Festive Feet and Fingers

Do you want fancy fingers for the holidays but are worried about the dangers of a spa?  Watch this video to see how Pam solves a problem! 

http://goanimate.com/videos/04ei2CebI660?utm_source=linkshare

Advanced Footcare Animation

A new way to watch cartoons. Check out this super cute Advanced Footcare Animation!


http://goanimate.com/videos/05lrnwTL85d0?utm_source=linkshare

More Than Just Pedicures

The Step Alive Spa offers several treatments along with pedicures.  Let's Check it out!

Deluxe Pedicure (1 hour) $ 45

The ultimate pedicure to pamper your feet, this service begins with a hot soak. Nails

are shaped and filed, cuticles are detailed then calluses are smoothed. The pleasure

continues with a salt glow scrub followed by a relaxing massage. Your choice of high quality

polish or clear is then applied.

Express Pedicure (45 minutes) $ 35

Short on Time? The express pedicure is the bare essentials, begins with a hot soak. Nails

are shaped and filed, cuticles are detailed then calluses are smoothed followed by your

choice of moisturizing or softening lotions in a variety of scents.

Alpha Pedi for Men (45 minutes) $ 35

This pedicure will put every man at ease, begins with hot water soak, nails are shaped

and filed, cuticles are detailed then calluses are smoothed. It ends with a relaxing foot

massage.

Deluxe Manicure (1 hour) $ 35

This invigorating treatment starts with a soak (optional) and

hydrating hand softening. Nails are filed and shaped, cuticles

are detailed then followed by a relaxing massage. Your choice

of high quality polish or clear is then applied.

Express Manicure (30 minutes) $ 25

In a hurry? Indulge yourself with a nail filing, shaping and

cuticle detail.

Alpha Manicure for Men (30 minutes) $ 25

Begins soak, nails are shaped and filed, cuticles are detailed.

Little Feet Pedicure (45 Minutes) $ 30

A very gentle foot soak and scrub to make all little feet extra soft, followed

by nail shaping. Your choice of high quality polish or clear is then applied

Little Hands Manicure (30 Minutes) $ 25

A manicure fit for little hands complete with nail shaping and topping of

choice fit for a Princess!

(2 Hours) $120 Treat your prince or princess and yourself to a manicure and pedicure. Special pampering for you and your loved one!

Aromatherapy Placenta Facial w/ infrared light therapy (1 Hour) $160

By combining the new science of placenta bio-molecules with infrared light, this facial supports the skin's natural mechanisms in collagen production, repairing free radical damage and enhancing facial tone. Saturating the skin deep within its layers with young and healthy bio-molecules it provides instant, visible results with skin that appears smoother, brighter, more firm, lifted and contoured. This facial produces the most visible results and is excellent

rehabilitation after traumatizing facial procedures.

Skin Regeneration Facial (1 hour) $80

Active serums of high molecular plazan™ and regenerative gel plazanol™ normalize oil gland secretion and skin pH.  Stimulating the skins own restorative properties one will see pore reducing and improvement of skin conditions and appearance. Special cleansing toners have immediate anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Recommended for: oily skin, precautions of acne, post scars formation and pigmental spots such as rosacea.

Lifting & Moisturizing Facial (1 hour) $80

Elastin Collagen Complex together with active glycosaminoglycans has instant lifting and intensive lasting moisturizing effects.

Recommended for dehydrated skin that has lost tone and elasticity. This facial will provide immediate

results with brighter, smoother skin.

*Recommendations for greatest effect with facials: 1 treatment a week for 4 to 8 weeks. Maintenance: 1 treatment per month

Hot Stone (1 hour) $70.00

This unique massage helps increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and balance your energies by strategically placing warm stones on and underneath your body.

Relaxing Massage (1 hour) $45.00

This relaxing massage will increase blood and lymphatic circulation and improve your overall well-being. Masseuse can personalize your massage to focus on problem areas.

Call Today 419-423-1888

 

Step Alive Spa: Perks of a Pedicure

If you have never had a pedicure, you may be a little apprehensive about letting a stranger touch your feet and legs.  However, there are several benefits to receiving a pedicure through the Step Alive Spa.

Relax!
A trip to the Step Alive Spa is a great way to relax.  Your pedicure or spa treatment includes aromatherapy, relaxing music, and a view of beautiful Lake Cascades. 

