A little recap

Good morning on this wet and windy day here in the North Pennines.

I'm deciding whether to go to church or not, and at the moment it's looking like a not.  The wind is strong, in fact it looks like we might loose one of the trees in our garden, but it's not as bad as past times, but I just don't think it's wise to put yourself in harms way unnecessarily.

I thought I'd pop in today to say 'hello and welcome' to any newcomers, and 'hello and welcome back' to those of you who've been visiting for a while.  It's fun to be sharing this journey with you, please say hi in the comments.

Today I thought I'd set out our daily plan, schedule, timetable or whatever you want to call it, and explain it in a little more detail. We started gently and last week we added in the Christmas Missions which loosly correspond with the DAILY FOCUS.   I wrote about it here.....

Our daily plan now looks like this...

* MORNING ROUTINE 

* ZONE DECLUTTER AND CLEAN 

* DAILY MISSION

* DAILY FOCUS 

* CHRISTMAS MISSION

* PAMPER TIME 

* EVENING ROUTINE

Whether you're new to this or returning,  its always good to understand what we're doing, a recap sometimes prompts more or different understanding doesnt it?  So let's look at each one of those in a bit more detail.

MORNING ROUTINE, I was going to say that it starts the minute our feet hit the ground, but really it starts the moment we are conscious, some of us need to talk ourselves in to getting our feet to hit the ground at all!  You can't 'do' whilst you lay in bed, so get up!

Immediately you are up, (and as long as the bed is now empty!) pull back the covers, change the stale air by opening your window and allow your bed to air.  I usually go off and have my breakfast at this point and I take with me anything that needs to go downstairs like my water glass, dirty washing and rubbish.  

I eat my breakfast, take my vitamins AND...tidy up by putting my dish in the dishwasher or washing it up straight away.  As I eat fruit with yoghurt every day I also wipe the chopping board and put away everything I've used to prepare my breakfast.  The kitchen is now clear ready for the next thing.

I go back upstairs, get my clothes and go to the bathroom.  I leave the bathroom having washed, dressed, brushed my hair and teeth and given the loo and basin a little wipe about to upkeep cleanliness.   I'm leaving it tidy for the next person.

Back in the bedroom, I make my aired bed, pop my PJs under my pillow and that room is now clean and tidy, ready for bedtime.  I'm ready for my day.

I'm a carer, so I often leave the house for my morning calls at this point.  

Next up is our ZONE routines.  We have our homes split into 5 zones.  ZONE 2 (EAT), ZONE 3 (SPLASH) and ZONE 4 (SLEEP) are easy as these are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th FULL weeks of the month.  The rest of the month is often 3 or 4 odd days at either end. This makes up the balance of your month and we work both zones in that week.

If you've ever tried to clean an untidy room, you'll know it's nigh on impossible.  You waste time moving things and it takes hours!  You cannot clean efficiently until it's tidy and that involves decluttering and finding homes for things.  Those homes are either a drawer or shelf, a charity shop or sale, or the rubbish or recycling bin.

So when you first start this method, use the zones to declutter as much as you can, when this zone comes round again next month you declutter again and you keep doing that until you are able to clean efficiently. Decluttering and not cleaning is hard, you want to clean, but there really is no point until you're able to clean the room not the piles!

When I get to the point of cleaning, I use the tasks on the UPKEEP CLEAN list.  I start with a PUPA (Pick Up and Put Away), which if you've left your rooms tidy will be unnecessary!  Next is bins, rubbish and recycling.  Some rooms I don't have bins so I can skip that one!

After that I start at the top of the room with featherdusting the lights, ceiling, corners and skirting boards.  I live in a very old stone cottage so I also have picture rails, dado rails and shutters with panelled surrounds (and open fires which makes for lots of dust!).

Next I dust and Polish flat surfaces and furniture.  Far easier when there's not much on them.  I also cheat with the coffee table and put the remote controls, coasters and a candle on a tray so that I can simply lift it and wipe underneath.

Then it's the turn of glass and mirrors, that's windows, glass in picture frames, glass light shades, vases..... you get the idea. So that means that everything apart from the floors and seating has been done, so it's a quick vacuum of the seat cushions, rugs and floor and if they're hard floors I mop myself out of the room!

