Many companies have a list of customers who’ve already arranged for snow removal ahead of time, so the contractor comes out as soon as the snow falls. Those customers will get their driveways cleared first as opposed to someone who calls at the last minute.

Angie's List, the nation's premiere provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including snow removal, says even if you’re still snowed in, do yourself a favor and don’t rush to hire the first person you see with a plow attached to a truck. Hiring the wrong person could put you in an even worse situation.

Red flags:

•    Companies who offer steep discount or insist on cash payment. A credit card will protect you.
•    Blade? Yes. Insurance? No:  That Good Samaritan who plows your drive and disappears won’t bear the cost if he destroys your or your neighbor’s car or mailbox: you will.

Angie's List tips before you hire:

• Get an estimate: Have someone come out and take a look at your property.  Ask what is included: Only the driveway? What about walkways and sidewalks?  Get all details in a written estimate.
• Cost: Is it a flat rate, based on the depth of snow, or by trip? How much is an additional service such as shoveling?
• Coverage: Does the company have insurance against damage? Get a name and number to contact in case of damage.

If you want to dig out yourself, there are many types of equipment you can use. Popular ones include gas and electric snow blowers. Both differ in price and efficiency, so choose which one fits your needs best. And if you enjoy physical labor, there’s the good old fashioned snow shovel.

Still undecided about what option is best for you? Here are some snow removal alternatives to think about:

• Friendly neighbors: Share a snow blower with the folks on your street.
• Hire Help: Help a teenager on your block make a few extra bucks by hiring them to clear your paths.
• Do it yourself: If you own a truck, you could buy your own snow plow and attach it to your truck.

Keep these factors in mind as your prepare for the winter season:

• Frequency of snow: If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow you may want to hire a snow removal company or invest in a piece of equipment that will last through the years.
• Snow Density: Slushier snow is more difficult to remove and may pose problems to your snow blower.
• Your health: One of the most common injuries during the winter months is snow removal, so think safety first before grabbing that shovel!

In today’s economy, competition for jobs is fierce. If you’re one of the many people looking for work, will your resume stand out from the crowd and shine, or sell yourself short?

A resume typically gets a 10- to 15-second look from an employer, so you have only a short window to make a good impression. A professional resume writer can save you time, help you avoid simple errors with grammar, and should know how to address issues like employment gaps in your job history.

A reputable writer will also be familiar with the formats needed for today’s job search and know how to optimize keywords that will increase your exposure in database searches

Angie’s List advice for hiring a professional resume writer:

• Ask about background: Pick a resume writing professional who is familiar with your industry, and make sure the service has worked before with people of similar employment levels. Ask to read some of their resume work and closely check grammar and formatting.
• Up to speed: Hire a writer who has researched the latest trends and is tech-savvy. You want someone who can convert your resume to the appropriate formats such as rich text or a Portable Document Format (PDF).
• One-on-one: A good resume writer will meet with the client first; an interview will typically take 60 to 90 minutes. They will then advise clients to dig deep to find those things that describe ones’ ability and past experience to go above and beyond basic job requirements. Just going through the interview process usually makes a client more aware of her or his skills.
• Review before signing off: Before you make final payment, review your resume in detail to make sure the information is correct, reads well and is appropriate for the positions to which you will be applying.
• Be realistic: Your resume should be your marketing tool – don’t rely on a resume to get you a job. You still need to convince the employer why you are the best person for the job.

A sniffling, coughing, achy child can be a conundrum for parents. Where do you draw the line between keeping them at home (and, possibly, taking off work to take care of them) and sending them to school?  

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that some of it depends on the child. As long as they’re not contagious, some children may feel like they can still buckle down, concentrate and participate, others may be fatigued and require some extra TLC.

If they’re contagious, they should be at home so they don’t spread the germs to their classmates.
Other things to consider:

• Keep an eye on the thermometer. A temperature of 100 or above should warrant heavy consideration for bed patrol and plenty of fluids.
• Make sure they can keep down food and drinks. Vomiting and/or diarrhea can be telltale signs of the flu in children. The flu is highly contagious, and should be checked by a doctor as soon as symptoms appear.
• Watch their energy level. “Healthy children learn better,” says Amy Garcia, Executive Director of the National Association of School Nurses. Excessive tiredness, lack of appetite or achiness won’t make for an abundantly productive school day.
• Don’t load up on medicines. The FDA recently voted that no data supports the use of cough and cold medicines in children between the ages of two to six, and that these products should never be given to children under the age of two.

