Summer Tootsies-Part Two

Dateline: 08/07/98

Summer means sandals and bare feet and they had better look good. Nothing looks worse in my opinion than dried out feet, with all those white lines that announce to the world that you haven't bothered to take care of them. Luckily, you can bring your feet back to scratch pretty quickly... especially when you have the right how-to suggestions. Read on!!

Part 2

For the feet: Using a good body lotion, such as Lubriderm, now or even during the winter, will keep the feet soft and looking good.

Here is what I do to make my feet baby soft. I am one of those people who have to wear sandals year around because my feet sweat all of the time. I use a foot brush and zest soap and then I put Avon Moisture Therapy Hand Creme on my feet. That is the only way to keep my feet soft but somewhat dry.
Denise

When I was younger, my callouses --I use to joke-- added another inch to my height. While I can't give up barefooting, foot care is as much an act of beauty for me as a wonderful stress reliever that effects the whole body. At the end of my bath or shower, I rub Epsom salts on my feet. It's not only a great muscle relaxer, but the gritty nature of the salt gently removes dead skin. For extra hard areas, I will occasionally add a few strokes from a pumice stone to the routine. While my feet are still warm, I coat the skin with a thick lotion or heavy oil (hazelnut oil, vasaline in a pinch) and quickly don socks. I leave this on all night. For a quick pick up in the morning or evening out, I follow up with a mint based light lotion or oil. It's amazing how refreshed feet lift your not only sole, but soul and the rest of your body!
Lynn

So, to question one, caring for feet. I try (emphasis on try) to take care of my feet year round. Foot soaks, oh, so nice! I trim the nails and file a little. I put some nice scented soap or epsom salts in warm water and read or watch tv for a bit. I use a foot brush and a pumice stone for rough skin. After drying, I slather-slather-slather on baby lotion and throw on some cotton socks for the night. I usually keep my toe nails painted. Why, I don't know because I'm in combat boots all day! :) It is nice to see pretty feminine toes when I kick them off though! I keep a pumice stone in the shower and use it every time I'm in there. The pumice stone & loads of lotion work wonders, usually my feet are relatively presentable. And rubbing the lotion on always feels sooooo nice!
Sandi

Begin with a nice warm shower or bath. Near the end of your shower, wash your feet with a coarse sponge. After your shower, while your feet are still damp, rub your feet with a clean, *dry* washcloth or towel; this will help remove any remaining dead skin / callouses. Moisturize your feet with your favorite lotion, I tend towards the Vaseline Intensive Care and St. Ives brands with Vitamin E or Aloe. Go barefoot as much as you can while you are at home, and wear sandals or other shoes that allow your feet to "breathe" whenever possible.

As a periodic treatment to help keep feet soft, liberally apply petroleum jelly to your feet before going to bed, then cover your feet with thick socks. Your feet will be improved overnight. Follow up in the morning by removing excess dead skin with a dry washcloth or towel. Keep your feet moisturized with lotion between treatments.

I use this treatment about once each month, especially during the winter. I hope your readers find it useful as well.
--Marlee

Self Induced Foot Massage
Here's what you do; fill a foot basin with marbles, warm water, about a 1/4 cup of epsom salts, add a few drops of lavender oil (to help you relax) If you want to feel real special, scatter rose petals over the top. Lean back, close your eyes and get comfortable. Soak for 10 minutes rolling your feet over the marbles to massage the soles. The minerals in the salts help to soften feet.

I do reflexology and know of it's many benefits, but this was much more relaxing as a self induced massage, tension and tiredness just melts away and your feet feel nice and soft .

Try it, you'll like it!!

Smiles to you, Carlie This Week's Mini Tour

*Join us for a tour of a few sites that will teach you all you want to know about your feet.

Sports Injuries (feet)
Still on the topic of feet...a few things you should and shouldn't do! Compliments of Dr. Marder!

Foot Quiz
See just how smart you are about your feet! From Footcare Direct

Corns, Calluses, IPK
Not sure what a corn or calluse is? This page explains all! From Footcare Direct"!

Foot Talk
A faq that answers questions about all kinds of foot ailments! From foot talk!

The Beautiful Foot
Everything you don't want for your feet is covered here...from sweat to odor!!

Question of The Week

I like to trim my own bangs and was wondering what kind of scissors I should be using?
Sharon

To give a professional cut, I would suggest looking for a pair of professional cutting shears with a serated 5 1/2 inch blade with a finger rest!
sb :)

*Product Review

Run to your nearest drug store and see if they have samples of the cologne, "Hot and Cold"! The day that I was stocking up on my product samples for my weekly product review, the lady behind the counter tossed in a FREE sample of this scent along with my purchases. Wow...it was free! And it didn't come in those little tear open foil packets either...it was packaged in two little reusable plastic bubbles..one for Hot and one for Cold!

I have to be careful with scent...regardless of how much I apply, it's usually too strong and I end up with a headache! To combat this, I usually apply it to my ankles so that it takes a while for the smell to reach my nose...resulting in no headache! But I was in a rush to try out the hot scent so I splashed a little on my wrist and took a wiff!

Readers, you have to try this...and did I tell you that it is for both men and women? The scent is rich and heady and doesn't smell like something already on the market! So, go out and see if you can find a free sample. By the time you have used it up (and there is plenty) you will know if its for you or not! I'm betting on the fact that you will like it as much as I do!! Good Luck!

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