Release Tension
Most pedicures include at least some foot and leg massage.  Your feet definitely deserve a treat considering they are the foundation for your whole body and go about four miles each day!

Clean, Safe, and Friendly Environment
The Step Alive Spa gives you all the perks of a salon pedicure; without the worry.  All of the instruments used are sterilized in an auto-clave, just like surgical instruments.  The salon is carefully supervised by our doctor so you do not have to worry about infections that could be spread easily through a traditional salon. Our salon technician is friendly and a great listener.  Let her know what you want before she gets started and she will accommodate you as best she can as well as listening to your wants and needs during the treatment.  To ensure the spa technician has all the information she needs, clients fill out a short form describing their specific needs.

Dr.'s Remedy Polish

Another benefit of a Step Alive Spa pedicure is the type of polish we use.  Your feet do a lot of work and don't deserve just any old polish.  Dr.'s Remedy Polish is enriched with anti-fungal properties and does not contain any of the harmful ingredients in other nail polishes.  This is the only nail polish your podiatrist will approve of! The polish is also available through our online product store if you need to do some touching up in between spa treatments. 

What's Not In This Polish (But typically in other polishes):

• Formaldehyde: a chemical which has been proven to cause cancer
• DBP: a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that may cause birth defects and is banned in Europe
• Toluene: a chemical that the EPA restricts in our drinking water because it can cause nervous system disorders as well as damage to the liver and kidneys

What's in this Polish

• Vitamin C and E for healthier nails
• Wheat Proteins
• Tea Tree Oil which has been found to have antiseptic and anti-fungal activity
• Garlic Bulb Extract which also has anti-fungal properties

Advantages

• Produces beautifully colored nails while helping to keep them healthy
• Polish lasts as long as polishes containing harmful ingredients
• No yellow left behind like with polishes that contain formaldehyde
• Anti-Fungal properties
• Doctor tested and Prescribed

Look Great

The most obvious benefit of getting a pedicure is making your feet look nice.  You can wear those great peep-toe shoes or sandals without being embarrassed of your non-pedicured toes. Having manicured fingers and pedicured toes can do a world of good for your self-esteem!

Benefits of Massage

The Step Alive Spa offers more than just manicures and pedicures.  Treatments offered include facials, aromatherapy and hot stone massage.  Let's explore the benefits of receiving a hot stone massage.

• Easy Relaxation of the Muscles
• Release Toxins
• Reduce Pain
• Improve Circulation
• May releive arthritis, anxiety, stress, back pain, depression, insomnia and blood circulation problems.
• Calms the mind

What are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment with The Step Alive Spa today.

Amazing Aromatherapy

We all know going to the spa can be an excellent and relaxing experience, but what if I told you it can actually change your mood? Along with offering safe, clean, and doctor approved pedicures, Step Alive Spa offers aromatherapy as part of the complete salon experience. These amazing essential oils can actually effect your mood, therefore enhancing your spa experience.  So if you are feeling stressed, tired, or uncomfortable, aromatherapy is the treatment for you.

Stress
If work, school, or life at home has your shoulders pulled up to your ears with stress these fragrances can help relieve some tension....

• Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Vanilla, and Ylang Ylang

Nerves

Need to get over your nerves about your presentation tomorrow? Try these relaxing scents...

• Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, and Sandalwood

Self-Esteem
How about some confidence for that looming presentation?

• Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, and Rosemary

Grief
If you have suffered a loss and need some time to relax and recover these scents can help...

• Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman), Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Fatigue
Just plain worn out? Try these rejuvenating essential oils...

• Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Agitation
If everything has you on edge; there's an essential oil for that!

• Chamomile (Roman), Lavender, Mandarin, Sandalwood

Isolation
If you are feeling lonely or isolated, these oils may help get your social life grooving again...

• Chamomile (Roman), Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Rose

Memory
Having trouble keeping track of things? Try these essential oils to boost your memory...

• Basil, Cypress, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary 

Romance
Or if you just need a little romance back in your life try these great scents...

•  Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

So, it is a given that the spa can make you look great, but who knew a trip to the spa can actually make you feel great too! Essential oils are based on the idea that the aroma from a plant has healing properties.  Best of all, these oils are all natural unlike perfumes which are a blend of harsh chemicals.  So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment with the Step Alive Spa today and get on the road to looking and feeling better!

