With the holiday season kicking into gear and before your to-do list slips into overdrive, be sure to take time to slam on the brakes and schedule some down time just for you.

One of the newest salons in Brentwood - Natural Nails - is ready when you are.

Owned and operated by Mina Hang Nguyen, Natural Nails has state-of-the art pedicure massage chairs that are bound to melt away those knots caused by holiday stress and get you ready for the party season.

When our hands and feet look fantastic, our spirit feels better, too. This is why manicures and pedicures remain two of life's little luxuries. Just lean back in the chair and begin the pampering process in the hands of one of Natural Nails' professionals.

"When I look at my dry hands and rough feet, I kinda feel depressed and deprived," said Samantha Evans from Brentwood, who was enjoying a day at the salon. "After a manicure and pedicure, it is amazing how much better I feel about myself. I feel more confident and I feel that I deserve this pampering."

"When you look pretty, you feel happy," said Nguyen. "Good grooming and healthy attitudes go together."

During a typical day, feet endure a cumulative force of several hundred tons. The average person walks approximately four miles every day or 115,000 miles in a lifetime. When someone is engaged in strenuous activities, the miles increase. And because healthy feet are vital to overall health, a foot massage and spa is a wise indulgence.

A foot massage is not merely stimulating; it helps to improve blood circulation, enhancing the body's immune system. According to many Eastern beliefs, accurate massage on specific pressure points helps human organs recover balance and health. In addition to preventing illness, a foot massage will relieve stress and tension, promote better sleep, unblock obstructed impulse pathways, promote energy and alertness, and release the "feel-good" hormones called endorphins, the body's natural pain killer.

"After a long week of work, after living your life for others, it's so nice to pamper yourself," said Brentwood resident and mother of two Leslie Margolias. "I like to indulge my creative spirit by painting and crafting, but for a really special treat, I go for a foot spa."

Margolias explained that it's important to carve out time for herself to prevent grumpiness and inefficiency. When she gets her "me time," she notices that she is sharper and her stress load is lighter.

For those extremely challenging weeks, Nguyen suggests that you treat yourself to one of Natural Nails' Exotic Spa pedicures and manicures, where you can indulge yourself in either a sugar or salt scrub, essential oil, mask and buttery cream. The exotic spa will help smooth your skin through an exfoliation, kneading and re-hydration process using sensual scents like mango, pomegranate, milk and honey, and lavender. For those days when you need to cool off, a refreshing peppermint spa treatment is bound to tickle your fancy.

And with party season underway, be sure to look over all the acrylic styles and colors that Natural Nails has to offer - styles that certainly will not go unnoticed.

The salon also offers body waxing, brow arching and eyebrow tinting for that picture-perfect look, as well as spa parties for both adults and kids.

Natural Nails is located at 380 W. Country Club Drive, Suite D in Brentwood. To schedule an appointment, call 240-6999.