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The truth about hotel bathrobes

<p>When the time comes to check out of a hotel, it is hard to resist the urge to search the room for any freebie items that can we can slip into our suitcase.</p> <p>Robes and slippers are the hotel items that cause the most confusion among guests about whether they can take them home without any consequence.</p> <p><a href="https://www.escape.com.au/travel-advice/to-steal-or-not-to-steal-what-you-can-and-cant-take-from-hotel-rooms/news-story/7fa7f374957edf51512c0c5dc62f4ed2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Escape</span></strong></em></a> has revealed that robes are off limits for most hotels and that guests will also be hit with an extra charge if one goes missing.</p> <p>Hotel bathrobes are laundered and then reused for the next guest.</p> <p>However, most hotels do not mind if slippers are taken by guests because they will not be used again.</p> <p>“Slippers won’t be used again,” explained Hotels.com marketing manager David Spasovic. </p> <p>“So you may as well stash them away for you to use on your next flight – they’re ideal for wearing on a long haul. Hold back on the robe though.”</p> <p>There are plenty other items that are up for the taking at hotel rooms, but it is important to make sure you don’t get too carried away.</p> <p>“The general rule of thumb is that if it can't be reused then it can be taken,” said David. </p> <p>“Miniature toiletries, shower caps, combs, disposable razors and toothbrushes. These are all goodies that can be swiped.”</p> <p>Pier One Sydney Harbour Hotel’s general manager, Kim Mahaffy said, “We expect guests to either use or to take consumable items, including soap. But preferably not two dozen from the housekeeping cart!”</p> <p>As a general guide, pillows, towels, robes, bed sheets and electrical items cannot be taken from hotels.</p> <p>But slippers, soap, shampoo and conditioner, tea and coffee and pens, are up for grabs.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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5 signs you need new towels

<p dir="ltr">Sadly, even if you have taken good care of your towels, there comes a time in every towel's life when they are no longer useful and need to be replaced.  </p> <h3 dir="ltr">5 signs you need new towels</h3> <p dir="ltr">Here are five clear signs it's time to say goodbye to your old faithful bathroom towels.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">1. No longer soft and fluffy</h3> <p dir="ltr">As your towels age, they will lose what you loved about them the most: their fluffy exterior. Once they lose that softness, towels start to feel stiff and scratchy. If this happens to your towels, it might be time for some new ones. </p> <p dir="ltr">Keep your towels softer for longer by following these <a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-wash-new-towels-the-secret-to-fresh-fluffy-soft-towels">towel washing tips</a>.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">2. Not absorbent</h3> <p dir="ltr">The purpose of a towel is to remove water after your shower. If you find that you have to dry yourself several times before you're actually dry, then it's time to say goodbye. </p> <h3 dir="ltr">3. Rips and holes</h3> <p dir="ltr">A more obvious sign that your towel has seen better days is it's starting to fall apart. Holes, rips and frays mean it is time for new towels.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">4. They smell</h3> <p dir="ltr">A smelly towel is not a good sign. Towels left damp for too long will develop a musty smell. Likewise, if you put them in the wash and forget about them, you will need to rewash them to avoid bacteria growth. If your towel starts to smell after only a few uses, no matter how you wash it, then there's a chance there are bacteria embedded in the fibres, and it's time to toss it out. </p> <h3 dir="ltr">5. They won't stop shedding</h3> <p dir="ltr">New towels will shed to some degree initially. Still, if your towels continue to lose fibres, it could be a sign of poor manufacturing. When searching for a new towel, ensure the cotton is pre-combed.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">How to recycle old towels</h3> <p dir="ltr">Thankfully, there are a few options for your old towels to avoid ending up in landfills. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-44898792-7fff-4d30-e9f8-f8b575f23d3e"></span></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The recycling program, Upparel will take all of your old towels (and other unsellable clothes), and recycle them into furniture and other bits and pieces. </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Call your local animal shelter and see if they need any old towels or sheets.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Alternatively, your local mechanic might appreciate some old towels and sheets to work with. </p> </li> </ul> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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The 6 best bath bomb recipes for every mood