If you've got a busy day and no time to do all if it, then do a job a day, or, have a go at the DAILY MISSION each day in the zone. If you've reached a level of cleaning in any zone where it only takes a few minutes to get up to scratch, you can then think about detailed cleaning like wiping switches and sockets, skirting boards or cleaning filters and polishing legs of tables and seating....let your mind run wild.  I'm certainly not there yet, I'm very much doing this along with you!

As I said above, last week I explained the DAILY FOCUS and how that fits with the CHRISTMAS MISSIONS,  I won't go over that again suffice to say that it will get your weekly jobs covered and move in bite sized chunks towards a calm, joyful, hyggelig Christmas. 

PAMPER TIME is a very important one, no excuses.  We do deserve it and we cannot function on exhaustion.  Taking care of ourselves a little everyday ensures we are aware of how we are feeling, you can also measure this by 'Taking your temperature' every once in a while.

A good PAMPER TIME would be to make yourself a bingo jar!  Write on slips of paper or lolly sticks things that would relax you and give your energy a little recharge.  A walk, paint your nails, a bubbly soak, a chapter of a book, knitting, cycling, a face mask and moisturise, listening to music, even sitting quietly with your feet up!  Pop them in a jar and at PAMPER TIME,  pull one out and do it!

You could also make yourself a pamper basket or box of goodies...

Finally, your EVENING ROUTINE.   The time to prepare for tomorrow.  As you clear the table after dinner, why not pack the leftovers for lunch or a quick and easy meal tomorrow evening.   If you've nothing planned for tomorrow,  decide what to have and defrost anything required.  Have you planned your meals and food shopping for the week? We do that on DESK DAY,  when is that for you?

Get your dinner things washed up or loaded into the dishwasher.  Take your dishcloth and give the dining table,  worktops and cooker a wipe over.  Finally wipe round your sink and drainer leaving the kitchen clean and tidy.

Once you've finished in the lounge, take the rubbish and used mugs or plates to the kitchen and wash, load put away or bin as appropriate. Plump up cushions and leave the lounge clean and tidy.

After you've used the bathroom leave it clean and tidy ready for tomorrow. 

If you haven't already, choose your clothes for the morning,  which you could do in your morning routine or when you put away laundry.  Most important go to bed at a decent time... no sitting like a zombie in front of rubbish on the TV or doomscrolling on your phone.  Why not read by lamp light to relax.

Don't forget that your MR and ER are the bookends of your day, get those done and you'll be set for success because all the next things are done or everything is tidy ready for the next person, activity, event or mission!!

So there we have it, if I've missed anything or there's something you don't understand,  pop your comment or question in the comments and I'll come back to you as soon as I can. 

In the meantime take care, and I'll see you tomorrow for WEEK 2 of CHRISTMAS MISSIONS! 🥳🎉🎄

Nora

xxx

Weekends in FlyLadyLand

Good norning on this Super Saturday morning  👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

How are you? 

Don't forget to keep taking 'the temperature' of you and your home.

As a quick recap, this is giving them both a score out of 10.

Is your home a 1 out of 10, hiding when someone knocks on the door because things have slid into chaos....or.... are you a 10 out of 10, all is in order and your hosting friends for coffee..... or.... a middle of the road, it's OK in the main, but don't open any doors!

Are you feeling overwhelmed and a bit down or are you bubbly and pleased with what you've done.

It's not for us to beat ourselves up, it's a measure so that we can see if we're heading in the right direction and if not, where do we feel things are suffering and we need to get back into habits and routines or change up how we do certain things.

I think by now you have the measure of each weekend in FlyLadyLand, so from now on I'll be posting the weekend reminders all together on Friday.

They will cover the Friday ha it's and routines of BAGS (clear out and refresh for the coming week, including your CLEANING CADDY), to give your CAR a quick clean out, shake the mats and wipe down. DATE OR FAMILY FILM NIGHT to spend quality time with the people (or cats!) you love! FAMILY FUN DAY on SATURDAY and RENEW YOUR SPIRIT DAY on Sunday.

Nearer to Christmas I'll post some Christmas themed things you might like to join in with.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I hope to see you on Monday 🙂👋🏻

Take care,

Nora

xxx

Your MISSION should you chose to accept it.... CHRISTMAS!

Good morning on this Super Saturday morning!

How are you?

So, first of all don't let the title put you off.  If you don't do Christmas, fine, this method applies to any celebration held in your home.  Tweak it and make it your own.

Second, don't think that because it's still October you've got plenty of time because we all know how that time gets away from us and we end up sitting secretly on the bedroom floor at 1am Christmas morning wrapping the last few presents rather than getting a good night's sleep before a busy day.🎁

We've all been there! 😂😳

Third, a mission sounds a bit.... big ....difficult .... boring.....