*source: aromatherapy.com

Safe Nail Polish

When you receive a manicure or pedicure at the Step Alive Spa, Dr.'s Remedy nail polish is used.  This is because of its anti-fungal properties and APMA's seal of approval.  A list of frequently asked questions and answers about the product follow. 

Q: What makes Dr.'s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish unique from other nail polishes?

A: Dr.'s REMEDY® unlike many commercial nail polishes, is free from dangerous toxins, such as DBP, toluene and formaldehyde. It's also enriched with natural ingredients.

Q: Dr.'s REMEDY® is an Enriched Nail Polish. What's been added and what are the benefits?

A: Dr.'s REMEDY® has been Enriched with naturally occurring antifungal ingredients, as well as vitamins and protein. The following is a list of the natural ingredients found in Dr.'s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish:

• Tea Tree Oil: an essential oil obtained from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifornia, which is found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity.
• Garlic Bulb Extract: contains Allicin, a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent that joins forces with Vitamin C to help kill harmful germs.
• Vitamins C&E: for healthier skin and nails.
• Wheat Protein: a vegetable derived, high quality protein which contains moisture binding capabilities and naturally increases shine.

Q: Formaldehyde is a common ingredient in commercial nail polish. Why is it used and by removing it from Dr.'s REMEDY® does the quality suffer?

A: Formaldehyde, despite having been proven to cause cancer, was added to nail polish to aid in durability and longevity. Because the 50 billion dollar beauty industry is so powerful it's kept itself unregulated for decades. In the United States, it's perfectly legal for beauty products to contain chemicals linked to cancer, learning disabilities, infertility and other chronic diseases that are on the rise (SafeCosmetics.org). When formulating Dr.'s REMEDY®, the doctor's found that by stripping Dr.'s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish of formaldehyde it did not sacrifice any effectiveness, quality or beauty!

Q: What's special about BASIC (basecoat), how is it different from CALMING clear (topcoat)?

A: BASIC will help the longevity of a manicure, it will help eliminate any premature chipping and add to your polish's durability. CALMING is meant to be used as a sealing top coat. It will add shine to the polish and also help prevent premature chipping.

Q: Why is it important to stress that doctors founded AdWill Labs, Inc. makers of Dr.'s REMEDY®?

A: Dr. Cirlincione and Dr. Spielfogel are Board Certified podiatrists, who understand the need for a healthier, more natural nail polish. When working with chemists, they stressed the importance of adding naturally occurring antifungals as well as strengthening agents like vitamins and protein, because they know the needs of their patients and the direct effects of the harsh chemicals contained in many commercial nail polishes.

Q: Dr.'s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish is good for health conscious women, but what about children?

A: Young girls who opt to wear commercial nail polish are exposing themselves to toxic chemicals. While we don't necessarily know how porous the nail actually is, children are often known for biting their nails and chipping off nail polish with their teeth. Choosing a healthier nail polish is a safer, smarter option.

Q: Why should pregnant women use Dr.'s REMEDY® Enriched Nail Polish?

A: Women who are pregnant should avoid DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) because of its links to infertility and birth defects. Dr.'s REMEDY® is stripped of this toxin.

*Source: http://www.remedynails.com/

Safely Give Yourself a Pedicure

Increased media attention has heightened awareness for the spread of infections from shared instruments and unhygienic practices in many salons. One way to avoid any exposure is to do pedicures for yourself at home. Here are some easy steps to follow that will make sure to keep your feet safe:


1. Soak your feet in warm soapy water for approximately 10 minutes. This helps soften and clean skin and nails.

2. After the foot soaking, gently rub the skin with a pumice stone or emery board. This gets rid of dead skin cells and calluses. Some body scrub products can help exfoliate dead skin. (Please contact our office if you have deep calluses or corns and need help shaving them.)

3. Push back the cuticles with an orange stick or a Hindu stone. Cuticles offer protection from bacteria and infection. Cuticles clearly overhanging the nail margins need to be carefully trimmed. Do not trim any further than the nail margin or draw blood as this can lead to infection.

4. Trim toenails straight across rather than in a curved pattern. This helps prevent ingrown toenails, allowing the straight edge of the nail to advance as one unit. Toenails should be trimmed just enough so that you can see a few millimeters of skin just beyond the nail margin. Nails should not overhang the edge of the toe.

