Spring Cleaning and Your Nails

Feb24

How does one begin? Some may want to take a whole day? Some, those of us that work all day, take a room a day, maybe a Saturday or our one day off. And, some may do it the Mary Kay way. . . The 5 a.m. Club. Or it could be the 4 a.m. Club. It would depend on what time your day starts. It would mean that you have to get up one hour earlier to do your cleaning for that one club hour. I can’t even now imagine those with CHILDREN. How long will this take with you doing it the Spring Cleaning way? It will depend on whether or not you linger or reminisce when you find something you use to wear or your child use to play with or made for you from the second grade(they are now 30). It’s been a while.

No matter your method of cleaning. We have to be mindful of the care of our hands, nails and cuticles. Cleaning supplies and just plain old neglect can wreck havoc on the skin of our hands during this time of year. Our skin and nails have gone through the cold, dry season to now be dried out even further with cleaning chemicals and harsh soapy water.

The key to all this drying out is moisture, moisture, moisture, not grease or lotions filled with more chemicals and alcohol. Try natural oils such as coconut, olive or jojoba added to your favorite lotion if you must. ALWAYS wear gloves when cleaning with chemicals and cleaning detergents, you’ll be glad you did.

Life Wisdom

Sep1

I love, love this time of year. It’s not too hot nor too cold, just right for sleeping.

As fall swiftly approaches, this time of year calls for changes in fashion as the weather turns. Time to pull out our heavy oils and creams to keep hands and feet nice and supple.

It’s time to start that exercise and weight loss journey before the holidays.

What are your nails saying about you? continued

Feb16

Healthy, happy nails! Check out the healthy cuticles

Healthy nails are not . . .

Purple nails – When nails turn purple or blue, says Dr. Graf, it could be a symptom of Raynaud’s. The syndrome causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to spasm, and while it’s usually just a benign inconvenience, Raynaud’s can also be an early symptom of more serious disorders. This can also be a sign of poor circulation.

Dark Spots – Those small, vertical plum lines you see running along your nails? They’re called splinter hemorrhages, and sometimes they can be chalked up to a run-of-the-mill injury. However, says Dr. Graf, it’s important to pay attention. “If you see dark, longitudinal lines, those are definitely things to get checked. They could be birthmarks, but if they go below the nail plate, they need to be evaluated for melanoma.” These tiny blood clots are also loosely associated with a host of other health issues, from lupus to heart inflammation, so schedule an appointment to rule out anything serious.

If a dark stripe or band suddenly appears at the cuticle or on in the nail plate, get it checked out.

If any of these apply to you, please see a licensed manicurist or podiatrist for advice.

There are some conditions that may be helped by visiting your pedicurist on a regular basis, not just when you have to or some special occasion.

Think About It: Does your outer appearance match who you are on the inside? You are the only one that can really see you.

What are your nails saying about you?

Jan26

Healthy nails . . .

What Are Your Nails Trying to Tell You?

Photo: Getty Images

They say, “The eyes are the window to the soul”. But as it turns out, the nails may give us a glimpse of our inside and overall health. “Fingernails should be a healthy, pinkish color,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a clinical and research dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. “But significant changes to the entire nail could represent something going on in the body.”

Of course, slight variations are normal and no reason for panic, but here’s a guide to what specific issues could mean.

Pitting – “Pitting of the nails could be psoriasis,” says Dr. Graf, adding that in some cases, it could be a symptom of a connective tissue disorder. If you see small depressions or irregular contours in your nail bed, it’s time to visit a dermatologist.

Clubbing – Surprisingly, the tips of your nails hold hints about your lungs. “Clubbing of the end of the fingers can be suggestive of pulmonary disease,” Dr. Graf explains. Colloquially known as Hippocratic fingers, this condition is easy to identify due to its “inflated” appearance. “If you look at the end of the nail and it’s thick and round, that’s clubbing,” Dr. Graf adds. Other signs of possible lung problems? Longitudinal, linear lesions in the nail bed or blood splinters.

Spoon-shaped nails – Koilonychia—indented or concave nails with ridges—could be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, according to Dr. Graf. It may also suggest hemochromatosis, a liver disease caused by too much iron buildup. Uneven nails, she says, should also grab your attention: “In the absence of trauma or psoriasis, when the nail is uneven, it could also be a sign of thyroid problems.”

To be continued . . .

If you have any questions about your nails, skin or hair, please consult a dermatologist.

Think About It: Take time to write out your goals. Writing out your goals makes you more decisive.

Holiday Glam

Dec23

Don’t let these be yours?!

Are you ready for those office parties and out of town guests? How are you looking? Skin? Hair? Nails? Heels?

These feet and heels are saying, ‘I’m tied and I’m redta go!’ Don’t put off your services(mani and pedi) til the last minute and act surprised when those feet turn out to be yours. No amount of lotion or vaseline will hide the much needed overhaul. Time is short and schedules are full. Your time is precious. So plan some time for your Holiday Glam. If not, wear enclosed shoes, please.

By appointment, you are next at Dew Drop Nails where . . . natural nail-care is the specialty.

Some Holiday Glam Choices

Christmas colors!

These would have to be done after you’ve cooked all the goodies.

Business Showcase & Holiday Shopping Bazaar

Nov18

BROWN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

980 STATELINE ROAD

SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES

Dew Drop Nails will offer natural shea butter, cuticle oils, skin moisturizers, nail strengtheners, OPI nail polishes, oils for dry skin and scalp and much, much more!!

*Get early gifts for your loved ONES!!

