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Housekeeping

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Fledglings January 2023: the one without an interesting title

312 replies

CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 31/12/2022 09:48

Hello everyone, it’s that lovely time of year when we all aim at a fresh start! Welcome back to our regulars, and if you are new or returning, a huge welcome to you as well! Please feel free to post or lurk, whatever helps you most.

So, Flylady. That mysterious system that promises a lovely clean house! This link is a good place to read about the basic principles, but we strongly recommend ignoring the first bit - do not sign up for emails as you’ll be inundated!

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

If you’re new to the system, or are wanting a refresher course, the baby steps may be a good idea. Some are more useful than others, we’ve found, and stuff like affirmations may not work for you, so pick and choose what you want to try. You don’t have to do it all! Perfectionism can be left at the door, we celebrate any achievement here no matter how small it seems (this is why you’ll see our Ta Da lists as well as To Do lists!).

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

There are parts of the house called zones, each taking a different part of the month, and missions in those zones to do little tasks we may have neglected. If you don’t feel ready for those though, a good way to start is doing 15 minutes decluttering in that zone! Remember it didn’t get messy in a day so it won’t be fixed in a day either. Slow and steady.

Then there’s the daily focus - each day of the week has a theme, although many of us switch them around to suit our own lives.

Each day I’ll provide the link to the launch pad, which is where you can see what is meant to be done that day (but again don’t feel you have to do all of it! That way lies burnout!).

A couple of principles we talk about on here are:
Future Friend - the idea of doing something today that benefits you later, such as choosing your clothes or making your lunch the night before.
Power of Three (po3) - if you’re overwhelmed, just pick three easy tasks - no matter how small - and forget about the rest until they’re done. Then reassess and decide another three.

Finally a few acronyms:
DW - dishwasher, not dear wife!
LOL - load of laundry, we aren’t finding washing hilarious
WM - washing machine
TD - tumble dryer

OP posts:
WeegieGranny · 06/01/2023 08:38

Yesterday I didn't do as much as I had hoped, but it was still enough to make a bit of a difference.

More laundry and tidying today. There is a hallway hotspot just behind the living-room door that needs tackled asap.

HillsBesideTheSea · 06/01/2023 11:06

My control journal is a thing of beauty because i made it on the computer, converted it to pdf and then print out what pages i need. It was not a complicated design on the pages and tbh if i had done it now it would have looked fancier. BUT it has lists of birthdays by month making looking up and keeping on top of easier. It has the dates and no#s for car insurance etc...

It is a whole heap of really useful stuff IF i actually look at it. It is the goal.

I failed an exam and after coming to a complete stop have had to figure out how to cram 4 exams into 2 months instead of the original more manageable 3. So yesterday was spent stressed, anxious and trying to figure everything out. Finished that this morning. Just about to throw clothes on, drop ds off, get the decoration boxes in the loft and then hit the ground running. So much that needs to be done. Urgh.

Yesterday's ta da - finished wk 3 of the pattern. Just week 4 for getting the blanket finished but the sides are already taking me nearly half hour per side. This blanket is pretty big. Glad i decided i wanted it done more than i wanted it bigger. Bigger would make a fabulous bed throw, but couch blanket is perfect for what i will use.

freezingpompoms · 06/01/2023 19:58

❄️lol
❄️cleaned dinning table and chairs
❄️cleaned kitchen and hall floors
❄️ evening po3
❄️visited friend which really renewed my spirit
❄️took Christmas tree down and all the decs
❄️row with H
❄️cleaned car out

CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 07/01/2023 00:02

ta da
🍔shower
🍔school visit for work
🍔hung out with colleagues for a bit
🍔made plan for revision with DD1
🍔listened to audiobook
🍔booked tesco delivery for Monday morning (first of the year as we’ve been living on top up shops)
🍔added up work hours and made a note
🍔attempted meal planning for part of next week (not set in stone yet, need to look at diary and see if it’s realistic)

ta didn’t
❌Today’s links. Apologies. 😳🙈

Currently need to stop procrastinating about going to bed!

OP posts:
Redsquirrel5 · 07/01/2023 03:53

Yesterday
Ta Da
Vacuumed all downstairs.

Hall.
Wiped door and removed wreath.
Dusted table.
Water plant.
Vacuumed Hall and stairs and upstairs hall.

Kitchen
washed up.
wiped worktops.
wiped table.
wiped stove top and lids.
LOL x2
took down all decorations and 36 cards.

Sitting Room
Took down decorations and tree. Boxed everything up including tree because the lazy arse I live with was in a mood, so I told him to bugger off to bed and leave me to do it. And he did! I had already taken off all the decorations and wrapped most of them. No idea why he was in a mood.

Boudoir
made bed
sorted a brc
put away clothes

lost yesterdays post so posting now.

Redsquirrel5 · 07/01/2023 04:21

Today

Boudoir
made bed
sorted teapot and tea bags.

