FlyLady Ezine 2020

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Dear Friends,

Is your home more than 15 minutes worth of messy? If you have lots of hot spots then I will answer this question for you; YES!

Our hot spots make our home feel and look cluttered. Why is it that we feel the need to fill up every flat surface in our homes? It is because there is an empty place to put something down. We walk in the door with our arms loaded and are desperate to unload; that is when we drop things in the first clear spot we find. It can be a chair, the counter top or even the floor.

Let's look at why we are trying to carry so much in the first place. We don't want to make a second trip to the car. Isn't that funny; we weigh ourselves down because we don't want to waste a few extra steps.I want to change your attitude about trying to carry too much and just make one trip.

We could all use a few more steps in our day. I have to walk up one level to get to our front door. If I come in through the basement, I would have to climb a flight of steps. It only takes a short amount of time to get up to the house and back down to the car. Here is what I do when I get out of my car. I gather up all the trash and my purse or computer and head to the door. Then I go back to anything else that is left in the car.

I do this with groceries too. I take the refrigerated stuff first and put it all away and go back down for another load. Every time I come in the house I put everything away. This keeps me from being overwhelmed. I don't like to see my counter tops covered up with bags of groceries. I love coming into our home and seeing clear counters.

When our flat surfaces are covered up with stuff; we get overwhelmed too. If my coffee table is piled high with clutter, I can't write. A messy desk is not an example of a productive mind. It is symptom of a cluttered mind. We have to stop and clear off the hot spot to get the clutter out of our minds so we can think.

Our poor babies deal with this problem too. They have so much stuff in their bedrooms that they don't know what to play with. Get rid of the clutter and find peace and help them to enjoy their rooms. With less stuff they will be able to better concentrate. With fewer things we will be able to better focus on what we need to do.

Are you ready to FLY?

[SAR01]

Dear Friends,

It is a glorious morning that has been given to us. This is our Family Fun Day. With this isolation we have been forced into; we are hold up in our homes. I know you have been living in isolation for many years. You know the term CHAOS; Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. Do you remember when we were children that people used to visit one another? You didn't make a phone call to warn them or ask their permission to come on over. You just got in the car and popped in. What ever happened to this freedom to enjoy each other?

Well I believe that the demise of visiting has occurred because Clutter has invaded our lives long before this Coronavirus. All that clutter, made us not want to open the door. If you did open the door you were embarrassed by your home and your guests felt your uneasiness. How sad to think that we have lost relationships because clutter put such a guilt trip on us.

Today I want us to think about what Clutter and CHAOS has done to us as a family and a community. We no longer know our neighbors. It may take some doing, but I believe that we can revive the simple practice of visiting if we will just close the door of isolation and clutter and open our to the love and joy of our friends and neighbors. This isolation will be over soon.

Let's commit to getting to know our neighbors. Take this time to get your home in order so you will feel free to open your door or just have a cookout in the back yard.

Are you ready to FLY with a plan to meet your neighbors in the near future?

FlyLady

[SAR01]

Mark Your Calendar

April 26-30 Zone 5 Living Room
May 1 -2 Zone 1 Entrance, Front Porch, and Dining Room
May 3-9 Zone 2 Kitchen
May 10-16 Zone 3 Main Bathroom
May 17-23 Zone 4 Master Bedroom, Closet, and Bathroom
May 24-30 Zone 5 Living Room

[SAR01]

Zone 2 Missions for the Kitchen

Zone 2: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, We are in the kitchen this week! Take 15 minutes and scrub your stove top! Soak the knobs and drip pans in hot soapy water while you clean the stove top. Some elbow grease and hot soapy water will take care of a lot! Don't become a perfectionist and try to get it as clean as the day it was new. Just do the best you can and then scrub the drip pans and knobs. Don't scrub the knobs so hard that the numbers and words scrub off!Anything that you do will be better than what it was!

