cleaning them in bright sunshine when they streak Hills! What to do when is one of my difficulties; so I sympathise! Anything at all is good though, and it's nice to have shiny windows for Christmas! Star Star Star

I have got things done today but it was a bit like swimming through treacle. My email provider was down for the entire morning which did not help. But I have finally managed to order Christmas photos for cards and they will be here on Thurs! Rather late but just about do-able.

Also packed up two parcels for small people. And wrote some cards for those. I feel as though I am on my way with presents and cards at least!

Need to write a list of employees/associates for presents and pin dh to seat until he approves purchases and then I can get on with it. Terribly late this year but everything being sent direct from various websites. I do not have to pack thank heavens! Ridiculous though it sounds, I find packing parcels quite tiring nowadays, must be my age! Confused

Did not manage to organise booster jab but more local centres opening tomorrow so going to try then.

And didn't manage to make medical appt but about to do that now and stay up to finish lang hwk. I have to write and present a formal complaint. I will use our builders as inspiration Grin

Positive footnote: have ordered four bottles of locally produced sloe gin Smile

G'night all!

HalfHolly · 07/12/2021 23:11

I have RNLI cards this year SC - starting the writing of them tomorrow!

HillsBesideTheSea · 07/12/2021 23:38

I have given up with christmas cards. I like getting them, I want to want to write them, I want to have time to write them. But unless they are done in September there is no chance.

HalfHolly · 08/12/2021 08:44

I totally get it Hills - I'm verging on that myself with cards. Sending presents has been a disaster this year so I'm hoping cards will be simpler. I've got a skeleton list of friends to send to.

I'm coffeed up. Now to porridge. I think I'm getting dh's and ds's cold. Ah well.

SingToTheSleigh · 08/12/2021 08:44

Morning all. Birthday was a bit of a non event as cold progressed into wheezing etc. Benylin and inhalers keeping it vaguely tolerable.

po3.1
❗️Message work coach to request a phone appt - there is no way in hell I’m going to manage trekking to the job centre today
❗️Set up for maths lesson at 9
❗️Curl up under a blanket

HalfHolly · 08/12/2021 08:48

To do: chuck zoflora in shower drain, check ds room for chaos and open window, harpic loos, Hoover bedroom floor (check Hoover bag). Write Christmas cards, dinner is lasagne so prep that. Do a bit of 'work' work.

HalfHolly · 08/12/2021 09:58

Oh sing I'm sorry about your birthday and the cold. Maybe you can extend the celebration over a few days.

StillFestive · 08/12/2021 09:59

Got a serious case of the can’t be arseds going on today. My back hurts, heartburn is constant, sickness is well and truly back and I don’t want to do anything but whinge

Yesterday was fairly productive without over doing it:
🛁 thorough clean of bathroom including de-pinking tiles and scrubbing shower screen
👶 packed bag of baby things for hospital
🛏 tidied boudoir
🔥 kitchen cleaned

Today I want to dust and tidy the bathroom cabinet (I know, wrong zone, but it currently won’t shut), put the last few decorations up and put away the boxes, and perhaps write some cards out (not sending many anyway). Need to reboot the laundry too. Pointy stick anyone?

SingToTheSleigh · 08/12/2021 10:46

I am not poking a heavily pregnant woman with a pointy stick, sorry! :o

Maths was good. DS is doing some electronics. Staff Xmas do cancelled which was to be expected really - I suppose at least that makes next week a little less crazy. I am cutting my blanket snuggling a bit short as there is much to organise!

po3.2
❗️Check diary to rearrange various things
❗️Check work emails - really don’t know how to get my hours in for the rest of term!
❗️Get all laundry out of dryer cupboard