Top Drawer

PedEgg

Price: $9.99

What it does: Files calluses and rough skin from your feet.

How it makes your life easier: We could all use a little pampering in these tough economic times, but pricey salon treatments may not be in our budgets. The PedEgg lets you bring a little of the spa into your home. Simply clean your feet, cup the egg-shaped tool in the palm of your hand and file away layers of rough skin on callused soles and heels. Apply gentle (GENTLE!) pressure and move back and forth as you would with a fingernail file. The tool's microplanes look like those of a mini cheese grater and gently deposit dead skin shavings into a self-contained cup underneath. This means smoother feet and no mess to worry about. I immediately noticed smoother skin on my heels and footpads, though I scraped too hard in one spot and rubbed the area raw. It may take a few practice sessions to get the hang of it. Follow up with PedEgg emery buffing boards (included with the package) and rub your feet with a moisturizing lotion for a do-it-yourself smoothing akin to (but not quite as good as) what you'd get in a salon.

Who would use it: Singles, moms, teachers, nurses, real estate agents, men, do-it-yourselfers and anyone who would like smoother feet on a budget.

Where to get it: Target, CVS, Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walgreen's, Sally Beauty Supply and www.pedegg.com (where you can get two PedEggs for the price of one, plus the emery boards and a tube of foot therapy cream.

joyce.hicks@newsobserver.com or 919-829-8908

Handmade journals show

Beautiful journals with colored paper and inspired graphics will be on display at an opening reception at the Nature of Art in Holly Springs 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Stop by to meet the artists as part of the Art After Dark art walk. The gallery is at 5529 Sunset Lake Road. The show runs through Jan. 31. Call 387-9448 or visit www.TheNatureOfArtFrameShop.com.

Energy-saving classes

Lowes home improvement stores in Apex and Cary are offering free classes with tips on identifying and correcting basic energy losses in the home. The classes, being presented by Grey Isley of S.O.C. Inc., will cover HVAC, insulation, air sealing, appliances and lighting. They will also explain the basics of an energy audit, how to conduct your own audit and what to expect from a professional auditor. The first class will be offered 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 10 at the Lowes at 1101 Beaver Creek Commons Drive in Apex. The Jan. 17 class is 10 a.m. to noon at the Lowes at 1920 NW Maynard Road in Cary.