Zone 2: Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends, Every once in awhile I get an email from a member with a mission suggestion. I received this one and thought it was great! So here is your mission from a member for the kitchen today:I was in the kitchen the other day putting away the silverware and noticed how gross the silverware holder had become! Also, the area around the holder was filled with little bits of nothing..elastics, paperclips, ketchup packets! A total mess, in other words. I had the thought that it would be great to have a mission for this as I'm sure there are plenty of FlyBabies just like me who don't think about it!

Zone 2: Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, Today is Anti-Procrastination Day and we are still in the kitchen, Your mission for today is to grab a trash bag and clean out your refrigerator. You are to toss ANYTHING that will not get eaten any time soon. This means that new salad dressing you decided to try but really don't like. It is time to let it go. Just as the rule applies to the rest of the house. If you don't love or use it, lose it! Get rid of the fruit that is a few days beyond when it was really edible, get rid of the veggies that are turning into a science project. Check the dates on the cheeses that are potential science project.You will be able to really make a better grocery list when your fridge is cleaned out of all the items you don't like and or don't use!

Zone 2: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends,Your Mission for today is to declutter your plastic wraps and foil drawers, cabinets or shelves. We all have a spot that we keep these items and there is always one empty box in there and some lone baggies that are trying to escape. Toss the empty boxes, the rolls of plastic wraps that are too stuck together to work, and those strays that you are not sure if you should use them or not.This is quick and easy! Have Fun!

Zone 2: Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends, Today is our last day in the kitchen and I want you to spend 5 minutes and check on the cleaning supplies and things under your sink? Are there things that you don't use? Are there items you have run out of and need to put on your list? Now, what is up with your dish rags and sponges? If you need new ones, put them on the list too. Enjoy your weekend!

[SAR01]

Zone 3 Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends:We are back in the bathroom! Here is a really simple mission for you. Clear off the counter tops and flat surfaces, put away the medicines, the toothbrushes, the cosmetics, etc. Bathroom counters are hotspots for all of us but we don't think of them as hotspots because we think we NEED the stuff, so we just let it sit. PUT THESE THINGS AWAY! Do not get sidetracked with emptying out your cabinets and drawers. Just get rid of the stuff that is on the counter-tops and other flat surfaces.

Do you have a coat closet or hall closet? This is our extra room today! Set your timer for 15 minutes and declutter and spruce up this area. We are moving closer to summer and we do not need winter items everywhere. You can take this mission into any closet in your home if you do not have a coat closet or hall closet.

Zone 3 Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends:Today we are going to shine our tubs or showers! We have talked about shinning our sinks since you started and we want you take 5 or 10 minutes to shine that tub or shower. Do not get obsessed with the tub being perfect. Just scrub the tub with whatever works. There is no perfect tub/shower cleaner or perfect way to do this. Shampoo on a wash cloth will work! Whatever or however you choose, anything is better then nothing, then spritz it with a little windex and dry it with a towel like you shine your sink.Errand day is coming up so let's go into the laundry and check the items we need to add to the list. I know many of you have been home for a while so let's restock these items so we can stay on track with the laundry.

Zone 3 Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends:Your mission for today is to check the supplies that are needed in your bathroom. Do you need toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, mouthwash, soap etc. Add these to your shopping list this week. Take a visual inventory to make sure you have what you need so one of your family members are not stuck in the bathroom yelling for toilet paper, nothing says "I Love You" like plenty of toilet paper!

These things are so easy to forget until you are standing in the shower with no soap! Get a list ready for your next errand day.Have fun and don't obsess, just one babystep at a time!For the extra room today let us go into the garage and do a 27 fling boogie! Get a trash bag and find 27 pieces of trash. Use you timer and remember don't get sidetracked, you are looking for trash only! If you do not have a garage move this mission to a room that is not on the Zone list.

