Saleisha Averhart

diy pedicure feet foot care salon feet at home self care

DIY Pedicure: Get Salon Feet At Home With This Listerine Foot Bath #thrusaleizeyes20

Saleisha Averhart May 28, 2020

So it’s been a rough few months (pun intended 😉 ) and my feet have been feeling it. I’m religious about getting a pedicure. Although I know I know how to care for my feet at home, I really enjoy getting a pedicure. But as many of us face a new reality of wearing masks to go outdoors and kids at home while working from home, I have come to enjoy the simple pleasures at home. Taking care of my feet while at home is one of them.

It’s really simple. I took to Pinterest to find ways to use products I have at home to take care of my feet because buying an expensive foot spa treatment system is not something I want to plan for. The Listerine foot soak probably caught my attention because I know I have all these products at home. Any antiseptic mouth wash will do, but I did hear that blue or green ones make your feet discolored for a short time. It’s inexpensive and I’m not going out of my way to give my feet some TLC. I kept seeing Listerine Foot Soak when I looked up foot care or diy pedicure and though to myself, well just try it already!

IT MADE MY FEET FEEL EXACTLY HOW A PEDICURE FEELS. Game changer status. Look for yourself in this before and after image.

So let’s share some home remedies because I did not come up with this myself. I’m sure moms and grandmothers for generations have been scrubbing their feet with mouthwash and vinegar for years and we’ve been over here thinking we need to go to the salon for a pedicure.

Step 1: Make your foot soak

Ratio:

I cup Listerine (or any antiseptic mouthwash). I used the yellow kind because I read that the blue or green one may temporarily stain your foot.

1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider). I used white vinegar because I rather ingest my apple cider vinegar. You can find it any any grocery store.

2 cups warm water. My water was hotter than warm.

Step 2: What to soak it in? (Well…this is kind of step 1 as well.)

I have a two sided container I use to put my cleaning products in. Because this was a let’s try this out kind of project, I just took my supplies out and used the container as a diy foot spa. It was perfect. Even my husband’s feet could fit them, so men, this is foot care for you too.

Step 3: Enjoy then scrub!

I soaked my feet for 30 minutes. You can probably get away with a little less and I’m sure keeping your feet in there for an hour wouldn’t hurt either, especially if your feet need some extra TLC.

I put my kids to bed and did this before bed. It was very relaxing in addition to being a great way to scrub my feet. Self care plus.

Step 4: Remember I said scrub!

Use your favorite foot file, pumice stone, or brush and scrub your feet. You will see the dead skin fall off easily. If you didn’t get your feet as well as you would like, repeat treatment in a few days or the next day.

Aftercare: simple!

Rub your feet with your favorite lotion. My go to for my feet is a combination of coconut oil and Doterra tea tree essential oil.

I think I’m officially hooked on DIY footcare and will be taking on more at home remedies that my feet love! Pro tip: I used this ratio but used more than the ratio since I had a two sided container.

advocate issue advocacy social awareness

“How One Wake County Attorney Approaches Issues-Based Advocacy” #thrusaleizeyes18

Saleisha Averhart January 31, 2019

By: Saleisha N. Averhart, ’09

Of Counsel Magazine is a North Carolina Central University School of Law publication. This is an article I submitted which was published in the Fall 2018, Volume 20 issue “Power and Protesters, Struggle and Resistance”. At the time of submission, I was serving as 1st Vice President of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers and as Vice Chair of my precint for the Wake County Democratic Party. By the time the publication was out, I also added State Executive Committee member of the North Carolina Democratic Party as a position I hold. I thank God for allowing me to do his work.

The article is not available online as a link, so I have shared it below in the photo and as text for those unable to read the words in the photo clearly.

Gun control, immigration reform, public education, voting rights, and other similarly situated issues begin at the local level. Time management is essential. These are the cornerstones of my approach to issues-based advocacy. I became active in community based organizations, statewide and local. In law school, I was active in student government and my internships were as mayor’s assistant for the Town of Chapel Hill and as a Congressional Black Caucus intern in Washington. I’ve gained experience as plaintiff’s counsel representing individuals’ interests protected by state and federal law, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, and Section 1983 claims.

I started by offering more of my time to support community-based initiatives. This led me to organizations that best reflect my values. For me and others, November 9, 2016, served as a day of reflection. I took on more substantial roles such as organizing educational and social community events and supporting election protection initiatives. Efficiently using my time is an everyday process, but I have found it is a key factor in sustainability. Please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities in North Carolina, including election protection workshops.

