Maria’s Thursday Three: Fonts, Online Shops and an Atwater Boutique

1. Obamabats: Forget about Gotham, Obama’s font of choice for his political campaign. Designer Jeff Domke created this collection of Obama dingbats in honor of the president-elect. Available for download and use free-of-charge. I like free.

2. Frecklewonder: I wish I can fit into this dress, featured in Frecklewonder’s online shop. Seriously, this lady has an eye for fashion and vintage is her game. And the prices? Far too good to be true.

3. Amelia Fitzwater: I kinda want to keep this store to myself, tucked away among beauty salons and gallery spaces along Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village. The assortment of cards, jewelry, books, accessories and everything else is top notch.

Maria’s Thursday Three

1. The Story: As a long-time listener of NPR, I was thrilled to discover American Public Media’s “The Story,” hosted by Dick Gordon, while we were driving through Vermont and New Hampshire a few weeks ago. Filled with first-hand accounts, “The Story” gives listeners a chance “to understand events through the experiences of real people.” Their recent series on “Bankers, Brokers and Bandits” gives a good perspective on current events– I originally thought it would be depressing to listen to but it somehow made me think positive on the outcome of our economy. Podcast download? Check.

2. Amai Tea House: If you are ever in New York City, please visit Amai Tea House. Their Matcha Tea Latte is just heavenly and the baked goods are extraordinary, you’ll probably not see their offerings anywhere else. I’ve been following Kelli’s blog for years and her spot in the Gramercy Park area is a sweet haven in a big city.

3. Los Angeles Magazine: Los Angeles Magazine still floats my boat. Sure they have the best guides in restaurants and shopping but their editorial is just superb on all things Los Angeles. Chris Nichols’ column is riddled with all the nerdy details about L.A. you always wanted to know and their investigative story on the Zankou Chicken empire, for instance, provides you with a rare insight on a complex family. The celebrity content? Minimal– how refreshing!

Maria’s Thursday Three: Pandora, LACMA and Kisses

1. Pandora: When I tire of listening to my mix of songs on iTunes, I turn to Pandora online. Type in an artist’s name or a song and they play music that shares the same tempo and style as your entry. I’ve discovered and re-discovered good songs through this site.

2. L.A. Flash: LACMA is having another late night event this Saturday, Sept. 6, celebrating L.A.’s street style. Could be really fun, and you can be part of a bigger project and end up in the museum’s photo archives. From their site:

In 1973, LACMA commissioned five photographers to document LA street style. Thirty-five years later, we’re celebrating the project—LA Flash—by asking what your LA street style looks like today. Dress the part for this late night art event—photos taken during the evening will be added to the museum’s archives at lacmalaflash.org.

(Pic by Summer Is Ending.)

3. Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Kisses: As fall approaches, Mike is always on the lookout for any place that would sell pumpkin-flavored anything. The new pumpkin spice flavored kisses are a hit at our house– it sort of taste likes a pumpkin smoothie compacted in a tiny piece of creamy candy. (Target also has Candy Corn flavored Kisses, and is rumored to have a new Caramel Apple flavor as well.)

Maria’s Thursday Three: Breakfast, the Olympics and Decals

1. Perfect Breakfast: Lately, we’ve been into this yogurt and granola mix for breakfast. It’s a Trader Joe’s combo: The market’s French Village Vanilla Nonfat Yogurt, with its “Granola & the 3 Berries” mix (honey sweetend whole grain oats and whole grain wheat, wih freeze-dried raspberries, blueberrys and strawberries). It’s so easy to prepare and best of all, Evan loves it.

2. Olympic Fever: Yes, we have it and as the Summer Games end, I’d like to direct you to Jenny’s site, ljcfyi.com. Jenny’s currently in Beijing and blogging all about it. I’ve read her blog for years and got excited when the company she works for sent her there to write all about it. (Pic by ljcfyi.)

3. Wall Decals: We’re thinking of re-doing Evan’s room and I ambitiously told Mike that I would paint some wall graphics on the wall. He correctly doubted me, ’cause I never have time for anything like that, but then I was trolling Design Sponge the other night (I make time for trolling) and saw these wall decals, my problems were solved. Trains or cars would be perfect for the room but since they have none, Evan may have to settle for the airplane.

Maria’s Thursday Three: "Runway," Loteria and the Levitt

1. Holla Atcha Boy: “Project Runway” is back, and it’s been hard for me and Mike to pick a favorite just yet, but I’ve been impressed with what Terri‘s been doing so far. Meanwhile, thanks to Mike’s job, we just got a sneak peak of the first episode of “Top Design.” It’s gonna be good! Several designers who are already established in their own right, with some colorful personalities mixed in. Great casting, while Todd Oldham takes a back seat to become a mentor for the contestants (a la Tim Gunn) and India Hicks has joined as the new host. Plus, from what I can tell, future episodes feature past “Project Runway” contestants and Jeff Lewis.

