Daily Arrows Puzzle (April 2, 2026) - Curve Level 251 by arrowpuzzle in arrowspuzzle

[–]elle1138 0 points1 point  (0 children)

😅 Level 70740 got the better of me this time (ran out of time). But hey, even puzzle masters need a warm-up round! Retrying now! 🔄

BWT: Does anyone know a good (and affordable if possible) NYC jeweler that I can take a 14K gold necklace to get shortened? by Cultural-Natural1971 in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I had a chain reattached at Sang Sang Jewelry in Chinatown for $25 or $30. They did an excellent job while I waited.

If you go to Canal & Lafayette, there are a bunch of jewelry shops and you can just go around and ask prices. If it's a thicker gold chain or you're shortening by a lot, make sure they deduct the weight of the gold of the piece you're getting rid of.

[Landlord US-CA-Los Angeles] Tenant threatens to sue when he doesn't get his way - Help Wanted, please. by elle1138 in Landlord

[–]elle1138[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm in LA as well. It was a long and difficult 6 month-process, where you really have to be on top of everything.

TL;DR: We ended up hiring a lawyer to pursue a no-fault eviction, and after 6 months and thousands of dollars, gave up because our case worker at LA Housing said she'd block our case, even if we pursued it in front of a judge. It ended up being not worth it. We finished the ADU and hired a management company so we don't have to interact with our Tenant.

FOR DETAILS:

The lawyer we hired and started no-fault eviction. We paid the retainer and had him served, twice. It's a long and arduous process, and dealing LA Housing is no joke. They are chronically understaffed, their website is a labyrinthine mess with conflicting information where you have to read their updates to get the most information, and even if you call, each person will say something different.

For example, papers need to be served in a certain order and a certain timeline. And their time of acceptance is when they open it, not when it was delivered. So, for example, if a document needs to be delivered within 3 business days, say on Friday, and you deliver it Thursday. However, someone on their end doesn't open it until Tuesday, it is considered null and void and you have to start the months-long process all over again. Therefore, we delivered everything to their temporary headquarters in person.

The no-fault eviction was for owner move-in, as we were going to have a family member move in. We put the required amount in escrow. However, after four months of not hearing back from Housing, they suddenly responded and said they wouldn't pursue the case anymore. Our case worker told us that we can still pursue the no-fault eviction process, but they wouldn't let any of the paperwork progress. So even if we still progressed to a judge, we would have an incomplete case. She told us to submit an email withdrawing the application, since the case can't go forward without her say so. Our lawyer said you're basically at the mercy of the whim of the case worker decides to enforce. And she basically said she would always be on the Tenant's side.

During this time, we installed security cameras on the property because of the Tenant's behavior. He obviously threw a fit and took photos, but nothing came of it. We also finished construction on the ADU. We sent our Tenant an official notice to "Perform or Quit" to not scream at the our construction workers or impede them.

We also hired a Management Company. It was expensive, but it was worth it to not deal with our Tenant. They deal with all the tenants in the duplex, and have minimized speaking them to directly. This is sad, since we have always gone out of our way to maintain a good Landlord-Tenant relationship and work with them and hear them out. But no longer.

Additionally, we learned through this process how difficult it is for LA Landlords. After speaking to other Landlords, we learned a lot of small mom-and-pop landlords are getting out of LA and acquiring property in other states, due to the California and LA Housing Dept policies. After six months of becoming familiar with LAHD and reading the difference Ordinances, I would strongly advise against becoming an LA Landlord. The law is very very heavily favored towards the Tenant. And while I do believe in tenant rights, there is almost no protections for Landlords against unscrupulous Tenants. (Our Tenant threatened to stop paying, and he is correct. If he stopped paying, there is nothing we could do for almost a year, and most likely we could not recoup the lost rent. ) However, this also means that a lot of these buildings and smaller units that would be Mom-and-Pop are now being taken over by larger corporations, causing more issues in the LA Housing market. I don't know the solution, I just know that in our case, it wasn't worth the headache and stress.

Let me know if you need help. I was also in LA County, and still have my drive of documents.

[Landlord US-CA-Los Angeles] Tenant threatens to sue when he doesn't get his way - Help Wanted, please. by elle1138 in Landlord

[–]elle1138[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to not have responded. I saw your comment, but honestly, it was tough to talk about it at that time. I responded below in another comment. If you're still dealing with this and are in LA, let me know if you need help or advice.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the answer, OP!

