I've Gone Too Far! Or Have I?

     My sad blog has been hibernating through this balmy winter. The rapidly approaching warmth is eagerly embraced by these piggies screaming to air out and flaunt their colorful shells. They've been cooped up in socks and are ready to dance with flirty sun rays.

     I've been experimenting with a bit of nail art, if you could call it that. Google image "nail art" and you'll find exquisitely painted examples of the master skills of true nail artists. As with many aspects of my life, I can't seem to leave things well alone. First the nail polish, then the batty toe piercings, and now polished nail decorations. Reds, much like wine, are simply my favorites. With a touch of a fine particle silver at the tips a la French, I've got a stunning set of toesies. In my opinion, the silver is more subtle than a white on just about any color. Minor chips, which are excrutiating, tend to be more tolerable and less conspicuous. The fix: easy! Silvery silver touches up magically. I wore this look for most of the winter then had to exaggerate it a bit by adding lines across the nail top. A word of advice. Don't use black for the tips. Too much for a guy? That's an interesting question to pose since it "normally" isn't even a remote consideration. But those few who read this, you're at some level just like me. So it's OK. I will be posting an updated picture soon, next week maybe, with the new look.

New Profile Pic and Look

Since I began paying attention to my feet, with extra special treatment for my toes, I've undergone a major personal change. For better I'd like to think. The simple and seemingly innocent act of painting my own toenails pink while coloring those tiny toenails of my beautiful daughters sparked a part of me that was hidden, repressed perhaps. A feminine side of me that I didn't know was there, waiting to come out. I don't regret it and I 'm a better and happier person for it, despite the struggle that my wife, my mom have suffered. I'll admit that I also have struggled intermittently with it and at times wonder if I should give it up so that I conform. So that I fit into that typical male role that society pressures us all to obey. This may be all nonsense. How long can I keep this up? I don't know.

Whew! Well, what was that? I've decided to update my profile picture. As you can see, I'm sporting a strong pink. Daylight really makes this baby jump out and scream at you. I love it! I happen to shop at Old Navy and as I was checking out, the clearance bin had polish in it. I couldn't resist and bought two shades. The polish they sell is called Tip Toe Nail Polish and it's made for Old Navy. As one would expect, it's not the highest quality stuff but hey, it was on clearance and I wasn't expecting it to be liquid gold. The color is called "Shot of Love" or "Dose D'Amour." I suppose it's marketed to the continental US and Canada. It's a lovely pink with a hint of sparkles that barely show. It's thin in consistency and it took 3, almost 4 layers to finally obtain its boldness on the nail plate. It dried quickly between coats and I like that. I coat it with China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat, which smells funky and fruity, but does a great job at stretching the paint and making it last. I took that picture today and the sky was overcast.

I might be obsessed with my feet. I want to decorate them and make them look pretty. Pretty to me anyway. I always liked the toe ring look on girls' feet so I decided to wear them as well. I keep them on and don't have to take them off. I don't feel them now. What do you think? As for my one toe...that's a whole story and therapy session to explain. The dorsal toe piercing was a crazy and not well thought out act. It's been over a month now and it is slowly rejecting.

Love Vegas!

Finally someone (Molly, thank you!) prompted me to get with it and try to maintain my sad blog. I left to Las Vegas this past weekend with the family and wore nothing but sandals and flip flops. It stayed cold and damp at home and I even heard it snowed in our surrounding mountains. Some ski resorts are still open on the weekends.

Las Vegas enjoyed good weather except for Sunday, which suffered with strong winds and some sprinkles. The strip was crowded with the usual holiday weekend masses. People from all walks of life were there to have fun and let loose, just like me. I suppose because it's Las Vegas that people are somewhat more accepting of the guy wearing colored toes and a "satchel" but not really. I prefer ESB, European shoulder bag. Ha! I credit that to the Progressive TV commercial. I just call it my purse. I can carry more and I don't have to have a bulge on the back of my ass or stuff filling my front pockets. Besides, it's uncomfortable to sit on. How did I ever do it before?

