A Beautiful Space for You
Did you know pedicures, foot cleanliness and care, and the use of colour on toes have been around since around 3000 BCE?
The Chinese royalty from the Zhou Dynasty used either red or black to signify their social rank while the Egyptians (2400 BCE) preferred gold or red to convey status and power.
The Romans were more focused on cleanliness. Foot care was an essential part of their grooming and routine at the baths. Even Roman soldiers received regular foot care so they were ready for battle.
Throughout the ages, when foot care was a priority, the overall health of the population was better. If cleanliness was not a priority, or if society altered the foot’s shape, or if shoes were all about beauty (ignoring function and comfort), the repercussions were quite significant. Let’s not even speak of the practice of foot binding.
Today, we understand the importance of looking after our feet, which is why pedicures are the feature treatment in this next quarter. Scroll down to see the deals…
Notes from Glenda
I learned to walk when I was eleven months old, and since then, I have counted on my feet to take me through all of life’s experiences.
Truth be told though, I haven’t always cared for them well and I've taken them for granted. Mostly, I shoved those beauties into shoes which were too small or rubbed in all the wrong spots. As a result, at 18, I had bone spurs beginning to develop on my heels. Why was I forcing myself to wear shoes that had fashion value, but were creating health and comfort issues?
It didn’t make sense what I expected my feet to do when I wasn’t investing in them.
How I have felt about my feet? Always larger than everyone else’s feet, finding shoes that did fit was almost impossible sometimes. It was embarrassing and frustrating. When I was about nine, I had a friend’s dad say, ‘Glenda, you could walk on the water in the Cow Bay floods with those big feet’. At that moment, I wished my feet would curl up like the Wicked Witch of the East’s under Dorothy’s house. I was so humiliated. All I wanted was normal-sized feet...was that too much to expect?
Now in my fifties, my feet are still getting longer! I almost can't believe it! Nobody told me they would continue to ‘spread’ out and that I could look forward to buying larger and larger shoes. Do you know how difficult it is to find a woman's size 12? Or a pair of shoes that look good, feel great, and work like a charm? It’s frustrating. Let’s just say it took me three years of diligent searching to find boots. I was so happy when I found them that I bought two pairs of the same boots! Now, sadly, I have outgrown them too, so I’ll be on a mission next year to find new ones.
After the bone spurs situation, I promised myself that I would not buy or wear shoes that hurt my feet or that I needed to ‘break in’. They have to fit and feel good on the first try or it’s a firm NO. Even if they are beautiful. Even if I have to go up a size and admit to my large lovelies! Why? It’s an investment in my life, to spend money on shoes that are comfortable, beautiful, and appropriate for my life and activities. I want my feet to continue to serve me and be enthusiastic about taking me to the next experience in life.
Here are a few questions for you to take a foot care inventory:
🌟 What do you most appreciate about your feet? How have they made your life better?
🌟 What specific activities do you want to continue being able to do, and that require your feet to be in great shape?
🌟 When was the last time you took a load off your feet, thanked them, and groomed them well?
🌟Do your shoes fit well and help you do what you love most, or does your footwear need an overhaul?
Product of the Month
Gehwol Fusskraft Blue or Intensive Cream (Made in Germany). My daughter-in-law swears by this cream to keep her feet feeling fabulous for everyday life, especially when she travels. I use it in all my pedicures at The Embodied Way.
Your feet will be smoothed, refreshed and revitalized with the natural emollients and essential oils including pine, lavender, and rosemary. This cream is suitable for diabetics (If you are a diabetic, regular foot care is even more essential). What I love most is the cream’s ability to absorb quickly with no greasy residue.
Buy Gehwol in person at The Embodied Way or online at Gehwol Canada where you can get any and all of these wonderful, high-quality products.
Spring Specials
This Spring Season I am excited to offer you some foot-centered care specials. 🦶🏼
Have you been going to the 'corner shops' for your pedicures? I understand why you might. They are cheap, fast, and easily available. Plus, who wants to sit and wait for polish to dry (especially in the winter)!
I get it.
But, did you know that those pedicures can do you more harm than good? You might encounter sanitation issues, the ill affects of gel polish on your nail bed, to improper cutting and care of your nails and foot bed. If you are a diabetic, these places can be a true danger zone.
I've always prided myself on proper and essential foot care where you are more important than the clock. A full-service, nothing left-out, spa pedicure is yours always by a trained, certifed esthetician. Environment is everything too. In my room, if you want to lie down and cozy up in a spa-like enviornment you can. Your quick-dry OPI Infinite Shine polish will be perfectly applied and will last until it grows out. But, if you get sick of it- it's easy for you to take it off at home and it will not harm you or your nail bed to do so.
At The Embodied Way, I only use the highest quality products, and sanitation is one of my most important priorties when you trust me with the care of your feet. Tools are sterilized and clean, crisp towels and bedding are used for every service. I do my best to source from Canada wherever I can.
For the Spring Season (March 20-June 20), I have dropped my pedicure prices. I want you to have quality care at a more affordable rate as we are navigating these uncertain times. Also, a little self-care and nervous system regulation in a calm, peaceful enviornment will go a long way to helping you and I both to be resourced and engergized.
You can download the special sheet HERE or head straight to my website to book yourself a treatment:
Quote
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go. Dr. Seuss
Endnotes
This past few weeks has been heavy with difficult news and political challenges. I am so proud of how we Canadians are working together to support each other. Whether it is in how we shop, the jokes we tell, or the way we are being creative problems solvers, we are showing our strength and beauty as a nation of people. It is inspiring.
At The Embodied Way, I have always focused on Canada-first products. I am proud that the skin care company I associate myself with for facials is Canadian.
Go Canada Go!
I look forward to continuing to serve and care for you- in light and dark times. May the spring flowers bring you hope and delight. And from the Irish in me...“Let us throw on our dancin’ shoes, along with our mighty shamrocks green, and proudly toast to friends, living here and everywhere in between.”
Glenda
