F E E T. Those things attached to the bottom of your legs. I never used to include them in my hygience agenda until I started getting calluses and painting my nails. This will be my first attempt at writing something health related, but I'm really interested in that right now, so you may see a lot more. Note that I do not take responsibility for the things you read here, they are guaranteed to work for ME but you may have a different problems. I give credit where it is due, blah, blah.

Do you have rough skin on the bottom of your foot? I do, but it is much better now that I give myself a nice pedicure once a week. I recommend pampering your feet at least once a month, more often if you have infections or paint your nails often. Do get try and make your the bottom of your foot less rough, soak your feet. You can soak them in a variety of things, I usually use warm soapy water the first time around (and add lotion and massage my feet) and do it a second time with bath salts. Some recommend milk. If you really want to have a "spa experience" add some flower petals (be sure not to be allergic). I recommend five minutes if you are in a hurry, but if it's more of a spa treatment go for ten to twenty minutes. Dim the lights, add some soothing music, a book and just sit. Afterward, turn on the lights if you need to and use a pumice stone and rub the heel of your foot. (Note: If a pumice stone is not avaliable, use a rough washcloth). Do this until you feel it is enough. Put on some mosturizer (it can be specifically for your feet, but I just use the all-around stuff) and rub you feet gently. I also recommend massaging your feet daily, before you go to bed.

Painting your toe nails is very simple, but the nail itself must be "fixed up" before you do so. Here's the list.

1. Remove Nail Polish: Don't pick off old nail polish. Invest in some nai polish remover, I use extra sensitive kind :)
2. Cut your nails. Be careful not to cut them too short; it's best to make them sort of squarish shaped. If you have irregularly shaped toenails (like me), just do the best you can. Don't cut them while they are still pliable from a soak, you could easily cut off more than you want. I recommend a toenail clipper as it cuts straight across, which helps prevent ingrown toenails.
3. File. You need not file in one direction, because most toenails are really thick. If you have very "weak" toenails that splinter easily, you might want to file in one direction. Make sure you file off any snags, but don't overdo it. File a little over the surface of your toenail so that your ridges don't show so much and the paint will stay on better. You can also buy special files that smooth your nail if you don't want to paint them. Do not use a metal file as these can damage your nails.
4. Cuticles. I don't use a cuticle softener, but you can. You can buy some at your local whatever store :P Use one of those stick-things (also avaliable at your local whatever store) to push those skin things to the base of the nail. If I don't have one handy, I use a toothpick. Don't force them to go back farther than the base and NEVER, EVER cut your cuticles. It hurts (I've tried it before). The only time you ever cut things on your nails is if you have a hang nail or REALLY loose pieces of skin.
5. Other. If you have hair on your foot, shave them off. Only do that if it's really noticable. Otherwise, don't bother. If you are a hobbit and have hair on the bottom too, don't shave it. You'll need it for tramping around Middle Earth. Never cut off callouses or that off the bottom of your skin. If they really bother you, go see the doctor. I cut mine all up and it is just now healing. Before you put on the paint, make sure you don't have any fluff left. If you are having trouble reaching your toes, use the toilet as leverage. [from seventeen July 2002]

Now for color. Have a bascoat, a topcoat and the color you want read. I also recommend buying a toe-seperater thing or putting rolls of paper (not anything fluffy!) between your toes so they will be easier to paint. Make sure each coat is fully dry before doing the next. Don't put on very thick layers, because then it will be easier to chip. Have something handy to read if you easily get bored. I always go for natural colors, I buy from Victoria's Secret. I'd buy a from a good brand, as the cheaper kind chip easier and don't last as long. You can use a nail dryer, but I don't have cash to invest in all of my wants, so just grab a magazine and fan for a while. I use my fan collection. After you finish, let the room you used circulate air for a while. Nail polish can be damaging for your health after awhile.

To mantain the color of your pretty nails, reapply the clear coat every other day or so. Don't pick them to get the color off. And to avoid getting up for things you should have around you while having your pedicure, here is a list of things you will need: