I just told my therapist what a wonderfull lady you are! So compasionate, so helpful, so inspirational. You cut my mountain into little pieces. It are Babysteps but you don't make me feel like a baby. Thank you very very much!!
Almost 2.5 years after uploading this video, you are still helping people. You’re helping me. Thank you very much for the time you have put in and the dedication it took to upload daily videos. I am a mother of 7....almost 8, and I CRAVE organization and cleanliness, but my days always seemed to get away from me, so organization (and sometimes cleanliness) would also suffer. Sometimes it would take months before I could get myself together. I hated it and it would cause depression on some level, definitely stress when I walked into a disorderly room. Thank you so much for laying out how this is supposed to be done, and that if I fall off for a day or so, I can just pick up where I am and start anew. You’ve done a great work for all of us who desire to do it but just need the guidance. Thank you!
LOL! I can't believe how often you describe me so well that I wonder if you've peeked in my windows. Stacks of cookbooks, hours on Pinterest, great ideas for elaborate gourmet meals ... I've done that to myself so often it's almost a cliche! And of course after the first couple of days I throw up my hands and buy a crate of Ramen noodles. The FlyBabyStep way is *so* much better. I've been doing it this way for a few months now and I am still so terribly proud of myself when I remember to actually put stuff in the slow-cooker properly in the morning so it's all ready to go that night.
When I saw this title I actually groaned ! I am resisting it and it's because I think I will be bored. I am 51 and thinking about doing dinner is a stressful time and yet I am deliberately not looking for help or trying to change things to make it easier. Until Now !!!! Diane, you mentioned a few videos back to just jot down what you eat for the next couple of weeks and see what your meals are without introducing new ones. Well I'm on day 5 and just that simple act as brought into focus my thoughts on that days meal in a positive light. I think I'm going to be able to do it and it will help me. I am lucky that all 4 of us (sons are 26 and 24) sit down around the table every night to eat. We rarely have take aways as 2 of us are vegan, which can be hard if I'm cooking two dishes but often we all eat vegan. Thank you Diane, xxx
Yay, Mary - I'm glad this is working for you! I, too, can get fazed by menu planning but just forcing ourselves to sit down for 10 minutes with a timer and a piece of paper/a pen can really change things around. Bon appétit! ;-)
I have been doing menu planning for several years and it is one of the things that have reduced my stress A LOT! I have planned my meals (lunch and dinner) depending on the kids' activities: on busy days I make it simple, and when I have more time I try to cook in advance. This planning has also brough more control over my spendings in the supermarket and the food I store in the freezer. It's a time and money saver!
I have found you this past month, I am falling in love with FlyLadyPlus I love these ideas for menu planning A similar idea for outfit planning, I have being taking a picture of my outfits the night before, putting them in my iPad album titled "OUTFITS, after 30 days I will never have to be stuck for an outfit idea
Great idea. I can't match my stuff so I keep asking my DH because I forget what goes with what. By taking pictures like you do, it would help me tremendously! Thanks, Nicole
Starting where I am today. I fell off the last couple weeks because... I FOUND OUT I'M PREGNANT! So I have plenty of time to pull the house together before baby 2 comes along. This has truly been life changing because it gives me so much hope & tames the overwhelm (which is now magnified by hormones 😬). Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for what you do. I feel like these are things we would have learned from Grandma growing up so it feels so comforting g to be learning. 💜 lots of love to you!
Wonderful video. I loved that you said we bounce from one extreme to another. I don't have to run out to the farmer's market and get a few pounds of organic tri-colored carrots, stop off at the goat farm for a quart of raw milk, and come home to slave over my carrot soup that's on the menu for tonight. In fact, since my boys have an impromptu rugby practice tonight, I think I will serve up the box of Imagine brand carrot soup! Along with some steamed broccoli, some good cheese and a loaf of bread, it will be "good enough!" THANK YOU FLYLADY DIANE! :-)
Yes, Ellen! I'm forever telling the ladies I mentor that in our family we often eat frozen box pizza or frozen lasagne with a plate of fresh veggies/salad. It may not be a gourmet meal but it *is* a meal and it is "good enough"! ;-)
You have helped me so much. I am Autistic, and have 4 children (3 of which are also Autistic) , and have lived in chaos for years. The reason is, I abandoned and avoided making routines because when they were disrupted it caused me so much discomfort and upset that I would throw in the towel, and feel so disheartened. You saying "don't let your perfectionism stop your progress" and "it doesn't have to be perfect", "something is better than nothing" has all really helped me, and given me permission to not be perfect. If I have missed somethings on the list one day, instead of looking at the missed ticks, I'm looking at the ticks I have managed to do. Thank you!! Xxx
I needed to read this yesterday! Oh my....this is so me Rachel! I'm trying to change my mindset to give myself permission to miss stuff AND not worry about it! Really helpful to read...thank you xx
Loved your vid!! My favorite tip is with the sticky note way also! I think I'll even let them decide and maybe change what day it's on if they want to move it around to the day they want! Shouldn't be a problem as long as the groceries are already purchased and the time allotted is there. Make it a family affair. Thank you Diane, you're the best!!