<p><strong>Customise your bath bomb</strong></p> <p>Few natural remedies are as effective for hitting your internal reset button as a hot bath. By customising the bath bomb recipe below with a variety of essential oils, you can soothe everything from frayed nerves to achy muscles, says intergrative health expert Dr Tasneem Bhatia. Keep reading to see how.</p> <p><strong>Basic bath bomb recipe</strong></p> <p>Here’s what you’ll need:</p> <p>2 cups baking soda</p> <p>1 cup citric acid</p> <p>1/2 cup Epsom salt</p> <p>1 tablespoon almond or olive oil</p> <p>Essential oils</p> <p>Water</p> <p>Packing moulds (If you don’t have food moulds, ice cube trays, hollow plastic Easter eggs, or Christmas tree ornaments that snap open and closed will do.)</p> <p>Directions:</p> <p>Mix baking soda, citric acid and Epsom salt in a bowl. Add almond or olive oil and essential oils. Add water slowly (the mixture might create a small foaming reaction. If that happens, pour even more slowly). The mixture should be just moist enough to hold a shape. Pack mixture into moulds for a few minutes, then tap to release. Allow bath bombs to dry for about five hours. To use, simply drop one in the bath. Enjoy!</p> <p>Note: Bath bombs should be used within three weeks.</p> <p><strong>A bath bomb for when you’re feeling stressed</strong></p> <p>To soothe the senses when you’re stressed out, try a bath bomb infused with 10 drops of bergamot (use one labelled bergaptene-free) and 10 drops of clary sage. The citrusy-flower bergamot mixed with clary sage calms the nervous system and clears the mind.</p> <p>“Bergamot is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and its aromatic scent has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety,” says Dr Bhatia, echoing the findings of a review of studies published in 2019 in Food Science &amp; Nutrition. “Clary sage also reduces stress and acts as an antidepressant.”</p> <p><strong>A bath bomb for when you can’t fall asleep</strong></p> <p>Settle into a more restful state by creating a bath bomb that includes 10 drops of chamomile, 10 drops lavender and 10 drops mandarin.</p> <p>“Both lavender and chamomile are calm- and relaxation-promoting herbs, while mandarin is known to be calming and promote joy,” says Dr Bhatia.</p> <p><strong>A bath bomb for when your muscles ache</strong></p> <p>Soothe sore muscles with a bath bomb infused with 10 drops lavender and 10 drops rosemary, which reduces inflammation.</p> <p>“Lavender is calming, while rosemary is known to increase blood flow, helping muscle soreness,” says Dr Bhatia. For even more of a treat, add extra Epsom salt to your bath before you hop in. The magnesium sulfate works as a natural muscle relaxant, pulling fluid out of the muscles and reducing swelling.</p> <p><strong>A bath bomb for when you need a pick-me-up</strong></p> <p>Need a bath bomb to help you overcome that 3pm gotta-have-a-nap feeling on days you work from home? Add 10 drops grapefruit oil and 10 drops bergamot oil.</p> <p>Keep in mind: “Citrus oils can sting a bit so you have to be careful with them,” says Dr Bhatia. If the grapefruit-bergamot combo doesn’t do the trick, soak a cotton swab with peppermint essential oil and take a whiff whenever you need an extra zap of energy.</p> <p><strong>A bath bomb for setting a romantic mood</strong></p> <p>Floral scents like rose oil and ylang-ylang are great for setting the mood for romance, if only because “they’re soothing scents that promote calm and relaxation,” says Dr Bhatia.</p> <p>Try a bath bomb made with 10 drops of each. Add a pinch of vanilla for an added kick.</p> <p><strong>A bath bomb for indulging the senses</strong></p> <p>For an all-purpose bath bomb that will indulge the senses no matter the mood or the moment, try this fresh-floral mix: 10 drops rose or lavender oil, 10 drops of lemon and 5 drops of patchouli. “This is a combo of stress relief and a bit of a pick-me-up,” says Dr Bhatia. “Like many citrus oils, lemon is stimulating while patchouli and lavender are relaxing and provide skin relief.”</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-56b0ac19-7fff-a1c7-12e7-b424249a4680">Written by Juliana LaBianca. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/the-6-best-bath-bomb-recipes-for-every-mood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Taking the bath out of bathrooms - does your house really need one?