With Love In Paris #thrusaleizeyes17

Saleisha Averhart January 2, 2019

Paris was everything.

New Years Day starts a new chapter for my marriage. This January 1st, we met the small milestone of year five. Reminiscing on our grown, as individuals and as a couple, I couldn’t help but think of our recent trip to Paris. Marriage is a gift that keeps on giving if both invest wisely. #love #marriage #thrusaleizeyes

Pictured above is a view of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe.

With Love In Paris

Bathing in the romance of the rain,
It drips down the streets.
Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Shhhhhhhhh.

Biting air wrapped in layers,
Holding my hand and laughing with the wind instead.
It does not mean to be so cold.

I locked eyes with love.
It’s fingers brushed my opening smile
And we danced instead of spoke.
Love came home with us too.
For that I am most grateful.

A Tribe For Moms

early pregnancy loss miscarriage pregnancy loss

Do Not Disturb: I’m in the middle of a miscarriage #thrusaleizeyes16

Saleisha Averhart December 8, 2018

There is no do not disturb setting for pregnancy loss. I think people assume you wake up one morning pregnant and go to bed beginning to process a loss. That’s not always the case.

Motherhood is so layered. I’ve slowly been easing my way back into society it seems like. It’s been difficult but I am reminded I am stronger than I believe I am at times. I remembered looking at the ceiling from my bed thinking I am able to help everyone except the life growing inside me and wanted to crawl under a rock. I realized when it happened that “it’s not my fault,” but better said than done honestly. Emotional pain hurts. My confidence took a huge hit, but I’m coming back.

This miscarriage required carrying my baby a little more than a week after finding out the bad news.

Am I suppose to wear a sign? I don’t know what I need until it’s offered and I accept it. You are given options. Several appointments follow. I was scared I’d start hemorrhaging because I have to be on blood thinners when pregnant. The morning sickness did not stop until after the baby was out of my body nine (9) days later. Confusing is an understatement.

If I wanted a pity party, I’d send an Evite and invite everyone to it.

You’re invited! Join me for a Pity Party! Bring my baby’s heartbeat back with your stories, strangers experiences, and tears! Remember non-alcoholic beverages only because the baby has a small chance of still being alive. We will know for sure next week!
Super awkward right?

Having living children does not make the loss less difficult. I came home and took my toddler out her crib from a nap. Holding her didn’t take the pain away. I wept in my stepson’s arms when I saw him. He just held me and let me cry. There is a lot of shame that comes with not being able to hold yourself together in front of children. They are great motivators for getting your shit together.

I don’t know who this new me is yet. “I don’t feel like talking” expresses that confusion. All I know is there are multiple layers of guilt and shame to work through. Only God knows how long it will take me to heal from this loss.

Holiday Party at the North Carolina Executive Mansion with my husband two weeks later. I’m extremely thankful I have a partner who will hold my hand and remind me of my strengths when I can’t see them as clearly.

Only I bonded with the life inside me and felt that life end. We went to Paris, New York, and Ohio together. I eagerly celebrated you with people and have sadly shared you’re gone.

Keep praying. Cry. Remain hopeful.

Don’t ever give up on the family you desire. #pregnancyloss #thrusaleizeyes #atribeformoms

Update: Since this post, I experienced another miscarriage. Back to back miscarriages are tough. I was more prepared to cope with pregnancy loss the second time around, but it was still a difficult experience. Find positive ways to cope. We are not alone. I am also happy to announce that 2019 ended with the birth of our beautiful daughter Nadia. We are truly blessed.

Photo of stylish women with a quote by Maya Angelou

Motivation

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Saleisha Averhart October 6, 2018

“My mission in life is not to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou

How many of us need this reminder today and every day? #quotestoliveby #dailymotivation #thrusaleizeyes

Style

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Saleisha Averhart September 20, 2018

Hot pink Mac lip color

I’m a big fan of holding onto staple pieces. When I wear these earrings I remember the memories of past events and look forward to the new looks they will be part of. These are a 2005 Bebe purchase. #favoriteaccessory

Recipes

#thrusaleizeyes13

Saleisha Averhart September 17, 2018

Pumpkin spice smoothie recipe — Not pictured is the oatmeal and honey used

Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

In our family, food is love. We share it with anyone in need and we fellowship over it. I used canned pumpkin and some steel cut oats I had to prepare a yummy pumpkin spice smoothie. Side note: I seriously love pumpkin recipes.

