Nail & Cuticle Care

During the winter our nails and cuticles are more prone to becoming dry, brittle and cracked due to the lack of moisture in the air. The appearance of our nails is a good indicator of our overall health.  Nail care includes the care of our cuticles, which is the dead skin that overlaps the nail plate at the base of the nail.  The cuticle acts as a seal between the nails and the fingers and protects the body from fungus.  Ragged cuticles are an indication that your cuticles are dehydrated and in need of immediate care to restore moisture and health. By the same token too much exposure to water and/or improper trimming can result in cuts that reflect dehydration, redness and irritation.  The key to healthy nails is soft cuticles. 

Here are a few simple, homemade nail and cuticle recipes for healthier and stronger fingernails.

Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Olive oil
Warm olive oil slightly and gently massage cuticles

Lavender Olive
1 tsp Olive oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil

Healing Cuticle Oil
5-10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
2 Tbsp Sweet Almond oil

Nail Conditioner, Strengthener & Whitener
2 drops Tea Tree oil
2 drops Lavender oil
2 drops Rosemary oil
2 drops Lemon oil
2 Tbsp Vitamin E, Sweet Almond, Jojoba or Olive oil

• Remember to always store oils in a small dark glass jar or bottle (1oz-2oz) as this helps to keep the oil longer and avoid oxidization.
• Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Rosemary essential oil moisturizes and strengthens dry and brittle nails.
• Lemon essential oil strengthens weak nails as well as whitens discolored nails.
• Vitamin E, Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Olive oil are excellent moisturizers and conditioners.
• DO NOT shake the mixtures as this causes free radicals to form within the oils that can cause it to go rancid.  Instead, when mixing you want to gently roll the bottle around until all has been fully incorporated.

Sugar Lemon/Lime Facial Scrub

Here's another quick, easy and budget friendly facial scrub. The juice from the lemon/lime refreshes and tones the skin while the sugar acts as a natural alpha hydroxy.

Sugar Lemon/Lime Facial Scrub
Sugar (raw or organic)
Juice of a lemon or lime

Mix the sugar with the juice of a lemon or lime. Start out with a tablespoon of sugar and keep adding until you get the desired consistency you're looking for. You can also add a teaspoon or two of hemp seed or almond oil (or the oil of your choice) this will give your face added moisture. Apply to your face by rubbing in circular motions to exfoliate the skin. Rinse with warm water.

Money Saving Pedicure

So if you're like some of us you're looking for ways to save money in these unstable economic times but saving money doesn't mean that you have to give up some of the finer things in life such as your pedicure.

Here are some quick, easy and money saving tips for you to do your own pedicure.

• Set a relaxing mood by lighting some incense or a few flavored candles and putting on some background music.

• Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your water. It helps to soften the skin and makes it easier to remove the rough skin that has formed on the heels and soles of your feet.


• Add a natural liquid soap (castile) to your water, scented with peppermint for a stimulating foot bath. You can even add some lavender, sandalwood or your favorite essential oil or fresh herbs or flower petals to deodorize your water.


• Relax and unwind by soaking your feet for about 20 minutes.


• Clean your feet thoroughly with a natural foot brush. Make sure to get between your toes to remove any buildup of dead skin and dirt.


• Clean under your nails gently with the sharp end of the orangewood stick. This removes any dirt buildup from under your toenails.


• Exfoliate your feet with a foot scrub that will remove the dead skin. Rinse your feet in the foot bath and use a pumice stone to remove any additional dead skin that may still be on the soles of your feet.


• Rinse your feet clean and pat them dry with a clean towel. Massage your feet with a moisturizing cream, paying special attention to your heels and any other areas that tend to be dry.


• Gently push your cuticles back with the blunt end of the orangewood stick. This helps to protect the nail bed and keeps bacteria out.


• A straightedge cut prevents ingrown toenails so be sure to trim your toenails straight across. Be careful not to cut the nail too short.


• Use an emery board to smooth the rough edges of your nails. To avoid splitting the nail make sure you file in one direction.


• Buffing your nails is an excellent natural alternative to nail polishes and polish removers. Buff your toenails to a beautiful shine with a nail buffer.

Baking Soda for Health & Beauty

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) isn't just for cooking and cleaning. This powerful powder has some benefical uses for health and beauty as well. Here are some of quick and easy tips.

• Sprinkle half a teaspoon on your toothbrush or mix it in with your toothpaste to brush your teeth


• Add a cup of baking soda to two cups of warm water to wash your hair


• Condition your hair by mixing together a 1/2 cup to a cup of your favorite conditioner with a capful of a carrier oil of your choice (olive, jojoba, sweet almond, etc.)


• Add a tablespoon or two to distilled or floral water (until a nice paste forms) to cleanse your face. Make sure to moisturize afterwards


• Use it as a body scrub by adding 1/4 to a 1/2 cup to your shower gel


• Add a cup of it to your bath water to help soften your skin; this also helps to relieve skin irritations


• Mix as a paste to relieve itch from insect bites or pain from sunburn


• Mix half a teaspoon with water and gargle to freshen your mouth

The best thing about this product is that it's very inexpensive so you won't be going over budget.