Problem: Article: Over the years, many different types of materials and styles of craftsmanship are used to build houses. The types of materials used can give you some ideas about when the house was built and how long it has been since any changes were made.  For example, one place you can look is under the water tank lid of the toilet. If there is a toilet in your house that is original to the house, the date stamp on the water tank lid will give you a good idea of when the house was built. If the toilet isn't original, that date will at least give you an idea when the bathroom was last remodeled. If your house has a mansard roof, for example, it was likely built in the late 19th century. However, keep in mind that certain styles and housing designs were still being built in more provincial areas long after they had fallen out of favor in urban centers, so the location of your house will be important in identifying the era in which it was built. Look closely both inside and outside your house, and try to identify building materials used. Bring in an expert if you're unsure what type of wood or stone was used. Go to your local library or research online to find out the design style of your house and when that style was popular in your area. This can give you some clues as to when the house was built.  Keep in mind that old houses often have been updated several times to reflect changing trends or the desires of the owners. Your house may incorporate several different architectural styles. Your house also may have been built at different times. For example, the original house may have been built in one style, and then the owners built an addition in a different style 40 years later. Even with many decades of additions and renovations, you typically can uncover a core style to your house. This gives you a general idea of the era in which the house was built. Cabinetry and design styles go in and out of fashion through the years, and these details not only tell you something about the history of your house, but also give it a unique character.  The types of nails and molding used can provide some important clues as to when your house was built. You can review design books or look online to find other instances of original molding or cabinetry to help date your house. Even if these elements aren't original, dating them can provide clues as to when that particular room was remodeled. The walls of an older house may have 10 or more layers of paint. If you don't want to cause too much damage to your house, find an inconspicuous spot and scrape through the layers.  A professional can help you analyze the age of the lower layers of paint. The colors used also can provide clues, since different interior colors go in and out of fashion through the years. The composition of the paint also can be analyzed to link it to a particular era, since paint has been made using different chemical compounds over the years. Anyone who's been living in your neighborhood for a long time can help you understand more about the history of your house. Neighbors can be particularly helpful if you're new to the neighborhood.  Ask them if they knew the people who lived in the house before you, and whether they can remember any renovations being done. If they are amenable, you also can talk to them about the history of their house or ask to inspect its details. Since your neighbors' house may have been built around the same time as yours, this can offer you some important clues. You typically can uncover the names of previous owners by looking through the deed history of your house. In the United States, this information is typically available at the county recorder or register of deeds.  Once you have a name, you can track them down on the internet for free, or through a commercial  people-locator service. Keep in mind that some people may not want to be contacted, and may not want to talk to you. The house may hold painful memories for them, or they may just not want to be bothered. Respect their wishes and avoid infringing on their privacy. The best way to contact a previous owner typically is by sending a letter. Explain who you are and why you want to contact them. Provide them a means to contact you back if they're willing to talk. A metal detector can be a great way to uncover old coins and other artifacts that may add their own unique story to your house and help you learn more about the house's history and its previous owners. Take care digging up artifacts in your yard. You may want to contact an archaeologist or local historian if you believe you've found something of possible historic significance.
Summary: Evaluate the materials used. Check out some architecture books. Pay attention to design details and hardware used. Scrape through layers of paint. Talk to your neighbors. Track down previous owners. Use a metal detector in your yard.

Problem: Article: To make a paste, simply add between 2 and 4 spoonfuls of baking soda to a few tablespoons of warm water. Stir the mixture until a thick paste forms.  If the paste does not thicken, add another spoonful of baking soda until you get your desired consistency. For lighter stains a paste may not be necessary. Adding 2 spoonfuls of baking soda to a small cup of warm water and applying with a clean rag, will do the trick. Apply the baking soda paste directly to the stained area. You can use a clean rag or simply your finger for application. Make sure the stain is fully covered by the paste to get the best results. The baking soda paste needs time to treat the stain and get all of the unwanted color out of the area. Leave the paste to treat the stain for at least an hour. Letting the baking soda solution sit longer will not cause any damage to the fabric of your shoes and will ensure the removal of the entire stain. Once you have let the baking soda do its job, it is time to remove it. Take the corner of a clean cloth and wipe the paste away. If the paste does not remove easily add a few drops of warm water to the cloth and wipe the area again.
Summary: Make a baking soda paste. Apply a good heap of paste to the stain. Give the baking soda time to work. Wipe off the paste with a clean rag or towel.

Problem: Article: If you and your partner have been having unprotected sex consistently for 12 months or more, then this is officially considered a fertility problem. Schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist if this is what you and your partner are experiencing.  Trying to conceive means that you aren’t using condoms or any other barrier methods, aren’t taking birth control pills or using patches, or using any other type of withdrawal or timing method to prevent pregnancy. Approximately 15% of couples trying to have a baby are unable to conceive in the first year, so you aren’t alone if you’re experiencing this problem. Many women experience increased fertility problems around their mid-30s because they have fewer quality eggs. If you’re over 35, then see a specialist if you’ve been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 6 months.  It’s common for couples over 35 to take 1-2 years to successfully conceive, so don’t panic if you’re having trouble. Fertility specialists see this all the time. If the doctor discovers that your eggs are declining in quality, then the doctor can prescribe a drug like myo-inositol to support your egg health. Fertility drops in both men and women after age 40, so conceiving may be harder for you. It’s best to contact a specialist right when you start trying to conceive. This way, you can increase your chances of success and having a healthy pregnancy.  If you’re trying to conceive over 40, the specialist may suggest a variety of methods, like scheduling sex around the woman’s ovulation period, to increase your chances of success.  You might not have any trouble at all conceiving at this age, which is great. But it’s still a good idea to see a specialist at the start because pregnancy can be more difficult for a woman older than 40. Age also increases a woman’s chances of having a miscarriage, so the doctor’s support is important through the whole process.
Summary:
Visit the doctor if you’re under 35 and haven't conceived after 1 year of trying. See the doctor if you’re over 35 and can’t conceive within 6 months. Contact a specialist if you and your partner are over 40.