Q: Since you will be either taping them to a window or hanging them you want to design the snowflake on very strong paper that can withstand the rigors of the holidays and possibly be used again in the future.  Find a very sharp pair of scissors to cut out the snowflakes. The right pair of scissors is the key to creating a professional looking snowflake. Make sure you select only the sharpest pair; sharpen any dull blades before embarking upon this project. Consider using a variety of scissors in order to cut out the intricate shapes. Find a pair of scissors with a smaller blade so you can make small cuts and round  the edges for a more intricate project. While you will most likely cut through the pencil marks you will need to erase any pencil that remains. You can use one of the templates offered in this article, or pick one from another site. A number of websites offer a variety of Star Wars snowflake templates that you can use. Many have multiple designs featuring a bevy of characters. A heavier bond paper will allow you to create a hearty template that you can easily trace and re-use. Be sure your printer can handle the paper bond and won’t jam or damage the printer. (You may want to consult the manual to determine how heavy you can go.) Why stick with boring white when you can jazz up your snowflake? If you like Jedi white, you could use white or silver glitter to make your snowflake shine.
A: Purchase strong, white cardstock to create your snowflakes. Sharpen a pencil and find a good eraser. Download the Star Wars template. Print the template on heavy bond paper. Consider picking up clear tape, a glue stick and glitter to add pizzazz to your snowflake.

Q: It can take a long time to recover, and some people may be living with mental illness for their entire life. Allow your loved one time to adjust to therapy, medication, or other treatments. Do not expect them to immediately improve. You can tell your loved one, “I know that you need time and space. Let me know when you need me.” If your loved one ever approaches you with a problem, sit down and talk to them again. Listen to their worries, and take their concerns seriously. By actually fulfilling your promise to be there for them, you will be helping them more than you know.  If they ask you to talk, you can say, “Of course. I am always here for you.” If your loved one needs to talk during a time that is bad for you, you might ask, “Is everything ok? Do you need to talk now or can I call you after work?” A simple text message, email, or phone call can mean the world to someone. Even if they are reluctant to respond, keep trying to reach out to your loved one.  You might send a text message that says, “How are you today?” Sending an email or private message on social media can show that you care. You might say, “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you lately. What’s up?” If they live far away, arrange video calls or phone dates so that you can chat. Caring for a loved one with mental illness can be a big burden. It is important you care for your own physical and mental health. This will also benefit your loved one as it will ensure that you have the energy and capability to be there for them. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping seven to nine hours a day can go a long way in reducing your own stress. If your loved one shows signs of suicide, substance abuse, or anti-social behavior, you might need to get outside help. Stay in touch with them, and watch for any troubling signs that their mental illness has worsened.  If your loved one mentions that they want to die, they may be suicidal. Other common warning signs include statements like, “I just want it all to end,” “the world would be better without me,” “I wish I hadn’t been born,” or “I’d be better off dead than alive.” If they are withdrawing from their normal activities, it might be a sign that they need more help. Similarly, an increase in alcohol or drug use may indicate that their problem is worsening. A sudden sense of calm after a long depressive episode may indicate that they have decided to take their life.  If they are threatening to hurt themselves or others, call 911 immediately.
A: Give them time. Talk when they need it. Check in periodically. Take care of yourself. Look for warning signs.

Q: Inspect your rose plant regularly for signs of aphids, scales and mealybugs, and spider mites. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that are commonly green or white and look like miniature moths. Scales and mealy bugs are small, flat or rounded insects that are usually immobile and look like tiny cotton balls. Spider mites are barely visible to the naked eye, but they cause tiny dots or stippling on the leaves and a fine web between the leaves or branches. A mild infestation can usually be controlled by simply spraying them off with a strong stream of water from the garden hose in the morning a few times each week. However, if the pests become a serious problem, spray the rose in the early morning with insecticidal soap, being careful to coat the tops and bottoms of the leaves as well as the stems.  This type of soap is commonly sold in ready-to-use form and comes in a spray bottle at garden or home improvement stores. Spray the entire shrub and stems until the liquid is dripping from the leaves and running down the stems. Wait about an hour, then wash it off with a stream of water.
A:
Check your rose plant for pests regularly. Spray an infested shrub with insecticidal soap.