I stayed up late Thursday night to decorate my piggies for the trip. I took off the dark red from Essie that just chipped a day ago and put this number on. I was sifting through my lacquer box and initially felt this urge to go all out with a slutty red. Hey, it's Vegas and anything less than flashy would just blend into the smoky casino carpet or be overwhelmed by the flashing slot lights and seemingly incessant ringing. Being red-green color blind, I actually don't even know exactly what color I'm wearing. It's called Awakening from China Glaze. I've worn it before. It carries a fine golden shimmer that reflects nicely against the sunlight and at times it looks like an odd shade of pink to me. I like it a lot and I'm glad that's what I wore. It seemed more subdued and mature. Funny that I'm writing about nail polish and I can't even figure out what color I'm using.

J.Crew Ad: Publicity Stunt? or Pure Innocence?

OK, so I've really fallen off the horse and it would seem that my passion for sharing life through colored nails is not a priority. Truth is, laziness and a bit of low self-esteem has gotten the better of me. However, I continue to adorn my piggies in all colors and have no shame in displaying my set of nails for the world to see. Proudly, they are quite well done and even nicer than most of my lovely female counterparts, including my loving wife. The weather has been depressingly awful and frigid, which also compounds on my lack of motivation to write in my blog.

New issues that I've encountered and this is likely old news to anyone on the up and up of the nail blog cosmo is the controversial ad by J. Crew this month. Their president and designer Jenna Lyons was photographed painting her cute son's toenails pink. "OMG! WTF?!" the conservative crowd cried. Boy, the controversy this stirred up is mind bloggling. Surely it was an innocent moment that a loving mother was sharing with her son on a lazy weekend but the firestorm it ignited was ridiculous. Being guilty of indulging in nail lacquer as a grown "normal" man, I saw no wrong in that ad. I don't believe that boy will become gay or be psychologically or emotionally destroyed as even a psychiatrist pointed out on national television. How unprofessional of him to place his own bias and self righteous attitude to create a "professional" opinion about this matter. I honestly felt glad and happy to see such an ad. I printed it and have it posted in my office corkboard. I wanted to write her a letter of support but couldn't figure out where to send it. I guess I could just send it to J. Crew and hope that she receives it. It seems silly to ask any of you who reads this what they think since I would only expect support for Mrs. Lyons. If I had a son, would I paint his toenails too, like I paint my daughters' nails? I would do it only if he wanted me to and my wife agreed. The big question is: should I do it when I know that he can't make a mature, adult decision on it? If he did want it, he'd only want to be more like daddy and everyone else in our family (who are girls). I probably would if he wanted it so send me to Hell for feminizing my (theoretical) boy.

Be mine! I heart you! Kiss me!

Cupid was quite industrious buzzing around taking aim at many hearts last night seeing that many eateries were packed with eager hearts and hungry bellies. It occurred to me late last week that I should probably get reservations and by then the hours between 5pm and 830pm were booked at all upscale places. I toil until late on Mondays anyway and so it wasn't a big deal to have a late dinner with my wife, lover, and mother of our beautiful girls. We took our time savoring all the dishes in the Valentine's dinner special. New place for us and we were pleasantly surprised.

I hope yesterday went well with everyone and I'm guessing most of us lacquered men had fun wearing a strong red for the occasion. I certainly did ensure that this past week a red snuck in my rotation of colors.

Though any day is good for pretty nails, I make an effort to pair themes to many occasions. Red is very sexy and it fits occasions like yesterday and the holidays in December. Christmas shined brightly with a red sparkle number named Hulu Heels by Orly. Green is not my color but would fare well for this holiday as well as for St. Patrick's day. For fourth of July I like to wear blue and I'm considering a small patriotic decal for this year. Red, blue, and white over many toes seems a bit much for me but it could work for others. Halloween is fun and the standard black plays in. This year I hope to do pumpkin toes and find a spooky sparkly orange to wear. If I'm still here, Halloween is always too cold and the kids have to wear large coats over their costumes. Those ghouly toes will have to be contained in boots. No fun! What would one wear for Thanksgiving day? Black I suppose would do the pilgrims justice. Any other holidays? Easter with a pastel color. Mother's day with a warm, nurturing tone like pink. Birthday? Any color you want!

New year 2011

Summer and a chilly fall came and went SO fast. I've been quite distraught. New job; girls are growing fast and ever more beautiful; wife and I are ticking along with the usual ups and downs. She still struggles with the girly me but acceptance and my charm is winning over her.

