Why remodel a bathroom?

Remodeling a bathroom is very much like renovating a kitchen, as the bathroom is a key part of the home. Old homes have bathrooms rarely larger than 5 feet by 8 feet. Investing in older homes can be tricky if it is grade 2 listed or it has tricky or awkward spaces. Lower ceilings and beams may result in bespoke showering areas at reduced widths and a more compact bathroom suite. The reason people choose to remodel a bathroom is largely due to the fact it will increase the resale value of the property. If the location of the bathroom is the same this will help the process as pipework etc will already be in situ to work with. Any radical changes to the layout will have to be considered carefully if it involves any large structural changes.

 

The cost of a bathroom remodel

Remodeling a bathroom can be costly and one of the more expensive projects you will ever do. This largely depends on the amount of work you wish to carry out and the budget in which you work too. A complete bathroom remodel project will cost around the same as a small car, if not more depending on personal preferences. If money is an issue you can always update the bathroom with new faucets and accessories to update a traditional design. Hiring a contractor for larger design projects can increase the overall cost, so take this into consideration. The best steps when finding a reliable plumber/contractor is too listen to friends and family’s recommendations. Always ask for samples of there work so you can see their workmanship.

 

First Step – Clean and Unclutter

Before anything the best option is to have a good sort through the bathroom. Clean the bathroom and rid yourself of any clutter and tired elements of the bathroom design. This will give you a clear definition in your mind of what you want to achieve. Consider the best storage solutions in the bathroom especially if you have plenty of toiletries and a small space.

 

Energy Efficiency

Traditional homes which have not been modernised in any way are not as energy efficient as newer builds. A bathroom remodeling project enables you to add all those energy efficient measures like lighting, windows and ventilation fans. Larger bathroom projects may result in opening walls which will give the opportunity to add insulation and air sealing materials which will benefit the whole house. Bathroom suites that offer pop up wastes and water saving features will create a more eco-friendly bathroom design.

 

Research the options

If it is a large remodeling project consulting with professionals may help you to realise the bathrooms full potential and how you can maximize the available space. The internet is a valuable tool so use it to gain design ideas and prices.

 

WDBathrooms

 

Many bathroom suites offer matching toilets and basins so the design can tie in together. Sometimes people wish to replace the basin but not the whole suite, this is a simple task once you know what to look for. Measurements are important to double check before installation, even if you have an existing sink the same size, especially when ordering from a different manufacturer.

Counter sinks with vanity units are extremely popular giving you the advantage of valuable storage. Manufacturers such as Twyford bathrooms offer consumers the opportunity to purchase a combined unit from their exquisite bathroom suite ranges. Bold lines and square edges are popular choices with basins such as the Rak Ceramics Mistral Range creating a statement to an otherwise traditional bathroom setting. Manufactures of minimalist basin designs such as Aquaplus specialise in producing unique ceramic basins, which can be slightly more costly than a standard basin.

Semi-pedestals were introduced to the market in order to save space in en suite and smaller bathroom sizes. Full pedestals can look amazing so long as the bathroom is large enough, as bulky designs can sometimes appear a little intrusive. The trend in today’s modern bathroom is too have a mono basin tap rather than two traditional basin taps. The plumbing components will have to be purchased separately so take into the consideration both the basin and plumbing supplies you will need. The final step is too search online and select a basin right for your requirements and within your budget.

Heated towel rails are the modern equivalent of creating a focal point in a bathroom. They are both practical and stylish, offering a place to store and warm your towels, as well as creating a design feature for your bathroom. Designs derive from sleek polished chrome with sweeping curves, sharp geometric lines or three dimensional models and blend together creativity with exceptional design.

Towel warmers, or radiators, are available in a variety of styles to suit your bathroom styling. Gone are the days where a towel warmer is a standard, boring necessity in your bathroom, and here are a range of modish radiators which will add an element of class to your bathroom. Due to the increased surface area a heated towel rail creates over a conventional radiator, they are also more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Hudson Reed are the leading manufacturer of brassware and have a huge range of high quality items, ensuring that your bathroom products are a real investment for the future and built to last. Plus, there is no reason why if you move house you cannot take your beautiful towel warmers with you, to form a chic addition to your new bathroom. Their broad selection of contemporary heated towel rails unites style and striking modern designs to complement your individual flare and make a unique statement about your bathroom d?r.

