Festive Fledglings are Flying into December

[EspeciallyD]

Welcome, everyone!

Here is the December 2022 Flylady thread. We use her system to get on top of our housekeeping and our lives and families and, mostly, it works. By all means have a look at her website - www.flylady.net/ but don't sign up for the emails if you value your sanity, she sends hundreds!

The system is very straightforward. Starting one thing at at time, you build up morning and evening routines to keep things on an even keel daily. Then you add a weekly structure to get various jobs done:
Monday - quick whizz round the house cleaning
Tuesday - planning day
Wednesday - anti-procrastination day
Thursday - errand day
Friday - clean out your car and handbag / date night
Saturday - family fun day
Sunday - renew your spirit
Then, through the month you have a weekly cleaning focus Zone so the whole house is mostly cleaned every month.

It can look overwhelming if you've never tried ot before (and even if you are 19 years in like me have), so go slowly, do what you can.

Two important things to remember are:

you are never behind. Just jump in where you are and do something
you can't clean clutter, so if you need to run round with a binnag once a day for the first week / month / year then it's ok to do that.

I'll be posting links to the Launch Pad every day, which you can click on to find basic tasks, Zone cleaning, daily focus etc.

There's also a Flylady app if you like ticking things off on your phone.

Although this is a long running thread with many regular posters, all are welcome, if you are curious about the Flylady system or just fancy joining in the chit chat while you go about your daily life please join in, also ask if you don’t understand anything.

I didn’t actually do those power of three tasks at all. I printed a load of activities for Cagletini and then met my friends for a nice pub lunch. Then I sorted the packages that arrived - virtually everything is here now and there’s not much wrapping left.

What really needs doing is housework but with the various injuries/illnesses lately it’s just not happening!

Hills that sounds exhausting. I am not getting much co-operation here either.

Perry I have also vowed to do more Flylady next year. I was going well then volunteering kind of took over too much and things just build up when you turn your back and that is with kids in the mix!

Last two weeks have been manic.
I am either making cards in September or not at all next year.These are very time consuming. Though I am enjoying crafting.I think I am nearly finished. The posted ones went on time bar one. I am on the church ones and then the local ones. DH took a present and card to a friend but not to her"friend' so now we need to drive about 7 miles to drop that off and friend has left for Newcastle yesterday. Hmm! We have three to take in another direction about 7 miles but within 1 mile of each other.If it wasn't for postal strike I would have posted them. Might grab a coffee with someone or the pub.
Foodbank all delivered.
Floral table piece made at Ladies Night at church. We declared all arrangements were beautiful and we are improving with our yearly practice.

So all Christmas Cakes have now been made including one for us. Two are iced and one delivered and gratefully received.
Today job.
Marzipan 4 cakes, Ice one and maybe others if I get one done. I might put self under more pressure and enter competition I had forgotten about. Prize £100 of cooking stuff. I have made it before and reasonably easy but time consuming. Great effect.

The Boudoir - That will NOT be happening. I have removed the washing piles and washed three so that is an achievement. Dust bunnies are not of concern until i go under the bed to find the two RUBoxes of Christmas Crockery that isn't even out yet. The man hasn't been to mend the dishwasher. We got missed and now no time. I asked DH to go in several times. He went in the first time weeks ago. Shop usually reliable. Need to change the sheets but as I could hardly get to the bed it wasn't done on Monday.Now Mount Washmore is on the drying rack I can do it before the Mount Putaway arrives up there.

Packed/sealed 40boxes for Ukraine on Monday with friend. I think they went last night. Some Christmas boxes already there.😀

DS3 gift arrived quickly from Kenwood. Yeah! I ordered it on line so was pleasantly surprised that i managed to do that ! I am improving.

DH broke mop when it was icy -8 here last week. Despite passing several he hasn't purchased another. I suggested steam mop from Lakeland.Does anyone have a steam mop?I have an expensive Polti in the shed somewhere but not a quick accessible mop.

Planning to concentrate on the baking today. I bought a new set of tins from Dunelm to accommodate boy's cakes and they can take them home and return next year so we have two tins for Mince pies(yet to make) and maybe if I get time a Chocolate Log.
Decorations are all up I think well those going up. DH effort- got them out of the loft. Empty box still in hall.

