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.