For Shoe Addicts--Got Tired Feet?

"Are those...Louboutins?" OK!'s Lana asked with a little gasp.

Red-soled patent leather platform pumps! Now, if only they felt as good as they look.

"Um, no," I replied. I wanted to add that they were from Paris too...or, at least, my favorite fairly cheap shoe brand, Parisian!

These platform pumps are absolute darlings and, I believe, a necessity in every grown woman's shoe wardrobe. But I gotta tell ya, they hurt like hell. The heels I can handle--there's just something about the shape in general that doesn't agree with my fairly wide feet. Ah, fashion is pain.

I'll be the first to say that I don't have particularly pretty feet. A couple of years ago, my mom pointed out that my legs and feet seemed more worn than hers. I wasn't entirely bothered by it because I considered the imperfections battle scars--I did earn all those callouses and veins from all my running and dancing. But they're not particularly attractive when I wear shoes that exhibit the top part of my feet.

At an event a few months ago, a speaker talked about relieving stress and bringing on a good night's sleep by soaking in a tub of hot water and Epsom Salt. It was the first time I ever heard of Epsom Salt, and I decided to research. I read website after website extolling the virtues of this product, scientifically known as magnesium sulfate. I was sold.

I found a carton at hardware store True Value for about P500. (It's about as big as a milk carton, but trust me, the contents go a long way.) Since we don't have a tub, I brought out a little palanggana, filled it with warm water, and poured about a cup of Epsom Salt into it. I soaked my feet for half an hour, feeling the salt dissolve into the water.

When I removed my feet, I noticed that my prominent veins had pretty much disappeared! While the effect wasn't permanent (it lasted about an hour), it really amazed me to see a smooth, vein-free version of my feet for the first time in years. I became a believer in the wonders of Epsom Salt.

For all you shoe addicts out there, who suffer in often wear heels like I do, you might wanna give this a shot! Want more info? Check out the Epsom Salt Council's website.

Happy New You!

Good Housekeeping's January-February ish features mom and daughter Jaclyn Jose and Andi Eigenmann on the cover. Our main feature's got over 40 expert tips on food and exercise, and a super quick 20-minute workout (much like Jillian Michaels's 30-Day Shred) to help you lose all that holiday flab!

Incidentally, I've gotta start doing the shred again. My clothes are feeling tighter, and my stomach looks an awful lot like Jell-O. Tsk tsk. I really didn't think I'd get away with all that wanton eating--and it's affected me in more ways than one. I just got back from the doctor and found out that I have follicular pharyngitis, or something like that. I googled it and the pictures ain't pretty. I closed the window right away because I was pretty grossed out! Apparently this happens when you have too much of a good thing--sweet, spicy food and all that, irritating your throat. (A quick recall of what I've been eating the past couple of weeks and it all made sense.) I'd had a blasted cough for a week, and finally decided to see my doc. Now I know why my throat's been hurting.:( Doctor's orders: No eating or drinking anything sweet, spicy, cold, or hot. In other words, all the things that make life worth living. *tear*

Ah well, it's a forced diet, which is actually perfect. This is the year when I'm finally going to start eating right (most of the time) and finally getting that goal body! Ahh, New Year--the time when everyone is optimistic!