Thanks for the constant emphasis on KEEPING IT SIMPLE! Makes this added task more palatable. ;) I especially liked your idea about using the good old sticky notes.
I love this! I finally got a menu plan that my family will eat. I followed the basic plan in the Sink Reflections book. Monday - Beef Tuesday - Pasta Wednesday - Crock Pot Etc. It was easy when given a 'general idea'. Okay for beef last week we had hamburgers. Next week meat Lasagna. I am guilty of looking through cookbooks and never fixing any of it. Most require lots of ingredients that I don't have on hand.
I love this video!! One of the things I struggle with the most is Menu Planning. Going to be sitting down with my family tonight with that piece of paper and asking them what they like for dinner. Great idea!!
I have never been fond of menu planning.......until now! Doing just a couple of days ahead and using the post-it notes! Wonderful idea! Diane, thank you so much for all you do and your dedication! So looking forward to getting started on this!!!! Have a great day in Copenhagen!!!!!!!
I honestly did LAUGH OUT LOUD when you said you don't have to be perfect milking a cow, making your own cheese! :-D reminded me of an old Martha Stewart joke Christmas list!
Thank you for posting these videos Diane, them (and the brilliant new app), has made me getting up on the wagon again, and I am highly appreciate! I was flying in Copenhagen maybe 9-10 years ago, and vaguely remember your name from some fora at the time, but I "fell off" about 6 years ago, just before moving to Norway. So about time to get back. But one routine that stuck with me for all the years was "Make your bed", which I have done everyday since! Now I am decluttering and getting my living areas back the way I want them to be. Thank you!!!
Another Dane here. I also found FlyLady many years Ago when I lived in deap CHAOS. Today I'm at day 27 and you, Diane have made a huge difference. I now see that it does work for Danes to.
Such an important Baby Step! Thanks for breaking it down. Having ingredients in the house that have a set purpose was one of the best stress reducers in our house. I take something out of the freezer the night before and know exactly what I'll be doing with it the next day. I hope everyone follows your guidance, it doesn't have to be complicated! (PS you end up spending much, much, less on your grocery bill when you menu plan too!)
I have been menuplanning for years, so that is an easy task for me. I shop according to special offer. I dont have a fixed day, but usually I do it just once a week. Wenn I come home I empty my bag and make a list of everything I have in the fridge and freezer, new and old staff. Then I sit down with a cup of coffee and write down 5-6 menues . From that list I pick my daily meal Unfortunally I am crashing 100 % on decluttering. I have a hard time with my daily routine and I never get past that.
I keep a list throughout the week of things we'll need when we go shopping. When we go shopping, we follow sales and my list. After that, we take a quick look in the fridge to see what needs to get used first. Then we work out our menu for the week.
I've started putting "use by" on things that I typically forget on my calendar. I also am using a child's chalk slate (the coloured chalks are priced in francs I've had them so long lol) to write things that need to be used quickly eg pumpkins that I always put off then once it's eaten, I just wipe it off. I also use it for my shopping list then just take a picture when I go shopping. It looks pretty with some flowers too. :-)
I don’t know weeks ahead of time what I’m going to want to eat on a given day. I keep the freezer full of a variety of versatile meats - ground beef, pork ribeyes, chicken thighs, shrimp, fish, as well as a variety of frozen vegetables. I keep rice and pasta on hand in the pantry, as well as a few canned staples such as refried beans, crushed tomatoes, tuna, dried potatoes. Come dinner time, whatever protein I have chosen can be thawed by placing in a bowl of hot water for twenty minutes or so. I have in my head a number of quick meals that I know my family likes and I can make with my eyes closed. And for nights that I don’t feel like cooking, I keep a few frozen, premise meals on hand. I also freeze several portions when I make a pot of gumbo or white beans, so that if someone wants that, all they have to do is cook a pot of rice.
You addressed all the things that usually trip me up when I start menu planning! Thx for all the great tips to get started..again. This time I think it will stick :)
DH & I like menu planning and I've said before that where we live, we have to as we can't just pop to the shops...or buy take-away, and we like to cook from scratch....but this is a good reminder...and nice to know that we already do something. Like the idea of the post it notes on the calendar....no matter how we try, we do have favourites don't we? And this method would stop the crossing off and swapping about we sometimes do when things come up at the last minute....thanks Diane xx
I plan about 10 days ahead as that's our shopping schedule. I put down easy meals for weekdays, slightly more elaborate ones for weekends (not very though, I don't want to spend hours cooking). Checking the freezer and cupboards first, and freezing left overs for another day. I keep a running list of what meats & left overs I have in the freezer and keep a running shopping list. If I finish something that I make often, it goes on the list. Easy. ;)
Thank you! This is the first menu planning babystep I think I can manage. I appreciate the fact you addressed the all-or-nothing mindset we get into, that is so me! Babysteps work :)
I've been planning my menus forever but the "minimalist mom" gave me a better idea on top of what I was already doing: Top of sheet: all ingredients pertaining to menu listed on the bottom of the list. More meals than you need. Highlight what you want in "meals", then highlight corresponding ingredients. My meals/ingredients are numbered so it's easy and fast. On this list I have 18 favorite recipes on one sheet. As stated before, we have tons of recipes we love so my DH asked me to make a few more lists and then we can rotate them. Something I've done in the last few years is to put a sticker on the food: meat/cans, special item, etc. to say what it is needed for. If I have a can of artichoke (for ex.) on the shelf I know exactly for which recipe it is for. I don't put days on my meal planning but I always have an easy one, medium and more elaborate ready to be prepared. Depending on what's happening, I chose the correct meal for that evening. Every 7-10 days, we go out because we'll probably be on the road at dinner time. Works well for us and I love cooking.