No!  It's just a word to break down big jobs into bite sized chunks and work at it a little at a time in a more fun and relaxed way.  This is supposed to be a joyful time, not a stressful time we dread.  So let's do something to change that.

As you know each week we have a DAILY FOCUS,  in FlyLadyLand it looks like this....

Sara from My Merry Messy Life has hers set out like this....

Sorry, it's not the best photo!  But click on the link to read her tips.

This is the basis on which CHRISTMAS MISSIONS are ordered, so I'll be posting in the FlyLady order, but we can do it in any order we like!

In addition we'll have a DAILY MISSION from Monday to Friday and these will be a little extra bonus challenge in the zones as we go through the month.

So our daily plan is now growing to look like this...

* MORNING ROUTINE 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* ZONE DECLUTTER AND CLEAN 

* DAILY MISSION

* CHRISTMAS MISSION

* PAMPER TIME 

* EVENING ROUTINE

Don't forget that your MR and ER are the bookends of your day, get those done and you'll be set for success because all the next things are done or everything is tidy ready for the next person, activity, event or mission!!

You can make a separate Christmas journal, you can buy one or you can simply pop another section in the back of your everyday home management journal or notebook.  You can be as fancy, or not, as you like.  You may want to keep it each year to remind you who you sent cards to, bought gifts for, what you ate or attended.... you get the idea.... and as we start the CHRISTMAS MISSIONS it will become clearer as we progress.

So, there we have it. 

Hopefully yesterday you cleaned out your cleaning caddy and refreshed it with clean cloths and dusters, popped in some bags for rubbish and recycling and ensured you've enough cleaning fluids.  All ready for Monday!  Woohoo!! 🥳🎄

I'll see you then.  Have a great weekend,

Nora

xxx

It's the weekend!

Good morning, it's the weekend!

On a weekend we continue to have a DAILY FOCUS for each day. 

On Saturday it's Family Fun Day, the day to spend time with your immediate or extended family.  Visiting, maybe meeting up for a walk or a picnic or day out at a venue.

It's that time of year when there are Pick Your Own farms doing autumn themed activities like pu,pkin carving, there are Guy Fawkes bonfires and firework events and we are also approaching the season for Christmas markets. 

Why not start looking at posters and getting them in your calendar.

Then Sunday is Renew Your Spirit Day or Rest & Recharge Day.

Maybe you attend church, our family does.  It's great to worship our creator God, thank him for a blessed week and renew your spirit for the next one.  

We also love coffee and cake after, a chance to catch up with friends we would never otherwise have known except through this church family.

This is a lovely church near us dating back to 675AD.

We also have a lunch (as opposed to dinner in the evening) which is often followed by a walk if the weather is good.  If it's not, then it's a chance to get together and play games or watch a film.  When it's grotty outside, there's nothing like a game of monopoly alongside a cup of tea and maybe some scones!  Or cake!

Whatever you do with your weekend, I pray it is relaxing, renewing, fun and full of happy memories of family, good food and days out.

Let me know in the comments what you do.

See you Monday!

Nora

xxx

Last day in the kitchen

Goooood morning FlyFriends!

Here we are at the end of week 4 of our decluttering, cleaning and habit and routine building and, best of all, taking slow, calm babysteps to a hyggelig, fun Christmas.  

This is the last day of practicing our habits and routines before we start our CHRISTMAS MISSIONS! 🎄

More about that in a seperate post.... I'm excited!

But anyway...  on to today.....

This week we've been working in the kitchen, it's a big one so don't worry if you haven't finished because there'll be plenty of opportunity when that zone comes round again.

It's the same plan, different zone....

* MR 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* ZONE DECLUTTER & CLEAN

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

In our zone today we need finish up the loose ends, make sure everything is put away even if we haven't done all that we wanted.

Today in FlyLadyLand the DAILY FOCUS is Bags & Budget, Car and Date Night with your husband, best friend or family.

Get all the bags emptied as they re-enter the house.  Deal with smelly towels, dirty lunchboxes and receipts as they pass through your hands.  Get everything clean and reset for Monday.

Clean out the car, shake the mats, bin the rubbish and wipe over any marks. When was the last time you checked oil and water?

Decide on tonight's dinner and what you're doing for the evening, and get it organised.  Find the film or game, defrost the dinner, chill the drinks!

