Safety

 Don't have caller ID? You can still find out the number of the last person who called by hitting *69 on most phone systems. This does cost 75 cents for each request (unless you have a monthly contract.)

 DO NOT allow any stranger inside your house -- even if they "claim" to be a legitimate repairman or show you some official-looking ID or badge. (It could be fake or stolen.) If they do not go away, call the police. It's better to have two officials at your home than trouble.

 Someone at the door you don't like? Slam it shut! It's better to be rude than attacked.

 Keep a camera by your front door. Take a stranger's photograph.

 Don't have music or TV so loud you can't hear a prowler.

 If possible, have a cell phone or beeper handy in case there is no electricity or telephone service (i.e. storms).

 Don't ignore your dog or pet if they are uneasy. Their hearing is better than ours.

 Social Security Numbers should be memorized.

1. You should have one - esp. if your parents set up a savings acct. for you.

Memorize it.

If - God forbid - you are ever abducted, you can tell this to the police or someone. (Even if the abductors ask you to change your name you will always be your Social Security No.)

2. Memorize your parent's Social Security Numbers. In case you ever get lost you can tell police that your mother is xxx-xx-xxx and your dad is yyy-yy-yyy so that no one can claim you who isn't your real parent. Your folks should have their SS# cards on them.

 Don't be fast to believe what you are told. It's OK to say "NO thanks" even if you appear selfish.People will believe a logical lie very easily.

(This is true if someone is trying to get into your home with a tale of an emergency. We all have a tendency to want to be heroes.)

 In case your bike ever gets stolen... and the serial number may have been filed off even... well just write your name, address etc. on a file card. Roll this card around a pencil. Remove your bicycle seatpost and drop the card into the bicycle frame. It can easily be removed as proof of ownership.

 TIP FOR MOM AND DAD. Drop a file card or business card down your window in case some day you ever need to prove ownership of your car.

Cleaning

  New stain on the carpet? Just pour a little club soda on it, let it set a few minutes and sponge up.

 MUD! - Sprinkle cornstarch on the damp mud spots. Let it soak in about 15 min. Then vacuum

 CHEWING GUM - Press ice cubs against the gum so it becomes brittle and breaks off. Then (if you have some) use spot remover to vanish remaining traces.

 GLUE STUCK? Loosen it by saturating the spot with a cloth soaked vinegar. Sometimes nail polish remover helps.

 (Be careful not to ruin fibers)

 BALLPOINT PEN or INK? Saturate it with hairpray. Or dab with a cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol. (This also works for lipstick stains on clothes and carpet).

 GOT GUM STUCK IN YOUR HAIR? Rub some cold cream into hair. Pull down on the strand of hair several times with a towel. Or massage peanut butter between your hair and gum with fingers until loosened. Or, freeze the gum with ice cubes and peel gum out of hair.

  Throw something down the garbage disposal that stinks? Toss in half lemon or orange rinds to remove smell.

 Candle Wax on the rug? Take a brown paper bag and put on the spot. Place a hot iron over the bag and blot. After a few minutes, the was will be absorbed into the blotter (bag). Repeat if you need to.

 Sooty Footprints on the carpet? An artgum eraser might get the lighter ones out. Or, sprinkle salt on the soiled area. Wait 30 min. and then vacuum.

 Did your little brother or sister make a picture and wants you to hang it on the wall? (The refrigerator is already stuffed with artwork). To prevent the colors from smearing or fading on your walls from the artwork (esp. if it's chalk) spray the picture with hairspray.

This prevents any smearing and fading. (Sometimes it will even enhance the colors).

 Cleaning Stuffed Toys..(We recommend "Bubble Gund" but if you don't have any)... Rub in dry cornstarch. Let stand briefly and brush it out.

 Cigarette Smoke? Put small bowls of vinegar in 4 corners of the room where smokers are. Or, soak a towel, ring it out thoroughly and swish it around the room. Smoke should disappear quickly.

 Crayon Marks - to get them off of vinyl tile or linoleum use silver polish.

Misc.

 Ice Cream that has been opened and returned to the freezer will form a waxlike layer. To prevent this, press a piece of wax paper against the surface and reseal.

 GOT SUNBURN? If you don't have anything from the drugstore for it, try rubbing it with a wet tea bag. Or rubbing some apple cider vinegar on it.

 Playing with mom's jewelry and got her necklace in a knot? Put a drop of salad oil on a piece of waxed paper, lay the knot in the oil and undo it by using 2 straight pins. It should undo easily.

 TOO MANY SUDS IN THE WASH? If you put too much soap in, then pour a little fabric softener in. The suds should disappear.

 HELP! A Bee is in the house! Can't find the swatter? Go get your mom's hairspray and spray the bug. The hairspray stiffens their wings and immobilizes them. This works on all winged bugs.

 MADE AN UNWANTED NAILHOLE? Try rubbing in (white) toothpaste and smooth with a damp sponge and allow to dry.

 Jar lid stuck? Remember, LEFT=loose and RIGHT=tight.

 Burgers in a hurry? Make a hole in the center.They cook fast and hole disappears when burgers are done.

  Catsup won't come out? Insert a drinking straw, push it to the bottom of the bottle and then remove. Enough air should be admitted to start the flow.

Or is this Ketchup? LOL This is also what I heard on the radio one day. This is for HEINZ only! Open the bottle and hit the "H". Then the ketchup will flow. (Does it work for Hunts? I have no clue.)

 Love Corn on the Cob? But the cornsilk just won't come off? Dampen a paper towel or terry cloth and brush downward on the cob. Every strand should come off.

 Bad odor in the bathroom? Light a match and blow it out. Wave the sulfer fumes around the room.

 SWALLOWING PILLS WHOLE.
I've made a separate page on this. So if you're having problems kids, here some of my successful tips.

CLICK HERE!