The selection of designer towel warmers from Hudson Reed are the epitome of modern elegance. They have innovative styling that creates a statement in its own right, whilst retaining efficiency and functionality. Their designer towel rails come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit every taste and preference, and will turn your bathroom in to a luxuriously warm environment. Models include tube on tube, circular, grid and flat construction. To fit your designer Hudson Reed towel rail, their minimalist radiator valves offer a discreet solution and are supplied in pairs.

At the other end of the scale, Hudson Reed Traditional Towel Warmers are full of the ambience of yesteryear. Their fabrication will highlight and be sympathetic to other traditional features in your bathroom, creating a habitual haven with undertones of contemporary features. Most towel warmers in their range are available in either chrome or gold, allowing you to match them to other brassware in your bathroom. To fit your traditionally-styled radiator, Hudson Reed have traditional radiator valves, supplied in pairs to tie in with the design elements of the heated rail.

Bathroom radiators’ power is measured in BTU. BTU is the standard means of measuring output powers in a heated towel rail, and stands for British Thermal Units. Radiators are also shown in watts, the conversion of one to another equates to 1 BTU measuring 3.412 watts. For more information on the best BTU for your bathroom, consider the size of the room to heat, a smaller room will require a smaller BTU, or consult your plumber for advice.

When updating the heated towel rail in your bathroom, it is important to replace the valves also, and ensure that they match the design, colour and fitting of your new radiator. Valves, like taps, are available with different designs of handles, which can be chosen to mimic the design of your taps and shower handles. They are also available in either a straight or angled fitting, which will dependant on the style of radiator that you choose. Also, radiator valves are available in wither a traditional on/off mechanism, or a thermostatic one, which allows you to choose the level of heat emitting from them, and can be altered in accordance with your central heating system and seasonal changes.

Heated towel rails can also create a means of securing other radiators in your house from thermostatic inefficiencies and costly surges. If you choose a radiator without a thermostatic valve, if the heating system malfunctions, this can create a means of venting any excess heat created by your boiler, thus preventing other radiators in your house from malfunctioning and generating expensive bills.

A towel warmer or radiator should always be ideally fitted on the coldest wall of your bathroom, often the one with the window on. This will depend on other existing fixtures in your bathroom, but a window or external wall is optimum. By fitting to the coldest wall you will increase the efficiency of the radiator, as heat will emanate equally throughout the room.

When you have chosen your beautiful addition to your bathroom with a new towel warmer, you will desire for it to retain its original appearance. To care for the outer surface of your new radiator, never use any corrosive or hazardous products, such as aerosols on the surface or in close proximity of the radiator. The radiator should only be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. This will ensure the longevity of your bathroom radiator.

There is a wide variety of shower systems available but your choice will be largely governed by your household water system.

Mixer shower

The simplest form of shower is the bath mixer shower, where a mixer tap is connected to a hose and shower attachment. The water temperature and force is controlled by the hot and cold taps on the mixer unit. Although this system is inexpensive and has the advantage of not needing any additional plumbing, the water pressure is affected by water being used in other parts of the building.

Power shower

A power shower uses a powerful electric pump to increase the rate of the water flow to the showerhead from the water cistern. Due to the fast flow of water you must ensure the waste pipe is large enough to drain the water from the shower tray, as it will receive around 27 litres of water a minute. It is recommended that a 50mm (2in) diameter waste pipe be installed. A power shower is not suitable if the water is supplied from a combination boiler under mains pressure

Electric shower

Supplied as a wall unit it uses an electric element to heat the water. The unit is plumbed into the cold water supply and powered by its own electric circuit connected to the consumer unit. You must notify the local building control department that you are carrying out the work and the new electric circuit must be checked by a professional electrician to ensure it complies with Wiring Regulations (BS7671).

Manual and thermostatic mixers

A manual mixer shower is a wall unit where the hot and cold supplies feed a single valve. Manual mixer systems usually have a single or dual dial control. Controlling the volume of water and the temperature is achieved by adjusting the dial or dials. Although more expensive, a thermostatic mixer shower has a built-in stabiliser that prevents the water running too hot or too cold.

A shower tower

A tower unit combines the thermostatic mixer shower with a series of adjustable jets. The unit will also be equipped with a fixed showerhead and a hand-held spray attachment. A tower shower can be installed over a bath but it is more likely to be fitted into a shower cubicle or wet room. For a tower shower to work efficiently a ceiling height of 2200mm is required and a pump may be needed to increase the water pressure.