Once you're done with those, you'll have earned your PAMPER.  A little bit of time to yourself before a weekend of fun, family and reset.

What are you having for dinner today?  We're having something quick, maybe a butternut squash and chickpea tagine as we've another busy day.

Don't forget to score your mood and your home and keep comparing the scores to where you started from, this is a great way to see the small improvements that we don't give ourselves credit for, it's a way to encourage ourselves.

See you tomorrow for an introduction to our Christmas Missions.

Nora 

xxx 

Thursday in the kitchen...but not!

Goooood morning FlyFriends!

Here we are in week 4 of our first round of decluttering, cleaning, getting into habits and routines and, best of all, taking slow, calm babysteps to a hyggelig, fun Christmas.  

This is the last week of learning our habits and routines so let's get a good focus on those so that we do them naturally,  almost autopilot.  This will help us in the coming weeks as we move into.... CHRISTMAS MISSIONS! 🎄

We deserve to enjoy Christmas too, and the best way to do that is to do little bits each week and progress towards it without exhausting ourselves. To this end we're going to start a little game with ourselves each weekday from next Monday.

But anyway...  on to today.....

This week we've moved into a new zone, the kitchen, it's a big one so there'll be plenty of opportunity to have a go at decluttering and cleaning whilst we practice our routines and habits.

It's the same plan, different zone....

* MR 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* ZONE DECLUTTER & CLEAN

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

In our zone today, we need to pick a drawer or cupboard to declutter and clean, I'm not sure what's left, but I do know that it should be easier once I've done my MR as I'll have already wiped worktops & table and loaded the dishwasher or washed up.  What are you choosing today?

Today in FlyLadyLand the DAILY FOCUS is OUT & ABOUT or ERRAND DAY.  The day to do the shopping, the errands, top up the car with petrol, visit the chemist, vet, dry cleaners, florist...... get all those out of the home jobs done in one day.  This saves time and money making it a long but productive and economical day!

Once you're done with those, you'll have earned your PAMPER,  you could even put onto your shopping list a small treat.  A plant for your dining table, a candle or some yummy treats for your PAMPER basket.  My treat (most unlike me!) is a new lipstick 💄.

You could always spend your PAMPER TIME listening and decluttering along with Diane....

What are you having for dinner today?  We're having jacket potatoes and salad....yum!  We're both busy today and it's quick to bung these in the oven whilst youre doing something else they cook themselves, then quickly chop a salad.... job done!

Don't forget to score your mood and your home and keep comparing the scores to where you started from, this is a great way to see the small improvements that we don't give ourselves credit for, it's a way to encourage ourselves.

Ok, I did my errands yesterday because hubby has the car today.  So I'm doing my odd job day which is to continue putting up plasterboard whilst my husband is out visiting a couple of his friends!!  I know how to live it up!

See you tomorrow!

Nora 

xxx 

Wednesday in the kitchen

Goooood morning on this Wonderful Wednesday!

Here we are in week 4 of our first round of decluttering, cleaning, getting into habits and routines and, best of all, taking slow, calm babysteps to a hyggelig, fun Christmas.  

This is the last week of learning our habits and routines so let's get a good focus on those so that we do them naturally,  almost autopilot.  This will help us in the coming weeks as we move into.... CHRISTMAS MISSIONS! 🎄

We deserve to enjoy Christmas too, and the best way to do that is to do little bits each week and progress towards it without exhausting ourselves. To this end we're going to start a little game with ourselves each weekday from next Monday.

But anyway...

So....what's the plan this week I hear you say!

This week we've moving into a new zone, the kitchen, it's a big one so there'll be plenty of opportunity to have a go at decluttering and cleaning whilst we practice our routines and habits.

It's the same plan, different zone....

* MR 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* ZONE DECLUTTER & CLEAN

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

In our zone today, we need to pick a drawer or cupboard to declutter and clean, I think I might go for the book and spice shelves, they're quite easy wins to declutter...and de-powder!  Our spice shelves also include our home grown tea and really suffer from a generous layer of coal dust from now until next Spring when the fires are shut down for the summer!

After that, clean something, it should be easier once you've done your MR as you'll have already wiped worktops & table and loaded the dishwasher or washed up.  Maybe you could clean the filters on your cooker hood, empty the toaster crumbs or descale the kettle?

