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

Christmas Mission #5

 GOOD MORNING on this FABULOUS FRIDAY!!

Your shorthand for today's BASIC PLAN is....

* MR (Morning Routine)

* ZONE 4 - SLEEP - DECLUTTER OR CLEAN 

* ZONE 4 DAILY MISSION 

* DAILY FOCUS - CAR & BAGS DAY 

* CHRISTMAS MISSION - #5 - CAR, BAGS AND DATE NIGHT 

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER

Today we finish the first week of our CHRISTMAS MISSIONS.... 5 down 25 to go!!

If you're joining us for the first time that doesn't mean you're late, you've missed anything or that you can't join in.... you can!  The more the merrier.

First we need to ensure we've done our MR, we've eaten, washed, dressed to shoes,  tidied up after ourselves in our bedroom, bathroom and breakfast table.  Where's your laundry?  Do you need to get on a LOL? Do you need to fold or iron the dry? Do you need to put it away?  Just move it on to the next stage.  🩲👚👕👖

What's for dinner? Can you defrost something?

Once you've done your MR, complete the rest of your WHB if you're not yet finished or spreading your tasks one day over the week.  Then 15 mins of ZONE 4 DECLUTTERING or CLEANING in your SLEEP ZONES using your WHB list as a guide.  Remember to be logical, start with removing the sheets if that needs doing, then featherdusting, dusting and polishing surfaces and furniture, windows, mirrors and other glass, then vacuuming (you can include the bed in this before you put the clean sheets on!)

Todays ZONE MISSION is to change your sheets or strip the bed down,  flip the mattress and remake it with extra attention to fluffing pillows and making it look pretty and inviting to climb in to.  Some people like sleep sprays, others like extra weight on their feet from a bedspread, you do what suits you.

Our DAILY FOCUS is a quick upkeep clean of the car, to clean out and refresh every bag that returns home today ready for Monday and....DATE NIGHT!  My husband is out tonight so I'm having date night with my 17 year old daughter, we're cooking something special together.  We'll set the table with candles and maybe watch a soppy Christmas film afterwards. 

Our 5th CHRISTMAS MISSION tentatively corresponds with BAGS DAY as it refers to our purse!  We're going to add 2 things to our planner.  One is a sheet for budgeting and the other is an envelope for receipts.   On your budget sheet write some headings with space underneath to complete it.  You need to think about things like gifts, food, travel, cards and postage.  Discuss this with anyone you might need to and decide on a budget for each area and your overall Christmas budget.

Don't forget your PAMPER habit today.  What will you do?  This morning I'm popping to see an elderly friend for a coffee.  She does me as much good as my visit will do her...perfect!

ER is the bookend of your day....after your main meal, get the dishes and pans cleaned,  wipe down your dining table and worktops and give your sink a quick clean round.  You could even set your table for breakfast ....or set up your coffee making for the morning ....or put a load of laundry on a timed wash to finish as you're waking up in the morning...get ahead of yourself! 

WOOHOO! 🥳  Week 1 of CHRISTMAS MISSIONS accomplished! Hyggelig Christmas here we come!! ⭐️

See you for a quick round up tomorrow, for now....

Byeeeeee

Nora 

xxx

CHRISTMAS MISSION #4

 GOOD MORNING, THUMBS UP FOR THURSDAY!!

Your shorthand for today's BASIC PLAN is....

* MR

* ZONE 4 - SLEEP - DECLUTTER OR CLEAN

* ZONE 4 DAILY MISSION - 

* DAILY FOCUS - ERRAND DAY 

* CHRISTMAS MISSION - #4 - CHRISTMAS STATIONERY 

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER

This week we're starting our 30 CHRISTMAS MISSIONS!!....

First we need to ensure we've done our MR, we've eaten, washed, dressed to shoes,  tidied up after ourselves in our bedroom, bathroom and breakfast table.  Where's your laundry?  Do you need to get on a LOL? Do you need to fold or iron the dry? Do you need to put it away?  Just move it on to the next stage.  🩲👚👕👖

Today, we might have to put decluttering and cleaning in the ZONE on hold.  I know...shocking...BUT, this is because its ERRAND DAY.  This can be a long day out of the house so you just need to do your basics and sort a meal...maybe pop something in the slow cooker?!

