Falling into September with Flylady

[HazelNotHungryLC]

Getting back into routines can be hard, with DC going back to school, this is the perfect time to start getting back into the swing of things.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start to get your house back under control from the summer holidays? Or just wanting to try something new?
Join us and try out Flylady! It just may work for you 😊

This is a long running thread, but we are a friendly bunch and all are welcome to join in.

Do NOT sign up for the Flylady emails - it's an excessive amount sent every day.
There are Baby Steps for starting out, add one thing at a time to start good habits and routines.
There are 5 zones that we will rotate through, don't worry about finishing it all this month, it'll come around again next month!

Flylady is NOT about perfectionism!

Daily missions: each day of the week has a different mission.

• Monday: Home Blessing (or as we call it, home bleugh)
• Tuesday: plan & play
• Wednesday: anti-procrastination
• Thursday: errand day
• Friday: clean car & purse out a week. It's also date night (with your significant other, or friends, or yourself!)
• Saturday: family fun day
• Sunday: renew your spirit

Common acronyms we use:

• LOL: load of laundry (washing is certainly NOT funny!)
• DW: dishwasher, we are not rotating wives by any means, although an extra pair of hands could come in handy sometimes 😆
• LMS: lose/lost my shit
• DNLMS: did not lose my shit

There are more, feel free to ask us to explain something. I'll try to update links every day, although if you can, it's worth downloading the app, you can even have it send you notifications (although I only have it for when the zones change). You can also modify the tick lists to suit your home & lifestyle.

Links are below 👇 if I happen to not add links in time, they do update at midnight for you.

Launch Pad: www.flylady.net/d/new-links/

Zones: www.flylady.net/d/zones/

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

Thank you and sorry to hear that, have suffered from both. Can you have a bit of a lie down today and an early night? Hard going, hope the stress passes soon.

sunny definitely see about getting answers sooner, that sounds miserable!
That was a really thoughtful thing you and friends did for your one friend, what a brilliant idea!

mikado I hate putting clothes away too, I just remind myself that it only takes 10-15 minutes. But we fold and sort who's is who's while pulling them out of the dryer, which helps!

Dragons it really sounds awful! Is there any way you could get away for a night or two, stay in a hotel (for example)? Lack of sleep is soul destroying!

So far I've not accomplished anything today. I'm achy from yesterday, but really need to crack on.

Hi all
Doing better in September although it's suddenly turned cold and damp here, washing not drying.

Conservatory (our porch/entrance/Hall hybrid) swept, dusted and coats tidied. It is a dumping ground though and I didn't do anything about that this week.

Having to support my poorly MIL this week and run around getting the DC to school and nursery alongside full time WOH, feeling quite stretched. Today, I cleaned the fridge with the assistance of my 2yo. Was surprisingly soothing. Little things making me feel more in control.

Yesterday was very warm here. I cleared some more weeds behind the garage until the sun moved round and I could no longer find any shade.

Today was much the same in the morning, then had coffee in the country park and listened to the radio. Straightened up the kitchen and dishes, did a handwash (can’t wait for the new washing-machine!). It's warm and windy now, and I got the wash pegged out in the hope that it’ll dry a bit before it gets dark.

At least whilst i am here i can deal with the stupid. If i left for a few days it would (by experience) take me a month to undo/deal/fix the stupid.

I am greatful that the migraine meds kicked in so i have got some stuff done. Spent a good chunk of time playing where the actual fuck did that get put when we were clearing rooms. I wanted to put stuff away where it could go, but if i can't find it, i can't put it away.

I did get fancy tea made - it took nearly 2 hrs due wanting to reduce pots so it was cook a thing, cool a thing, transfer a thing, cook a thing, cook a thing, rest a thing. Make the pastry, cool the pastry, line the tin and blind bake, fill and cook the pastry case. Tasted amazing.

Wow, well done, that sounds amazing 👏

Dragons I'm glad your meds kicked in and you were able to get a few things done. What did you end up cooking?

Scourgify that sounds like it was a well balanced day! Coffee in the park sounds fantastic 😍

Dilly it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now, please don't feel like you have to do everything. Remember, all fed, no one dead is a real goal sometimes, and that's okay!

