Friday Randomness — Help On The Way, A Renewed Mindset, A Dishwasher Decision, and Console Table Progress
Happy Friday, y’all! I don’t have a lot to share today in the way of progress on any projects, but I want to share that I woke up this morning with a little pep in my step and a renewed attitude. And I didn’t even have to fake it until I felt it. I just felt it when I woke up.
And what made the difference? I called the plumber yesterday to come and fix my kitchen sink issues. He wasn’t able to come yesterday, and he might not even be able to come today, so it might be next week before it actually gets fixed. But there was something about the knowledge that help is on the way that felt like a load had been lifted from my shoulders. So even though I woke up this morning to the same issue — a messy kitchen with the sink full of dishes and the knowledge that trying to get them all washed would leave me with a sink filled with water that would take hours to drain — it didn’t get me down in the least this morning. Because help is on the way!
I was reminded of the time many years ago when I was driving in town and I got a flat tire. I pulled over to the side of the road and cried. I know how to change a tire. It’s one of the first things my dad taught me when I got my first car at the age of 16. And yet, even though I’ve changed flat tired by myself several times, on that particular day, the thought of changing my tire by myself felt overwhelming to me. I don’t remember the particulars, so I don’t know if it was because I had a busy day and was really tired, or maybe it was because of the location where I had the flat tire. But I do remember feeling like it was too much for me to handle right then, so instead of taking care of business, I sat there and cried.
After gathering my thoughts, wiping away my tears, and trying to decide what to do, I finally called my brother to come help me change my tire. He said he’d be on his way and would be there shortly. Well, just knowing that help was on the way changed everything for me, so I got out of the car, got the spare tire and tools out, and got started. By the time he got there, I almost had the tire completely changed all by myself.
There has to be a life lesson in there somewhere. 😀 There’s something about feeling like I have to tackle everything by myself that adds an extra heavy load to my shoulders. And yet, I do that to myself quite often. I’m not very good as asking for help, and I take on way too much for one person. But once I finally ask for help, just having the knowledge that help is on the way is enough to lift that extra load, even if the problem still persists for a while longer.
So yesterday, I called the plumber and then told Matt we’d be eating out until the sink is fully functional and I have a chance to do a thorough cleaning in the kitchen because I’m done trying to cook meals in a kitchen that doesn’t have a properly functioning sink. He was fine with that, and the rest of the day, I’m telling you that I had more focus and more energy than I’ve had in the last three weeks. Help is on the way!
I also took some time yesterday to look at new dishwashers. Our dishwasher hasn’t worked in years, but it hasn’t bothered me. I actually enjoy washing dishes by hand, and as long as I was just washing the dishes that Matt and I use, it was never a big deal (as long as the sink is fully functional and draining properly). But when we started having people over to our house more often, and it always seemed to include a meal together, I decided that I do want a dishwasher after all. I’ve been trying to hold out until I have a chance to redo our kitchen, but now I’ve decided to go ahead and buy a new one that is panel-ready. That way I can use it in our current kitchen, and then I can still use it after a future kitchen redo as well.
I’m still looking at options. Panel-ready dishwashers are expensive! I did find one at Home Depot that has really good customer ratings for about $800. Unfortunately, it was out of stock and I couldn’t even order one for delivery. So I’m still on the hunt for a reasonably priced panel-ready dishwasher. I’d love to find one ASAP, get it ordered, and have it delivered before the plumber gets here next week, but that might not work out. (Update: It won’t work out. I just spoke to him, and he’ll be here Monday morning. Oh well. As long as I can get my kitchen sink working properly, I’m okay waiting a bit for the dishwasher. The sink is the priority here.)
Anyway, things are looking up! Help is on the way! And I’m so excited about having a fully functional kitchen again. Being able to wake up to a clean kitchen again is incredibly exciting to me.
After getting all of that sorted out, I did some work on the console table again. I know y’all are probably getting pretty tired of hearing about this console table. 😀 I’m tired of talking about it, but I’m having fun working on it. And I think I found a workaround that will let me use the turned wood legs.