Zone 3 Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends:For the bathroom today, take 10 minutes to toss old cosmetics and perfumes. If you have these items that you have not used for over a year but they are still hanging around, it is time to dump them.Let's dump those lipsticks, mascaras, and eye-shadows that we have held on to since high school and college. The key to what to not to keep is: If you have not worn anything in the past year then....... TOSS!

Most cosmetics have a limited shelf life and are harboring grounds for bacteria. This also applies to lotions and moisturizers.Let's return to the garage for today and find 27 things that need to be in the give away pile. Grab a box and set your timer or put on a song that will motivate you. This mission can be taken to any room of the house that needs a little extra attention.

Zone 3 Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends:Today I want you to grab those old toothbrushes that you have just for cleaning and scrub those sink faucets and tub faucets. It is amazing how gross those faucets can get! Just a little soap and water with the toothbrush will make a huge difference. I know this is on of those missions that makes you groan but it takes less than 5 minutes to do and those faucets will shine!

It's Friday!! Today as many of you know is clean out our car or purse day. So, let's get to that car and get all the trash and UFO's out of there. Don't forget about the coats, and Jackets.

[SAR01]

May Zone 4 Missions

Zone 4: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, This week we are in the Master Bedroom, today I want you to spend 15 minutes under your bed! Take this time to get the things out from under the bed that you have shoved under there during a stash and dash through the house.15 minutes might not be enough, but for today just try to put a dent in the stuff that you have put there. Things that just don't belong. If you don't have anything under your bed, then grab a vacuum cleaner or broom and get the dust bunnies that have been multiplying under there.

Zone 4: Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends, Today is the day to attack the clothes pile. Now you all know what I am talking about. This pile is either on a chair, on top of the hamper, dresser or at the foot of your bed. Set your timer for 15 minutes and grab some hangers or start folding. While you are doing this do not hang up or fold something that you hate. This is the time to let it go! If you do not love it, send it right out the door!

Zone 4: Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, It is anti-procrastination day and we are going to clean off the nightstands! Get the tissues, cups and stuff that has piled up, toss and put away. The grab a feather duster or dust rag and dust the surface. Place a pretty candle or picture there. Something that is new to that spot that you love to see.Waking up and not seeing a pile of things on the nightstand and a pile of clothes will make your morning a little brighter!

Zone 4: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends, Yesterday we worked on the nightstands and today we are going after the dressers! Get rid of anything that is not necessary! Instead of a pile up of cosmetics, place them in a ziploc bag and then store them in a drawer when not in use. For perfumes and colognes, toss what you no longer use and place you favorites on a pretty tray, plate or mirror. Keep this space neat and clutter free, you will love to wake up to the flat surfaces in your bedroom decluttered.

Zone 4: Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends, Today is the day that you get a really short mission. The only thing you have to do is grab your feather duster or dust rag and dust off the tops of your door jams and windows. I am short and don't really see the tops of these areas very often, so I have a tendency to forget about them. Take the duster or rag and wipe across the tops of the molding and jams. Take a swipe across the hinges as well. they seem to collect little dust bunnies as well. This is quick and easy and makes quite a nice difference.

[SAR01]

June Zone 2 Missions

Zone 2: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends: We are in the Kitchen this week and we are going to work our way through from top to bottom!Your mission for today is to look UP!Today we are going to look up, set your timer for 10 minutes and take a broom or a Multi-wand and get those dust bunnies and cobwebs that are hanging on the upper walls that are taller than you, the corners of the ceilings and the ceiling. If you are feeling adventurous ask someone in the house to help you and take a damp rag to the light fixture and/or ceiling fan. Please be careful! Don't get obsessed and take your light fixture apart or repaint the ceiling.Babysteps!

Zone 2: Mission # 2 Tuesday

Dear Friends: Back to the kitchen we go! Your mission for today is to wipe down the doors of your cabinets. Use a damp rag and wipe down the fronts and the edges of your cabinets. This is really a simple thing to do but we have a tendency to ignore the cabinets because there is always so much more going on in the kitchen. Finger prints and grease attach themselves to the cabinets and make them a little sticky. A good wipe down will make a big difference.Remember we are taking babysteps! Small little missions that add up to a shiny kitchen.

