Q: Pour 1 cup (237 ml) of water into a medium pot, and place it on the stove over high heat. Allow the water to come to a full boil, which should take approximately 5 minutes.  A 2-quart (1.9 l) pot is usually a good size for 1 cup (200 g) of rice. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken or vegetable stock for the water to give the rice added flavor. Once the rice has reached a boil, add 1 cup (200 g) instant white rice to the pot. Mix well to ensure that the rice is thoroughly moistened. If you like, you can also add a tablespoon (14 g) of butter or margarine and salt to taste to the pot when you mix in the rice. When the rice is mixed with the boiling water, place the lid on the pot. Take it off the heat, and place it on a heatproof surface. Once it’s off the heat, allow the rice to steep in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. The rice should fully absorb the water, so it may take a couple of minutes longer. Don’t take the lid off the pot before the rice has sat for at least 5 minutes. You want to keep the steam trapped inside. When the rice has absorbed all of the water, take the lid off. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice to help it get the right texture. When the rice is fluffy, carefully transfer it to a dish or bowl. Bring it to the table while it’s still warm and enjoy. You can also use the rice in any recipe that calls for cooked white rice.
A: Bring the water to a boil. Stir in the rice. Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the rice sit for several minutes. Uncover the pot and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve while the rice is still hot.

Q: Start off with a 8.5" x 11" (21.5 x 29 cm) sheet of cardstock and then trim it down as you see fit.  Make even, firm creases when you fold the cardstock so the card looks professional and well made. If possible, use a bone folder to make even creases. If your creases aren't even, start over on a new piece of cardstock. The middle panel will become the front of the card later. The size of the item you want to display in the window will determine the size of the window. Generally, the window should be less than half the size of the card. A display item could be another piece of pretty paper or embroidery, a doily, or a photograph.  Choose an item that fits with the overall theme of the card that will look nice in the display window. To add a ribbon, use a hole punch to make two holes in the middle panel, above or below the window. Thread your ribbon through the holes and tie it into a bow. The bow should be facing away from you when you lay the card down. Run glue or tape along the edges of the item to make sure it is secure in the display window. Make sure the glue or tape is on straight and isn’t visible from the front of the display window. Fold over the side panel, while also pressing the tape in place. Your item is now sandwiched between the two panels and the middle has become the front. The left side is now the left inside panel of your two-paneled card. Feel free to write on both sides or only one side of the card.  Try to create a message that matches the display item. If it’s a cute or funny image, include a cute or funny message. If it's a simple or elegant image, include a simple or elegant message. The tone of your card should be consistent with the theme of the card. For a cleaner look, create a "Happy Birthday" message in a word processor program and then print and cut it out and include it in the card.
A: Fold a piece of cardstock into thirds. Cut a window into the middle panel. Position a display item on the card, facedown. Adhere the display item to the cardstock with glue or tape. Place a piece of double-sided tape below the item and at the edge of the side panel. Write in the card.

Q: Apartment buildings can vary widely in the type of amenities and perks that they offer to their residents. When you’re evaluating apartment buildings, figure out which amenities you would like to have, and choose a building accordingly. For example, you may feel that an in-apartment washing machine is mandatory, but an on-site gym isn’t something you need. Ask the property manager if the building offers perks like:  Laundry machines in the rooms (or on-site laundry facilities) On-site weight room or gym Pool or sauna Event space Look at an apartment complex’s website to find their rental rates, or call and speak with the apartment manager if the rates aren’t online. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t pay more than a third of your after-tax salary on rent. So, if you make $2,000 USD a month after taxes are taken out, look for an apartment building that offers rental rates less than $670 USD a month. Keep in mind, though, that more expensive apartment buildings often offset the cost by offering extra amenities. If a building has more than 1 floor, ask the building manager which floors have open rooms that you could rent. Buildings on higher floors are often more expensive, but they also tend to be quieter, have better security, and to have fewer pests. On the other hand, ground-floor or garden-level rooms are more convenient to get to and may come with outdoor space. Decide what’s most important to you, and choose an apartment building that offers rooms on the floor you prefer. You can also use this criteria to remove buildings from the running. Say you like the idea of a no-hassle move in and move out from a bottom floor, but the building only has third-floor rooms open. Move on and look into other buildings with the ground-floor room you want. Take a 30-minute walk around the area and find out the distance to the nearest park, whether a grocery store is within walking distance, and how far you’ll have to travel for a good cup of coffee or a hamburger. Or, if you’d rather save some time, look around online to see what kinds of businesses, public facilities, and parks the neighborhood has. For example, it’d be much nicer to live in a building in a cultural part of town than in one that borders an industrial power plant. Think about all the places you go most often and look for a building that’s near as many of them as possible. If you’re moving with a pet, make sure that the apartment building you’re considering takes pets. Find out by talking to the property manager. Although most apartment buildings allow small cats and dogs under 20 pounds (9.1 kg), some may disallow all kinds of pets. On the other hand, if you’re severely allergic to cats or dogs, an animal-free building may be just what you’re looking for.  You could also try looking online to find this information. Most apartment complexes will post their pet policy on their website. It would also be wise to ask about a pet fee. Some buildings will charge a relatively small pet fee—say, $30 USD a month—while others may charge prohibitively high fees—say, $300 USD a month. While the view out of your apartment window may not make or break an apartment building, it’s still important. In most cases, apartments on higher floors that offer a view of a park, mountains, or other scenery will be more expensive than those that can only offer views of the back of a strip mall. However, the difference may be worth it if a terrible view discourages you from opening the blinds and letting in some sunshine! If you’re evaluating multiple apartment buildings within a single complex, try to choose the building with the best view!
A:
Look for a building that offers the amenities you’re looking for. Find an apartment building that’s within your monthly budget. Determine which floor of a building will best suit your needs. Find out what else is in the neighborhood with the apartment building. Ask the property manager about the building’s pet policy. See what the view is like from a few of the interior apartments.