Monday, June 25, 2012

Outdoor Shower Season!



Happy Summer!
Just got back from a long weekend at the beach with family and friends.
I know.  I'm lucky.  Really, really lucky.  Truly blessed.  
The weather was great, the water was perfect and the company was the best.

At the beach, Summer means outdoor showers, in the wonderful shower that Mr. Grand built.
We relish our showers under the eaves and the pine trees, 
delighting in the breezy fresh air and sunshine.
Here is how it works.

First, you go to the beach.  


Have a great day at the beach.  Swim, sun, snack, splash.
Get sweaty and sandy.




 At day's end, pack up and start the climb up Buzz Kill Hill.
Think about the deliciously cool shower that waits for you up at the top...



 Proceed across the lawn



Around the cottage 


Down the path




And back to the Shower!



 Open the door



and step inside....



 There's a mirror so you can check for sunburn....




And plenty of room so things stay dry.




 There is a seat in the corner and narrow shelves to hold sundries...




 And awesome hooks to hang all your things.



Lots of awesome hooks....




The shower head isn't very fancy but the water pressure is amazing 
and you can take it down and spray the sand off your feet, too!
We opted for this kind of shower head 
because the whole thing is easy to detach and bring in for the Michigan winters.




When you look up, you see blue sky and pine trees.  
The fragrance is heavenly.



 And in the late afternoon, you can see what we like to call "Jesus Streaks"
 the shafts of light coming down from on high.



It's come a long way from what was there when we first bought the cottage...




Construction of the shower floor and walls.
We had a french drain installed under the floor boards
to keep things dry and draining properly.



Progress!!!



The walls are up and the girls get busy painting...




The tops of the shower walls are capped with 1' x 4" boards made of Azek, 
a composite material that will not rot or warp or ever need paint.
Hopefully a fresh coat of glossy white paint every couple of years 
will ward off the elements and keep the shower fresh and inviting.



The finished project, complete with all new concrete and landscaping...


Just a little bit of heaven.....

Thanks for joining me on this tour.


Linking to:
Sundays Best Par.tay at My 1929 Charmer
Metamorphosis Monday at between Naps on the Porch
Tuesdays Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Cowgirl Up at Farmhouse Porch
Tutorials and Tips Link Party at Home Stories A to Z
Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage
Time to Shine Party at A Diamond in the Stuff
White Wednesday at Faded Charm
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Sizzle Into Summer at DIY by Design
All Star Blog Party at In The Old Road
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Time Travel Thursday at Brambleberry Cottage
Blog Hop at Adorned From Above
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence
Home Sweet Home Party at The Charm of Home
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Best DIY Project Contest of 2012 at Not Just a Housewife

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55 comments:

  1. I bet that is handy keeping some sand from getting tracked inside.

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  2. I love this idea! We are just in the process of adding an outdoor shower to the back of our house and you have given me so many great ideas on how to finish it. Thanks for all the great inspiration!

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  3. Love your story and pictures! Makes me feel like I'm there, and your descriptions are right on! See you on the beach!

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  4. An outdoor shower feels so wonderful! There's something so different about "outside" air, isn't there? A little like skinny-dipping!

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  5. Thank you for sharing your wonderful outdoor shower. Enjoy!

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  6. I would definitely agree, that is a little piece of heaven. I love that you brought this little cottage back to life. It is incredibly beautiful, even more so since I know you were responsible for how it looks now.

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  7. Your lake place is heavenly! And no nosy neighbors? Even better!

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  8. Oh my, I love your outdoor shower!! My hubby has been thinking about putting one in our backyard for when getting in/out of the pool to rinse off. I'm gonna have to show him what y'all did. Just love it!

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  9. Uncle Tom's Guy Viewpoint -

    Of course I remember outdoor showers from my youth as wonderful and refreshing and different. But I also remember trying to catch inappropriate glimpes of the young ladies who might be using the shower. Never saw much, just enough to keep hope alive.

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  10. I Love it SO much!! I am thinking I need tell my dad he needs to install one at his cabin!! :)

    Ashley
    projectbazaar.blogspot.com

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  11. It looks like a bit of heaven there. Love outdoor showers! Thanks so much for linking up to the All Star Block Party!

    Holly

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  12. Just so neat! Love the idea of the outdoor shower!

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  13. Oh, I've always wanted to shower outside! Your little cottage is so cute and the outdoor shower is just perfect! You must love it!

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  14. Love the outdoor shower. We recently looked at coastal property for a small cottage in Beaufort, SC. Every house we saw, I told my husband that we'd need to add an outdoor shower! A must have after a day at the beach with salty, sandy kids and/or dogs! Love your cottage!

    Karen @ ItsAllGoodHome.com

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  15. Oh my gosh... this is just a dream come true... what an awesome job of taking a fixer upper and turning it into a heavenly place to vacation... hey, forget the vacation.. I'll pack my bags in move in now...*smiles* Just lovely....
    Thanks for linking up with the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY!!!
    I love it! I'm a new follower...

