A year ago I was introduced to the world of pedicures. I’ve always had this thing about people touching my feet – it just creeps me out. So, even though I was interested in having one I was too ‘afraid’ to give it a try. A friend gave me a gift certificate for my birthday so suddenly there was no longer an excuse to not go have one.

It was the best birthday present ever! I told the pedicurist that I would get one every month from then on out. Well that didn’t exactly happen. If you’ve ever had one before you know that they can be a bit on the pricey side. So, I had to come to an alternative – doing pedicures at home. While it’s still a nice treat doing them at home, it’s definitely not as nice as going to have someone pamper you. But, for the sake of this article I’m going to tell you how to do one at home.

Tools You’ll Need:

• nail polish remover
• cotton balls
• toenail clippers
• pumice stone
• Avon Foot Works Marine Salt Invigorating Scrub
• Avon Foot Works Marine Salt Hydrating Balm
• toe separators
• nail polish
• emery board
• foot spa (or tub to soak your feet in – I have a Conair hydrotherapy foot spa that vibrates, has heat, and bubbles)

Instructions:

1. Remove any nail polish you already have on your toe nails.

2. Cut toe nails with toe nail clippers and file any rough edges with the emery board until smooth.

3. Fill up foot spa with hot water (as hot as you can stand) and soak feet for about 10 minutes.

4. Exfoliate feet with Avon Foot Works Marine Salt Invigorating Scrub (or any exfoliating product) and rinse.

5. Dry feet off and use Avon Foot Works Marine Salt Hydrating Balm – rub on feet until absorbed.

6. Paint toe nails with your favorite nail polish.

The last few days we have talked about how moms can make time for themselves by spending more time with girlfriends and making time for exercise.

Another area that moms might neglect is themselves.  I know that for awhile I was not taking the 5 minutes even to wash my face at night.   While it would be nice to spend hours (and lots of money) at a spa, there are some simple things we can do at home just to make ourselves feel “pretty” that are also easy on the budget.

Here are a few ideas:

• Give yourself a quick manicure.
• Take a bubble bath.
• After washing your face, take 10 minutes to try a beauty mask.  You can find one for just about any skin type.  While it’s working, read a magazine or catch up on email.
• Use hand lotion throughout the day.  I know that sounds simple, but even just taking the time to keep your hands from getting dry can make you feel better.
• Make sure your face lotion has sun screen.  Sometimes we are so busy making sure the kids are safe from the sun, we forget about ourselves.  Using a moisturizer with built in sunscreen is one less thing we have to worry about.
• Put on lip gloss or lipstick.  Sometimes just this simple thing can make you feel better about yourself and more confident.

Take a few minutes to try one or more of these things listed and you will definitely notice a difference in how you feel about yourself.

photo credit: Claire L. Evans

Being a busy mom of a very active toddler, I value beauty products that are quick and easy to put on, last long, and have no overpowering fragrance. If I had to be stranded on a desert island, I’d be sure to take these 4 products with me.

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