Today
Baking- Marzipan and ice said cakes.
Mince pies.

Dining room- still need to find the table and clean candle sticks. Polish and cloth have been ignored by DH even though they are next to Candle sticks. HMM!
Kitchen - box up any leftover food that wont fit in cupboards, Tupperware etc and find somewhere to put it.
Bathroom- Clean loo, sink and shower tray. Wash floor if I can find the end of that mop or bucket and cloth. No dusting. Showered windowsill yesterday without removing anything!
4pm Finally have GP appointment about foot and will ask him about shoulder which told to go to A&E but hoping he might pull it. Not fully dislocated but think it is partially. Very painful at times. Waiting times a kjoke at A&E and DH took DS2 there and after 2 1/2 hrs(8 app.-10:30pm) gave up. DS 1 there at 1 am same night and there until 10am!

Need to wrap about 65 gifts.Ha ha no that should have said 5 gifts but left it for 😂
Cherry waves.Sorry for such long post but given up with ipad and hard to get on here. Best get off here DH pacing the floor now. Need to get dressed. If I don't get back on I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

'tis a bit quiet here so close to Christmas. Tomorrow is last working day before breaking for holidays, and I am just trying to hold on to whatever is left of my sanity.

I don't remember being this tired last pregnancy 😰 goodness me, it's like treading through treacle!
Trying not to bite DH's head off as well.. he was in charge of sorting out kitchen past 3 days, and deary me, he did nothing other than load/unload the dishwasher. Just the sight of the wet cloth alone that has been sitting in the sink for 3 days without drying out inbetween 🤢 And when he "did the laundry" he just washed his work clothes and nothing else! Can't believe it. AND this is the man who had the audacity to criticize me for using a budgeting app (for my own money!!). Apparently it's an unnecessary expense and i ought to really do without it. Ohhh, I am fuming tonight.

And breathe. Looks like you ladies have been busy last few days.

Ta das:

• Christmas presents delivered
• kitchen scrubbed
• Food prep is done
• All major hotspots extinguished.

🍒👋

Still battling getting the house tidy, still trying to get everything prepped. Still trying not to lose my shit and say terrible things about those who like to celebrate christmas. May have said to sibling that there was no hurry to send the people back on boxing day and she was happy to keep them til the 27th if it worked for them

Evenin’ all. Not had a productive day - got out in the morning to what I assumed would be a quick visit to the pharmacy for a sore eye, but ended up at the optician for an eye health check and then in A&E. It’s either an infection or a corneal ulcer (didn’t know that was even a thing until today) so I’ve got delightfully ouchy drops and antibiotic ointment to apply 8 times a day (or rather for DH to because I am a wuss when it comes to eyes. Fun times!!!

So the house is still a mess, but ah well, it’s not like we have visitors until the 28th. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to make the truffles (guess which Fledgling inspired me 😁) etc I promised to with DD1, and I have a few more presents to wrap due to things arriving today/apparently being delivered tomorrow.

I have been quite emotional and overloaded this evening and it ended with me crying. Which I think was inevitable in a way given the time of year, meds break etc. But at least it was for a good reason! I found my last diary (2018-2020 I was writing a lot) and had a quick look. It was odd to read how some things have changed and others really haven’t, I was trying so so hard to change things. But then I saw that I’d written in July 2020 that I couldn’t imagine ever getting to the point where a career was possible. So that somewhat opened the floodgates as I just can’t believe how life has turned around, I was lucky enough to find a job I enjoyed but it really is turning into a career I can see myself doing for a long time. All the feels. 😭🥰🥳🥺

Anyway enough waffle from me. I should try and sleep soon as lots to do tomorrow - the wrapping and cooking for a start but also some study/work stuff as well which I would prefer to get done before Christmas, but it depends on how my eye is.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve and all that!

Hills that’s brilliant if the people can give you a bit of peace and quiet stay somewhere else for a little bit - seems only fair given everything you do!