Kitchen
Tidied and washed up.
Made rest of mushroom soup for lunch.
Made Prawn and noodle stir fry for tea.

Sitting Room
went through all decoration boxes and repacked as requested by DH. He thought it would mean one box less. It didn’t! He did put them up the loft. I didn’t help him as still packing.
Vacuumed sitting room again.
Re arranged a few things.

i was going to felt two jumpers and make cushion covers but no liquid left. Thanks DH.

Sorry no personals but I see everyone is busy. V'

HungryHazelEyes · 07/01/2023 18:14

YesTaDas:
😇 worked all day
😇 took Jeep through car wash
😇 DH had DS do his chores, so he did home bleugh after we got home since he hadn't got them done 🤨
😇 workout on my spin bike
😇 meal planned
😇 made grocery list
😇 submitted grocery pickup order for today
😇 shower and bed just after 11pm

Ta Das, so far today:
☕️ grocery pickup order picked up
☕️ groceries put away with all hands on deck

HungryHazelEyes · 07/01/2023 18:22

Hmmm, not sure what's going on today but my phone just started deleting my post! So I posted what I had.

To Dos:
🍓 make berry cobbler for dessert (keto friendly) for tonight
🍓 get some decluttering done that I keep putting off (shelves in hallway)
🍓 start prepping food for dinner tonight (ILs coming over, it's our turn)
🍓 take down outside lights with help from DH (unless I can get him to just do it 🤔)
🍓 message mum to chat with her today (if she's available)

HungryHazelEyes · 07/01/2023 20:36

Ta Das:
😇 sorted through paperwork in a basket on the shelf in the hallway
😇 rewrote the chores list for DS
😇 lunch (leftovers)
😇 DH & DS rotated DW
😇 sent some texts to people re gifts and cards at Christmas, apologised for the delay

To do still:
Almost everything on my list from earlier 🙄

DitzyBluebells · 07/01/2023 23:15

Yesterday ta-da's:

🌥️ Morning routine
🌥️ Gardening
🌥️ Tea with friend
🌥️ Electrician came to fix fault
🌥️ Evening routine (minus the exercise)

Today's ta-da's:

🌧️ Morning routine
🌧️ Lazed around eating all the Christmas chocolate
🌧️ Fiddled about with a piece of non-working technology and got it working again
🌧️ Watched film
🌧️ Took a walk
🌧️ Evening routine

Hope everyone is busy having fun and not bogged down with chores.

freezingpompoms · 08/01/2023 06:32

Saturday:
❄️kids party
❄️visited inlaws
❄️cooked tea for two days
❄️nothing else achieved not even a lol and I didn't take my make up off or read my book. But of a fail really

PeachiceT · 08/01/2023 11:06

Yes TaDas
🍊4 Lol, washed and dried
🍊made homemade soup for lunch
🍊made healthy dinner
🍊stuck to my calorie intake for diet
🍊kept on top of washing and drying dishes through the day
🍊made a meal plan and did online food shop, saved £40 on usual spend

In other news , i am doing the no spend challenge and I mananged £0 on any spends that aren't necessary 😄

CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 08/01/2023 12:20

Ahem. Apologies for thread leader absence! It has been a flare up sort of weekend.

YesTaDa
👻tutorial online
👻read for a while
👻emailed a couple of places about tai chi classes
👻started looking at revision stuff for DD1

There is lots of stuff I should be doing today but I am curled up with a hot water bottle instead.

OP posts:
CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 08/01/2023 12:26

🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

Sunday 8th January

On Sundays we move into a new zone. This week it’s the kitchen!

www.flylady.net/d/zones/zone-2/

No missions as it’s the weekend, but you could start decluttering in there - remember just stick to 15 minutes, there is no need to try and do everything!

Baby step #8 is reviewing what’s been added so far, which is useful as I never did link to days 6 and 7!

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-8/

Here’s the launch pad:

www.flylady.net/c/lp.php

🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

OP posts:
CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 08/01/2023 14:19

Right. Super unmotivated but also bored so it’s time to ditch the duvet and hot water bottle.

po3.1
❗️LOL
❗️Spend some time organising Christmas decorations
❗️15 mins decluttering in kitchen (sorely needed so I really must try and do every day in this zone)

OP posts:
HungryHazelEyes · 08/01/2023 15:59

Peach we are doing a no spend January as well, I joined the thread on here too. Other than DH accidentally spending money using the card on Amazon (to buy a new top for the trampoline that has holes in it - just a matter of time before someone falls through!) He though he was able to add his gift cards to purchase it, but the order went through with our saved card instead 🤦‍♀️ that was $65. But, other than that it has just been food and fuel for spends!
We have agreed to keep spending as low as possible for as long as possible!

YesTaDas:
🍓 cleaned the doors and screen doors (front door and side door)
🍓 took wreaths down
🍓 3 course meal cooked for dinner
🍓 rotated DW again, although still have more dishes to handwash and put in DW respectively
🍓 wiped countertops down
🍓 enjoyed our company and played pool between main course and dessert
🍓 went to bed too late, didn't wash my face either (had a little bit of makeup on) pompoms you're not alone on that!