<p dir="ltr">Though there’s something luxurious about being able to unwind in the bath with candles lit, soft music or even a glass of bubbles in hand, when it comes to the debate over keeping a shower or a bath, is the luxury actually worth it?</p> <p dir="ltr">The answer to this contentious debate will likely depend on a few different factors, such as your life stage, the size of your home and even if you plan on selling in the future.</p> <p dir="ltr">For Aucklander Cameron Nicholas, the $200,000 cost to include a large standalone bath in his bathroom was a must, having had to bathe two young children without one for the past four years.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was a backbreaking nightmare, with me and my wife stooped over the shower trying to get them to stay still, one after the other, or squashing them like sardines into a tiny plastic tub," he told <em><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/bathroom/98833034/does-your-bathroom-really-need-a-bath" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff</a></em>. "My son used to say "I wish we had a big bath." </p> <p dir="ltr">After the renovation, Mr Nicholas was told by his local real estate agent the bath added at $100,000 to the home’s value - he also plans to never move into a home without one again.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For some, it’s not a necessity</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Though young families benefit from having a bath, there are other circumstances where it isn’t a necessity or could actually deter potential buyers, according to Barfoot &amp; Thompson sales agent Kari-Lee Haldane.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I wouldn’t worry too much if there wasn’t a bath,” Ms Haldane told <em>Stuff</em>. “For smaller units that may attract a young couple or a more mature individual, a bath is not always a plus.”</p> <p dir="ltr">However, she recommends against removing a bath already installed if your home has more than three bedrooms, since it’s an appealing option for families.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>The best of both worlds can still be risky</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you are set on having a bath, there are plenty of options in terms of size, design, shape and style - and you can even combine it with a shower.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, interior designer Nicola Manning said running with a combined option could compromise both.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you’re having a shower you have to step over the bath - this can be dangerous, especially for elderly,” she said. “You’ll have to use either a shower curtain or a glass screen which can often leak. And there’s limited choice available for shower bath options in shape and quality - most are acrylic.”</p> <p dir="ltr">If having a bath will hinder the functionality of your bathroom, you could opt for a quality shower instead.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Spend money on tiling, large glass panels, add a recess for products and twin shower heads,” Manning suggested.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>It all comes down to you</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Ultimately, deciding whether you want a bath or could live without one comes down to you.</p> <p dir="ltr">After considering your preferences, needs and any restrictions on space you might have, it’s also worth thinking about how often you’ll use it and how that affects its worth as an investment.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-05a86e22-7fff-7e0f-29f6-aa87af7561da"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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When was the last time you took a bath?

<p dir="ltr">When was the last time you had a bath? Does your home even have a bath tub?</p> <p dir="ltr">If you haven’t used it in a while, it’s actually quite interesting to ask whether your bathroom really needs it. </p> <p dir="ltr">Baths are perfect for parents with young children, to help them shower. </p> <p dir="ltr">Whether you’re thinking of moving house, it is possible that the potential new owners would prefer a bath. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, not every bathroom can have a bathtub because there is just not enough room.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bathtubs are also more prevalent in houses with three or more bedrooms.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you’re looking to sell, keep in mind that a bathtub itself does not exactly affect the value of the house, but is a preferred feature if the space is there. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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See the world’s 10 best outdoor bathing spots

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whiling away the hours soaking in a hot spring is a must for many travellers, and though we might not be able to travel now, these ten spots should be added to your travel bucket list.</span></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.qssupplies.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">QS Supplies</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has ranked the best hot springs around the world, with each location receiving a score out of ten based on reviews on TripAdvisor, social media mentions, the number of rainy days and other factors.</span></p> <p><strong>1. Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, Iceland</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843366/spa1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/43aed5804a8942679858bc914031165e" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Guide to Iceland</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Taking out the top spot with a score of 6.79/10, the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa offers warm waters containing minerals which both give the lagoon its name and are great for the skin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The water is drilled out of the ground, used to heat up fresh water that heats Icelandic homes at a nearby plant, and is then filtered and fed into the lagoon.</span></p> <p><strong>2. Travertine Hot Springs, USA</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843367/spa2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0e22ffb4c55e4263aa0bc48448c233c4" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scoring 5.39 out of ten, these geothermal hot springs are just outside the town of Bridgeport, California. The hot, mineral-rich waters are popular among locals and hikers, offering a stunning view of the surrounding sierras.</span></p> <p><strong>3. Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843368/spa3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/284afc518ecf44719a9cc2d135f81135" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, the natural thermal pools of Pamukkale in western Turkey have been visited for thousands of years.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mineral-rich waters have also caused stunning limestone cliffs called travertines to form over the last 400,000 years, with the nearby Greco-Roman city of </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/gate-to-hell-myths-confirmed" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hierapolis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> having been a popular spa town since the 2nd century.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>4. Hammam Al Andalus Baths, Spain</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843369/spa4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/757268114ffb4cf09b0a53920d612a20" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Hammam Granada</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After being closed for five centuries, the Arab baths in Granada, Spain, were restored and reopened to the public in 1998. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The baths feature geometric mosaics, carved columns, and vaulting ceilings, along with pools of varying temperatures.</span></p> <p><strong>5. Bagby Hot Springs, USA</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843370/spa5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7d1eba5520774e8b977b47743c16794b" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Forest Service, The United States Department of Agriculture</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nestled in among the towering firs of Oregon's Mount Hood National Forest, the hot springs are a secluded haven for nature lovers. The springs are contained in hand-hewn tubs and cedar plumbing. </span></p> <p><strong>TIED: 6. Chena Hot Springs, USA</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843371/spa6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/79a8852a7b29448c9c9a5e96c89aa4c4" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Chena Hot Springs / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Chena Hot Springs are surrounded by the icy Alaskan landscape and offer amazing views of the Northern Lights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The nearby Chena Hot Springs Resort is also home to the world’s biggest ice museum, featuring ice sculptures, an ice chapel, and an ice bar.</span></p> <p><strong>TIED: 6. Terme Di Saturnia, Italy</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843372/spa7.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8a4a10ce618d4c3e97e86e8571dec40c" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Discover Tuscany</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Terme Di Saturnia can be found in the central Italian region of Tuscany, with the most popular of the springs being the Cascate del Mulino - the “waterfalls of the mill”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mill that the site takes its name from is surrounded by rippling thermal pools, backed by a tranquil forest.</span></p> <p><strong>8. Termas Geometricas, Chile</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843373/spa8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/10c0251062d649d7bef81525ef36de62" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Termas Geometricas / Instagram</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With waters warmed by nearby Villarrica volcano, the Termas Geometricas hot springs are the largest complex of springs in Chile.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Temperatures range from 30-45 degrees across 20 pools surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.</span></p> <p><strong>9. Ma’in Hot Springs, Jordan</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843374/spa9.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8192d671d4594a3d8d9dc1021855e5e8" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Ma’in Hot Spring Resort and Spa</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Located near the eastern coast of the Dead Sea, the Ma’in hot springs are filled with waters with minerals taken from the basaltic mountains. With water temperatures reaching up to 67 degrees and a surround of waterfalls, the springs offer a change of scenery from Jordan’s dry environment.</span></p> <p><strong>10. Szechenyi, Hungary</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843375/spa10.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/352d3c2d24aa4999852afc6d57f84e8a" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Szechenyi Baths</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A large complex of baths fed by two hot springs, Szechenyi Baths are a popular spot for tourists and locals alike in Budapest for their medical and relaxing qualities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As one of the largest spa baths in Europe, there are 15 indoor baths and three outdoor baths for guests to choose from.</span></p>

International Travel

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'A daily shower isn't necessary': Bathing every day could increase your risk of infections warn experts

<p>Bathing every day could increase people's risk of infections, experts warn.</p> <p>According to infectious-disease expert Dr Elaine Larson from Columbia University, showering too often can reduce skin hydration, causing it to become dry and cracked, and allowing germs to enter.</p> <p>Most people bathe because they believe it reduces their risk of illness, she added, however, it does little more than remove body odour.</p> <p>Dr C Brandon Mitchell, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University, adds washing excessively strips the skin of its natural oils, which can disrupt 'good' bacteria that supports people's immune systems.</p> <p>“A daily shower isn’t necessary,” he added, saying that bathing just once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most.</p> <p>Dr Mitchell told <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://time.com/4259559/shower-soap-hygiene/?xid=time_socialflow_twitter&amp;utm_campaign=time&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank">TIME</a></strong></span>: “Your body is naturally a well-oiled machine. I think most people over-bathe.”</p> <p>Dr Mitchell also recommends people do not lather their entire bodies with soap but to focus on smelly areas.</p> <p>For people who are worried about their risk of illness, Dr Larson said people should focus on washing their hands frequently, as well as cleaning their clothes, which collect dead skin cells.</p>

