Q: Lenses come with a number of added features, such as scratch-resistant coatings and color-changing features meant to offer ultraviolet protection. While many of these features do effectively provide what they offer, they are also largely unnecessary. If you have a tight budget, skip the extras and stick with a basic prescription lens.  If you purchase your eyeglasses from a department store or popular eyeglasses chain store, you may be able to find coupons in magazines or online. Many carriers cover a portion of the cost for eyeglasses if you buy them at specific places. Depending on your coverage, you could have more or less choice available to you.
A: Only buy what you need. Shy away from brand names if your budget is low and you don't need to get the latest styles. Look for coupons. Check with your medical insurance.

Q: Fill the detergent dispenser with 3/4 cup (177.44 ml) of vinegar or until the detergent dispenser is filled. The detergent dispenser is usually labeled and can be found on the top of your front load washing machine. Once it's filled, close the lid. If your front load washing machine doesn't have a hot water setting, select the "whites" setting or "stain" setting. Allow the cycle to run through completely. As the normal cycle runs, mix ½ cup (90 g) of baking soda and 1 quart (1 liter) of white vinegar in a bucket. Once the ingredients are incorporated, use the solution to dampen a rag and use the rag to wipe down the exterior of the washer. Run a rinse cycle with no added vinegar or detergent. This should remove the smell of vinegar and help remove any remaining dirt. Once you're done, the washer should be good to use.
A: Fill the detergent dispenser with white vinegar. Start a normal wash cycle on the hot water setting. Wipe down the exterior of your washer. Run an additional rinse cycle.

Q: Often, redness and irritation is the result of over-exfoliating or using abrasive or harsh acne reducing products.  Stop using anything new you have put on your skin for at least 4 days, and consider switching to a gentler cleaning product.  Acne medicines using retinoids are particularly irritating. After 4 days, try using the product sparingly to see if irritation still occurs.  If so, throw it away. Do not introduce more than one product at a time to your skin, so you know which one is “too much.” A good cleanser should wash off all dirt and makeup, but not your skin’s natural oils.  If your skin feels tight or squeaky after washing, the product is too harsh.  Cetaphil and Eucerin are good products for sensitive skin.  Hot or cold water can damage capillaries and cause redness.  Hot water also dries your skin out quickly, causing redness.  Look for a cleanser made for your skin type, whether it tends to be oily or dry.  Foaming cleansers are generally bad for dry skin.  Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, menthol or alcohol.  Avoid products with fragrances and dyes.  Also avoid medicated acne cleansers, since they usually strip away good oils.  You may need to use different products for different seasons, depending on how dry the air is and how you skin conditions adjust accordingly. Choose a moisturizer with glycerin as the first ingredient since it is very efficient at holding in moisture, or just use plain petroleum jelly. Use it every time you shower, after drying off. Beware of typical hand sanitizers, which contain alcohol and dry out your skin.  Look for one specifically made for hydrating dry skin too. If you are experiencing widespread irritation, it may be how you wash your clothes. Try a different detergent made for sensitive skin or that has mostly natural ingredients. If the air is dry, particularly in winter months, using a humidifier can help prevent your skin from drying out while you sleep. Moisture in the air also helps to reduce inflammation. Fill your plate with anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, salmon, avocado, and walnuts. Take anti-inflammatory supplements, such as probiotics, spirulina, vitamin C, and fish oil. These nutrients will help you reduce inflammation in your skin.
A: Stop using harsh skin care products. Wash daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Moisturize your skin at least once a day. Switch to a laundry detergent without fragrances or harsh chemicals. Buy a humidifier for your bedroom. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.

Q: Go to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that won’t judge you for your lifestyle. Often times, these places will be located in the “gay district” of your city. If you live in a smaller city, search online for LGBTQ-friendly places by typing in the name of your city and the type of place you’re looking for. For example, you might search “LGBTQ-friendly Philadelphia” or “Seattle crossdressing bars.”  For a streamlined search, you can also an LGBTQ directory like https://www.gaypinkspots.com/ or https://www.wearegayfriendly.com/  Coffee shops that are LGBTQ-friendly might have posters advertising gay, lesbian, and trans events on a bulletin board or their social media pages. Non-judgmental bars will often host LGBTQ events, drag shows, or LGBTQ musical acts. Non-gendered bathrooms are a good sign that a place is nonjudgmental and accepting. However, this isn’t always the case. Go to a travel site featuring your city like CultureMap or Lonely Planet to see a list of LGBTQ-friendly places. Search your general area for clubs, bars, and other hangout spots that host crossdressing events. This could be anything from a drag show to karaoke and LGBTQ charity fundraisers. Get dolled up and mingle with other crossdressers and people who love crossdressers!  If your city has an LGBTQ center, look at their website and peruse the “events” page. San Francisco, Portland, Austin, Providence, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and Orlando are the top 10 LGBTQ-friendly cities in the USA. These are places where you’re more likely to find open-minded girls who might be interested in dating crossdressing men. Do an online search for local LGBTQ charities and see what events they have coming up. Note that these events aren’t guaranteed to bring in single women looking to date crossdressers, but you can ask other crossdressers for dating advice. If you cross paths with any LGBTQ people, strike up a conversation and ask them their favorite places to meet single women. For instance, you could say, “I'm new to the scene and am wondering where I can go to meet girls. Any tips?”  If you happen to meet someone who is an ally, feel free to ask them if they’re familiar with any places where you can meet single girls. And if the ally is a single girl, you might hit it off! Allies are people who do not judge you for your lifestyle. In fact, they’ll offer their enthusiastic support.
A:
Hang out at LGBTQ-friendly places. Attend crossdressing or LGBTQ events in your local area or nearest city. Don’t be afraid to ask LGBTQ people or allies for advice.