apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

anyone from portland, or on this site? my best friend (since 4th grade, sniff) just moved to portland, and her shower...er...has no shower! it's just got a spout for the bathtub! (she's in the dorms, but it's apparently like an apartment) when i lived in France, a lot of people didn't have a spout for the bath, plus a built in shower head, but some sort of attachment that you could either hold it in your hand and rinse off that way, or pin it up to the wall in some way. does anyone know if this will be too much work, or something she can get at a hardware store and hook up herself?

Thanks!!

*didn't have a shower, just a spout for the bath - sorry, sinus infection has me a little confused

err - sorry about all that mess - hopefully someone understands what i mean!

Elizabeth, There are several versions that would likely help. First though, she needs to be sure that her walls will handle the typical shower spray/splatter. Other than that take a picture (or rough sketch) of her plumbing to a local plumbing supply store and ask for suggestions. There are add-a-showers units with rigid poles, or change out of the faucet so there is a diverter valve to which she could attach a hand-held shower, or even the old fashion rubber thingy over the tub faucet with the rubber hose and shower head -- an ugly but perhaps economical temporary dorm option.

Does anyone know of any weekend artist fairs or similar events where I could look at local, handmade wall art (paintings, prints, photographs, etc) for my apartment? I like online communities like Etsy and such but much prefer seeing pieces in person. Budget is $300 or less. Thanks!

briankoenig - are you in the bay area?

-open studios can be a good choice. different neighborhoods all throughout the bay are open at different times throughout the year.

-in December CCA will be having it's annual holiday sale. there are lots of different media in a lots of different price ranges. I've paid anywhere from $20 for a painting to $250 for a print.

-as the holiday seasons approaches keep an eye out for trunk shows, I've been to the one at the SF Center for the Book and have found some really nice letterpress cards and prints.

-I know there are countless other shops and smaller galleries in the Bay Area that showcase local artists, but I'm blanking on any specific names right now.

Yes I live in Walnut Creek and work daily in the city, so those are great ideas! My problem is discovering local places...I have trouble differentiating between a true small local gallery and a more "upscale" place where I can hardly afford to get in the door :). Do you find out about trunk shows by posted flyers, or websites?
Thanks for all your help! :)

E,

It's funny you mention the bathroom debacle. I lived in Uni Housing for almost 2 years (and indeed they are apartments, not dorms) here in PDX with a bath only. (If your friend is curious, I lived in Parkway, on SW Park & Market.)

There are options, but they're silly *and* against the rules. I'm not one for rule following, but... Those plastic tube showerheads? Don't really seem to go far, in my experience and in those charming (and old) buildings, most who have tried to use them end up causing serious water damage to already-thin walls. And then when you call to get that fixed, you get smacked with a huge fee. ;)

My best suggestion is to make bath time as lovely as possible. Think about water consumption, and bathe every two days (or just shower at the gym after your workout). I had a basketball hoop with a bath-approved foam ball in the tub, a stereo nearby, a shower curtain i loved, and twinkle lights... Oh, and designate some kind of cup the bath cup for pouring water down the backs of clean-shaven legs and the like.

After a short period of time, you get used to baths. ;)

Ooohhh! I'm headed to San Francisco this afternoon and just found out that I'll have tomorrow free. If you who live there had one afternoon to browse one area with great small shops, where would you go?? Help!

hannaht - If you're looking for a good mix of clothing and houseware shops (plus some excellent eateries), I recommend checking out Hayes Valley. The Mission District would be second on my list.

hannah, do you want clothes, or home decor?

for clothes and home, there's Union St and the Fillmore, for shoes and less expensive clothes, the Haight, for upscale and cutting edge clothes and home dec, Hayes St, and there's my fave, Polk, but it doesn't have as many shops as those aformentioned.

Is anyone checking out the DWR warehouse sale this weekend? I've heard they're a crapshoot in terms of quality/selection...

dollarvines - If you're planning to go to the DWR warehouse sale, GET THERE EARLY. The lines are usually long, the selection often picked through if you don't get there early. I personally haven't had good luck at these sales.

man you guys are great - i wish i had checked back here sooner!

so SoutheastPDX - you can't change the faucet to one with a diverter? she also said the water was yellow - ick (mine was red with rust in my old apt here in alabama..so...i understand her pain) so i told her about those filtering ball things you can get. i'll send her the link here.

thanks!