Today in FlyLadyLand the DAILY FOCUS is ODD JOB DAY.  The day to pick something from your 'To-do list ' and do it without all the overthinking!  That's the reason it's also called anti-procrastination day!

Once you're done with those don't forget your PAMPER,  a walk in nature, listen to your favourite playlist, paint yout nails.  My PAMPER TIME at the moment is spent knitting myself a pair of socks!

Maybe you want to spend yours listening and decluttering along with Diane....

What are you having for dinner today?  We're having a mushroom pasta dish, hubby is cooking....yum!  

Don't forget to score your mood and your home and keep comparing the scores to where you started from, this is a great way to see the small improvements that we don't give ourselves credit for, it's a way to encourage ourselves.

Ok, my odd job day is to put up a piece of plasterboard before i head out to do some errands...wrong day I know!!  

See you tomorrow!

Nora 

xxx 

Tuesday in the Kitchen

 Goooood morning on this Terrific Tuesday!

Here we are in week 4 of our first round of decluttering, cleaning, getting into habits and routines and, best of all, taking slow, calm babysteps to a hyggelig, fun Christmas.  

This is the last week of learning our habits and routines so let's get a good focus on those so that we do them naturally,  almost autopilot.  This will help us in the coming weeks as we move into.... CHRISTMAS MISSIONS! 🎄

We deserve to enjoy Christmas too, and the best way to do that is to do little bits each week and progress towards it without exhausting ourselves. To this end we're going to start a little game with ourselves each weekday starting next Monday 19th October!

But anyway...

So....what's the plan this week I hear you say!

This week we're moving into a new zone, the kitchen, it's a big one so there'll be lots to have a go at decluttering and cleaning whilst we practice our routines and habits.

It's the same plan, different zone....

* MR 

* DAILY FOCUS 

*ZONE DECLUTTER & CLEAN

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

In our zone today, we need to pick a drawer or cupboard to declutter and clean, I think I might go for the cupboard under the sink today!  That's where I keep my cleaning caddy,  so I might have a go at that too.... or maybe top up my washing up and hand wash liquids.

After that, clean something, it should be easier once you've done your MR as you'll have already wiped worktops & table and loaded the dishwasher or washed up.  

Why not use your POWER HOUR OR WEEKLY HOME BLESSING DAY list to clean the zone by dusting and featherdusting, polishing glass and sweeping and mopping floors.  

Our DAILY FOCUS today is PLAN & PLAY DAY or DESK DAY, the day to make appointments,  write birthday cards, check supplies like cards, stamps, sellotape, pens etc.  You can also plan your menu for the week and write a shopping list for the things you need.... don't forget to check what you already have in the fridge and freezer. 

Once you're done with those don't forget your PAMPER,  a walk in nature, listen to your favourite playlist, craft time.  My PAMPER TIME today will be a soak in the bath and a hair wash after a dirty job this morning, ill then be nice and clean to pop out on a shopping trip with my friend Julia this afternoon....she'll appreciate that! 😂

Maybe you want to spend yours following along with Diane....

At the end of today, tidy your lounge before you leave, take your cup or glass with you to the kitchen and ensure its tidy and closed down for the night. Can you put your dishwasher or washing machine on a timer ready for the morning?

What are you having for dinner today?  We've just decided we'll have we're having a salad....yum! 🥗

Don't forget to score your mood and your home and keep comparing the scores to where you started from, this is a great way to see the small improvements that we don't give ourselves credit for, it's a way to encourage ourselves.

Right, I must be off and get doing!! Again!

Nora 

xxx 

Thursday, Lounge Day

Good morning!  

And that title doesn't mean it's a day to lounge around, but another opportunity to get in the lounge for 15 minutes of decluttering and 15 minutes of cleaning.....

...but not yet!  I'm jumping ahead!

Let's start our day with scoring how we feel in ourselves and how we feel about our home, or maybe just the lounge, how do you feel you are progressing?  Do you feel better about things?  About you?

We're going to start our day like the others.... with our routine mapped out for us.

We're taking out the thinking and we're using the MR and the ER to be the bookends of our day. Every day.

With those 2 routines in place we start and end with the basics covered.  We are fed, watered, ready for the day and left each room we've been in neat and tidy to return to....aahhhh!

We can sigh a sigh of relief that those things are calm and in control.

To those we have added some PAMPER TIME,  where we give ourselves some time...for a bubbly bath, a chapter of our book, a walk in nature.  You choose what you would like to do to chill a while.

