Motel Monday - Two For the Price of One

Vintage signs are generally like wolves... they travel in packs and are rarely alone. When I map out my road trips the end result is often clusters of flags separated by empty spaces that vary in size.  Today's two motel signs are no exception.

Located on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, the Astro Motel and Deano's Motel are literally two peas in a pod. The motels sit right next to each other on Sepulveda, and they are only a stones throw away from the Half Moon Motel, Johnnie's French Dip and a few other establishments sporting vintage neon. But the Astro and Deano's seem to be made for each other.

Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Whywhata?

Spontaneous road trips are the spice of life, and the day I found the Yreka Motel while road tripping with my parents was no exception. We'd spent the weekend in Ashland Oregon watching my sister play softball and were on our way home when we started taking scenic detours. Historic Route 99 winds through several little towns off the main freeway, including places like Weed, Shasta, and Yreka. 

This googie plastic sign immediately caught my eye. It's metal sputnik and the colors of the corrugated plastic letters looked like something that belonged in Los Angeles, not in this quiet mountain town. And yet there it was, staring me in the face. Naturally I had to take it's picture. 

Tonight I think I'll take the long way home. Happy Monday.

- Stefanie

Feeling Fifties?

I'm in love with these two vintage themed Etsy treasuries. They were created by different people within moments of each other but they both feature my J's Coffee Shop print. Oh, and I totally want that teapot!

Foodie Friday - Get Lo

Remember that time I ended up in Kingman on accident? I know I told you about it. And I mentioned that the signs were amazing... Well, the Lo's Chinese American Restaurant sign is no exception. I love the color selection, with that pale sea foam green right next to an incredibly deep orange. And then of course there's the yellow arrow filled with bulbs. Who doesn't love classy arrows?

Lo's is just off Route 66 but the sign can be seen from Andy Devine Drive. Across the street is another Route 66 icon and Chinese food spot, the ABC Restaurant. We'll save that shot for another Foodie Friday.

Enjoy your Friday!!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Ride 'em Cowboy

The more I photograph neon signs, the more I begin to see patterns or themes. I'll be on the road and suddenly I'll realize that the sign in my view finder reminds me of that other sign I shot two weeks ago. And then this other sign down the road falls perfectly into this theme of signs that would make a perfect photo collection. And then the neurons in my brain start firing like crazy and I start cataloging every sign a can possibly remember. It's quite a fun, involuntary exercise. 

When I photographed the New Corral Motel along Route 66 in Victorville, I had one of those ah ha! moments. Suddenly there was a western theme collection building in my head. The Hilltop Motel in Kingman, the Frontier Motel in Tuscon, the Outpost Motel in Las Vegas, the Golden Spur Restaurant in Glendora, and so many more. And with the road trips I have planned this year, this collection is just going to continue to grow. 

Time to ride my horse to work. Happy Monday!

- Stefanie

Foodie Friday - It's Back!

Just like Motel Monday, Foodie Friday took a short holiday break. This morning it is back with a vengeance and it's sporting a very famous sign.

Randy's Donuts has been standing since 1953, but was originally part of the Big Donut Drive-In chain. The individual stores in the chain were sold off in the 1970s and Randy's Donuts on Manchester was born in 1976. Randy's changed hands one more time in 1978, but brothers Ron and Larry have owned the place ever since. You can even buy a Randy's Donuts mug with their picture printed beside the donut drive through. That my friends is pride.

In addition to being a Los Angeles landmark, Randy's has been seen in a few movies as well. I loved Tony Stark lounging inside the giant donut on the roof while eating his breakfast in Iron Man 2. I was also just a tad jealous.

For even more trivia on Randy's Donuts, you can read their Wikipedia page or check out their website. You know you're big when you make it on Wikipedia. 
One last thing...their glazed donut is darn good.. If you're going to splurge on a donut in LA, drive to Randy's. I was not disappointed.

Happy Friday!

- Stefanie

P.S. And now I'm going to go be a good girl and eat my greek yogurt with fruit. If you're having something a little more sinful this morning, enjoy a bite for me. Much appreciated.

Watch Out World, I'm on YouTube

It's official, I'm on YouTube...

As part of the San Diego RAW Artists Holiday RAWk I took part in last month, each of the artists received photos and a short video produced by the awesome folks at RAW. I remember being interviewed, but I'd completely forgotten about the video. Well, now it's on YouTube for everyone and their pets to see.

My plan for world domination has begun. *wink wink* Bring it on Tuesday!

- Stefanie

Motel Monday - Back from Hiatus

Now that the holidays are over, Motel Monday is back from vacation. It's running a little behind schedule today, but better late than never. 

I've been missing the warm weather lately, so naturally I opted for the Palm Motel from Ashland, Oregon for this Motel Monday. While it's true that Ashland has got to be pretty chilly this time of year, the Palm reminds me of summer. The sign sports a fun font, vintage plastic, warm color selection, and palm tree cut outs. If you think hard enough I promise you can convince yourself you're on the beach in July of 1988 singing Kokomo. "Bermuda, Bahama..."

Happy Monday, and think warm!

- Stefanie