Anne's Retirment

Since 1986 Bathroom City has gone from strength to strength, continually expanding even during the country’s economical climate.

Even when other companies have been forced to downsize their workforce, Bathroom City has always and is currently looking to grow the team further.

Unfortunately, even when striving to provide jobs for the local community and remain at the forefront of the bathroom market, Bathroom City is having to wave goodbye to one of its longest serving employees.

Anne McGuire has worked at Bathroom City’s Amington Road showroom as a sales advisor for the last 24 years, and throughout her time has made a wealth of friends and gained many stories to tell.

One of the most outrageous being the time she floated along a ford to work! Anne is renowned for being punctual but one morning she was made late for work because her taxi drove into a ford.

Despite the vehicle being waterlogged, Anne still followed correct procedure and made a phone call to fellow Bathroom City employee Paul telling him she’d be late.

After being rescued from the ford, Anne made it into work, stuck her soaking tights on the radiator and carried on with her day.

Anne and her Bathroom City family

“Anne came in carrying my sandwiches, even though they were soaking! She just got on with her day as normal…never clocked in though!”

Bathroom City gave Anne the send off she deserved on Sunday, having a get together at a local social club.

Anne was overwhelmed with the party and it was great for Bathroom City staff to get together outside of work for a drink or two and see Anne off in style.

Our beloved Anne is now retiring to spend more time with her husband and start work in her home and garden.

Good luck Anne and thank you for the memories!

Red Nose Day Video

If the images weren’t enough then here’s the video of our trip to Kingshurst Academy.

As you can see our traditional freestanding bath with ball and claw feet acts as the perfect gunge tank and helped raise over £6,500 for Red Nose Day; a great result!

Enjoy gunging with a luxury twist courtesy of Bathroom City… 

Red Nose Day at Kingshurst Academy

Today we attended Kingshurst Academy for their Red Nose Day Festivities.

The day consisted of plenty of activities with the finale being the gunging of two teachers in one of our freestanding baths we donated!

We’re proud to say we were a part of the £200 raised for the charity and had a great day watching the teachers drenched in gunge.

The pictures really speak for themselves, so enjoy!

Red Nose Day

At Bathroom City we love to get involved with charities and with Red Nose Day rapidly approaching, the festivities in our office have stretched to a local college!

This Friday we’ll be attending Kingshurst Academy, Birmingham with one of our freestanding baths so students at the college can gunge their teachers after a day of fun activities.

We’ll be filming and taking pictures from the event, so no doubt you’ll get to see a few disheartened teachers swimming in a bath of gloop and gunge in our follow up blog post, on Facebook and Twitter; so stay tuned!

Christmas 2012

We're all getting into the festive spirit here at Bathroom City. Throughout the year we may appear to you as simple web pages, articles and nice bathroom pictures...but we are in fact real people!

Take a look at our Facebook album and don't forget to like our page for exclusive offers and links to various articles regarding bathroom design.

The Spy Bathroom

This bathroom in Milwaukee is part of a spy-themed bar called 'The Safe House'. 

Amazingly, a trip to the toilet in this place could lead to a full blown adventure, as the bar hosts a maze of twists, turns, misleading doors and hidden passages.

You eventually reach your destination behind a fake bookshelf where you must provide the secret password...Not for the weak bladdered mind you!

Check out the full article here. 

Movember Summary

As you may have seen, Bathroom City took part in Movember last month and managed to grow some pretty ridiculous facial hair in the name of charity.

As well as raising awareness we also managed to raise just over £50 for men’s health issues thanks to our Facebook and Twitter campaigns.

We’d like to say a big thank you to those donated. Roll on next November for more moustache fuelled antics!

Check out our gallery of pictures from the month...

As Movember Ends Our Sale Begins

Our Movember adventures are finally at an end, each one of our staff growing ridiculous facial hair in the name of charity (and secretly because they wanted to).