If you do have 5mins for your ZONE MISSION in ZONE 4 - SLEEP, lets make it quick and easy...  grab your duster and give your dressing table or vanity unit a quick dust off.  Ditch the rubbish, pop things back in the drawers,  leave it looking lovely.   Don't get distracted you have no time to waste!

Our 4th CHRISTMAS MISSION corresponds with ERRAND DAY and it is another stationery task!  It is to buy those items that you wrote down on your shopping list when putting together your wrapping station, your Christmas planner or your craft stash.  Sellotape, cards, wrap, stickers etc. 

Remember to take your shopping lists, bags, trolley token, vouchers..purse!

Get it done and when you get home, pop it straight into your wrapping station bag or box or your craft stash ready to be used!  

Have you made that appointment with yourself to get these cards or gifts made?  If not do it now.  If you don't, it'll be forgotten and you'll be dashing out last minute to buy cards!!

After a long day of errands, you've certainly earned your PAMPER TIME,  what will it be? A laze in a bubbly bath? TV dinner with a Christmas film? An early night with a book?  Whatever it is...enjoy!

Finally, your ER is the bookend of your day....after your meal this evening, get the dishes and pans cleaned,  wipe down your dining table and worktops and give your sink a quick clean round.  You could even set your table for breakfast ....or set up your coffee making for the morning ....or put a load of laundry on a timed wash to finish as you're waking up in the morning...get ahead of yourself! 

WOOHOO! 🥳  Hyggelig Christmas here we come!! ⭐️

CHRISTMAS MISSION #3

GOOD MORNING WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!

Your shorthand for today's BASIC PLAN is....

* MR

* ZONE 4 - SLEEP - DECLUTTER OR CLEANING

* ZONE 4 DAILY MISSION 

* DAILY FOCUS - ODD JOB DAY 

 * CHRISTMAS MISSION - #3

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER

This week we've started our 30 CHRISTMAS MISSIONS!!....

First we need to ensure we've done our MR, we've eaten, washed, dressed to shoes,  tidied up after ourselves in our bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Once you've done that, complete the rest of your WHB and then 15 mins of ZONE DECLUTTERING or CLEANING in your SLEEP ZONES using your WHB list as a guide.  Remember to be logical, start with removing the sheets if that needs doing, then featherdusting, dusting and polishing surfaces and furniture, windows, mirrors and other glass, then vacuuming (you can include the bed before you put the clean sheets on!)

This week we're working in ZONE 4 - SLEEP and today's ZONE MISSION is to dive under the bed!  If you can, clear it out, do a declutter, find homes for the stuff you want to keep and lets leave under the bed clear...except for your slippers maybe! Ensure you give it a good vacuum and rid youself of the hairy tumbleweed!

Our 3rd CHRISTMAS MISSION corresponds with ODD JOB DAY!

Gather together ALL your ODD Christmas wrapping supplies, yes ALL!  That's wrap, ribbon, tags, sellotape, scissors, pen, address labels, stamps, gift bags and cards! GO through these things and get rid of anything past its best and if you need any extra supplies like sellotape or cards, get them on your shopping list for ERRAND DAY.  

Why not invest in some plain brown wrapping paper, it'll do for any celebration gift, you can just jazz it up with a suitable coloured ribbon, it's cheaper and takes up less room than a roll of wrap for every event!  Put it all together in a bag or box ready to start using.  If you have a spare space, make a wrapping station, if not, put the box near to your dining table so that it can be quickly pulled out to wrap gifts.

If you are someone who likes to make their own cards or wrap, get those supplies together, make sure you have all you need and put any requirements on your shopping list.  It might also be a good idea to schedule an appointment with yourself to have some craft time and get going with making and writing cards.  This would make a great PAMPER opportunity. 

I love this mission,  it's the first real Christmassy thing we do.  I love seeing what I've got and planning what I want to make or buy.  It's an easy one and great that it's the first real thing, as sending Christmas cards is often the first Christmas activity we do isn't it?

ER is the bookend of your day....after your main meal, get the dishes and pans cleaned,  wipe down your dining table and worktops and give your sink a quick clean round.  You could even set your table for breakfast ....or set up your coffee making for the morning ....or put a load of laundry on a timed wash to finish as you're waking up in the morning...get ahead of yourself! 

