HealthSkin Care

Gorgeous Feet Matter

By
March 8, 2020

The Frugal Solution

Homemade beauty solutions are inexpensive, highly effective and lovingly luxurious. Going back to basics for your pampering needs is the wise choice these days and possibly the best kept secret. Especially with the rising popularity of a more economical and thrifty way of life. It makes perfect sense to dive into your refrigerator, or check cupboards before deciding to head out for a diluted lesser version of an organic concoction you can make all by yourself, and happily from the comfort of your own home. Something as simple and effective as mindinsole can also provide you the right feet and preserve them in good condition. 

One area homemade recipes work their magic is in the foot department. Store brand creams and specialty soaks can be quite expensive, and for the frugally independent beauty, not always the best alternative.

Feet that are painfully dry, calloused and unsightly are screaming out for dire need of healing. Soothing them can be accomplished by taking the time to set up a well-needed routine. After all, just like conditioners for our hair and moisturizer for our face, our feet need their own consideration and personal care.

To begin, why not set up a ready-to-use basin that holds all of your basic supplies? A sturdy basin that your tired aching feet will love, and if they didn’t hurt so much would jump up for joy at first sight of it. This basin should contain a nail file, toenail clipper, a clean hand towel, a box of Epsom salt or baking soda, a foot brush, a small bottle of emu or olive oil, a pumice stone and a pair of clean cotton socks. Add essential oils and turn up the experience to an aromatic, high-quality spa treatment.

Replenish supplies when necessary, and you’ll never have to waste time gathering your basics. These items plus your own special additions are the perfect ensemble for a daily foot soak. Find a designated space and voila, glorious foot baths at your whim!

Try these easy steps to begin.

  1. File and clip toenails as needed.
  2. Fill basin up to more than half with very warm water, or as hot as you can stand it, add Epsom salt or baking soda.
  3. Add a few drops of essential oil. Totally your call, so many to choose from and so many heavenly scents.
  4. Before placing feet in your foot bath, use foot brush to gently massage.
  5. Soak tired feet for about 20-30 minutes.
  6. Make sure to enjoy and relax 🙂 (you would be surprised at how many people need reminding)
  7. After soak, dry feet completely and gently.
  8. Use a pumice stone to properly work out rough patches. (The pumice works better after your feet have been soaking awhile.)
  9. Take a few minutes to rub preferred oil into feet.
  10. Put on those handy cotton socks and revel in the soothing glory.

The Magical Properties of Essential Oils

  • Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, and Peppermint are popular essential oils often used in foot baths.
  • A soak combining 4 drops of lemongrass oil and 4 drops of lavender can alleviate excessive persperation of the feet.
  • To energize tired feet, try 2 drops of baby oil and 2 drops of ginger essential oil in a moderately hot soak.
  • A few drops of grapefruit essential oil is a cooling and refreshing treat known to stimulate the lymphatic system, soothe swollen feet and help to eliminate toxins from your system.
  • Ginger essential oil can rev up circulation and reduce overall fatigue and sore feet.

The Extras

  1. Proper Fit ~
    Always make sure you’re wearing shoes that fit properly. Feet have a tendency to swell later in the day and shoes that are too tight will lead to a walking disaster.
  2. Rotate ~
    Try to alternate shoes as much as possible. Rotating shoes will help avoid rubbing on the same spots that eventually cause blisters.
  3. Massage ~
    A tennis ball is an exceptionally nice treat for aching feet. Use a tennis ball to massage feet in a circular rotation starting at the center of the heel and gradually rolling onto sides, the ball of your foot, over each toe and then finally around the ankle. This type of massage eases tense muscles and relaxes the arch.

If you are thinking this is going to take too much time out of your busy day. Stop! You work hard, you deserve to have feet that feel incredible. Feet smooth to the touch and pain free. Feet that will gather ardent suitors that are willing to travel miles just to caress and admire them. O.k., perhaps I’m getting a little carried away, but you get the point. Your feet matter.

Review

Long Worth Studio In Poulsbo, Washington - Spa Review

By
March 8, 2020

I drove through historic downtown Poulsbo, Washington, heading for the parking lot on the waterfront. I quickly found a spot, parked and got out. As I made my way toward Longworth Studio I couldn’t help but notice all the smiling faces surrounding me, taking in the beautiful views and salty aroma of Liberty Bay and the marina.

I walked through the double glass doors into a whole new world. The smell of nail polish was subtle and somehow very inviting. I was immediately greeted by the receptionist, Amy, who offered me a hot or cold beverage and a comfy chair while I waited. I had barely warmed my seat cushion when Christy, the tech with whom I had scheduled my appointment, greeted me and escorted me to her table where she immediately got to work on my nails. She removed my old polish, clipped my nails short, just the way I like them, and then filled and filed each nail by hand. I was very happy with the way my nails looked, and I was being treated like a queen. How much better could this possibly get?

As I sat in my (very comfortable) leather armchair, I was introduced one by one to each employee, and eventually, the owner, Kerry, who rose from her desk to shake my hand and introduce herself personally. I was very impressed by the way every person that came out of or went into Longworth Studio was treated like royalty.

All this experience that you get here is similar to other really good medicinal spas out there. Here at myethosspa Med Spa & Cosmetic Surgery, you get complete care of your skin and body with all the essential oils that are used in this process making it relaxing for everyone.

I had plans to attend a wedding in June and decided to get a pedicure and an eyebrow wax before the big day. As usual, I was not let down. Christy greeted me and promptly seated me in a relaxing massage chair and then began filling the soaking tub at my feet. I sank into my seat and let the heavenly scent of foot soak fill the air. I was scrubbed, massaged, and moisturized from the middle of my calves to the tips of my toes. Before the little piggies got polished, Christy wrapped my feet in warm towels to exfoliate while she finished my pampering session.

Once my polish was dry and my feet were unwrapped I was off to see Rhonda for my brow wax. This would be my very first wax so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I had seen many of my friends go through the procedure and could never figure out why they would do something that looked so horrendously painful, yet here I was. Rhonda walked with me to the “facial room” and asked me to lie down on the table. I told her that this was my first time and she reassured me that I was in good hands. She carefully applied the hot wax, one eyebrow at a time, all the while talking to me in a calm voice about random nothingness to keep my mind off of what was actually about to happen, which turned out to be not so bad after all. It stung a little at first, and there was some redness, but it only lasted a few hours and once it cleared up, my eyebrows looked amazing! My eyes were brighter and more open, and my brows were perfectly shaped around them.

I have been a happy client of Longworth Studio for almost a year now, with various appointments scheduled every two weeks or so. I have recommended many of my friends and coworkers to Longworth Studio, as well as random strangers I meet on the street.

Longworth Studio is a hidden treasure on Poulsbo’s Waterfront, nestled amongst antique shops, cafes and restaurants, and a world-famous bakery. Services offered include manicures and pedicures, a full-service nail salon, spray tanning, specialized skincare and procedures by a licensed skincare professional, waxing, eyelash/brow tinting, and a wonderful selection of skincare products and cosmetics.