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Archive through November 09, 2007

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Oct. 2007 ~ Dec. 2007: Home and Garden: TVCH's Home & Life Organization : Archive through November 09, 2007 users admin

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Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 8:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Getting dressed to the shoes is very difficult for me, too, Serate. It shouldn't be any more, since I've broken some of my toes and some more than once, but I love bare footin'!

My holiday journal is going in the trash, because it has become invalid. I've had phone calls from my parents, sisters and others who have someone headed this way, so I'll be entertaining on a different schedule. Thank goodness I don't have to go shopping for Thanksgiving, because I gave my dil some money for her to do that!

We had to get a new coffee maker, because the Bunn we had decided to leak. (Counters got cleaned - heh.) We decided on one with a timer. DH brought home the Bunn without a timer (!) and I had to take it back. (Never gloat about the dh doing something out of character.)

Serate, don't let the movers say they "ran out of official list forms" either! Whatever goes on the unofficial form gets lost and you are the loser.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 9:15 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Oh oh, I like the Holiday Missions, thank you for the link to those Vee! I think I'll skip todays for those (and any that are dealing with cooking for the holidays) since we don't host holidays here. Sis and bil do Thanksgiving and this year an uncle is doing Christmas since his house is finally finished. It's silly but I'm kinda excited to go back and read those first 18 missions to see which ones I can do when I get time.

I did todays mission (wiping counter tops) yesterday when I was cleaning the kitchen. Today I'm focusing on the den and the kids toybox in here and probably picking up their bedrooms. Middle niece was here one day last week with little nephew and they spent some time playing in the kids rooms. Told the kids to ignore the mess and I'd clean it up when I get to it since it wasn't their messes. Oh and laundry.

Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 9:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
When is the U.S. Thanksgiving? Is it this Monday?

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 9:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Always on the last or fourth Thursday of November, Mameblanche. This year we have an extra Thursday! It's on the 22nd - next week.

Jewels
Member

09-23-2000

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 10:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jewels a private message Print Post    
Gracie, I am so happy we have that extra Thursday this year, last year we didn't and everything seemed so rushed between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I guess I'll have to check out the Holiday Missions. I don't host Thanksgiving, but I do host Christmas and it is always such a stressful time for me.

Well, yesterday I didn't do much because I ended up spending the day with my 18 year old niece instead. She's going through some things and just needed to hang with Auntie for the day. I was able to keep up with what I had done the day before though and we did do our family clean up time last night. The kids had a harder time trying to find things to do, but we are working on that.

I've had some big containers in my den that I am storing my outdoor cushions in that I have needed dh's help with to get them in the attic. Last night he did that for me and also hung a new towel bar in the kids bathroom that has been laying there forever waiting to be hung. Now that the containers are gone I can really clean the den.

So, my projects for today are to clean the den and my bathroom. My parents are coming to visit this weekend, so it gives me a little extra added motivation.


Vee, I did read the FAQ's yesterday, thank you for suggesting that. I got alot of ideas and have been thinking about how I can incorporate them in.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 10:31 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Jewels sounds like you put yesterday to better use with your niece than cleaning and that's the way it should be. Sometimes the cleaning and organizing and best laid plans just aren't that important.

Skootz
Member

07-23-2003

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 10:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skootz a private message Print Post    
Woohoo Jewels..just do a bit at a time, otherwise if you keep doing it, you won't get anything else done and you become overwhelmed. Just dedicate so much time do doing the den today and then leave it for another day.

Being with people and going out and doing things are so much more important than cleaning..the cleaning will always be there but the opportunities to go and do things with people may not.

Meme9
Member

07-30-2001

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 11:13 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Meme9 a private message Print Post    
I've been planning my grocery list, menu and order of to-do-list . I thought I would post it in case it might help others.

Menu

Turkey & Gravy:
prepare ahead and freeze
Don't forget to thaw and reheat LOL

Mashed Potatoes w/garlic & seasonings:
T-day; will use instant potatoes,
(they can't tell the difference with the seasonings)

Candied Sweet Potatoes:
day before;

Green Beans w/onions, celery & ham;
day before;

Streamed Broccoli & Cauliflower;
2-days before prep
T-day; this won't take long

Spinach Salad;
2-days before prep
T-day add eggs and dressing

Cheese Biscuits (similar to Red Lobster's)
T-day prepare and bake


Pumpkin Pies;
day before, bake

Layered Dessert (pudding dessert);
2-days before

Happy Planning

Skootz
Member

07-23-2003

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 11:43 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skootz a private message Print Post    
Do you not share menu plans with other family members? We have done that for years with Thanksgiving, Christmas and whatever occasion we get together. It is so so much easier on the host.