WOOHOO! 🥳  Hyggelig Christmas here we come!! ⭐️

Looking forward to tomorrow, until then,

Toodle-ooo 

Nora

xxx

CHRISTMAS MISSION #2

GOOD MORNING TERRIFIC TUESDAY!!

Your shorthand for today's BASIC PLAN is....

* MR

* DAILY FOCUS - DESK DAY (PLAN AND PLAY)

* CHRISTMAS MISSION - #2 - CHRISTMAS PLANNER OR JOURNAL 

* ZONE 4 - SLEEP - DECLUTTER OR CLEANING 

* ZONE 4 MISSION - CLOTHES PILES

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER

This week we've started our 30 CHRISTMAS MISSIONS!!....

First we need to ensure we've done our MR, we've eaten, washed, dressed to shoes,  tidied up after ourselves in our bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Once you've done that, complete the rest of your WHB and then 15 mins of ZONE DECLUTTERING or CLEANING in your SLEEP ZONES using your WHB list as a guide.  Remember to be logical, start with removing the sheets if that needs doing, then featherdusting, dusting and polishing surfaces and furniture, windows, mirrors and other glass, then vacuuming (you can include the bed before you put the clean sheets on!) and finally remake your bed.

This week we're working in ZONE 4 - SLEEP and today's ZONE MISSION is to focus on clothes piles.  Whether these are a pile of clothes in your bedroom or a pile of ironing or a pile of washing....get stuck in!  As you go through, make sure that youre not washing, ironing or hanging up something that's too small, too large, damaged beyond repair, not comfortable, not flattering....don't just do the same old thing! Get rid of things that you don't enjoy wearing and make room for the things you do enjoy wearing!  Pack away summer clothes and get out your Winter Warmers!

Our 2nd CHRISTMAS MISSION corresponds with DESK DAY as it's a planning task. 

We need to make a Christmas Journal or Planner.  You can find these online,  often free, you can buy one or you could just add a couple of sheets of paper to the back of your binder or notebook and simply make up your own notes.  You can scribble them down or you can draw out boxes and decorate with some stickers,  this could be your PAMPER TIME project.

If you are going to buy a journal, pop it onto your shopping list for ERRAND DAY. 

Your ER is the bookend of your day....after your main meal, get the dishes and pans cleaned,  wipe down your dining table and worktops and give your sink a quick clean round.  You could even set your table for breakfast ....or set up your coffee making for the morning ....or put a load of laundry on a timed wash to finish as you're waking up in the morning...get ahead of yourself! 

WOOHOO! 🥳  Hyggelig Christmas here we come!! 

See you tomorrow, 

Nora

xxx

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2026!

 ...and I do mean happy.

Good morning FlyFriends,  how are you?

Today we are continuing with our routines and habits that just get 'normal life' done in the simplest way...15 minute chunks.

We are going to use that same 15 minutes (on a timer!⏳️⏱️ ) to continue with our decluttering and cleaning whilst at the same time doing some bite sized jobs as we head towards Christmas so that, when we get there, we are calm, joyful, stress free AND able to enjoy Christmas with our families too!

Sound good?

Well, that's our aim if you're up for joining in. 

All of our jobs will be themed along the lines of our DAILY FOCUS.   So on BAGS DAY,  we'll also be looking at our Christmas budget.  On ERRAND DAY,  we'll be adding little extras of shopping to build up a Christmas store cupboard of items with a longer shelf life like dried fruit, jars of sweet mincemeat, clutter free emergency gifts.  Not only will we be prepared ahead, this also helps spread the cost of Christmas.

So a new week means a new ZONE for decluttering and cleaning meaning our plan today, including our first CHRISTMAS MISSION, looks like this....

* MR 

* ZONE DECLUTTER & CLEAN - SLEEP ZONES 

* CHRISTMAS MISSION #1

* DAILY FOCUS - WHB or POWER HOUR in High Traffic Areas including a .... * DAILY MISSION

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

The first and last items really need to be kept 1st and last, but the others can be done in whichever order fits with your routine and time available.