Your Babystep videos have been so encouraging to me! 15 years ago I was successfully using the FlyLady system for about a year. After a move, I have been unable to get back to the routines that gave me a smooth running home.... until now (well almost... I'm on my way) Your videos have been perfect for me as I have been MINI-babystepping back into my FlyLady routines. (started 70 days ago and I'm now on Day 27) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
Thank you for this video and strategies. I used to do what you said “all or nothing”. Of course it has taken me to do nothing and postpone everything for “tomorrow “. I’m learning to use my timer and learn that less is more and that consistency gets the job done. I’m targeting the basement at the moment. This is the hot spot that we have. I started doing 10 minutes per day and I hope that it will get done before July. Thank you again for your time and sharing this. It is helping me a lot.
after having finished my PC session (with timer) I will prepare my menus for tomorrow. And thanks to God that I wrote this comment: while writing I realized that I had forgotten to put the pot with the menu for my DH in the fridge. Thank you Diane
Love the sticky notes on the calendar! I always hesitate to commit to a menu since we fluctuate with upcoming events. Yet I need a go to meal and if it gets pushed to the next day I just move the sticky!
Because of health problems I have my own system of menu planning. I always have enough food in my fridge and in the pantry to make at least three or four meals. I know what my family members don’t like (and I won’t make) and for the rest, they must be happy they get dinner😁 I can make different meals of the ingredients, so it depends on my energy what I’ll make of them. This gives me rest and I often start early in the afternoon to do some prep work. I’m in the kitchen a lot of the time because I have to make a lot from scratch due to food intolerances in my family. I make hummus, spreads, vegan cheese myself. And when I make this, I make mostly two recipes so I have enough for at least three days and it saves time to make more batches. In my family we cannot eat take aways, fast food, supermarket pizza’s etc. So, I always have some chopped veggies in the freezer and can make ‘nasi’ (Indonesian dish made with rice and vegetables and what you have in your fridge or leftovers) in an instant. I always have the herbs in my pantry and I serve it with peanuts and a chili sauce.
In the beginning of menu planning 1 month ago when I started for the first time (in the right way) with the babysteps I did so much menu planning that I bought such a lot that our fridge and ice cooler was full full. But now I am a little bit more balanced and I only buy the things which are very urgent and in addition I do not spend too much money Hooray
This weekend PLUS Monday I cooked for my DH and he has been fond of it. I bought enough and delicious food, but a bit like instant food for Tuesday and every following day. During our 8 years while we are married, the most time he only ate bananas and sandwiches. Now during the last year we added a porridge every morning (I prepared while he was still sleeping) and the last month my DH prepared sandwiches for me and fruits to eat them in my break at work. During the last two weeks I bought instant potatoe purree with hamon and onions and my DH eats it every day with dry bread. He is fond of it as it is the first period in our 8-year marriage where he every day is able to eat s.th. "warm" for lunch. But he does not feel so well during the last days so I think I must add some vegetables and meat.
I have 15 post it notes with meals on my Flylady calendar! Wish I could show you a picture here. This has been unplanned all 26 years of marriage. I need to be a better planner. Lots of expense going out to eat or food going to waste.
Hi Diane. Have set up for the next five meals. Sticky notes really help. Also your advise of keeping it simple and using what you know easily (no new recipes right now ;-) ) - followed that tip and shopped my fridge, freezer and pantry. So all sorted. :-)
This is going to take a while. I just completed a week of sticky notes on my calendar and other than the one night that we ate out, there's only one meal that I made that my husband liked. Yes, he's picky but would eat steak and potatoes every night. 😄
This is such an overwhelming chore for me! We homeschool 3 children plus I have my grand baby 3 days a week. I need to plan for 3 meals a day at home. Any suggestions? Maybe start with just planning for supper first?
Yes, keep it as simple as you can! You could use a theme: for example Monday: pasta Tuesday: soup and a sandwich Wednesday: grill/salad Thursday: ethnic Friday: pizza or tacos Saturday: grown ups choice Sunday: roast or leftovers.
Take away night when I was a child was on the big coffee (very beautiful) table my father made in front of Star Trek :-) Now we're to boldly go back to doing our house work lol.
