Mums get organised in 2013

mysk_girl

And I washed up after tea and cleaned the table down. This doesn't always happen and just depresses me in the morning. And I resisted kids leftovers (a major cause of my extra 25lbs surplus weight...).

lolly_896

Hey all

Hope you have all achieved what you wanted too today! We've had a busy day but it was nice to get out for a few hours have a natter. And i've made some life plans!! I'm going to get on a BSL course in the new year which should eventually lead to bigger things for me or at least assist in bigger things.

I have been to blockbusters and changed game for DS's, picked up Red polos from M&S - Need to get the trackies on Monday!

Going to make a list for DH/OH (M) whatever he is - i am not even sure anymore he's not so darling though. For when he has boys tomorow and sunday. And i arranged childcare for Monday morning inc. sleepover Sunday night, so should give me and M some time to chat.

This weekend i want to get tree down and decs away and finish off DS's lego building. A little bit of meal planning and finanace planning will be done in work tommorow

WantToBeSE

lolly (and anyone else)- if you are interested in meal planning, you could come and join a lovely group of us on the 'I will meal plan and stick to it' thread..or at least i think its called that!!

Ah, i was close with the title! Here is the link: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4359603

loopy-loo73

evening everyone
i've managed most things on my list :j some jobs were bigger than anticipated & we went out for a bit to look at the sales, bought some new clothes with my christmas money off my mum so tomorrow list looks like this ...

• continue & hopefully finish washing mountain
• finish putting dd2 christmas toys away
• clean the kitchen

hope everyone did well today, i'm off to check out the menu planning thread (i did until next wednesday before i shopped today)
Lou x

kingfisherblue

Hi, well I've made a start on my list. The kids have found homes for half of their new presents, but we still have to find homes for the other half. My younger son has tidied his bedroom, which he shares with older son. He has also moved the rarely used downstairs computer onto his desk, ready for playing his flight simulation game (he flies remote controlled helicopters and this is a new game that uses his heli remote - it will help himn to develop his knowledge and control of the helis before buying a more advanced one, so in theory, will save money on repairs in the future). Big problem, though, is that the graphics card isn't working properly, so I have spent about two hours on the phone to Dell. I'm just waiting for an email from them, so will check after I have posted this.

I have decluttered the kitchen table, plus a dumping ground at the top of the stairs :j. Four machine loads of washing, plus associated drying, all completed . I still have to peel, chop and steam excess veg for steaming though

I have decided to use a file for my weekly 'to do' list. I have made a rough draft, but need to type up and print out. I can then photocopy the printed page for each week, and will be able to keep up with everything, or see what I have failed to do (well, that's the theory :rotfl:).

The headings I have are:

* Appointments - my son has multiple disabilities and keeping up with appointments is a major job

* Clubs - I run Rainbows and Brownies and attend Slimming World (maintained this week ). My sons have Deaf Club, Airfix Club, Singing Club, Helicopter RC Club. We also have some events with a local group that I help to run, arranging social activities for families with disabled children

* Tea at Mum's - usually Thursday or Friday, depending on when my daughter is on early shift and can join us

* I need to ring..... - because I usually remember at about 3am that I haven't rung somebody that I was supposed to :rotfl:

* I need to buy...... - to try to keep away from impulse buys, but still remember essentials such as toilet rolls

* I need to do...... - essential tasks not covered elsewhere

* Decluttering task - at least one a week, hopefully!

* Money saved - as I am hoping to put away a regular amount.

* Item for daughter - I am going to buy one thing a week for my daughter, as I know she would like her own place. It isn't likely to happen for a while, but when it does, she will have a hamper of essential but boring items such as washing up liquid, loo rolls, dustpan and brush, dishcloths, etc. I won't be choosing plates, pans, etc, as these are down to personal choice, but buying one item a week of the boring stuff won't cost me much and will save her quite a bit when she does move out. None will be perishable items either.

* My treat, if complete - if I manage to complete every task for the week, I intend to treat myself. It might be watching a film on TV, or buying a magazine (which I don't intend to buy otherwise), or something similar. Nothing expensive though.

* Plan ahead - to help me with birthdays that are coming up, or anything else that might need a bit of forward planning.


If anyone has any other suggestions, let me know

chanie

Wow, I'm pleased so Mums have joined this thread and I hope we can support each other. There are some great ideas on here, which I am going to try out.

I don't have an organised Mum diary, but got a notebook to keep me on track:
birthdays - so I know whose birthday is in what month and can sort out presents etc
greetings cards I need to buy - I will raid Card Factory so I can get them cheap. I will also replenish my stockpile.
Clothes for the children - I always buy bits and pieces in the next sizes up when I see a good bargain. I will keep a list so I can see what they need.
Stocking fillers for the children - so i don't forget what I buy.

I will add to my little book as I think of things.

chanie

Sorry for the double post, but I thought I would add a few things I have found that have worked for me and things which haven't....

Things that work for me
I buy small stocking filler type presents for nieces and nephews throughout the year, so I don't notice the cost and the children feel like they have loads of presents to open.

keeping a stash of greetings cards from Card Factory as they are so cheap and means I have cards to send to people if needed.

Doing smaller, more frequent laundry - I know it isn't very MSE, but I find it depressing looking at a bit pile of clothes to put away, whereas a smaller load, I find more managing.

I have plastic folders for all of our paperwork (insurance, council tax, utilities) so I can find it if I need to.

Things that don't work so well for me
Following things thorugh - I am organised to a certain extent, but don't follow through. For example, I have my stash of cards, but I do sometimes forget to send them. I plan on finsihing one task before I start the next, even if it takes a bit longer.

Meal planning - just doesn't work for me, so I think I'll wonder over to the meal planning thread for some inspiration.

Betsie2010

Just updated my Filofax for 2013. Using the note paper to keep track of the Christmas gifts I've bought and filed the in the a - z
Started on the mountain of mountains of washing!
Got family and friends for dinner tomorrow so that'll be the kick up the botty I need to tidy the house.
I'm a great starter but must learn to finish every job off before beginning the next one!

missymoo81

oooh can I join too, I have a 13 month old and I'm 19 weeks pregnant, my husband works away every other month,I'm in the middle of an english degree and my house is in dire need or some organisation.

I feel like I am drowning in toys and washing most of the time. Thanks so much for all the fantastic tips on here, I'm going to try my best to try and incorporate them into my day.

For me I think routine is key. I've been given a lovely photo calender for christmas to help me remember important dates, and I think I'll get an organiser of sorts to try and help with daily tasks and shopping lists etc.

I will try and get some jobs done tomorrow, to atleast take steps in the right direction.So things that have to be done are:
2 loads of washing
load and unload dishwasher
tidy my tip of a kitchen (this job could take hours!)
start taking down the christmas decs

OH is off out on a lads afternoon, so I stupidly said I'd drop him off and pick him up, so time isn't really on my side, but we'll see how it goes.

janninew

Hi Ladies, can I join in as well please?

I'm Mummy to a beautiful little girl, have a lovely husband, 3 dogs and I'm returning to work after maternity leave in January (School Worker!)

I've been loving reading all the ideas on here so far! I am naturally a very organised person anyway, but I could do more and my main task for next year is to cut down on our food shopping bill by planning ahead more. Also need to sort the loft out which is a massive job!

I find making lists to be the best way to keep things in order, plus I have a diary that I use all the time. I have many appointments for my Daughter to attend as she was born extremely prem and has quite a few problems and I always seem to be ordering prescriptions, special milk for her etc so need to keep track of all this in my diary.

Will try and read everyday and give advice where I can!

x