Let's face it, our feet need care. After weeks of wearing flip flops in the summer, a few long days of standing at the job, or just their day-to-day function of supporting you, it's nice to give your 'dogs' a little TLC.

This kit covers all the bases of good foot maintenance: exfoliation, hydration and freshening, with three of my favorite go-to foot favorites, Loofa Soap, Extra Moisturizing Lotion Bar and Refreshing Foot Spray.

I use two foot-friendly essential oils to scent these items. They're readily available, and perfectly suited for pampering your piggies.

Peppermint oil -- it's anti-microbial, anti-fungal, an antioxidant, and even has anti-edema properties.

Tea tree oil has some of the same properties, being antibacterial, anti-microbial, antiseptic, antiviral, it's a fungicide, and even a stimulant! Additionally they smell delicious and are appreciated by both men and women. Let's get started.

Step 1: Exfoliating Loofa Soap

This scrubbie-embedded soap is nice to use on rough spots.

Materials and Supplies:

Loofa sponge
Glycerin Soap Base -- unscented
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil
Food Coloring (optional)
Soap Molds -- I use molds made for this purpose, but you can also use muffin tins, fancy ice or candy molds
Serrated Knife
Pyrex Measuring Cup or other heat-safe jar (mason jars work)
Chopstick (for stirring)

Prepare loofa by slicing with serrated knife. I like making my slices the same height as my molds. This keeps the loofa exposed, so its scrubbing qualities are available right from the start. Place loofa slices in molds.

Each soap mold holds 3 to 4-ounces of soap, and most meltable soaps come scored in 1-ounce sections. Cut soap base into squares and place in heat-proof measuring cup.

If using microwave, melt soap in 40-second increments. It usually only takes 2 to 3 rounds to melt all the soap. If using stove method, place mason jar/pyrex cup in water in saucepan.

Add peppermint & tea tree oil to melted soap base. For 2 cups of soap, I recommend 10 drops of each.

Add food coloring, if using. I used 2 drops of blue and 1 small drop of green.

Mix colors and essential oils thoroughly into melted soap.

Pour soap into prepared molds, pressing down on loofa to ensure full saturation.

Allow bars to cool for 30 to 40 minutes, and un-mold. If soaps don't come out of molds easily, pop in the freezer for a few minutes.

Step 2: Moisturizing Lotion Bar

Use this solid lotion bar a bit like chap-stick for your feet. Apply to rough patches, and rub in. The butters & oils will moisturize, and the fragrance will help de-funk those tootsies!

Materials and Supplies:

1/4 cup Shea Butter or Cocoa butter
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/2 cup Beeswax -- grated
10 drops Tea Tree Oil
20 drops Peppermint Oil
Pyrex Measuring Cup or other heat-safe jar (mason jars work)
Small Molds

Combine shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax and melt. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second increments. If using the stove, place mason jar or measuring cup in water in saucepan.

The beeswax will be the last ingredient to melt. In order not to burn or overheat the mixture, remove from heat once most of the solids are melted, then stir until the beeswax is incorporated. Reheat for a few seconds, if necessary. Add essential oils and stir.

Pour into molds, allow to cool, and un-mold.

Step 3: Refreshing Foot Spray

This spray can be used in stinky shoes, or directly on feet for a an invigorating and odor-reducing boost. Use sparingly on skin, as alcohol can be drying.

Ingredients and supplies:

1/2 cup Vodka

20-30 drops Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, or a combination of both

Spray Bottle

Combine vodka and essential oils, pour into spray bottle. Shake well before using.

Step 4: Packaging and Tips

Find a set of labels for your fantastic foot products here. They're compatible with most 2-1/2" circle sticker sheet templates, or you can simply cut them out of paper and glue on. Label and package all your goodies, and you're done.

Enjoy pampering your 'paws' at home!

www.TamaraCentral.com

@TamaraBerg on Twitter

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TamaraCentral