Caring

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Why you should never take a bath at a hotel

<p>For many people, hotel baths represent the height of luxury. After a long flight, or busy day exploring the sights and sounds of a city, a hotel bath generally seems to be a logical enough first port of call when returning to your room.</p> <p>But many health experts are arguing this isn’t a good idea.</p> <p>Because while you sit back in your hotel bath, with a glass of wine and perhaps a good book, there’s a good chance that you’re not the only thing enjoying the warm waters.</p> <p>A study from travel logistics site <a href="https://www.travelmath.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TravelMath</span></strong></a> suggests hotel guests taking a quick dip are often also unwittingly sharing their tub with a stew of bacteria and cleaning chemicals.</p> <p>“We’re definitely not trying to scare anyone,” Emily Pierce, a manager at TravelMath, says.</p> <p>“We wanted to know just how many bacteria we could find on common surfaces in the hotel rooms.”</p> <p>Supporting this research is a study from the <em><a href="http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/microbiology/journal/12275" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Journal of Microbiology</span></strong></a></em>, which found the highest levels of contamination in a hotel were recording in the housekeeper cleaning implements like sponges and mops which clean the tubs, sinks and floors.</p> <p>So, what’s a weary traveller to do after a long day?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GL-4Woy94a0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>We’d suggest skipping the bath and booking a massage at the hotel spa instead. You’ll soothe any aches and pains, without having to share someone else’s bacteria!</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Do you think this will stop you taking hotel baths?</p>

Travel Tips

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Dog avoids taking a bath at all costs

<p>Tank, a dog owned by Ken Reid in Scotland, hates the bath and thinks he is clean enough to survive without one.</p> <p>Ken shared the video that reveals the lengths he will go to try and coax Tank into getting into the bath.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="600" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n1SUQ19Ne_0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>The dog is resistant to his owner’s instructions and proceeds to crawl along the floor before finally going into the bathroom.</p> <p>Ken can be heard in the video telling his dog off jokingly for his disobedience.</p> <p>“Stop looking so sorry for yourself, come here,” Ken said.</p> <p>“You are such a silly dog but you are stinky and you need a bath,” he said lovingly to his pet.</p> <p>The video has nearly 12,000 views on YouTube. </p>

News

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Best grandma fills grandson’s bathtub with colourful spaghetti

<p>Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do was have fun and make as much mess as you possibly could? Well, one doting grandma has indulged her grandson, named Dresden, in a very messy – and very fun – activity.</p> <p>Reddit user, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/confibulator" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">confibulator</span></strong></a>, shared the most joyful photo we’ve seen in a long time to the website of their son in a state of pure bliss. “What kind of person cooks 15 lbs [6.8 kg] of spaghetti in various colours, then uses it to fill a bathtub so a five-year-old can squish around?” they captioned the photo. “A grandma.”</p> <p><img width="429" height="764" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34331/image_.jpg" alt="spaghetti bath" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The photo quickly went viral, with one commenter writing, “I hope when she came in the bathroom with the spaghetti she said ‘Spaghetti or not here I come!’”</p> <p>And, judging by the look on Dresden’s face, all that cooking was totally worth it. “He spent over an hour in there giggling, then got out and giggled for another hour.”</p>

News

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The reason this dog is in a lavender-infused bath will break your heart