5. Refine the nail edge with an emery board, maintaining the straight edge.

6. Apply cream and moisturizing lotion to the skin and nail margins.

7. Massage the cream or lotion into the feet. A foot massage can help relieve tension and tired, aching feet. You can get a good massage at home by rolling your feet back and forth over a rolling pin or bottle. Specialists in the body's reflexes, called reflexologists, believe that points on the foot correspond to other body parts and ailments can be relieved through reflexology. They believe the ball of the foot has a connection to the lungs, the heel to the lower back, and the great toe to the head. Although no scientific research exists to back up these claims, reflexology does seem to produce positive results in some people.

8. Apply nail polish remover to the nails to gently remove excess lotion. This allows nail polish to adhere better to the nail. To apply nail polish, start with a base coat, followed by one or two coats of the nail color, and, finally, a clear topcoat.

9. Space your pedicures apart by approximately eight weeks.

These tips will help you achieve a safe at-home pedicure, but if you really want to pamper yourself we all know the salon is the place to go.  Schedule a pedicure appointment with the Step Alive Spa to ensure you get a safe, clean, relaxing pedicure.  Visit Step Alive Spa Center to learn more about the services the salon offers.  While you're on the web you may also want to check out the manicure/pedicure tools available through our online product store like Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish and remover.  This polish is the only doctor recommended polish and is enriched with anti-fungal properties.  If you notice any problems with your feet during your pedicure at home or at the Step Alive Spa, be sure to make an appointment with our office to check it out. Call (419-423-1888) or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Summer Spa

The Step Alive Spa at the Advanced Footcare Clinics offers you a unique salon experience with the health and safety benefits of a doctor's office.  All of the instruments used are sterilized in autoclave, just like surgical instruments to ensure the safety of our clients.

Along with the health benefits, the Step Alive Spa offers several luxury services including...

Pedicures

Manicures

Facials using Placenta Cell Science & Infrared Light

Simple Nail Grooming

Body Massages using hot stones

Aromatherapy

Paraffin dips for feet and hands

Nail Restoration with Keryflex™ that creates a durable and flexible artificial nail. You never have to be embarrassed wearing sandals again! Try these Orthaheel Sandals for showing off your new nails.  They are featured and available through our online product store. They feature foam cushioned strap and toe post.  Created for walking comfort with built in orthotic footbeds to help reduce foot pain and pronation.  With the added comfor of soft EVA orthotic midsoles and adjustable straps, these are the orthotic sandals you will enjoy wearing, especially with your new manicured toes!Call our office today at 419-423-1888 and make an appointment!

The Secret to Getting Skin Like Jennifer Lopez

The Step Alive Spa at the Advanced Footcare Clinic has a lot to offer.  The medi-spa offers a salon experience in the safe and clean environment of a doctor's office.  These safety features help you achieve a truly relaxing spa experience, freeing you from worries about infection and unsafe conditions. However, the spa has even more to offer than just a safe environment!

The Step Alive Spa offers facials using placenta cell technology.  Placental cell based cosmetics are being used in all of the top US clinics and are growing in popularity world-wide. Jennifer Lopez spoke about her use of placenta collagen facemasks on the Vh1 show, "The Fabulous Life of Jennifer Lopez."  According to cosmetic researchers, placenta protein in skin care products supplements the vitamin and hormone content.  Over time scientists believe the protein nourishes and actually rejuvenates the skin.

A spokesman for placenta cosmetic experts, Ost Cosmetics, which distributes Plazan Skin Care Products worldwide, said: "This is the future for beauty care. More and more people are beginning to discover the amazing benefits of placenta skin care. What other beauty products promise, Plazan delivers in spades.  It's been proven time and time again that placenta not only slows down the skin's ageing process but also makes young-looking skin healthier."

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with us today and get magazine-ready skin.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our websit at vailfoot.com. 

