If you own a Summer home by the ocean and/or with a pool, it can be a treat to have an outdoor shower for rinsing off the sand and chlorine before you enter your home. Granted, it's a luxury, and a hose would do just as well. Some would still prefer to wrap up in a towel and shower indoors, though. If you could afford it — as well as a Summer home or home in a warm climate — would you like to have an outdoor shower?
Photo by Tim Street-Porter for Elle Decor
It's not only wedding season, but it's also the season for showers! Over the weekend, I attended my first baby shower of the year, and I hate to say it, but the party was awkward. No alcohol was served, and the hostess proclaimed that since the guest of honor "couldn't have any fun and drink, none of us should." This declaration definitely put a damper on the mood, and I wondered what the other guests thought of it. Instead of dwelling about it, I decided to get your opinion. Is serving alcohol at a baby shower a do or don't? Moms: was wine served at your baby shower?
I live in a rental with a curtained shower and absolutely love my shower curtain, but I do covet the open feeling a glass-enclosed shower offers. They're also pretty easy to clean — just a spritz and you're done, and there's no moldy curtain liners to wash. Glass showers have an undeniably modern look, though, so they don't suit all styles. Which do you have?
The other night I caught myself saying, "There's nothing quite like a hot shower." Yikes — what's happening to me? Have showers become the highlight of my existence, the pinnacle of pleasure? A typical shower for me consists of doing a usual routine under a blazing hot waterfall of water — certainly for more than the recommended 10-minute time limit (to prevent dry skin). So what's so wrong with my technique? If it makes me happy, it can't be that bad, right?
Well let's start with the pros about taking hot showers. A hot shower can warm you up on a cold morning, relax you after a workout, and calm you before bed. It also acts as a natural decongestant to relieve cold symptoms. The hot steam will moisturize your nasal passages and if you're running a slight fever, a hot shower can help break it. And if you have a powerful showerhead like mine, the hot water will soothe stiff muscles and relieve a stiff neck.
But what about cold showers? Here's why you may want to turn down the temps.
Annie from BellaSugar recently shared this picture of a shower from her hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland. As you can see, she was treated to a myriad of shower jets for her daily ablution. Tell me, do you have something similar at your home?
The Bay Area climate is almost perfect for an outdoor shower — though its long rainy season makes the concept of one rather redundant. When I've had the opportunity to partake in outdoor showers while at vacation stays, I've never passed it up. There's something so serene about showering under a blue sky.
What about you? Is this something you long for in your own home, or could you happily go without?
Readers, get excited: since I shared the invite and party plan, I wanted to show you how the actual event turned out. It was the first time I hosted a bridal shower and although it took some effort to put everything together, I'm happy to report it was a success! Here, you'll find all of the delicious details.
Photos Courtesy of Erin Arago
One of my best friends is getting married, and I am a bridesmaid in her wedding. Thus, I have the wonderful pleasure of planning her bridal shower! It's going to be a simple, but elegant affair that reflects the bride's crafty, down-to-earth sensibility. Before I can even think about the menu and the decor, I must get the invites sent. I've created these purple and cream invites using a printer, a stamp, and an embosser.
Follow my step-by-step photos to learn how I made them.
A neatly cleaned shower can be covered in water spots and mildew in no time. Instead of continuously scrubbing down your bath with harsh chemicals, give it a good clean and then maintain it with a squeegee. That's right, the same tool that gets windows and windshields sparkling clean can also do wonders when it comes to sprucing up a bathroom. Pick up a simple tool such as the iDO Pearl ($8) and use it every time after you hit the shower. It only takes seconds to squeegee it all down, and you'll notice that the tile and glass need to be cleaned far less frequently than before. It'll not only save you time and money, but it's also an easy eco-friendly way to keep things fresher, longer.
If you are planning a bridal shower, don't overlook brunch. It's a great time for a laid-back, female-oriented affair that's sure to be enjoyed by all ages. Last weekend, I attended a friend's bridal brunch and I was so impressed with the menu that I snapped photos to share with you. The three hostesses served an assortment of breakfast and lunch foods buffet-style. They combined homemade dishes with store-bought food. Then they threw in wine and lush floral arrangements to create an elegant, welcoming atmosphere.
To take a look at the spread, which can easily be re-created in your home, keep reading.
