A Pedicure–Quick Pampering for Harried Mom

This week, Warren Patch begins a new weekly series that offers insight into frugal activities, services and goods that are family-friendly.

This week, we ask “What better way to begin than to pamper mom?”

As a mom, I really don’t set any “me time.” If I did, I be at the nail salon weekly (possibly daily).

To me, a salon pedicure embodies all that is good and soothing. There is quiet-as my feet soak I can read a book or watch TV. There is the foot massage, which is undeniably nice. Plus, I emerge with manicured feet, which is a confidence booster, since I waste more time being annoyed about my chipped nails, then it takes to get them fixed in the salon.

The most frugal pedicure option, is to do it yourself. With a steady hand and a few basic tools, it can be done. Here are some tips for an at-home manicure/pedicure that looks professional (hint-this is most likely an after-kid-bedtime activity):

1. Gather your materials: Nail clippers, nail file, polish remover, polish, top coat, cuticle solution and moisturizer).
2. Thoroughly remove old polish. Hint-if your nails are discolored, you can add a few drops of lemon to the water to brighten them.
3. Soak your hands and feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes. (Optional-use a scrub product to exfoliate, as you do this).
4. File your nails, going in one direction, only.
5. Soak (or at least rinse off the filings).
6. Apply cuticle solution and gently push back your cuticles.
7. Apply moisturizer to iyour hands and feet, avoiding the nail area. If you get any on the nail area, be sure to wipe it off before moving on to the next step.
8. Apply polish and top coat.
9. Allow to dry thoroughly.

While I often have every intention of at-home manicures and pedicures, life most often gets in the way. It’s awfully hard to soak your feet at home, while doing the dishes, cleaning the house or making dinner. 

Shopping around yields a variety of prices for pedicures. Truly, the best value is in getting a manicure/pedicure combination.  Pro Nail Salon and Village Nail Salon offer the lowest prices for pedicures at only $20.  The cheapest manicure/pedicure combination is at Village Nail Salon for $28.  

The following table provides a summary of pedicure and manicure/pedicure combo prices in our area:

Salon Name

Address

Phone #

Pedicure Price

Manicure/Pedicure Combo Price

Nailspa

10 Mount Bethel Road

908-222-8889

$25

$35

Pro Nail Salon

177 Washington Valley Road

732-563-6935

$20

$30

Personal Touch Nail Salon

35 Mountain Blvd.

908-753-2626

$25

$35

Village Nail Salon

41 Mountain Blvd.

908-757-0303

$20

$28