“The cough suppressants do not work to suppress cough; the decongestants do not work to reduce congestion,” says Dr. Michael Shannon, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and pharmacologist/toxicologist at Children's Hospital Boston. “The good news is that a cold will last three to four days and then their child will be fine.”

If your child has a fever or feels achy, Shannon recommends use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are known to be safe and effective in children.

• Take sore throats seriously. A minor sore throat is common, but a severely sore throat could be a sign of strep throat, even if there is no fever. Be on the lookout for headaches and upset stomach, which can also be signs of strep. If you notice multiple symptoms, consult your doctor.
• Don’t ship them back to school too soon. Keep sick kids home until they’ve gone 24 hours without a fever (without medication). Returning to school too soon can hamper the recovery process and expose their classmates to germs.

Most people recover from the flu within a week, but may be left feeling exhausted for as long as three to four weeks.

• Know your company’s policies. You may need to consider telecommuting or finding a relative or sitter to stay with your sick child if you can’t take the time (or afford to take time) off work.
• Plan in advance: Before the cold and flu season hit, get flu shots for the whole family to help prevent unnecessary illness.

“It usually takes a couple of weeks from the time you get the shot to be fully protected," says Dr. Thomas Sandora, medical director of Infection Control at Children's Hospital Boston "but flu activity tends to continue through at least March.”
 

While feeling a little sluggish every once in a while is normal, feeling tired a few days a week can be an ominous warning of things to come.

Lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure, fatigue, memory loss anxiety, headaches, depression, sore throats and dry mouth. And that’s just in the short-term.

Long-term effects of sleep deprivation can be extremely serious: Congestive heart failure, stroke and diabetes, to name a few.

In order to maximize the amount of sleep achieved each night, work on sleep hygiene:

1. Have a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. Be sure to have your teeth brushed and are ready for bed before you start feeling drowsy.
2. Finish any workout routine a few hours before bedtime
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Both will disrupt natural sleep.
4. Keep computers and televisions out of the bedroom—make the room focus on sleep.
5. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent trouble sleeping, or if you experience snoring. Snoring is very common, but it’s not normal. Any noise you make is a sign of obstruction and should be checked by a doctor.
6. If it's a chronic problem, you may suffer from sleep apnea. Check doctor ratings on Angie's List to find a local sleep center or neurologist that can schedule a sleep study.

Dust mites are microscopic relatives of the spider that live on mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains.

No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be totally eliminated. However, the number of mites can be reduced.

Floors & Walls:

• Vacuum regularly. Stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow any dust and allergens to settle.
• Replace carpet with a solid surface such as hardwood tile or linoleum, if you can. This can eliminate 90% of dust mites. If you must have carpet, get low pile, not shag.
• Regularly wash or dry clean throw rugs.
• Replace window coverings with washable curtains or mini-blinds.

Bedding:

• Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers.
• Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water (at least 130 - 140°F). Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight to kill dust mites.
• Replace wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials.
• Make sure any stuffed animals are washable.
• For waterbeds: Regularly wash the mattress pad.

Air:

• Keep humidity below 50% throughout the home by using a dehumidifier or air conditioning.
• Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Don’t use a dry cloth since this stirs up mite allergens.
• Place HEPA filters on the furnace to decrease the total number of house dust mites.

If you've got a beautiful bouquet, a few simple steps will keep it looking fresh longer.

Tulips

• Select flowers that are tight and just beginning to show color.
• Always start with a clean vase.
• Fill the vase one-third full of water.
• Trim about an inch from the bottom of the tulip stems, cutting at an angle.
• Arrange the tulips in the vase.
• Add fresh water daily to keep the vase about 1/3 full. Tulips are heavy drinkers.
• Don’t use floral preservatives with tulips.
• Place the vase in a cool place out of direct heat and light. Cut tulips should last about a week.
• Tulips are one of the few plants that continue to grow or stretch after they’ve been cut. They may get an inch taller and they tend to move toward the light.

Roses

• Stems should be straight. The buds should show color or be partially opened.
• Always start with a clean vase. Add the floral food mixture, following the package directions, but usually it calls for warm (not hot) water. Water should fill one-third of the vase.
• Snip off an inch from the stem of the rose. Experts make the cut under water. The cut can be at an angle or straight across.
• Place the vase in a cool location, away from direct light and heat.
• Roses are heavy drinkers, so replenish with the food and water mixture as needed. The bouquet of cut roses should last seven to 10 days.

From the Angie's List Magazine staff.

Is your hair stylist just not cutting it? Here's some advice on how to move on:

• Realize that breaking up makes you more uncomfortable than the stylist.