Sorry you’re so tired Username pregnancy with a toddler is Not Fun! I have a similar gap between the Caglets. Worth it though, they are still so funny together 💜

I am very proud of all my kids today actually. Originally the older two were going to join DH for an hour, to help make up hampers for the food bank and preparing for their party tomorrow. Due to my Ophthalmic Escapades this wasn’t possible so he took all three Caglets and by all accounts they were absolutely brilliant and helpful for the whole shift, about 6 hours! Decorating, wrapping, organising etc. 💜

Perry- aww its understandable that you felt like a good cry after reading your diary. Its wonderful how you have found a career you love.
Ouch about your eye! Hope all the meds are working to stop it being so sore. Weldone for you caglets for being amazing!

Hills- I hope you get a break from The People for abit. Its hard being The Dream provider. I dont look forward to Christmas as there are so many people here that expect 'fun' Christmas.

Username- Wonderful news you are expecting! So happy for you!! Make sure you rest when needed!

Hi everyone, I just found the December thread yesterday and tried to catch up. Its so lovely to read how you all are - you are at the back of my mind throughout the day and wonder how you all have been keeping.

We had the tree up since the 2nd week of December. Fraggles decorated it with nearly every bauble they could lay their hands on. Santa visits, Kids Christmas parties and bits of shopping done.

It was wonderful being in a school through all the Christmas activites. I had a chance to paint a large hallway display - which I really enjoyed. The Nativity nearly bought me to tears, it was so cute.

Since the start of the hols I have been trying to tidy and declutter.
I told 'D'h to stop unloading the dishwasher as it doesnt help - playing Jenega with all the fraggles lunch boxes doesnt help- (twat.)
In the kitchen I have put away lots of things so I can see the surfaces. I need to wipe all cabinets and worksurfaces. Then mop the floor. Ready for Christmas day food cooking.

I made slow cooker Lasange wed. It feeds 8 people. Its not been eaten...i might have to freeze it.

I made a roast dinner on Sunday - it was lovely to have the chance to cook as since working I have survived on tinned soup, toast, oven food and takeaways. My plan now is to cook and freeze half.

Washed 5 loads of laundry and folded and put away while watching Christmas films. Sitting room is half full of junk the other half has a huge Christmas tree and lots of Nativity scences made of card and felt. My fraggles love it.

I am awake at dear fraggle woke me up so then i couldnt sleep.

I need to decide on what to cook for Christmas day. We have been out for Christmas dinner this week.
We have 3 families getting together for Christmas day. We have got a huge amount of Cheese and crackers. I wondering of I should make a very special slow cooked lamb hotpot (but with chicken) as we have a few people ill or that are elderly. Or a filo pastry thing I saw Jaime Oliver making- something I can make in advance and serve on the day. I will be making roasties and yorkshire puddings.

Sorry for the long post! Leaving tea, coffee and herbal tisanes with homemade mince pies in the naughty corner!

hills sorry to hear that everything's a bit much right now. You have a huge ta da list too!
Perry you have come a long way since I first discovered the thread (and may have lurked for a couple of months before joining in).
username men can be so oblivious. I would be tempted to ask him if he just wants you and McToddler to be running around naked if he's not going to wash them too! The wet washcloth would drive me insane though

I'm glad I've inspired you Perry I still enjoy making my truffles and caramels and everyone who eats them enjoys them, or so they say!
All of my orders are done, paid for and delivered, including the cheesecake I made last night!
I have a short day tomorrow, I just need to make some more Oreo truffles and I can get my treats ready for the gifts I'm giving this year.

I'm currently in the bath, face mask on, candles lit, sipping on wine while I listen to Christmas music. We are having an extreme cold spell, so this will warm me up for the night.
I've added a couple of pictures to show you what I've been up to. Most of my orders didn't have the ribbon in the end, I just decided to make it simple at that point.

Oh, I forgot to add, I hope your eye heals quickly Perry

dancing so good to see you on here! You have been busy and festive, it seems! What is it with men and them being "helpful" 🙄?! I hope you're able to sleep again soon.

Oh I wanted to add that the hotpot sounds really good (and maybe less work?) dancing this Christmas it seems like I'm drawn to easy, so I may be biased!