Zone 2: Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends: It is Anti-Procrastination day we are diving into the refrigerator! Grab your trash can and take it over to the refrigerator. First toss out any leftovers that have gotten pushed to the back and have now started to turn into a science project. Second, check the fruit/vegetable drawers and toss what no longer is appealing to eat. Third, check the meat and cheese drawer, check the expiration dates on your items in there and toss what needs to go. Fourth, check out the doors of the fridge, toss the empty condiment jars and bottles that always seem to magically go back into the fridge when empty. Last, grab a damp rag and wipe down the shelves. Do not take every single thing out of your refrigerator and then take the shelves out to clean them. Just wipe them down.Don't let yourself get sidetracked, Have fun and enjoy your sparkling refrigerator!

Zone 2: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends: It has come to the time to go after those counter tops! Your mission for today is to scrub those counter tops. Not just the average wipe down that we do after dinner. Now it is very easy to make this task overwhelming but if you take this slow and easy you can do this! DO NOT TAKE EVERYTHING OFF OF THE COUNTERS AT ONE TIME! You just move your toaster or coffee pot or whatever this is an example here, over to one side and wipe down the counter, then move over a foot or so, move aside what is there and wipe down some more and so on. We are not marathon cleaning the kitchen here, just getting all the crumbs and junk that seems to build up behind and under things. Have fun and don't obsess!

Zone 2: Mission # 5 Friday

Dear Friends: Today is our last day in the Kitchen. For today I want you to grab your broom and your mop. Sweep your kitchen floor really well and then mop. There are several ways to mop a kitchen floor and no real wrong way. Hot soapy water and wipe. There is no "perfect" mop and no "perfect" way to do it. Just Do It!Don't obsess and get caught up in perfection! It won't matter if you don't mop the way your Mother did as long as you do it. Remember House work done incorrectly still blesses your family!

[SAR01]

Zone 4 Missions Master Bedroom, Closet, and Bathroom

Zone 4: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, This week we are in the Master Bedroom, today I want you to spend 15 minutes under your bed. Take this time to get the things out from under the bed that you have shoved under there during a stash and dash through the house.15 minutes might not be enough, but for today just try to put a dent in the stuff that you have put there. Things that just don't belong. If you don't have anything under your bed, then grab a vacuum cleaner or broom and get the dust bunnies that have been multiplying under there.

Have fun with this, just 15 minutes, set your timer and go.

Zone 4: Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends, We are in the Master Bedroom this week and we can't stress enough to you how important it is for your mental health to have this room decluttered. Being surrounded by clutter while you sleep is just not good for you.For today your mission is to do a 27 fling boogie in the bedroom, grab that trash bag and start tossing. Anything counts, old pantyhose to junk mail.

One BabyStep at a time!

Zone 4: Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, It is anti-procrastination day and we are going to clean off the nightstands. Get the tissues, cups and stuff that has piled up, toss and put away. Then grab a feather duster or dust rag and dust the surface. Place a pretty candle or picture there. Something that is new to that spot that you love to see.Waking up and not seeing a pile of things on the nightstand and a pile of clothes will make your morning a little brighter!

PS : If you have some extra pretty, nice sheets for your bed, make sure they are washed and ready for Friday's mission. This means pillow cases and blankets also.

Zone 4: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends, Accessories can contribute to some of the biggest clutter problems! Today I want you to take 10 minutes and purge your jewelry boxes, chest, whatever. Now I am not talking about the family heirlooms here. I am talking about the costume stuff that we have collected, been given or don't even know where it came from jewelry.Remember the rule: If you haven't worn it in the past year - toss it, don't love it - toss it, and it doesn't bring you joy then you toss it. Those earrings that have been missing a mate for years and you have held on "just in case". Well, if it hasn't shown up by now, it is time to let go.

