Spa Session: July Pedicure

   So, after a successful trip to Walmart this morning with three kids in tow [insert gold star] I've decided to treat myself. We all deserve to be pampered and that doesn't necessarily mean an expensive trip to the spa. With a little bit of prep a relaxing spa session can be had right at home. This pedicure post is the kickoff of our monthly spa session plans. Each month I'll pick a different theme featured around the seasons and holidays.
   One of the best ways to pamper ourselves during the summer is with a nice pedicure. After spending some time in flip flops those feet could use a nice soak and the nails, a fresh coat of paint.
   Setting the mood - The first thing that should happen in order for this to work is children should be busy or not around (if you happen to have little monsters)... this is supposed to be a relaxing time. Once things are calm I recommend finding a quiet spot to have your spa session. Prep your favorite snack and/or drink, I created this Lemon Raspberry Iced Tea recipe just for this occasion. Then grab your favorite book, magazine or coloring book and maybe a comfy pillow too.
   Supplies - You could gather most of these ahead of time if you have a time cap. First you'll need a big bucket or foot bath for soaking (a dish washing bucket works great in a pinch). You'll also need a towel, salts/soak, a loofah or pumice, moisturizer, nail polish of choice and remover if you need it. For salts I recommend our Bath Crumbs, if you don't have any on hand just make sure that you grab some with Epsom Salt in the list of ingredients as they are awesome for feet. I also love using our Triple Butter Sticks for a moisturizer because you can treat yourself to a little massage and the nourishing Shea Butter will leave your feet feeling amazing!
   Dive in - Start off by removing any old nail polish. Doing this before you soak your feet will give your nails a chance to breath and soak. Besides, nobody wants to smell like nail polish remover. Once your toes are ready fill your bucket  about half way with warm/comfortable water. Sprinkle in salts and add feet, haha. While your feet are soaking enjoy your snacks and catch up on that book or meditate if you'd rather. after about 10-15 minutes gently scrub each foot with loofah or pumice to get any flaky patches off. Once your satisfied with your results, rinse them clean and pat dry. Apply and/or massage moisturizer into skin and then wrap them in the towel for about 5 minutes... read some more of that book. after that moisturizer has had a chance to soak in, unwrap feet and paint those little piggies as desired. Make sure you kick your feet up for a bit once you've applied the polish. This will give you another chunk of relaxation time.
   Once you've finished your spa session I hope that you feel relaxed and ready to take on the world... or at least your world. Seriously though, I truly hope that you realize how worthy you are and take the time to do things for yourself. Even if spa sessions aren't your thing, find the time to do something else that you love... something just for you!

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