Does anyone here ever do a home pedicure? I could use a little bit of advice. I've researched a bit online but it helps to 'talk' to real people who have done it. Any tips? Thanks in advance.

Nah.....to me it's well worth the $20+tip to have somebody else do it for me. Every time I try to do my own I screw it up...lol

Plus its very relaxing to get it done somewhere, its my mini getaway.

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This space for rent

I did that once... went with my friend. The lady who did it did my friend's feet first and then did my feet. She did not get clean/sterile tools in between doing our feet. Never again. It was close to $40. I feel like it wasn't at all relaxing and now I have some anxiety about going to those places.

Someone told me to try the beauty college because they are scrutinized very carefully but...

Call me paranoid. LOL.

Avon makes these stick on nail polish things for your toes. They are AWESOME!!! they are so worth it (was $4.99 when I got them, now I see not on sale $8.00) Supposed to last 2 weeks, I have had them on that long and have been in a swimming pool, and work for a caterer so running around alot, they still look great. Check it out here: AVON- Products

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*******If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
But if life gives you limes....make margaritas!!!*******

Don't cut your toenails too short.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I love to go and have my toes done. I usually give them fits with my feet (very dry skin).. but they sure do look pretty when it's all said and done..

I highly reccommend soaking your feet in warm/hot water using something that smells yummy! They sell fancy foot soaker things but I just use a plain old dishpan full of water at home. Then I exfoliate, rinse and moisturize. I try to do it while watching tv. I love going to get pedicures but I am kind of cheap so I hate to spend my money on a disposable thing that only lasts 2 weeks or so. I usually get a professional pedicure done once a month in the spring and summer and then do it myself at home in between or as needed. The more you do it the better you get. There are lots of foot accessories and products available in the stores so take a look and see what you might use. I have a nice variety and I don't use every tool all the time. Also remember to use a top coat as it will make your polish last longer. Choose a fun color and enjoy!

Do you use the pumice stone for exfoliating?

I read on one site online to add milk to the soak water. It supposedly 'loosens the dead skin': How to Do Home Pedicure - Homemade Pedicure Recipe

I'm with you although I see it a little bit differently... I can't see paying money for Athlete's Foot.

I keep looking at these whenever I place an order, but had never heard from anyone who actually used them......might have to give them a try.

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Just got back from the salon and got a french mani and pedi.....everything done for $40 + tip and it was well worth it

Christine

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TLJ ~ Women United in Spirit

I am all for the at-home pedicure!! I got nail fungus from getting salon pedicures. I don't even have a real nail on my middle toe. Oh, and I have athlete's foot. Do you really want to get a pedicure after my foot funk has been in that tub?? I didn't think so!!

Exactly my point. I just won't do it. They couldn't get that tub clean enough after the last person for me.

I've been putting really good moisturizer (Gold Bond Medicated) on my feet every night and they seem to be softening. Too hot to be wearing the cotton socks while I sleep.

I don't like my summertime feet.

As part of my profession, I am licensed to do such. Here's some tips:

File the NAIL BEFORE you soak. Water makes the nail very soft which will cause cracking & peeling of the nail.

Use a rubbermaid container, dishpan, etc. NO NEED to purchase those expensive things!

*Always file the TOE nail from corner to corner in ONE direction. (fingernails are different). Do not go back and forth in a sawing motion. This damages the nail.

Soak in a luke warm water. Adding epsom salt is excellent for loosening of dead skin. I personally like the DOVE Body wash with exfoliating beads.

Exfoliate with rough loofah, pumice, file, etc.

Get a pan of fresh water. Use slightly cooler water. Not cold, but not warm. Soak again and this time add Milk if you wish. These helps replenish moisture to the skn.

Do NOT rub dry, simply pat. Rubbing will irritate the 'new' skin.

Apply a good moisturizer.

*If you're going to do the nails. Do them after the above. However, I do suggest getting a primer to use on the nail. A primer simply removes all the moisture and oils from the nail and keeps the polish on and lasts much longer.

***SPECIAL TIP: If you really want to relax and like the massage effect of the feet. try this. Take a cloth or baggie and wrap up some of those stones, like u use in a flower vase. Warm them up. Gentle roll the stones around on and around the feet. Also works great on neck muscles!

**I also agree to use something 'smelly'. Having a refreshing scent also relaxes you.

HTH! Just hollar if you have any more questions!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Perfect! Thank you so much... That is exactly what I was looking for. I have some smelly bath salts that I'll use.

I'll let you know if I have any questions after I try this.

I think oldest DD and I are going to try this tonight........my feet are horrid, I admit I don't take very good care of them at all, and it gets to be a little embarrasing in the summer when you actually can see them.

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

I am on my feet and moving 9 hrs. a day at work and my feet take a beating. I don't recall if it was on this board or another that I read about the Microplane for feet, but I got one and just love it. I have always had trouble with dry feet and cracked heels but this thing really does the trick. Once a week with some good moisturizer. Also I was given a footbath with heat and massage that I use about once a week and it also helps with keeping my feet happy. I used to be able to buy a foot soak at the dollar store that was green crystals that had a eucalyptus scent that I really liked but can't find it anymore.
Ok that's my 2 cents worth.

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It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Great, Let us know how it turns out!

BTW, I am not sure if I put the reason for NOT using cool water on the last soak or not. But here it is again. Although, the warm water is relaxing, it is also drying. So, if you have dry skin and soak them in warm water on the final soak, then you're not going to accomplish anything as far as correcting dryness. That's why I recommend doing the warm soak to relax and the final soak of cool water to help relieve dryness.

I just may have to do my own tonight after this post !!!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

Tell us more about the microplane, please. I've never heard of it.

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Donna

I got mine from QVC but here is a site that also sells them.

Foot File - Orb Style - orb

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Oldest DD and I did these last night, and she actually encouraged me to wear sandals today......we had a blast, and it worked really well. Thanks so much...We have decided to do at least once a week....is that to often?

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Oh no, that is not too often. You would be surprised at the people that get them done twice a week.

I suggest doing it weekly. It's healthy for you skin without over-doing it. And if you do it more often, it may not 'seem' as fun and beneficial as doing it more often, ya know. (becoming more of a task than a treat)

So, glad it worked out and you and your daughter had fun together! Actually after this post, me and my daughter did it last night too! It was so fun and relaxing and my feet feel good!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I think I have to get one of these microplanes. How cool!
Thanks for telling us!!

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Donna

Daltonmom, I followed your directions... Aah. My feet are actually soft and feel wonderful! Thank you again for all of the advice. My feet thank you also.

Now that this thread popped back up to the top of the page again..........(put the idea back in my head)

oldest DD and I will be doing these again tonight......We picked up so new nail polish the other day that she wants to use on my toes......the Mom in me will let her, but I'm not really into what looks like puke green....but we had fun last time, so that's all that really matters

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"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

You're very welcome!
I did it again tonight and it was relaxing and it was just what I needed!
Glad I could help, I love sharing my little bits of 'knowledge' so feel free to ask anything!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com