Q: Steam cleaning is most effective when you remove all toys, papers, and general clutter from the floor. Move all tables, chairs, and furniture out of the room. Clear as much of the floor space as you can.  If some furniture is too heavy to move, place squares of wax paper, foil, wood blocks, or plastic film under the legs to protect them from the moisture of the steam cleaner. You can’t clean the carpet completely if you leave furniture in the room. If you don’t have room to move the furniture to another room, move it all to half of the room and do the room in two separate sections. Let the carpet dry before you move furniture back to the already cleaned half. As you run the steam cleaner, you might knock dust off the baseboards if you don’t dust them beforehand. Use a dust cloth with wood polish or a long handled duster to remove as much of the dust as you can. Dust ceiling fans and corners of the ceiling to prevent extra dust from falling on the carpet after you have steam cleaned them. Steam cleaners are meant to pull up small dirt particles that are down in the fibers of the carpet. They are not for removing hair and larger dirt pieces. Vacuum the entire room more slowly than you usually would. It is best to go over the room twice to get as much of the larger debris as possible. The second time, go over the room in the opposite direction to pick up more dirt.  For extra cleaning, use a nozzle attachment to get right up to the baseboards and edges of the room. Vacuuming also fluffs up the carpet so that the steamer can clean the fibers more effectively. Steamers can’t always lift deep, set-in stains, so it’s always helpful to treat stains before steaming the carpet. Use a carpet stain remover, or other natural solutions if you prefer. Blot the stain remover up with a cloth or leave it to be sucked up by the machine. When you do this, dab at the stains with a cloth. Never scrub at stains as this can cause them to work deeper into the carpet.
A: Remove everything from the room. Dust the baseboards. Vacuum the entire carpet carefully. Use stain remover on specific bad spots.

Q: A lot of people dread going to the dentist. Let's face it, it is really no one's favorite activity. However, if you find a dentist that you feel comfortable with, the experience can definitely be a lot better. Make sure that you feel at ease in her office, and that you are treated respectfully. Of course, the most important part is choosing a dentist who is credentialed and competent.  Get some reviews on local dentists. You can ask friends, family, and coworkers if they have an office they recommend. You can also read reviews by current and former patients online. Ask for a consultation before you have any procedures. This will let you get to know the dentist and make sure that you feel comfortable in the environment. At this time, you can also make sure the office accepts your dental insurance. If you don't have have dental insurance, you'll want to ask about pricing. You should also feel free to ask if the dentist offers payment plans or a sliding scale. Most experts recommend going to the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning, which includes polishing, air abrasion, and a professional brushing that relieves gum inflammation. At these visits, you will receive a thorough cleaning and the dentist will check for cavities, signs of gum disease, and other issues. Regular check-ups are important because the doctor can spot potential problems and recommend a treatment plan. Your teeth will also look great after a professional cleaning!  Schedule your appointments in advance. Dental offices tend to fill up quickly. By booking in advance, you can secure a time and day that is convenient for you. Choose a dentist that is convenient. If your dentist is near your home or office and easy to get to, you will be much more likely to go. Your dentist and her staff are your best resources for all of your questions about your oral health. During your appointment make sure to discuss any issues that you have. You can also ask for tips about the best way to brush, and recommendations on products that will work best for your particular teeth. Your dentist can also help you understand the importance that your mouth has on your overall physical health. Ask your dentist about the possible links between oral health and conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Your primary dentist can also refer you to a specialist if you have any issues beyond general oral care. Maybe your teeth are crooked or the gap between your front teeth has always bothered you. Your dentist can recommend an orthodontist to help you make corrections. If you have gum disease or erosion, your dentist might recommend you see a periodontist. These doctors specialize in gum care. Remember, your gums are important to keeping your teeth healthy. One of the best ways to feel confident about your teeth is to make them whiter. Unfortunately, brushing alone can't whiten your smile. Ask your dentist to tell you about your options. You could consider getting an in-office whitening treatment or doing it yourself at home.  If you opt for professional whitening, make sure to discuss costs. Insurance typically does not cover whitening as it is considered cosmetic. If you decide to try whitening at home ask your dentist to recommend products that she feels are safe and effective. If you feel wary about using chemical substances, you can also try natural home whitening.
A: Choose the right dentist. Visit regularly. Ask questions. Consider a specialist. Talk about whitening your teeth.

Q: There are a few different products you can choose from to add a bit of shine and start blending your eyeliner. Note that this isn’t the actual gloss, but will add a bit of luster to get you started. For this, you want to use a wax-based product that isn’t overly sticky. A wax-based product like MAC’s Mixing Medium Shine is ideal. If you don’t want to shell out the cash for a designer product, you can use some waxy lip balm to create the same effect. If you’re trying this look out for the first time, it might be wise to save the cash and try creating it with cheaper products. If you love the look and want to wear it often, however, it’s worth investing in the longer-lasting products that are created specifically for the eyes. Whether you’re using the MAC product or a bit of balm, you’ll apply it the same way. Get a bit of the product on your fingertip and press it onto your eyelid. Using a light hand, carefully use the product to smudge out the kohl eyeliner you previously applied. Gently pull the eyeliner up the lid to create a softer, smokier effect. If you want your lash line to be darkest, you can certainly add a bit more eyeliner to your lash line after you’ve smudged it out a bit. Remember, though, that this look really isn’t about precision or stark lines. Finally, after you’ve blended your eyeliner and laid a shiny foundation, it’s time to apply your gloss. There are a few different eye glosses on the market, like MAC Eye Gloss, NYX Lid Lacquer, MAKE Face Gloss, and Glossier Balm Dotcom. You can find a variety of glosses online or at your local beauty supply store. Use a flat brush or your finger to apply the gloss over your entire lid. Start in the middle and carefully sweep it outwards.  If you’re worried about your eyelids feeling sticky, avoid applying any product to the crease. Smooth the product to your lid below the crease and a bit above the crease, but don’t put any directly in it!  If you don’t want to buy a product meant specifically for your eye, you can always use a clear lip gloss or Vaseline-type product instead.
A:
Add some shine. Use the product to soften and blend the eyeliner. Finish with your gloss.