An Earth-Friendly, Free, Relaxing Home Manicure

I've never had a manicure before. I have, however, walked by the manicure shop before and been struck by the overwhelming scent of chemicals radiating from the place. Inhaling all those chemicals and flushing them down drains must be bad for you and the environment. What if you want to have a manicure in the comfort of your own home, free of the stench of toxic chemicals?

It is possible to give yourself a great manicure at home that is "green." First, put on some relaxing music. Then, pour a glass of that organic wine you just purchased. Finally, follow the directions from Care2.com below.

• File your nails, going in one direction only. (No sawing!)

• Wash your hands, then soak them in warm water, buttermilk, or organic apple cider vinegar. The acids in the buttermilk or vinegar will help to slough off dead skin cells.

• Apply a cold-pressed oil (olive oil will do fine) into your cuticles, near the half-moon shape you can see at the base of your nails. Use the blunt end of an orange-wood stick to gently push the cuticles back from the nails.

• Dry your hands. Using a fine pumice stone or fine-grit sandpaper block, sand the tops of your nails to get rid of any ridges. Smooth the nail tops with a smoothing file and finish with a buffing chamois. Your nails will be amazingly shiny, almost as if you were wearing clear nail polish.

• Use a moisturizing cream or lotion to massage your hands and nails.