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Weekly Flylady Thread 4th November 2019
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Natty68
Posts: 3,465 Forumite
What is FLYLADY? Well, it's our version of the US flylady idea - but we work on the principle that housework is not fun, it's boring, can be time-consuming, is often thankless but, unfortunately, necessary. It's here on Old Style to provide the support we all need and to make the whole task easier and quicker. We also accept that, sometimes, life just gets on top of us and we can't keep up, maybe because we're time-poor, not in the best of health and/or we have littlies who need us. We are definitely NOT control freaks aiming for perfection and utterly spotless show-homes.
Welcome to the weekly Flylady Thread. You're more than welcome to join us in the everlasting battle against dust, grime and gibble. The aim of our thread is to make those onerous tasks less daunting, and to support each other - and to make time for the finer things in life!
Please do remember we have to abide by MSE rules; each post should, ideally, include some mention of flying.
Thank you Valli for last week's thread.
Please follow the forum rules on this thread as Flylady has been here a LONG time and is a fabulous support and resource for lots of us. All posts should have some Flylady-related (ooh a compound adjective) content!
The idea is that even if you are really busy you don't need to fall off the wagon!
Every room comes back around next week so please don’t stress about catching up
These lists are only suggestions and not a must do list; you are more than welcome to post and follow your own lists.
Also adding a declutter mission each day will help to gradually clear the clutter and make flying easier.
A few of the basics before we start the week:
Hotspots are areas where if one thing gets put there, loads of other things follow!
Daily routines are anything you need to do on a daily basis like washing, swish and swipe kitchen and bathroom, ironing, making beds, vacuuming high traffic areas, making meals etc.
Night-time routines are all things which make getting ready in the morning easier, preparing clothes for the next day, making lunches, swish & swipes of the kitchen and tidying the living room before you go to bed plus personals like shower/brush teeth etc.
Fling Boogie - stick on some loud music, grab a bin bag and whiz around the house finding items that can go out with the rubbish, recycling, for charity shop, basically anything that will stop it cluttering your home.
Swish and swipe/S&S means have a quick wipe over an area such as a sink or toilet to prevent the build up of dirt. This is usually done on a daily basis
HHE/HHC/HHI Half Hour exercise/challenge/ironing ... run around for 30 minutes to the Benny Hill music frantically cleaning exercising or ironing.. .other music may be used if you prefer!
WM ~ Washing machine
TD ~ Tumble dryer
SC ~ Slowcooker
BM ~ Breadmaker
DW ~ Dishwasher
SOAADFA ~ Sit on 'bottom' and do 'nothing'
KH/XH/FW ~ Ex-husband and other not so polite versions
DH/DD/DS/DW/DP ~ Dear husband/daughter/son/wife/partner/whatever
OH/SO ~ Other half/significant other
NN ~ nice neighbour
Toxic (friend/mother/sister/whoever) ~ person in your life that seems to exist to make your life miserable
AF ~ Aunt Flo 'time of the month'.. nothing to do with flying but it comes up often.
ETA ~ Edited to add
Gibble ~ miscellaneous crap that appears forever homeless
Dot-to-dot ~ pick a small area (not a whole room) like a chair/coffee/table/shelf/worktop or wherever- that’s your first 'dot' - totally clear it - clean it - and only put back what should be there - deal with what you have removed (not just move it somewhere else) then if you have time move on and do the same to another 'dot' -the idea is just like a dot to dot puzzle, you aim to join up all the dots and have a tidy room. The trick is to keep each dot tidy until you get them all joined up! All credit to AnW's Mum for this one
RoD ~ Room of Doom, the one room that feels like it is a permanent pit and cannot be used to its potential!
MAD half hour - Mad is the abbreviation for Make A Difference.
The idea is that you have a Forth bridge (ie never-ending - or just huge) task but that you work on it in half-hour bursts. This way you know you ARE stooping, and that you won't get it finished but you will make a difference - so it might be clearing out - the garage or shed, or clothes sorting, or weeding - you get the picture - but rather than keep going until you've lost the will to live you do half an hour...but, eventually those half hours will get the job done!
