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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Fledglings bolt into Spring! Fresh air, fresh flowers, fresh sheets – No fledgling left behind…

708 replies

BeanAnTae · 30/01/2022 16:20

Thread starts on 1 February, but you are welcome to land and say hello until then
Thank you to Hills who has given us a tour-de-force thread for the deepest, darkest days of January when we were all flagging. We all know you are really busy and appreciate the time you took to go in depth with the baby steps.
Welcome to Flylady if you are a newbie or a regular fledgling– it is a zone based cleaning system, spread out over 4-6 weeks (depending on how the month falls.) The zones cover different areas of the home so we concentrate on a particular zone in a given week. But there is also a weekly hour of cleaning (can be split into 10 min segments) to make sure the bins are emptied, main areas hoovered, sheets changed – you get the drift…
And each day of the week has a focus – Thursday is errand day for example.

So , today is Tuesday 1 February – the first day of Spring if you are joining us in the North Hemisphere or Happy Autumn to those in the South. This thread brings you right up to Pancake Tuesday which is 1 March 2022.
Flylady site
This week we are in 2 Zones:
Zone 5: The Living Room
Zone 1: The Entrance, Front Porch and Dining Room
February Habit: Decluttering for 15 Minutes a Day

Monday – Weekly Home Blessing
Tuesday – Plan and Play
Wednesday – Anti-Procrastination Day
Thursday – Errand Day
Friday – Clean-out your Purse and Car Day
Saturday – Family Fun Day
Sunday – Renew your Spirit Day

It is plan and play day on Tuesdays – I usually plan menus and things to do on Tuesdays but the system is customisable to what works for you and your life.
Feel free to jump onto the thread and post your To Do list of household and family stuff achieved and, if you like, post your Ta Da list when you’ve got stuff done. We all encourage each other along and we all have different lives, pressures etc and we are not at all precious about the system – it can be used as you see fit. For example I don’t clean my dining room in zone 1 as it’s part of my living area so I do it in zone 5.
There is a general mantra of ‘No fledgling left behind’ which basically means you can’t fall behind in the system – you just start up again. So there’s no need for a massive Spring Clean – you just jump in.
Some jargon has evolved over the years, for example – cherry waves was an autocorrect of cheery waves, the pointy stick ---> is sometimes requested if you are having particular problems with procrastination and the naughty corner which is where we collapse to take a break.
As well as ‘To Do’, I’m going to try ‘To Be’ because I’m a Human Being not just a Human Doing. So my aim is to be more present (on the thread and in my head!) and more positive. I live far north in the UK so it is pretty dark here at the moment and I am SO looking forward to more daylight. And a shiny sink!

[Exit stage left pursued by a child]

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14
IWasWillingToGoWassailing · 22/02/2022 12:30

Good luck with the bathroom Hills and I hope the glasses can be fixed. Sorry DS has to stay with his father, but if you can't safely drive he doesn't really have a choice.

Hazel that's loads done!

Bean we too have a charity shop box, in the utility room. It means I am forced to drop off every fortnight or so, instead of waiting for the Second Coming.

Good luck with half term, That. My DM always says we were never so tidy as when everyone went out at 7.30am and came back at 6pm five days a week.

I've been awake since 5 again, so quite effective this morning but flagging now:
❤️ Morning routine, including processing clean washing which I've now managed two days in a row!
🧡 Saw DS2 who called in for a cup of tea. His GF got the job, on better pay and straight onto a training scheme, not 6 months hanging about "proving her worth". They are delighted!
💛 LOL put in drier apart from bits that hang
💚 Sorted out donations for charity shop / second hand book shop / tip and got them into car
💙 Took DS3 to tennis and ran errands on the way back with DH - tip, second hand bookshop, Nationwide, refill shop for balsamic vinegar. Definitely going back for free-flow oats and pasta straight into the jar and spices not in tiny thrupenny bottles!
💜 Had reheated homemade steak and mushroom pie for lunch. Even better after freezing it!

To do:
💪 Get more books from eyrie to study
💪 Collect DS3 at 1pm
💪 See how much of the bathroom DD has dyed pink while colouring her hair
💪 Tesco shop arriving 3-4
💪 Carpenters coming to measure for cupboards in the study, also 3-4 😫. Oops.
💪 DD to make bao buns for tea
💪 Online lecture about Eric Ravilious (current favourite artist) that I have paid actual money for at 7.30pm

Best get on, I think!

frankiefirstyear · 22/02/2022 13:00

Bean I foster so a variety but guinea pigs, mice, atm and we now have our new dog who unfortunately seems to have a high prey drive which is unfortunate 😰 she got on table where mouse cage is last night but it was her first day so hopefully she will desensitise 🙏
Sometimes have rabbits, chickens, ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, degus etc etc I have said I'd have outdoor cats (basically feral who will have access to the shed) but will have to take them off I think as dog is small enough to fit through cat flap.

