Q: Leather stains and discolorations are caused by a lot of different factors, so you need to figure out what is ailing your shoes before you can fix it.  Leather sandals often show spots or discoloration from contact with water, which might look unattractive but isn't "dirty" per se.  One quick remedy involves a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water, which you can light blot on the discolored areas-- this also works on salt stains on leather boots in the winter. Be sure not to saturate the leather. Dirty sandals carry everything from streaks of mud to deeper stains of oil, wine, or other liquids. You will need to consider the type of stain and desired results to clean leather sandals properly. You may also just want to polish or buff out scratches, scuffs, or other marks. If you only have a small stain, dish soap or liquid hand soap will work fine. Avoid bar soap, which has a higher pH level than leather, and can cause it to dry out.  For larger or stubborn stains, try leather conditioner, available at your local big box store or shoe store, or online at most big retailers. You should always remove any dry debris from your shoes before applying any type of cleanser or moisturizer to the leather. Otherwise, you'll create a muddy mess that will be harder to remove. Use a dry, soft cloth or soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will work well) and a very gentle hand. Keep in mind that soft, supple leather can be easily scratched, so if you are wiping off dirt and you use too much force you might actually cause a permanent mark on your shoe. Begin by moistening a clean, soft cloth, then apply a small amount of soap or leather conditioner to the cloth. Now, gently rub the dirty spots. You should try to use a gentle, even motion, and create a lather. Using another clean, slightly damp cloth, use a circular motion to remove the product from the leather. Be sure you remove it all. Although you want to reduce the level of moisture that you're introducing into the sandal, it's important to wipe away any cleaning products from clean sandals. A damp cloth is the best way to do this. If one cloth is not enough to remove the product, use another. Before you wear them again, you need to let them dry thoroughly. Otherwise you may get more dust or debris on the wet spots and cause a stain.  Natural light and sun is the best way to dry leather footwear, but don't place them in direct sunlight. The sun can break down the leather and cause cracking.  Don't try to dry your sandals by rubbing them, and don't wear the sandals until they're completely dry.
A: Pinpoint your issue. Rub away any dirt and other solids. Wash the sandals. Wipe the lather and conditioner away. Dry your sandals.

Q: Caulk removers are special chemical products designed to moisten and soften the caulk, making it easier to remove so that you do not need to chip and chisel it away. Use a clean blade on a utility knife to slice down the center of the softened caulk. Most of the caulk should be freed. You might be able to pull it away by hand, but since gutter caulk can be thick, you may need to grip onto it using needle-nose pliers. Either way, most of the old caulk should come up. Use small chisel or the hook end of a painter's five-in-one tool to rake away any leftover chunks until the area is completely clean. Scrub it with a toothbrush or abrasive sponge dipped into a non-ammonia cleaner. Follow by scrubbing the area with a solution made with 1/3 cup (80 ml) bleach and 1 gallon (4 liters) of water. Cleaning the area will remove any fungi or decayed leaves that may have worked their way into the cracking caulk. Before applying new caulk, the area should be completely dry. Allowing the area to air dry is best, but if rain, other precipitation, or humidity threatens to create a problem, dry it out by hand using a clean, dry towel.
A: Apply a caulk remover. Slice the caulk with a blade. Pull away the caulk. Chip away remaining caulk. Clean the area. Let the area dry.

Q: Dealing with mistreatment can really get you down. Turn to a close friend and tell this person what you’re going through. Let them know if and how they can help you feel better. You might say, “I’m so tired of those boys messing with me. Will you start walking with me after school?” or “I’m feeling down. Can we have a sleepover?” Journaling can be a great way to get things off your chest. Grab a notebook or journal and write about what you have been experiencing. Doing this can help you express your feelings and come up with other solutions to the problem. When people mistreat you, you must not allow that to determine your self-worth. Although those boys are not treating you fairly, that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be treated with kindness. Remind yourself of how awesome and special you are by listing some of your best qualities. Write the list on a sheet of paper. Review the list whenever you start to doubt your worth. It’s easy to play into self-doubt when others don’t treat you well. If you notice yourself having negative thoughts like “You’re stupid” or “You’re a loser,” work to change those thoughts.  Whenever you notice a negative thought, immediately tell yourself to “stop.” Then, try to reframe what you were thinking into a more positive thought. In other words, try to look at your thoughts from a new angle. For example, if you thought “You’re stupid” to yourself, change that by listing ways you’re not. You might say instead: “I’m not stupid. I have straight A’s in math. Plus, I’m a member of the Beta club.” Spending time doing things you enjoy can distract you from bullying and improve your mood. Think about hobbies or activities that make you smile. Commit to doing one fun or relaxing thing each day. For example, you might like reading your book outside on the porch swing. Do that every evening once your homework and chores are complete.
A: Talk to a friend. Write in a journal. Know your value. Stop negative self-talk. Do things you like.

Q: To protect a feeder that sticks to the window, cut a large circle or heart shape out of newspaper. Tape that inside your window for a pattern. Then, use your finger to draw a Vaseline barrier on the outside of the window. Place the feeder in the center. This method is best used in a cool, shady area. In warm weather the Vaseline will start to run/ drip. For a hanging feeder, cut a hole in the center of a lid to a tub of margarine or other small, lightweight object and string the hanging cord of the feeder through the hole. Make a knot in the cord, if necessary, to hold the lid in place. Smear petroleum jelly on the lid or other object. The ants may get to the lid, but they will not make it to the feeder, and other ants will not make the attempt. Wrap a band of ribbon flypaper on the feeder pole, or place on window or custom mounts. Flypaper has glue on both sides, so ants will not cross the paper. Keep the fly paper away from the feeder so that birds do not make contact. If flypaper comes off in high heat, hold it up with small pieces of duct tape that have no smooth surface exposed for ants to crawl on.
A:
Use petroleum jelly. Make a petroleum jelly barrier for a hanging feeder. Use flypaper.