Installing a shower cubicle

Let us take a look at installing a shower cubicle fitted with a manual mixer shower.  When deciding on the location of your shower cubicle, you will have to consider several important factors:



The distance between the bottom of the cold water tank and the showerhead must be at least 1 metre for adequate pressure. A distance of 1500mm is preferable. If there is not adequate room, it may be possible to raise the height of the water tank or have a booster pump fitted.

If the shower is to be supplied direct from the mains supply a return valve must be fitted to the mains supply pipe, so shower water cannot siphon back into the cistern.

The position of the waste pipe and location of the water supply pipes.

The pipe work running from the shower to the hot and cold water supply will need to be recessed in a wall.

The walls incorporated into your shower cubicle must be sound enough to have shower screen support channels fixed to them and be lined with ceramic tiles.

If building stud walls as part of the shower cubicle it is advisable to use moisture-check plasterboard or even cement-boardas both these materials are ideal for areas of high water usage.



Having decided on a position for your shower cubicle that allows access to the waste pipe and water supply pipes, make a plan indicating the position of the showerhead and the route of the pipe work from the shower to the supply pipes. From this you will be able to calculate the length of 15mm diameter piping needed.

Fitting a ceramic tray

Shower trays can be made from acrylic, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), resin or ceramic. Resin and ceramic trays are installed on a bed of mortar. Acrylic shower trays are fitted with adjustable legs and as they are higher off the floor than solid trays, it is easier to connect the waste outlet to the waste pipe, as it may not be necessary to remove a section of flooring. Fitting a ceramic tray:



Place it where it is to be installed and draw around the tray, also marking the position of the waste pipe on the floor.

Remove the tray and using a jigsaw cut away a section of the floor big enough for the shower trap.

Just outside your outline of the tray, remove another section of floor to give you an access point for the plumbing work.

Make up a PVA solution consisting of 5 parts PVA to 1 part water. Spread this over the tray area outlined on the floor and wait for it to dry.

Mix up some mortar and spread the mortar over the tray area. Having screwed the trap to the waste outlet, bed the tray into the mortar ensuring it is firmly positioned and level. Allow the mortar to dry for at least 24 hours.

Using the access hole, reach under the floor and attach the shower trap to the waste pipe.

Waterproof silicone sealant should then be applied along the edges of the shower tray where it meets the wall.



Fitting the shower

Every shower will come with its own instructions, which you should follow. But we can offer general guidance for installing showers. Every installation will vary according to the model of shower and its location but the basic plumbing method for fitting a manual mixer shower is as follows:



Mark the desired positions of the showerhead and mixer unit on the wall of your cubicle. These can be either fitted flush to the wall or recessed. If the mixer is set back in the wall, remember you will need to have a removable panel to gain access to the controls.

Isolate the water supply.

The supply pipes can be set back into the wall then plastered and tiled over, but in this case the pipes must have a waterproof covering and be fitted with service valves, which must be accessible.

As you route the pipe work from the shower to the hot and cold water pipes you will need to join lengths of pipe together. There are several ways of joining lengths of pipe together (see joining pipes), but the compression joint is one of the most simple and effective methods.

If possible avoid using elbow joints at corners as these can affect the flow of the water. Instead bend the pipes using a pipe spring or pipe-bending tool.

Connect the pipes to the controls and attach the showerhead. Turn on the water and check for leaks.

To avoid standing water in the shower tray seeping back into the supply, the shower hose should be threaded through a retaining ring fixed to the wall of the shower cubicle.



Once your shower is installed and all the plumbing work completed, you can tile your shower cubicle using waterproof tile adhesive and grout (see ceramic wall tiles). Remember you will need to gain access to the service valves. Additionally, the bottom row of tiles should overlap the lip of the shower tray against the wall to ensure your cubicle will be watertight.

Adding the shower screen

Shower trays come in different shapes and sizes, so the number of panels making up the shower screen will depend on the type of shower tray you have bought. Shower screens are usually made of either glass or acrylic. Glass shower screens must be made of 4mm toughened safety glass and conform to BS 6206. We are taking a look at a basic shower screen arrangement that has a square tray fitted into the corner of a bathroom/shower room, allowing for a two-piece shower screen comprising of one partition screen and a door entering into the cubicle. These are general tips: always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.



Taking one of the screen support channels place it vertically against the wall at the shower end of the tray and mark the position of the ***** holes.

Carefully drill pilot holes through the ceramics tiles. Then the holes and ***** the support channel in place.

