The Lowdown on the FlyLady and how I took Control of my Life in 2011

I sound like a crazy person talking about CHAOS, Flying and Control Journals but, and its a big but, less than a week post Christmas and my house looks like parties and Christmas mayhem never happened.  While some parts of Christmas didn't go as smoothly as I wanted (I was up way too late wrapping presents) most of the celebrations we had were easy and carefree.  Thanksgiving and Ellie's Birthday were hands down the easiest and less stressed holidays/parties I've ever had.  I think that next year, Christmas will be just as easy.  It's all thanks to starting a House and Holiday Journal and working 15 minutes at a time.

If one of your goals for 2012 is to get organized, have a clean house, lose weight, eat healthier, etc, I really suggest looking up FlyLady.  It has truly revolutionized my house and my life.  I am pampering myself, I drink the amount of water I should, my house is never more than 15 minutes from company ready, I can spend more time doing things with my kids, crafting, sewing, I've lost over 32 lbs this year and I'm getting rid of the junk that had once taken over my closets, garage and house.

I have been labeled as a super mom before, I'm really not, I just FLY with FLYLADY.  I resisted having routines for myself for a long time and now that I've given in I couldn't be happier or less stressed.  It has even helped in my marriage.  My husband never complained when coming home to a messy house.  He even told me it wasn't a big deal, we had four kids after all.  But I wanted him to come home to a clean house, I wanted to have a clean house and this has given me the tools to do it.  And you know what?  He actually helps more, the kids help more and we do things together.

So scroll down and have a look at my Journals.  I call them my house and holiday journals.  My house journal is broken up into my Before Bed, Morning and After School Routines.  It also includes my Weekly Home Blessing, which is all of the things that I do each week throughout the week.  Next it has detailed Zone Cleaning, with very detailed things to do for each area of my house.  I schedule in days each week to do a Zone Mission and FlyLady sends out their own Zone Missions.  I also have a list of Kid Dashes.  These are things that my kids can do in 5 minutes or less.  I have them do 1 or so each day.  Once its been 5 minutes we stop.  They know I won't make them do more and they give it their all because I keep my word and stop when its time to stop.  In the front pocket of the binder I keep all of our current bills that are due and in the back pocket I keep important receipts or letters.  This way I always know what is due and when and I never have to search around the house to find it.  I also keep my recipes that I use often and my meal plan and shopping lists towards the back of the binder.

My holiday journal serves for any holiday, birthday party or get together.  It's one place where I can put event details, shopping lists, decoration ideas and anything else related.  Once the event is over (like Christmas) I type up what worked, what didn't and what we liked about it or other fun details.  I also include any recipes that we used and want to use again.  For example, we used a new gingerbread recipe and I have it included with the Christmas details.  Next year I can see what worked and have all of those details ready for me.  I file them in chronological order placing each current event in the front and then when its over placing it in the back using clear sheet protectors.  I use the front and back pockets for gift receipts and party item purchase receipts.  I put some Michael's and Hobby Lobby receipts from my daughter's Christmas party at school, so glad I did because I have about $15 in supplies that we didn't use and now I have the receipts handy so I can make those returns.  In the past I would have just kept the items if I couldn't find the receipt with the excuse that I could surely use that craft item.  All that did was add to the clutter that was taking over my life, well not anymore!

My husband rolled his eyes when I started this.   Now he helps me shine my sink!

Yes its NYE and I have already done this! I didn't want to forget anything!

I know you're ready to FLY with me!  Take it on in 2012.  It all starts with BabySteps.  I don't follow what she says exactly, I have tailored it to fit me and my schedule and my life.  It really works!!!  Want help starting?  Comment below I would love to help you!