~ diy pedi ~

With the arrival of summer come flip-flops galore! Every store seems to carry at least 20 varieties of shoes that will show off your toes. Unfortunately pedicures, at least in my area, can cost between $45-$65. So with tighter funds (thanks to the r-word) how's a girl to keep her feet ready for sandals 24/7? Well, lots of magazines have been featuring tips for DIY (do it yourself) pedicures lately. Below are a few ideas I've found that have helped me cut back on costs while creating a new de-stressing ritual in my own bathroom.



*and don't worry if you do not have a ton of fresh flowers to soak your feet in ;) I promise these ideas are simple and cheap, I just liked this photo.

Steps to help you create your own spa experience:

1) Light a few candles, and put on some soft music. After all, getting a pedicure isn't just about getting your nails done it's a time for you to relax. My favorite combinate is lavender candles with Diana Krall in the background (http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Diana-Krall/dp/B000SO7OL6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1243613195&sr=1-2).

2) Soak your feet. Mix all the ingredients (listed below) together and soak for as long as you want.

Ingredients for skin softening soak:
1/4 fresh lemon juice
a bit of cinnamon
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup of milk
1/4 water

3) Scrub. Take 1 cup granulated sugar and pour into a mixing bowl. Gradually add your favorite Olive Oil and mix together until you have a slightly wet, but granually consistency (really, whatever looks good to you). Then, add in a sprinkling of peppermint leaves (or a few drops of peppermint oil).

Ingredients for scrub:
Brown sugar
Olive oil
Fresh mint leaves (or peppermint oil)

4) Massage in your favorite lotion. I love 'Shea It Isn't So' from Bath & Body Works (http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2222376&cp=2484528.3214849&parentPage=family)

5) Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish.

6) Polish. Apply a base coat first, or use Sally Hansen’s Double Duty base and top coat. Then, apply two thin coats of polish followed by a top coat.

7) Hit the beach to show off your toes ;)