My piggies have to stay warm but I sneak them out for quick yogurt shop runs or supermarket sprees in flip flops. Burr! The snow will only get worse as the winter swells. They did get a break during our recent trip to Arizona but without a snowy day at the end. Snow among Sahuaro Cacti?! Quite picturesque.

I am currently wearing Ruby Heels from China Glaze. It is a fabulous silver glittery red that I thought would express my holiday cheer and secure me a spot on Santa's good boy list. My pedicure skills have developed well. I find that the lacquer extends a fortnight unscathed. My right fourth piggy tends to chip first, followed by its smaller playmate. It's consistent and odd. It must be related to my swagger. Ha! Compulsion drives me to multiply my layers of color and topcoat which I attribute to their lasting power.

My routine fluctuates directly with my schedule. The most naked my toes have been over the past year was close to 3 weeks. It's all I could endure. Believe that I tried to quit this obssessive, eccentric habit. My condition has worsened, I'm afraid, and now on occasion, the chromatic fever has spread to my fingernails beyond the clear or pink-hued tones. My knuckly digits and veiny hands betray the pretty in my glossy nails. Nevertheless, it's fun when I get around to it. It's a challenge to keep fingernails from chipping from everyday living. Those are active high contact little guys.

I wish you all the best in this upcoming year.

There Are Others

Now that the snow is quickly defrosting into a muddy slush, those sheltered warm feet are crawling out from their winter haven shoes. It's refreshing to see decorated toes again wrapped in stylish sandals or plain flip flops. Flower decals are a sweet touch. I'm jealous that girls have much more fun with dressing. Not a second thought is given when their toes have flair but boy are brows raised when I wear mine. Girls, you are blessed and be glad.

Last week I was dragging feet at work when I spotted an ultra shiny set of nails in silver. Only this time they belonged to a rather manly of a man. He was dressed casual with jeans and an untucked shirt, pacing as he spoke on his cell phone. He lacked hair and looked rather intimidating. Cage fighter on the weekends? He must have been discussing the pay outs from the last brawl. I'd wet my pants if I found myself cornered against that rusty bloodied fence and his fists charging. Kudos for him

TOMS Without Shoes- Made It!

I was pleased to have gotten off work early and find that the day was super pleasant and warm, especially after a recent snowfall. I picked up my youngest daughter and brought her to the park where the TOMS crew was present. There were a group of about 40 people and as expected the majority was composed of young teens and college kids. Having come directly from work, I was the only one in (sharp) business attire walking through the downtown area to help raise awareness for the TOMS benevolent cause. Though the trek was short, this was likely the most distance I've travelled barefoot. Ever. To think that hundreds of thousands of people don't have shoes to walk with is just sad and I'm glad that I have made a small contribution. My daughter joined me hand in hand on the walk and did great. I didn't have to carry her and I'm proud. She's too young to grasp the idea behind this silly hike to the mall. We'll discuss it over dinner.

There was a local band that played and hot spiced apple cider awaiting us at the store. They've sold over 6000 pairs of TOMS shoes and therefore have directly contributed 6000+ pairs of shoes to needy children. In fact, the owner of the store has been invited to Argentina to help deliver those donations directly. Shoes and giveaways topped off the energetic event but sadly I did not win anything.

I did take advantage of this event to show off my little piggies in Sally Hansen NO CHIP 10 day Nail Color in Tenacious Ruby. It's just the perfect vivacious red to prance about and welcome the sandal season. I borrowed my wife's swirly toe ring (which annoys her to no end. Please!) and as you noticed, I no longer try to conceal my poor injured toe. I now embrace it more openly and even accent it. I feel much happier in my own pathetic way.

I hope some of you were able to also participate and I'd love to hear how other cities performed on this day. My soles are so dang dirty that I'm running off to wash them.

TOMS One Day Without Shoes

I've been on hiatus from many things besides my blog. The weather, though balmier, is still restrictively cold. I frequently receive e-mails from TOMS headquarters and this last one caught my attention. As many of you know (all handful of you from my blog), TOMS is a charity that gives shoes to needy children in developing countries. On this April 8th, they are organizing what sounds like their 2nd nationwide event to have the privileged (that's right: us) experience for themselves what it's like to be without protection for our pampered, sheltered soles. Sure, some of us are tough and choose to be barefoot all the time but I'd venture to guess that's a minority. Rain or snow, it's happening. It snowed today and skies should be clear for thursday.