Then we have 2 other things, one is a DAILY FOCUS for each day of the week and the other is a weekly ZONE habit for each week of the month.

The zones will be unique to each of us and we need to ensure that all areas of the house are covered under each heading.  In my house they look like this....

ZONE 1 - WELCOME        (porch, hall, stairs, landing and study)

ZONE 2 - EAT                     (kitchen, dining room)

ZONE 3 - SPLASH             (downstairs shower room,  family bathroom, utility)

ZONE 4 - SLEEP                (bedrooms)

ZONE 5 - RELAX               (lounge, family room, library)

Zone 1 starts on the 1st of every month through until the following Sunday, this could be 1 day or 5, but it is usually only a part of a week.  On the following 3 Mondays we focus on zones 2, 3 and 4, these are full weeks, Monday to Sunday.  Zone 5 starts on the last Monday and again, like zone 1 is only part of a week and ends on the last day of the month.

Each month is the same plan over again and it means that in a month, we get to work in every part of our homes.  It also means if we don't finish something, it doesn't matter, we'll be back next month. Also, we don't over focus on one area to the detriment of everywhere else.  We get a chance to upkeep what we did last month and continue with decluttering and cleaning this month.

Can you see now what it is we're trying to do?

We are NOT emptying everything out, going through all the stuff, expecting to be finished by the end of the day and finding ourselves sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor in floods of tears because we are overwhelmed!

STOP!  🛑 

NO,No, no....

We're trying to do it one step at a time, one zone at a time, one day at a time, week by week, month by month. In bite sized, manageable chunks whilst still maintaining our sanity and the everyday basics with a sprinkling of fun and some TLC for ourselves.....aaahhhhh...... that's better.

Have dome decluttering time with Diane...

Don't forget your PAMPER and to bookend your day with your EVENING ROUTINE so that you're ahead of the game on Friday.

Have a great day and illcsee you tomorrow!

Cheerio 😘👋🏻

Nora

xxx

Wednesday and the Lounge

Welcome, it's another Wonderful Wednesday!  🥳👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

It's good to see you back, I'd really love to know how you're getting on.

I can see from the 'stats' that there are a core number of people coming daily, it's so good to have you!  I understand if you just want to read and do your own thing, but if you do feel able to comment that would be lovely.

Part of the reason for doing this is to build an encouraging community where we can boost each other and also swap techniques and tricks for getting the most out of it.  Meal or activity ideas...or suggestions for pamper time.

Whether you comment or not, it's lovely to have you here 🥰

Today we're repeating the routine of...

* MR 

* ZONE 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

Todays DAILY FOCUS is ODD JOB DAY,  the day that we take our to-do list and instead of thinking and thinking and doom-scrolling and doing anything, ANYthing except something on the list were going to stop!

⛔️  no entry to procrastination!

Either start with the first job or, as we're in the lounge,  look down the list and see if here are any little jobs there. 

For example, do you need to charge or change the batteries in your remote control?  How about refreshing the cushion covers and popping them in the washer? Do you need to put new candles into holders? Are there pictures to hang?  Bulbs to change?  Top up your woodpile?

You get the idea!

As you're opening drawers and looking along shelves, why not do a 15 minute declutter?

Purge the magazines, books or DVDs. See if there are any games you no longer want and can donate too.

Anything leaving the house makes cleaning or simply finding things so much easier.

Use Diane as your timer and work along with her as she declutters some items from her lounge...

Don't forget you PAMPER TIME!

What will you do for yourself today?

I think mine will be a sunny autumn river walk.

Wrap up the end of your day with your ER and get a headstart on tomorrow!

Why not choose an outfit for yourself for tomorrow and give yourself one less thing to think about in the morning!

Woohoo....GO US!

See you tomorrow, 

Nora

xxx

Good morning....

 ... on this Terrific Tuesday!  👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

How are you?  And how are you doing?

Don't forget the 'scores on the doors'.... for you and your home.

(You have to be a certain age to remember that catchphrase Isla!!)

Today we're repeating the same playsheet 

* MR 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* ZONE WORK

* PAMPER 

* ER 

Hopefully you're getting the rhythm of this daily set-up.

I won't go over the MR again except to say....do it!  Get that out of the way 1st.

Today in FlyLadyLand is DESK DAY or PLAN & PLAY DAY.   It's the day to plan menus for the week, write your shopping list based on your menus and what remains in your fridge that needs using up and schedule appointments or look ahead in to the month at events or birthdays.