APMA Pedicure Pointers

Pedicure Pointers

Pedicures are a great way to relax and get some confidence.  However, it is important to make sure your pedicure is safe.  Try our kit, available through our online store, and check out these tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

DO
morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the
foot bath between clients.
Be sure that you schedule your pedicure first thing in the DO bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques. *APMA Podiatrist Pick: SOS Safe Salon Pedicure Kit ($29.95) When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet,
exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes then use the stone, scrub or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches. DO use a pumice stone, foot file or *APMA Podiatrist Pick: Pedinol
Pharmacal’s Hydrisalic Gel ($21.95) When trimming nails, DO use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails. To s
File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail’s surface. mooth nail edges, DO use an emery board. DO
be able to see. gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not DO
your feet’s skin by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft. maintain the proper moisture balance of *APMA Podiatrist Pick: AmLactin 12%
Moisturizing Lotion and Cream ($15.99) or
Bon Vital Foot Balm ($6.10)
DO
stick to gently push back cuticles.
If toenails are healthy,
using non-acetone nail polish remover.
Resist the urge and
If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure,
Although certain salons offer this technique, use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure DO use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly DON’T shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter. DON’T use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes. DON’T allow technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed. DON’T
This type of shape increases the chances
that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Since they can’t be sterilized, round the edges of your toenails. DON’T share nail files with friends and be sure to bring your own to the salon, unless you are sure that the salon replaces them with each customer. DON’T
Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture
the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
Be sure that you
between toes. Anything left behind can promote
the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal
infection.
Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria,
If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, use any sharp tools to clean under nails. DON’T leave any moisture DON’T ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker. DON’T apply nail polish to cover up the problem. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to "breathe." Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists be sure to visit your podiatrist.

Winter Nail Care Tips

 Your car is not the only thing that needs to be winter proofed! The dry winter weather partnered with being cooped up indoors with the heat on can do some serious damage to your nails and cuticles.  No woman likes to look down and unhealthy nails. Check out these tips from CNN.com for keeping your nails strong and healthy during the winter months.

Poor nails are caused by two words: moisture loss. "Healthy nails contain 18 percent water on average," says Erin Gilbert, a New York City dermatologist.  Dried-out nails are more likely to break, split, and chip. Compounding the harsh climate conditions are stressors such as hot showers (water draws moisture from nails as it evaporates from skin) and drying products, like polish removers with acetone, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and dishwashing liquid. You may consider wearing gloves when doing this dishes.  Also, try Dr.'s Remedy Polish Remover for a gentler alternative.  It removes the additives and toxins found in most commercial removers.  It will help in your nail care routine! Dr.'s Remedy Nail Polish is another great investment.

Intense hydration is the name of the game, says Shari Gottesman, the founder of Perfect Formula, a nail-care and color brand in New York City. Nails are made up of flattened dead cells containing keratin, but moisturizers can make them flexible, supple, and less likely to split and break. So when you reach for that rich winter hand cream (which you should apply after every hand washing), get in the habit of slathering your nails, too.

If you have polish on, just massage the cream into the cuticles to help stimulate healthy nail growth, says Baumann.  Look for lotions that contain urea—a humectant that helps hold moisture in the skin, says Gilbert. At night, rub on cuticle oil (in a pinch, olive oil also works). And once a week, step things up with an intensive treatment. Gilbert recommends soaking nails in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes, then coating them with cuticle oil and slipping on cotton gloves for at least an hour. Keep up this routine and you will have healthy nails for the winter months!

Meet Jennifer and Tracy!

Step Alive Spa is excited to introduce Jennifer Chortie and Tracy Woodruff.  Along with providing our clients with a clean, doctor-approved spa experience, Step Alive Spa offers two experienced and well trained aesthetician. 

Tracy is a managing aesthetician and she will be the one giving you your relaxing massage or facial.  Step Alive Spa offers Plazan facials.  Placenta cell based cosmetics are being used in all of the top US clinics and are growing in popularity world-wide. According to cosmetic researchers, placenta-protein in skin-care products supplement the vitamin and hormone content. Overtime, scientists believe the protein nourishes and actually rejuvenates the skin. Now you have the chance to utilize this spa technology used by stars like Jennifer Lopez.  Make an appointment with Tracy today!

A spa trip and facial is not complete without a manicure and pedicure!  Step Alive Spa is the perfect place to receive a safe, clean, and professional mani-pedi.  Jennifer Chortie has over 17 years of experience as a nail technician and aesthetician.  Step Alive Spa will leave you with confidence in your beauty, inside and out.

Celeb's Favorite Winter Nail Color

Elle.com recently compiled a list of this winter's hottest celebrity nail colors.  Celebrities like Lea Michelle, Kristin Stewart, and Emma Watson have all been spotted wearing these cool nail colors this winter.  However, you have on up on these fashionista celebrities because With Dr.'s Remedy nail color you can get the look without harming your nails.

