You Know It’s Spring When…

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#SensitiveSmiles  #CollectiveBias

Yes, it’s high spring here in Nashville and I feel as if I am waking up from hibernation. According to the Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI), Nashville is one of the “10 Bleakest Cities of 2015″ after suffering through harsh winter conditions. But it’s over now. Days are finally getting longer and temperatures are beginning to rise. The light intensity stimulates my metabolism and increases the production of the happiness hormone, serotonin. It’s true, the other day I went on a walk and was overwhelmed with happiness. Pink, white and yellow blossoms are everywhere and just looking at them makes me happy. It’s finally time to put away the heavy winter coats and show more skin.

                                                                         It’s time for spring fever!Spring time awakens new life and energy. It is a time of new beginnings – a great time to take on new projects.  I have so many projects lined up – inside, outside, everywhere – I don’t even know where to begin.

What I love about spring is that we can smell it. In the winter, everything that we could smell in nature, was frozen. With increasing temperatures, the scent molecules are released again and swirl around.  Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-cut grass and the sweet scent of a fragrant flower?

Since the body releases fewer sleep hormones (melatonin) in the spring, we feel stronger and more fit.  I love exercising outside and it’s easier to lose weight in the spring. Spring is a wonderful time to move more. No gym? Not necessary in the spring. Ride a bike, walk more or run. Mowing the lawn is also a great workout.There is more variety on the menu. We can grow our own produce again and look forward to more fresh fruits and vegetables. My favorite vegetables these days are leeks and asparagus. I eat them almost every day. Just saute  asparagus,  leeks, and mushrooms in olive oil, add cooked linguine,  parsley, pepper and salt.  You’ve just made a delicious and healthy meal bursting with flavor.

Spring cleaning doesn’t just pertain to the house. During the cold winter months, my skin gets neglected. So in the spring, I like to “spring clean” my skin, making it fresh.

Homemade Coconut Oil Scrub with Tea Tree

My homemade Coconut Oil Scrub with Tea Tree Oil is wonderful for scrubbing away ‘winter’. It gets your skin ready for a cute spring dress or even a bikini (gulp).

Finally – it’s warm enough to sit on the deck and eat the first ice cream. My son and I did just that the other day. He was thrilled to have two different flavors of ice cream in a sugary cone. Ice cream is my all time favorite treat. I can never say ‘no’ to plain vanilla in a cone. It’s how I love my ice cream. But if you have sensitive teeth like me, eating ice cream can be a painful experience. I have had sensitive teeth since I was 19. It’s no fun, let me tell you. Anything ice-cold touching my teeth makes my face cringe.I am happy to tell you that I have found relief. When I was grocery shopping at Kroger, I picked up  the Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush and Sensitivity Pen.Kroger has a pretty impressive selection of dental products, but you can find the  Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush and Sensitivity Pen at other Kroger banner stores.The Actis Enamel Pen blocks sensitivity at the source of pain. Simply brush, apply, and go.After using this toothbrush and pen for five days, I have noticed  less sensitivity. That’s because with continued use the formula builds a barrier, making teeth less prone to sensitivity. I also love the toothbrush portion because it’s designed with ultra soft bristles, which is great for my sensitive teeth.If you avoid cold treats because you have sensitive teeth or if you cringe and bear it (like I used to do), you may want to try the Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush and Sensitivity Pen. I have never tried anything quite like this pen and I am happy  to report that I will be eating lots of ice cream this spring and summer, pain-free.

If you decide to do so, check your local Kroger and Kroger banner stores for digital coupons for the Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush and Sensitivity Pen.

Now it’s your turn.

You know it’s spring when…