Fit the screen into the channel so that it rests on the rim of the shower tray. With the screws provided secure the screen through the side of the channel.

Fix the second support channel vertically to the other wall. This channel will hold the frame in which the door to the shower cubicle will be fitted.

The frame of the partition and the door will meet in a right angle at the corner of the shower tray. Use the fixings supplied by the manufacturer to secure the two frames firmly in position.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fix the door into position ensuring that it opens and closes smoothly, in addition to providing a water tight barrier when shut.

Finally, apply silicone sealant to all the joints between the framework, walls and shower tray.

Find common questions people ask when planning a baby shower answered below.

Who should host the baby shower? Traditionally, only non-relatives are supposed to host a baby shower — co-workers, church groups, friends etc. However, it has become more common and acceptable for mothers and sisters to host showers too. It is also perfectly acceptable for more than one person to host a baby shower. The only one who absolutely should not host a shower is the expecting mom herself!

Who pays the bill? How much should the host spend? Usually the host/hosts will pay for the cost of the baby shower. This is when it might be nice to co-host a shower with someone else. How much you spend depends on a variety of factors such as whether you will serve a full meal or just hors d’oeuvres, what kinda of cake you will have, where you have the party, what type of games and prizes you plan on (if any), whether you give out favors and how elaborate you are with decorations.

Who do I invite? How should I invite the guests? You will likely have some idea of who you want to invite to the shower, but it is always a safe bet to run the guest list by the mom-to-be (or a close relative or friend if the shower is a surprise) to ensure you haven’t left anyone out or invited anyone they rather not be present. If the shower is not for a firstborn, you may want to invite only those close to the mom-to-be or those who have not attended previous showers. Guests can be invited via a phone, e-mail or a written invitation. Written invitations are the most popular way to invite guests mainly because serve as a great reminder for the guests and they allow the hostess to give guests a taste of what the theme will be. You can purchase pre-printed invitations or make the invitations by hand. No matter what type of invitation you use, be sure to include important information such as the date, time and place of the shower, if there is a theme you would like the guests to follow, whether the gender of the baby is known or if gifts should be neutral, where the mom-to-be has registered and a map or directions to the shower.

Should the men be invited? This really depends on what type of shower you are planning. For the most part, guys likely will not be interested in playing traditional “shower” games, eating cutesy foods and talking about pregnancy and childbirth. However, a shower can be a special event for expecting dads as well as moms if they’re done with women and men in mind. If the party is not a surprise, be sure to check with the mom-to-be as to whether the dad (and his friends) would enjoy a baby celebration. If she agrees, go from there. If you are including games at your shower, be sure to make them “men friendly? and have plenty of food available for your male guests. It would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for the new dad — a book on fathers and children, an “I love my daddy” bib for the baby, or maybe a frame Dad can take to the office to display a new picture of his baby!

Should I invite someone who has recently miscarried or is dealing with infertility? While your friend may not want to attend the shower because it would be too painful, she may feel even more hurt if she isn’t invited at all. Gently ask your friend if she would feel up to coming — no pressure. Assure her that it is OK for her to decline the invitation if a shower is just too difficult for her.

Where should I have the shower? Showers are normally held in the home of the hostess. However, you can certainly host a shower at a favorite restaurant or banquet hall — it really all depends on what atmosphere you are looking for and how much money you want to spend.

When to throw a baby shower? Showers are normally given before the baby is born, generally a month or two before the mom’s due date. It’s a good idea to give the mom enough time following the shower to shop for items she didn’t receive, yet wants to have before the baby arrives. And of course you don’t want to hold the shower too close to baby’s due date in case he or she makes an early arrival! Another option is to hold a “welcoming shower” a few weeks after the baby arrives, particularly if guests want to bring gifts specifically for a boy or girl. This is also an option if there are special out-of-town relatives (baby’s grandparents, for example) that are coming post-birth and would love to attend the shower but cannot arrange two trips.

Should the baby shower be a surprise? Surprises can be fun if they are the kind of thing the expecting mother usually enjoys. If the shower is going to be a surprise, you will need the help of those close to mom to find out her needs and wants for the baby. You’ll also want to plan the guest list carefully, checking it with a relative or friend to make sure you haven’t left anyone out who is close to the expecting mom or invited someone the new mom would prefer not be there. Although surprises are nice, throwing a baby shower that is not a surprise is obliviously much easier to do. It gives the hostess a chance to review the menu and guest list with the new mom and allows the mom to register for baby gifts and let the hostess know her preferences. No matter whether the shower is a surprise or not, keep in mind that it is for the mom to be! Make sure she has a comfy chair to sit in, someone to hand her gifts, her favorite foods, and plenty of help getting the gifts to her car and into her home. After all, it’s her special day!