Hello Diane. Thank you for this series of videos. You are calm and reassuring in your instruction and encouragement. I do have a question. Does Fly lady help guide us in budgeting Me household record keeping? I know that would be more advanced than this series of videos cover. Again thank you so very much. Someone simply mentioned you and I popped in for a visit and liked what I saw and heard. Blessings to you and your loved ones.☺
Hi Barbara! Yes, the Flylady also helps with budgeting. There's a free 'worksheet' you can print out. It's called the FACE Control Journal. (FACE = Financial Awareness Constantly Empowers) The link is here www.flylady.net/i/pdf/face_coj.pdf and there is more information on the Flylady website flylady.net
Diane, I’m worried... I’m a successful day 27 fly baby who sometimes doesn’t get everything done every day but doesn’t worry about it either. My house is transformed JUST by doing the baby steps! My concern is that these videos with baby steps are PERFECT for me and in 4 days they finish. I know the emails will continue to come but I need these videos to keep me progressing!!! Is there a ‘baby steps part 2?’ I fear if I don’t have something like this to follow I’ll fall off the wagon....
Hi Alista, I'm worried too but have decided to maybe run them again, but I also know Diane has done some follow ups on her playlist where she introduces the Focus days (plan & play, Anti-p etc) and she does a refresher. I also belong to Flylady UK group on facebook where reminders are sent everyday and lots of Dianes posts are discussed and linked. Hope this helps. Take care. Karen x
@@karencompton5926 I've joined that group too. I've decided to continue my routines, add in the daily mission and try the decluttering playlist that Diane has. I think that will keep me focussed for another month and then (hopefully I'll be ready in month three for routines, missions and the deeper cleaning rather than decluttering. :D
I want you to know that you are very helpful. I hate to cook but I like your idea of not making it a big deal. We just feed our Families and make sure they get their water. I have a tendency to do the all or nothing like you were saying. Thank you:)
Someone likes Nigella 😁 I'm hoping the Flylady system will give me more time to cook some of her nice stuff. I shall treat myself to one of her cookbooks when I'm flying. Could you recommend the first (easy) one to get?
RE: Menu planning True confession: the mere mention of it put a link in me gut and moi had to grip the seat in order to resist running screamin' not tha night! ..... I'll be alright now.... 😳
I read somewhere that you only need 21 meals to keep it from being boring. 1 is takeout night so 20 to go. Add in a couple of everyone's favorites and you're almost halfway there. Add in new ones when you try a new recipe and everyone loves it. Soon you have your 21 and only have to really "plan" when you want to try something new. I definitely felt the same as you when I first thought about doing it. But if you baby step it, it really becomes a huge weight lifted. 💛
Dear Diane, greetings from Germany. I jumped to this video because I have to think about what having to Dinner. In the passed weeks I made a plan but in the evening I have no motivation to start cooking. I know what to cook, everything is in the house but I and my husband eat fast food. Have you or someone else an idea how I could get started? Thanks for your help in advance.
Hi Ulrike! Are you making the process enjoyable for yourself? Listening to music while you cook, lighting a candle. Cleaning up as you go along, so you can sit down and relax with your meal? All easy steps to make sure you don't waste your money/end up eating the junk food. Good luck!
Diane I currently bulk cook for a few hours on the week-end and then during the week, I pull what I created and heat it in the nuke oven for a quick, but nutritious week-day meal. Is that okay with this system? Also...I'm just a tad confused...I seem to be getting mixed up between what's NOT on the am/pm routines, and what SHOULD be on them. Can you help me to clear this up, please?
LOVE, LOVE! Thanks, Diane!
I just told my therapist what a wonderfull lady you are! So compasionate, so helpful, so inspirational. You cut my mountain into little pieces. It are Babysteps but you don't make me feel like a baby. Thank you very very much!!
Almost 2.5 years after uploading this video, you are still helping people. You’re helping me. Thank you very much for the time you have put in and the dedication it took to upload daily videos. I am a mother of 7....almost 8, and I CRAVE organization and cleanliness, but my days always seemed to get away from me, so organization (and sometimes cleanliness) would also suffer. Sometimes it would take months before I could get myself together. I hated it and it would cause depression on some level, definitely stress when I walked into a disorderly room. Thank you so much for laying out how this is supposed to be done, and that if I fall off for a day or so, I can just pick up where I am and start anew. You’ve done a great work for all of us who desire to do it but just need the guidance. Thank you!
LOL! I can't believe how often you describe me so well that I wonder if you've peeked in my windows. Stacks of cookbooks, hours on Pinterest, great ideas for elaborate gourmet meals ... I've done that to myself so often it's almost a cliche! And of course after the first couple of days I throw up my hands and buy a crate of Ramen noodles.
The FlyBabyStep way is *so* much better. I've been doing it this way for a few months now and I am still so terribly proud of myself when I remember to actually put stuff in the slow-cooker properly in the morning so it's all ready to go that night.
Yay, CS Rambo - go you for letting go of the perfectionism!
