  Allergies Apartments & Housing Appointments Appropriate Attire / Appearance                              |
  So, we have included here some of the things you can do around your home or in your car to lessen if not eliminate allergy symptoms. Of course if allergies are persistent and really debilitating, see your doctor! There are many medications available to help alleviate, minimize or temporarily relieve you of allergy sysmptoms and misery. Cleaning:
 Green
cleaners will help in keeping
allergies down. Not only will they
eliminate odors, bacteria and germs but also there may be less chance
of an allergic reaction.Vacuum and dust regularly and wash throw rugs, blankets, throw pillows and bed pillows, sheets, curtains and other items that collect dust and animal hair. This will help a lot. When doing this wear a disposable face mask. They can be found at discount department stores and home improvement centers. Some are specifically to deter dust, others pollen and other paint fumes. And if this is not an option at the time, wearing a bandana or other piece of material tied around your face to cover your nose and mouth will help. And remember to always dust from the TOP and make your way down! You do not want to make more work for yourself by dusting the lower shelves first.  Bedding:
 Vacuuming your bed when changing the sheets will help too. Dead skin cells slough off our bodies while we sleep and bed mites love them so vacuuming the bed mattress helps to get rid of the delicatessen. Yuk. Wash your bed linens regularly as well. Because the dead skin attract mites, the mites aggravate allergies, making it difficult to breathe, especially at night. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed at least once per week. If possible have two or three sets of sheets and pillowcases and change them two or three times weekly. Probably the best thing to do is place plastic pillow protectors on your pillows and use plastic mattress covers to help control allergies. You can also try latex foam pillows and some down pillows on the market are also hypo-allergenic. If this is an option, check the labels for care and cleaning instructions. Change filters in the air conditioning and heating systems regularly. This should be done at least once per month. This will really help with allergies and also keep the gas or electric bill down because the system won’t have to work so hard pulling the air through. Medications:
 However, if your doctor specifically tells you to get a certain name brand ask if there is a reason. If there is, go with what your doctor says. Just a point to consider: if your doctor prescribes a certain medication do not accept the pharmacist’s decision to give you a generic in all cases unless you have already discussed this with the doctor. Sometimes the generics really are not always the same as the name brand. The compound can at times be slightly different and it can matter. A forthright pharmacist will tell you this. A lot of money could be saved by going generic, but you need to question the pharmacist as why he/she chose the generic over what the doctor ordered and also ask what the difference is between the two. Remember, sometimes there is a difference. Ask if the pharmacist if he/she consulted with the doctor before they filled the prescription with a generic. Insurance companies may also only cover the generic. The point is, it never hurts to ask and it is in your best interest to always question. It’s your body and your wallet. You have a right to know what your choices are and the right to choose. Always: Check for expiration dates on your medications. Wash your hands:  If you have allergies you can compound your breathing problems by picking up unwanted nasty germs and viruses when out in public and this is why it is important to keep your hands clean. If you haven’t washed your hands and then you touch your mouth, eyes etcetera you can end up with some nasty viruses. Coupled with allergies this can be very uncomfortable for you. One of the dirtiest things to touch is the grocery cart handle. Research has shown that it is filthy and crawling with germs. (see Health)    Things to consider, questions to ask and getting started. When looking for a place to live there are many things to consider. It can be an overwhelming task. We have put together some things to think about and questions to ask yourself before taking the leap. We have included a long list of questions to ask when you are actually down to the nitty-gritty of looking at a place and about to commit to living there. 1. What
is
your weekly income after taxes?
