Sandal season has arrived! Time to get your piggies presentable and kick those calluses to the curb.
Throughout the winter months I practically live in my boots, fuzzy socks or slippers, and I will admit I do not give my feet the attention they deserve. With the dry weather and thick materials rubbing against them, it doesn’t take long for my feet to get out of hand. Whether you are prone to cracking heels, ingrown toenails or split creases, almost everyone I know battles with keeping their feet smooth and healthy year around. Here are some of my favorite ways to work on my pedicure without spending too much time and money.
Preparations
It’s never too late to start preparing, and a great way to start hydrating your feet while still enjoying your comfy socks is to apply a liberal amount of moisturizer to your feet before bed. Personally, I use a mixture of coconut oil, shea butter and aloe. Cover those paws up with some socks and let them soak overnight for a fresh and soft result. One thing to keep in mind when using this technique is to consider the types of socks you are using. It is best to use synthetic materials as opposed to 100% cotton to avoid absorption. If you don’t want to manually lather up and dedicate a pair of socks, then try out some of the more popular “Lotion Socks” on the market.
Popular Lotion Socks:
- Shea Socks from Bath and Body Works: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=81760976&cp=12586965.12587140.11433656
- Foot Therapeutics from Earth Therapeutics: http://www.earththerapeutics.net/products.asp?dept=77
- Iroha Nature Relaxing Socks: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6480101
Heel Therapy
Another common struggle with feet is the rough, cracking dilemma of the heel. If you are like me, wearing high heels throughout the week can only add to this irritating issue. One effective treatment I absolutely love is using the baking soda method. You don’t have to spend copious amounts of money to start your heel repair when you opt for this treatment and it is far more comfortable than the “cheese grater” looking thing at the salon.
What you Need:
- 3 tablespoons of Baking Soda
- 4.5 Liters of Water
- Tub Large Enough to Hold 4.5 Liters
- 3 – 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- Pumice Stone
- Towel
- Lotion
What to Do:
- Dissolve the Baking Soda in Hot Water
- Soak Your Feet for 15 Minutes
- Rub the Pumice Stone over your entire foot with extra focus on the heels and problem areas
- Rinse and Dry Well
- Apply Moisturizer
Nail Nourishment
Now, I am not a total heathen – while my heels and calluses may not be the most attractive 24/7, my actual nails are normally pretty good. 
However, many women suffer from various nail issues ranging from ingrown toenails and brittle nails to fungus. Yes, it is easy for us to “cover up” our problems when it comes to toenails because the fact is nail polish does wonders. But if you are tired of being embarrassed or constantly in need of a pedicure, then these easy to follow tips will help when it comes to your nail health.
Healthy Nail Tips:
- Get Plenty of Protein, Specifically Keratin
- Daily Bathing to Promote Blood Flow
- Thorough Drying to keep the fungus from growing
- Pumice regularly to rid your feet of the dead skin
- Keep them trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails
Having great feet takes time and effort, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. By practicing some basic health choices, combined with frequent attention, you too can have the fabulous feet that you always wanted. 
Eating healthy with plenty of protein, frequent bathing and moderate maintenance is all it takes to get those little piggies all the way to the market.
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