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By Dania Zarate, La Beauty Pie

I work on my feet all day, sometimes seven hours or more, and it sure does a number on my toes! It’s pricy to go to the salon and get a pedicure, which is a nice treat, but usually I just do it myself. Self-pedicures are cheap and it’s nice to be able to do it in the comfort of your own home. (If only I owned a massage chair it could be even better!)

It’s really easy to give yourself a pedicure. Just make sure to gather everything you need and keep supplies close to you.  You can use your tub, or for that spa feeling, use a large bowl big enough for your feet. You can even add some marbles or spa rocks if you want.

Here are some easy steps to having beautiful feet:

1. Soak. Add Epsom salt to warm water. You can also add some essential oils for a therapeutic effect. Soak feet for about 10 min. Also, if you suffer from athletes foot or to combat foot odor, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water.
2. Buff.  Dry feet, then using pumice stone buff your feet concentrating on the rough areas.  Usually the balls of your feet, your heel and big toe.
3. Exfoliate. With a homemade scrub consisting of olive oil and kosher salt, exfoliate your feet. Take it all the way up to your legs for all-over softness.
4. Clip. Pat feet dry and trim toe nails with a toe nail clipper. Cut toenails straight across when you trim them. Never round them to match the shape or curve of the end of the toe. Rounding toenails is an invitation to ingrown toenails and other painful problems.
5. Moisturize. Massage feet and legs with a rich thick creamy lotion. Apply some cuticle oil or again use some olive oil to soften and push back cuticle.
6. Polish. Wipe toe nails with acetone to wipe off lotion. Then add a base coat followed with 2 coats of polish and finish with top coat.

Then you’ll have soft and lovely pedicured toes!

Dania is La Beauty Pie, for more beauty tips visit her Facebook page or website.

[Photo By Pink Sherbet Photography]

By Dania Zarate, La Beauty Pie

It’s officially February! Aside from celebrating Valentine’s Day on the 14, we get an extra day at the end of the month for leap year, and it’s also Black History Month and American Heart Month.

Now, don’t associate heart disease with only older folks or just men. It’s estimated that 1 out 3 women will likely die of heart disease, so that means everyone should be taking care of themselves.  Parents, take note that you can also start helping your child prevent many types of heart disease now.

Additionally, as a woman concerned with my health and appearance, I understand that staying beautiful on the outside also includes taking care of what’s on the inside.

There are many things that you can do to prevent heart disease, along with eating certain foods that can also help. Here are some tips to help prevent heart disease:

1. Don’t smoke. Cigarettes and tobacco products can contribute to the risk of heart disease.  If you don’t smoke, don’t start! And if you do smoke, find a way to quit.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. This includes exercising regularly and eating healthy.
3. If you have diabetes take extra care. Manage your diabetes. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, take your medicine, and monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
4. Get regular health screenings.

There are also different types of food that can help keep your heart healthy, including:

• Salmon and Tuna
• Whole grains
• Berries
• Olive oil
• Beans (a staple in my home)
• Nuts like almonds or walnuts
• Oatmeal
• Red wine
• Dark chocolate
• Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables

References:

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

WebMD: 25 Top Heart-Healthy Foods

Dania is La Beauty Pie, for more beauty tips visit her Facebook page or website.

[Photo By CDC.gov]

By Dania Zarate, La Beauty Pie

It’s almost February and you know what that means – its almost Valentine’s Day!  This is a day in which kids exchange valentines to their classmates, a day where couples get all lovey-dovey and buy chocolates and roses for each other. What I’m happiest about is the chocolate!

Now, not only is chocolate super yummy, but it also releases serotonin which is just fancy talk for mood booster. It’s delicious and it’s scientifically proven to make you happy.

Another great benefit is that it’s good for your skin. Chocolate is full of antioxidants that help fight against free radicals that cause skin damage. When selecting your chocolate, remember that the dark variety contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate.

In addition to obtaining the health benefits of chocolate by eating it, you can also slather the sweet stuff on your face as a mask for a beautiful glow.

You will need:

• 1/3 cup of cocoa powder (raw dark cacao powder is better)
• 1/2 cup of honey (dark organic is better)
• 2tbs of heavy cream or plain yogurt
• 3tsp oatmeal

Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl to form a paste.  Apply to clean face and neck. Massage lightly (oatmeal works as a exfoliant so make sure to massage gently) and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Dania is La Beauty Pie, for more beauty tips visit her Facebook page or website.

[Photo By di.wineanddine]