Mr S/A/T/M/L/Al - supermarkets Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi. You get the picture!!
Click here to read Toots wonderful welcome guide
ok Here goes this Week...
FLYLADY THREAD PICK'N'MIX
As last week I'm not going to list the rooms by day, just by room but you are free to either do a whole room (all three levels) or mix up the levels across the week - so, for example, you might pick level 1 to do for all rooms. Just post what you HAVE achieved! Sharp-eyed flyladies will notice there are six lists...because YOU are picking and mixing. You might choose the worst room to really make a difference (and because you have the time) or the least minging because you're short of
time.
Ok here goes this week!
Mindful Monday - Living Room, Hall and Stairs
Level One...
Vacuum floors and sofas
Level Two...
Dusting, even if around everything
Remove clutter making sure stairs especially are safe
Clean TV, other electricals and cabinets
Water any thirsty plants, wipe their poor neglected leaves!!
Level Three...
Wipe light switches, sockets (make sure they are not switched on!!) and banister
Clean any other glass like mirrors, pictures etc
Tidy shoes, coats and bags .. wash any that need washing in preparation for cold weather!! See if there are any that don't fit, past their best or just plain uncomfy which could leave the house!
Put up linings or winter curtains to keep out those draughts.
Extra Mission:
Pick one or more of the following tasks –
Tantalising Tuesday - Kitchen and Dining Room
Level One...
Clean floors
Level Two...
Clear and wipe kitchen surfaces
Sort fridge bringing what needs using soon to the front, clean out any spills or new mutations in there!
Wipe dining table.. (clean table cloth if necessary)
Level Three...
Dust any extra furniture in dining area, checking for cobwebs on way round
Wipe and replace all those small appliances.. kettle, toaster etc
Clean the windows in here!
Clean cupboard door fronts and fronts of appliances .. don't forget those kick boards..
Check those washing machine filters and drawers for ickiness!! Tumble dryer and dishwasher filters need to be done too!!
Extra Mission
Choose one or more of:
Wild Wednesday - those frightening kids rooms and spare rooms
Level One...
Vacuum the floor, even if it's just where you can see
Spend at least half an hour doing something for yourself!!!!! paint your nails, make an appointment
to have your hair done, a lovely soak in the bath.. whatever you feel like!!
Level Two...
Clear away anything that isn't in it's place, clothes, toys, books etc
Dusting.. all those shelves and flat fluffy surfaces!! Don’t forget the light shade and curtain pole!!!
Level Three...
Strip beds, turn and vacuum mattresses!! and replace with fresh linen .. check if duvets need
freshening up too!!
Sort through a cupboard/chest of drawers and get the clothes out which are no longer wearable, too
small or out of season!
Wipe any sticky marks off walls and doors
Extra Task List
Thrilling Thursday - Master Bedroom & Landing
Level One...
Check fire alarms are working
Remove and wash bed linen.
Level Two...
Dust surfaces & make sure no cobwebs..
Vacuum mattress before replacing with fresh linen.. do you need that winter duvet yet?
15 minutes floordrobe clearance
Level Three...
Vacuum floors in bedroom and on landing
Sort one area of clothes or linen storage making sure only what should be in there is, anything that's had it's day or doesn't belong there is removed
Clear a hotspot., or spend 15 minutes clearing one.
Extra tasks list, as usual choose one or more
Freaky Friday- Bathroom and Study/Pc Area
Level One...
Clean floors in these rooms
Level Two...
Clean baths, toilets and sinks
Clear any clutter from desk
Dust PC and desk and wipe off those cup rings!!
Wipe keyboard, house phone, sockets, switches and mouse etc
Level Three...
Wash your bathroom mats, nets, clean blind/curtains etc
Wipe down tiles in bathroom..
Delete 10 links in your favourites which you no longer use or are dead!
Clean shower screen/curtain if you have one/if required
Clear a mega hotspot!.. shred it.. and fling it.. or just burn it! .. Does anyone have a pulper to make logs from their old papers??