<p>Picture this: A little dog enjoying a nice warm lavender-infused bath and being fed treats at the same time. No, despite what it sounds like, Rudy is not enjoying a spa treatment. </p> <p>This type of bath, which heals and soothes skin, is “a medical necessity,” says Courtney Bellew, director of the Northeast chapter of Special Needs Animal Rescue Rehabilitation (SNARR), a group that cares for animals who are in really tough shape. </p> <p>“Rudy absolutely loves his tubby time and clearly the attention that comes along with it. He loves getting spoiled and pampered,” Bellew says.</p> <p>Last November, he was brought to a New York City shelter, emaciated and nearly hairless. He was covered in dirt. He had wounds all over his body that Bellew surmises might have been the result of battery acid, and a broken front leg. And emotionally, Rudy wasn't in great shape, either.</p> <p>“He ducked his head in fear whenever I would go to touch him, but was so grateful I was there and showing him a kind hand,” says Bellew. </p> <p>Rudy is now on his way to a happy future, and those glorious baths – full of herbs and salts and other soothing agents – are helping get him there.</p> <p>“Rudy’s eyes are filled with love and hope and he has a way of grabbing your heart instantly when he looks at you. He has always appreciated being doted on and still does today, as you saw with his spa treatments,” says Bellew. “I’m just so glad we are able to show him a good life."</p> <div id="fb-root"></div> <div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=775363289212203" data-width="466"> <div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=775363289212203">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SNARRNE">S.N.A.R.R Animal Rescue Northeast</a>.</div> </div>

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Elephants in spa bath surprise holidaymakers

<p>Remarkable footage from South Africa has emerged, showcasing the moment a group of stunned holidaymakers notice a herd of elephants enjoying their spa.</p> <p>While they’re not pulling on a pair of elephant-sized swimmers and jumping in for a soak (there’d barely be enough space) the elephants do enjoy a nice drink.</p> <p>And while the holidaymakers seem stunned to notice the herd of elephants drinking from the spa bath, the elephants seem rather unperturbed by the whole thing.</p> <p>Let’s address the elephant in the room – they’ve done this before!  </p> <p>The video was originally posted on online forum <em>Reddit</em>, where commenters said it was not entirely uncommon to see elephants performing this way on animal reserves.</p> <p>Either way, we hear an elephant never forgets!</p> <p>Don’t you just love elephants? And while this might be a confronting, it’d be wonderful to see them so close. What’s your favourite big animal?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments.</p> <p><em>Video credit: YouTube / Animal Animal</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/05/elephant-lulled-to-sleep-by-caretakers-gentle-song/"><strong>Elephant lulled to sleep by caretaker’s gentle song</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/06/adorable-baby-elephant-dances-for-cows/"><strong>Playful baby elephant dances to get cow’s attention</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/06/elephant-calf-rescued-from-drain-in-sri-lanka-video/"><strong>Elephant calf rescued from drain in heart-stopping video</strong></a></em></span></p>

International Travel

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5 common ways we all ruin our bath towels without knowing

<p>Bath towels are an easy household item to neglect. They get tossed around in a rush, left on wet floors and in dirty sinks, and we tend to have so many that we don’t spare much of a thought for them. Here are five ways that you are inadvertently shortening their lifespan.</p> <p><strong>1. Hanging more than one towel on a hook</strong></p> <p>As much as you might think this is a space saver, moisture and debris will get trapped among the layers, which growing bacteria and mould just love to fester in.</p> <p><strong>2. You don’t wash them often enough</strong></p> <p>This economical decision you’re making should have a time limit on it.  Generally, two to three days is the rule.</p> <p><strong>3. You don’t shake them out</strong></p> <p>Never just take your towels straight from the washing machine to the dryer. Give them a good shake first to loosen them up and help them stay fluffy.</p> <p><strong>4. You wash them in cold water</strong></p> <p>A big no! Check the care tag and wash towels in the hottest water safe for the fabric to really get them clean and kill the germs.</p> <p><strong>5. You use too much fabric softener</strong></p> <p>Too much of this can inhibit a towel's absorbency. Measure the softener and dilute it with water as directed by your washer's dispenser.</p> <p>How do you keep your towels soft and fluffy? Let us know in the comments below. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/cleaning-tricks-you-should-never-try-at-home/">10 cleaning tricks you should never try at home</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/20-fast-fixes-for-clothing-disasters/">20 fast fixes for clothing disasters</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/why-you-shouldnt-prerinse-before-dishwasher/">Why you shouldn’t pre-rinse before putting items in dishwasher</a></em></strong></span></p>

