I was recently introduced to the concept of “Mug and Brush” saving from yesteryear. What is mug and brush shaving? It is exactly as it sounds; you use a mug and a brush. It’s a link to our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, and to larger than life icons like Frank Sinatra, JFK, and John Wayne.

My generation has been duped to believe that shaving consists of waking up late, rubbing cheap foam on our face, and dragging a dull razor over the skin. I have come to realize, with my experience using a mug and brush, that shaving should be slow and on purpose. All good things in life should take time. (There is a big difference from cooking a pot pie in a microwave and eating one that is homemade.)

Mug and brush shaving is very economical. The savings comes from longevity. Mug and brush, commonly referred to as “wet shaving” is very inexpensive, as compared to the now “traditional” form of shaving. A standard razor can cost between $8-$10, with replacement blades running $16-$22, with frequent replacing of blades. It can get expensive. A mug and bush kit, like Van Der Hagen, can be found at Wal-Mart for about $10. The kit includes a brush, soap, and a bowl. There are brushes that can cost up to several hundred dollars, but I do not see the benefit.

Safety razors, or double edge razors (known as DE’s) can range from a few dollars to around $100. One can usually purchase it online or at flea markets. The difference with a DE is that you are supposed to get a closer shave, and the razors themselves are not that expensive. Packs of razors can range from $5-$10, and last longer than typical “Mach III” razors.  (I have yet to aquire one as of yet, but I am dillagentlely searching for one.)

Lastly, it is the soap itself that lasts for several months, before needing to be replaced with a new one for just a few dollars. The soap actually helps clean your face and stimulate your hair, resulting in a closer, less abrasive shave.

I have thoroughly enjoyed wet shaving over the past month! I have experienced a closer, painless shave, which pleases Mrs. Porta. (Smooth skin=more smooches!) So I would encourage all of you to check out this throwback to the greats of the past. And maybe, you’ll get more smooches!

Ok, if you are like most people, you’re probably not happy with your bathroom. Whether it’s the out dated colors (avocado green or pepto pink, anyone?), peeling wall paper, or a dingy shower or tub that looks like one of your kids started a science experiment; there are hundreds of reasons that you are not happy. For me, it’s the nasty one piece fiberglass units. My house is barely three years old, and already my bathing units are pit-a-ful. (That is another blog in and of itself.)

So you have an ugly bathroom, what do you do? Well, the easy answer (which is not that easy) is to remodel. But, let’s be honest, remodeling can be expensive. According to www.realtor.org, the average cost for a midrange bathroom remodel in the south is $9K with the national average at $10.5K. The average cost for an upscale bathroom remodel in the south is $23K with the national average being $26K. OUCH!

http://www.realtor.org/archives/feature1dec05_bathremodel

Let’s be honest, in today’s economy that is not as feasible as it was two years ago. With banks and credit companies not lending, and with more people trying to get out of debt, it just doesn’t add up. Unless you when the lottery, you might feel trapped in your ugly bathroom.

There is also a catch 22 to remodeling your bathroom. As any real estate professional or contractor will tell you, kitchens and bathrooms sale houses. But what if you’re not in the market to sale your house? Or, what if your house is already on the market? As we all know, the housing market is still hurting and the last thing someone wants to do is sink $10-$25K in their house that is not going to sell.

So what is one to do?  No need to worry, I have combined a list of practical inexpensive ways to spruce up that bathroom!

• Clean the bathroom. That’s right, something as simple as wiping down the counter tops, organizing your cabinets, and cleaning your tub can do wonders to the environment.
  • Formula 409 is a great cleaner, but you can also get store brand cleaners. Target has a wonderful selection! Look for the Method® brand. I love the fact that they don’t smell like a house hold cleaner. They also have a great cleaner that is dye and perfume free.
• Buy Some Accessories. Splurging on a few bathroom items can add a new dimension to your “quiet” room.
  • Buy a new set of towels. Estimated cost $20-$30
  • Hang a new shower curtain. Wal-Mart has a wide selection of shower curtains to fit any taste. Prices range from $25-$200.
  • Add storage. From Cabinets, to free standing shelves, to space saving units, the possibilities are endless. Colors and styles are numerous. Prices range from $19-$200.
• Turn your bathroom into a spa. Forget Mr. Bubble; relax with some of these special items.
  • Take a bath with some bath oil or crystals.(Price range is a few $$.)
  • Get some candles.
  • Invest in a bath pillow.
  • Get a bath tray that will hold a glass of wine (or a beer) and a book. (One of the best inventions ever!)
• Get a new shower head. A new shower head may just be what the doctor ordered. Not only will it add new flare to your shower, it could be therapeutic too!
  • A simple thing you could do is remove the rubber gasket that acts as a water restrictor. Shower heads today come with one, to help ease the usage of water, and to save your money. Pish Posh, I say! After a long hard day, it’s nice to come home to a shower that has a hefty spray instead of a trickle that barely gets you wet. Simply unscrew your shower head and remove the little round rubber “O”, and you’re done!
  • Hand held showers are the rage now. It’s great for personal use, as well as washing the family dog. Or hosing down your husband after he answered you a little too honestly about the way you look in that dress. Prices can very from $50-$130 at Bed Bath and Beyond.

So there you have it. Those are some simple ways to make your bathroom into a retreat without breaking the bank. Keep tuning in for more! And, as always, if there are any “Daddy Warbucks” out there that want to sponsor me, you know how to find me!

Yes, you heard me right, my blog is about bathrooms. Why? Everyone goes to the bathroom, everyone has at least one bathroom, it is the single common thread that holds us all together. Democrat or republican, Christian or atheist, man or woman, Superman or Lex Luthor…well, you get the point.

This is not a blog on potty humor, or bodily functions, but about the most coveted room in the home; outside of the kitchen. It is a place of solitude, a place to relax and unwind. It is a place for us to prepare for the battle of the day, by girding our loins with deodorant and body wash. It is also a place to retreat and recoup from the daily riggers of life with a hot shower, or a warm bath. It’s place we can be alone with our thoughts and to read in peace and quiet.

My question has always been, if it is such a place, then why don’t we talk about it more often? Hence, the existence of this blog. Could it be that I, Jon Porta, was born for this very reason? Probably not, but I’m going to have fun anyway.

So please, stick around as I will be blogging about anything and everything bathrooms. From Remodeling tips, to bathroom safety, to what toilet paper is the best! (And hopefully, along the way gain a sponsor or two!) I am Jon Porta, and this is my blog.