    Carri
    simplydonewright.blogspot.com

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  16. Jim and I met on Cape Cod and his parents had a big outdoor shower too...not as lovely as yours though!

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  17. OMG...this you did an amazing job. I want one right now. This is such an inspirational post. Thanks so much for sharing! I would love it if you would link this to our What’s It Wednesday blog party. Hope you can join us!

    Paula, your newest follower
    Ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

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  18. This is so beautiful. I love outdoor showers. I have a Blog Hop, and I would love it if you would link this post. You can find it at
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/06/natural-hair-gel-and-wednesdays-adorned.html
    It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop.
    I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above

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    1. Thank you so much for linking with "Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop". Hope you link again this Wednesday.
      Debi Bolocofsky
      www.adornedfromabove.com

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  19. What a cute cottage and love the outdoor shower. Great job.

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  20. Perfect for returning from the beach. Love that it is white, so clean and fresh and the hooks are perfect so no dropped towel or clothes. Thanks for stopping by and I am following your blog now.

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  21. AWESOME!

    And your beach cottage is to DIE for - love it, congrats- you have worked hard to make it truly remarkable!

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  22. Love your cottage and the outdoor shower is just perfect ! How delightful and convenient for those sandy hot summer days !

    thanks for sharing,
    gena

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  23. You forgot to mention the peppermint shampoo!!!! To die for.

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  24. This is seriously amazing!! I just love it and your attention to detail really paid off. Are you taking reservations for house guests? ;-) Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

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  25. Everything is just perfect! Your beach home is so fantastic and the shower is beautiful! Love the fixtures and, well... everything! Sharing on our FB Page!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  26. Erin what a great job! I have been wanting one so bad. I love taking a shower outdoors!

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  27. OMYGOODNESS, this is a dream home. Love your shower...so perfect.

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  28. Wow, you did a great job! I love it!!

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  29. Outdoor showers are irresistible. Every indoor shower aspires to be as outdoors as it can be. Who wants to shower in dark closet? Better to feel sunlight on your skin.

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  30. so inviting!! Great job. Love your lake house!

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  31. Your lake house is soooo charming. I love how you think of every detail for comfort and coziness!

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  32. I enjoyed the pictures of the beach but when I took a look at that shower.....WOW! Now that is impressive. How wonderful to have a beach house.

    Dee

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  33. Love the shower and your beach house looks so cozy and charming.

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  34. Hey, I could do this with a bathtub. We only have room for a shower inside but this would be awesome to have an outdoor tub. Almost like having a Jacuzzi with out the jets.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  35. Oh how I would love to have an outdoor shower!!! It looks delightful! I see you are in Michigan but I don't remember which lake. We are 2 blocks from Lake Michigan. have a great 4th, Laura

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  36. Erin, Your cottage and landscaping are absolutely lovely!! And the beach - gorgeous! I think I'd have to stay there all summer.
    I'm happy to be a new follower and hope you'll stop by, Mary Alice

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  37. Erin, If the weather would permit, I would be an outdoor shower girl everyday! I love the feeling of... well, freedom! Your new shower is just gorgeous! Great hooks, candles, a little bench! And I think your shower head with the hose is perfect! I am green with jealousy and tickled pink for you too!!!!!
    Your beach cottage is darling... and so well cared for. Thanks for inviting us over!

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  38. wonderful and delightful....great job...Where is your delightful slice of heaven??
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  39. Beautiful! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  40. Erin,
    What a gorgeous cottage you have and the outdoor shower is the perfect addition! What a lovely place to clean up after a day of fun at the beach! I'm your newest follower and will be back often! Would love for you to visit me.
    Rebecca

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  41. Hello Erin, Love the photos - the beach scene is gorgeous! LOVE your outdoor shower - it is wonderful! Beautifully, discreetly built! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  42. I lived at the beach for years and would have LOVED having an outdoor shower. I keep trying to convince hubby we NEED one here on our farm. Unfortunately, he isn't convinced...YET. ;) By the way, I love your term "Jesus streaks," Erin.

    Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday.

    Happy 4th!
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

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  43. I love your place! so much charm and simplicity. Blessings!

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  44. Love the shower! Liking the hooks too. Where did you get them?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I got the hooks at Vintage Pine in Chicago.

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  45. Now THAT is the way to go! Love those painting smiles. That beach looks just heavenly, too. We are on the west coast of CA and don't have grass at our beaches like that so whenever I see it its just so pretty. Take care!

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  46. Beautiful! The shower is wonderful!

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  47. Oh wow. An outside shower is on my dream list. I love showers outside at the beach and this one is purely heaven in my mind! Thanks for sharing.

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  48. OMG!! I can only dream of having a place like this!! Just gorgeous.
    I love showering outdoors.

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