Healthy and Green Living » Hands & Feet

Homemade Sugar Scrub

Annie B. Bond — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:07:10 +0000

OK, folks. Get ready for almost unbelievably soft skin (even for those of us with older skin).

Fix for Brittle Nails

Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:00:24 +0000

If your nails go snap, crackle, and pop, you’re in good company–as much as 20 percent of the population suffers from brittle nails. Though experts don’t know exactly what causes our nails to weaken, peel, or break, they point to harsh detergents and nail polish removers as the likely culprits. Other factors include cold, dry [...]

Beware the Pedicure

Robyn, selected from Natural Solutions magazine — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:52:20 +0000

Walk down any city street and chances are you’ll pass a nail shop. It’s no surprise that these salons are on the rise–consumers have realized that $20 buys not only pretty (or flashy) nails, but also half an hour of pampering. The increasingly popular salon pedicure has its dark side, however; each year some customers [...]

Treat Your Feet Naturally

Mel, selected from Delicious Living — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:00:57 +0000

It�s never too early to start thinking about flip flops. Take your tootsies out of winter hibernation and soothe away dryness, calluses, ugly toes, and odor with expert natural tips. 1. Add moisture. If the cold, dry winter months left your feet parched and flaky, rich natural butters and oils can restore lost moisture. “Shea [...]

Natural Tips for Pretty Nails

Mel, selected from Delicious Living — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:00:56 +0000

There is a happy medium between shiny, bright, toxic red holiday fingernails and scruffy unloved fingers. Skip the salon and go natural–make your nails look beautiful with these non-toxic tips from Nonie Crime, creative director of Butter London natural nail salon based in Seattle. � Remove old polish with acetone-free remover that contains protein to strengthen [...]

The Trouble With Triclosan in Your Soap

Mel, selected from Food & Water Watch — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:00:29 +0000

Who knew that washing your hands could harm your health and the environment? Thanks to the chemical industry, a hazardous antibacterial compound called triclosan is now an ingredient in many household and personal care products such as soaps, cleaners, cosmetics, clothing, and even children’s toys. While consumers might think triclosan can protect them from harmful [...]

Epsom Salt Peppermint Foot Scrub

Jana Ballinger — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:00:11 +0000

This lively scrub might make you want to play footsie. Soaking your feet first in warm saltwater not only feels heavenly, it also softens tough skin for maximum benefits. INGREDIENTS 1 cup Epsom salt 1/3 cup almond oil or olive oil 1 tablespoon castile soap 6 drops pure essential oil of peppermint Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. [...]

Natural Nails for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Annie B. Bond — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:55 +0000

Plastics have snuck up on us and can be found in the most unexpected places. Try our bodies, for example. And, who knew that the ingredients to make plastic soft, known as phthalates, are found in perfume oil solvents and the resulting fragrance, paper coatings, adhesives, printing inks, air fresheners, and nail polish? We might have [...]

Paint Your Toes Green

Jana Ballinger — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:13 +0000

Chicks dig pedicures. There, I said it. Just to clarify, I am a feminist and I don’t subscribe to the notion that women need to paint and coif themselves to perfection to live up to some societal notion of beauty. But what can I say? I like getting my toes done, and if that makes [...]

Green Rub for Pretty Feet

Annie B. Bond — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:00:02 +0000

Sandal season is just around the corner, and our poor winter-weary feet - trapped for so many months in boots and shoes - will be exposed for all the world to see, rough spots, calluses and all.

This couldn�t-be-easier treatment will soften and beautify your feet so they�ll be ready for sandals in no time - and it feels simply divine!