If you've been waiting all winter to finally break free and show off your pretty manly toes, here's the perfect excuse to do it and help raise awareness in your community for a charitable cause. For more information, check out: www.onedaywithoutshoes.com and look for an event in or near your town.

The above picture is taken from their website. One does what one can when dire situations fall upon you. Creative way to make shoes. Bravo!

Our local event starts with a short walk at 3pm. Logistically, it's going to be hard to pull it off since I'm at work miles away. Does this make me a bad person if I'm announcing it but not making a sacrifice to participate? I'll certainly be there at heart. I'll let you know what happens. I'm a bit of a slave right now and like I've mentioned before, I'm moving on to bigger and better things this summer and hope to regain control of my life. 3pm? Who planned this? It could be because the temperature drops precipitously in the evening and no one would show up? Wasn't the point to suffer a bit?

Sad Recovering Piggies

Happy New Year to everyone! I've dragged along this winter and I'm in the middle of getting a new job. February is just around the corner and a good thing since warmer weather is near. I can only hope. This transition period has been rough and I've finally gotten out and went snowboarding this past weekend. I have a trip to Vail, Colorado soon which should be revitalizing. I was just in Anaheim near Disneyland but it rained the whole time. Good thing I didn't take the whole family with me and spent a thousand or more to fly into gloomy weather. My girls would've still gone to Disneyland in rain coats.

I haven't had lacquered toes for a while now. The very end of that nail yellowing is slowly growing out. Ever notice how toenails grow slower in the winter? I've thought about this problem and I think that maybe it's the nail remover (acetone) that damaged the nail so much. Nail polish all the time certainly doesn't help. I did purchase a non-acetone remover but didn't use it much. It was oily and dissolved the paint slower. I'll have to dig it up and show you. It might be gentler on the nail. I will also try to give my toes somewhat of a break in between colors but that's SO hard to do. Even if the weather was better, I'd be embarrassed to show my toes at this point. They are still nicely pampered and polished. Let me know your thoughts on nail polish removers and acetone vs. non-acetone.

I will try to make better efforts to write. I will reveal something that will likely shock most of you but I'll save it until March or April, when I start painting my toes again and showing those piggies off in a new way.

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays to all of you! These are cool nail designs from the Nail Art Gallery. I hope this season was well spent in the company of friends and family. I'm taking a break as well as my piggies. I just actually 'clipped' (OMG) my toenails very short as they had grown weary and looked rather nasty. They had discolored from the continuous polish wear and became dry. Ugh! Fortunately, this only involved the last third and the more proximal portion looks healthy pink. I do file the fine ridges away and keep them shiny. No product. For now. I can't wait for liberating spring to come. Be safe out there and to those who are wise and spend the winter in warm outdoor weather proudly displaying their love for colored toesies, YOU SUCK! Maybe you could show me what you're wearing and I'll post it for us poor snow bound creatures.

TOMS for Fashion and Charity

I first noticed these shoes on my most recent trip to L.A., strolling through the shoe department at Neiman Marcus. Among the $1000+ leathers, there were these simple cloth shoes in a variety of colors. TOMS. I never heard of it but they are cute and fashionable shoes. Of course, the offerings at NM were pricier than the usual set, having exclusive NM versions. These shoes really reminded me of the classic black kung fu cloth shoes so I naturally took a liking to them. I had a pair as a kid. I think all Asian boys had them at some point, to wear with their traditional silk outfits on holidays.

TOMS is a rising corporation now who's being recognized internationally. Blake Mycoskie is the founder. During a visit to Argentina, he came across many poor children who ran around barefooted. Something in him sparked his kind heart and he set out to make a difference by starting this One for One Movement. To those who have never been outside of the U.S. and have visited a third world country, there is poverty in this world that is unimaginable. Sure, there are also kids here that are poor and starving and I don't want to undercut that fact, but poverty is a whole level worse. TOMS shoes has already delivered hundreds of thousands of shoes to needy kids around the world. It all began in 2006. Their goal for 2009 is to reach 300,000 donations. I've spotted young people wearing these shoes around town.