Finally we can shave off these itchy manifestations and finally becoming socially acceptable after 4 long weeks. Fortunately we managed to raise a bit of money for charity, so it was all worth it. Thank you to those who donated!

You’ll be pleased to here that we’re now launching our end of year sale which goes right through until the end of January!

We understand that nobody wants the hassle of installing a bathroom so close to Christmas and so provide a service which enables you to hold your products for up to 3 months with just a 20% deposit.

So, if your thinking of a new bathroom for the new year then Bathroom City is certainly worth checking out, offering you the best brands at the best prices and with a few vouchers to help you along the way. 

Please make sure you Like our Facebook page for further exclusive offers over the festive period.

http://www.facebook.com/Bathroom.City

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Bratwurst, Bullring and bathrooms! Come and pay us a visit the Christmas

Birmingham has a lot offer, especially at Christmas time. The hustle and bustle of the German market, scoffing Bratwurst, drinking mulled wine in the street and enjoying all the trinkets each stall has to offer, really epitomises festivity for most Brummies.

People travel from far and wide to experience Birmingham’s German market, as well as the wealth of shopping the second city has to offer, including the Bullring, Mailbox and Jewellery Quarter.

With so much to see and do, we don’t want our customers missing out, and have devised an ingenious way for you to spend Christmas in merry Brum. If you’re looking to make a purchase in the new year, Bathroom City has an offer to help you.

Firstly, our January sale begins December 15^th so you can get the new year’s prices right now. Secondly, we can hold your bathroom suite for up 3 months with a small 20% deposit. Finally, were offering a three different vouchers to help with your purchase, simply follow the link, print them off and bring them in the store or site the reference over the phone.

We’d love you to come visit us and make your Christmas shopping experience complete with a new bathroom for your new year, plus we’ll play your petrol with our gift vouchers – come an experience Birmingham in all its festive glory – Bratwurst, beer, Bullring and bathrooms!

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Bathroom City Movember! Please Donate!

At Bathroom City we are always up for a bit of fun, especially if it means raising money for charity.

In an attempt to “change the face of men’s health” Bathroom City have got involved with Movember this month, and our team of staff have managed to grow some epic facial hair.

Sporting a range of styles including the English gent, biker and street urchin/tramp, each member of our staff (with the ability to grow facial hair) has made a gallant effort to look like a bit of a prat this month in the name of charity.

Of course without sponsors our efforts will go unrewarded so we are now looking for your help. Please check out our Mo space, and Facebook to donate to a great cause.

Also, every 10 new Facebook likes we get the “Facebook fund” (our boss) will donate £5 to Movember, so get liking and sharing!  

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Bathroom.City

Mo Space: http://uk.movember.com/team/910465

Soma to run Birmingham half marathon for Cancer Research!

Soma has now lost the moustache for a more aerodynamic look

Long serving Bathroom City staff member Soma Pillay is running his eleventh marathon this Sunday for Cancer Research.

Soma has worked at Bathroom City for 9 years and we are all supporting him in the 13.1 mile trek around the heart of Birmingham.

Keen runner Soma, has competed in 10 previous marathons and is hoping to raise as much money as possible this Sunday October 21^st for Cancer Research – a charity very close to his heart since his uncle passed away.

The marathon will be televised on channel 5 and donations can be given through http://running.cancerresearchuk.org/. Please give generously and support Soma!

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Japanese Toilet Technology: the future?

Like when Bin Men refer to themselves as Refuse Collectors or media students call themselves freelancers, the Japanese toilet provides a top of the range function for a job which is pretty dull and thankless.

A rather thorough control panel, but what does it mean?

If you’ve had the pleasure to visit Japan you may have noticed their technology seems fair in advance to our own, similarly, you may have noticed that the toilets display a range of functions which could be deemed slightly pretentious.

We are all aware of what the standard procedure for a trip to the toilet in the UK entails and it’s pretty simple, but on exploring the delights that Japan has to offer, it seems rather prehistoric in comparison.

