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It is officially mid-April and Spring is in full bloom. I personally cannot get enough of the gorgeous magnolias that are taking over my Instagram feed. The Sophian grounds are amazing this time of year. I am feeling those Spring vibes with fresh air and greens everywhere. I have been adding so much pop of color with fresh blooms all over the condo. I don't know what it is about having fresh flowers in every room, but it just adds instant happiness to my life. I have also been enjoying the spring veggies in my juice and have been pulling out pops of pink in my very neutral wardrobe. Ready or not, it is here my dears!

I don't know about you but I feel like in winter I get a little too comfortable focusing on my blog and family more than I focus on myself. There is just so much going on 24-7. My hair needs an update from the bun I have been living in, my exercise regimen needs to get back in full gear, my chalky cracked skin needs some major moisture repair, and my teeth could definitely use some TLC. Goodness, I do adore my coffee and tea but they sure do keep my teeth less than pearly white. (I found the perfect product to help with this issue...squeal!! ) All of my good habits have seemed to become unraveled. It's definitely time for that makeover I have postponed all winter long. #shakeitoff

Soooo let's step into the new season together, shall we?! Thrilled to share what I plan on doing for my Spring beauty update with you. Follow my lead...I GOT YOU!

So first things first--I am a firm believer that beauty starts from the inside and having a smile that you feel confident about can really do the most amazing things. It's seriously like wearing a red lip gloss. There is power in it ladies. I promise. You can pretty much conquer the world with a drop dead gorgeous smile. I once was told that my smile was captivating. Talk about a compliment! Whenever a man uses the word captivating to describe anything...well shoot...that just leaves me speechless. Am I right ladies?! This same man would eventually ask me out to dinner via phone. Yes, you read that right. He ACTUALLY called rather then texting. Actually asked me how I was and was bold enough to have a proper conversation with me rather than giving my instagrams the thumbs up to flirt. Confident smile=POWER and beauty from within and that is so incredibly attractive.

1. RADIANT, WHITE SMILE

So the first thing that is making me feel beautiful by the second from the inside out is Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ toothpaste. I was so happy to be introduced to it by my sister and we immediately made a Kroger run where they were launching Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ toothpaste. I stocked up too. I am always on the go so I wanted one for both of my restrooms in my condo, my gym bag, and my work bag. This amazing product has become apart of my daily beauty/style routine. I wanted a whiter smile and this toothpaste has given me that making me feel so much more confident in my day to day encounters.

Unlike most whitening toothpastes that I have tried, this gem safely whitens the inside as well as the outside of your teeth. It's also enamel safe so you can use it daily and I love the icy mint flavor. It leaves my breath incredibly fresh and I just no longer feel like I have to hide my teeth when laughing or talking. It removes deep set teeth stains below the tooth’s surface for a Radiant™, whiter smile. I mean hello, where have you been my whole life?! Taking a little romantic weekend trip here in a few days and you better bet I am not leaving home without my Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ toothpaste.

2. Spring Hair Makeover

Winter can leave your hair looking dry, unhealthy and basically blah. Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your look and brighten up your hair color. Yep, it's time to get your hair did. It was definitely time for me to see my hairdresser. I needed a change. Something fresh, different, and lighter. One of my favorite hair color trends for spring does just that by adding natural looking dimension to your basic hair color. If you’re not familiar with balayage, it’s a French word meaning “to sweep or paint”and refers to the process of painting on the highlights and I suggest getting familiar with it right away! The roots of the hair stay their original color to give it a natural grown out look. It creates a natural sun-kissed look similar to what you had as a child but with a much softer, less noticeable regrowth line. It's just the right amount of sass needed to make you flip that hair for all your friends to see. And if you are worried about lightening your hair, I suggest lighter Extensions. Extensions are a great way to add dimension and keep your hair healthy. And psssst...that's what I do!

Oh and P.S. do get the deep conditioning treatment to give your locks some nice hydration.

3. Spring Cleaning your Skin

As the days get longer and temperatures begin to climb, off go the oversized sweaters and boots and on go the shorts, sundresses, and open-toe sandals. But while you are singing the praises of spring, it's also likely your skin is still crying out with the winter blues -- dry, scaly, rough, spots on heels, knees, and elbows as well as stressed- out, overheated, undernourished skin on your face and body. Yes, I know we can all relate here. My poor skin gets so neglected in the cold seasons. It's all so covered up so out of sight, out of might, I suppose. I love using a heavy moisturizer on my feet and sleeping in socks. I also use a heavy duty cuticle cream and hang out in gloves while I watch my favorite shows. I also give my body a nice exfoliating scrub. I make my own at home and it's super easy.....

Brown sugar/olive oil/ginger body scrub: Mix 2 cups of brown sugar with 1 cup of olive oil and add a small amount of ground ginger. Mix well into a paste. Using circular motions, rub your entire body, paying special attention to elbows, heels, and knees. Rinse with a body wash and wet washcloth and towel dry. You will love the result!

And of course invest in some good facial skin care products. You always want to cleanse, tone, and moisturize. With the change in season, I always get a facial too. So nice to start with a clean slate.

4. Stand up StRAIGHT

So now with you amazing skin, hair, and smile....you will look your best but I want you to FEEL your best too. Case in point: perfect posture. When I make an effort to stand up straight during the day, I find myself with a perky attitude and a more carefree disposition. Slumping over will do just the opposite, leaving you feeling lethargic and jaded. Throw on that floral number, flash those pearly whites and stand up straight my dears!

Don't forget your Colgate® Optic White® RADIANT™ toothpaste at Kroger . Serious beauty game changer! I am hooked. Just simply hooked. And in the words of my favorite actress.."the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence." Feeling and being beautiful on the inside is just as amazing as being beautiful on the outside.

KEEP SMILING MY BABES!

You are beautiful just as you are !

XO
SAM