HazelNuttyElf · 22/02/2022 15:27

hills good luck in getting the unusable bathroom usable again.
Frankie DD has a hamster that she will allow or dog to sniff. I do know that if given half the chance the dog would kill said hamster, but only if he was loose and no one was watching, so it won't happen. The dog is one that has killed mice while we were out camping in the mountains so I know she is capable of it. Good luck with yours.
wassailing oops on the double booking. I'm sure it'll all work out though.

I just got done making DH his breakfast for the week and drank one cup of coffee so far. I will get the sheets in the washer, then make my 2nd cup.

frankiefirstyear · 22/02/2022 22:07

Just catching up...

Elf your watch told you to get up and move?? Is it one of those fitness watches or something 🤯 I'm a 'basic' technology person so the watches etc baffle me.

First childcare day tomorrow since 11th Feb so mammoth tasks on tomorrow, wish me luck!

Loads of huge tadas going on here 🥳 hope you're all feeling accomplished!

SingToTheSky · 23/02/2022 00:07

Oooh I love degus they’re so cute!

(Good thing I checked - autocarrot said I love drugs!)

ta da
📓two LOLs, both in dryer
📓reading - started reading DS’ next home ed book to try and get ahead
📓lots of studying
📓listened to podcast and read articles
📓autism research discussion group
📓2 out of 3 assignment sections
📓Cagbunny care
📓ordered a few house and bunny items online and made Cagbunny her own wish list :o

Time seems to have jumped forward a few times today, it’s like I’m missing the odd hour! Can’t believe it’s gone midnight already. Time to wind down and sleep. Tomorrow (today) I need to finish my assignment - only 250 words but finding it tricky as such woolly terms to define. Anyway after that I can hopefully shift to more practical stuff again - more decluttering mainly - although also want to try and relax a bit while it’s half term. Tuesdays are usually my most tiring by far so it was nice not to have many commitments today.

🍒👋

HazelNuttyElf · 23/02/2022 02:14

Grrrrr, is all I have to say. The stupid ads keep making my keyboard disappear so I click on random things and lose posts. This is the 3rd or 4th one. I'm done 🤬

THATunorganisedMUM · 23/02/2022 06:46

I want a 250 word assignment 😯

I'm aboit 2500 words into my 3000 due in on thursday 😭

In other news i got invited back to shop and scan. Sing do you still do this?

THATkitten is driving me nuts this morning trying to have a fight with me 😑

SingToTheSky · 23/02/2022 08:01

500 to go that you can do it I know, 250 words is very short indeed - it’s just because it’s a “getting used to formal writing” type thing. But TBH I am much more comfortable with longer essays as there’s more room IYSWIM? I’ll probably change my tune when I get to longer assignments mind you 🤣 I think the longest one in this module is still only 1500 which isn’t much longer than most of my A level essays.

We are still on the books for shopandscan but we don’t do it ATM. We asked for a few months off when we had no computer and haven’t bothered ringing them to restart - I don’t think we will bother now as I’m not sure it’s worth the faff although a bit of extra money at Christmas was good. Very much feeling the need to simplify life currently.

Right, very sleepy but going to read for a bit.

StillUp · 23/02/2022 09:34

Morning fledglings

You can do it That, you always pull it out the bag!

My watch frequently tells me to move and frequently gets ignored Hazel. Mine is a Fitbit Frankie, but is currently pretty much used just as watch because I am a lazy lump Blush

Hope you get the glasses sorted Hills.

Well done to DSGF on the new job Wassail!

I made more progress yesterday:
✅ birthday present sorted and got DD to make a card
✅ started counting out loose change into money bags. It’s about 6 years worth so hopefully a nice little windfall.
✅ finished tidying boudoir so it’s as tidy as it can get until we get the wardrobe sorted
✅ implemented a compulsory before bed 2 minute tidy for all family members with good enough motor control. DD resisted initially but got quite enthusiastic once the timer was set. Let’s hope it continues!
✅ pampering bath, much needed defrosting of legs, body scrub and nice moisturiser

Today:
We are all dressed and fed, and I have some makeup on. Need to empty and reload the DW with breakfast things, S&s, check DD2’s changing bag and work out how to fit the pram in the car. We are heading out for the day with family. I’d like to clear the dining table completely when we get back to go back to all meals at the table as we’ve got into the bad habit of eating in front of the TV. Best get a move on! Back later 👋

SingToTheSky · 23/02/2022 10:08

Morning all. Feeling a bit lighter today - managed to read and shower before breakfast so feel more alert. I think having got some of the assignment done yesterday helped too. Although I’d read the first bit of the textbook before the course started, I had delayed looking on the website. The course layout has changed a lot since I first studied with OU in 2007 and I feel a bit better now I know what to expect from the online stuff IYSWIM. I have learnt though that it’s not wise to read ahead as there are specific points you’re meant to read certain chapters. Hopefully this will help me plan better in future.

po3.1
❗️Do the main bit of the assignment. Need to stop overthinking!
❗️Since I’ll be at the computer anyway, find and send a bit of maths homework
❗️Make and send February invoice for maths

BeanAnTae · 23/02/2022 11:19

Morning! Anti procrastination day. I've a work meeting and after will put up the links. I fell asleep on the couch last night and didn't get to my computer.