Let Go of the scarves and belts that you haven't worn in years and you really won't wear. They are just taking up space.You can throw this stuff away, you can donate it, but get it out of your house. Don't hold on to a box full of costume jewelry for your kids to play with or to use for a craft. IT WILL STILL BE JUNK IN YOUR HOUSE if you do that! Get it OUT!Have fun with this one!

Zone 4: Mission # 5 Friday

Dear Friends, Today is the day to remake your bed. This may take a little longer than usual but so well worth it. Strip your bed and remake it. Get someone to help you flip the mattress, if you can't then try just to turn it around. If you have some fabric spray such as febreeze, spray your mattress and pillows. Then place those crisp freshly washed sheets and blanket on. Take extra care when making the bed. Really tuck those corners in and fluff the pillows. An extra tip is to toss your pillow in the dryer with a dryer sheet for added freshness and fluff. Use your bedspread or comforter and make up the rest of the bed. Take your time and know how much you will enjoy getting into your bed tonight and how wonderful it will feel.

Maybe tonight you will go to bed a little earlier or stay in bed a little longer tomorrow morning just taking some time to enjoy something so simple yet rewarding.

[SAR01]

This next week we are in Zone 5! Zone 5 is the living room, family room, or den. But, only focus on one this week. After a few months, you will have them decluttered them all and the detailed cleaning will be a breeze.

Your task is to declutter this area. Spend 15 minutes a day this week doing something, anything, in this room. It did not get dirty in a week and it will not get clean in a week, but you will be making head-way. It is a trend! Get in the habit of decluttering in small segments of time. Decide what time of day you are going to tackle this little job, set a timer for 15 minutes, and just do it.

Monthly Habit: July – Swish and Swipe!

[SAR01]

Zone 1 Main Entrance, Front Porch, Dining Room

Zone 1 Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends: Today is the day that you will spend 15 minutes in the entrance way of your home. Grab all the mail, shoes and jackets and put them away! I am always so surprised at how much stuff seems to accumulate in that one area! This is one area that when you tackle it and you are finished that you feel such a huge accomplishment because it is what you see first as you come through the door.

Set your timer and .......... GO!

Zone 1 Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends: Let's have a Fire Drill on the flat surfaces of the dining room!Do you have a hotspot in there that is burning? Get out the trash bag and an empty laundry basket. Toss the trash and put the things that need to be put away in other rooms in the laundry basket. Once you have cleared the hotspots, deliver the other items to the proper rooms.

This might take a little longer than 15 minutes if so than work for 15 minutes, take a break for 15 and go do another 15. Let's put out those fires!

Zone 1 Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, Today you are to sweep your front porch area around your front door. Shake out your welcome mats and wipe down your front door. This makes a huge difference in how your home looks. We have a tendency to neglect this area and yet it is the first thing that people see when they come to your home.

Spend 15 minutes taking care of this, you will be pleased with the results!

Zone 1 Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends, Today, let's sparkle up the Dining Room Table and Chairs. If you don't have a Dining Room set, no problem, do this mission on the kitchen table.Set your timer for 15 minutes. Wipe down the tops, the edges, and the legs on your Dining Room Table. Give the chairs a wipe too. Don't ask us about cleaning chemicals, use whatever cleaning and polishing supplies you normally use for your furniture.When you are done, put on a pretty table cloth, from the garden, or some pretty candles. Your table will look lovely!

Zone 1 Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends: We are in the home stretch of Zone 1 and today seems like a good day to pamper ourselves by taking a 15 minute break and enjoying a cup of or a tall glass of something cold. Read your favorite magazine, bible, or book and just take a time out just for you.

If you don't take the time to take of you, who will?

