Liz D

I just got done with a batch of soup and it is a bit too spicy. The recipe called for a small can (4oz) of chopped jalapenos. The flavor is excellent, but it is just a touch too spicy to enjoy by the bowlful. The soup is chicken broth based with black beans, potatoes, ham and some other things. I'd hate to throw it all out, so is there anything I could add that might tone down the kick from the peppers?

My spider plant has become infested with these tiny flying gnat-like bugs. I've tried an organic insecticidal soap spray all over the leaves and soil but they always reappear after a day or so. They don't appear to be doing any damage to the plant but I'd prefer not to have extra pets. What can I do?

I have had a spider plant for a few years and it sprouted a bunch of babies over the winter. They are finally looking big enough to survive on their own, so I want to separate some from the mother plant. A friend told me to put the bottom of a baby (where it connects to the shoot) in a small jar of water and roots would grow. Then I could snip the shoot and pot the baby in dirt. I tried this with one baby a few weeks ago and nothing is happening. I found some sites online that say I need to snip the baby off first otherwise it won't grow roots, but I'm afraid if I do and the roots don't grow, the baby will die. Any advice?

I got a Crockpot for Christmas, and I am dying to use it. I am in college and normally cook for myself or my boyfriend and me. However, most of the recipes serve 3-4 people. If I cut the recipe in half, do I need to change cooking times at all? For example, I'd really like to cook some ribs, but there is no way my b/f and I would eat the called-for amount of meat. Can I use half the meat at the normal time or will this dry it out? I know leftovers aren't bad, but I'd like to at least know how to cook smaller portions.

Ok, so weird question, but does anyone know what that "hippie-store" smell actually is? No matter where you go, those hippie-ish stores always smell the same, but I don't know what it is. Anyone who has been in one knows what I am talking about...

I moved to a new apartment recently with a happy, healthy, flourishing spider plant. Not long after I noticed my roommates pesky cat EATING THE LEAVES OFF! He managed to eat probably almost half the good leaves before I realized how serious it is and locked my plant up in my room. However, now my plant is looking awfully sad and I'm afraid it will die. How can I help my poor spider plant heal?

My friend is getting hip surgery and I would really like to send her flowers to the hospital. The thing is, she's kind of goth and I'd love to send her something a little more her style than just a cutesey little bouquet. However, I don't want it to be too "deathly" in a hospital setting. Does anyone have any ideas for a classy yet gothy bouquet? Please keep ideas to stuff that one would normally find in a floral shop. Thanks in advance!!