The Eyes Have It! Mary Kay’s Fall Indulgence

Sep15

The Look can be for day

Or evening

Emerald Noir

Call The Mary Kay Store today for your next great fall look

(901) 332-2170

FREE!* GIFT WITH PURCHASE from the New limited-edition Midnight Jewels Collection ($49.50)

“I don’t feel that I need a pedicure.” WHAT!?

May20

When and how often should one get a pedicure? Some people feel that summer is the best time to get a pedicure. They think because the feet are out and therefore the feet need to look good. Actually, winter is the most important time to get a pedicure. The feet are taken through steep temperature changes during the course of a day. Also, during these temp changes, the feet are placed in tight, sweaty shoes, socks and/or boots. The weather is not conducive for pretty feet during the cold months of winter. The feet may go from dry to wet several times during a day. All of these changes cause drying of the skin. Cold winter floors further pull the much-needed moisture from the feet. Here is an example of putting off much-needed foot care.

“I feel I might need a pedi.”

After assessment of the feet, a thorough pedicure was performed with special care and attention given to the reduction of thicken nails and overgrown cuticles, also the hard and misshapen calluses were reduced and smoothed. Dew Drop Crystals were applied to exfoliate and lighten the skin. Finally, a light massage was given to increase circulation.

"Tote me to my car, cause I don't w to walk on my new feets."

“Tote me to my car, cause I don’t want to walk on my new feets.”

This is the season for looking and feeling your best. Get those tootsies looking their best , starting this Memorial Day weekend!

Think2Day: Do you value yourself by what you do or by what you are? You do have a choice. Whose opinion count any?

Pedicure Season

May13

Spring is here! And we want to show off our toes with beautiful colors that compliment our skin tones. Even men get in on the act of showing off their feet and toes. But just like some men, some women, shouldn’t show off their feet without first getting a proper pedicure.

WHAT IS A PEDICURE?

Pedicure is derived from the Latin words pedis, which means “of the foot”, and cura, which means “care”. It can be the second best thing you will ever feel. This is a typical Dew Drop Nails pedicure: feet are soaked in warm water and aromatic foot softening flakes. Calluses are discussed, reduced and smoothed. Toenails are shaped, smoothed and reduced, if needed. A cuticle softener is applied then feet are placed back into the warm water. Unwanted cuticle is removed using a nipper. Nails are then buffed smooth removing ridges, stains and/or imperfections. Dew Drop Nails exfoliating crystals are applied to feet, ankles and lower legs. Light leg and foot massage follows using Dew Drops Shea Butter Creme. Finally, color of your choice is applied to the toenails.

Josephine Baker 1950’s getting a pedicure

HISTORY

People have been pedicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures. The use of fingernail polish can be traced back even further. Originating in China in 3000 BC, nail color indicated one’s social status, according to a Ming Dynasty manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red. Ancient Egyptians have been manicuring all the way back to 2300 BC.

A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a pharaoh’s tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs. The Egyptians also colored their nails, using red to show the highest social class. It is said that Cleopatra’s nails were painted a deep red, whereas Queen Nefertiti went with a flashier ruby shade. In ancient Egypt and Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before they went off to battle.

BENEFITS

You will feel warm, relaxed and maybe in need a little nap after experiencing the above pampering pedicure at Dew Drop Nails, where natural nail-care is the specialty. Because I’m in the beauty industry, concentration in nail technology of hands and feet and their beautification, I believe the benefits of a pedicure is unparalleled. Not only will it rejuvenate and beautify but improve circulation and appearance of the skin of the legs and feet. A pedicure can be quite relaxing if done in a calm, private atmosphere. Lastly, there will be an overall feeling of well-being.

Think About It: Schedule your pedicure today!

Where do we begin?

Mar26

Is it Spring yet?

It’s now time for color and showing off the skin of the arms, legs and feet. What cha’ doing to get your Cute self ready? Well, don’t say it, “I ain’t don a thang!” or “I’m waiting for it to warm up a little first.” Whaaaat!? Don’t do that Cutie. Start with a good and professional manicure and pedicure. Then . . .Cuties are you willing to take the time to learn of yourselves? Or, you just want to continue pretending? You don’t really want to continue in this charade? Aren’t you tired? Remove the masks of self-denial. The mask of not fully caring for our minds and bodies? This is a new day and a fresh new time of year, Spring is in the air. Let’s begin anew with the newness of this season. Who are you really? How do you care about yourself when you are alone with yourself? Are you good to yourself?

What is your daily regimen just for you? In all things about the skin, start with a good cleanser, and then moisture, moisture, moisturize. The next step is to lock that moisture in. Not only for the face but what about the hands and feet? That would also apply to our hair!! I know, shocker, right? Since the almighty perm, we(Sisters) have been afeared of water or moisture or whatever you call it. We didn’t and don’t want it coming anywhere near our hair. We now can make moisture work even with the straight or the natural styles. We just have to find out what works for “OUR” hair. Just because we like a style on someone or saw a style in a magazine, it doesn’t mean we can achieve that same style, swing or shine. And please, please you shouldn’t get upset with the stylist when he or she couldn’t pull it off.

On my quest to cuteness, I henndigo-ed my hair last night, for the Spring and Summer. I’m never really sure if spring and summer should be capitalized. Yeh, they should.

Hopefully, the information will become more informative with your help, of course.

Think About It: What has happened to your resolutions? Start now! with a promise to you. “I will love and honor ‘YOUR NAME’ this year.”

Dew Drop Nails

Natural nail-care is the specialty

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