We're in ZONE 5 this week, that's our RELAX ZONES,  areas where we chill together like your lounge or family room.  

We'll start with a 15 minute declutter either generally or in an area like the TV stand or sideboard or bookcase.

If you're all decluttered let's go ahead and do some general cleaning (featherdusting,  dusting surfaces, polishing glass, emptying bins or cleaning the floor.

If all that is done too you could start with detailed cleaning like lampshades or delving down the back of your sofa to see who finds the most money!

For some tips, why not us your PAMPER TIME to watch Diane, or even clean along with her for 15 minutes.

Finally don't forget to do your EVENING ROUTINE and close down your kitchen for the night.   Lay the table for breakfast or set up your coffee machine to get a step or 2 ahead in the morning.

Have a great day!

Nora

xxx

Welcome back.....

 ...on this Marvellous Monday!  👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

How was your weekend?

Did you keep up with your routines?  

Did you fit in some fun and some time to refresh?

Has your Monday morning been a little less hectic than in past times?

Don't forget to rate your mood and your house, every so often compare to previous scores and see where you're improving or stagnant and see if you can work out how to improve things.  Our aim is to use our time for maximum effect and reduce the stress (and shame!) a messy house might cause.

We're back to a new week but the same playsheet....

* MR

* Daily Focus 

* ZONE 

* PAMPER 

* ER 

Are you finding more things to add to your MORNING ROUTINE to help set yourself up for daily success? Mine includes....

* airing and making the bed which leaves it lovely and fresh for bedtime and the bedroom neat and tidy throughout the day.  I leave the bedroom with anything in hand that doesn't belong there.

* ensuring I wash or shower, do my hair and teeth and dress to hard bottom slippers or shoes.  This ensures I'm presentable to any callers and not lounging about in pyjamas all day!  I leave the bathroom clean and wiped over and with anything that doesn't need to be in there removed.

* I eat breakfast, take my vitamins, load or unload the dishwasher, wipe down worktops and dining table and get out food for lunch, dinner or both.  The kitchen is now tidy and I know what we're eating.

* I spend 15 mins moving on the laundry.  I either put on a load of laundry, move it to the airer or washing line, iron or fold and put away.

After this it's time to either do your DAILY FOCUS or move to your ZONE. 

If you need to clear the decks a bit before cleaning then start in ZONE WORK.  We're in ZONE 5 - RELAX, or our lounge, family room.

First, spend 15 minutes a day decluttering.  Work through a drawer or cupboard or shelf at a time. You're aim is to sift the rubbish from charity shop donations (or Ebay / Vinted sellable items) and to put back only the things you want to keep.  

If you're all decluttered and your lounge falls into the category of high traffic area then I would move on to the DAILY FOCUS,  you'll see why.

In FlyLadyLand,  today is POWER HOUR OR WEEKLY HOME BLESSING DAY.  This is the name for 6 jobs, 10 minutes each in your HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS...not your whole house!!  My HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS are my kitchen diner, where people pop in, my hall, downstairs shower room which is also the guest loo and the lounge.

The 6 jobs are...

* PUPA - Pick Up and Put Away clutter and rubbish

* bin the rubbish and refresh the bin

* featherdust the skirting, ceilings, doorframe... get those cobwebs.

* dust all flat surfaces 

* Polish glass like mirrors, picture frames, glass in doors, TV screens

* vacuum or mop the floor

Don't forget to set your timer, it gets you started and makes you stop....make it fun, race against the timer to complete each job.

Then all that's left is your PAMPER and EVENING ROUTINE. 

Don't think you can fit all this in?  Why not listen to a bit of input from Diane....

So, that's it from me today. 

Let me know how you're doing in the comments.

Toodle-ooo

Nora

xxx

Happy Weekend! 🥳

Another week complete in our declutter and clean and were back to a glorious weekend...woohoo!

But don't think it's a rest from routines!  That's how things start to fall apart!  We think days off and we forget that we need to wear clothes, eat and sleep plus get prepared for the week ahead!

Doesn't sound like fun?  Well, that's the attitude that's got to change.  That's why you fall behind, because you listen to the charmer in your head saying.... 'come on, it's the weekend, don't do housework, don't worry about next week, just go out and eat - cooking is boring!  Chill out, relax.....'

Sshhhhhhh!

Quiet THAT voice and listen to sense!

You don't have to go mad!  