Usually the host gets the meat and get thats prepared and then someone brings the potatos, another the vegies, salad, appetizer, buns dessert etc., It is brought hot, so it is made before they come and kept warm in a pot with a towel in a cooler or in a slow cooker.

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 11:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
When I host Thanksgiving, we usually have attendees bring something that they like that is personal to them, that way everybody has a win-win situation on what to eat! I was brought up on bread dressing, while living in the south most people eat cornbread dressing, so having both makes the dinner even more special. Also, there are olives on my veggie tray, something I would never touch. LOL

Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 12:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Thanks for the info Gracie! Hope you guys have the best time. I love Thanksgiving... it's a wonderful holiday.

Meme9
Member

07-30-2001

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 12:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Meme9 a private message Print Post    
Oh my gosh...I forgot the stuffing!!! DD would have noticed. I also forgot the cranberry jelly stuff in a can, dh's favorite. These are things I don't eat...and I completely forgot them! Thanks for the reminder.

I've always been one of THOSE people that feels the need to it all. I like inviting guest and when they ask what to bring, I get to say "just bring yourself, you are my guest". Many are very busy and it's my way of giving them a break. My gift to them.

DH's family would do that years ago, I think some of them still do. While our kids were small, I wanted them to remember holiday meals at home. So, I'm used to doing the cooking. I enjoy sharing our meal....the big @ss turkey is the only thing I'm dreading.

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 1:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dipo a private message Print Post    
LOL, I just did my shopping order from Safeway and got the stuffing, cranberry sauce, onions, and turkey for T-Day. U-grace you scared me when you said it is next week, LOL! The way I figure it is in two weeks.

Finally got the house swept! Now if I can just get it mopped. Decided I need to do a backwards calendar and figure out what I need to have done before my sister comes for Thanksgiving. Like putting up the rest of my wall decorations, and unpacking the stuff I threw in the hutch to do later! So that is my goal for this afternoon/evening. I have the day off tomorrow so I can do some of the other stuff.

Oh, I cleaned my counters the other day, I think Monday when I cleaned out the frig. But I wanted to ask about the cleaning of the cabinets. I have pecan cabinets and I am wondering if I should just wipe them down with water or use some sort of cleaning product. Anyone know if 409 is bad for pecan cabinets? I know I can check the back of the bottle when I get home, but thought someone might know.

I was thinking I could do that tonight as well. TIA.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 2:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
For holidays, we split the work up. The host/hostess usually takes care of the main course and everyone who's invited brings what they're asked to bring.

My plans got derailed and really I'm not all that upset, lol. Sis called and asked me if I'd watch her girls for awhile so they came over to visit. Like I said earlier, sometimes the cleaning and all that stuff aint all that important. Baby niece had several shots yesterday, today she was cranky and feeling cruddy so she needed lots of holding and cuddling.

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 2:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Dipo, my carpenter told me water and vinegar would be best for the cabinets, i.e. 2 oz vinegar to a gallon of water.

Upthread somewhere I read about using the Eraser for cabinets. Can't recommend that, unless you intend to restain and varnish soon anyway. I have been doing it on my old cabinets on the "rough" spots. It does get the dirt off, but leaves those spots "lighter", too.

I wash down my cabinets (oak) with a very mild cleaner every week. It takes me 10 mins at most and no longer allows for "accumulation". It's nice to be able to skip those 3-4 "spring" cleanings a year.
As well, I wash the little bit of actual "wall" in the kitchen during Zone 2 blessing. It does help to have a long wand with a fibre "shoe" at the end. No fuss, no muss, just part of the cabinets wipe-down.

We've been under the weather, so although fiddling a bit every day, most things just were left undone, but I am hoping to get fully back into the swing of things next week.

Welcome, Jewels! Don't get overwhelmed with the "flymethod". One day at a time. Just jump in wherever we are, and eventually you will get your house decluttered and well-organised.
Aside from dust, missing a week's worth of housework really doesn't throw this household any more. I have been fluttering (flying would be exaggerated) for a couple of years now, so the major living quarters are pretty well organised.
Before flying, I would have hid behind the curtains, so I wouldn't have to let anyone in if we had skipped cleaning for a week. Yikes!!! What's that called again? CHAOS? Now, the house never gets to that point. So, come on over any time!

