You will need:

• Hammer
• Very fine steel wool
• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise
• Wood polish or wax
• Spackle or filler
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Cloths
• Towel

Step 1: If a metal surface becomes dented, use a hammer to gently bang out the dents, working from the other side of the material.

Step 2: When a wood surface is dented, the blemish may not be permanent. Water may be the solution but it must be used carefully. Since water can warp and stain wood, this method is not recommended for an item that is irreplaceable. For other wood surfaces, place a small amount of water on the dent. As the wood absorbs the water, it swells, filling in the dent. Use a clean towel to dry the area once the dent disappears.

Step 3: Water rings on wood surfaces are unattractive. If the ring is discovered before the water has dried, use a clean towel to wipe it away. If the stain has dried, go over the area with very fine steel wool, working with the grain of the wood not the circle created by the water ring. Put a few drops of olive oil on a clean cloth and wipe the cloth over the water ring. Let the oil sit on the ring overnight.

Use a clean, dry cloth to polish the area. If the mark is still noticeable, put some mayonnaise on a cloth and wipe this over the water ring. Several applications may be required before the ring disappears.

Once the water ring is gone, the wood can be polished or re-waxed. Doing this before the mark is gone will seal in the blemish so carefully inspect the area before taking this step.

Step 4: If painted walls become dented, use a putty knife to smooth some spackle or filler into the dent so the area is even with the remainder of the wall. After the spackle or filler dries, sand it to smooth and even the surface and repaint the area.

You will need:

• Blu-ray/DVD player
• Speakers
• High-definition movie projector with HDMI input
• Lights
• Folding chairs
• PVC pipes (optional)
• PVC connectors (optional)
• 2×4 lumber
• Large piece of vinyl or drop cloth
• Nails
• Hammer

Step 1: Select a location for the screen that will not be affected by streetlight glare. Choose a spot with a large, open area in front of it for seating.

Step 2: Construct a frame for the screen by assembling 2×4 boards in a rectangle shape and nailing together the corners. PVC pipes and connectors are alternative frame materials. A PVC frame will be lightweight and easy to disassemble but it will also require cross-bracing. Base frame size on the space available for hanging it and how far back the projector will be placed. Review the specifications for the projector for additional information. To capture the aspect ratio of 16:9 that most movies have, make the frame twice as long as it is tall. A large frame may require use of a 2×4 as a middle brace.

Step 3: Use a large piece of vinyl, a large vinyl panel, or a big canvas drop cloth to create the screen. Stretch the material over the frame edges, wrap it around the back of the frame, and nail it into place.

Step 4: Place the movie projector on a level surface and install it as high as possible without making access unsafe. There should be nothing obstructing the line of sight between the projector and screen.

Step 5: Plug the speakers into the audio output on the Blu-ray or DVD player or use a stereo receiver as the intervening equipment.

Step 6: Place folding chairs in front of the movie screen, keeping them out of the projector sight line. Tell guests to bring their own blankets if they would like to sit on the ground.

Step 7: Though viewing movies in the dark is the most fun, add some lighting so people can find their way to the seating area. String holiday lights around the yard, hanging them from trees and fence rails.

Step 8: After movie night is over, disassemble equipment that can be damaged by water and store it until the next event.

Question 1: Where is the home situated in relation to the beach? If the family includes many children, it can be cumbersome to lug beach gear miles to the shoreline. “Adjacent” to the beach could mean across the street or across town.

Question 2: What supplies and equipment are included with the house rental? Some landlords provide beach chairs, bicycles, linens, and kitchens that are fully equipped. Others expect tenants to bring their own towels, sheets, dishes, and utensils.

Question 3: Is the home child and/or pet friendly? Whether the “children” of the house have two or four feet, they will probably go on the trip so ensure that the landlord will accept them. Find out whether a security or cleaning deposit is required for pets. Ask about whether the yard and an onsite pool are fenced and if balconies and their doors are secure.

Question 4: How will repairs be handled? The toilet or garbage disposal may become clogged or the outside shower may stop working. Find out whether emergency service will be available for these situations.

Question 5: What is the rental cancellation policy? Insurance is available for cruises but not typically offered for beach rental homes. If an emergency or extreme weather requires backing out of the arrangement at the last minute, will a portion of the rental fee be refunded? It should be and the cancellation policy should be issued in writing so there are no questions about what it includes.

Question 6: What activities and establishments are near the house? Beach house rentals are more fun when the homes are within a short distance of amusements, a boardwalk, movie theater, restaurants, and shops. This way, the family will have plenty to do on a rainy day.

