Q: Chilies are one of the most wonderful plants to grow, because they come in such a wide variety of colours, sizes, tastes, and spice-levels. Chilies can be either an annual (must be replanted each year) or a perennial (grow back on their own). There are also three general types of chili: sweet, hot and ornamental. All three types have some level of spice, but sweet chilies are the mildest, ornamental have lovely colours and shapes (but can be very hot), and hot chilies are used primarily for their intense spice and flavour. Chilies range from green, butter yellow, peachy orange, and fire-engine red, to plum and a pitch black hue. The colour doesn't have a direct correlation to the flavour or spice level of each chili pepper. Visit a local nursery to find out what variety will thrive in your local environment. Certain chilies are used in different areas of the world for special recipes; for example, Serrano chilies are used primarily in Mexican dishes, while the Calcutta pepper is used in Asian curries. Chilies are heat-loving plants, and are the most successfully grown in areas that have plenty of sun. Choose a plot in your garden that gets full sun or at least mostly sun for the majority of the day. If you live in a desert area, you may need a location with a bit of shade so that the chilies do not get sunburnt. If you live in an area that gets lots of rain, try to find a location in full sun with good drainage; too much water will drown out the chilies and cause them to grow less fruit. If you don't live in the traditional chili growing zones (near the equator), then you may benefit from growing your chilies indoors in pots during the winter, and then transplanting them outdoors in the spring when the weather warms up. Although you can certainly just plant your seeds directly into the ground, you might not have as high of chances of them sprouting than if you start them indoors and transplant them as seedlings. You can grow chilies from seeds or starts from nurseries, but you'll have much more variety with growing the former. Starting seedlings is easy; just plan it out at least 6 weeks prior to transplanting the chilies outdoors. Chilies can be transplanted outdoors after your area's last frost date. The soil in your garden may need to be altered slightly in order to produce the biggest, healthiest, and heartiest crop of chilies. Chilies prefer soil that has good drainage and that has plenty of nutrients. Therefore, mix a bit of sand into your soil to help it to drain better, and incorporate in compost a few weeks or months prior to planting. If your soil has poor or average drainage, you can enhance it by mixing in a bit of sand. If potassium is not already present in sufficient amounts, then you'll notice a significant growth boost if you increase the amount of potassium in the soil as well. Always test your soil first. If your soil is low in potassium, then visit a local nursery to choose a fertilizer that has lots of potassium and little nitrogen (like a 0-20-0 blend). Test the pH of your soil and determine if you need to make further adjustments; chilies like soil that has a neutral or slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7. The further in advance you can prepare your soil, the better your chilies will grow.
A: Choose a variety of chilies. Find the best location for planting. Decide if you're going to start your chilies early indoors. Amend your soil.

Q: If your basement does not already have a bathroom and kitchen, you'll want to plan on adding them. A bathroom is a necessary requirement, and building codes should be kept in mind regarding aspects like head space over the toilet and GFCI electrical outlets. In a very small unit, you could consider adding a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen. To install a kitchen from scratch, you will need to run new plumbing lines, as well as gas lines for a gas stove and ductwork if you want to install a ducted range hood. A basement that was not designed as a separate dwelling may not have a layout that will be attractive to tenants. When planning changes to the layout, consider whether the apartment will be a studio, a 1-bedroom, or a 2-bedroom. Remember that even in a small unit, partitioning off a separate space as a bedroom will usually allow you to command a higher rent. The final step is to consider all the aspects that will make the unit more attractive to tenants than other rental properties. Unless you are trying to command a very high rent, finishes do not have to be top-quality, but they should not be worn and damaged. Painting the walls and installing inexpensive carpet are 2 economical methods for quickly freshening a basement space.
A: Plan a bathroom and kitchen for the basement apartment. Add or remove any walls to optimize the floor plan. Update the finishes and fixtures as necessary.

Q: Whisk flour and milk together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to the consistency of pudding or thick batter. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. The flour icing technique can be used to make either flour buttercream icing or cooked cream cheese icing. Use butter to make flour buttercream, and cream cheese to make cream cheese icing. This icing recipe will make enough for 24 cupcakes, or two 8-inch (20-cm) cakes. In a medium bowl, cream the butter or cream cheese and sugar with electric beaters or in a stand mixer. Beat on high speed for about five minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth, light, and fluffy. If you don't have a stand mixer or electric beaters, beat the mixture vigorously with a whisk. When the milk and flour mixture has cooled to room temperature, whisk in the vanilla. Add the milk and flour mixture to the creamed sugar. Beat the mixture on high speed for six to eight minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture is done blending when the ingredients are evenly combined and the icing becomes light and fluffy like whipped cream. Spread the flour buttercream or cooked cream cheese icing on cakes, cupcakes, pancakes, or any other desserts you like. Alternately, store it in the refrigerator for a couple hours until you're ready to use it. You can refrigerate this icing overnight. Before using, allow it to warm to room temperature, then beat it again to the proper consistency.
A: Heat the flour and milk together. Cream together the butter and sugar. Combine the two mixtures. Use the icing immediately.

Q: Similar to any other time you might invite someone over to your house, you should let those you live with know. It's polite to inform them and allows them to properly plan their own time during the visit. This will be determined largely by what you and your girlfriend like to do during your time together. Make the visit a fun one by doing things you both love. Try some of the following examples: Watch a movie or TV show. Cook dinner together. Dance to some of your favorite music. Once it feels appropriate to you and you have established a good relationship with your girlfriend, you can invite her to your house. Let her know when and what you have planned. Don't have any expectations when you ask. The response is entirely up to your girlfriend. If she says yes, enjoy your time together. If she doesn't want to visit you at your house, do not become upset. Suggest another place and time to meet. First impressions matter and having a dirty or messy house can make any new guest uncomfortable. Make sure your house is clean before inviting your girlfriend over to make the visit comfortable. Try to clean up the most common areas of the house: Vacuum or sweep floors. Clean and dust surfaces. Tidy up items around the house. Do any dishes or laundry. Take out garbage as it can cause your house to smell bad.
A:
Make sure you inform people you live with. Plan activities for the visit. Invite your girlfriend over to your house. Clean your house.