Should a baby shower be held for a couple whose adopting? A baby shower is a wonderful way to help new parents welcome an adopted child into the family. Before the shower, talk with the mom about what items she needs for the child. Also, be sure not to host the shower too early so that the parents will be welcoming the new child into their home. If the adoption does not go as planned, the shower can add to the new parents’ heartache.

Should baby showers be held for the second, third, fourth, etc.. baby? Many believe a baby shower should only be held for the first child. However, it has become more common for baby showers to be held for every child whether it is the first or the tenth. After all, each child is special and deserves special recognition. Parents will appreciate some new clothes for baby, especially if they are having a different gender child from their other(s). At the same time there are probably various new baby products that weren’t around when they had their first child. If you feel that the parents-to-be are all set with baby gear and clothes, you can give them the gift of your time. New moms will certainly appreciate a gift of babysitting, your assistance with household chores or a home cooked meal. It’s also a nice idea to give something to the parents for themselves such as a gift certificate for dinner at a restaurant or tickets to a movie (with babysitting provided of course). You can also give mom something she can use to pamper herself or something that will make her feel special such as spa products, a sweet treat, a robe and slippers or even a piece of jewelry. How elaborate you would like to be with the baby shower and gifts is up to you.

When should the mom-to-be register for gifts? If the mom-to-be intends on registering, she should do so about a month before the shower. This allows the host to send the registration information along with the invitations. Some women think the whole idea of registering for gifts is rude because you are telling your guests what to get you. Truth is, registering saves a lot of frustration for the mom-to-be, the hostess and the guests. Not only does it prevent duplicate baby shower gifts, but it also allows the mommy-to-be to receive gifts she both needs and wants. Remember…you can suggest to your guests that the mom-to-be has registered somewhere, but whether or not they actually follow the baby registry is up to them.

Some time ago a majority of the people take care of the interiors of the house and its ornamentation but did not give much value to the bathroom. Still, now the trend has fully bartered. People have understood that a bad-looking bathroom in your house impaires the integer beauty of the house. Therefore, nowadays the interiors of the bathrooms have become an important part of interiors set and the most neglected space in the house is getting similar concern for designing and set as the other rooms of the house. This difference in the trend lends a stylish and good look to the total house and increases the saleabling rate of the house. Observing this odds, people who got aged bathrooms have begun renewalling their bathrooms to make it look better that blends with the integer furniture of the house. Therefore, demand for bathroom maker and bathroom accessories makers have skyrocketed.

Innovative Notions of Bathroom Manufacturers Initiates. Output of Designer and Fashion Accessories from Bathroom Accessories Vendors

The market requirements for fashion bathroom as consistent with stylish accessories has created a big market for the bathroom manufactures and the bathroom accessories manufacturers. The market has become so competitive that the bathroom vendoms have to come up with progressive notions and innovative designs if they want to prosper their business. In the same way the bathroom accessories makers have to manufacture stylish and designer accessories in compliance with simple but catching accessories to make the demand of all kinds of buyer in the market. The job of both the producers is quite composite so they have share themselves into dedicated territories. Some attend of home bathrooms, some of the commercial sector and the others meet the inquiry of multiplexes, offices, and shops. This helps the manufacturers to be innovative and provide full redress to their acquirers. The makers have introduced special offers of discount pockets to attract customers who got old bathrooms.

Furbish Worn Bathroom to a New Bathroom with Up-to-date Bathroom Design or with a Modern Bathroom Furniture

Renovating the total bathroom requires a good sum of money, time, and energy.

Therefore, most of the people dodge the renovation work until it does not turn to simply necessary to undertake the work of building a new bathroom but the profitable offers given by the vendors is appealing a lot of people towards renovation of the aged bathroom. But, if you think that you have the restraint of time and finance to avail the motions do not worry. You can just give a modern sight to your bathroom exclusive of undergoing such a stress and test of renovation. You can just give a new view to your old bathroom by appending some ultimate design fashion accessories and add a modern bathroom design to your old bathroom. The modern accessories will not only give a modern view to the bathroom but will also help you to maintain basic sanitary condition in the bathroom. Swapping the aged bathroom sink and installing a new bathroom sink of the ultimate style and design will surely make the bathroom look cool.