1. Navy Blue - Noble Navy with have you feeling proud of your manicure.

2. Pastel Purple - To get this pretty look, try Dr.'s Remedy Lively Lilac.

3. Classic Red - Revive Ruby Red is the perfect classic shade.

4. Dark Chocolate - Desire Dark Brown is perfect for achieving a chocolatey sweet look on your fingers.

5. Muted Gold - Try Glee Gold and you'll shine at all the holiday parties.

What Does Your Nail Polish Say About You?

What Does Your Nail Polish Say About You?

Fuschia: Calling All Bombshells

The woman who wears this bright purple raspberry nail polish is chic, sexy, and bold.  To wear this feminine color, you have to be confident because it's eye-catching and people will notice.

How to wear it: Rock the sizzling hue on your  nails with a neutral or natural shade on your toes to balance the brightness.

Dark Brown: Trendsetter In the House

The latest "it" color appeals to super-trendy women who have a unique sense of style.  She's a little 'bohemian' and a little 'rocker'.   Even if you don't consider yourself a fashion risk-taker, donning a dark brown nail color is a great way to punch up your look with a striking accent.

How to wear it: Pair dark browns with cutoff jean shorts, a bias-cut T-shirt, chunky platforms, Jimi Hendrix-inspired jewelry and a smokin' pair of sunglasses, or just team it with your favorite little black dress for nights out on the town.

Coral: You're Ready for Summer!

Sporting coral nail polish -- the quintessential warm-weather shade -- means you love summer.  Coral is very feminine, and this woman may be starting a summer fling.  She's happy -- or she wants to be happy. 

How to wear it: Coral can be worn dressy or casual.  With a pretty summer dress, coral is so cute. 

Bonus: The peachy-pink shade is the perfect pedicure color and flatters all skin tones.  

Tangerine: Life of the Party

A woman wearing neon green is vivacious, energetic and talkative.  She's up for anything.  She has a 'life is short' attitude.  She's the life of the party and strikes up conversations with strangers.  This woman probably shuns the corporate environment.  She works in the fashion industry or freelance and therefore likes trendy colors.

How to wear it: The color is not for everyday -- unless you work in a creative field.  Try the bold hue on your toes to perk up summer sandals.

White or Grey: The Polish That Keeps on Wearing

A woman who chooses White or Grey is classic and confident.  She knows what she likes and you can't change her mind.  This woman does not want to be bothered by chipped nails, so she goes for low-profile colors.

How to wear it: Off-white nail polish does not flatter toes -- unless you have bronzed feet.  Instead, keep it to your nails for the chicest look.

Light Pink: 9 to 5 and Beyond

Gals who opt for light pink are feminine and conservative.  She's classy and is always dressed right.  This is the perfect color for the career professional.  This woman likes to look perfect, and light pink nails always look very well-groomed.

How to wear it:  To the office, business meetings or cocktails while sporting a tailored dress or suit, lady-like pearls and sparkly baubles.

Red: Not Just for Lovers

This universally flattering nail color exudes elegance, power and romance and the woman wearing it wants to attract her man.  This woman is in love.  She might be going on a date.  She wants to show that she is open-minded and very classy.

How to Wear It: Red can be worn simultaneously on the nails and toes and it's one of the only shades that's great to match. It looks very polished and stylish.

Blue: For the Young at Heart

Blue nail polish tells the world you are youthful, fun and willing to try new things.  Blue nail lacquer is very on-trend this season and sends the message to admirers that you are a stylish trendsetter yet down to earth. 

How to wear it: This color will steal the spotlight, so wear it either on your nails or toes, and offset the look with a more subtle color.

Bronze & Gold: Style Maven

This high-shine, foil-like color is for the woman who really knows fashion.  She knows what's in, and she knows how to mix couture pieces with her everyday wardrobe.  She's very well put together and probably gives fashion advice to other people.  She probably works in fashion or beauty.

How to wear it: Pair it with jeans, a fabulous top and metallic sandals, or with all black plus metallic accessories.

Purple: Crossing Boundaries

Many shades of purple are sophisticated and work well for the modern businesswoman, bohemian hipster or casual prepster.  Try dark purple as an alternative to vampy reds, and brighter purples as alternatives to pinks and corals.