If you’ll remember, I had originally tried to add a block to the legs like this…
I didn’t like that, so I just put the legs together without the blocks, but then I couldn’t figure out how to secure the legs to the console table without them being (potentially) wobbly.
But yesterday, I had another idea. Instead of adding a block lower on the legs, I decided to add a block to the top, and I have an idea for how to secure them to the upper part of the table that I think will be very secure. But first, I needed to replace the top turned portion of the legs with a block. And this time, instead of using my miter saw to cut them, I decided to use a hand saw so that I could have more control over it and cut them as straight as possible.
Using the handsaw and a lot of patience, I cut right under that top, thick piece on each leg.
And then I’ll attach the blocks to the top of the legs in place of that turned piece. I still need to do a lot more sanding and shaping on the corners before attaching them, but they’re getting there.
I did have a bit of an accident. I’m not used to using hand tools. I’m a power tool kind of gal, so the saw got away from me and sliced my finger.
It’s kind of crazy that I use power tools so much, and I’ve used them for so long (decades!), and I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve injured myself with a power tool. And yet, I use a hand tool once and slice my finger. Ha! Give me power tools any day of the week over hand tools.
I’ll get the new legs finished up and attached today, and I’m feeling pretty confident that my idea for attaching them will work out. And then I’ve decided to paint the whole thing. It’s going to be green. I chose Behr Scallion, and I think it’ll look fantastic with my pink lamps and the wall mural.
So that’s where things stand heading into the weekend. My kitchen sink issue will soon be resolved, my attitude is better knowing that help is on the way, and I feel pretty confident that I can get this console table finished up tomorrow. And if you have any recommendations for a reasonably priced panel-ready dishwasher, I’d love to hear about it!
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I don’t think these are what you would call “reasonably priced”, but we used to go through a dishwasher every couple years (I have no idea why!!) until we bought a Bosch. That powerhouse has lasted more years than I can remember!!! It WAS more expensive, but I think it was worth it in the long run because we haven’t replaced it in (literally) decades.
I agree! Two dishwashers in eight years, bought the Bosch 10 years ago and not one problem. Remodeled the kitchen and swapped the black front with the stainless front looks great.
Folks, do your diligence on the Bosch Dishwashers. I bought one a couple of years ago, didn’t last even a year, never cleaned properly either. Frankly would NEVER EVER buy another one. I have a GE now and it just putts right along. Isn’t a high end one, but mid-range and WORKS circles around the Bosch at cleaning, drying, etc. I wonder if the newer Boschs, like many other things, have lost quality since the earlier years when they were outstanding. Just a cautionary tale on my part since those that recommend them so highly were from years ago, not the newer models.
We put in a bosch when we built our house 12 years ago. It’s still working very well (I probably just jinxed it). I agree with the Bosch.
Thanks for you updates and honesty, Kristi. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one getting bogged down by the small things around the house. I’m taking a guess that you were looking at the Frigidaire panel ready dishwasher. I was looking at it on HomeDepot recently as well and saw that it was out of stock. I searched Google and found the same one at Best Buy, in stock. https://www.bestbuy.com/product/frigidaire-24-top-control-built-in-panel-ready-dishwasher-with-3rd-rack-evendry-and-49dba-stainless-steel/J7CJ36CSLC/sku/6582071?utm_source=feed&extStoreId=&ref=212&loc=19610478632&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19610480777&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIh-QY6TMrfnhr_j1pXG6mPuo&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqPLOBhCiARIsAKRMPZqiTOH2nyfRPNZiRuhGGUzXMQ3yX81DBWsIPwmF5n6M3lkU_aff8iQaAqe9EALw_wcB
Hope it’s in stock in your state too.
I was always pretty sure you would paint it:) Nice green. As for your dishwasher check out AJ Madison online. I have bought appliances for 3 houses from them. https://www.ajmadison.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorDqr09Qo3DXPZIDU_C8JDnPWxeqCG1dN0pfxIIy6R1hfVUSyOn
First of all, hope you got to the doctor to make sure your tetanus shots are up-to-date. I’m so sorry that happened to you. Ouch! I’m so glad you did that with the square block on the top. That was the first thing I thought of I think it’s gonna be great. Regarding dishwashers, we got a Bosch one and really liked it. It was a Europe Didn’t have a heater to dry I guess in Europe they just opened the dryers and let them air dry. I did like that because I could put plastic things on the bottom and didn’t have to worry about the heating element to melting anything. That being said recently, replaced all my appliances and got a whirlpool one that does have a heating element. And I’m pretty pleased with it. Good luck with all your decisions.