The only recipes I’ll probably really post to the blog are the simple ones since I’m not the measuring type. This one is pretty straight forward and simple recipe speaking. So here you go.

The final product after straining the chuncks and putting the oatmeal in a separate container for a two use recipe. One as a smoothie and another as oatmeal for breakfast. Smoothie yummy hot or cold.

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

1 can organic pumpkin puree of choice

12 oz. of organic almond milk

4 inch cube of ginger

1/4 container of canned coconut milk

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

3 tablespoons of honey

2 servings of cooked steel cut oats

Preparation:

Put everything in a food processor and blend. Strain the oats and ginger out. Done. Pour into glass jar and refrigerate. This makes 4 servings. Serve hot or cold. You can leave the oatmeal in if you want, but I didn’t like the texture with the ginger and oatmeal on the smoothie.

I kept the oatmeal ginger mix and added a little more sweetener to it for a morning oatmeal. #love #family #thrusaleizeyes

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Saleisha Averhart September 15, 2018

North Carolina beaches are gorgeous. Here is a shot I took at a gas station stop on the way home from Nags Head, North Carolina. My first time visiting the Outer Banks was in 2014.

A rest stop with a view is a great way to enjoy nature when solo traveling.

#strollingdownmemorylane #solotravelmemory #thrusaleizeyes

Nags Head, North Carolina Outer banks lighthouses — Nags Head, North Carolina

#thrusaleizeyes11

Saleisha Averhart September 14, 2018

I was able to take a year off work when my daughter was born. It was a full on adventure. My daughter was 3 weeks old her first trip and we haven’t really slowed down since then. I absolutely love it.

I have learned a few valuable family travel tips along the way. Here are some highlights of the out of state family travel we did my first year after birth.

#familytravel #thrusaleizeyes #atribeformoms #newbornlife #momlife #celebratingme #recharging #eatpraylove

Bold lip colors — In Atlanta, GA when Safia was three weeks old.

Super dad — It was actually very worthwhile to bring our newborn with us to a fine dining restaurant. She slept thru it and we took turns with feeding. I had just started adding pumped breast milk so she would latch with breastfeeding so it was a nice reward to get a fine dining experience and have my husband feed the baby for a change!

The Westin, downtown Atlanta, GA. Great view for a nap.

Safia is a very well traveled young lady. In her first year of life, she’s been on 11 trips. 9 of those were in the US, and 1 was international. Of our 11 family trips in 2016, 9 were road trips and 2 were flights.

Black museums in the USA — June 2016, I went on a day trip with Safia to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio while my husband was at work.

Family photo poses — July 2016 Safia was christened with my parents, my brother and sister in law present with us on a trip to New York for Dad’s birthday.

My parents happy with their grandbabies at Dad’s 70th birthday celebration in New York.

Cute beachwear for women — August 2018, my Aunty took Safia and I to Cocoa Beach, Florida with her on her family trip. I love her and she makes us feel so special all the time.

Curly girl bikini ideas — I was one happy new mom touching Cocoa Beach waters.

Safia had no complaints either! Family bonding time is the best.

In Atlanta again visiting Aunty Izzy’s studio in October 2016 🎶

New York is so beautiful during the winter months. This was a road trip that took the four of us from New York to Ohio for our Thanksgiving family stops. This is a beautiful shot of good old NYC.

Next stop of the Thanksgiving 2016 season was Ohio to visit the in-laws. It was their first trip seeing their granddaughter in person. As much as family travel has its stressors, to introduce the new addition to our family to everyone who loves her is so special and worth it for me.

We ended 2016 by going on our first international trip as a family. St. Thomas with my parents and a few of my siblings. I loved our warm Christmas. It was very nostalgic spending my daughter’s first Christmas in the type of weather I had my first Christmas.

I love this guy. He’s such a thoughtful partner.

Traveling photography — Getting off the boat to visit St. John’s for the day. What a view.

Caribbean travel photography — A moment of relaxation. I was still breastfeeding.

This is us getting into a weekend on the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina in February 2017. We had so much fun night crawling the beach and a late dinner.

Family outdoor photography — Gorgeous walk in Hilton Head, South Carolina this day. It was windy, but such nice weather for February. Gotta love the South.

My first year after birth took me on quite a ride. A really fun one. Introspective too. I’ve enjoyed solo traveling before meeting my husband, the two of us enjoy it together, and we do it as a family as well. These are such precious memories and I’m looking forward to making many more. #familytravel #thrusaleizeyes

Saleisha Nadia Averhart, Esq.

Author: Saleisha Averhart