When I saw this title I actually groaned ! I am resisting it and it's because I think I will be bored. I am 51 and thinking about doing dinner is a stressful time and yet I am deliberately not looking for help or trying to change things to make it easier. Until Now !!!! Diane, you mentioned a few videos back to just jot down what you eat for the next couple of weeks and see what your meals are without introducing new ones. Well I'm on day 5 and just that simple act as brought into focus my thoughts on that days meal in a positive light. I think I'm going to be able to do it and it will help me. I am lucky that all 4 of us (sons are 26 and 24) sit down around the table every night to eat. We rarely have take aways as 2 of us are vegan, which can be hard if I'm cooking two dishes but often we all eat vegan. Thank you Diane, xxx
Yay, Mary - I'm glad this is working for you! I, too, can get fazed by menu planning but just forcing ourselves to sit down for 10 minutes with a timer and a piece of paper/a pen can really change things around. Bon appétit! ;-)
You are not bossy at all I appreciate and inhale everything you say ❤️
Day 27 going strong!
I have been doing menu planning for several years and it is one of the things that have reduced my stress A LOT! I have planned my meals (lunch and dinner) depending on the kids' activities: on busy days I make it simple, and when I have more time I try to cook in advance. This planning has also brough more control over my spendings in the supermarket and the food I store in the freezer. It's a time and money saver!
I have found you this past month, I am falling in love with FlyLadyPlus
I love these ideas for menu planning
A similar idea for outfit planning, I have being taking a picture of my outfits the night before, putting them in my iPad album titled "OUTFITS, after 30 days I will never have to be stuck for an outfit idea
Great idea. I can't match my stuff so I keep asking my DH because I forget what goes with what. By taking pictures like you do, it would help me tremendously! Thanks, Nicole
Great idea. I'll do the same with different dishes!
Starting where I am today. I fell off the last couple weeks because... I FOUND OUT I'M PREGNANT! So I have plenty of time to pull the house together before baby 2 comes along. This has truly been life changing because it gives me so much hope & tames the overwhelm (which is now magnified by hormones 😬). Anyway, thank you SO MUCH for what you do. I feel like these are things we would have learned from Grandma growing up so it feels so comforting g to be learning. 💜 lots of love to you!
Congratulations, Kora!
Sticky notes on the calendar, what a really good idea! Thank you, Diane’s daughter. xx
Wonderful video. I loved that you said we bounce from one extreme to another. I don't have to run out to the farmer's market and get a few pounds of organic tri-colored carrots, stop off at the goat farm for a quart of raw milk, and come home to slave over my carrot soup that's on the menu for tonight. In fact, since my boys have an impromptu rugby practice tonight, I think I will serve up the box of Imagine brand carrot soup! Along with some steamed broccoli, some good cheese and a loaf of bread, it will be "good enough!" THANK YOU FLYLADY DIANE! :-)
Yes, Ellen! I'm forever telling the ladies I mentor that in our family we often eat frozen box pizza or frozen lasagne with a plate of fresh veggies/salad. It may not be a gourmet meal but it *is* a meal and it is "good enough"! ;-)
@@DianeinDenmark You can really jazz up bought frozen pizza with some nice grated cheese and extra tomatoes or whatever.
You have helped me so much. I am Autistic, and have 4 children (3 of which are also Autistic) , and have lived in chaos for years. The reason is, I abandoned and avoided making routines because when they were disrupted it caused me so much discomfort and upset that I would throw in the towel, and feel so disheartened. You saying "don't let your perfectionism stop your progress" and "it doesn't have to be perfect", "something is better than nothing" has all really helped me, and given me permission to not be perfect. If I have missed somethings on the list one day, instead of looking at the missed ticks, I'm looking at the ticks I have managed to do. Thank you!! Xxx
That is wonderful, Rachel - go you!!!
I needed to read this yesterday! Oh my....this is so me Rachel! I'm trying to change my mindset to give myself permission to miss stuff AND not worry about it! Really helpful to read...thank you xx
Karen Compton me too!!!!
I look forward to your videos every morning. Meal planning so helpful. hugs
Hugs back to you, Kelly!
That’s a great idea with the sticky notes on the calendar!
Very helpful, as always! I’ve been working on baby steps and appreciate your upbeat and encouraging video support. Thanks!
Loved your vid!! My favorite tip is with the sticky note way also! I think I'll even let them decide and maybe change what day it's on if they want to move it around to the day they want! Shouldn't be a problem as long as the groceries are already purchased and the time allotted is there. Make it a family affair. Thank you Diane, you're the best!!
Thanks for the constant emphasis on KEEPING IT SIMPLE! Makes this added task more palatable. ;) I especially liked your idea about using the good old sticky notes.
I love this! I finally got a menu plan that my family will eat. I followed the basic plan in the Sink Reflections book.
Monday - Beef
Tuesday - Pasta
Wednesday - Crock Pot
Etc.
It was easy when given a 'general idea'. Okay for beef last week we had hamburgers. Next week meat Lasagna.
I am guilty of looking through cookbooks and never fixing any of it. Most require lots of ingredients that I don't have on hand.
Great job!
I love this video!! One of the things I struggle with the most is Menu Planning. Going to be sitting down with my family tonight with that piece of paper and asking them what they like for dinner. Great idea!!
I have never been fond of menu planning.......until now! Doing just a couple of days ahead and using the post-it notes! Wonderful idea! Diane, thank you so much for all you do and your dedication! So looking forward to getting started on this!!!! Have a great day in Copenhagen!!!!!!!
