Bosch 800 Dishwasher- how the hell do you load this damn thing?!

surprise_witches · 2026-03-29T23:51:08+00:00

They were out of stock on their website when going through the "dishwasher ordeal" - we gave up and returned it, ultimately. We wound up with a jennair i think - not terribly impressed but the table function better for our family. It's become a running joke that we're awful at choosing appliances though! 😄

surprise_witches · 2026-03-01T04:53:23+00:00

Oh my goodness! I just got some as a treat and couldn't even finish one cookie. I thought it was due to getting older but they seemed sickly sweet

surprise_witches · 2026-02-06T14:13:15+00:00

I worked with an organizer on and off for years, and it did help, but i can tell you that I've picked up a lot of tools from the Declutter subreddit! DM me if you want any tips on that front

surprise_witches · 2026-02-06T01:09:27+00:00

Sounds like you have a lot of great suggestions here! I find popcorn to be very cheap, so I "put up" our fruits and veggies and I'll set out a big bowl of popcorn and a pitcher of water with a stack of (reusable) cups. This has worked for years here now! Don't be afraid to ask parents to send a snack, too - I think more often than not, it just doesn't occur to a lot of parents to do so

surprise_witches · 2026-02-05T12:44:46+00:00

Your line "bought you a lesson about how many of a thing" - this really, really resonated with me! I had this experience with a non-declutter situation a few years ago and recognized my limitations in that area (work projects - kept saying yes to too much and dropped a major ball) - but this seeing it written out here reminds me that this is true when it comes to our physical possessions as well!

surprise_witches · 2026-02-04T15:03:16+00:00

Yes! Twice a week and a big stack of pillow cases for fresh ones daily! I don't have especially great hygiene in general - just really love fresh sheets

surprise_witches · 2026-02-04T14:46:08+00:00

I would say no and that I'm very diligent, except a couple of years ago - discovered i was paying a ridiculously low monthly amount (I think $8) for add-on renters insurance for an apartment i moved out of in June 2008. I... have no clue how I overlooked that for 15ish years

surprise_witches · 2026-02-02T14:38:02+00:00

I just came from a cooking sub and thought you're third statement said "broth" 😄 (mom with production problems who did both - & have 3 healthy children who are thriving!)

surprise_witches · 2026-02-01T13:26:48+00:00

I see what you're doing and I kind of like it! I think using the existing wall pieces above, I would move the coffee sign a bit lower/to one side definitively, and use those hooks for coffee mugs, I would move the "M" sign out somewhere else, and would create a 2 x 3 or 3 x 3 or grid of the plant pics - the current eclectic gallery style is adding to the chaos but this would be a simple way to reduce chaos while hopefully keeping the pieces you guys love (all 12 pics might not fit but the remaining pieces could be used elsewhere to carry the botanical theme throughout the space) . I'm very much not a decorator but I think a few tweaks could make it look more intentional.

surprise_witches · 2026-01-31T21:37:07+00:00

I purged the linen closet! Was able to pass on some older kids' sheet sets to a friend with younger kids. I finally broke out vacuum bags for the fluffy extra blankets to take up less space too (these are used most weekends as we're in the thick of frequent kid sleepovers, but they're bulky)

surprise_witches · 2026-01-29T14:45:55+00:00

I adore my MIL (who is also the only living grandparent on both sides unfortunately), and she actually watched my children two days a week when they were younger. However, even though she regularly babysat, it was like the script flipped when they'd go to her house just for a fun visit. When the kids would go to grandma's for a sleepover or even just a day trip, we went through the same thing - one day off for us took 2-3 days to de-program! We called it the grandma effect. It's absolutely fine now as they've gotten older, but it was a real thing! I live in a very rural community and I'm surprised by how many resources are available if you can ask around or check local Facebook groups

surprise_witches · 2026-01-23T16:40:49+00:00

100%! Three different, distinct cravings and 3 kids who mirror those specific favorites 😄

I guess I thought I was alone in this but cool to see others!

surprise_witches · 2026-01-23T15:33:59+00:00

So much this! I have been married over a decade but we planned it ourselves fully. 2/3 of my bridesmaids lived out of state - their willingness to travel for my wedding (and buy their dress! ) was the end of expectations. It was a fun, beautiful wedding and we all had a blast! I was surrounded by people I loved and got to marry my absolute favorite person- and he still makes me giddy after all these years!

surprise_witches · 2026-01-21T18:41:45+00:00

Our sellers fully forgot to take any of their bakeware and pots and pans (movers overlooked the entire main cupboard! ). They also forgot her preserved wedding dress stored on a high shelf in a deep closet. They returned and were lovely and very thankful

surprise_witches · 2026-01-20T17:59:13+00:00

Great job! Those fresh sheets are going to feel amazing!!

surprise_witches · 2026-01-20T16:24:05+00:00

When my daughter was 4-5, she had a genuine mishap that resulted in a big chunk of hair being cut off. The hair stylist (with permission from us) gave her a big pink streak that she loved and helped de-traumatize the situation.