(Remember, if you share a house,
phone
and the
service you have charges for long distance: whoever makes the long
distance
calls is the one responsible for those calls. This should not be shared
…
only the basic service charges are shared.)2. Are you renting by yourself or will you have room mates? 3. What area of town do you want to live in? 4. How much can you afford to spend monthly on rent and utilities? 5. If you are going to have room mates; how many? If two, the expenses will be divided in half, if three, then each of you will pay one-third and if four, each pays one-quarter of the expenses. This includes rent and all utilities. 6. Each room mate should have their own bedroom. Four bed-room apartments are difficult to find, so in the case of four,a house will be more appropriate. Or someone will need to share a room. The
search
begins:
 How do you find a place to live? One source is word-of-mouth, in other words friends may know of places that are available. Try bulletin boards on your college campus or at your place of worship. Newspaper classified sections are also a good source both for rental houses and apartments. Apartment guides may be published and distributed in your area. These are sometimes digest size and can be found at convenience stores, banks, chamber of commerce and other high traffic areas. Usually there are color photos of the complexes and a detailed description. If something sounds as though it might fit your needs, call and make an appointment. Ask if there is a fee for a credit check. This is not uncommon. It generally averages $20. If you know of a neighborhood that you would like to live in, then maybe a drive around the area will help. Often you will find that there are homes and/or apartments that are for rent. Usually you will see a sign in front and most often at the curb with the phone number of the landlord and sometimes the monthly rent amount as well. (see Credit) If alone strongly consider an efficiency apartment or a one bedroom. Over night guests can sleep on the couch if you have a one bedroom and on the floor or a blow-up air mattress if you have an Efficiency Apartment. (see Furniture) What Are Efficiency Apartments? They are living quarters contained in one room with a bathroom and kitchenette (a real tiny kitchen). SO, the living room, dining room and bedroom are all in one room…each area can be divided off with room dividers or you can have a living room with a sofa bed and this room becomes your bedroom at night. These are also called Studios. They are generally only suitable for one person or perhaps a couple if the close quarters and little escape aren’t a problem. In the case that there will be roommates everyone’s income has to be considered and no matter how difficult, you can not afford to have a roommate who can not cover their own expenses. After the apartment or house is found that you can all agree on, the next steps begin. Questions to Ask: 1.
What is the
rent
for the size of the apartment or house to be
rented? 1 bedroom? 2 bedrooms?
a)
Are 2, 3,
or 4 bedrooms
available?3 or 4 bedrooms? 2. What is the security deposit? a) What does the security deposit cover? b) Is it refundable? 3. Is the first and last month’s rent required? 4. Is there a cleaning /decorating fee? Is it refundable? This means they charge you for cleaning and painting. 5. Do you have a pet? What is the pet deposit? a) Is it refundable? (Usually not, but it never hurts to ask.) 6. What utilities are included? (Usually water, sewage and garbage pickup. Sometimes pest control is also included.) 7. Is there a key deposit? a) Is it refundable? 8. Are the mail boxes locked? Is there a key deposit? (If not locked … for safety … get a P.O. Box) 9. Is there a swimming pool? Is a key required to get in? a) Is there a key deposit? b) Is it refundable? 10. Is there a list of pool rules (if there is a pool)? a) Will I get a copy? 11. When is the rent due? 12. If the rent is late is there a grace period? 13. Is there a late charge if the rent should be late? a) How much per day? 14. Are there neighborhood curfews…such as no loud noise between the hours of 10 pm and 10 am ? 15. Is there a list of the complex rules (home owner rules)? a) Will I get a copy? 16. How many days written notice is required when vacating(moving out) the apartment or house? (Always…always give a written and dated notice and always make a copy of it for your records.) Usually a 30 day written notice is required. 17. Is the name
of
each person living in the apartment/house
listed on the lease agreement?
18. Is there a
Walk-Through Checklist? If not you will provide
your own for their records
and yours that
they
can initial.