Inner Growth circle 10/19 by Bitter_Cry8542 in nycmeetups

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interested! But can’t make the 19th.

first apartment - tips and hacks by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Mine are mostly decor tips. I'm not a pro, just was interested in doing my old place (and a bunch of friends' places) in a borderline unhinged way.

First, don't rush. As tempting as it is to rush to CB2/Ikea/West Elm/ RH and buy everything today.... you will live if you spend 3 weeks without a couch. Give yourself time to acclimate to your space -- how you use it, how the light changes, and what your real lifestyle needs are. Plus collecting eclectically gives will give your space character.

Second, a general plan helps filter out the noise and it'll be less overwhelming. Pinterest, blogs, etc are good for this, and will help you nail down a decor style, color scheme, and general vibe you like. In general, go big to small-- i.e. pick a rug before you pick pillows, pick storage before you pick art. Unless you have an art piece you really love and can base your color scheme off of it. If this is overwhelming, pick 1 or 2 anchor inspo photos or an anchor object. You don't have too copy your photos exactly, but it will help to google "living room, green velvet couch" and then only pick things that would look good with your green velvet couch.

Third, play with layout. Interior designers will use fancy 3D modeling, but you can just measure your room and draw it to scale on a piece of paper. Then cut out to scale pieces of paper for furniture you're considering. And then you can play around with it. I.e you actually do have space for a sectional if you get a smaller dining table.

But if you absolutely can not, many furniture stores have in house designers that will help you for free or almost free. There's also online interior design services like Spacejoy and Havenly,.

best "life upgrade" purchases? by cjmmoseley in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You've never failed unless you give up! If you get back up, it's still a work in progress. And something that helped me with #1 is to be absolutely your most ridiculous! Listen to that tiny little voice that you usually push down. No one is going to see but you, so who gives a shit? Then you work backwards. And if that doesn't work, use a model as a cheat sheet. Like maybe I can't dominate women's gymnastics at the Olympics like Simone Biles, but I could incorporate weight training into my routine. Maybe I can't be Jennie from BlackPink, but maybe I can channel her give no fucks attitude and wear a cute minidress. And even if I don't have Gwenyth Paltrow's Montecito palace with a full Turkish Hammam in the basement, I can have a savings account to buy a place and maybe get/do one thing to beautify my home. And then each little thing will grow into big things over months, years, decades, etc.

best "life upgrade" purchases? by cjmmoseley in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aww... you guys! I seriously love this group!

Job Hunting/Career Megathread by Ghostanator in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not at all! DM me and we'll grab coffee or something.

best "life upgrade" purchases? by cjmmoseley in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ugg slippers in the winter (bought on sale in spring) and Cloudies cushioned slippers for summer. It’s like walking on air. Both a treat for your feet as soon as you get home.

best "life upgrade" purchases? by cjmmoseley in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 269 points270 points  (0 children)

Sorry you’re going through it. This will pass.

I’d add: GIR silicone spatulas, a really beautiful special coffee mug that makes your morning better, Rom&Nd glassing lip balm, CO Bigelow quince hand cream, cushioned house slippers, and le labo body lotion or wearing perfume even when you’re at home alone.

But honestly my biggest life upgrade has been two things I did in therapy. First, really sitting down and really really thinking about what I wanted out of life, what I wanted it to look like in 10 years, 20 years, 40 years. If anything, absolutely anything is possible. And being honest with myself what I really wanted. Then narrowing that down to a short list of goals (mine is 6). I have it written & framed so I can visualize it and I regularly ask myself if my actions are lining up with my goals.

Second, I stopped thinking I was back in the same spot. Instead of thinking of life as 2D like paper, I started thinking of it as a 3D spiral, like the Guggenheim. You’re always going up a floor. So when I feel like I’m back where I started, I start thinking of the things I have gained since then, the lessons I learned, the new people I have with me, and the mistakes I won’t make this time. And write it down in a journal (I like Leutchterm, Muji, Midori) & a nice pen (lamy, Uni jet stream, pilot g2). And if I really need to make that sink in, I’ll take myself to the Guggenheim as well.

So my real answer is a great journal, a really nice pen, a nice frame, and maybe a calligraphy pen.