Tip 1: If you have a favorite game in mind, enter the name in a search engine query. If the game is still available, it should appear on the search results list. To explore a list of top pet games, check out the Apex Web Gaming site. Parents should make sure that games are appropriate for the age of their children.

Tip 2: Explore websites that feature multiple games. FunMillsberry offers games in several categories including action, adventure, and education. Fish Catcher, Tiny Math Planets, MadPet Skateboarder, and Super Math Jump are some of the featured games.

Tip 3: Participate in a virtual pet community. On the Neopets website, users create and own virtual pets, purchase virtual items for them, and play free action, strategy, and other types of games. Marapets features virtual pet adoption, dress up games, and flash games.

Tip 4: Combine reality with technology by buying a Webkinz stuffed animal and caring for it online. Pet owners can build virtual homes for their pets and keep the animals happy and healthy in the virtual Webkinz World. Note that there is a cost to take advantage of all features on this website.

Tip 5: If you are a teacher looking for online animal games for students, consider Switch Zoo, a site that allows users to build an online habitat for animals that they make. The site includes puzzles, games that require users to identify where different animals live, and games regarding animal diets. The site features a teaching and learning area that includes lesson plans and resources.

You will need:

• Carpet cleaning machine
• Mold testing kit
• Ammonia or bleach
• Detergent
• Bucket
• Spray bottle
• Face mask
• Rubber gloves
• Protective glasses or goggles

Step 1: Mold is toxic and can be inhaled or come in contact with skin so protect the eyes, hands, and mouth with the goggles or glasses, gloves, and face mask, respectively.

Step 2: Conduct mold testing throughout the house to make sure that mold is not present in other locations. If it has reached other areas or gotten into the HVAC system, carpet cleaning alone will not be sufficient. Purchase a mold test kit that supports testing of multiple surfaces and another kit to test the HVAC system.

Step 3: Begin removing mold from carpet by renting a carpet cleaning machine and using the appropriate detergent and water to clean the fibers. If this does not remove the mold, fill a bucket of water with 1 cup of either bleach or ammonia (not both) and transfer some solution to a spray bottle. Spray the carpet and let the solution remain on for 15 to 20 minutes before removing it with the carpet cleaning machine. Remove as much water as possible from the carpeting because any moisture that remains could lead to additional mold.

Step 4: Open windows in the room and set up fans to blow on the carpeting to dry it. If a dehumidifier is available, shutting the door to the room and turning on this equipment will remove moisture more quickly. Once the carpet is completely dry, close the windows and remove the fans and dehumidifier.

You will need:

• White vinegar
• Essential oil
• Baking soda
• Lemon peels
• Castile soap
• Vegetable glycerin
• Water
• Spray bottles
• Lidded plastic container

Step 1: Prepare an all-purpose green cleaner by mixing 2 cups of water, 2 cups of white vinegar, and 20 drops of a pleasant-smelling essential oil. Vinegar kills bacteria and attacks grease and essential oil leaves a fresh scent. Use this cleaner on windows, mirrors, the refrigerator, stove, countertops, and even floors.

Step 2: Adding ¼ cup of vinegar to a bottle containing 1 quart of water creates an environmentally sound window cleaner. Spray it on dirty windows and create a streak-free shine by wiping with sheets of newspaper.

Step 3: Make the eco-friendly equivalent of Soft Scrub by mixing 2 cups of baking soda, 2/3 cup of castile soap, 8 drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil, and 4 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin. This creamy scrub smells delightful, is a strong cleaner due to the baking soda, and has antibacterial properties from the essential oil. Use it to clean the shower, bathtub, and sink.

Step 4: Freshen the air in every room by cutting up lemon peels, placing them in lidded plastic containers, and adding some baking soda. Display English ivy, lilies, and ferns to clean and refresh indoor air.

Step 5: Decluttering does not require cleaning products and makes the indoor environment more welcoming. Go through kitchen drawers and cabinets and discard all clutter. If something is broken, throw it away. If you do not use it frequently, donate it or set it aside for a spring or summer yard sale. Recycle unwanted items such as old televisions and outdated computer equipment.

Tip 1: Have the pet groomed the day before or day of the session so it will look its best. If the animal gets tear stains around its eyes, remove these with a special product. Give the coat a thorough brushing before the shoot.

Tip 2: Exercise the pet within one hour of the portrait session. This helps to calm the animal during the shoot.

