Winter Beauty - How to Resist Having 'Winter Feet'

When the days are long and warm, there is nothing better than having your ten toes free in their respective footwear. We let the summer sun kiss them. We pamper them and coat their nails in summery hues of fuchsia and coral. We religiously slough our heels because nothing looks worse than a cute pair of sandals hosting crusty dry feet.

As the days get colder a change happens. As the flip flops and sandals begin going back into storage, our weekly pedi' appointments begin occurring less and less. Boots of leather, suede, and rubber begin to take residence, and laziness sets in. Chipped pedicures which were once meticulously repainted get covered by socks, and oftentimes feet which were once soft and delightful to the eye, become dry and neglected to be hidden away for 8 months of cold weather.

Despite the relative ease of forgetting about the appearance of our feet until fashion calls for their summer debut in the newest gladiator or thong, it is imperative to take care of ones toes regardless of the climate. Nothing beats being barefoot ready year round.

One thing that works well with the incumbent cold weather is moisturizing your feet with a heavy cream before putting on ones winter socks. Good ole' petroleum jelly or shea butter work very well for this. When you concentrate on your heels and tops of toes, the socks and boots act like a heating cap, keeping your feet ultra moisturized throughout the day.

Coming in from the cold and feel like your toes have become flesh ice blocks ready to break off? Warm them up with hot water in a bucket. Add a tablespoon of baking soda, and if you can take the smell apple cider vinegar. While you are melting away the ice and soaking, you will also loosen up dead skin cells. Massage and scrub with a pumice to get the blood flowing back, and help your feet regain that baby bottom softness they once had.

Lastly ladies, be careful what type of footwear you use during the winter months. I know how tempting it is to buy the cutest knee length boots with the 4 inch heel, but remember that wearing heels too often can cause bunions, and we don't want those messing up our summer style! And make sure that your boots don't fit too tight and that you always wear socks. The boot material can rub against the delicate knuckles on your toes and cause unsightly dark marks. If you find this happening, wear thin cushion pads on your feet to protect them from the friction.

We are in this for at least until next May. So ladies, make sure to not neglect your feet this winter! Nothing is worse than trying to regain sexy feet in a rush once it gets warm again!