You also might want to pour some hydrogen peroxide over that wound several times a day. This has always worked for me.
Ouch! Sorry about your finger! Isn’t it wonderful that these bodies will heal with time and care? As to the console table, I love the idea of the green. I think it will blend into the background and make the colors in the mural really pop. Glad to hear you’re back in the saddle, and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished console in the entryway. Onward and Upward!
Not sure how it’d work out today but 10 years ago we bought a fancy used Bosch from marketplace for $100. We loved the Bosch from the old house. I cleaned it bought some fresh spare parts, inlaws fixed the house part (installed the plug vs raw wire from wall). and it has served us well, it does the job consistently good enough. We figured it’ll get replaced if we replace the kitchen one day.
A lot hate Bosches because they want perfectly dry spotless dishes ASAP. The trick (for us, likely many will disagree) is we are okay to open it shortly (.5-3hrs) after finish. It lets the steam out then we unload it a few hours later or grab a dish towel to wipe dry things. The length of overall is a sticking point for others as well. The leftover steam and heat do not settle on the dishes if you open it. The wire is buried in the body so less melted things. The stainless inside holds enough heat it is enough that it dries itself perfectly if you open the door in humid climates. Dishwashers typically fail enough if used a ton, I skip features like panel ready.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Hope is a good one, also.
It’s a new day!
You have to shoulder all of Matt’s care daily, so it’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed. The slow draining sink just added one more thing to
the list. Glad things are looking up and you can relax a bit knowing help is coming.
I’m wondering if you’ve tried any of the meal services like Factor. I’m 74 and desperately need to lose the 30 lbs I’ve gained since Covid. I even entertained a GLP-1 med but decided at my age the side effects aren’t worth it. And I know Factor makes one for wt. loss.
Have a great weekend!
I’m so happy you called the plumber and are looking for a dishwasher. We all need to vent our frustrations from time to time. Have a wonderful weekend.
I’m so glad you decided to paint the console table. I was in the minority, but never said anything that I thought you should paint it all along. And it seems like that’s what you wanted. Happy things are looking up for you.
Have the plumber take a look at the dishwasher…maybe he can see an easy fix. Also, what’s involved in being a “panel ready” dishwasher? Is it not something you could DIY when you were ready? I’m so glad you are feeling lighter and brighter today–and that you have the insight to have more lighter and brighter days going forward! A Happy Friday, indeed!
I don’t really have any advice on a dishwasher but I did have a thought about how you can get ahead on those dirty dishes. It occurred to me that you put a kitchen sink in your studio bathroom. You could take a portion of those dishes in there and wash/dry them and even do that about 3 times and have that part of the frustration with the kitchen done and out of sight. Just a thought. I also follow FLYLADY and am an imperfect SHE. I love your blog and have been more confident in my ability to build what I need. Thank you for that!
I am not surprised you will be painting the console table! It is going to look terrific! I like the color as it will complement the wallpaper and keep it the center of attention. I love when help is on its way and I agree, it gives me that extra boost to get things done! You can always sand it down if you end up wanting to change it up.
I’m looking for a panel ready dishwasher also. My 14 yr old washer is great (Ikea, panel ready), the dish baskets are loosing so many spikes and the silverware basket has holes so things fall through. New basket cost about $400. So, due to age, get new. Renember to get high dba rated.
In our current house, I am on my second Bosch dishwasher. The first one lasted for 21 years! They wash like a dream, are quiet, and do the job perfectly.
If you take a few minutes to look at Consumer Reports, they have extensive ratings of dishwashers. Bosch dishwashers fill up the top rankings, plus, Bosch is the most reliable brand with the fewest repairs and highest in owner satisfaction.
