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Create a spring in your step!The cold, wet,Winter monthsare drawing toa close as weeagerly await theopportunity toditch our bootsand shoes for morepedal exposure.But how do we avoid the horrorsof excessive skin build up of thecuticle, dry and crusty skin, bunionsand calluses? And how we can do itwithout spending a small fortune?Step out in style with our tips for fit-flop andsandal season confidence:- SoakStart your pampering session with anessential oil foot bath to soften your skinand get you in the zone for some precious‘me’ time! Lavender and camomile are bothknown for their relaxing qualities. For amoisturising soak try 1 part honey, 2 partsmilk mixed with 6 parts of hot water........yummy!- Remember your nailsAfter soaking, apply a cuticle softening oil orcream and gently push back the cuticles.Try mixing equal measures of natural clay,cold pressed oil and a couple of drops ofessential oil and massage into the cuticlesbefore pushing them back using an orangewood stick or the nails of the other hand.Daily dabs of your chosen product on thenail base will prevent dry and crackedcuticles. Once your pedicure is complete,make a statement with your chosen colourof nail varnish.- ExfoliateUse a pumice stone, heel scrub or terracottascrubber to slough off the dry, dead skinfrom the bottom of your feet rememberingto focus on your heels, toes and ball of thefoot.Scrubs can be worked into the feet well andthen rinsed. A couple of simple home-madeversions include an equal mix of brown sugarand almond oil or the addition of sand toyour normal lotion. Lemons can also be usedto treat calluses by either securing the peelson your heels with bed socks or a bandagefor 2-3 nights or rubbing the juice onto theaffected area.- Hydrate / MoisturiseIt’s important to replenish the moisture lostby exfoliating to prevent dry, cracked andchafed skin as well as blisters and calluses.A good foot cream will leave your tootsiessilky soft and smooth. Shea and cocoa butter,glycerine and lanolin and olive oil are allnatural moisturisers.Let your favourite foot concoction workwonders whilst you sleep by moisturisingwell, then applying a pair of cotton socks.Whilst you drift off to the land of nod, yourmoisturiser will be working hard. Take carein the morning that your super silky solesdon’t slip you up! Prevent moisture loss bynot walking around barefoot, especially inthe cold.- Avoid smelly feetKeeping your feet clean and dry will avoidnasty odours developing. Avoid closedfootwear and synthetic materials wherepossible. A foot powder will soak up excessmoisture especially from between the toes.Corn starch can act as a cheap alternativeto commercial products and the addition offinely chopped fresh mint leaves will add are-vitalising ‘zing’!- ExerciseDepending on the type of footwear worn overthe winter period, tendons and ligamentscan become tightened or stretched.Avoid plantar fascilitis by rolling a tennis ballback and forth along the floor with the soleof your foot. A golf ball will deliver a deepermassage.Loosen any areas of tension within the footby raising yourself onto your toes and thenlower your feet back to the ground bendingyour knees.- Keep to a regular regimeWhether once a day or once or week, try tokeep to a regular regime and keep those feetand nails perfectly pampered.- Avoid spending a fortuneUse the internet to search for natural homemadefoot care products to ensure you canafford to invest in the stylish treads yourperky pinkies and precious pedal padsdeserve!!By Louise Bensaid