Guest Author - Jill Florio

This really useful wire-rimmed bathtub caddy is a real treat if you are a bathtub gourmand. Personally, I love my nice evening baths, where I can set up my candles, wine, books and fun bath salts and bubble treats. This caddy actually has a place for all those things.

It's made of a "satin nickle finsish" with a white plastic coating on the part that rests on the tub ends. There are two trays on the side for bath toiletries (soap, cleansers, hair products), a center area with a book holder, and two swing-out arms to hold your candle and wine glass. How cool is this!

What I Like Best - The caddy is nice looking and it doesn't take up much space (my husband and I leave it in the tub permanently, and even when we shower at the same time the caddy is still not in the way). When bathing, the caddy holds my book without me having to worry that it will get wet. That's a big bonus.

The caddy also has internal extenders that stretch out to accomodate a tub of up to 38". The plastic coated sleeve prevents rust stains on the tub sidewalls.

And Not as Much - The little swing out arms are a cool concept but I haven't used them as much as I thought I might. Usually I bring a book to the bath, and it's hard to read by candlelight. If you are not a big bath reader, then the candleholder is a super-neat concept that really adds to the romance of the bath. As far as the wine glass holder, it's made for the typical wine glass, (the kind 99% of people use). Unfortunately, I have unusual wine glasses that don't fit in the holders. I just might have to make a run out to Goodwill and get a wine glass JUST for the tub! And grab some aromatherapy-type candles while I'm at it. Yes, Goodwill is a great source for gorgeous, unused candles if you look for them. :)

Overall - I love my bathtub caddy, which is, as mentioned, now a permanent fixture in the tub. It really helps me have a relaxing bathing experience. I even use the caddy to hold my regular shower necessities, which adds to my limited tub shelf storage. I bought mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond for around $45. The caddy would make a pretty thoughtful gift for anyone you know who loves their tub, or for shower lovers who need a bit more toiletries shelf space.

This bathtub caddy from Amazon.com is very similar to the model I reviewed above. If you don't need the little swing arms, then this is a good deal that comes with some nice, free toiletries treats:



And this caddy has the two swing-arms, but no book holder, so you can decide whether you prefer the reading caddy above or this romantic caddy, also from Amazon: Ultimate Bathtub Caddy