Morning all, apologies for absence yesterday, we had a day out at the world darts championship which meant an early start. It was a great day, but horrendous traffic on the way home (virtually all trains on our line are cancelled at the moment).

@Dancingtomusic lovely to hear from you, glad to hear you are enjoying being back at school! My two both left school this year (one after GCSEs, one after A levels) and although secondary school is a bit more lowkey compared to primary for Christmas stuff it did feel a bit weird having no school carol services etc to go to. I used to love helping out with it all.

@UsernameNotPresent sorry you are feeling so tired, it is hard, hard work being pregnant with a toddler, grr to the half-hearted DH chores.

@CurseYouPerryThePlatypus I hope the eye feels a bit better today, not what you need at this time of year (or any really).

@HillsBesideTheSea well done on de-peopling for a bit longer.

@HazelNuttyElf I don’t know how you do it all, two jobs and all this fabulous baking! Hope the weather isn’t too severe for you, I have just been reading a report about it on the BBC.

@Redsquirrel5 you have been busy. Hope the GP was helpful. I used to make Christmas cards but haven’t bothered since the DCs came along, I think the last cards I made were our wedding invitations. I still have all my stamps, embossing powders etc so maybe one day.

Well, yesterday was a no-day Flying-wise, we got home at 8pm shattered, made bacon sarnies and collapsed onto the sofa. I did a bit of crochet and had a bit of a sort out of the yarn I need for a new project. I am a bit short of one colour but hoping to get to the wool shop later.

Today I got up early and was in M&S at 7am and Sainsburys at 7.15, home by 7.45. Panicking abit as I had lost my purse, this one doesn’t have any cards in it, just a bit of cash but it is tiny and light as it only had notes in. Searched the car and my bag, then phew, DH found it outside the front door when he left for work. It was soaked but luckily the new notes are waterproof. Today’s plan is to take the DCs to finish their Christmas shopping. I was going to make a Yule log, but a Festive Colin the Caterpillar reduced to £3.50 fell into my basket in M&S. I will make mince pies later. I am going to a carol service in the town square this evening.

Today’s Flight Plan is here

www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=0

Our mission is to tackle “the clothes pile”. Yesterday’s, as I didn’t post it, was to dust the boudoir. Friday is clear out your bag and car day, I have already done the bag while looking for my purse (I think I must have pulled it out with my keys last night). Car could do with a tidy up though. It has stopped raining and is brightening up, good news.

Have a good day everyone

Ironically because of events today i have been dumping stuff into the car and out the way.

By 10am I had:
Iced a cake
got christmas cake decorated by a person
moved the laundry out of the lounge
stashed some stuff that is going to be rehomed in the new year
clear the junk
deep cleaned the lounge - dust, hoover, pulled furniture out and everything
Tidied and Hoovered the porch
tidied and hoovered hall and stairs
set up for all the people with as many chairs as possible
removed stuff that is not small kid safe
found some christmas board and story books for the said small children to make visit more interesting.
made sure people were sorted with what was needed
delegated cleaning of cloak room so guest ready with change of mat and towel - its all christmassy in there yes ba hum bug
Realised i still have 2 presents that need finishing before they can be wrapped - not sure how that is going to happen before tomo
found that i have no idea what time my flu shot is later

Just about to throw together some thermos and bring out cups so that i can close the kitchen off and get to work with taming the batshit that is going on there. A lot of clean washing up needing to go away, washing up and cleaning to be done. And there is still a whole heap of cake and biscuits and tea to be made. Although sibling who is popping down to collect the people has been warned that they will be helping with that.

Person is delighted at such a wonderful day. I am not curled up in a ball rocking yet (thank you strong pain killers and coffee) So i am going to head back to the chaos and wish that the day will proceed quietly. I am looking for now people time. I am not like the people who thrive in the company of people. I like the company of people when i want it, otherwise I am done very very quickly.