Designing a bathroom according to ones own ballot with the support of tiles or blooms or any other up-to-date goods is not just fun but forwards in giving a singular touch to the bathroom furniture that assorts with the designing and interior of the other rooms in the house.

Eye-Catching Bathroom Interior formulated with Bathroom Furniture Design and Analogous Bathroom Furniture Decorating

The bathroom interiors have come a lengthy way from being the white carrel to a modern exclusively designed and decorated portion of your home. A tastefully designed bathroom interiors furnished with all the latest accessories has become the main appeal of buyers. The first thing that the customers inspect while buying a house is the condition of the bathroom in the house. Consequently, bathroom interior design has profited lots of importance due to which people are using innovative ideas to swop an old bathroom or design a further bathroom and increment the ambience of the bathroom. Only designing the interior of the bathroom is not enough the furniture bathroom decorating is justly in chief.

If the interior decoration of the bathroom does not blend with the furniture designing of the bathroom then you will be necessary to get the modern view and the ambience that you had imagined. The bathroom interior decorating is not very expensive as you can just use some simple paint or wallpaper to decorate the walls of the bathroom and add some basic accessories to lend a special touch to the bathroom.

How did Baby Showers Get Started – Origin of Baby Showers

There are several different theories surrounding the origin of baby showers, but there really is no way of determining exactly when or where the baby shower originated. Some experts believe that baby showers, or the celebration of birth started in ancient cultures. This is evidenced by some data that has been found dating back to the ancient Roman and Egyptian times. However, where they did originate doesn’t really matter. What matters is that baby showers are a special event where people gather to celebrate a new life about to enter the world. Read More About Origin of Baby Showers.

Looking back at baby showers from a long time ago, the gifts that were given to the family were handmade, such as clothing, blankets and perhaps even some food items might have been given as gifts. In the early days, baby showers were normally given after the birth of the child when the baby was introduced to family and friends.

The modern day version of the baby showers began after WWII, and, for years, only the women were sent baby shower invitations to celebrate the approaching birth of a new baby. Nowadays, baby showers often include the father and other male members of the family and friends. These types of showers are often referred to as a couples baby showers or co-ed baby showers. Moreover, the baby shower was sometimes referred to as a welcome home baby shower, as the baby shower would have occurred after the baby was born and brought home. And, there are sprinkle baby showers for 2nd, 3rd and other children.

However, with the development of technology as it stands, Mom-to-Be can usually find out the *** of their child, which makes planning for a baby shower easier. If the Mom-to-Be have a large family and lots of friends, or just know that different people want to host a baby shower for them, then a regular baby shower can be thrown with possible another baby showers held afterwards, such as at the workplace.

With the development of baby showers, there has also been an evolution of the way to announce a shower party. Specifically, the personalized baby shower invitations can be theme-based or as elaborate or frilly as the hostess wants it to be. There are also baby shower announcements and baby shower cards that can be done instead of baby shower invitations.

Baby showers have evolved even more particularly when the new parents have adopted their baby, or they are having twins. Adoption baby showers and twins baby showers are specific themes and can be geared more towards the situation of the new parents rather than just having a generic baby shower. If this is the couples, second or third baby, known as sprinkle baby showers, are normally given.

Regardless of the kind of baby shower party given, having baby shower announcements or baby shower cards for the theme or type of shower party will set the tone for the shower. Additionally, custom baby shower thank you cards can be purchased to match the imprinted baby shower invitations.

The history of baby showers and the baby shower party has definitely evolved over time, making the baby shower of today a unique experience for the Mom-to-Be. Even if the *** of the baby is not known, the trend has been towards more unisex-type items so the host or guests cannot go wrong.

 

Hard Water Stains on the Bathtub :  Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to get rid of all marks. Don’t use on fibreglass bath tubs, it works a treat on cast iron and porcelain bath tubs!

Cleaning Chrome in your bathroom:  Use that left over baby oil to wipe away that entire residue with a clean cloth it works wonders, nice and sparkly once more!

Shower Tray not draining correctly : Invest in a Vortex shower waste to reach the trap in next to no time removing any unwanted hair in seconds.

Shower Head Cleaning :  To cure this common problem then soak the head in hot vinegar, leaving it to soak for 12 – 14 hours. Afterwards rinse it under some hot water giving it a thorough clean.

Get rid of moisture :  A good way of ridding your bathroom of all moisture is too hide away charcoal ridding your home of nasty smells and odours.

