DIY Foot Spa

Hi there!! I would like to share with you my DIY foot spa.  I only use basics as the above photos.

Things you need:

1. basin that will fit your feet;
2. foot scrub
3. olive oil;
4. any liquid soap / bubble bath of your choice
5. hot & tap water
6. moisturizer

• Combine hot and warm water in basin.  Check the temperature that your feet can tolerate.  Adjust as needed.  Add a tablespoon of olive oil and desired amount of liquid / bubble bath soap.  Mix to bubbles.  Actually,  you can add a sea salt (optional).  
• Place your feet in the basin.  Rest your feet for few minutes or as long as you want.  When you feel that your skin is soft,  lightly scrub your heel and other hard/callous on your foot with foot scurb.    Do it on your other foot.  Repeat as desired.  
• Wash feet properly.  Towel dry and put your favorite moisturizer. 
• Finally, cut and clean your nails.  Pedicure as usual
• Repeat this when you need to clean you nails and before you do your pedicure or as needed.  

I recommend DIY foot spa, it won't take much of your time.  Most important, it will surely save you money and germ free :) 

P.S.  I usually have crack heels, it came out when I became a stay home mom.  I just learned few months ago that rubber slippers cause my heels to crack/dry.  So I changed my home slipper and other slipper when going out for a walk to market to a non-rubber slipper.  From then on, my heels don't crack so I usually do my foot spa once a month for maintenance.  If we have the same case, I suggest  you change your slipper too.

Washing Underwear & Delicates

photo courtesy of Lion Corp

I've read somewhere and I wasn't able to bookmark the site that it is advisable to use baby detergent in washing underwear.  Right away, I bought Kodomo which had a powder scent (blue one) that I really like.  Then I stumbled upon Baby Detergents, wherein you would learn a lot in washing underwear and delicates using baby detergent and so. It is highly recommended and surely agree of the idea.  

 

Washing underwear and delicates need special care. Since these are used to protect our body’s sensitive parts, we have to make sure that it is washed thoroughly, no detergent residues and absolutely germ-free. Especially for babies and toddlers, clean underwear is important to prevent their skin from having rashes and allergies.

In washing briefs and panties, it is a golden rule to separate them from the rest of the laundry. Undergarments are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Tight-fitting underwear is an ideal habitat for Candida yeast, which causes irritation and other skin problems. The bacteria can easily transfer to other clothing in the washing machine and so it should be washed separately.
Believe it or not, there are tracks of urine and feces always left on the underwear. According to experts, about a gram of feces can be found on an average pair of underwear. Thus, germs easily cultivate in these garments and fast.

Undergarments should be washed in hot water. For colored underwear, you should wash it in cold water. Make sure you read the instruction tag on the brief or panty before putting it in the washer. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Some undergarments are required to be washed by hands while others should be washed in a certain cycle.

Use mild, hypoallergenic detergent. You can bleach the stubborn stains; but if there’s none, you better not use this product. You don’t want to expose your child to strong cleaning chemicals at a young age. See the instructions on the amount of soap needed in washing undergarments. Make sure that you rinse it thoroughly and there are no traces of detergent residues.

Do not use fabric softeners especially the scented ones. The perfume can cause skin reactions and yeast infections. For a safer option, throw in a teaspoon of vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Undergarments should be dried completely immediately after washing to prevent bacteria from growing. Also, it is best if you air dry these rather than using the dryer. Spin drying underwear may cause them to shrink.

image and  quote from babydetergents.com

From then on, I did what was said and it really helps. 

Keeping your Family's Hands Clean

Once I started a family, my number one house rule is to practice washing hands as necessary as possible.  Started with myself and my partner.  Started early with our babies too.  If you have to stay with us or visit us :P you have to abide with the rules, lol.  Make it a habit :)  A friendly reminder, it is very important to wash your hands as soon as you come home.  Another reminder, to bring a hand sanitizer and wipes when outside. 

And as always, wash your hands before:

• preparing food
• eating
• treating wounds or giving medicine
• touching a sick or injured person
• inserting or removing contact lenses

Always wash your hands after:

• preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
• using the toilet
• changing a diaper
• touching an animal or animal toys, leashes or waste
• blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands
• treating wounds
• touching a sick or injured person
• handling garbage or something that could be contaminated, such as a cleaning cloth or soiled shoes

Just always keep in mind to wash your hands whenever they look dirty.