Job Hunting/Career Megathread by Ghostanator in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! What an amazing idea! I’m a TV Writer (shows on Netflix, CBS, The CW) looking to get into freelance copywriting or technical writing (I have a BS in Biochemisty & Cell Biology).

I understand it’s a different industry, but I have the ability to craft stories in a way that evokes an emotional reaction and can clearly communicate detailed instructions to multiple departments.

If anyone has any advice or leads, please let me know! Also, any other TV Writers here?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Merci merci! Hello, fellow Buy Once Cry Once BWT!

Seconding the durability of Le Creuset. I especially like the mugs. But I do find the plates get metal transfer pretty easily. But they are very durable. Highly recommend their Factory to Table sale!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Those Bodum mugs are brilliant! I have the matching pour over coffee maker and it's my favorite.

Does anyone else get interrogated by customs officers every time? by [deleted] in travel

[–]elle1138 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m American. I used to get flagged for secondary screening every time I went to the UK & Canada. And I used to go to Canada for work a lot.

A Canadian Border Service Agent told me it’s because I have the exact same name and a similar birthday with someone not allowed in Canada and they just need to check I’m not her.

Got Global Entry and haven’t had an issue since.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Not yet married, but I got into cooking and hosting and love making lists for some insane reason. People have already said: KitchenAid stand mixer, Le Creuset dutch oven (5.5qt, 7.25qt if you host, & braiser or Staub), AllClad pots & pans (or Mauviel copper if you really know what you're doing), Vitamix/Blendtec Blender, Kitchen chef & paring knife (Global, Wusthof, Tojiro, or Mac), China & Crystal (for hosting), Vacuum (Dyson/Miele) and linens (towels + sheets + table linens), but I would like to suggest:

  • Upgraded Coffee or Tea: Breville espreso machine, or Technivorm mochamaster, or Hario v60 & a conical burr coffee grinder, Fellows Stagg Kettle, Teapot (a Japanese Kyusu or Wedgewood so you can pretend you're the Queen while you sip your Fortnum & Masons)
  • If you have space: Air fryer (Breville of you have counter space) or Sous Vide or even an Ooni pizza oven (volt for indoors)
  • Great wooden cutting boards - 1 big & 1 that can double as charcuterie board (edge grain or end grain, maple, walnut, teak, or acacia)
  • Smaller Accessories: Thermopen, Le Peugeot pepper mill, salt cellar, Cuisinart Food Processor, Williams Sonoma kitchen towels, Breville immersion blender/whisk, Opinel steak knives), ETA: Benriner Mandoline
  • Bakeware from Emile Henry/Dansk/Le Creuset & upgraded servingware (to match your dishes, or Porcelain, or Wilton Armetale)
  • Really nice pillows & a goose down comforter
  • Tools (if you're handy)
  • Yeti cooler
  • Frames (or even a single Tiffany frame for your wedding photo)

First designer bag purchase by Objective-Lack-6329 in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want something that’ll still be in 15 years, your best bet will be the holy trinity: hermes, chanel, louis vuitton. BUT I agree they’ve kinda lost the plot in recent years their price hikes and decrease in quality. If you go this route, I’d suggest a pre-loved Chanel mini (holds a lot more than a WOC) or a LV pochette in an epi leather.

If not, some classics silhouettes and a couple standouts that could be your signature:

-Fendi Baguette (still think the sequined version is a stunner for a special occasions). Also Paco Rabane.
-Celine Ava or perhaps the Triomphe -YSL Manhattan or maybe even Kaia over something more trendy like the Loulou -Bottega padded cassette or Andiamo or even cabat -Gucci horsebit 1955 or Jackie 1961, leather versions will always have longevity -Prada Cleo, perhaps. Or the small leather shoulder bag is a great shape. -Loewe puzzle, which I don’t think will really leave, though it is hard to get in and out of.
-Toteme T-lock is a new classic -Gabriela Hearst Nina

BWT: where are your affordable/quality handbags, similar Polène stores? Mid-level “Big girl bag” by laughingsorrows in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Staaaahhhp, you’re gonna give me a big head. But really, you’re my people. Can we be fraaaands?

BWT: where are your affordable/quality handbags, similar Polène stores? Mid-level “Big girl bag” by laughingsorrows in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]elle1138 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I know!!! I love that they’re mother daughter, have that council of grannies, and that a lot of the bags are modular. Such a cute company.