Ta das:
😴 stained brick, just a small section today
😴 helped DH build our new shed. It took us a few hours! But it's done now
😴 handwashed dishes
😴 had DS rotate DW
😴 removed nail polish, filed nails & pushed cuticles back
😴 yoga! It's been far too long since I've done yoga
😴 showered, scrubbed & shaved
😴 moisturised all over, including using intense cream on my hands & feet!
😴 clothes out for the morning

This week we are moving to zone 2: the kitchen!
https://www.flylady.net/d/zones/zone-2/

Monday's mission is to spend 15 minutes scrubbing your stove top (hob). Remove any knobs you can, soak what you can while you wipe the hob down. Don't be a perfectionist, work on it for 15 minutes, then call it good.

Monday is the day for the home blessing (or home bleugh). Change bed sheets, empty bins, quick vacuum around.

I forgot to add links for Sunday 🤦‍♀️ which was renew your spirit day.

Baby Step 8: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-8/
Suicide what you have learnt so far into morning and evening routines

Baby Step 9: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-9/
Learn how to declutter

Just popping in to say I took note of the mission to dust off your house plants the other day and put mine outside in the rain for a few hours, then took off any dead leaves, they all look happier for it.

Does anyone really do the control journal thing? Does it actually help?

Off to catch up - sink, then hob, then RR, then HB

Dolphin yes I do the control journal and it does help. It's basically a book of lists. Mine's a plastic sheet with a few pages in.

Morning routine
Evening routine
Daily focus
Weekly cleaning list

• a few other bits

I keep it with my meal planner and weekly planner. To start with I was referring to it all the time, it's become more automatic now.

@HazelNotHungryLC re: having a plan for where the large shed was.

Photo attached! There were concrete slabs underneath the shed so we're going to keep them in place for the outdoor table and chairs. About half the slabs need levelling and they all need a good clean but we've moved things around so we get used to it and see if it works. DW is gradually digging borders around two edges of the newly named "shed patio" to create a "spring border" - I ordered a lot of spring bulbs due to arrive for planting soonish, and we brought some with us when we moved too, and I'll be planting lavender and rosemary bushes for some structure.

You might be able to see a small bald patch of grass just beyond - we had to remove a tree there, and DW is angling for a firepit zone, so eventually more will be planted up there and the two bits will link up with a small pathway.

I've been doing a lot of directing and sketching ideas instead of actually digging and working, which is very odd for me but thankfully DW and I have worked together on landscaping/garden plans before so there's no fear of miscommunication! We've started picking apples now too and had our first "stewed apple and custard" last night. Bliss.

I'm unofficially on maternity leave now... so maybe a bit more tidying and cleaning but hopefully also reading and cooking and the things that bring me joy and relaxation.

Oooh, very nice Cabbage it's exciting when you can see it all come together. It'll be beautiful next year with all the blooms!

Today's wins:

• bed folded back and aired
• garden time: apple picking
• bread machine on
• 2x LOL washed and drying
• vacuumed lounge
• conservatory swept/vacuumed
• coffee table tidied up

Cabbage when are you due again? My memory is terrible! It's exciting to have another thread baby, there have been many over the years.

ED it's so nice to see your plants happier! I'm going to need to attempt repotting my orchids. I should have the repotting kit arrive tomorrow, I don't know if I'll be able to get to it though as I have a lot to do!

dolphin I do not use the control journal. I honestly don't know if I would refer to it, yet at work I use my planner all.the.time.

Ta das:
🫖 worked all day
🫖 stained for about 45 minutes, until the light was fading & I was getting hungry
🫖 cooked my dinner while DH warmed his & DSs dinner up
🫖 currently sitting with my bedtime tea
🫖 DS rotated DW & got one lol going (I have lots more to do tomorrow)

I still want to do my yoga again tonight before I take a shower & bed

Tuesday is plan & play day.

Tuesday's mission is to clean out your cutlery drawer/ tray. They can get grimy or crumbs in it. It's something that doesn't often get thought about or noticed.

Baby Step 10: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-10/
Practise using your timer for 15 minutes. You can achieve a lot in just 15 minutes. Set your timer and spend 15 minutes going around your house picking up rubbish (carry a bin bag around with you). Once your time is up, throw the rubbish away. Set your timer again for 15 minutes, but this time put your feet up with a cup of tea/ coffee/ glass of water etc.