On encountering one of these technological marvels, after performing the ‘simple bit’ you are then left with a control panel of options, with each button displaying an undecipherable symbol.

With, your most sensitive areas at stake it may seem rather daunting which to press first; single square? Line of dots? Two lines of dots? Each symbol evoking a mass of confusion, you settle for one at random and are treated to a jet of water followed by a blow dry!

Nice? That technology maybe slightly shocking at first but at least it serves a purpose and it’s not too far from the common bidet; bar the fact a bidet doesn’t take you by surprise. Let’s move on to some more interesting technological advances in Japanese toilet tech.

The Otohime, or ‘Sound Princess’ is a technology that could only be pioneered by the Japanese. Ever been in a situation where, under no circumstances can passers by hear your toilet activity? Whether a poor diet or painful exit is to blame, Japanese ladies have to endure this rather embarrassing feat day in day out.

The Sound Princess: activated by movement or frantic waving

The Sound Princess provides a rather unconvincing flushing sound to mask the fact that you’re producing some of the most humiliating sounds the human body is capable of; saving water from extensive flushing and saving your integrity.

Moreover, in the words of George Orwell, ‘Big Brother is watching you’ and the next piece of technology we discovered could be deemed indecently ‘probing’. Through innocent eyes, the idea of a toilet examining your outgoings for blood pressure, body fat and sugar levels, and sending them straight to your doctor, is an in genius invention which will allow us all to live long a bountiful lives.

On the other hand, if the doctor can gain your information, then potentially the authorities can, and nothing could be worse then being arrested for a crime you didn’t poo!     

So next time you look down at that ever confusing control panel after devouring six trays of sushi and a pint of Saki, remember what may lurk beneath, and just stick with the bidet.

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Treat Your Partner with a Romantic Bath

They say romance is dead. We say romance is only dead if you kill it: so why not try and keep your love life alive by adding a small gesture in the bathroom area…a romantic bath.

Nobody wants to be seduced while surrounded by limescale covered taps, dirty marks around the bath or last weeks pants lying on the floor. To create the perfect romantic setting it is crucial that the bathroom is not only free of grime but also free of clutter, in the words of Jerry Seinfeld: “Tub is love”, meaning, if you’re cleaning the bath before your other half is coming round, you must be in love with them.

Not too hot and not too cold is the key ingredient. Nothing could be more of a mood killer then getting in a bath which makes you sweaty and uncomfortable or a freezing cold bath which gives you pneumonia. Make sure you don’t run the water too early and risk it getting cold: you don’t want to be standing in awkward silence desperately trying to get the water to optimum temperature.

So far we’ve covered the basics: clean, check, bath run, check. Now it’s time to add the romance. If you have an understanding of what aromas that tantalise your other half’s senses then add a concoction of bath salts and oils to suit there needs, by this we mean lavender and plant oils to relax; if the only aroma you know your partner enjoys is the smell of sizzling bacon please don’t feel the need to add it to your romance potion, think therapeutic. Also, add bubbles, bath beads, even the age old formula of rose petals to make your bath a visual delight.

It is not just the inside of the bath which needs decorating, try adding scented candles around the bath and switch off the lights for a truly romantic vibe. You could also add a bath pillow inside the bath to make it more comfortable, you can get a bath pillow for under £5 from a decent retailer: a small price to pay for such a nice gesture.

Sound good so far? Why not try adding a bit of music? Of course, the sounds of Motorhead is not an appropriate choice when sinking into a deep warm bath, but a bit of easy listening can go a long way, and you will have your partner in heaven until their fingers turn to prunes.

End on a high. Don’t leave your partner wondering aimlessly around the house naked trying to find a clean towel; make sure there are towels and a bathrobe waiting for them afterwards.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our brief guide: there is much more you can do to personalise your partners romantic experience, add alcohol, massage etc, just customise it to their tastes and put some thought into it and let romance blossom!    