Extra mission:
Pick whichever you want to attempt:
FRIDAY EXTRA - Don't forget your ME time this weekend, even if it's just a nice relaxing bath. Go on you deserve it.
Daily little tasks that keep the whole house running smoothly
S&S kitchen (unless it's kitchen day)
S&S bathroom(s) (unless.. you get the idea)
HHI
Other key tasks - pick and choose if/as necessary
Month end budgets/finances - I’m sure these need updating
Write your presents to buy list and a budget to spend if necessary…
Buy cards for November and December.
Cards and gifts to post abroad need sourcing and sorting.
Check your emergency supplies - petfood/longlife milk etc - in date?
Check meds - you don't want to be running out over the festive season. Get those prescription requests in now….
Check OTC remedies - get rid of any OOD; do you need to buy any (remember generic are cheaper!)
ADDED EXTRA
Check outside pipes/taps are protected from frost.
Welcome to the weekly Flylady Thread. You're more than welcome to join us in the everlasting battle against dust, grime and gibble. The aim of our thread is to make those onerous tasks less daunting, and to support each other - and to make time for the finer things in life!
Please do remember we have to abide by MSE rules; each post should, ideally, include some mention of flying.
Thank you Valli for last week's thread.
Please follow the forum rules on this thread as Flylady has been here a LONG time and is a fabulous support and resource for lots of us. All posts should have some Flylady-related (ooh a compound adjective) content!
The idea is that even if you are really busy you don't need to fall off the wagon!
Every room comes back around next week so please don’t stress about catching up
These lists are only suggestions and not a must do list; you are more than welcome to post and follow your own lists.
Also adding a declutter mission each day will help to gradually clear the clutter and make flying easier.
A few of the basics before we start the week:
Hotspots are areas where if one thing gets put there, loads of other things follow!
Daily routines are anything you need to do on a daily basis like washing, swish and swipe kitchen and bathroom, ironing, making beds, vacuuming high traffic areas, making meals etc.
Night-time routines are all things which make getting ready in the morning easier, preparing clothes for the next day, making lunches, swish & swipes of the kitchen and tidying the living room before you go to bed plus personals like shower/brush teeth etc.
Fling Boogie - stick on some loud music, grab a bin bag and whiz around the house finding items that can go out with the rubbish, recycling, for charity shop, basically anything that will stop it cluttering your home.
Swish and swipe/S&S means have a quick wipe over an area such as a sink or toilet to prevent the build up of dirt. This is usually done on a daily basis
HHE/HHC/HHI Half Hour exercise/challenge/ironing ... run around for 30 minutes to the Benny Hill music frantically cleaning exercising or ironing.. .other music may be used if you prefer!
WM ~ Washing machine
TD ~ Tumble dryer
SC ~ Slowcooker
BM ~ Breadmaker
DW ~ Dishwasher
SOAADFA ~ Sit on 'bottom' and do 'nothing'
KH/XH/FW ~ Ex-husband and other not so polite versions
DH/DD/DS/DW/DP ~ Dear husband/daughter/son/wife/partner/whatever
OH/SO ~ Other half/significant other
NN ~ nice neighbour
Toxic (friend/mother/sister/whoever) ~ person in your life that seems to exist to make your life miserable
AF ~ Aunt Flo 'time of the month'.. nothing to do with flying but it comes up often.
ETA ~ Edited to add
Gibble ~ miscellaneous crap that appears forever homeless
Dot-to-dot ~ pick a small area (not a whole room) like a chair/coffee/table/shelf/worktop or wherever- that’s your first 'dot' - totally clear it - clean it - and only put back what should be there - deal with what you have removed (not just move it somewhere else) then if you have time move on and do the same to another 'dot' -the idea is just like a dot to dot puzzle, you aim to join up all the dots and have a tidy room. The trick is to keep each dot tidy until you get them all joined up! All credit to AnW's Mum for this one
RoD ~ Room of Doom, the one room that feels like it is a permanent pit and cannot be used to its potential!
MAD half hour - Mad is the abbreviation for Make A Difference.