How to wear it: Wear dark purples for glam nights out and brighter purples for day.

Stop into The Advanced Footcare Clinic or visit our website to purchase these cool and nourishing colors!

New! Placenta Cell Technology Facials

As summer comes to a close, you may want something to cheer you up and The Step Alive Spa has just the thing for you! We have recently introduced a new type of facial into our provided services.  This new facial uses placenta cell techonology.  This new technology includes a powerful antioxidant, Dibunol.  The non-aggressive production techniques assure a total preservation of all the properties of active ingredients.  Clinical testing has demonstrated visible results in just six to eight weeks. 

This unique skin care product has been labratory proven to be more effective than traditional creams or those with plant extracts.  Because it is made with all-natural, compatible active components, it provides real results without any negative side effects.  Call our office at 419-423-1888 or visit our website and schedule your facial today. 

In the meantime, visit our product store for more pampering products. You can pamper you toes with non harmful polish and remover.

Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish Remover appeals to health-conscious women, because it removes the potentially harmful additives and toxic chemicals found in most commercial nail polish removers. Created, tested, and prescribed by doctors. Don't hesitate to pamper your feet!

Aromatherapy For Hands And Feet

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to heal and relieve sore and tired muscles of the hands and feet. The essential oils are that from trees plants and herbs as well as flowers. This process is a natural way of healing the body using natures oils. This has stemmed from Ancient practice to naturally heal ailments, back then that's all they had just the natural things that surrounded them so they look advantage of what the earth had to offer. Here are some Essential Oils that are most common during Aromatherapy.

• Peppermint oil- This is used alot in foot care to relive foot pain. It help cool and sooth sore feet.


• Tee Tree Oil- used to sooth cuts, scraps and the major cure for toenail fungus.


• Sandalwood Oil- This oil is used on the hands and the feet. Relaxes the muscles.

All of these oils are a great add-on to any pedicure and manicure service. It is a great way to pamper yourself and add that extra feel- good feeling that everyone deserves. So make sure that you take advantage of the Aromatherapy service wherever you get pedicures or manicures.

Nail Polish Trends For Fall

Black Nails are still in, in fact it is becoming the "it" color for Fall and Winter. Most Women are scared of black but it's a great color that goes with anything. As a Nail Tech I always love getting my clients to get out of there box and black is a good choice for that.

Green of all shades from matte to shimmer and light to dark are in this Fall and Winter. You usually think of darker colors for Fall, but green is a great color to add to the mix.

Navy is coming back just as fast as black is this Fall. Not to be confused with the lighter blue colors out there, Navy is a funky way to spruce up the blue end of the polish world.

Ruby, what a great way to add some color to your winter blahs. Ruby tones spice up any outfit and is good for anytime of the year. So when your getting tired of winter add alittle Ruby to your life.

Metallic, silvers and golds add that bling bling in your wardrobe. Don't be afraid of those flashy tones they will get the holiday party started.

Where They Came From... Manicures and Pedicures

Manicures started 5,000 years ago in India. Where Henna was used as Nail Polish. The practice became so popular it moved on to China where Cixi the empress was well known for her long nails which everyone admired. Even though they were artificial she always kept them well manicured. Then they were called Fashion Nails which became popular for women who didn't have long nails but wanted to keep there nails looking well manicured. In the 20 and 21st century acrylic and gel nails are the new Fashion Nails.



French Manicures were first seen in Paris around the 18th Century. Then from there they became very popular in the 1920's and 1930's. In the 20th Century thats when the artifical nail was created. This helped the women that could not grow there own nails naturally. Acrylic nails allowed the women to polish there nails and paint them with artistic designs as well as putting jewels on them. The Industry now has improved there ways of doing manicures and pedicures with simple added services and up to date education on the services.








Pedi- meaning foot
Cure- meaning form of antidote
Pedi antidote


A Pedicure is a treatment done to rejuvenate tired and worn down feet. Pedicures came from ancient Egypt. Another meaning for pedicure is "Pes" meaning foot and "Cura" meaning care. Pedicures are done today to relieve tired feet and to correct nail diseases and disorders.



Benefits from Manicures and Pedicures

• Provide RelaxationProduces softer skin
• Oils and Nail Hardeners produce healthy nails
• At home maintenance in between services will ensure fantastic looking nails

New spa treatments have just arrived.  Hot stone and aromatherapy.  To learn more click here.