19. Are all appliances provided?
(If you happen to have any appliances of your own, ask if it is possible to use them if renting an
apartment. Usually when renting a house you will need to provide all appliances. Sometimes stoves and/or refrigerators are provided. This is something you MUST find out before hand! You don't want to have to scramble around for a refrigerator or a stove that you cannot afford, after you have signed the dotted line!) 20. Are you able to paint the walls a different color? (The apartment/ house should be freshly painted for the prospective new tenant. If not ask if you paint it yourself providing labor and supplies do you get a discount? Sometimes you will, most times not if they have been too cheap to paint in the first place. But, it never hurts to ask. The worse that can happen is that the answer is “no”.) 21. By the way, can you wash your car? Walk-Through
Checklist:
 When moving in if there is not a
Walk Through Checklist provided, MAKE
YOUR OWN. This is a list that gives you the opportunity to report
things found wrong with the apartment/house before you move in. You can
hand write it. If provided, it is a preprinted checklist and will have
space for comments or other additions that may not be on the list.This list is a must and is your protection from being charged for damages that existed before you moved in. Make copies, keeping one for yourself and one for the landlord or apartment manager and request that it goes into your file. This is a normal, accepted procedure and realistically it should be given to you. Go through each room. If there are holes in walls, spots or holes in the carpet, anything broken, dirty appliances, broken tile, missing fixtures etc. all these should be noted. These should be taken care of by the manager or landlord. Files :
 If you should ever need any of these items they will be in one easy to find place. It would be wise to invest in a small file. This can be an accordion file or a plastic box designed to hold files. These are easy to find at the local discount stores or office supply stores. Some apartment complexes take pride in presenting well cared for grounds and clean, painted units to rent. They may also do an annual or semi-annual walk-through to check to see if there are any problems with the unit that need to be repaired. However, it may also be used to see how you are taking care of the unit and if you are being destructive or if it is unusually dirty. So, it would be wise to keep your place clean because it is where you live and you want to be proud of it. This is part of living in the real world even though it’s a pain. Do it for yourself. (Also see Housing, Filing.)   Keeping up
with all those things to do.
When you have an appointment you should put it on your calendar, in your cell phone, on the computer calendar…what ever kind of calendar you have for whatever appointment it might be. Don’t depend upon just remembering it. One day there will be a very important appointment that you forget. All appointments … doctor, dentist, interviews, business …all these and any other appointments should be noted on the calendar date and include the time and who the appointment is with. Also note things you need to do for yourself; Commitments you have made, like parties or a lunch date, shopping you need to do for birthdays and so on. Many times doctors and dentists will have someone in their office or a service they have subscribed to, call you usually 24 to 48 hours prior to your appointment to remind you. But, don’t count on this, be responsible and put it on your calendar. Interview Appointments:  If you have an appointment for an
interview … do not expect a phone
call to remind you. Do not be late. Dress appropriately. If you must be
reminded or you are late the prospective employer doesn’t want or need
you. That is irresponsible on your part. The employer is looking for
responsible people that they can depend upon.However, if you have an emergency such as a flat tire or an accident or you are ill … really ill … then call as soon as possible … as soon as possible that day, and before the appointment … explain the situation, apologize and ask for another appointment. If you were injured in an accident and in the hospital ask a family member or friend to call for you. There are situations beyond your control and this will be understood. If it is not understood when there is an emergency and the situation is out of your control, you don’t want to work for that employer. You really don’t. You may think it was going to be the ultimate, greatest employment opportunity in the world. It wasn’t. Keep looking for another great opportunity. It’s out there. If you have a business appointment it is always a good idea to call the day before and confirm the appointment. (Also see Calendars, Cell Phones, Etiquette)   There are times when we must dress for the occasion. Sometimes it would be so much more comfortable to wear ( if you are a guy) … a skull cap, earrings, baggy, raggedy pants and over sized hoodies or whatever you can throw on …. or if you are a girl….short tops with midriffs showing, sloppy sweat shirts, stained, raggedy tee-shirts, short skirts, piercing, tattoos, combat boots, flip flops and so on.  