Because of our habits and routines over the last 2 weeks we are on top of the laundry,  we have food in the cupboards, the house is in reasonable shape, we've got some odd jobs done.... AND.... the clutter is decreasing, surfaces are reappearing, dust is reducing....  oohhh... it's soooooo good!  Well done us.

However, it IS the weekend and we still need to do the basics.  Eat, wash school uniform, maybe have some time out as a family, pack bags for the week ahead (get that homework or presentation done!).  Plus... do something we'd like to and have time to refresh...ready in every way for the week ahead.

Saturday in FlyLadyLand is Family Fun Day and Sunday is Renew Your Spirit Day, I actually either do mine the other way round or I combine them because spending time with my family is a way to relax!  I also find Sunday busy we'll  have church in the morning, friends coming for lunch before we head off to evening church and a presentation from TV presenter David Harper on his unexpected journey to Christianity.

So, the non-negotiables are your MR and ER, those will keep the basics rolling along.  We need to switch those up from 'a drag' to 'a safety net'.  Something that grounds your day and provides familiarity, auto-pilot for the days when life isn't feeling so great!

The other must have is PAMPER time, sounds ridiculous, but it's time to slow down, reflect and do something nice for yourself.... a walk in nature to enjoy the autumn colours, a face mask, a chapter of a book or Bible...it's a little daily recharge just for you.

Did you refresh your cleaning caddy on Friday along with school bags, swim bags, gym bags, handbag?!  You'll thank yourself you did these on Monday when they are a fresh start for the week. 

If you're having trouble working out this system to fit your life why not listen to Diane....

...she's really good at suggesting alternatives and work around.

So, enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you on Monday. 

Nora

xxx

Tree of Knowledge & Tree of Life...there are 2 trees!!

How many times have I read the book of Genesis, chapter 3...and therefore how many times have I missed this previously!!

Doh!  (note to self...take more notice!)

My reading for the day was The Fall of Man...

...and I had a lightbulb moment (that's Nora speak for 'the Holy Spirit revealed this to me').  

I started studying around this subject...boy, some of it was like wading uphill, through treacle in flip-flops!  But I think I got there and will now try to explain it in simple terms .... mostly for myself because I know I will read it again in the future and question it.  In fact I have written out 2 post-it notes and stuck them to the relevant chapters in my Bible.

So first we know that God created Adam & Eve.  They are created in God's image meaning that they have good characteristics and abilities with access to the Tree of Life.  If they love God and do as He asks, they will live forever (but this isn't a dictatorship so they do have freewill).

So ....  the snake tempts Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil, which she does, she then gives it to Adam and they become wise.  They understand that they are naked and their desire to cover up comes to the notice of God.  He then knows what they have done and has a problem.

What God created has now become 'equal' in terms of knowing good and evil and knows that this won't work, in fact now that they are 'spoiled' it could be dangerous for the future if they are allowed to live forever.

He has to punish them (this is the first judgement of sin) and he also has to prevent the chaos their wrongdoing will cause by preventing them from living forever (making them mortal) and so sends them out of the Garden of Eden which prevents them access to the Tree of Life.

This is the lightbulb moment when I realised that Adam & Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge and then God sent them out of the Garden of Eden so that they couldn't eat from the Tree of Life.... yes, 2 trees.

One that leads to eternal life with all the goodness of God and the other which reveals all the opposites or the absence of all the good things  (because where you create love, the absence of love is hate, where you create good, the absence of good is evil, where you create humility the absence of humility is pride...and so on!)

I thought this picture showed it well.....  

So now Adam & Eve cannot eat from the Tree of Life (and nor can the rest of humanity), this makes death inevitable and, wonderfully,  resurrection possible, so by doing this God creates a means to save mankind.

A great example of God bringing Good from evil.

So that is what the whole Bible is about really.  God wanting us in the Garden of Eden with him, us messing it up and God finding a way to ...well.... get round the problem!

We have free will (remember, it is not a dictatorship) and we can choose God's way or Satan's way....just so you know, this is not something we can sit on the fence about!

We choose God's way through choosing Jesus Christ or we don't choose Jesus Christ and by default we have chosen Satan's way.

If like me you never realised there were 2 trees, or you did but didn't understand then I hope this helps.  I'm not saying this is an high brow, intellectual answer - that's for you to study further if you wish.  It is just my clarification for my own notes which I thought might help someone else.

I hope to return soon to share some more eye-opening (Spirit-lead) stuff, in the meantime....

God Bless

Nora

xxx