As you can see, I have joined in the movement and purchased a black pair. I have another one being shipped and also got my wife a girly pair. I bought the T-shirt and sweatshirt as gifts too. That amounts to five pairs of shoes that will be given to those in need. I certainly love its philanthropic angle but won't deny that I also love the shoes. They are super light, comfy and casual, and it makes a personal statement. I do hope they hold up to frequent wear. They come in a simple box with instructions on how to direct the shoe donation. There is a unique code on each box that you can use online to assign which country you want to ship your donation. These delightful treats cost $44 and up. I got mine at Nordstrom for $48. They recommend staying true to size but I found that they ran small. I ended up with a M8.5. Children's sizes are also available.

Check out their website at www.tomsshoes.com and join the cause to improve a child's life.

Marine Blue over Soft Soles in Winter

It snowed for the better part of the day though the chill didn't bite as sharply as it did a week ago. I had gone bare for longer than usual and my piggies were sadly devoid of color. I know that others report that polish will make your natural nail discolor and yellow, especially if the nail isn't given time to "breathe" between coats of lacquer. It's been many months since I started this craze and truly haven't let them air too much. I'm guilty. My nail doesn't flake or change in contour or thickness so I don't think that I have any infectious problems. I should have posted a picture of them bare but I couldn't resist dressing them.

I came across this color because my compulsive self saw this Sally Hansen gift set with mystery colors inside at the supermarket. Somehow going out to get bread, ham, chocolate syrup, and tea became another opportunity to pick up a fetish-related item. One or two 'mystery' colors were far out there. I will post them later as I'm sure to give it a chance, especially since my cold toes will spend life sheltered.

Sally Hansen Marine Scene turned out to be quite a surprising and cheerful color for this time of year. It's a metallic swirl polish in baby blue with fine silver specks. In the sunlight, it's so shimmery and mesmerizing. I wish it was summer already. My daughters really liked it when they saw me change socks this morning. It's a lighter blue than the image depicts.

My feet and their soles continue to be pampered. It's become a habit now to slather them with the lotion(s) of the day and it's no bother. It only takes a few minutes. I crave the daily foot soaks which have fallen off precipitously due to time constraints. I did treat them to new foot bamboo files for the shower. Again, fetish items brought home with the bread. Honey wheat. I'm proud to say I have no calluses or cracked skin. The pressure points of my feet are obviously mildly thickened but soft. I don't think I can or even want them to be thin because a barefoot walk on my stone flooring would be painful.

Grape Looking Toes

Winter has come late this year but has presented itself unpleasantly with snow and chilly temps. The hours of the day are short so it goes that I rise in the dark to work, spend the day indoors, and depart under the blanket of night. The fashion sandal or thong will only be for those daring supermarket runs in between the snow falls. I doubt it's worth frostbite. Sad are my toes as they anticipate the coming of spring in a few months. I should move to Arizona or Southern California. Texas? They'd shoot me for wearing polished toes. Ha! Sorry, I'm sure it's quite safe.

I sported my last new bottle of lacquer. I chose OPI No Spain No Gain from the Coleccion de Espana. It's a solid purple that's quite pretty and made me think of grapes every time I admired my toes. Since I've been keeping my feet sheltered and warm, the polish has kept it's gloss for the better part of a fortnight. It wasn't until the past few days that it started chipping, as you can see in the picture. I am not flawless and having been busy, I let things go for a while. The nails are grown out at the base. I will eagerly await the day in spring when I can wear this out.

I was looking at my blog picture and thought of how awful my toes and nails look. Any of you think that? I'm wearing my favorite pair of Rock & Republic jeans, which have sadly faded. I will have to replace it, the picture I mean. I am looking for more designer denim and thought I might give 7 for All Mankind a try or Citizens of Humanity. I have several pairs of R & R and True Religion and should expand. I almost bought a pair of Rag & Bone jeans but I had already gotten a jacket and pants so jeans would have been much on my current budget. Rag & Bone has such great items and some that are out there. They're an American designer brand. Check it out.

I will continue to wear polish through the cold season and make the best use of the bottles that I've collected. My wife no longer buys any and just takes from my selection. I have a drawer that is slowly filling up. What the hell will I blog about now? I will file and smooth my toes as usual and perhaps just gloss them with clear, or clear with sparkles. My soles had been the softest through any spring and summer of my adult life. With shoes and socks everyday, they are already softening up even further. I love them and how they feel. I am quite proud and happy about how well I've taken care of my feet. It's certainly enriched my life and health a little better. For those few fans out there, I hope to continue to share my silly experiences with colored toes and healthy foot care.