Go you, Tammy! I'll be talking about Menu Planning again tomorrow, Tuesday (Plan and Play day) 😁
I honestly did LAUGH OUT LOUD when you said you don't have to be perfect milking a cow, making your own cheese! :-D
reminded me of an old Martha Stewart joke Christmas list!
No more cheese making for us! LOL
Diane in Denmark vegan cheese is a lot less work😁
Thank you for posting these videos Diane, them (and the brilliant new app), has made me getting up on the wagon again, and I am highly appreciate! I was flying in Copenhagen maybe 9-10 years ago, and vaguely remember your name from some fora at the time, but I "fell off" about 6 years ago, just before moving to Norway. So about time to get back. But one routine that stuck with me for all the years was "Make your bed", which I have done everyday since! Now I am decluttering and getting my living areas back the way I want them to be. Thank you!!!
Hi Christine! Yes, I remember that yahoo group...don't know what happened to the others but so glad you are surviving and still making your bed! :D
Another Dane here. I also found FlyLady many years Ago when I lived in deap CHAOS. Today I'm at day 27 and you, Diane have made a huge difference. I now see that it does work for Danes to.
Such an important Baby Step! Thanks for breaking it down. Having ingredients in the house that have a set purpose was one of the best stress reducers in our house. I take something out of the freezer the night before and know exactly what I'll be doing with it the next day. I hope everyone follows your guidance, it doesn't have to be complicated! (PS you end up spending much, much, less on your grocery bill when you menu plan too!)
Hi Violetgypsie! Yes, I love to save money! Did I mention that I'm Scottish?! ;-)
LOL! I have some Scottish blood too! Hehehehee!
I have been menuplanning for years, so that is an easy task for me.
I shop according to special offer. I dont have a fixed day, but usually I do it just once a week.
Wenn I come home I empty my bag and make a list of everything I have in the fridge and freezer, new and old staff.
Then I sit down with a cup of coffee and write down 5-6 menues . From that list I pick my daily meal
Unfortunally I am crashing 100 % on decluttering. I have a hard time with my daily routine and I never get past that.
I keep a list throughout the week of things we'll need when we go shopping. When we go shopping, we follow sales and my list. After that, we take a quick look in the fridge to see what needs to get used first. Then we work out our menu for the week.
I've started putting "use by" on things that I typically forget on my calendar. I also am using a child's chalk slate (the coloured chalks are priced in francs I've had them so long lol) to write things that need to be used quickly eg pumpkins that I always put off then once it's eaten, I just wipe it off. I also use it for my shopping list then just take a picture when I go shopping. It looks pretty with some flowers too. :-)
I don’t know weeks ahead of time what I’m going to want to eat on a given day.
I keep the freezer full of a variety of versatile meats - ground beef, pork ribeyes, chicken thighs, shrimp, fish, as well as a variety of frozen vegetables.
I keep rice and pasta on hand in the pantry, as well as a few canned staples such as refried beans, crushed tomatoes, tuna, dried potatoes.
Come dinner time, whatever protein I have chosen can be thawed by placing in a bowl of hot water for twenty minutes or so.
I have in my head a number of quick meals that I know my family likes and I can make with my eyes closed.
And for nights that I don’t feel like cooking, I keep a few frozen, premise meals on hand.
I also freeze several portions when I make a pot of gumbo or white beans, so that if someone wants that, all they have to do is cook a pot of rice.
You addressed all the things that usually trip me up when I start menu planning! Thx for all the great tips to get started..again. This time I think it will stick :)
Good luck, Debra! And let us know how you get on :-)
OMG-you describe me in each video! We are twins! My happy place and black hole are getting lost in cookbooks!!!!!
DH & I like menu planning and I've said before that where we live, we have to as we can't just pop to the shops...or buy take-away, and we like to cook from scratch....but this is a good reminder...and nice to know that we already do something. Like the idea of the post it notes on the calendar....no matter how we try, we do have favourites don't we? And this method would stop the crossing off and swapping about we sometimes do when things come up at the last minute....thanks Diane xx
I plan about 10 days ahead as that's our shopping schedule. I put down easy meals for weekdays, slightly more elaborate ones for weekends (not very though, I don't want to spend hours cooking). Checking the freezer and cupboards first, and freezing left overs for another day. I keep a running list of what meats & left overs I have in the freezer and keep a running shopping list. If I finish something that I make often, it goes on the list. Easy. ;)
Thank you! This is the first menu planning babystep I think I can manage. I appreciate the fact you addressed the all-or-nothing mindset we get into, that is so me! Babysteps work :)
Go you, Morwenna!
I had a good menu planning within this weekend. So, now on Monday, my DH had a nice meal to warm up and he was very glad.
I've been planning my menus forever but the "minimalist mom" gave me a better idea on top of what I was already doing: Top of sheet: all ingredients pertaining to menu listed on the bottom of the list. More meals than you need. Highlight what you want in "meals", then highlight corresponding ingredients. My meals/ingredients are numbered so it's easy and fast. On this list I have 18 favorite recipes on one sheet.
As stated before, we have tons of recipes we love so my DH asked me to make a few more lists and then we can rotate them.