The idea is that you have a Forth bridge (ie never-ending - or just huge) task but that you work on it in half-hour bursts. This way you know you ARE stooping, and that you won't get it finished but you will make a difference - so it might be clearing out - the garage or shed, or clothes sorting, or weeding - you get the picture - but rather than keep going until you've lost the will to live you do half an hour...but, eventually those half hours will get the job done!
Mr S/A/T/M/L/Al - supermarkets Sainsburys, Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi. You get the picture!!
Click here to read Toots wonderful welcome guide
ok Here goes this Week...
FLYLADY THREAD PICK'N'MIX
As last week I'm not going to list the rooms by day, just by room but you are free to either do a whole room (all three levels) or mix up the levels across the week - so, for example, you might pick level 1 to do for all rooms. Just post what you HAVE achieved! Sharp-eyed flyladies will notice there are six lists...because YOU are picking and mixing. You might choose the worst room to really make a difference (and because you have the time) or the least minging because you're short of
time.
Ok here goes this week!
Mindful Monday - Living Room, Hall and Stairs
Level One...
Vacuum floors and sofas
Level Two...
Dusting, even if around everything
Remove clutter making sure stairs especially are safe
Clean TV, other electricals and cabinets
Water any thirsty plants, wipe their poor neglected leaves!!
Level Three...
Wipe light switches, sockets (make sure they are not switched on!!) and banister
Clean any other glass like mirrors, pictures etc
Tidy shoes, coats and bags .. wash any that need washing in preparation for cold weather!! See if there are any that don't fit, past their best or just plain uncomfy which could leave the house!
Put up linings or winter curtains to keep out those draughts.
Extra Mission:
Pick one or more of the following tasks –
- If you are wanting to take part in the flylady christmas card swap please PM Natty68 your details!! .. name address. I will also be popping a post up in the MSE Flyladies Facebook thread.
- Paperwork clearance.. spend 15 minutes minimum sorting through those piles of paper.
- Vacuum under furniture you can manage to move without hurting yourself
- Clean a window or two.
- Binbag dance.. Get a binbag.. fill it and bin it!!!
- Ring someone you love, just to tell them you love them!!
Tantalising Tuesday - Kitchen and Dining Room
Level One...
Clean floors
Level Two...
Clear and wipe kitchen surfaces
Sort fridge bringing what needs using soon to the front, clean out any spills or new mutations in there!
Wipe dining table.. (clean table cloth if necessary)
Level Three...
Dust any extra furniture in dining area, checking for cobwebs on way round
Wipe and replace all those small appliances.. kettle, toaster etc
Clean the windows in here!
Clean cupboard door fronts and fronts of appliances .. don't forget those kick boards..
Check those washing machine filters and drawers for ickiness!! Tumble dryer and dishwasher filters need to be done too!!
Extra Mission
Choose one or more of:
- Wipe window sills and clean windows in these rooms
- Wipe down any tiles and shine those taps.. a toothbrush is great for cleaning away the gunk!
- 30 minutes ironing.
- Clean oven if you didn't do it last week
- Hike through the freezer and make a list of what you have, especially as Christmas is getting closer and you will need the space for all those lovely goodies
Wild Wednesday - those frightening kids rooms and spare rooms
Level One...
Vacuum the floor, even if it's just where you can see
Spend at least half an hour doing something for yourself!!!!! paint your nails, make an appointment
to have your hair done, a lovely soak in the bath.. whatever you feel like!!
Level Two...
Clear away anything that isn't in it's place, clothes, toys, books etc
Dusting.. all those shelves and flat fluffy surfaces!! Don’t forget the light shade and curtain pole!!!
Level Three...
Strip beds, turn and vacuum mattresses!! and replace with fresh linen .. check if duvets need
freshening up too!!
Sort through a cupboard/chest of drawers and get the clothes out which are no longer wearable, too
small or out of season!
Wipe any sticky marks off walls and doors
Extra Task List
- Wash a set of curtains, nets, duvet or throw
- Wipe the radiators, skirtings and window & door frames!
- 30 minutes ironing.. you love me & you know it!