Morning all! Back into term time at last in truly disorganised fashion 🤣 but went to a lovely home ed meet yesterday and met lots of families with younger kids so that was good. Today Cagletini is trying her first judo class and then I am seeing another new friend - she might come here which means I really need to tidy for the next couple of hours 🙈

Dolphin i use a control journal. It does work for me but i customised it so it is not like how fly lady suggests. i just have to remember to set up and use. (reminds me to sort out cards for next month)

Was down and out yesterday. could have been connected to the migrain, could be connected to the sleep deficit (basically slept most of the day) missed a dose of the new med because slept through and it is time sensitive. It was a right off kinda day.
Struggling this morning. Another headache. More drama. And this changeable weather is not helping. But did finally get a hospital appointment i was waiting on the referral. super quick turn around from booking to appointment but hey ho, no problems. (except I am not currently able to drive and we have no public transport - so that is going to be fun)

@HazelNotHungryLC not due for another two months! But I've running myself into the ground trying to keep on top of work and my symptoms, so it's just not worth it. I've spent too much time at the hospital lately, checking on baby, and work is just not up there in the priorities list!

Today's wins:

• Breadmaker on again
• 2x LOL again
• Constructed new office chair
• Vacuumed DWs office

Haven't been into the garden yet as it's tossing it down! But I've been pondering shrubs so that might be all I do today 😁

What a week so far - 2 days = 2 car crashes . No one is hurt thank goodness but this week is rather shitty so far.

Todays tada
🎉 usual morning routine
🎉 stripped washed and remade bed
🎉 picked dd2 from school
🎉 tea (freezer tea)
🎉 dropped dd2 to gymnastics
🎉 15 mins of folding dry clothes
🎉 15 mins ironing
🎉 general tidy and getting things ready for tomorrow

Oh no @Searchingforsunnydays glad no one is hurt but that is a shocking thing to happen twice in a week.

@CabbageBearGoat we might have top open the naughty corner for you and fill it up with cushions and beanbags.

@SleepingIceDragons there will be room there for you too

@HazelNotHungryLC the 15 minute thing is very useful I find. It’s surprising how fast it goes.

Look, I must show you all something. I haven’t cleaned out my cutlery drawer but last week I did my spice drawer, here are before and after pictures. I can’t stop opening it to look

sunny 2 crashes in 2 days?! 😱 I'm glad no one is hurt, it still sounds like a nightmare though.

Dragons I hope you start to feel better soon (and can get a lift to your hospital appt).

Sing how did cagletini like judo? There's nothing like having someone come over to make us clean & tidy up!

Cabbage you can definitely overdo it, I'm glad you're able to take some time off now and get some rest.

ED oooh I love how your spice drawer turned out. So much easier to find what you're looking for! I would keep opening it too 😍

Ta das:
🌻 LOLs x5
🌻 went to the bank
🌻 grocery shopping
🌻 2nd grocery shop
🌻 put away groceries
🌻 arranged flowers I bought
🌻 cleaned out fridge
🌻 made lunches for me for the week
🌻 bleached both bathrooms
🌻 vacuumed
🌻 mopped
🌻 rotated DW x2
🌻 handwash dishes
🌻 bathed dogs
🌻 put clean clothes away

I did not stain the brick or paint my nails. I will try to do one of those tomorrow after work (unless I decide to call in sick and not go in!). Yeah right, that won't happen!
I really do need to get more stain done, but honestly the house needed it, and I feel better for doing it.

Still to do:
🧘‍♀️ yoga
🧘‍♀️ get clothes out for tomorrow
🧘‍♀️ take a shower
🧘‍♀️ get to bed at a decent time

Wednesday is anti-procrastination day.

Wednesday's mission is to go through your fridge and toss anything out of date, growing something on it or unidentifiable! Anything you don't/ won't use, just get rid. Now you can make a true list of what you do and don't need.

Baby Step 11: https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/31-beginner-babysteps/day-11/
Add inspirational quotes to a page in your control journal, just spend 15 minutes on this. Of course, do this in addition to the other baby steps: shine your sink, get dressed to shoes etc..

Cagletini loved judo thanks, her teacher seemed impressed with her confidence as well 🤣 she’s a force to be reckoned with that one (youngest child syndrome 😁). The home ed mum who arranged it is also trying to sort a squash club which would be amazing! Trying to persuade DS to give that a go too.

My friend didn’t end up coming here - I went there instead. Glad I did get a little tidying done before we finalised the plan though 🤣 then last night I managed to clear the kitchen a bit before bed, it’s certainly not clean but even getting the bare minimum done each day feels like an achievement at the moment so I’m calling it a win!

I have an important meeting today about a big work project - basically will be the proper “launch” of my business. I need to get my notes in order, but I also need to shower and do some housework before I go!