Giving Good Toes :)

Spring/Summer is definitely on the toes when you realize it is time to step out of the boots and start with that very important first pedicure of spring. So this post is dedicated to feet. I know feet are usually an issue that troubles so many women. I have problems deciding on a spring/summer color and what important shoe to pick. All the magazines have stated that the wedge is THE shoe of the summer, but I still love an open toe slingback because I am short. I have rather muscular calves and sometimes those wedges can make you look like Paul Bunyan on stilts. I find for me that a slender stiletto, open with just enough toe is perfect. I want to thank Nancy for sending me this great website that sells discount nail supplies. Of course, I had to place an order for my staples OPI nail polish in Bubble Bath and Sweetheart, Essie Mademoiselle, Ballet Slippers and Real Red. (http://8ty8beauty.com) I decided to buy a color from Rescue Beauty Lounge in NY (http://www.rescuebeauty.com). If you haven't heard of Rescue you don't know what you are missing. Ji Baek is one of the premier manicurists in NY. The spas are gorgeous and my idea of what a nail salon should be. The shop is pristine, cute and elegant with a flash of hipness. My mom is coming up for the summer and we are going to NY to shop 'til we drop and I will definitely be stopping in at Rescue. I splurge on the Nail Color in Coral. This will be so great against my brown bronzed skin and my summer whites. When I moved to the area last year I had the hardest time finding a nail salon (1) that wasn't an arm and a leg for a manicure and pedicure; (2) that was clean and gave great services; (3) that didn't smell of chemicals and only does natural nails; and (4) did not rush my time or do those fake leg massages where they slap your calves. I hate that. I was used to in Texas a manicure and pedicure being a full hour and a half complete with the best 20 minute leg and foot reflexology massage. The salon is a cult favorite of the very wealthy Houston women in a little enclave in the center of the city. I moved up here and was thoroughly disappointed. I have found a place that is 80% near mine in Houston. When I return home, the nail salon is the first place I hit. So here are a few products that will make your feet supple, and beautiful for the summer. Akileine cream. (http://www.akileine.co.uk). It's also sold on the Rescue website, but check independent nail supply stores, they usually have it. This product relieves dry cracked skin and helps keep feet soft and clean.

Diamancel #11 The Tough Buffer (http://www.blissworld.com/shop/detail/DIA-009/32/). This is available at Bliss online, but I do know a few Nordstrom's also carry it. I am a runner and trust me, this gets the bottom of your feet like a baby's butt. Be very careful. You don't want to remove too much skin because the feet still needs a little cushion;

A great foot scrub and great nail color.

I try to go to bed with heavy cream or good old fashioned Vaseline with socks every other night during the summer to keep my feet perfect.

FYI: Fragrance Alert: I know I have been discussing spring makeup, but I just found out that in Fall 2006 Banana Republic will be coming out with 5 new fragrances; 3 for women and 2 for men. For the ladies the scents are Alabaster - a floral scent; Jade a floral fruity scent; and Rosewood a floral-Oriental scent. Also if you liked Kimora Lee Simmons Goddess scent she will be introducing Golden Goddess in the fall as well. Congratulations to Sarah Jessica Parker on her 2006 CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Beauty Insider's Choice Award for Best Women's Cent $24 and over for Lovely. I had this the first week it came out and I am now on my second bottle. As the commercial says "Lovely on the Inside," and I feel lovely on the outside as well when I wear this. I received this very cute email from my cousin Yolanda (thanks Yo!) and I knew that is was way too adorable not to pass along. Ladies, raise your right hand and make the pledge: The Open Toed Shoe Pledge As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules when wear sandals and other open-toe shoes: I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps. I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe. I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow. I will shave the hairs off my big toe. I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother or sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes ifI tuck it there. If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it. I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him. I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids'sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one canwalk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle. I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages. I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good. I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them. I will promise to go my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $20 and worth EVERY penny). I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signsof wear. . . nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals. Don't keep this to yourself - pass it on to other sisters. Have a great weekend.