By Rachael Rifkin
Memoirist
I love collecting helpful hints. When someone’s recommendation helps me get out those stubborn brown stains from a pan or points me in the direction of a restaurant that actually delivers to Cal Heights, it makes my day. Besides my mother-in-law, who is a bottomless pit of information, I like to turn to my favorite websites for assistance. Some of the websites I check once month, and others at least once a day. Either way, I always feel informed and up to date on the latest and greatest happenings in Signal Hill, Long Beach and beyond.
Yelp.com
Just type in your city or zip code, and you will have access to fellow Yelpers’ restaurant, grocery store, plumber and vet reviews. It’s like having a long chat with your neighborhood gossip queen, except she’s actually saying something you want to hear. Recently, I tried a great acupuncturist I would never have found had it not been for Yelp. She was tucked away in a nondescript building off of Second Street and she had never even heard of Yelp. Be sure to check out Yelpers’ Lists as well. With categories like Steakhouse Ventures and Downtown Lunchtime, Yelpers’ Lists are another fun way to find out more about your area.
Angie’s List
Unlike Craig’s List (or Yelp, for that matter) there is a fee to join, but it is well worth the money. I would describe Angie’s List as a fusion of Consumer Reports, BBB and Yelp. The consumer review website offers an additional “background check” on the local services in your neighborhood, i.e., plumbers, handymen, pet groomers, gardeners and even doctors. The review website’s search engine is easy to use, and the information is invaluable. Reviewers let you know exactly how much they were quoted for the job, how it went and if it came in on budget. Since I moved into my 1920s home a year and a half ago, I’ve had a new roof installed, upgraded to central air, replaced the wood floors and tiled the kitchen floor. All of these jobs were completed by people I found on Angie’s List, and with one exception, I was very happy with their work.
Apartmenttherapy.com
I’m not sure what I’d without Apartmenttherapy.com. For starters, I’d probably have a lot more free time on my hands. I check this website at least once a day. Chock full of home décor tips, design suggestions and lively renter/homeowner-related discussions, this site is for people who rent and own. There are bloggers from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. The main blog combines blog entries from all four cities; if you prefer to stick closer to home, just look at the Los Angeles blog. The Long Beach area has been mentioned quite a few times for its quirky stores and unique architecture.
Etsy.com
This website is like Amazon.com for arts and crafts. This is the place to shop for the person who has everything. You just never know what you’ll find there. For me, it was the light switch plates that sold me on etsy.com. Most of the art (original paintings, sculptures, jewelry, etc.) is relatively inexpensive and with every purchase you make, you are supporting an up and coming artist. And if you search by the Shop Local category, you will be supporting local Long Beach and Signal Hill artists.
Now that you’ve heard where I get my tips, I’d love to hear some of yours. Write in with your own suggestions and we’ll print some of your answers. Maybe you catch up on the latest community gossip at a local club or a restaurant you often frequent. Maybe you’d like to share a buzz-worthy website or online forum. Whatever or wherever it is, we want to hear about it!