Evening all. It has not been a productive day but Cagletini had a great time at a party with DH (they were running the [garden/wildlife safe] reindeer food stand 🥰

I did put a wash on and should really put that in the dryer and gather more dirty laundry. I am not feeling terribly festive today, I am really hoping the meds kick in soon for the eye (thank you all for the well wishes 💜) as I’m annoyed at the bad timing. There’s always something around Christmas with our family - last year DD1 broke her wrist and had surgery a few days before, the year before DSD1 had an awful dental abscess etc! It does make me glad I’d done most of the wrapping already though, and unlike some years we don’t have any presents left to buy for DSDs (who we see in the week after) - no need to go into town for the sales.

On the other hand I still haven’t done any of the uni stuff or work planning I meant to. Maybe I’ll feel well enough to tomorrow but do I want to on Christmas Eve… hmm. DH will be dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh out in the morning to get a few forgotten bits and his meds but other than that we can do whatever.

Entirely given up on the house being tidy but we’ve all agreed to make an effort between 26th and 27th for DSC and various partners!

Amazing truffles hazel! We haven’t made ours yet, we did peanut butter bars and Oreo bars though (topped with raspberry chocolate and candy cane respectively) and they both turned out pretty tasty, phew! I don’t do much cooking of any kind with the Caglets, I really do want to change that next year.

WOW! Hills I am in awe of all you achieved. Great news about a little extended holiday would they not like them until the 31st?
UNP Not sure if I congratulated you or if that was one of the lost posts? Much harder in some ways second time around as you can't go and lie down or with your head in the toilet if nausea sets in.On a plus a routine books on the bed about 2/3 pm can be restful for both.At least your feet are up.
Perry No wonder you were a bit tearful after you have achieved so much in such a short time and your love for it shines through.
Hazel they look so professional. I have bought extra cream thinking coffee and homemade truffles would be nice at the end.I was thinking of homemade crackers and put them in but I think that ship time has sailed.
Dancing glad you have enjoyed it I always loved this term if somewhat exhausting.

ED I was aiming to come home, (from market) ice the cake and then decorate it. I made holly, ivy and some other leaves and raindeer antlers with the idea of entering the Everhot cake comp only to discover when checking that it was closed at 12 last night not tonight as i thought i had read. On the other hand I had run out of steam so I am shelving it until tomorrow morning. The other cakes will get the leftovers and maybe a quick tree or two.I have four to ice.Three and marzipaned but I ran out so one will be done tomorrow and one can stay in the tin until New Year.

Fly lady can bog off with suggestions this week. The clothing pile is done and folded in the basket thanks to the Lakeland drier being out at night. All dry.
The dust can be signed in the boudoir.The table in the hall has been dusted, good enough! I still haven't found the dining room table and no bugger else has bothered even though he is home all day. He hasn't wrapped the presents either even though one is for DS3. Guess that is my job again this year. To be fair I do a much neater job.
Worked 10.30am -3 pm today then did a bit of shopping in the market.Fabric for the door curtain which isn't thick enough you get what you pay forDH!Raspberries and strawberries for the Pavlova. I will pick up some mango and pineapple in Booths tomorrow.

Achieved
Market 👌
Christmas Box of newborn things and a beautiful coloured hand knitted blanket handed in today so i boxed it up and wrapped in reindeer paper.
Shopping
Finished church cards and delivered to church bar one I dropped.
Went to Mass. Dropped baby box off and set cards out. Sorted where things are laid out for Christmas Eve for children.
Friend hadn't turned up so went to drop off gift for her at stall and give her lift back.It took time.
Made poached eggs on toast so so yummy.

Tomorrow. Up about 8am.
Make bed.
Make four cards for local people and deliver.
Ice cake/s.
Go to bank and shift money.
Go to Boots for toiletries for boys.
Collect fish at 11am.
drop off card and present
Collect turkey, sausagemeat and sausages, bacon. List done 3 x weeks ago and on fridge.MUST not forget it.
Make everything fit in fridge. Tidy work surface in kitchen. Wash floor.
Have lunch.

Dining room find table.
Remove all BRC about five.Hide upstairs. Mostly wool for Ukraine and craft stuff.
Clean candlesticks(been on list for about 3 months).
dust window sill and put some more decorations in it.
Vacuum floor.