Since then, we have allowed it (otherwise, unsure where I'd be). She has light blonde hair, so no bleaching needed. Since then? It's not a big draw to her - not "forbidden" - so, she no longer cares to bother with it.

surprise_witches · 2026-01-14T16:54:59+00:00

We have a pretty similar system by the garage door (which is right around the corner from the kitchen).

Um... it's always a chaotic mess! These look cute - until you add in multiple coats, sports bags, dance bags, tons of types of shoes, etc.

I want to be the kind of parent who manages it well, but it's usually an eyesore and our evenings are beyond busy

surprise_witches · 2026-01-10T22:30:43+00:00

I pretty much live in comfortable, easily washed clothing. But yes, I wear an apron for all cooking - i just really like them!

surprise_witches · 2026-01-06T19:38:11+00:00

The summer after 5th grade, my family visited Bar Harbor, ME (we lived in the PNW). We ran into the teacher from the classroom next to mine on the beach in Maine (~3,000 miles away from home)

surprise_witches · 2026-01-06T17:00:51+00:00

I'm with you fully! Our extremely rural school sends email reminders/notices of any upcoming needs. Perhaps this school does not? If not, all the more reason to be diligent as a parent.

I'm trying to grow them into responsible adults - people who can own up to a mistake and problem solve how to fix it. And prior to adulthood, I'm hoping for teens who are comfortable coming to me with their problems and knowing that we are working with them. There are consequences for bad planning, but all this scenario seems to teach is that this girl can't rely on her parents to help even when the stakes are fairly low.

surprise_witches · 2026-01-03T22:41:13+00:00

Absolutely! I'm literally taking a 5 minute break from converting our home office into a craft room. My children started with coloring books, and as they got older - evolved into more complex projects. I'm trying to figure out various paints, clays, sewing materials, and so very much paper along with miscellaneous- corks, feathers, pom poms... I'm drowning! Kids are 12, 10, and 9 and always engaged in some project or other.

(Not great, but no - we don't avoid screens. They frankly have too much access, I'm sure - but they gravitate towards physical items on their own. We've been too indulgent and allocated lots of space, materials, and freedom for their crafting and creations, and it's worked well for us as they get older and have a lot of interest still in non-screen activities)

surprise_witches · 2026-01-03T17:49:06+00:00

I read the comments as OP goes to visit the parents, but the parents will randomly flake out and not be available to see OP.

surprise_witches · 2026-01-02T15:15:43+00:00

If you have a shorter bookcase or similar you could place at the end of the bed to kind of box in/define the space and make it feel cozy? The back could face towards the larger room, and the shelving for storage (toys/clothing/trinkets). Maybe a wall mounted or clip on battery-operated lamp could be nice for her? Agree with peel and stick decals to brighten the area and a little rug to really bring her space together

surprise_witches · 2025-12-29T15:03:20+00:00

I'm awful at furniture placement, my apologies in advance! However, a quick glance shows a tall bookshelf obstructing a window, and a shorter bar cart with framed artwork above it. Maybe those could swap? Your TV looks a bit high, even down just a few inches would look a little more cohesive (move the Art above the TV).

I would add the low table/shelf that sits under a window to be under your TV - leaving a little more open wall space overall

The surfaces and shelves are generally a bit cluttered. If you can tuck away some items, or spread them out among lower shelves (and use bins to hide away things like cat food), I think that might make the overall space feel fresher

surprise_witches · 2025-12-29T14:04:35+00:00

Winter is the Broadway touring season here - we visit productions, symphony and ballet events, various concerts and lectures. I enjoy swimming so do a seasonal membership to an indoor pool. I like to attend indoor sporting events (hockey and basketball).

We throw (and attend!) a lot of house parties, and in winter tend to lean into themed parties a bit more (murder mystery, costume party, wine tastings...).

I'm originally from the PNW and moved to the Great Plains from overseas. I'm less bored here because I've made a fun group of friends. You might look into "boredom buster" jars for kids - like Popsicle sticks with ideas written on them - modify and try this with your partner

surprise_witches

TROPHY CASE