Something I've done in the last few years is to put a sticker on the food: meat/cans, special item, etc. to say what it is needed for. If I have a can of artichoke (for ex.) on the shelf I know exactly for which recipe it is for.
I don't put days on my meal planning but I always have an easy one, medium and more elaborate ready to be prepared. Depending on what's happening, I chose the correct meal for that evening. Every 7-10 days, we go out because we'll probably be on the road at dinner time. Works well for us and I love cooking.
Your Babystep videos have been so encouraging to me! 15 years ago I was successfully using the FlyLady system for about a year. After a move, I have been unable to get back to the routines that gave me a smooth running home.... until now (well almost... I'm on my way)
Your videos have been perfect for me as I have been MINI-babystepping back into my FlyLady routines. (started 70 days ago and I'm now on Day 27)
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
Yay, good for you, Leah Ann! We all have up and down periods but, as you say, it is easy to get back into the groove. Good luck!
Thank you for this video and strategies. I used to do what you said “all or nothing”. Of course it has taken me to do nothing and postpone everything for “tomorrow “. I’m learning to use my timer and learn that less is more and that consistency gets the job done. I’m targeting the basement at the moment. This is the hot spot that we have. I started doing 10 minutes per day and I hope that it will get done before July. Thank you again for your time and sharing this. It is helping me a lot.
You are so very welcome, Nina! 😃👋
after having finished my PC session (with timer) I will prepare my menus for tomorrow. And thanks to God that I wrote this comment: while writing I realized that I had forgotten to put the pot with the menu for my DH in the fridge. Thank you Diane
Love your videos. The sticky notes for menu planning is fantastic !
Love the sticky notes on the calendar! I always hesitate to commit to a menu since we fluctuate with upcoming events. Yet I need a go to meal and if it gets pushed to the next day I just move the sticky!
I love your simple menus planning advise!
Because of health problems I have my own system of menu planning. I always have enough food in my fridge and in the pantry to make at least three or four meals. I know what my family members don’t like (and I won’t make) and for the rest, they must be happy they get dinner😁 I can make different meals of the ingredients, so it depends on my energy what I’ll make of them. This gives me rest and I often start early in the afternoon to do some prep work. I’m in the kitchen a lot of the time because I have to make a lot from scratch due to food intolerances in my family. I make hummus, spreads, vegan cheese myself. And when I make this, I make mostly two recipes so I have enough for at least three days and it saves time to make more batches. In my family we cannot eat take aways, fast food, supermarket pizza’s etc. So, I always have some chopped veggies in the freezer and can make ‘nasi’ (Indonesian dish made with rice and vegetables and what you have in your fridge or leftovers) in an instant. I always have the herbs in my pantry and I serve it with peanuts and a chili sauce.
Hi Yelena! Great ideas! Here's my latest video on last-minute meals from the pantry ruclips.net/video/7Bohjl37_JE/видео.html
In the beginning of menu planning 1 month ago when I started for the first time (in the right way) with the babysteps
I did so much menu planning that I bought such a lot that our fridge and ice cooler was full full.
But now I am a little bit more balanced and I only buy the things which are very urgent
and in addition I do not spend too much money
Hooray
This weekend PLUS Monday I cooked for my DH and he has been fond of it. I bought enough and delicious food, but a bit like instant food for Tuesday and every following day. During our 8 years while we are married, the most time he only ate bananas and sandwiches. Now during the last year we added a porridge every morning (I prepared while he was still sleeping) and the last month my DH prepared sandwiches for me and fruits to eat them in my break at work.
During the last two weeks I bought instant potatoe purree with hamon and onions and my DH eats it every day with dry bread. He is fond of it as it is the first period in our 8-year marriage where he every day is able to eat s.th. "warm" for lunch. But he does not feel so well during the last days so I think I must add some vegetables and meat.
thank you Diane, this is so helpful and you are so cool and sweet. Have a nice day
Thank you so much! This helps a lot!!
Very helpful video!
Watching this January 2021 and you mentioning "stock up on toilet paper" never rang truer. LOL!
The cookbooks... 😂 exactly what I would've done 😂
I used to do a monthly menu, then I stopped. Now, I'm going to start again--baby steps, one day at a time. :-)
Brilliant. Thanks.
I have 15 post it notes with meals on my Flylady calendar! Wish I could show you a picture here. This has been unplanned all 26 years of marriage. I need to be a better planner. Lots of expense going out to eat or food going to waste.
Go you, Anna! And don't worry about the last 26 years...you have lots of good years coming up!
thank you. excellent intro to meal planning.
Thanks, Theresa! Let us know how you get on - it's great to get feedback!
Hi Diane. Have set up for the next five meals. Sticky notes really help. Also your advise of keeping it simple and using what you know easily (no new recipes right now ;-) ) - followed that tip and shopped my fridge, freezer and pantry. So all sorted. :-)
This is going to take a while. I just completed a week of sticky notes on my calendar and other than the one night that we ate out, there's only one meal that I made that my husband liked. Yes, he's picky but would eat steak and potatoes every night. 😄
Thank you Diane!
really the most stress free approach to the hated menu planning 😛 thanks Diane! btw, how did you learn Danish?