Rockin' Los Angeles, Not Really

I meant to save this black for Halloween but got too busy after the Seattle trip. What better place to try it than Los Angeles, where rock stars litter the trendy spots and many sport polished nails. I got so busy with work that I barely had a chance to get out. Right before leaving I had a chance to stroll down Rodeo Drive, where it seemed like the economy hadn't touched them since every other dude seemed to drive a Bentley and half a dozen fairly young guys were cruising in their (parents'?) late model Ferraris.

I stayed at the Sheraton Downtown and was less than impressed. Certainly no Hotel 1000 and the price wasn't far off. Not my choice but if it was, I'd look for something else. It's old and worn and the bathroom much of a turn off. In fairness, I think other Sheratons can be quite nice.

I had the chance to check out some shoes and really like the offerings from Gucci this fall, especially their sandals. Tom Ford also has some nice models but they are insanely expensive, like $1600+ expensive. John Lobb from London fit in the middle with $1000 leathers. I keep nice shoes that I've collected over the years and take very good care of them. I polish them frequently and keep them in cedar shoe trees. They still look quite new. I don't purchase shoes that often since I'm a bit selective. Aside from Ferragamo shoes, I can't get the other brands locally unless I visit a place where there's a Saks or Neiman Marcus or a particular designer boutique. I've bought online but it's dicey and returns can be costly. Occasionally Nordstrom Rack will have a rare treasure buried in the mess of shoe racks and I'll find Prada in my size and style. Very rare. In fact, it's only happened once. For women, I've spotted Jimmy Choo, Prada, even Lanvin on the rack. Not the ugly models but something very wearable. I'm gearing up to wear my keen boots or my Columbia snow boots as the weather turns icy. I've often thought of buying "regular" work shoes to wear in the winter as the salt is harsh on the leather soles and the tops and spare my designer collection. Do you have a shoe fetish? Or am I just nuts for a guy?

Pat on the Black by Sally Hansen was also purchased with Raisin the Bar. It's a solid black but it's been described as having a purplish hue. It didn't appear to be purely black and instead gave a flash of dark chocolate. My wife saw them and thought it was brown. It took two coats and came on evenly. Now that I'm home, I haven't ventured out with them. It would appear less feminine, not that I care. I honestly prefer the pinks. I like reds, just like wine, and should wear it more often.

Raisin the Bar

Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer offers Raisin the Bar as a superb shimmery pink-laden red. It's quite silvery and one could really tell by the streaks impressed on the paint as I stroked the polish on. Not a bad thing. The consistency was perfect and it dried just right. I like the rubber handle but it's less comfortable than Orly's. The square bottle is clean and looks sharp. It reminded me of Testor model paints from my nerdy pre-teen days of building cars and jets. All in all, for the price (I got it for under $4), it's a beautiful color to wear. I am mortified that I lost my picture. I won't mind wearing it again and I'll snap one for all of you.

Bedside Toe Treats, Aveda Foot Relief Review

I read some wonderful blogs about our passion for lacquer but I have to recognize that much work and time is dedicated to bringing that final entry, especially if you have to color your nails with six different swatches then capture them in their most vivid pose. As an amateur, it still takes me considerable labor to get my piggies prepped. I can't imagine the cost of searching and purchasing half a dozen new colors weekly. My hats off to them! I'll have to post my favorite ones later on the section of what blogs I follow.

I really haven't taken the time to review foot care products. My decision to choose a particular product is influenced by location, availability, marketing, packaging, and branding. Personal choice ultimately decides what makes it home to slather on my precious skin. These happen to be my current options for loving my feet. I got manic and lost my senses for a bit during the beginnings of my new fetish when I bought several foot creams. I alternate products just about daily and often combine them. How the hell do I tell what is superior and what makes a difference for my skin? I can't. Sorry to disappoint. These are not randomized, double-blinded clinical trials. I like all of them and really choose one based on mood for a certain texture or fragrance. My feet stay moisturized and I always wear a pair of socks to bed. I generally use a flavored lotion first right after my shower (I do this at night) then follow with a fragrance-free base cream like Cetaphil. Do I need to double up? Or am I just wasting material? What conclusions can be drawn about the first lotion? The base lotion? Damn it! I don't know but my ridiculous obsessive ritual calms my anxiety and urge to twist the doorlock three times with my left hand each passage through a door. Ha! I'm kidding. I don't like touching faucet knobs or door handles in public places. This is true.

