i get manis and pedis as often as i feel like i need a pick me up!
as for colors: though my fingers are continuously decked out in seasonally appropriate colors: red, navy, black, purple, orange, bronzes---
my toes are generally hidden away in my socks, shoes, and slippers- so i love a dash of random HOT PINK flash when i take my socks off, it's enough to put a smile on my face. it's like my personal little secret

I have to say that I agree manis should be done year around even if only you get to enjoy during the colder seasons!

before I was able to pay for mani's and pedi's, I practiced acrylics on myself at home. At first it was a little rough getting the hang of it but eventually I got it almost down. In fact, I had practice on a couple of friends also. My only downer was that I couldn't find the perfect glue for keeping the tips on for long(er) periods of time. Anyway... in doing this whole ordeal I became quite a fan of Kiss products. To this day, I still grab Kiss files and other products first.
I don't care so much for getting mani's as I do pedi's. I get pedi's almost year round. Unfortunately, due to my temporary unemployed status, I was about 3 months behind on my favorite form of pampering. But I finally got to go just the other day and thoroughly enjoyed it.

There is something about being in a salon that just relaxes you! It's also good to know that you're good at doing it yourself as I am horrible!

I should give myself more pedis in the winter because I wear flip-flops all year long! Lol, but I'm really bad about it in the winter because my feet are so cold I don't change my colors though I still wear the same colors in the winter as the summer