- grab a binbag and fill it with stuff to leave the house.. rubbish or charity shop or to donate to a
friend!
Thrilling Thursday - Master Bedroom & Landing
Level One...
Check fire alarms are working
Remove and wash bed linen.
Level Two...
Dust surfaces & make sure no cobwebs..
Vacuum mattress before replacing with fresh linen.. do you need that winter duvet yet?
15 minutes floordrobe clearance
Level Three...
Vacuum floors in bedroom and on landing
Sort one area of clothes or linen storage making sure only what should be in there is, anything that's had it's day or doesn't belong there is removed
Clear a hotspot., or spend 15 minutes clearing one.
Extra tasks list, as usual choose one or more
- 27 fling boogie time, time for that midweek fling, go on grab a bag and clear that clutter
- Put away those summer clothes from someones cupboard and get out the winter woollies.. don’t store anything that is past its best! Make a list of things you need to buy!!
- Clean windows in these rooms
- Check house for places where draughts are getting in.. doors, windows etc and see if there are ways to stop it!
Freaky Friday- Bathroom and Study/Pc Area
Level One...
Clean floors in these rooms
Level Two...
Clean baths, toilets and sinks
Clear any clutter from desk
Dust PC and desk and wipe off those cup rings!!
Wipe keyboard, house phone, sockets, switches and mouse etc
Level Three...
Wash your bathroom mats, nets, clean blind/curtains etc
Wipe down tiles in bathroom..
Delete 10 links in your favourites which you no longer use or are dead!
Clean shower screen/curtain if you have one/if required
Clear a mega hotspot!.. shred it.. and fling it.. or just burn it! .. Does anyone have a pulper to make logs from their old papers??
Extra mission:
Pick whichever you want to attempt:
- Wipe the skirtings, door and window frames in these rooms
- Check through those bottles.. what can be flung/decanted/and do you not need to buy until the year 3000?? Do you know I’ve not bought any shampoo since 2003!!!!!!!
- clean the radiators and woodwork in these rooms
- Get those uniforms, games kits, coats and things in the wash which you will need on Monday
FRIDAY EXTRA - Don't forget your ME time this weekend, even if it's just a nice relaxing bath. Go on you deserve it.
Daily little tasks that keep the whole house running smoothly
S&S kitchen (unless it's kitchen day)
S&S bathroom(s) (unless.. you get the idea)
HHI
Other key tasks - pick and choose if/as necessary
Month end budgets/finances - I’m sure these need updating
Write your presents to buy list and a budget to spend if necessary…
Buy cards for November and December.
Cards and gifts to post abroad need sourcing and sorting.
Check your emergency supplies - petfood/longlife milk etc - in date?
Check meds - you don't want to be running out over the festive season. Get those prescription requests in now….
Check OTC remedies - get rid of any OOD; do you need to buy any (remember generic are cheaper!)
ADDED EXTRA
Check outside pipes/taps are protected from frost.
Mortgage Free as of 20.9.17
Declutter challenge 2023, 2024 🏅 🏅⭐️⭐️Declutter Challenge 2025
DH declutter challenge award 🏅⭐️
0
Comments
-
I'll be flapping...Don't put it DOWN; put it AWAY"I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness" Emily Dickinson
Janice 1964-2016
Thank you Honey Bear0 -
Right ladies....I'm back! House is a pit and I must sort it. I'll be flying off-list though as I need certain things to be done more urgently than others.
I'll try to keep up with and find out all the news, but apologise in advance if I put my foot in it with anyone as I've been away for ages...
Today is kitchen day for me. :eek:0 -
I’m in too but I’ll be slow off the starting blocks as ever. Thank you for the lists.