Glad you are feeling better sing.

Good luck with your assignment that

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HazelNuttyElf · 23/02/2022 13:22

Frankie DH got me a Samsung active 4 watch for our anniversary in November. I love it.
I did get a few bits done yesterday, but chrome is being stupid again. We went to bed in clean sheets! That pretty much narrows it down.

Best be off to work. I enjoyed my few days off.
🍒👋 to everyone

HazelNuttyElf · 23/02/2022 13:23

Oh forgot to say, you got this that you're almost done!

BeanAnTae · 23/02/2022 15:12

Baby step 23 - not sure if I put this up earlier but here it is www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-23/ - adding to your afternoon routine. Mine is dinner prep and kidmin.

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SingToTheSky · 23/02/2022 16:51

Finished my assignment earlier phew. Felt a bit weird since. I often do though after a task (especially one I was anxious about) is over! Sort of not sure what to do with myself.

There is lots I could be doing (and I do need to get on with the new week of the course tomorrow), but I’m trying to just enjoy the fact I have done the thing. So I think I’m just going to read for a while and not plan to do much later except my Wednesday task of putting laundry away.

BeanAnTae · 23/02/2022 20:01

Oh I'd definitely take the time to be happy that the assignment has gone in sing - well done you!!

I had a Teams meeting (thought not technically in work today) and I've since caught up with more stuff tonight.

As a treat I'm going to do a tesco shop Grin and enjoy a lovely cup of Yorkshire gold tea - I've only just discovered it!

Tomorrow is errand Thursday and I'm in work and no errands technically to do. I am however catching up with the home bleurgh week. I am leaving the bed sheets until next monday [klaxon for slovenliness sounds]

we are still in the Master bedroom zone www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0&d=1

And in the baby step 24 we meet the legendary Swish and Swipe of the bathrooms to keep them clean until we reach the bathroom zone:

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-24/

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BeanAnTae · 23/02/2022 20:02

That - you are nearly there with your assignment - you can do it!! Best luck with it tomorrow!

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WildPoinsettia · 23/02/2022 21:08

Shopping yesterday, organizing today. Also there's manflu, he's dying obviously 🙄

Frankie I'm starting to feel like I live in a parallel universe. I saw someone pay at the till using a watch the other week. I still use cash. Kinda half hoping I'm not around by the time the world is fully computerised. It's too complicated as it is.

What's Yorkshire gold tea Bean is it ordinary tea or something else? Always interested in a new variety of tea.

Well done for the assignment going in Sing and fingers crossed you make your deadline THAT

frankiefirstyear · 23/02/2022 22:24

Wild you've blown my mind with the watch paying 😱🤯 I thought I was quite bad til I learned a friend doesn't use online banking, or buy anything online 🤯 I actually don't know how she manages?! She says she doesn't trust it and phones the bank if she needs to pay things.

Having a bit of trouble with new dog who has managed to break into outdoor animal enclosures 3 times now and break out of her indoor cage (while I was outside sorting outdoor cages). So that's today's efforts from me - a not-so-merry-go-round of altering security, only to have it broken down/squeeeeezed through! Also mucked out said outdoor creatures in some really vile weather. Put up a garden pen for new dog which she promptly escaped from too. Back to drawing board tomorrow and some heavy lifting of wire panels is on the addenda. Mice moved upstairs because of frenzied attempts on their lives too 😰 why can't I just have a nice, chilled, happy dog like my old one 💔I miss her and her easiness and trustworthiness with all the furry extended family, didn't realise what a rarity she was til it was too late and she was gone 😞

BeanAnTae · 23/02/2022 23:10

Sorry to hear about your late ddog Frankie. I hope the newbie dog settles soon.

Wild - it's the top range of Yorkshire tea, made by Taylor's of Harrogate. I had tried Twinnings teas but I don't think they are nearly as good.

At home in Ireland I'd have Barry's tea from Cork even though I'm a Dubliner.

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BeanAnTae · 23/02/2022 23:12

No Tesco shop got done but I did buy a few bits and pieces for work clothes wear from Marks and Spencer.

I still need to take up those trousers!!

I did a mini clear out of wrecked clothes so that I look vaguely put together for work.

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HillsBesideTheSea · 23/02/2022 23:26

I made doughnuts

that is all.

BeanAnTae · 24/02/2022 00:06

Sounds like a productive day Hills

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Ladyrattles · 24/02/2022 00:19

Cleaned the whole house so it was really nice for a birthday celebration evening (our middle daughter turned 20 today). Then miss-stepped on the stairs and fell & jolted my bad back, so I spent the evening in pain but trying to be cheery. Hoping I'll still be able to sleep Confused kiddo had a lovely evening though, so that's the main thing

BeanAnTae · 24/02/2022 00:31

Oh no Ladyrattles I hope you are okay. You get such a fright when you stumble on the stairs.

Ta da
Cleaned the kitchen bins
Washed the sofa throws.

I'm off to bed!

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