Though you brush your teeth every single day, it can be difficult to tell if you’re really getting them as clean as they should be. Here are a few tips to learn how to brush your teeth properly.

1. Brush for the right amount of time. In order to thoroughly clean all of your teeth, adults should brush for at least two minutes. Use a stopwatch if you aren't sure.
2. Pay more attention to sensitive areas. Places like the gumline, fillings, crowns, and hard-to-reach back teeth require more brushing than the rest of your teeth, so give those areas special attention.
3. Don’t forget the tongue. Brushing your tongue can make all the difference when it comes to having fresh breath, so give it a few quick swipes right before you rinse.
4. Use the proper motion. Brush in short, gentle strokes and keep the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to contact both the teeth and gums at once.
5. Take care of your toothbrush. Your toothbrush is a breeding ground for germs, so dentists recommend replacing it once every three to four months. This prevents cold and flu viruses, cold sores, and even some common infections.

How to Brush [Colgate]
Proper Brushing [ADHA]
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? [LifeHacker]
How to Brush Your Teeth [Crest]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wwarby

If you want to incorporate bright, bold colors into your home’s design scheme without going overboard, there are a number of creative ways to do it. Check out these simple decorating tips that require little effort and won't compromise your security deposit.

1. Choose a main color and an accent color. Instead of running wild with one bright color that you really love, use it as an accent color. This will ensure that your space looks clean and professional, and it makes your favorite shade the center of attention rather than an all-over eyesore.
2. Update boring bookcases. If you have a plain old bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, remove the shelves and paint the back of it in your favorite color. Once you slide the shelves back in, you’ll have a subtle burst of color peeking out from behind your books.
3. Toss in some throw pillows. Purchase sofa or bed throw pillows in your favorite colors to add an accent to neutral furniture. Best of all, pillows look stylish and eclectic when mixed and matched, so feel free to go a little crazy.
4. Create a colorful gallery wall. One of the most affordable ways to add colorful art to your walls is by framing things like old wallpaper, scrapbook paper, and even bright fabrics.

Add Color Without Paint [Better Homes and Gardens]
Top 10 Tips for Adding Color to Your Space [HGTV]
10 Surprising Ways to Add Color to Your Home [House Beautiful]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Maegan Tintari

Pamper yourself at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. This hotel spa offers an array of relaxing and rejuvenating services, from facials and waxing to massages and body wraps. Customers love the ambiance with soothing decor and fresh flower arrangements. Large windows look out onto the Houstonian’s 18-acre grounds.

Arrive early for your service and lounge about in a soft, oversized robe and snack on cookies and tea. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the amenities, which include an indoor float pool, jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and a tranquility room with a fireplace.

Plan on spending a whole afternoon at Trellis.

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian
111 N. Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 680-2626
www.houstonian.com/TheSpa.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/the-houstonian-hotel-club-and-spa-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Karl Cossio