Tip 3: If the pet wears a collar, ensure that this is picture-worthy. If not, purchase a new one or place a bandanna over it during the photo shoot.

Tip 4: Take a leash for the pet. Most portrait studios do not permit pets to run free when shooting is not taking place.

Tip 5: Take small treats and toys that will capture the attention of the pet during the session. Do not feed the pet within a few hours of the shoot and keep treats hidden so the animal will not be distracted from posing.

Tip 6: If the animal has a special bed, clothing, or another favorite item that you would like captured during the shoot, take it.

Tip 7: Dress appropriately because some photographs may include both the animal and you.

Tip 8: Arrive several minutes before the session begins so the pet can acclimate to the sounds and smells of the location. Walk the pet around the area and introduce it to the photographer.

Tip 9: If the pet has had basic obedience training, commands such as “stay,” “sit,” and “down” may come in handy during the session. If not, never fear, because each session tends to follow the schedule of the pet. Allow up to three hours for a single session so the pet can truly express its personality.

Tip 1: Pet expos are held throughout the country during different times of year. Search for them online and purchase tickets in advance to save money and guarantee admission. If you are looking for a particular kind of animal, use its name when conducting a keyword search online. For example, “horse expo” or “reptile expo.”

Tip 2: Conduct preliminary research about each animal by searching online and visiting the local library. Read about the characteristics, grooming, exercise, and feeding requirements of the pet. Learn what type of living environment is most suitable for the animal and determine the costs involved. Ownership expenses and other requirements may limit the list of suitable pets. For example, many people love horses but do not have the space or money to build stables and riding rings on their properties.

Tip 3: Discuss preferences with other family members to make sure everyone is receptive to owning and caring for the animals on the list. Verify that children understand caretaking responsibilities and are willing to perform them. Many children want to have all types of pets until they realize that they will have to care for the animal.

Tip 4: Head to the pet expo with the short list of prospective pets. Talk to exhibitors and vendors catering to these animals. Ask to hold and play with the pets, if appropriate. Let each family member interact with the animals. Ask plenty of questions, take notes, and request contact information in case follow-up questions or issues arise. If the exhibitor is not a breeder, ask the person to provide the names of several recommended breeders.

Tip 5: Once back at home, discuss the animals with each family member and come to an agreement regarding the best new pet for the family. Contact recommended breeders, pay a visit to each one, and discuss purchase prices and guarantees before making a commitment to buy.

You will need:

• Concrete stain
• Clear sealant
• Wire brush
• Broom
• Tarp
• Ground stakes
• Sponge
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Bucket
• Garden hose
• Dish detergent
• Chemical degreaser (optional)
• Gloves
• Face mask

Step 1: Use the broom to sweep dirt and debris from the concrete. Remove surface dirt by scrubbing the surface and grooves with a stiff wire brush, working in a circular pattern.

Step 2: Fill a bucket with water and some dish detergent. Dip the sponge in this solution and use it to wash the sidewalk. If the surface has stains, treat them with a chemical degreaser. Rinse away soap and thoroughly dampen the sidewalk by spraying the area with the garden hose. Let the sidewalk dry.

Step 3: If concrete is less than six months old, use a water-based stain designed for concrete. Use an acid-based stain for an older sidewalk.

Step 4: Put on the face mask and gloves. Mix the stain well and pour it into the paint tray. Soak the paint roller with stain and apply it to the concrete, saturating the area including the cracks. If you are working in a driveway, patio, or other large area, a garden hose can be used to apply some stain.

Step 5: Cover the stained area with a tarp secured along the edges and corners by ground stakes. Leave the tarp on for at least 24 hours.

Step 6: Remove the tarp and apply a second coat of stain, if necessary. Re-cover the area with the tarp, secure it, and wait an additional 24 hours or more for the stain to dry.

Step 7: To protect the stain, use a clean roller and paint tray to apply a coat of clear sealant. Cover the area with a secured tarp for the designated drying time. Remove the tarp and enjoy your newly stained sidewalk.

You will need:

• Paver light bases
• Paver light lenses
• 4-watt lamps
• Connectors (2 for each light)
• Snips or wire cutter
• Utility knife
• Pliers
• Petroleum jelly

Step 1: If the lights will be installed with an existing patio, purchase a paver light kit. Review the patio layout and identify the locations where lights should be placed. Correct installation will illuminate the entire patio in an even manner. The installation area should contain enough room to bury the wires in the ground.

Step 2: A paver light kit can also be used when constructing a new patio. When opting to purchase individual lights, buy one base, one lens, one lamp, and two connectors for each light.

