July 1, 2011: Mani-Pedi Recipe

Welcome to July! July means that we are now on the downswing of the year, headed to shorter days and winter. It may be hard to think about snow when it’s so hot right now, but it’s coming sooner rather than later!

July’s birthstone is the brilliant red ruby and the flower of the month is a water lily. Of course the big day is the holiday of Independence Day. Outside of the intense heat, I love the 4th of July – it’s a great time to spend with friends and family and eat, drink, and be merry!

Skin-baring clothing that beats the heat means that your hands and feet are going to be exposed and they need to look their best. But rather than shelling out big bucks and waiting for the next appointment at the beauty salon, why not take care of your mani-pedi at home?

Here’s what you’ll need for a Home Manicure and Pedicure:

Nail Polish Remover
Cotton balls or pads
Emery board
Cuticle remover cream (can substitute petroleum jelly)
A big bowl or pan or bucket (I use my dog’s water dish, washed, of course)
Dish soap
Almond or apricot oil
Old towel
Wooden cuticle stick
Buffer board
Nail polish

Set aside an hour to spend on yourself before getting started. If you rush, your polish is going to smear and then you’ll have to start all over again.

Remove any old polish from your nails and use the emery board to shape them. Rub cuticle remover into the base of your fingernails and toenails.

Fill a big bowl or container with warm water and add a drop of dish soap and a few drops of oil. Place the towel underneath the bowl (if indoors) and place your feet in it. Now sit back and relax for a while (this is a great time to read a book). After 5 to 10 minutes, immerse your hands and swish them around in the water. Take out one foot and push back the cuticles with your orangewood stick. Repeat with other foot. Immerse your hands again and push back the cuticles on your fingernails. Dry all your nails, pushing back your cuticles one more time with the damp towel.

Buff each of your nails. Wash with soap and water to remove any lingering residue, then apply colored polish topped with a clear coat. Sit back and read your book again until the polish is dry.

There now, all done! That didn’t take too long, did it? And it sure was a lot cheaper than going to the nail salon. Okay, it may feel better to have a professional mani-pedi, but if you use nicely scented oils and creams and pretty colors, it feels almost as good to do your own.

Tip: Use a pumice stone during your daily shower to keep those heels from cracking!