Sitting room
remove all card making stuff upstairs.Shut door.
Vacuum
Tidy table top
Nap

Put lanterns and lights on.
Go to village carol service 4:30pm
Go to Mass for 5:30pm
Come home about 7:15pm Drink gin!

Wrap last of presents. Only about 6 I think. Others are done and under tree.

I haven't been on all week but I honestly think of you all each day.

I wanted to check with the posted who lives in America? Is that you @HazelNuttyElf? The weather looks terrifying.

We've been ill/flying/ bedbound/running errands/ seeing friends. Normal stuff really and trying to balance the loose ends with actually just chilling out and enjoying Christmas Eve

Yes pompoms we do live in the US. We have had snow and freezing rain. We were supposed to travel today to go see BIL and his new house. It's a 3 hour drive. We decided to stay. I have tried calling both ILs and texted SIL and there's no response. I'm hoping they didn't go as well. The roads are terrible.
They just called! They staying and heading over to our house right now! I'm relieved 😌
Hopefully I'll be back on here in a little while.
It's Christmas Eve!

Phew, I’ve been thinking about you too @HazelNuttyElf

Good to hear from you @pompomsandtinsel

Hope the open house has gone OK @HillsBesideTheSea

No links today, I don’t think any of us particularly want Flylady’s pearls of wisdom this late on Christmas Eve. I have been doing some food prep, we are going to pop to the pub over the road for a quick drink shortly then its back, wrapping presents to go straight out round the hearth. Then relax. Hopefully!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, hoping everything goes smoothly.

Merry Christmas everyone! We have done our inaugural Christmas Eve Lights Walk. Not much left to do but not feeling terribly festive TBH!

Hope everyone has a good day tomorrow and stays warm and well! 🎄🎁

I am going to wish you all happy christmas as we are 24th eve celebraters and I am on a complete down day.

Glad you are all ok hazel I was watching the news for california with the cold temps and power issues thanks to the earthquake and aftershocks. I hope that those affected are able to be ok.

Open house went well. Didn't get the kitchen tidy enough but closed the door on that. I had help in the afternoon which was gratefuly recieved. The people got off eventually and are suitably being spoilt by sibling. I have enjoy the house to myself although the phone has been busy with well wishes from family i don't normally speak to so that has been lovely.

ta da
sort out everything that was being sent - i was helping sibling with allergy friendly stuff
deep clean oven
several loads of laundry
defluff
wash duvet - bath tub and grape method
wash the door mats which cant do when the people are here as the floor gets slippy
work my way through clearing up from yesterday and the general chaos that wasn't sorted.
inboxed zero'ed on one email account
hoover through
gather craft projects around me in the lounge so i can curl up with fire and duvet later/tomo
set fire alarm off because of advent candle that got abandoned in the chaos and i thought i would just enjoy the last bit today

I am going to cook my christmas meal and relax.
I hope you are all able to relax and there is not too much panic santa sorting type stuff having to be done tonight. Wishing you all a gentle stressfree day tomo.

Happy Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all of you wonderful people! Have a light, happy, and restful holiday!

Merry Christmas to all of you!
Presents are ready, carefully placed ready for the morning. Before and after pics attached. Most of the presents were already out but pushed way back. It just looks like a lot more because of the way I've positioned them!
I'm tired, but it was the least stressful Christmas Eve's that I can even remember. All presents were already wrapped so no last minute wrapping that can't wait. There's a few things to wrap tomorrow, but no rush and it won't take long.

Hi all, hope everyone is surviving the festivities with all the joy (or not!) it brings! 🎄

We have had a nice relaxed couple of days. Annoyingly my anxiety has been quite high at times about completely unrelated stuff so that’s been an unwelcome distraction. But despite that it’s been a lot nicer than recent years and we’ve managed to make it feel different to any other weekend (as we don’t see anyone else on the day it can feel a bit “Sunday with presents” - but it really didn’t this time).

I am still having regular eye drops which are definitely helping although they rather sting at the time! We have tidied up a bit too, packaging/wrapping recycled etc and some laundry done. We now have a few days to focus on getting really tidy - by our standards anyway - for the 28th. And although it’s largely superficial tidying/cleaning I’m really hoping that contributes to feeling more organised for the new year.