Q: To make sure you don't wash away the colors with a wet method, you should test a small part of your silk plant. Spray a mix of alcohol and water on one leaf. Blot the leaf dry and see if any of the dye or paint comes off the plant. If the plant loses color, you should go with a dry cleaning method, such as vacuuming, instead of a wet cleaning method. Use a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water, in a one to one ratio. Fill the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray your plants with the solution to remove any dust or grime. The alcohol will help the plants air dry quickly. Fill the sink with cold water. Then, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Wash each petal and flower individually. Swish each one in the cold water and then place on a rack to dry. If there is a lot of grime, you should avoid rubbing too vigorously, since it could damage the plant. After using any wet cleaning method, you should use a clean, soft cloth to blot the petals and flowers dry. Avoid a rubbing motion, which could damage the plant. When you have finished drying the petals and flowers, you can put them back on the plant.
A: Do a colorfast test. Mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water to make a cleaner. Clean your silk flowers and stems in the sink. Blot your plant dry.

Q: Unless you are far removed from any neighbors, there is simply no way you can expect to avoid hearing dogs bark from time to time. Barking is an innate activity for canines; they may do it to show fear or anxiety, to seek attention, due to pain or illness, and for many other reasons. Before taking action, consider whether your limits for the amount of dog barking you want to tolerate are reasonable and feasible. If the dog just yaps for a bit when a person or another dog walks by, or whines when it's ready to go back inside, or barks when playing with its owner in the yard, it will likely subside soon. If, however, the barking is persistent (consistently ten minutes or more, perhaps), sounds like the dog may be injured or ill, or makes you feel threatened, you probably have legitimate reasons to act. There are numerous ways to muffle the neighbor's dog as well as other annoying sounds. Installing soundproof windows is a more expensive option, but it may have the added benefit of reducing your heating bill. There are also soundproofing curtains, which would be a less expensive route. These would all have the added benefit of reducing other noises that you can't do anything about, such as late night traffic and sirens. By taking steps to reduce the amount of noise that actually reaches your living space, you may find that the annoyance factor of the dog's barking is substantially reduced. There are devices on the market that emit a loud, high-pitched sonic blast whenever it detects barking. The sound is above the human range of hearing, but may annoy the dog enough that it learns to stop setting it off. These are basically automated dog whistles, and in fact using a dog whistle may work just as well. If you can convince your neighbor to use one, there are dog collars that incorporate the sonic device, or release an unpleasant smell or hiss of compressed air instead. The overall effectiveness of such devices at stopping barking is questionable, and while they shouldn't harm the dog, they do cause a level of discomfort that you may be uncomfortable with (even if that dog is driving you nuts!).
A: Consider the situation. Consider your soundproofing options. Install an anti-barking sonic device.

Q: If you want to gauge how interested your man is in marriage, try bringing up your plans for the future. For instance, you might talk about where you'd like to live, whether or not you'd like to have children, or what type of career you'd like to eventually have. Casually mention him as part of the plans, then pay attention to his reaction. For example, you might say something like, "I'd love for us to take a trip to Europe together one day." That will let him know he's included in your dreams. If he says something like, "I'd really love that!" then he may be thinking of a future together, too. If his answer is non-committal, like "Yeah, maybe," he may not be as invested as you are. Seeing other people in a happy, committed relationship might just get him thinking about popping the question, too.If either of you have friends who are great examples of a healthy, strong marriage, try to make plans with them whenever you can. For instance, you might have cook-outs, plan fun double-dates to movies or restaurants, or even go on a trip together Attending a wedding together can be another way to get marriage on his mind. If you really want him to know that you're hoping to be engaged soon, pick up a magazine or catalog featuring engagement rings. Then, casually browse through it when he's around, and show him a few of the ones you really love. Not only will this let him know you're thinking of marriage, but it will help him know what your tastes are. For instance, he might be imagining a classic ring with a large diamond, while you might prefer a non-traditional gemstone or an unusual design. Try not to show him rings that are way out of his price range. If he thinks your tastes are more expensive than he can meet, he might be hesitant to buy a ring at all. If you'd prefer not to have a ring at all, you can tell him that instead of showing him rings. It will still let him know you're thinking about marriage. to him if you think he's ready but hasn't made the move yet. Don't be afraid to take charge! If you really want to be engaged but your man hasn't popped the question yet, there's no reason you can't ask him, instead. It's up to you whether you get down on one knee or offer a ring, but do make it clear that you're asking him to marry you. Try to think of a way to make the proposal special and personal, like taking him to the place where you had your first date or a spot with a really romantic view. Once you're there, tell him how much he means to you, then ask him if he'll be yours forever!
A:
Talk about your future together. Spend time with happily married couples. Point out engagement rings you like for an obvious hint. Propose