[SAR01]

Zone 2 The Kitchen

Zone 2: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, We are in the first day of the kitchen zone!Let's take a look at the cabinets! Take a few minutes to check them out, I bet you will see that they need a little sprucing up. Just wipe down the outside surfaces. You will be so surprised at what a difference shining those cabinets will make!There is no "right" way to do this. Depending on what your cabinets are made out of is what you will use to wipe the cabinets down. A wood soap, a general purpose cleaner, or just soap and water. A slightly damp cloth will work as well.

SO, put on a little fun music and FLY through this mission!

Zone 2: Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends, Back to the kitchen we go! Your mission for today is to wipe down the doors of your cabinets. Use a damp rag and wipe down the fronts and the edges of your cabinets. This is really a simple thing to do but we have a tendency to ignore the cabinets because there is always so much more going on in the kitchen. Finger prints and grease attach themselves to the cabinets and make them a little sticky. A good wipe down will make such a difference. Remember we are taking babysteps! Small little missions that add up to a shiny kitchen.

Zone 2: Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, Today is Anti-Procrastination Day and we are still in the kitchen!Your mission for today is to grab a trash bag and clean out your refrigerator. You are to toss ANYTHING that will not get eaten any time soon. This means that new salad dressing you decided to try but really don't like. It is time to let it go. Just as the rule applies to the rest of the house. If you don't love or use it, lose it! Get rid of the fruit that is a few days beyond when it was really edible, get rid of the veggies that are turning into a science project. Check the dates on the cheeses that are potential science project.You will be able to really make a better grocery list when your fridge is cleaned out of all the items you don't like and or don't use!

Zone 2: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends, Your Mission for today is to declutter your plastic wraps and foil drawers, cabinets or shelves. We all have a spot that we keep these items and there is always one empty box in there and some lone baggies that are trying to escape. Toss the empty boxes, the rolls of plastic wraps that are too stuck together to work, and those strays that you are not sure if you should use them or not.

This is quick and easy! Have Fun!

Zone 2: Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends, Today is our last day in the kitchen and I want you to spend 5 minutes and check on the cleaning supplies and things under your sink. Are there things that you don't use? Are there items you have run out of and need to put on your list? Now, what is up with your dish rags and sponges? If you need new ones, put them on the list too. Enjoy your weekend!

[SAR01]

Zone 3 Your Main Bathroom and Another Room

Zone 3: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, This week we are in the bathroom and another room. The other room will be our Guest or Extra Room! This means whatever room that you have that is your dumping ground. For most people it would be the guest room. You choose the room that needs de-cluttering the most for the other room.

Bathroom:Clear off the Hotspots that have gathered on the back of the tub and the bathroom sink tops.Guest/Extra Room

Grab a bag and do a 27 fling boogie of things to throw away. The things that are obvious trash. We are not doing anything other than getting rid of things to toss. Set your timer for 15 minutes and do as many 27 flings as you can! Have fun with these missions!

Zone 3: Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends, For the Bathroom:Check the supplies that are needed in your bathroom. Do you need toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, mouthwash, soap etc. Add these to your shopping list this week. Take a visual inventory to make sure you have what you need so one of your family members are not stuck in the bathroom yelling for toilet paper, nothing says "I Love You" like plenty
of toilet paper!

Guest/Extra Room:Another 27 Fling Boogie but this time with things that need to be put away into other areas of the house. Get a box or bag and put the things that have obvious homes and place them in the box or bag. Then go deliver them to their proper homes.Have fun!

Zone 3: Mission # 3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, Bathroom Mission:Today you are to wash your bathroom rugs, shower curtains and accessories.

This will take longer than 15 minutes and for those of you that are
working outside the home you may have to schedule this out over the next few days. In total to take the rugs to the machine and bring them back to the bathroom is less than 15 minutes but the wait time for the washing machine and dryer will take up some time.

Guest/Extra Room:Back in we go - can we say 27 Fling again? This time we are going to gather up 27 things to give away. Things that have gotten tossed in this room that we no longer love, need or use. After you have completed this take the bag straight to the car to drop off at a donation location of your
choice.