Welcome back Dizzy :hello:0 -
Hello. Can I join please? I need to get the house into shape and try and get a routine going (I've been trying to do this for 35 years so..).August Shopping Challenge. 26/8. Budget £250 Spent £256.81.. £6.81 over. So £0.00 a day left.0
-
I'm in thank you for all the lists x
Dizzy welcome back
Off out volunteering, and daily stuff to doBreast Cancer Now 100 miles October 2022 100 / 100miles
D- Day 80km June 2024 80/80km (10.06.24 all done)
Diabetic UK 1 million steps July 2024 to complete by end Sept 2024. 1,001,066/ 1,000,000 (20.09.24 all done)
Breast Cancer Now 100 miles 1st May 2025 (18.05.2025 all done)
Diabetic UK 1 million steps July 2025 to complete by end Sept 2025. 291,815/1,000,000Sun, Sea0 -
Morning all
I’m in for the new week. Welcome franby .
I have a meeting first thing and a full day of paid stuff. As always flying will be fitted in between. Really hoping for a better week than last week! So far I have...
Put away dishes
Set wm swishing
Opened bedroom windows, it’s quite mild here
Made bed
Right off to work I go, have a lovely day all x0 -
Morning all and welcome/welcome back.
Mummy day today so only the dailies will get done- but I do feel mostly on top of things currently.
I've already put the dry washing away and spaced the rest out so it should be dry by bath time tonight.
Breakfast is in progress and I'm about to empty the dw (and add the breakfast pots)
Going to hoover out the log burner today and have another go at cleaning the glass.
Have a good day everyone.
Wish.Outstanding mortgage: £23,181 (December 19)
MFW 2020 Challenge Member #10 0/£23180 -
Yaaaaay! Dizzy's back :wave: :j:J:J
Welcome franby :wave: You sound just like the rest of us
Our front door lock is not working properly. DS1 thought he had repaired it on Saturday, but when I tried to lock the door just after they had left, it failed again. It took me about 100 tries to finally get it to lock, so it has not been reopened since - fortunately we also have a side entrance, so we can still get in and out of the house :rotfl:
So my list for today is:
- Wake DH and persuade him to make breakfast - I've been awake since 5.00, but I have a tea tray upstairs
- Ring the double glazing people who installed the door 6 years ago and put a new lock in it only last year. They are an excellent family firm and I've known them for years, so hopefully they'll be able to do a proper repair/replacement soon.
- WMx1 or 2
- Dust, hoover and steam mop kitchen, LR hall, DR and utility
- Sort some paperwork for a meeting at 12.00
- Make other phonecalls
- Depending on the results of the phonecalls, maybe go out on a couple of errands later
- Sweep the leaves off the lawn so that it's easier to poo-pick
- Rosie's walk
- Old Wives' meeting this evening for a film show of someone's trip to Canada - apparently I'm needed to do the technical stuff ???!!! (Jojo, come and join us any time you're free)
Will report back later. Hope everyone has a good day xx0 -
Welcome back, Dizzy! :wave:
Welcome Franby! I've been trying to get this house sorted for 26 years, so I feel your pain! However, after being a Flylady for the past few years things are now much, much better and I can't tell you how grateful I am to everyone who contributes by posting, especially Natty and Valli for the lists.
Sorry I've been absent. Things are a bit hectic, and will continue to be so until 13th December.
However, this morning I got up at 6.30 to walk the dog and then do two hours full on housework because a painter and decorator changed his arrival time this morning from 10.00 am to 8.30 and I felt a bit embarrassed by the state of the place. I'm now cream-crackered, but the dog's happy, the place looks a lot more presentable and the kittens are trapped in different rooms each with a litter tray with aquarium gravel in the bottom because I need pee samples to rule them out as the culprits resposible for the puddles. I'm pretty sure it's Layla to blame but her sample's not showing up any problems but there's definitely blood in the puddles. Very confusing.
Quick shower, and then I'll do the shower room and polish my halo.Better is good enough.0 -
Morning all Welcome Franby; welcome home Dizzy
*blinking; dazzled by HoneyBear's halo*
Back to the paid stuff today. Ugh. And parents' eve and a disco. Humph. Have pulled on big girl knickers and cancelled two school commitments; one this week and next (after school club) as am attending parents' evenings (two) on days I don't work.
WM, TD and DW all x 1Don't put it DOWN; put it AWAY"I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness" Emily DickinsonJanice 1964-2016
Thank you Honey Bear0
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