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 4:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Oops! LOL Dipo, so sorry for that slip.

If I still had unpainted wood cabinets I wouldn't be using the Eraser either. Our kitchen was like a dungeon with dark walnut wood cabinets before we painted them. Although I'm not a fan of painted wood, it did an amazing job of lightening the room.

Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 4:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lumbele a private message Print Post    
Gracie, I just assumed you had stained wood cabinets.LOL Sorry. The eraser doesn't take the shine off the paint then? That's great! Problem solved!LOL

My arms are ready to fall off right now. I endusted/polished the front of my wall unit. Man, am I out of shape!

Has anyone used the Bonzai Chopper (available at WalMart) yet? Dh is picking up a couple, one for a present, the other for us. Hope they really perform as promised, 'cause they are expensive enough. If so, me thinks it's onion cake time this weekend.LOL

Serenity
Member

06-28-2005

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 5:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Serenity a private message Print Post    
Hi gang!
Well...my internship is officially half way done. I am on the home stretch and Dec. 21st can't come soon enough!!!! I just wanted all of you to know that although I don't post here much, I am a dedicated reader of this thread. I glean inspiration from it...

Right now my house looks like a bomb hit it. Our basement renovation is practically at a stand still because DH has been working shift work at night (sleeping during the day.). However...it is the Rememberance Day long weekend here in Canada, and I have four days off in a row. The daycare is taking my boys to the Art Gallery tomorrow on a field trip, so I get an entire day to dedicate to cleaning.

Usually Flylady says to do it in small chunks, but I am so excited to finally have the time to detail clean that I know I won't burnout.

Thank you to Vee for posting the missions and to all who share their cleaning stories!

Meme9
Member

07-30-2001

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 7:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Meme9 a private message Print Post    
Groceries are done, so only a matter of picking up a few items before Thanksgiving. I'm feeling the toll. I have to work, maybe a half a day tomorrow. Then, I'll get a break. I need a few days to rest this old back.

Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 7:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
IT feels great that all our linens and bedding are now fresh as a daisy! I ONLY had 4 loads of laundry this time. LOL

Skootz
Member

07-23-2003

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 7:57 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skootz a private message Print Post    
I was looking on line tonight and found some great grocery lists that you can either print off and check what you need on it.

here are the links

list 1

List 2

Mameblanche
Member

08-24-2002

Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 8:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Skootzy, those are awesome! thx.

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, November 09, 2007 - 12:27 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Am I the only one who has trouble shopping off a premade grocery list like those? I have to organize my list based on the route I take through the store (produce, fresh meat, pasta aisle, soup aisle, etc.) If something isn't in the right order it's almost garunteed I'm walking out without it.

Beckie03
Member

07-05-2007

Friday, November 09, 2007 - 12:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Beckie03 a private message Print Post    
I cannot shop off of lists...it probably would be smart because I wouldn't buy the extra stuff...but I can't...I cannot do lists...

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Friday, November 09, 2007 - 4:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
*Friday's Mission*

"There is no perfect way" "Don't obsess" "Don't get caught in perfection" I love these phrases.

As many of you know, my story with cleaning prior to FlyLady was that I did it all day long. I was perfectionistic and obsessive about it. My house was probably much cleaner back then. It was not decluttered, however. I was always trying to organize clutter. Needless to say, finding the FlyLady way rescued me from all that obsession. I love having my time back.

Skootz, those are great lists! I would use either of those lists to create one of my own. The current system is to keep a running list of needed items on the refrigerator. No comments, Lum! ;>

Yup, Urgrace, I have painted cabinets, too. Since I love a shabby look, if the shine comes off the paint from using a Mr. Eraser all the better. But do be careful, everyone, it can dull finishes. Remember the glue on those new windows? I tried e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. The eraser was the only thing that finally worked. I used it with a little baking soda and lots of elbow grease.

Serate, hope that you can get your dh to settle down. Enough moving already! Good advice about the movers.

Meme, Lum, and everyone who is chugging right along...don't overdo. It's not worth the agony.

Hi, Dipo! You're sounding very busy, too, and organized!

Serenity, yay for a nearly completed internship! Crisis cleaning happens to all of us from time to time.

Hi, Mamebee, sorry about your bad evening. Yuck!

*Day 20 of Holiday Mission*

Serate may have the best advice of all: *Breathe Just Breathe*

Happy Friday!