Back on track! From left to right, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion, L'Occitane Verbena Body Lotion, Pangea Organics Egyptian Basil & Mint Hand & Body Lotion, L'Occitane Relaxing Foot Cream with Lavender, Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion, and Aveda Foot Relief. This composes most of my bedside foot bar where each night those silly piggies imbibe in these delicious toe tickling treats.

One of the tastier samplings is from Aveda. Their Foot Relief lotion "gently exfoliates, revitalizes and nourishes stressed feet." Before purchasing it on a trip to Las Vegas, I searched the internet for reviews and found a plethora of raves for this wonderful lotion. Its creamy smooth texture rubs on smoothly without feeling greasy. Just as you open its flip top, the herbal scent of peppermint and rosemary mixed with nuts and fruits quickly engages your senses. By far it has the most wonderful, irresistible smell of any lotion. Hands down. It absorbs quickly and does make your feet feel clean and refreshed. I tend to use this one by itself. It is made with many extracts of fruit and herbs, a characteristic trait of the Aveda Corporation. Cons of Foot Relief are that it's pricey for the amount ($19 for 4.2 fl oz), which can disappear quickly. It states that it exfoliates but I doubt it's significant. I will certainly always keep this product stocked in my bar. I highly recommend it and award it a full 9 piggies out of nine.

I will review the other products over the next few weeks. If you have any thoughts or have tried this lotion, please feel free to chime in. This is only my simple view and as you can tell, not an exhaustive or unbiased opinion. Keep those feet spoiled and show them off!

Naughty in Seattle

Seattle lives up to its reputation. It is cold, wet, and gloomy outside. Despite the typical forecast, the seaside city is vibrant, cultivated, fashion forward, and bursts through its seams with delectable food choices. My keen observational skills tell me that women are well dressed here. Perhaps the weather permits one to accessorize and bring forth a more complete ensemble of threads. Boots are very fashionable this winter. It completes the look whether you're draping over a dress or tucking in well-fitted jeans to show off those slim, long legs. Tres chic! Men, although fewer in numbers, were hip and tuned into modern looks.

I wish I'd spend more time here living so that I may run down to Pike Place Market, past the disgusting Wall of Gum, and plan elaborate meals utilizing the fresh seafood and locally grown fruits and vegetables. There is a neat store called Beecher's Handmade Cheese that sells specialty artisanal cheeses. Through its large windows, you can see their vats of curd and whey being mixed. Strolling through the downtown area, I notice that there are many nail salons. Some are nicer than others. Unfortunately, I did not feel the compulsion to visit one during my stay and can't really review one. (What kind of crap nail blog is this?)

The Hotel 1000 is a modern, swanky edifice conveniently located in downtown Seattle. It is near many attractions, including one right next door. Taboo Video is a 24hr adult store ready to satisfy any carnal urges at any time of the day. We had a good laugh about this since they're not shy about their front window display of many decorated phallic items. My oldest daughter read their sign and pointed out to us that it was for adults. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The room, as you see above, is fantastic. It's relatively spacious and I didn't feel cramped at all. The bathroom was special as it was only divided from the room by a large glass pane. A nice touch is that the tub water fills from the ceiling. The feel and look of the hotel reminded me of our visit to Vancouver, BC. We stayed at the Opus. If you get a chance, I highly recommend these places.

Though my toes were colored, it was too damp and cold to wear sandals or flip flops. My piggies rebelled within their classic toe cap Ferragamo enclosures as I mingled with my stuffy colleagues in meetings all day long. Orly's Naughty is a rich, ultra-dark chocolate red that almost comes across as black in low light. My bottle was filled with thin liquid and when it came time for application, it brushed on like dark venous blood with a degree of transparency. Surprisingly, it took three layers to wear it but it layered smoothly. Wow! This is the darkest I've worn. Against my pale winter complexion, my piggy coats stood out naughtily, as the name suggests. I love this color. Good transition to the goth black I'll be attempting soon for Halloween's sake.