Those of you with children, or who work outside of your home may also like to add a 15 minute AR (AFTERNOON ROUTINE) on your return from school or work to include snack time, setting up homework, cooking a meal.  You decide what needs done in this time everyday and design your own routine, share it with whoever is home, get them on board, make it fun for the children.

So, we are following FlyLadyLand and working in our bedrooms this week, rebooting the decluttering we started last month and doing the monthly clean (not tidy, that should be happening daily when you leave your bedroom in the morning!)  

There's also a daily mission, that if you can do nothing else in terms of cleaning and decluttering, if you can do this one thing you will have made progress, who doesn't like a quick win in that respect?!  Todays DAILY MISSION is to tidy the tops of bedside tables.  Clear the tissues, the water glass, the pile of books and dust the top, the lamp and the photo of your beloved.  Doesn't that look better?

It's also the day to do a quick upkeep clean of your High Traffic Areas, 10 minutes on 6 jobs...or 10 minutes a day across 6 days, a day for each job.  Make it fit with you!

Today's CHRISTMAS MISSION fits with this as it is to take a rubbish bag with you around the house and fill it with rubbish!  Now, if you've done your WHB and your MR where, between the 2, you leave your hall, lounge, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen tidy, you can see how being consistent with daily habits and an upkeep clean of high traffic areas helps to keep on top of basics like rubbish!

So, this one again looks like an easy win....and if you do get to fill that bag with rubbish... well done!  Another winner!

See how it's already starting to happen? GO US! 💪🏻🥳🎄

After all this, it's time for a moment of self care, to pamper yourself, you've certainly earned it today! What will you do?!

Don't forget to close down the kitchen and the house, leave your lounge as you wish to find it tomorrow and get to bed AT A DECENT TIME!  A PAMPER could mean an early night with a good book!🛏📖🕯

Whatever you do today, use it to encourage yourself tomorrow.  We CAN do this.... in bite sized chunks. 🐘🍽

Until tomorrow, 

Toodle-ooo 

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

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 

Welcome to Week 4!

Goooood morning on this Marvellous Monday!

Here we are at 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.

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 cutlery drawer and the utensil drawer, they're quite easy wins to declutter...and decrumb!

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've got chair covers or cushions you could wash, or curtains that need a refresh before winter.  When was the last time you washed your oven gloves and apron, hand towel and tea towels?

Today in FlyLadyLand the DAILY FOCUS is POWER HOUR OR WEEKLY HOME BLESSING DAY, the day to work in your HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS doing the dusting and featherdusting, glass and floors.  Does your HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS include your kitchen?  Mine does as everyone comes in our back door!  

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 at the moment is spent knitting myself a pair of socks!

Maybe you want to spend yours listening and decluttering 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 lentil bolognese....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 I,prove menus that we don't give ourselves credit for, it's a way to encourage ourselves.

Right, I must be off and get doing!!

Nora 

xxx 

Last day in the lounge!

 Woohoo! 🥳

And Good Morning Fabulous Friday! 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

Here we are again, happy as can be..... it's the last day in this zone and the end of our 3rd week.  Can you believe it?!

We are 3/5 of the way through the zones in our homes....GO US! 💪🏻👏🏻

In FlyLadyLand it's a busy one today but hopefully you're almost finished in the lounge and it'll give you more time for other stuff.

More time to close down this week, clear the decks and prepare yourself for next week.

Our plan is...

* MR

* ZONE 

* DAILY FOCUS 

* PAMPER TIME 

* ER 

Hopefully after 3 weeks you're getting in to this pattern for your plan every day.  

Remember, we're not looking for perfection,  we not looking to get it ALL done, we're looking for improvement and building routines and habits that serve us, not the other way round.

You are not a slave to this, it is a framework,  a guide, for you to take and make your own.

So, once you've completed your MORNING ROUTINE you should have...

* had breakfast, washed up or loaded (or unloaded) the dishwasher, wiped down worktops and dining table and left it tidy.

* got D2S (Dressed to Shoes meaning washed, hair brushed, teeth cleaned and dressed with sensible footwear ready for getting going!)

* You've done a quick S&S (Swish & Swipe meaning you've given the loo and basin a quick wipe round so they are clean and fresh for the day, who knows if a visitor might need to use it!) and left it tidy.

