Learning to do your own manicure will help you in many ways: it will save you from the rising prices that many salons are charging, it will allow you peace of mind in knowing that you are using your own sterile equipment and will not contract any of the diseases that are present in some less reputable salons, it will even give you the freedom and flexibility to have a manicure anytime you choose, without an appointment!

Follow these easy steps for a picture perfect manicure anytime you like!

• Start with a clean canvas: remove any old nail polish from your nails. If you leave streaks of colour, it will effect the new polish that you will be putting on.

• Now that your canvas is clean, make it the right size and shape. File your nails while they are dry so that they are less likely to split. Avoid using scissors or clippers because cutting your nails makes them weak and prone to breaking.

• Your cuticles are the frame around your nails and they can either enhance or detract from the attractiveness of your manicure. Invest in a good-quality cuticle oil and use it daily. For your manicure, put on a generous amount of cuticle oil and rub it into your cuticles lightly. Allow the oil to do its work while you soak your hands in warm water for five to ten minutes. This will soften the cuticles and make them easier to work with.

• To ensure that your hands are as beautiful as your manicure, use an exfoliating scrub that will make your skin soft and smooth. Choose a scent that appeals to you. Gently rub the scrub into your hands and wrists for a minute or two. Rinse the scrub off and dry your hands gently. Spend some time pushing back your cuticles. You will have a buildup of dead skin at the base and sides of your nails, clip this away slowly. Take your time and proceed with care. After this important step, using a hand cream that compliments the scent from the scrub you just used, massage your hands and wrists for a few minutes.

• With a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball wipe your nails down. This will remove any hand cream from the nail and allow you to paint your nails easily and smoothly. Start with a quality base coat, this will insure that your nails don’t turn yellow. Apply two coats of nail colour, allowing them a minute to dry in between applications. At first this might be tricky and you might end up with a little polish around your nails, but after a few manicures your polish will have a professional look to it. Keep trying and just use a little nail polish remover on the end of your orange stick to touch up any mistakes. Follow up with a top coat that will help your nails stay strong, shiny and chip free and you are finished!

Things you will need:

The bags range from practical, stiff and best-suited for groceries (Sobey’s reusable grocery bags, for example) to foldable and quippy bags that can be carried in your purse or car and pulled out when needed (Canadian Tire’s reusable ‘This Bag Is Green’ bag, for example). But what about recycled or eco-friendly purses or bags that are trendy, stylish and can be used as a purse when going out with friends? Here are some e-retailers we found that carry purses and bags that are pretty, sassy and worthy of a second glance.

www.grassrootsstore.com
The Grass Roots Store’s Organic Bamboo Utensil Set, complete with carrying case, is a great idea for travelers. Taking your own, biodegradable cutlery will enable you to avoid using plastic cutlery at fast food restaurants!

www.eco-handbags.ca
From chopsticks and cigar boxes to skateboards and magazines these recycled purses are unique and environmentally friendly, which far outweighs the cost.

www.recycledseatbelts.ca
As the name suggests, these bags are all made of seat belts. Less attractive than their counterparts, these bags are well suited as Christmas gifts for your teenage grandchildren. Or, get one for yourself for a gym-bag!

www.notjustpretty.com
Not Just Pretty is a hub for a variety of designers. One of our favourites is Sparrow Handbags. Their Lola Bag is classy enough for a night out on the town.

www.reusablebags.com/store/recycled-other-products
The bags available at Reusable Bags are fun, colourful and trendy. If you have a knack for sewing, you can try your hand at copying these bags. Check out Canadian Living.com for a guide on creating these totes.

www.canadianliving.com/crafts/sewing/sew_a_recycled_tote_bag_out_of_juice_bags.php