Back to the Start in Havaianas

One last stretch of chilly weather before utter popsicle days set in and my sad piggies become sheltered for a long bleak winter. Browsing through my girly drawer, I came across that old bottle of OPI Rodeo Rose, the one that started it all on that fateful afternoon with my precious daughters. I immediately took a fondness to this bright, almost flourescent cheerful pink and thought of what possessed me to polish my toes at all. I can't explain it other than it was sheer fate. One last effort for this bottle since the lacquer was condensed as syrup and its top forcefully opened (but not cracked! Ha ha!) Even its smell was stagnant and slightly repulsive, unlike the inviting swirl of exhilarating fumes flowing from a fresh bottle of liquid joy. Armed with crazed determination, I slathered it on each toe with swift strokes and startling skill, knowing that a second pass will likely result in aggravating smudging and frustration. It came on thick but the stroke ridges dissipated into a smooth thick shell. The top coat always seems to correct any minute contour deformities. At last, my toes basked in triumph and curled with delight. The pink is certainly loud, unlike the elegance that my Essie Movers and Shakers exulted.

It's a bit late to discover the fun of flip flops combined with well dressed toes. I have a few sandals and a pair of flip flops from Prada and UGG. Havaianas, especially on sale at the Rack, are only a small fraction of their Italian counterparts. I don't have much variety on the expensive side so I usually choose black. Havaianas have an attractive slim shape even in the men's styles (not that it matters to me whether they're women's or not.) Many of the patterns and colors are so fun that I can't help but keep a few. They are surprisingly comfortable and gentle on the heels. It's a great way to lighten up one's appeareance. They go absolutely well with jeans as well as a dressy pair of Armani pants. Shorts are a no brainer. One must still somewhat match the right shade of rubber, of course. Otherwise, it looks sloppy even in its casual dress down kind of way. Just my humble opinion. My latest pair is much wilder than my norm. Havaianas 4 Nite is a glow-in-the-dark offering with painted alternating ?s and !s interrupted by glowing circles. The Havaianas label on the lateral strap also glows. Radiation on my feet? Who knows but the glow doesn't last very long. Halloween is near so I guess that attracted me to these flops. Good times.

I went to the local mall to pick out sunglasses. The young man working there was very pleasant and when he offered to help me, he instantly noticed my toes. He said he really liked them. Since I was buying $300+ sunglasses, he wasn't going to insult me. He even admitted he colors his black. I appreciated that compliment from a complete stranger. A guy. A rather feminine guy. With flare. I'm totally cool with that since I'm probably considered borderline by those who don't know me.

Hot Toes in the Valley of the Sun

I am sitting at the Phoenix airport waiting for the my delayed flight to arrive. I am buzzed after only two, albeit large frozen margaritas, and all of a sudden this hub of frantic shuttling activity for folks from all walks of life has become rather warming. Comfortable. At the bar, an older business-type man started talking to me about football, the only thing screening on the multiple flat panels. I nod and smile and awkwardly try to come up with something smart to say about football. I don't watch tv and much less follow sports. Nothing comes to mind except for that thug M. Vick, who apparently had a bad week. I did feel bad for him as his focus turned to remembrance for his teenage boy who was apparently killed in some sort of accident. He has a 14 year old daughter who is so traumatized that when he or his wife travel, she freaks out because she thinks that something bad may happen to them and she'd be left alone in this world. Geez! Count your blessings and appreciate your life and your loved ones. Any time that I travel, I tell my wife to always let my girls know that I loved them very much and that I always want the best for them. She thinks I'm stupid for talking like that. One never knows.

My trip was for business, not pleasure. I did see my brother for a little bit since I also travelled to Tucson. He's just as busy and worked for the better part of our time. I will admit that I was at least anxious about showing my toes in front of him. I was bogged down with work the week prior to leaving and didn't have a chance to pick out a color. I stuck with the gorgeous fuchsia, which was at its latter end of luster. It chipped on two piggies. I was well prepared, as always, and promptly addressed the minor injuries to my ailing toes. I was shocked to find that when he saw them, the only thing he said was "Do you paint your toes?" I said with certainty in my voice "absolutely." It never came up again. I was shocked and ready to defend my position but didn't have to at all. That was easy.

Arizona is a conservative state and I got more negative grimaces from women and men alike than any other place. No one has yet to say a thing about my toes. It's just interesting. My next trip is to Seattle but it will be too cold to sport sandals. It already snowed a bit at home. The era of closet toes is coming.