When I was a kid we lived in an old farmhouse. The bathroom was quite tiny and contained a bath, a hand basin and a shower. The shower didn’t get much use because, quite frankly, it was yucky! Mice used to come up the drainpipe to get inside the house and it was really dark in there. Of course the dark gray paint probably didn’t help much.
Fast forward to our time in England. We only had a bath that we had to share. Bathing was a quick experience and not exactly relaxing.
In our house we have a bath and two showers. I’ve never had a bath, and I think we’ve lived here for seven years now. Mr. Munro likes to have a bath now and then, but we mainly shower and get to have one each. I love my shower, and I usually stock it with my favorite lavendar soap that I purchase from the local farmers’ market or some Lush soap (expensive but nice). I have a bottle of vanilla shower gel from the Body Shop and will sometimes venture into citrus territory. And yes, I’d better admit it now. I have long showers and enjoy every minute, not suffering a shred of guilt at the waste of water.
They say about 15 – 25 gallons of water is used during a five minute shower. (WikiAnswers) And a normal bath contains around 50 gallons of water, which means showers are more economical if you’re trying to limit water usage or have a budget.
Which do you prefer – a bath or a shower? Do you normally have a bath or a shower? What are your favorite must-have products? Do you have a rubber duckie? 
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August 10th, 2009 at 3:05 am · Link
Baths are for relaxing… like the lady in your pic. Not for getting clean, lol. Showers are for getting all the dirt off. So, I like both.
Showers daily, baths when I need to unwind.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:45 am · Link
Sorry, no rubber duckie. Most of the time shower, much quicker, but once in awhile on a weekend, I indulge in a bubble bath, with whatever Bath and Body product is at hand:)
August 10th, 2009 at 7:08 am · Link
I totally agree with Marianne — a good bath is for relaxing. A shower is a must everyday for cleansing.
I actually do have a rubber duckie, LOL. But my doggie got it recently, so he is no more…
August 10th, 2009 at 7:16 am · Link
I do love a bath for relaxing. But I usually take showers because of time limits. When I get to bathe, I do have a froggie sponge I use!
August 10th, 2009 at 8:18 am · Link
I’m a bath sort of girl.
I only have a tub in this flat, and while I can take a shower, it’s tricky not to flood the bathroom, so I decide for a bath most of the time except on hot summer days. And I love lavender bath oil.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:41 am · Link
I prefer the shower. But we have a whirlpool bathtub so in the winter, I like to soak in there and read. A nice way to unwind.
That shower in the old farmhouse sounds SCARY!!!
August 10th, 2009 at 10:01 am · Link
I was always a bath person until I had a child. Then I needed to get clean QUICK and switched to showers.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:56 pm · Link
In England, it was baths all the way but since we’ve lived in Oz I’ve only ever had showers. Sometimes I really miss not being able to have a lovely long soak!!
August 10th, 2009 at 10:38 pm · Link
Sandra – no rubber duckie for me either.
Helen – RIP rubber duckie. Baths are more relaxing, but you need to be more organized, I think.
Marianne – showers are definitely better if you’re in a hurry.
August 10th, 2009 at 10:42 pm · Link
Kaye – yes, showers are good if you’re in a hurry. I always feel cleaner after a shower too.
Gabriele – ah, I’ve used those showers that flood the entire bathroom. They’re not fun, especially when you try to get out and the floor is all wet.
Karen – I think I’d like a spa bath. Yes, I’m sure I would.
Jennifer – I imagine kids would make things difficult when it comes to baths.
Christina – None of the pubs we worked in had showers. It was always baths. I wonder why that is? Maybe it’s a space issue?
August 10th, 2009 at 10:59 pm · Link
I love bath products. Since my rheumatoid arthritis has gotten so bad I can’t get down in the tub anymore so I’m stuck with showers. Boy do I miss my long hot soaks.
Linda Henderson
August 10th, 2009 at 11:33 pm · Link
I’m sorry to hear that Linda. There’s no doubt that baths are relaxing. A warm bath before you go to bed is also meant to promote deep sleep so I hear. But I do have to come out in favor of showers. I think they’re great.
August 11th, 2009 at 1:10 am · Link
Love the Topic.
I usually have a shower. Time saver. But then there comes the time for a bath. Candlelit, a glass of wine, headrest, and lots of foaming, white glistening bubbles. Oils, scents, and soft music.
It’s a superb way to relax.
August 11th, 2009 at 3:54 am · Link
I’m a bath gal. I have to have one every night before bed to relax.
Hey, it’s not too bad on water consumption…not if you share it. *g*
August 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am · Link
I like a bath if I have the time to relax, shave my legs, etc. I usually shower because Emma is in the other room waiting for mommy to “hurry so we can go”. There are also times that Emma joins me in the bath (We have a two man tub, 65 gallon I think.) especially if we’ve been swimming and need to wash off, she loves playing in mommy’s GIANT tub.
Oh, and yes I have a duckie… it vibrates… need I say more?
Hugs!
August 13th, 2009 at 2:47 am · Link
Suzanne – a bath with all the relaxing things does sound nice.
NJ – true. Sharing does help with water consumption!
Amy – that sounds like an interesting duck.