• Write a break-up note to the stylist explaining that you’ve decided to transfer to a different hair salon, even if your new stylist is across town. That way, you’ll feel less awkward if you have a chance meeting. Be straightforward in your note, but kind, and be sure to say “Thank you,” for past good service.

• Don’t lose your temper or snub your stylist and salon owner. You may want to use their services again someday.

• And remember: Simply consulting with a different hair dresser about new styles isn’t cheating. You don’t have to break up. Share those new ideas that intrigue you with your own stylist. He or she may well appreciate a fresh perspective.

Auto service requests are up 58 percent on Angie's List. As more and more consumers decide to hold on to their car instead of purchasing a new one, finding a great mechanic you can turn to for scheduled tune-ups or emergency repairs is critical.

How to find a good mechanic:

• Don’t wait until your car dies to find a mechanic. Develop a good relationship with an auto repair shop to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision. You'll also be first in line for emergency service and cost savings.
• Don't go to a tire shop looking for brake work. A full-service shop may be able to handle most of your needs, but if you need a highly specialized service, do some research to find the right auto repair specialist.
• Look for a repair center with a good history and a professional atmosphere. Ask for a tour of the facility. The staff should be properly trained and have certifications displayed from a trusted national organization, such as the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• State or local law may require that a shop be licensed or registered. ASE certified mechanics must have two years of experience and pass an exam to become certified. Remember, certification alone does not guarantee good or honest work.
• Determine if your warranty requires you to use a specific dealership or shop. If you use another source, keep all receipts in case your warranty coverage is questioned.
• If you had an accident, get your car inspected. Even damage that might appear to be only minor or superficial should be thoroughly inspected to ensure there is no hidden damage. Driving a damaged vehicle could lead to a costly citation, or worse, an accident.
• Your insurance company might have companies they recommend. But be sure to get estimates from companies you know and trust. If one estimate seems way out of line compared to the others, ask why.

Get at least three estimates.

• Get a written estimate before authorizing repairs. Request that all replaced parts be returned and insist on a detailed invoice of work done, including an itemized description of parts and labor charges. Ask if unexpected repairs may arise once the work gets started.
• Many auto service shops charge a diagnostic fee to determine what ails your vehicle. Some may reduce or forgive that fee if you have the work performed there. If you decide to have it repaired somewhere else, be aware that you may have to pay another diagnostic charge.
• Tape an itemized list of all the repairs you want made to your steering wheel before you drop your car off. That way, the mechanic who works on it, will have exact instructions from you. Include your name, address and phone number so they can reach you with any questions.
• If it's a lengthy repair, ask the shop to help arrange a rental. Your repair center should be able to help arrange for a rental to be waiting for you when you drop your car off.
• After repairs are finished, get a complete repair order that describes the work done. Check the work closely before you leave, and ask to see any old parts. Some states require mechanics to give you any parts they have removed from your car unless the warranty requires they be sent back to the manufacturer. Address any concerns immediately.
• Request an itemized receipt and check for any work billed but not performed. After you leave, keep a list of any problems you experience and contact the repair center immediately.

If you have long icicles hanging from your gutters, that’s a warning sign of possible ice dams on your roof.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. Some damage from an ice dam is easily recognizable, while some is not so obvious.

Ice damming could lead to water trapped on the roof, forced under shingles and up the roofline. This could pose disastrous results, including wet interior walls and carpets, or a flooded basement. Industry experts recommend adding insulation to your attic and making sure it’s properly ventilated if you notice a buildup snow and ice on your roof.

Angie’s List offers 7 dos and don’ts for dealing with ice damming:

• Call a professional: Removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous. A good place to start is with a reputable roofing contractor. Check Angie’s List and get estimates and references from contractors in your area. Gutter cleaning companies may also offer this service.

• Remove snow from the roof: If you’re tackling the job yourself, there is a special tool for removing snow called a “roof rake”. Carefully pull it down the slope of the roofline. Never pull snow across the roof. You could damage the shingles.

• Chip away at the ice: For immediate action, you can chip away through the ice dam so the water can flow through. Stop when you get close to the roofing.

• Properly ventilate and insulate the attic: The main cause of ice dams is an overly warm attic.

• Never walk on a snow-covered roof: Make sure you work from a ladder to access/fix the damage.

• Do not install mechanical equipment or water heaters in attics: These are a fire hazard. Stick to insulation to help keep heat in your home.

• Do not use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow off the roof: These chemicals are very corrosive. The runoff of these chemicals can also damage grass and plants.