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9 surprising things you can do with shampoo

<p>We are all very accustomed to using shampoo to wash our hair. We all do it numerous times a week without any thought. But did you know that shampoo is somewhat of a wonder product when it comes to multi-tasking?</p> <p>If you have a bottle of shampoo that you can't stand the smell of and it's slowly gathering dust in the bathroom cupboard, try using it on some of these arduous household tasks – we promise you'll love the results.</p> <p><strong>1. Shaving foam</strong></p> <p>If you fancy a super-close shave and silky smooth legs post shaving, then shampoo is going to be your new go-to. Instead of soap, reach for the shampoo suds and you'll never both with soap again.</p> <p><strong>2. Hairbrush cleanser</strong></p> <p>Just as shampoo cleanses your hair, why not cleanse your hairbrushes? Old hair clogging the bristles along with product build-up can make your hairbrush pretty unpleasant. Give it a good wash with some shampoo to remove all the yucky stuff.</p> <p><strong>3. Body wash</strong></p> <p>You've just jumped in the shower only to realise you're out of your body wash – but skip the tip-toeing across the bathroom dripping wet to locate some more by using your shampoo. It'll lather up nicely and is gentle enough not to irritate your skin.</p> <p><strong>4. Bubble bath</strong></p> <p>The kids are whining about getting into the bath and, to add fuel to the fire, you used the last of the bubble bath yesterday. You guessed it – shampoo is a great alternative. Just watch they don't use up your whole bottle.</p> <p><strong>5. Laundry soak</strong></p> <p>Hard-to-budge marks and stains will lift with the help of a little squirt of shampoo in some warm water. Leave to soak to allow the shampoo to work its magic.</p> <p><strong>6. Plastic remover</strong></p> <p>There aren't many things worse than the anticipation of having to pull a plaster off – you know it's going to hurt, yet it has to be done. Add a drop or two of shampoo ontop of the plaster and allow it to sink in before lifting off with no pain whatsoever.</p> <p><strong>7. Make-up brush cleanser</strong></p> <p>Dirty make-up brushes are a beauty sin – they can become a breeding ground for bacteria so it's important to keep them hygenic and clean by giving them a good wash every week or two. Shampoo is perfect for this – not too harsh, but great at lifting old make-up and grime.</p> <p><strong>8. Hand wash</strong></p> <p>Don't know how to wash your favourite silk top? Shampoo is a great product to use for items that need to be hand-washed. A small squirt is all you need along with water to help keep your delicate items clean and cared for.</p> <p><strong>9. Shoe shine</strong></p> <p>You have a 9am meeting and you're running late. Your leather pumps are looking particularly dull and lacklustre, but where is your shoe shine? A cloth and a dab of shampoo will have your shoes shining like the top of the Chrysler Building in no time. Crisis averted!</p> <p><em>Written by Sarah Simpson. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/make-beauty-products-last-longer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>12 tricks to save every last drop of beauty products</em></strong></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/12/diy-natural-shampoo/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How to make your own shampoo</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/10/household-items-as-beauty-products/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Household items you should use as beauty products</strong></em></span></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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World’s oldest tortoise gets his first bath

<p>Meet Jonathan, the giant 184 years old tortoise. He’s witnessed periods of time that we’ve only read in history books. In the year Jonathan was hatched, the Treaty of Waitangi was not yet signed, the lightbulb had not yet been invented and Chares Darwin was still alive. In all the time that has past, Jonathan had never had a bath.</p> <p>The natural wonder, who currently resides on the British territory of St. Helena in the Atlantic, recently received a gentle scrubbing from Joe Hollins, a local veterinarian.</p> <p>Hollins said that the purpose of giving Jonathan a bath was for mostly aesthetic reasons. The cleaning of Jonathan's nearly two centuries worth of dirt has come before a highly anticipated visit. A member of the Royal family is expected to grace the small island this coming May, for the dedication of a new airport.</p> <p><strong>Reated links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/"><em>15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/funny-dog-snapchats/"><em>11 funny snapchat pictures that only dog lovers appreciate</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/why-dogs-so-happy-to-see-you/"><em>The science behind dogs being so happy to see you</em></a></strong></span></p>

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