Getting tattoos, piercing, dying your hair alternative colors, dressing sloppily or all in black with black lip stick etcetera is fine for hanging out at home or with your friends. You do have the right to look and dress as you please. No question about that. BUT, while this may be comfortable or the “in thing”, please choose this when hanging out with friends or lounging around home or going out 'clubbing'. Whether you like it or not you are judged by how you look. That is just the way it is out in the real world. It may not be “right” or “fair” but that has nothing to do with it. Lets say you have a job interview –     How you dress depends a lot on the type of job you are interviewing for. At this point in your life you probably don’t have a lot of money to run out and buy an outfit to wear. The first thing to be sure of is that what you do wear is clean and pressed. No holes, rips or tears of any kind. No jeans. It would also be a good idea to remove jewelry from your eye brows, nose, and lips and remove the alternative colors from your hair. These things shouldn’t matter but unfortunately they do to some people and to get ahead in the real world sometimes we must conform to the expectations of society. Yes! You do have the right to dress and look like you want to. Honestly, that is not the point. The point is: You want to get ahead. Think of it like this....Moving Up without Screwing Up It has to do with the image of a company, business, or corporation that you will be representing. Not with how you want the world to see you or to prove who you are. In the wide world of business and employment, companies and those who do the hiring care only about placing and keeping thier company above the rest. A painful fact of life is that even though you are highly educated and most assuredly perfect for the position you are applying for....if you cannot convey the 'image' desired there are many others out there who will. And another thing to keep in mind, passed down from several business gurus..... More skin, Less power this simply means that the more skin you show the less power (respect and credibility) you will have. Try to visit the place you plan to put in your application or send your resume’ to. Walk around and observe how the employees are dressed and this will give you a good idea on what to wear to your interview. How to dress for an Interview: As a guy: It would be appropriate to wear casual slacks, a sport shirt and clean polished shoes with a matching belt if this is all you have and can afford. There ARE some exceptions!!! These are mentioned later. If you have tattoos on your arms, including wrists or on your neck think seriously about wearing a collared, long sleeve shirt with a tie. If your tattoos are around your wrists you can wear a wrist watch to cover it. If it is cold weather then also wear an appropriate dressier jacket. Don’t wear a hoodie or a jacket with wild art all over it. That’s for hanging out and your own time. As a gal: It would be appropriate to wear a skirt with a nice blouse or a dress, dress shoes with hose and a matching belt and handbag or over the shoulder purse. Dress slacks with a nice blouse, and a belt matching your shoes and purse will work as well if these are the options you have and cannot afford other apparel. The skirt or dress should be knee length and no more than an inch above the knee cap. There are exceptions and these are mentioned later. If you have tattoos around your wrist cover with a watch or bracelet. Whether male or female excessive tattoos should be covered and you may always need to do this while on the job. Who cares if you have tattoos or how you dress? It’s your business! You don’t need to impress anybody! True, it is your business, but remember first impressions mean a lot and brandishing your body art and dressing like you’re hanging out with friends does not give a great impression to those that could employ you and allow you to build a work history or enjoy an income that can help you be on your own. Why Your Appearance Matters: The employer may care less personally how you look but he/she is more concerned about the impression their customers have of their business overall. The employees are part of the image that represents their business to the public. Usually if you are working in a fast food restaurant you are in the back and after you are hired, it may not pose a problem because you will be in the back, in a uniform and you won’t have much interaction with the public. Not to mention the fact that most restaraunts have mandated uniforms for all employees. In an auto repair shop unless you are working the front counter the same applies. If you are working the front counter you may need to wear what is considered dress-casual or a company shirt and dress-casual slacks. As a store clerk you will probably be able to wear dress-casual unless it is a high–end store or the store requires a uniform or that you dress in certain colors so it appears that all employees are uniformed. Dress Exceptions: If you are applying at a major department store dress matters. It also matters when applying for a position with a corporate or financial business, an office, and any professional position. A guy should wear a suit, dress shirt and tie with dress shoes and a matching belt. Your appearance should be polished. At the least, if you do not have a suit and can not