Just returned from a long weekend in Las Vegas and boy, does that dry heat do a number on your feet.  It was 104 degrees which didn’t lend itself to doing the walking we normally do but even INside, your feet and hands feel (and look) like they’re drained of moisture.  Time to visit Jenny for a pedicure!  For some tips on how to give your feet some TLC when the humidity is down, visit our article on barefoot care – http://allaboutbarefootsandals.jewels-by-jan.com/barefoot-care/12-easy-steps-to-get-your-feet-in-shape-for-barefoot-sandals/

This  pedicure is very timely because this weekend, our photographer – Pat – will be doing a photo shoot of all Jewels by Jan barefoot sandal designs.  We’re very excited to have new images taken and this time we’ll be shooting more than one view so that our site (and blog) visitors can have a more detailed look at our products. 

Watch for the new photos within the next few weeks.  Pat will bring out the sparkle and brilliance of the Swarovski crystals with his “magic camera” and the colors of the beads and detail of each design will give you a much better look into the complexity of each pattern.

We will also be shooting some “one-of-a-kind” designs that we’ll be offering at a special price so be sure to check our site in a few weeks to be the first to take advantage of this special sale.

Jan

http://www.jewels-by-jan.com

How much do you really know about your feet? Did you know that as an adult, you take 8,000 –10,000 steps a day and with each step, the foot strikes the ground with up to three times our body weight? That’s a LOT for our bare feet to put up with. That’s reason enough to pamper our feet and if you’ve never treated yourself to a relaxing pedicure, you’re in for a treat.

Here are 12 easy steps to getting fabulous feet in no time.

1.   Soak your feet in warm water for about ten minutes.

2.   Pat feet dry. Don’t forget between the toes.

3.   Clip toenails straight across. Or, if you would rather, use an emery board (but wait until toenails are completely dry).

4.   Using pumice stone, remove any rough areas from your heels.

5.   Massage cuticle area with a little oil or moisturizer.

6.   Gently push back cuticles.

7.   Apply foot lotion and massage into each foot.

8.   Remove any excess lotion.

9.   If you wish to apply polish follow the procedure below.

10.   Put a small amount of polish on your brush; paint one stroke down the center of your nail. Your brush should hold just enough color to accomplish this. Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done.

11.   Wait until polish is set (dry to the touch) and then apply the top coat. Don’t skip this step as it not only adds life to your pedicure, it will protect your nails as well.

12.   Sanitize all of your equipment with alcohol and when they are dry, store them away until the next manicure or pedicure.

Now you are ready to show off your sexy feet.

As a bonus, here are some other helpful tips:

Nail polish can be stored in the fridge.

If your nail polish is too thick, try thinning with a polish thinner. This is not a polish remover.

Now you’re ready to slip into a pair of Jewels by Jan Beaded Barefoot Sandals and walk barefoot in the sand!

Here are some additional suggestions to get your pretty feet ready to show off in your barefoot sandals (a.k.a. beach sandals, summer sandals, beach shoes, etc.)

Walk barefoot in sand whenever you get the chance – but watch out for glass!

Walk barefoot in shallow water on rounded pebbles – or, more practically, bathe your feet in very cold, iced water – then give them a good rub. The cold and stimulation will improve circulation. You’ll get the same effect by first walking barefoot outside on frosty grass, or the sort of smooth pebbles some people have in a driveway.

Let your favorite nail salon treat your feet to a luxurious pedicure (complete with a satisfying foot and leg massage with lotion).

Remember – going barefoot is beneficial to the musculoskeletal structure of your feet and ankles so put on a pair of barefoot sandals and get ready for compliments!

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii or any of the other tropical islands, you’ll want your feet to look their very best. A pretty, bare foot can be very sexy and even alluring. Native Hawaiians, as well as everyone who travels to the islands, love healthy-looking feet. A woman’s perfectly pedicured foot shows meticulous hygiene as well as the desire to have a feminine-looking foot.

If you’re invited to the home of a native, be sure to leave your shoes at the doorstep. This tradition respects the floors and rugs in Hawaiian homes which are easily damaged and stained by the gritty sand and dark clay of the islands. Going barefoot inside homes is therefore proper etiquette when visiting a native Hawaiian. As you slip out of your shoes and slip into a pair of soleless sandals, taking care of your feet is a must!

The importance of foot appearance is recognized year-round in Southern states like Florida, California and Texas where the weather permits year round sandal-wearing. But in cooler regions, feet are generally ignored until late spring when a close look or the latest sandal styles often spurs a trip to the foot care aisle at the local drugstore. Whether your destination is Hawaii or the public pool, most people want their feet to look attractive in sandals, open-toed shoes or barefoot.

Since Jewels by Jan beaded foot jewelry can be worn with or without shoes, get your feet “barefoot sandal ready” by making sure you treat your feet with tender, loving care.

Also, check out our article on barefoot care.