Hi Sonja, I feel in love with a Dane. Learning the language was really fast after that! ;-)
This is SOOOO helpful, thank you!!!
You're so welcome, Jacqueline June!
This is such an overwhelming chore for me! We homeschool 3 children plus I have my grand baby 3 days a week. I need to plan for 3 meals a day at home. Any suggestions? Maybe start with just planning for supper first?
Yes, keep it as simple as you can! You could use a theme: for example Monday: pasta Tuesday: soup and a sandwich Wednesday: grill/salad Thursday: ethnic Friday: pizza or tacos Saturday: grown ups choice Sunday: roast or leftovers.
I love when you use Danish words
Take away night when I was a child was on the big coffee (very beautiful) table my father made in front of Star Trek :-) Now we're to boldly go back to doing our house work lol.
Hello Diane. Thank you for this series of videos. You are calm and reassuring in your instruction and encouragement. I do have a question. Does Fly lady help guide us in budgeting Me household record keeping? I know that would be more advanced than this series of videos cover. Again thank you so very much. Someone simply mentioned you and I popped in for a visit and liked what I saw and heard. Blessings to you and your loved ones.☺
Hi Barbara! Yes, the Flylady also helps with budgeting. There's a free 'worksheet' you can print out. It's called the FACE Control Journal. (FACE = Financial Awareness Constantly Empowers) The link is here www.flylady.net/i/pdf/face_coj.pdf and there is more information on the Flylady website flylady.net
Ha Ha --you need to be bossy with us. I really like this idea of meal planning even though it is only for "single" me. Thank you
Diane, I’m worried... I’m a successful day 27 fly baby who sometimes doesn’t get everything done every day but doesn’t worry about it either. My house is transformed JUST by doing the baby steps! My concern is that these videos with baby steps are PERFECT for me and in 4 days they finish. I know the emails will continue to come but I need these videos to keep me progressing!!! Is there a ‘baby steps part 2?’ I fear if I don’t have something like this to follow I’ll fall off the wagon....
Hi Alista, I'm worried too but have decided to maybe run them again, but I also know Diane has done some follow ups on her playlist where she introduces the Focus days (plan & play, Anti-p etc) and she does a refresher. I also belong to Flylady UK group on facebook where reminders are sent everyday and lots of Dianes posts are discussed and linked. Hope this helps. Take care. Karen x
@@karencompton5926 I've joined that group too. I've decided to continue my routines, add in the daily mission and try the decluttering playlist that Diane has. I think that will keep me focussed for another month and then (hopefully I'll be ready in month three for routines, missions and the deeper cleaning rather than decluttering. :D
Diane do you and your family ever eat leftovers? We don’t tend to eat all the food and so can we eat that for supper the next night?
So helpful!
I have planned my menu for tomorrow: it's noodles and beef goulash and broccoli
I want you to know that you are very helpful. I hate to cook but I like your idea of not making it a big deal. We just feed our Families and make sure they get their water. I have a tendency to do the all or nothing like you were saying. Thank you:)
Thanks, Yvonne!
Someone likes Nigella 😁 I'm hoping the Flylady system will give me more time to cook some of her nice stuff. I shall treat myself to one of her cookbooks when I'm flying. Could you recommend the first (easy) one to get?
"How to eat" is a good basic one 🖐
@@DianeinDenmark I'll try that :-)
RE: Menu planning
True confession: the mere mention of it put a link in me gut and moi had to grip the seat in order to resist running screamin' not tha night! ..... I'll be alright now.... 😳
I read somewhere that you only need 21 meals to keep it from being boring. 1 is takeout night so 20 to go. Add in a couple of everyone's favorites and you're almost halfway there. Add in new ones when you try a new recipe and everyone loves it. Soon you have your 21 and only have to really "plan" when you want to try something new. I definitely felt the same as you when I first thought about doing it. But if you baby step it, it really becomes a huge weight lifted. 💛
@@korab.23 Thank you, and bless you, Kora! I so appreciate your encouragement! 🤗
ty x 27
Dear Diane,
greetings from Germany. I jumped to this video because I have to think about what having to Dinner. In the passed weeks I made a plan but in the evening I have no motivation to start cooking. I know what to cook, everything is in the house but I and my husband eat fast food. Have you or someone else an idea how I could get started?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Hi Ulrike! Are you making the process enjoyable for yourself? Listening to music while you cook, lighting a candle. Cleaning up as you go along, so you can sit down and relax with your meal? All easy steps to make sure you don't waste your money/end up eating the junk food. Good luck!
I love to watch Nigella cook.
Diane I currently bulk cook for a few hours on the week-end and then during the week, I pull what I created and heat it in the nuke oven for a quick, but nutritious week-day meal. Is that okay with this system? Also...I'm just a tad confused...I seem to be getting mixed up between what's NOT on the am/pm routines, and what SHOULD be on them. Can you help me to clear this up, please?
I have tips on how to set up routines here ruclips.net/video/apIHcb_lQVM/видео.html
We're not going to Pinterest... that's me. How did you know?
😊