* aired and made your bed, put away clothes and removed rubbish and anything else that doesn't belong there leaving it tidy.

So, you are ready and the house is tidy.  Time to move to the next task.

So, this week we've been in the Lounge, den, family room, music room, library... whatever you call the place where you spend most of your family time.

We've been decluttering and cleaning.

Take a look now and see what it looks like and how you feel about it compared to Monday. 

If there's anything you can see you didn't get to, why not do that today?

Our other 'task' is our DAILY Focus, and actually we have 3 small ones...

* Car

* Bags and budget

* Date Night or family fun night

With the car it's a quick empty of rubbish and a wipe over of the dashboard and shake of the mats.  I'll always encourage you to get petrol whilst you're out o  ERRAND DAY.   You can also check oil, water and anti-freeze too.

Bags is to empty and refresh all the bags coming in to your home today and reset them ready for the weekend or school or work week. Don't forget your cleaning caddy too!

Part of bags is to gather all your receipts after ERRAND DAY and put them in a safe place.  You can use them to check against your credit card and bank statement or maybe if you need to return so thing in the future you'll know where to look for your receipt, sometimes receipts are the guarantee too!

Then we're on to your evening.

Do t forget to leave your family room as you want to find it tomorrow and close down your kitchen until breakfast.

All that's left for now is to choose tonight's entertainment!

What will it be?!

Games night, cinema at home with popcorn, a special meal cooked and eaten together...all of it?!

What will you do?

Whatever it is, have fun!

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

A warm welcome.

Good morning on this Fantastic Friday!  👋🏻

How are you today?

Don't forget to take the temperature of your home and yourself so that you can keep track of your scores.  Are they going up?  Remaining consistent? See if they tell you anything that can help you get where you want to be.  Where do you want to be?  Leave a comment if you need some support.

Our plan for today is....

*MR

*DAILY FOCUS 

* ZONE 1 - WELCOME 

* PAMPER 

* ER

Today in FlyLadyLand is the day to give our bags and car some attention.  It's also DATE NIGHT....  🍿🍹🎬 ...... or maybe, family film night.

Today is the day to close down the week by cleaning and refreshing all the bags coming back in to the house.  Is there a gym outfit or swimming kit that's festering somewhere, get it in the wash.  How about that handbag full of receipts from yesterday?  School lunch boxes that need emptying and washing.  

It's also a good day (whilst were in our handbags) to think about budgeting, do you need to file those receipts, balance your accounts, pay a credit card bill?

Hopefully you filled up with petrol yesterday,  so today is a simple shake of the car mats, putting any rubbish in the bin and maybe giving the glass or dashboard a wipe over.  You may want to use this as the day to check your water or oil too.

Finally there's Date Night, either with your husband, a best friend, your children, how about inviting your parents over for a games night? Think about the activity (film, games, making pizzas together?) Whatever you do, make it a fun night.

Today we're back in ZONE 1, WELCOME.  

15 minutes of decluttering or 15 minutes of cleaning,  or a bit of both!

Did you treat yourself to a pumpkin or a chrysanthemum for your front door?  or maybe a door wreath? 

Why not go and clean your front door and sweep the path and put out your purchases before you forget?  Lets do some to celebrate the beautiful colours of autumn and create a warm welcome to your home....

Dont forget your PAMPER TIME today, what will you do?

You could paint your nails autumnal colours.  How about making coffee time special by making a spiced coffee, hot chocolate or spiced chai latte? Listen to an autumnal playlist or wrap up warm with your drink and sit in the garden to drink it....or maybe if your trees have started to change colour, get out for a 15 minute walk around the block to see the colours, seed heads, fungus, listen to the birds.....

Once youve done all that it's just your EVENING ROUTINE to close down the house for the night and set yourself up for success in the morning.... you could set the breakfast table, fill the kettle or put your coffee machine on a timer!  How about treating the family to Danish overnight rolls....

Did you put out an outfit for today before bed last night?  How did it feel to be able to dress without wondering what to wear?  You didn't do that?  So, give it a go tonight, choose your clothes for tomorrow so that even that decision is made and you can get up on auto-pilot!

Have a great day today and we'll catch up over the weekend.

Cheerio

Nora

xxx