Toilet Cleaning :  Pour white vinegar into the pan and leave for one hour, after give your toilet a good wipe and flushing away. Simple.

Shower Enclosure Water Marks :  A shower blade can be an eco – friendly way to rid of all streaks and marks. A quick wipe can be a great alternative to spending hours scrubbing away.

Avoid Bathroom Mat Mess :  After every bath time hang your mat in a dry and high place to keep it clean and ready for the next bath time.

Baking Soda :  is a great way to save those pennies on expensive cleaning products and can be used on all sorts of bathroom items.

Get everyone involved: What better way to get a job done? Get the whole family involved in the cleaning of your bathroom, quick and efficient team work to make your bathroom shine!

Power of Showers

Showers will be more popular than baths with over 70% of people preferring showers over a long bathe. If there is enough space make sure at least one bath is still installed as people prefer to have the choice. Electric and Mixer showers are popular choices for a powerful showering experience.

 

Add a Bathroom

 

Adding an extra bathroom can be beneficial to a larger property. In a smaller house don’t just add extra bathrooms that may be a hindrance to the size of the bedrooms. Lofts are a great way to enhance your properties value by adding an extra bathroom it can increase your properties value by up to 9 per cent.

 

Accessorize

 

Replace tired and worn accessories, do not leave it for another year. Bathroom tap, showers and radiators are a great place to start. Tiny adjustments may make all the difference.

 

Less is more

 

Your bathroom décor is crucial, keep it clean cut and simple. White is the ideal choice keeping the space relaxed and fresh. Regrouting the tiles and sealing the bath again will add to the finishing touches that really count. When using paint select beiges and creams so that it doesn’t overpower the room and destroy the peace.

Bathrooms of 2009

 

Combining both natural and high-tech elements will be the main design feature of 2009. Waterproof televisions and whirlpool baths will be a great hit this year. Make sure you find the balance of both a minimalist yet simple bathroom design, remember not to overpower people with your personal designs. Bathrooms are a great investment for the future of your property.

 

The baby shower games played at a baby shower are usually one of the most memorable experiences during the pre-baby events. However, to ensure the baby shower games are successful there should be some thoughtful baby shower party planning, All About Baby Showers. Before starting the baby shower games, it’s a good idea to go around the room and have everyone introduce themselves and their relationship to the Mommy-to-Be.

Here are some of the more popular baby shower games you can play during the baby shower:

Guess Mommy-to-Be’s Tummy Size: You will need some string / yarn and scissors for this game. Have each participant pull the yarn to the size they believe would fit perfectly around the Mommy-to-Be’s center of her pregnant tummy. After everyone cuts their string, compare the results to the Mommy-to-Be’s actual tummy. Give a prize to the guest who is the closest! This baby shower game is an ole favorite and will be enjoyed by all.

Say “Baby”: You will need baby safety pins or another type of baby object you can place on a string for each guests at the baby shower as well as string or yarn, enough for each woman to wear as a necklace. Have each guest place the necklace with the baby safety pins around her neck when she gets to the party. The rules for this baby shower game are given at the beginning of the baby shower. Whenever someone says the word “baby” during the baby shower, any woman who calls it out gets a pin from the other woman who stated the word. At the end of the baby shower, the woman with the most pins wins a prize.

Naming Baby Items: You will need a pad of paper and pen for each guest. Have each guest write down as many baby products as they can name, such as bottle, blanket, pacifier, etc during a five minute period. This sounds easy, and IS at first, but during last few minutes, the participants will start racking their brains for more baby items. The guest with the most baby products named will win and receive a prize.

Make The Mommy-to-Be’s Baby: You will need baby magazines, scissors, glue and paper. Divide the guests into teams with each team having three members, and give each team some baby magazines. Ask each team to cut out pieces of different baby qualities and put together a picture of what they think the Mommy-to-Be’s baby will look like. Ask the Mommy-to-Be pick the baby she likes the best. Prizes will go to the winning team. This is another of the most popular baby shower games.

Guess The Gerber’s: You will need Gerber’s infant food, pads of paper and pens. You will need to take the labels off of the baby food jars and have the guests at the baby shower guess the food, i.e. carrots, peas, sweet potato. This game usually has ten different jars or more of different baby food. The winner is the guest with the most correct guesses.

Guess the Number of Safety Pins: You will need a lot of safety pins and a jar. Pass a jar full of baby safety pins around so all the guests can view it. Each guess will then guess the number of safety pins they think are in the jar. The one who guesses the closest wins a baby shower prize. This another baby shower game favorite.