Don't forget to like our Facebook page for news updates, pictures, videos and general banter: http://www.facebook.com/Bathroom.City?ref=hl

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Toilet Books

What exactly is a toilet book? For some reason, embedded into our culture, is the idea that some literature is simply absorbed best while on the loo.

What separates these books from the rest we don't know, but why not check out comedian Stewart Lee's take on the infamous 'Toilet Book'?

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Bathroom City’s beginners guide to cocktails

We agree that a sumptuous hot tub or whirlpool bath can be the perfect luxury after a long hard day at work. As hot bubbles rise and massage your muscles, there really is no better way to unwind. With all this heat though, isn’t it right we accompanied a Jacuzzi with a delicious cool drink? Hot tubs can be enjoyed alone or with friends, either way, a few cheeky cocktails are always a delicious and sometimes eventful accompaniment to your Jacuzzi experience: so this blog is aimed at those who like the richer things in life…A beginners guide to cocktails.

Mojito

The word Mojito rolls off the tongue, makes you sound cultured and is often ordered abroad after a few drinks purely for the name rather than the taste but, if your not totally inebriated, you will discover that a Mojito is actually a refreshing beverage and more than worthy to join you in the hot tub.

2 parts white rum

1 part lime juice

Top up soda water

10 mint sprigs

1 part ice cubes

1 lime slice

1 table spoon of sugar

Long Island Ice Tea

Often over shadowed by more glamorous cocktails, while drinking abroad, the Long Island Ice Tea is very refreshing, and although the phrase “I got smashed on Long Island Ice Tea last night” is not often heard uttered around holiday resorts, the delicious half sister of the quintessential English cupper packs quite a punch.

½ part gin

½ part white rum

½ part tequila

1 part vodka

½ part triple sec

Top up cola

Dash of lime juice

Dash of lemon juice

5 ice cubes

1 lemon wedge

Dash of sugar syrup

Margarita

A simple classic which is often the culprit for the occasional holiday disaster but even more often the instigator of great times as well as being pretty damn tasty to boot.

1 part Tequila

1 part Triple sec

1 part Lime juice

Salt

Pina Colada

Again, another cocktail usually purchased to make you feel more exotic, the Pina Colada, when enjoyed before your taste buds haven’t been destroyed by an insane concoction of Belgium lager, Sambuca, Absinthe and Bombay Saphire (maybe not the latter) is actually a delicious concoction of coconut and pineapple.

2 parts gold rum

1 teaspoon cream of coconut

Dash of cream

3 parts pineapple juice

1 orange slice

Screaming Orgasm

The Screaming Orgasm is the wild card, certainly not a cocktail classic and has a slightly risqué name which hopefully doesn’t cause any offence to our readers, but it is worth mentioning due to its simple ingredients which can be found in any self respecting drinks cabinet.

1 part vodka

½ part Kahlua

1 ½ parts Bailey’s Irish Cream

That concludes our brief guide to cocktails, remember ‘parts’ can be judged on whether you wish your Jacuzzi experience to be pleasant or for you to be paralytic. Drink safe and enjoy the tub.  

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

You’re Bathing Wrong?

For a healthy and happy life you must get an education, find a partner, earn lots of money and wash everyday, right? Wrong! Well, the first three maybe but the latter is scientifically bad for you.

Yes, although it is encouraged by your family and piers from day one, it is actually better for your body to give a shower a miss from time to time; it could potentially lose you friends, but on the other hand it is healthy, here’s why…

Bathing daily scrubs off a protective layer called ‘horny’ (this blog is not a joke or lie). The horny layer protects our living cells, and by getting rid of it, you increase the risk of disease; we say disease but it’s probably mainly acne; which is also not cool.

Here’s for the worst part, showering does not actually get rid of bacteria, it simply moves the little guys around so you may end up with bacteria from let’s say a ‘less heavenly’ part of your body on your hand or better yet, your face.

We’re not saying resort to one shower a week because it’s socially unacceptable, will lose you friends, and possibly get you beaten up: but, once or twice a week you need to give your skin a rest from constant vigorous showering.