There is one that I spotted on the rankings that appears to be one of the most reasonably priced panel ready ones: https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/bosch-300-series-shv53cm3n/m412476/
It costs around $1,200, but that is on the lower end of what panel ready dishwashers of all brands seem to go for. You can get it at Home Depot.
Your local library will certainly carry Consumer Reports Magazine. Our library also has digital copies that I can access from home.
Consumer Reports tests appliances exhaustively, and in ways I’d never think of. I have always been very happy with the appliances I have bought that were on their Recommended List.
Our previous dishwasher was Bosch, it was good. When it broke and my trusted engineer advised that it’s better to buy another one, I found a good deal of Miele. There is no comparison, Miele is much better. It is not panel-ready, but I couldn’t miss the deal :). When the engineer was connecting it, I mentioned that it would be nice if it was panel-ready, because we are planning to redo the kitchen. He said it would work with washing machines – you can buy a panel-ready one and use it without the panel. With a dishwasher it might be tricky, as the door opens down to the floor, and the eight of the door is calculated to keep it down when open. This includes the weight of the panel. Without it the door would spring up. But maybe it is possible to put a temporary DIY panel.
We have a Bosch dishwasher and love it (had one in our old house, and “luckily” I didn’t have to wait long for the installed GE dishwasher to break in our current home so I got another Bosch). I especially love the quietness of our Bosch dishwasher. I also have a few Miele products: a 2011 upright vacuum, a new 2025 stick vacuum, and a 2025 Miele refrigerator (the existing 2008 GE refrigerator AND the replacement 2016 LG refrigerator both quit on us). We couldn’t be more pleased with our Miele products, and I will definitely check out Miele the next time we need a dishwasher.
I am so glad you are painted the console. That’s what you wanted to do in the first
place. You really could have left the original legs and the shelf on and just painted it.
Think how much work that would have saved you.
Good luck moving forward. Seems like the plumber needs to come after the sink is fixed so he can just hook up the dishwasher while he is there. Are you getting a garbage disposal? He could hook that up also. But I’m like you, I want that sink cleaned out, then the garbage disposal, then the dishwasher.
Sure glad you have gotten your “mo-jo” back in gear. You just were not yourself.
Good morning, Kristi.
Don’t so much focus on the brand of dishwasher, so much as what you want it do to. I prefer clean AND quiet, as we have an early-2000s open-living area; I don’t want to hear the dishwasher if I’m watching a movie, or listening to music.
Also, not gonna lie, I’ve been craving simpler appliances, so if there IS a pre-owned quiet and clean dishwasher, why not save yourself the money and purchase one of those?
We replaced the Samsung dishwasher we had for 13 years with a Bosch 800 Series about a year ago. I have been very happy with it. It cleans beautifully and is so quiet. Without the light shining on the floor, I wouldn’t even know it’s running.
Bosch – super expensive, but you will love using it and it just works!
Also – Bosch are so quiet that you need to look at the light projected on the floor to see if it’s running. Bonus for open plan or broken plan layouts.
For those who wonder about new Bosch – mine is about 2 years old and I love it!
Have done GE and kitchen Aid in the past and had continual issues. Our Bosch, although more pricey outright has saved us a ton in the long run. Love it, cleans amazingly from a quick 60 minute wash up to a longer sanitizing wash.
One other twist you might want to consider about the dishwasher: A small “countertop” or “portable” dishwasher can be very handy for a 2-person household. I handwash any big skillets but everything else fits in our little dishwasher and I run it once a day. (It’s full rather than 2/3 empty like a standard washer would be.)
I’ve had an Edgestar dishwasher for approx 12 years. It runs perfectly well but recently it’s been difficult to push the “on” buttons. You’ll see in the attached picture (https://photos.app.goo.gl/dA2ihPm82mu1oU2q7 ) that I cut holes into the button covers so that I can directly push the little plastic switches. Also, the paint job isn’t great; I did that when I originally bought the dishwasher and should have done a better job with the primer.
I didn’t want it to sit on the countertop, so installed it in a normal dishwasher-sized opening, on a shelf about halfway along the height. The space below it is used for our cat dishes which is a nice bonus.