afford one, wear a long sleeved dress shirt, tie, dress slacks, polished dress shoes with a matching belt. No jewelry other than a dress watch and a ring. If possible borrow a suit from a friend as long as it fits correctly As a young lady, wear a tailored dress, no prints, with a jacket or a dress suit with a blouse, hose, dress shoes and matching hand bag. A nice dark pant suit with a dress blouse would also be acceptable, wear dress shoes and carry a matching hand bag. Wear appropriate jewelry. Nothing too flashy or dangling that goes well with the outfit you have chosen. To be redundant, it would be a good idea for anyone applying for a job to visit the establishment and walk around observing how the employees are dressed and this will give you an idea of what is acceptable attire. If they are dressed more casually than what has been suggested that will give you an idea of what you can expect dress requirements will be once employed. However, since first impressions are important go with the mentioned suggestions if at all possible. Once you are employed ask if there is a dress policy and what is considered appropriate attire even if you have taken the time to make observations on your own. Keep in mind, you are capable of doing and achieving anything you want. You probably don’t want to work in fast food, or be a wait person, or a store clerk all of your life. There is nothing wrong with those positions. You can use them as your stepping stones to get to where you want to be because you can do anything. If you need more education then check out your community college and find out what you need to do to get where you want to be. It is up to you. Other Dress for the Occasion Situations: Lets say you have to go to the District Attorney’s Office to straighten out an identity theft problem that involves your checks being stolen. Which person is going to get more respect? You dressed in grunge because you like it and you don’t care what anyone else thinks or, someone dressed in a fashion more acceptable in society? Or someone dressed more conservatively? Consider dressing as you would for a job interview. Yes… again…you do have the right to dress any way you please. Nobody can tell you what to do! You’re on your own. You’re making your own way. You can do what you want. You pay your own bills. You resent dressing to impress someone else. People should accept you for who you are! Just remember right or wrong first impressions are important. Black
Tie
Events:
    When your invitation reads Black Tie preferred it means the event calls for formal attire. Men wear black tuxedos and ladies wear formal evening dresses … long or formal separates or cocktail dresses … If your invitation says “black tie” your host wants you to wear a tux and a black tie. Sometimes you can wear a tie and cummerbund to match your date’s dress. Just make sure to ask beforehand! In a Black Tie situation, a black tie is the operative word, and you may be able to wear a white tux. Again ask to make certain. You can wear a dark suit if the invitation says Black Tie Invited or Optional. But there will probably be more gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies in formal attire. You can also wear formal black slacks and a white dinner jacket. Although this is only acceptable from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Remember the old rule? No white after Labor Day? Black Tie Preferred means the host prefers you wear a tux but you can wear a dark suit. Business
Formal:
    Gentlemen wear dark suits while ladies wear a dressy tailored suit or dressy but conservative dress. This would mean tee shirts, shorts or jeans and would be appropriate when you are invited to an event with friends or associated with work and told that the dress is casual attire. Read this as clothing without tears, rips, bleach spots the size of dinner plates! If hanging out with personal friends or not for any particular event especially involving your work you would probably want to dress however you are most comfortable. Cocktail
Attire:
Ladies wear short elegant dresses or the “Little Black Dress” which can be accessorized with elegant jewelry or even a very dressy pantsuit or even a dressy skirt and elegant top. Gentlemen wear dark suits. This is dressier than casual. It would be slacks and a sport coat for the gentleman and dressy pants and blouse for the lady. Informal
Attire:
Although interpreted as casual attire it really means the same as Semi-Formal particularly if the event is a special event or an evening wedding. Semi-Formal
Attire:
Afternoon or day-time Semi-formal attire means a dark suit for the gentlemen and the ladies may wear an appropriate short dress or dressy suit. Semi-Formal after 5PM suggests would indicate a dark suit for the gentleman and a cocktail dress for the lady. This attire would also be worn for a wedding after 6 PM. Some ladies choose a very dressy dark pant suit. White
Tie
Events:
This is the extravagant formal event with ladies wearing long formal gowns and gentlemen must wear black tails with black trousers, a white pique formal shirt, white bow tie, and white vest. Gentlemen, nothing else is acceptable. Need to know how to dress for other events? Email us at : questions@onmyowninfo.com |
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