Step 3: Wipe petroleum jelly onto each lamp to prevent corrosion.

Step 4: Follow the product instructions to assemble each light.

Step 5: Feed two wires out of the base of each light. Secure a lamp into each light socket holder.

Step 6: Use the snips or wire cutter to cut the cable in two.

Step 7: Split the cable down the middle with a utility knife, taking care not to expose any copper wire contained inside.

Step 8: One side of the cable will be ribbed and the other side will be smooth. Rejoin the like sides of each cable (ribbed to ribbed and smooth to smooth) with a connector.

Step 9: Each connector has 3 holes. Place the smooth end of one cable into the left hole. Place the smooth end of the opposite cable into the right hole. The socket should have a black or white lead wire. Place this wire into the center hole.

Step 10: After all wires are in place, find the black cap metal slide. Turn this side down and use pliers to put the slide into the body of the connector.

Step 11: Install each constructed light fixture in the designated area between the pavers. Run the lighting wires underneath the pavers and cover them with dirt. If you must run wiring around pavers, bury it in the ground.

Step 12: Attach a lens to each light by gently snapping it into place.

Tip 1: Even if the pet is normally very gentle, do not assume that it will not scratch or bite when injured. Fear and pain may cause an animal to exhibit unpredictable behavior or become dangerous.

Tip 2: Do not hug the pet, even to provide reassurance. This action could cause the animal additional pain or scare it. Also, keep your face away from the mouth of the pet to avoid becoming bitten.

Tip 3: Slowly and gently examine the animal to identify the injured area. If your pet becomes more upset, stop immediately.

Tip 4: Before moving the pet, contact a veterinarian for instructions regarding safe transport based on the suspected injury. If possible, bandage or splint the injury before moving the animal.

Tip 5: If the animal is not vomiting and it is necessary to reduce the chance of being bitten, muzzle the pet. Use gauze, a stocking, or a towel to create a muzzle around the moth of a dog. Wrap a cat or another small animal in a towel to restrain it. Keep the nose of the animal uncovered and do not wrap too tightly.

Tip 6: When transporting the pet, keep it confined in a pet carrier, box, or other container that provides plenty of air. Limiting mobility reduces the risk of additional injury. If the animal is a large dog, create a stretcher from a blanket, throw rug, door, board, or sled.

Tip 7: First aid is not a substitute for professional veterinary treatment so immediately follow first aid treatment at home with care from a vet.

Tip 8: Keep pet medical records in an easily accessible location and take these to the vet or emergency clinic.

Step 1: Purchase the appropriate pool chemicals, test strips, and test kits for your pool. New pool owners should consult with an expert to determine which supplies are best for the type of pool they have.

Step 2: Remove the safety or watertop cover from the pool. If the cover is mesh, allow all water to permeate the cover and flow into the pool. Pull back a corner in the shallow and deep ends, add some pool shock to the water, and recover the pool for two weeks. If the cover is solid, remove standing water with a cover pump before removing the cover. Use cover cleaner to clean the cover, then dry it, and repair any tears or rips.Fold the cover and store it in a dry location in a bag.

Step 3: If the pool water level appears much lower than it was when the pool was closed, the pool may have a leak. Have a professional repair all leaks before opening the pool.

Step 4: Remove skimmer guards and winter plugs from the pool. Add fresh water, filling the pool two-thirds of the way up the skimmer opening or faceplate.

Step 5: Reattach the pool filter, pump, and heater plugs that were removed during winterizing. To create a better seal and extend the lifetime of O-Rings, use a high-quality lubricant. Put the basket strainers into place.

Step 6: Ensure that all lines are open. If lines contain antifreeze, remove the drain plug and let the antifreeze flow into the pool. Start the pool pump and filter. Check for water leaks at connections and check the filter media. If necessary, backwash the filter, following manufacturer instructions.

Step 7: Remove debris from the floor of the pool using a pool leaf rake or strainer. Chlorine looks for leaves, twigs, and other contaminants to oxidize. Do not use an automatic pool cleaner to vacuum large or heavy debris.

Step 8: Turn on the filtration system to filter and circulate the pool water. Add a clarifier that helps the system to remove small particulates. Connect an automatic or manual pool cleaner and use it to vacuum the pool.

Step 9: Use a pool wall brush to clean the walls of the pool.

Step 10: Shock the water with two times the normal dosage of pool shock. Let the water circulate overnight. If the water condition is very poor, the filter may need to be backwashed or filter cartridges may need to be replaced.