We didn't take the Christmas lights down from outside, so that needs to be done today still

Perry I hope you're feeling better soon!

PeachiceT · 08/01/2023 16:36

Hungry, thats great , the Amazon purchase is still something that will be useful in the long run. We spent on a new hairdryer and frying pan today but both were needed items so still counting as sticking to my own rules. Was so tempted by the sales but resisted. We are the same and are going to be mindful spending for as long as possible.

Todays Tadas
🍊 3 x LOL
🍊put 6 LOL away
🍊Clothes out for tomorrow for me and DC
🍊made a healthy Lasagne for dinner and portion for work lunch tomorrow
🍊food shop delivered and put away
🍊Stuck to my calorie count for day 2

freezingpompoms · 08/01/2023 19:43

@HungryHazelEyes mucky face pair together!

I did break my zero spend time yesterday and bought a small bum bag for daughter to wear to school for hankies and lip balm. Hardly any uniform comes with pockets now. It was half price but still £5 and not on my list.

❄️ made a gorgeous roast dinner if I do say so myself
❄️ got H to reorganise Xmas boxes and fix some bits. I really hate that I have to remind him as don't want to be put in the role of nag. Just get on with things, they are literally two minute jobs.
❄️ did some glittery birthday craft with kids as baby pompom is 2 this week
❄️ spent an hour tidying up glitter
❄️ dyed and cut my own hair
❄️ reorganised kids toys and got them all away into their boxes
❄️ decluttered 10 items
❄️ zero spend
❄️ started 2nd book of the year and aiming for 12

Really glad we are onto the kitchen as I want to give the cupboards a good clean and also the glitter, oh man the glitter!!!

UsernameNotPresent · 08/01/2023 22:02

Where did this weekend go? I want it back! I feel like I haven't rested at all.

Ta das:

  • tree and decorations are finally down and put away
  • hoovered
  • endless LOLs
  • fishtanks sort out. I think big one has a leak 😳 I don't want to face this. I donwanna
  • plants watered
  • beds changed

Pompoms I feel you re H. Mine was quite happy sitting on a sofa listening to music while I was running around like a blue arsed fly, trying to get house in some sort of shape, all while being followed by a bored 2 year old. Toddler kept asking to play with him, and I just couldn't say no all the time, so all the housework took forever. I feel quite resentful of H today. Next few evenings I am dedicating to toddler entertainment.
Perry I hope you feel better
Peach I love lasagna, but never have enough patience to make it from scratch.

Also, our fridge started freezing things. It's on the 'least cold' setting. Is it something fixable or do I need to start looking for a new fridge?

HungryHazelEyes · 08/01/2023 23:04

username if you haven't already done it, try vacuuming underneath the fridge (and find the vent for fresh air) if it's got fluff, dust etc, it will make it work harder, possibly freezing stuff. If you've already done that, sorry! Someone else may have other suggestions though 🤔

pompoms & Username sorry to hear about DH troubles. What works with mine is being direct, he hates passive aggressiveness, which is what I grew up with with Mum. I hate it too. I try not to do it, but sometimes it happens out of habit. I do find that a lot of the time it's easier for me to just get on with things.

Ta Das:
🧹 outside lights taken down with help from DH & DS
🧹 swept front step, back steps and under part of the carport
🧹 stovetop scrubbed with brillo pad
🧹 rotated DW
🧹 handwashed dishes
🧹 chatted with Mum

I'm thinking I may finally do my toenails, since I am just sitting on the couch right now 🤷‍♀️

CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 08/01/2023 23:42

ta da
😖investigated new beds for both DDs
😖LOL
😖15min declutter in kitchen
😖LOL into dryer
😖decluttered, organised and packed up Christmas decorations (Caglets and DH had taken tree down etc)
😖put laundry away (today’s plus a previous few bits) while listening to audiobook
😖adapted meal plan a bit (Cagletini got invited to play at a new friend’s house tomorrow!) and edited tesco shopping

OP posts:
HungryHazelEyes · 09/01/2023 00:16

I did my toenails, finally!

Perry it looks like you've have a productive day in the end!

HungryHazelEyes · 09/01/2023 00:17

had not have 🤦‍♀️ I have to proofread before posting!

CurseYouPerryThePlatypus · 09/01/2023 09:00

🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩
Monday 9th January

It’s our first weekday in Zone 2, the kitchen. So declutter in there!

Today’s mission is to give a deep clean to the sink with toothbrush etc.

Since it’s Monday it’s the Home Bleugh or home blessing hour.

Baby step #9 is about cementing the habits in your control journey.

Here’s the launch pad:

www.flylady.net/c/lp.php

🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩

OP posts:
GreenWillowAndFairyLights · 09/01/2023 09:02

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