Our guest blogger, Tiffany Selvey, can be found blogging about living well on a budget at www.songbirdtiff.blogspot.com.

Getting a pedicure is a great way to pamper oneself, but professional pedicures often average between $25 and $30 plus tip for every trip to the salon or spa. During tough economic times, do we really have to choose between parting with our hard earned cash or having pretty toes? Can’t we have both?

Next time, instead of traveling to a salon, try a do-it-yourself pedicure. Invite some friends or indulge with family and make it a home spa day!

What You’ll Need…

• Bowl or tub large enough for both feet
• 1/2 cup Epsom Salt (available for about $2 for four pounds at your local pharmacy)
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls
• Nail trimmer
• Nail file
• Cuticle pusher
• Foot file, such as a pumice stone (frequently found in dollar stores)
• Facial mask, scrub, or other treatment (Tip: This is a great opportunity to use product samples!)
• 1 fluffy towel
• Favorite hand or body lotion
• Nail polish of your preferred color (splurge for a high quality polish such as OPI for a long lasting pedicure)

…And How To Do It

1. Find a comfy, peaceful place to do your pedicure and lay out all your supplies.
2. Fill a large bowl or tub with enough warm water to cover your feet and add 1/2 cup Epsom salt.
3. Remove old polish from nails.
4. Trim and file nails to desired length.
5. Soak your feet in the warm, soothing water for 10-15 minutes.
6. Use a cuticle pusher to push cuticles back. Do not cut the cuticles as this could cause infection.
7. Use foot file, ped egg, or pumice stone on the rough areas, especially the heel, of your foot.
8. Apply facial mask, scrub, or other treatment, following the listed directions.
9. Wash treatment off your feet, and dry with big, fluffy towel.
10. Gently apply your favorite lotion.
11. Apply a fabulous color of nail polish.