Step 11: Take a water sample and test the water for balance. If chlorine tablets are used, check the chlorine level of the water. If the pool uses a salt system, check the level of salt. When using a test kit that features a reagent, use new reagent when testing.

Step 12: Condition the pool water to prevent rapid chlorine loss. Dissolve the recommended stabilizer in a buck of hot water and then add it to the pool.

Step 13: Remove remaining algae with an algaecide.

Step 14: ensure that all equipment is in working order and replace or reinstall accessories such as ladders, hand rails, and diving boards.

Option 1: Purchase a sliding door insert that snaps into an existing door opening. This product costs between $150 and $250 and can usually be installed in minutes. Though this allows the door to open fully and provides an entry and exit path for the pet, it can also let drafts into the home. In addition, humans may find it difficult to get through the door opening, which can particularly be a problem for anyone with mobility issues.

Option 2: Find a door or glass dealer that specializes in pet door designs. This company will create a custom door to replace an existing glass slider. Knowledgeable professionals have the skills to integrate pet doors into sliders of nearly any size including customized dimensions. A specially designed pet door is sold ready to install with no assembly required. One popular style features a conversion frame made from welded vinyl that is designed and created in the same dimensions of the sliding glass panel of a door. It features double paned safety glass and a variety of pet door options.

There is no drilling or cutting involved in installing this pet door once the original glass slider has been removed. This special door can be installed in a sunroom, patio, or any other area and is available with a rise for a tall pet. The installation looks professional and the old glass can be stored for later use if a pet door is no longer needed.

Step 1: Download a game-making program and learn how to use it. Game Maker 8 is a popular program and other free programs are available online. Practice by creating a few simple games before moving on to create one featuring virtual pets.

Step 2: Select the pet that will be featured in the game. Base this on what pet the children want. Create a list of pet needs, wants, and behaviors.

Step 3: Use paper and pencil to draw the graphics for the game. This streamlines the process of virtual design. The final version should include characters, animations, levels, backgrounds, and other graphical elements.

Step 4: Create the drawn graphics within the gaming environment. Use animation to reflect the different temperaments and behaviors of the animal. Create animated scenarios of eating, sleeping, playing, jumping, walking, running, going to the bathroom, learning tricks, sulking, chewing, and other situations. If it is not cared for properly a virtual pet can die, so do not forget to depict this worst-case scenario.

Step 5: Program the animal behaviors and gaming physics including inertia, impact, and gravity. If using multiple animals, make sure these physics affect them in the same way but create moods and behaviors that are specific to an animal.

Step 6: Test the game by playing it and identifying programming bugs or errors. A bug can freeze game play and make the game crash. Bugs can also make a virtual animal behave in an unintended way. As these errors are identified, correct them in the programming code until the game plays flawlessly.

You will need:

• Wooden baby crib
• Crib slats (if necessary)
• Lead paint testing kit
• Environmentally friendly paint stripper
• Sandpaper
• Paint for children’s furniture
• Paintbrush
• Rag

Step 1: If the crib has been painted, purchase a lead paint testing kit to detect the presence of lead. If the paint contains lead, this substance will be deeply ingrained in the wood. Stripping and repainting the furniture will not get rid of it. Instead, contact the local municipality or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out how to dispose of the crib.

Step 2: Get a copy of the latest safety guidelines for baby cribs and inspect the crib to make sure that it adheres to these or can be adapted to meet them. Pay particular attention to the distance between the struts on each side of the furniture. If these are too wide, the baby may get his or her head stuck in between them. Test this by trying to put a soft drink can in between the struts. If it fits, additional slats should be installed on the crib.

Step 3: A crib that is painted or stained should be stripped before repainting or refinishing. Use an environmentally friendly paint stripper that will not leave toxic substances in the wood.

Step 4: If the wood contains splinters or sharp edges, use the sandpaper to remove or smooth these.

Step 5: Purchase paint that is designed for children’s furniture because it is free of toxic substances including lead. Select a color that matches the décor in the nursery. Paint the crib, using a small paintbrush or a rag to push paint into any carved surfaces on the furniture. Multiple coats may be necessary but let the paint dry between coats.

Step 6: Ensure that the crib hardware is operational and meets current safety standards so little fingers will not become stuck in it. Install a chew guard around the top surfaces of the crib to prevent the baby from biting the wood.

Step 7: Replace the mattress, selecting a new one that ties in place and butts up against all the sides of the crib so the baby will not become trapped between the crib and the mattress.