Place The Baby On The Mommy-to-Be: You will need cutouts of a baby, tape and blindfolds. This is a version of Pin The Tail on the Donkey, a game kids love to play. Blindfold each guests and give them a paper baby to place the baby as close to the Mommy-to-Be’s tummy as possible. The one who gets closest to placing the paper baby on the pregnant tummy wins.

Bottle Races: You will need several baby bottles with milk. Have each guest take a bottle filled with a milk (you may substitute milk for another liquid) and **** the bottle as a baby would. The woman who drinks the most during an allotted time wins the baby shower gift. This is always a laughter filled baby shower game.

Baby Bingo: You will need pens and bingo cards. Before opening the baby shower gifts, number each baby shower gift on the box starting with one. If you know that 35 people will be attending the baby shower, pre-print bingo cards with numbers 1 through 35 and randomly place them on 35 cards. When the Mommy-to-Be’s decides to open the presents, she grabs the present she wants to open and reads the number out loud. As soon as someone receives bingo, they win the baby shower game and the baby shower prize.

What’s the baby item: You will need various baby products and a blindfold. A bag of baby items are placed in front of the Mommy-to-Be for her to take one item out at a time blindfolded and tell the baby shower guests what item she has in her hands. This is really fun baby shower game when you choose some crazy baby toys or products.

Complete the Baby Rhyme: You will need a book containing baby rhymes. The host will read out loud to all the guest a part of the rhyme, which is to be completed by the other women.

Baby Bingo: You will need pens and bingo cards. Before opening the baby shower gifts, number each baby shower gift on the box starting with one. If you know that 35 people will be attending the baby shower, pre-print bingo cards with numbers 1 through 35 and randomly place them on 35 cards. When the Mommy-to-Be’s decides to open the presents, she grabs the present she wants to open and reads the number out loud. As soon as someone receives bingo, they win the baby shower game and the baby shower prize.

How’s the Baby: Ask all guests to bring a baby picture of themselves before the baby shower. Have all the pictures in a collage and draw lines for people to fill in who they think the babies are out of the people at the baby shower. If most guests don’t know each other, just have the pictures of the mother, mother-in-law, sisters, and Mommy-to-Be. See how many people guess right. You can make copies of the baby picture collage to see how many can guess right.

Baby Scrambler: Another fun baby shower game is to choose 25 baby related items and scramble the spelling. For instance, pacifier can be changed to reiifpca. Ask the guests to unscramble the words. The one who gets the most right in five minutes receives a baby shower prize.

Name that Baby Song: You will need a pad of paper and pen for each guest. Have each guest write down all the songs that have baby in their titles, like baby love, Santa baby, one for my baby and so on. Allow five minutes for this game. This baby shower game can be made more difficult by asking who also wrote the songs.

Dirty Diaper Circle: You will need a diaper, chocolate and music player. Although one of our “dirtiest” baby shower games, it is one of the favorites. The host takes a diaper that has been “fixed” with warm chocolate in the right place and have the guests pass it to the person next to them is in a circle. When the host stops the music, whoever is holding the diaper is out of the game.

Pacifier in the baby’s mouth: You will need a blindfold, a baby picture and a pacifier drawing for each guest. Tape a picture or drawing of a baby on the wall and have the blindfolded women try to tape the pacifier as close to the mouth of the baby as possible. The one who gets the closest ones.

Blindfold Diapering: You will need a blindfold, baby doll (life size) and diapers. One of the funniest baby shower games. It calls for the guests to be divided into teams of up to five people. Each team has a doll, blindfold and diapers. The object is for each participant to place the blindfold on, take the current diaper off the doll and place the new one on while blindfolded. After the first person completes diapering, they run to the next teammate who places the blindfold on and has to do the same. The first team to finish diapering wins!

Baby Tic-Tac-Toe: You will need a large erasable board to use for the tic-tac-toe board, writing utensil, and baby facts. Baby shower guests are divided into teams and are ask to answer a question about a baby fact. If they get the answer right, they get to choose a space, like the classic tic-tac-toe game.

The baby shower games are a very important part of your baby shower. You want to do everything you can to ensure the baby shower games are enjoyed by all and are a huge success. Here’s some tips for ensuring your baby shower games are successful:

a. Be sure you have writing utensils for everyone

b. Wrap games prizes

c. Make sure to have extra prizes in case of tie games

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