Zone 3: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends, For the bathroom today, take 10 minutes to toss old cosmetics and perfumes.

If you have these items that you have not used for over a year but they are still hanging around, it is time to dump them.Let's dump those lipsticks, mascaras and eye-shadows that we have held on to since high school and college. The key to what to not to keep is: If you have not worn anything in the past year then.......TOSS TOSS TOSS!

Most cosmetics have a limited shelf life and are harboring grounds for bacteria. Also applies to lotions and moisturizers.

For the Guest/Extra Room:If you have noticed the trend that we are working on in this room - it is de-cluttering! With BabySteps. We are going back in this room for our last 27 fling boogie! Once again look for 27 things that need to be put away. Are there some clothing items that have been dumped? Coats that need to be hung up? Books that need to go back to the book shelf? Just 27 things put away throughout the house back where they belong.

Happy Flinging!

Zone 3: Mission # 5 Friday

Dear Friends, Today I want you to grab those old toothbrushes that you have just for cleaning and scrub those sink faucets and tub faucets. It is amazing how gross those faucets can get! Just a little soap and water with the toothbrush will make a huge difference! I know this is on of those missions that makes you groan but it takes less than 5minute to do and those faucets will shine!

For the Guest/Extra Room:It does not mater if you still have clutter in this room, after this week of missions you have made a dent in it and you now know the BabySteps to use to continue de-cluttering. Today you are going to vacuum the floor. Even if there is only a little bit of floor showing that is fine. Just vacuum what you can. When we can see we are making progress we are able to stay motivated and not feel defeated.

Remember, Progress not Perfection!

[SAR01]

Zone 4 Your Master Bedroom, Closet, and Bathroom

Zone 4: Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends: Today I want you to spend 15 minutes getting rid of anything that does not belong in your bedroom. Things that have gotten thrown in a corner, on a chair or even the floor. The things that you almost don't even see because they have just become part of the room, get it out! If it does not belong there then out it goes!This does not mean that you have to spend three hours in your bedroom, do what you can do for 15 minutes.PS. Don't forget that if you miss a mission in your emails you can always get them at our website www.FlyLady.net and click on the Launch Pad.

Zone 4: Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends:Today is the day to attack the clothes pile. Now you all know what I am talking about. This pile is either on a chair, on top of the hamper, dresser or at the foot of your bed. Set your timer for 15 minutes and grab some hangers or start folding. While you are doing this do not hang up or fold something that you hate! This is the time to let it go!! If you do not love it, send it right out the door!

Zone 4: Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, Wednesday is Anti-procrastination Day. We are going to straighten up the floor of your closet! Are the shoes piling up and you can't find two shoes that are a like? Do you think you have too many shoes? While you are lining up your shoes; pick two pair to give away or throw away. The next time you are looking for the pair of shoes that match your outfit, you will smile because you will be able to find them without getting down on your hands and knees. This will put another smile on your face and keep your hair from getting messed up.

Zone 4: Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends: This week, we have been tackling clutter in our bedrooms. So, today we are going to clean off the nightstands! Get the tissues, cups and stuff that has piled up, toss and put away. Then grab a feather duster or dust rag and dust the surface. Place a pretty candle or picture there. Something that is new to that spot that you love to see.Waking up and not seeing a pile of things on the nightstand and a pile of clothes will make your morning a little brighter!

Zone 4: Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends: Today is the last day in the Master Bedroom. Take 15 minutes to declutter your dresser. Get the things off the top of your dresser that you have placed there that you were going to put away later. Later is now. Take the time to take care of this; it really makes a great difference.

[SAR01]

Zone 5 and Zone 1 Living Room and Entrance

Zone 5 Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, Today I want you to spend 15 minutes getting rid of anything that does not belong in your living room. Things that have gotten thrown in a corner, on a chair, or even the floor. The things that you almost don't even see because they have just become part of the room, get it out! If it does not belong there then out it goes!This does not mean that you have to spend three hours in your living room, do what you can do for 15 minutes.

