Did anyone else go nuts during the boxing day sales? Actually, I shouldn't sell myself short - I didn't go totally nuts. Maybe just cashews... with a few almonds thrown in too. My point is, I tried to hold myself back - tried being the operative word. However, shopping with my mum - who isn't allergic but still refuses to 'go nuts' whilst shopping, there-by maling me feel extra guilty when I do - makes me hold back... 

Walking past Wittner and seeing my eye light up at the red, 50% off stickers adorning the soles of hundreds of heels, she shook her head and exclaimed, 'How many pairs of new shoes do you really need?' Now, don't get me wrong. She is as supportive as a parent can be when witnessing their child telling shop assistants 'Shut up and take all of my money!' (Not really. I'd never tell a shop assistant to shut up. It's just that I need no convincing. Ever).  But this suport is only evident when I NEED something. Not when I am frivolously wandering around, swiping my card like I can afford it - because I often can't. Anywho, this forray into my shopping habits (or dirty little addiction) is really about pedicures. You see, mum convinced me I don't need another pair of shoes when I already have heaps. And I do have heaps. So instead of adding to the collection, I decided to go home and do a shoe-inventory. Turns out I have many a heel that hasn't seen the light of day in a while and are perfect for summer - meaning toes will be on show. Meaning time to get serious about the at-home pedi.

A small selection of my collection

Here's how I did it:

First off, I jumped in the shower and scrubed my entire bod, but this time, I made sure to scrub my feet too (so often forgotten!) My fave scrub, hands - or feet - down, is the Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub. Available in heaps of delish scents, but all containing coconut oil for nourishment whilst sugar granules scrub away any dry or dead skin lurking around, this sugar rub has permanent residency in my shower. I have the coconut scent, but they are all pretty great FYI.

Next step was to rub in some NS-8 Heel Balm Complex post shower. A variable product in the January bellabox, it's awesome for keeping your heels nice and soft. I don't really like to go for the rough 'cutting' away of skin on my feet - it's a bit too Nip Tuck for my liking, so this balm is tops for keeping the skin there smooth and pillowy enough to never have to get violent with your feet!

Next up, I gave my nails a bit of a file. Be sure not to file (or snip) them too low - this can cause in-grown nails, which let's be honest, are no fun at all. In-growns can also result from trimming them in a curved shape (lower in towards the side of the nail). It's better to keep them straight across. My favourite ever nail file is the Sally Hansen Everyday Strength Nail File, which I was lucky enough to sample after visiting their pop-up nail bar at Federation Square during the Spring Racing Carnival. They are really big and have just the right amount of grit to them. Perfection!

Then it was time to polish. I'm usually not a fluoro girl (brights yes, fluoro, not so much) when it comes to clothing, or anywhere else, except in summer and except on my toes. There's just something about a hot pink or bright orange shade on toes that makes them look waaaay cuter. Even to my sis who has a foot phobia. We included both as a variable product in the Jan box - Mode's Nail Enamel in Rave'n and Hot Stuff. I chose Hot Stuff, the hot pink shade...

Once my polish is all dry, I finish by moisturising my feet and legs (and throwing in a free massage too). This helps to ease swelling on days when it is super hot, and, well, if you are going to go to all the effort of an at-home pedi, why not make it decadent? Try an all natural body lotion or cream for a formula that locks in your skins natural moisture levels as well as adding some too. I love the scent of the Aurora Spa Ultra Rich Body Cream which contains Shea butter, macadamia and olive extracts. No wonder it's so creamy. Almost good enough to eat...

And there you have it! An easy at-home pedi that will leave your tootsies cute enough to show off an any summer sandal. Do you have a huge shoe collection too? What is your favourite nail colour for summer? - Lauren

Don't forget to enter our summer nails competition! You could win a mode nail kit plus a pair of thongs! Here's how...