A great way to preserve your horny layer is to use only a small amount of soap when showering, using moisturiser and air drying yourself rather then rubbing with a towel. Yes, swanning around your house naked in front of the neighbors or housemates may be frowned upon, but at least you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your beloved skin is forever horny!

At Bathroom City we offer a huge range of shower heads with various settings that could help you preserve you skin, keeping you vibrant and healthy.

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

Save the Planet: Buy a Toilet?

Let’s face it, as a race we’ve got a lot to feel guilty for, almost everything we do destroys the atmosphere around us. Of course it’s almost impossible to live in modern society and be eco-friendly: you certainly can’t cycle everywhere, not use deodorant (well some do) or do your business in a hole in the ground.

We’re all for free-thinking and having an open mind but when you roll up to your friends wedding on a bicycle, smelling like a bin and wearing a sack: you will lose friends, rapidly.

There is a solution to ridding the guilt of what scientists call the ‘human footprint’ or what others call ‘path of destruction’, and it can be done through your least suspected possession; the toilet.

Put the spade down! We’re not asking you to start digging your very own pollution potty; we’re talking about eco-toilets.

Eco friendly toilets come in all shapes and sizes, from realist additions to contemporary toilets to WCs which may lose you more friends then the previous ‘cycle and sack’ analogy. We’ll start with the most unrealistic purchase for your bathroom suite.

The ‘Squat’ Toilet

An example of a public Squat Toilet

Not so sure whether these are eco friendly or just bad craftsmanship but this elegant play on the ‘hole in the ground’ can be found all over the world, in particular in Africa.

The toilet does exactly what it says on the tin: squat over the hole making sure the weight is on your heels as to prevent any messy accidents, do your business and then flush using a pale of water.

Oh, and bring your own toilet paper, and a bag to put that in because if you throw toilet paper down it you will block it and potentially upset an entire community.

Composting Toilet

The Composting Toilet can be used in a modern home

Again, another eco-friendly alternative is the Composting Toilet, which combines a two vault system which allows all of your brown gems to decompose over a period of 6-9 months.

 Why two we hear you cry? The toilet system works as a cycle, so as one ‘composts’ the other is a free chamber for public use and urine and wash water are funneled to evaporative plant beds outside.

After every use the toilet requires a cup of wood ash to be thrown down it to help the composting process and stop it from smelling: the best bit is after 6 months you can fertilise your garden!

Dual Flow Systems

We agree that the above should probably be reserved for the third world and really keen gardeners, but there is a way you can help the environment with a simple, affordable purchase.

Come and check out the Rak Series at one of our showrooms 

Toilets operating with a ‘dual flow’ cistern limit your water use and save you money. With a simple press of one if the toilets two buttons you can choose whether your ‘business’ deserves a half or full flush.

We have a huge range of eco friendly toilets in our Bathroom City showrooms such as the Rak Series, which offer the choice of a guilt ridden, 6 litre or an eco-friendly 3 litre flush. Start saving the planet now and take a look!

www.bathroomcity.co.uk

World’s most expensive bathtub.

If you're contemplating splashing out on a new bath, and have whopping £530,000 to spare, you could soon be soaking in the world’s most expensive bathtub. 

The crystal bath is cut from a ten-tonne Amazonian stone and weighs more than 2 tonnes when full. It's on sale at Harrods in London and was designed by Luca Bojola for Italian interiors company Baldi. 

Taking months to carve, the 2m-long (6ft 6in) bath is the most expensive tub on the market.

Hands up who wants one!

Bathroom Royalty

With the Jubilee bank holiday coming up we decided to celebrate all things 'royal' by bringing you a selection of decadent, regal bathrooms to get you in the spirit.

Take a look at this link (below) and give which ever room you like best a 'LIKE'. 

Bathroom Royalty Vote

Recycling?

We're all for recycling but surely this is going a bit too far?