Friday, June 17, 2016

Pedicure Day

Do you get manis and pedis?


I look forward to this time, which allows me to forget all my responsibilities and put my to-do list aside for a couple of hours. I did my own for most of my life, but now I really enjoy the luxury of having a professional take care of my nails year-round.


Today I am sharing tips I have found helpful for finding and visiting a nail technician.

I looked for a space that was exceptionally clean, neatly organized, and peaceful. I do not enjoy getting any services where there is clutter, loud music, or lots of chatter.

Finding a tech who has the same level of perfectionism that I do and a pleasant personality to visit while the services are being provided is definitely a plus. 

Now that I have found the perfect fit for me, I will remain loyal to her regularly scheduled appointments. I respect her time and always arrive a few minutes early or let her know with a phone call more than twenty-four hours ahead of time if I travel during my appointed visit time.



I dress in loose, comfortable clothes. The legs and arms of what I wear should be easy to roll up. I have appropriate flip-flops by OkaB, which are worn only on pedicure days. I take a shower a few hours before my visit, but I shave my legs the day before, which gives any small nicks a chance to heal a little before the visit. I skip perfume on the day I visit any service provider or Doctor's office. They may not enjoy my fragrance as much as I do.

Your service provider should always use fresh towels, disinfected, or new tools only, and space should be operating room clean. I never allow my cuticles to be cut or a razor to be used on my skin, which tricks your skin into producing more thickening. The truth is, you need thicker skin in some areas for a reason. I walk and run for three miles almost every day. When too much skin is taken away, it makes my feet very tender.



I have short fingers with a small nail bed, so I always choose a nude color and a square-oval nail shape to elongate. This color is OPI's Tickle My France-Y.

My signature is neat square red nails on my toes. I switch to a brighter, lighter color like OPI's Cajun Shrimp or Dutch Tulips in the summer.



The top I am wearing here is by Last Tango. It was provided by Purple Poppy. The pants are several years old by Evan Picone via Dillard's. The fun, colorful clutch bag is from Carriage Trade Antiques next door, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The ring is from B'Dazzeled, also located in Blowing Rock.

11 comments:

Judy said...

I love mani pedi days....in fact, I was planning on one today! Cajun Shrimp used to be my signature color but now I've moved on to other colors that are very similar. I have a cute store about Cajun Shrimp that I shared on my blog a few years ago....I'll send you a link to it, I think you'll get a kick out of reading it!

Have a great weekend Susan!

Anonymous said...

You look great in flip flops!

Missy said...

So agree with you regarding the importance of the surroundings in the salon. Truly, mani pedi time should be an indulgence free from any loud cell chatter. I like a bright color on nails and nude on toes. Dutch Tulips and She's a Bad Muffuletta are amazing colors.

Anonymous said...

I'm curious to know, do you bring your own nail polish with you?

Susan said...

I do take my own polish, if I remember it. I like to have the color on hand if a chip happens after a few days.

Donna said...

A mani-pedi is sheer bliss. Pretty hands and feet are a key sign of a well-groomed woman. Do you have a special lotion/cream to keep your hands and feet soft? Your color choices are chic and classic. I wish I could find a place that does not reek of chemicals, is not blasted with music, and this will sound absolutely horrible, but I would like to be able to communicate with the technician. The last place I went smelled so bad I went home with a migraine.

Susan said...

My tech owns her own place. I went to a Spa before I found her because it is so much cleaner and the quality of the work is often much better.

lrlincks said...

Love that top! Cajun Shrimp is my long time favorite for spring and summer toes. I have short fingers and short nail beds too. I wore the acrylic nails for many years but now I opt for my natural nails. Finding a good salon can take time. Have a great weekend!

Andrea said...

I got a pedicure yesterday. It's a wonderful way to get some me time!

Great outfit to get a pedicure!

Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes

Julie said...

I enjoy my pedicures too! I have been reluctant to get manicures because it seems like I would need one every week. How often do you need to go to keep them looking fresh?

Susan said...

I try to go every other Thursday but the color on my fingers never lasts for more than four days. I take it off as soon as it chips. No color is better than chipped color. I get one pedicure per month.