“Self-care” is a buzzy word in the blogosphere lately – and for good reason. So, what is it? Self-care is anything you purposely do to improve your physical and mental health. It's so easy to get caught up with all the craziness at work, the kids' social calendars and the drama with my girlfriends. Every now and then you must create some 'TLC for Me Time'! It's necessary on so many fronts but for me the top reasons are:

• it helps avoid burnout
• re-energizes you so you can focus on your work and be more present with family
• reduces the negative effects of stress

So how exactly does one practice self-care? However which way that you like to spend 'ME' time with yourself, make sure you just don't put it off for too long! And don’t worry, this doesn’t mean regular facials at the spa (which can add up)! The ‘self-care’ tips that I’ve incorporated  are way more simple than that. It could be reading a book, taking in a movie by yourself, or just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee – it’s all about treating yourself to some serenity.

My favorite self-care ritual is getting a pedicure! Even in the winter, I love having perfectly polished toes. Something about a fresh pedicure just makes me feel so clean and pampered. But as a busy working mom, I don’t always have the time to make it to the salon. So, I like to do my own pedicure at home.

Over the years, I’ve gotten the DIY pedicure down to a science. It’s actually not complicated and really easy to do! Keep reading to learn how to do your own pedicure at home. And remember: this is meant to be fun and relaxing! So light some scented candles, pour yourself a glass of wine or two, and put on your favorite music – it’s YOU time.

How to Do a Pedicure at Home

1. Start with clean nails. If you already have nail polish on your nails, remove it with an acetone-free nail polish remover and a cotton round.
2. Fill a basin or your bathtub with warm water. Most people add some soap, but I like to add fresh lemon juice to help sanitize my feet...plus I just love the rejuvenating scent of citrus! Then I add marbles to the bottom of the basin, which massage my feet while they soak. I like to soak my feet for 15 minutes to make sure they get nice and soft. While I wait, I read Harper's Bazaar on my iPad or even some of the tabloids – my favorite guilty pleasures!
3. Next, scrub your wet feet with a foot file. Use the rough side first to buff away calluses, then use the finer side to smooth skin.
4. Now it’s time to trim your nails! Clip your nails straight across, then use an emery board to round the edges. You can also gently buff the nails to remove ridges.
5. Apply a drop of our Revital Oil cuticle oil to the base of each toenail. Let the oil soak into the cuticles for about a minute, then gently push the cuticles back with an orange stick.
6. Next, after I treat my feet with cuticle oil, I’ll do a quick wash of my feet. I’ve found the way to a long-lasting pedicure is to start off with a clean canvas. When your nails are free of oil and/or debris, your polish will adhere that much better, giving you the optimal pedicure.
7. I always start my pedicure with a base coat of my Makeover Ridge Filler. My toenails tend to develop ridges (the ones that snag my favorite stockings), so this keratin-infused treatment helps to keep my nails moisturized and strong.
8. My favorite part: painting!  I’m currently loving the shades in our 'ME' Fall Classic Nail Collection, especially the Swagger shade. This deep berry color just says autumn to me! I apply two thin shades of color, making sure to let each coat dry completely before applying another – this is the key to a long-lasting manicure! This is also where my US Weekly comes in handy.
9. Once my nails are painted, I use a Q-tip soaked in nail polish remover to clean up any smudges (which can definitely happen when you’re drinking wine while giving yourself a pedicure).
10. I finish up my nails with a top coat of Memento Manicure Extender so that my hard work lasts longer. I’ve found my pedicures can last almost a month thanks to this lifesaver! Not to mention, the quick-dry formula has me up and running again in less than 10 minutes.
11. Once my nails are dry, I slather both my feet in Runway Ready Luxury Foot Treatment. With Alpha Hydroxy Acids and uber hydrating ingredients like Argan Oil, Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid, this stuff makes your feet baby soft. Plus, because it has Alpha Hydroxy Acid, it actually helps to exfoliate your feet so you don’t develop any unsightly calluses in the first place.

And that’s it! Not only will your feet now look extra gorgeous, but you’ve had a chance to unwind and do something just for you. Not only that, you're now ready to strap on your open-toes for date night! Have fun ladies!