Zone 1 Mission #1 Tuesday

Dear Friends: We are in the Front Porch, Entrance Area and Dining Room Zone.Today take a look at the walls and the windows in your dining room.Grab some cleaner and a cloth and go after the finger prints and smudges!Be careful with the walls as not to rub too hard to remove paint! This is a mission that will make the room appear just a bit brighter. Have fun and enjoy! Remember YOu can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes!

Zone 1 Mission #2 Wednesday

Dear Friends: For today let's grab our feather dusters and dust off the leaves on our house plants and give them a drink of water! If you want bonus points you can pull of some of the dead leaves and blooms, you know....declutter the plants! LOL! If you don't have any live plants but have some artificial arrangements, dust those off and dump any loose leaves and petals.Have fun!

Zone 1 Mission #3 Thursday

Dear Friends: We are heading into the Entrance area of your home today. Let's grab all those shoes, books and jackets that seem to pile up right by the
front door and put them away. Grab these things and set your timer. I bet you can do this in less than 15 minutes.

Zone 1 Mission #4 Friday

Dear Friends: We are in the Dining Room today and I want you to take 15 minutes to clear off some of the things that have begun to pile up on the table. You know those things that you move so you can set the table at night for dinner but then put back. Set your timer and see how much you can get put away. Enjoy when you set the table tonight that you don't have to move those piles around just to eat dinner. Have fun with this, put on some fun music and FLY!

[SAR01]

Zone 2 Your Kitchen

Zone #2 Mission #1 Monday

Dear Friends, Let's take a close look at the gadgets and small appliances. When was the last time you cleaned out your toaster; opened up the bottom and dumped the crumbs? How dingy or dusty is your coffee maker? Do we even want to talk about the blades on the electric can openers? How about the outside of the microwave?Wipe them down and make them shine. I am not telling you to drag out every small kitchen appliance you own and to scrub them. Just wipe down the fingerprints, dust, drips, dried food particles on the most used items. Make sure you unplug these items before you clean them!

Don't obsess, set your timer for 15 minutes and have fun!

Zone #2 Mission #2 Tuesday

Dear Friends, Let's go back to basics and get rid of the dirty dishes. Any dishes that are in the sink or on the counter or hidden in the oven, you know where you hide them, WASH them! Take the bull by the horns and just do it! Wash, them, dry them, put them away! If you have a dishwasher, fill it, run it, and empty it, if they all won't fit into the dishwasher then you have to hand wash those! No waiting for the next load! DO IT! Once you have finished taking care of the dishes, Shine that SINK!

Zone #2 Mission #3 Wednesday

Dear Friends, Let's have a Fire Drill on the flat surfaces of the kitchen!Do you have a hotspot in there that is burning? Get out the trash bag and an empty laundry basket. Toss the trash and put the things that need to be put away in other rooms in the laundry basket. Once you have cleared the hotspots, deliver the other items to the proper rooms.This might take a little longer than 15 minutes, if so, then work for 15 minutes, take a break for 15 and go do another 15. Let's put out those fires!

Zone #2 Mission #4 Thursday

Dear Friends,Today we are going after the big appliances!I am not telling you to clean your ovens and tear apart your refrigerators. Just wipe off the fingerprints, the spills and the dried food that gets stuck on the stove, the dishwasher and the refrigerator. Wipe down the doors,the handles and the surfaces.This is not a detailed cleaning mission where you need to spend hours scrubbing, just 15 minutes to surface clean your large appliances.

Zone #2 Mission #5 Friday

Dear Friends, Your Mission for today is to fling your way through at least one shelf of your pantry. We all seem to have items in our pantry that we will not use, that we keep shoving to the back because one day we might use them. Donate these items to a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen or church pantry. Toss the open boxes of crackers, open bags of chips and out of date items into the trash.Set your timer and have fun with this!