blondleo1516's Profile

I live in a rent-controlled 3-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica - a section of LA notorious for Rent Control. The rent is now $1791, after the 3% increase last November.
It's in a rather seedy part of Santa Monica (oh yes, there are seedy parts of Santa Monica I promise), and while it is only 20 blocks to the beach and the weather is great, there are always domestic disputes and gang problems. I would not live there if the rent was what everyone is telling me it should be: closer to $2800.

I used to live in Santa Barbara, and it is not rent-controlled. I paid over $1000 a month to live in a small studio in a questionable part of town, and once had to have a peeping tom arrested for doing something unmentionable outside my window.

Before you call me lazy, please keep in mind that I am a college educated 28 year old with a good job. I do however have student loans and bills, so $1000 for rent each month is not a realistic option for me. I don't want to live in a palace, and I searched for the aprtment I have now for nearly 4 months and spent countless hours driving back and forth from SB to get such a good deal.

I am looking to leave the apartment in the next year when my current boyfriend and I move in together. This will afford me to live in a better place and split the outrageous cost of a one bedroom here in LA. I'm not here to milk the system, but I will use it to better my situation.

I have been searching for a modern (non-frilly, non-ugly, non-wood) wine rack for some time. Thanks so much for this list!! The Umbra CRU wine rack is perfect!!!

You have totally inspired me!! I have an old black Noresund bed frame from IKEA ~ very similar to the one you painted. I am getting rid of it when I move in with my BF here in a few months. My sister has been looking for a antique-looking bed to match some shabby chic furniture. I feel like an idiot that it never dawned on me to give her the old frame when I move and paint it. Thanks!!