2. Loteria Grill in Hollywood: We checked out the new space in Hollywood last weekend, and I love it. Going to the Farmer’s Market location always stressed me out, having to line up, wait for the food and score a place to sit. There’s something great about the wide-open space, the high ceilings, the attentive waiters, the jalapeño margaritas and the oversized Mexican folk art cards (all while Hollywood walks by) that make me want to come back to this place. The food seems to have the same price as the Farmer’s Market location, and the drinks are potent but expensive. (See photo gallery in the post below.)

3. Summer Concerts at The Levitt Pavillion: Wednesday nights you can find TKFKABT and I at the Levitt Pavillion with a picnic and some friends having fun on Children’s Night. It can get really crowded, but you can still score a decent spot if you get there before 6:30 pm. Plop down a blanket and enjoy the night. This week, the Kid grooved out to the music as acrobats performed some pretty cool stunts, as part of a circus-themed show. The concerts/events are always free at the Levitt.

Maria’s Thursday Three

1. Starving Artist Mondays at Luna Park: I stumbled on this nice find on a random Monday night out with a friend: The prix fixe dinner offer at Luna Park. For $18 you get a choice of appetizer (I picked the goat cheese fondue with apples and bread), entree (salmon with lentils) and dessert (build-it-yourself smores)– a pretty good deal, and a nice spot to catch up with an old friend.

2. Sweet Potato Fries of Love: The sweet potato fries are back in the freezer aisles at Trader Joe’s! I longingly search for them in the freezer every time I go to TJ’s, but the item went missing for a few years. The fries are back! I quickly picked up two bags in my excitement.

3. Top Chef: A promising season premiere, with Bourdain back on the first episode. I’m not sure who I like yet but I always feel bad about the first person to go. One thing for sure, there’s a whole lot of swearing going on this season.

Maria’s Thursday Three

(Flickr pic by ruimin84.)

1. The Walt Disney Concert Hall Rooftop: Add this to your list of free things to do in L.A. The roof is a pleasant spot to spend some time on a weekend, as you’re surrounded by beautiful trees and plants, a mosaic flower fountain and a children’s amphitheater. With benches and small tables scattered around, I’m always thinking about going there with a picnic lunch.

2. The Black Apple: One of my favorite artists from Etsy is The Black Apple’s Emily Martin. She captures a perfect blend of melancholy and groove in her art. Consider getting this print or this one.

3. “Lost”: It was satisfying seeing Desmond make contact with Penny, despite that crazy radioactive time travel plot bend. Do Sun and Jin round out the Oceanic Six? And are Desmond and baby Aaron the seventh and eight survivors? Does evil Ben count?

Maria’s Thursday Three

(Flickr pic by ruimin84.)

1. The Walt Disney Concert Hall Rooftop: Add this to your list of free things to do in L.A. The roof is a pleasant spot to spend some time on a weekend, as you’re surrounded by beautiful trees and plants, a mosaic flower fountain and a children’s amphitheater. With benches and small tables scattered around, I’m always thinking about going there with a picnic lunch.

2. The Black Apple: One of my favorite artists from Etsy is The Black Apple’s Emily Martin. She captures a perfect blend of melancholy and groove in her art. Consider getting this print or this one.

3. “Lost”: It was satisfying seeing Desmond make contact with Penny, despite that crazy radioactive time travel plot bend. Do Sun and Jin round out the Oceanic Six? And are Desmond and baby Aaron the seventh and eight survivors? Does evil Ben count?

Maria’s Thursday Three

1. Thank You: Some long overdue thank yous are in order to our readers who have sent us stuff. First off to Derek Powell, thanks for pushing us into Wi-Fi territory by giving us your extra router. Honestly, your box sat there for a month as we stared at each other waiting for the other to blink and finally, Mike saved the day and connected everything. Secondly, thanks to someone from 90039 — Atwater Village, I believe — for sending us a CD of “Christmas Music That Doesn’t Suck.” Love the tracks.

2. Elvis and Our MacBook: We recently purchased a MacBook — secure in our timing that Apple wouldn’t put out a new version, since they just announced the release of MacBook Air. So imagine our dismay when the computer giant released new editions of the MacBook and MacBook Pro two days ago. We love Apple, but have a long history of buying their products shortly before a new model comes out. Elvis, manager of the Grove Apple Store, restored our faith when he let us come in and exchange our model for the newest one. We had to pay a 10% re-stocking fee, but it all evened out in the end, as we got a faster computer with more space.

3. Franklin Avenue Turns Five: March marks the fifth anniversary of Franklin Avenue and we are planning something big. Something along the lines of a certain race. You interested? Stay tuned for more announcements.

Maria’s Thursday Three

1. Thank You: Some long overdue thank yous are in order to our readers who have sent us stuff. First off to Derek Powell, thanks for pushing us into Wi-Fi territory by giving us your extra router. Honestly, your box sat there for a month as we stared at each other waiting for the other to blink and finally, Mike saved the day and connected everything. Secondly, thanks to someone from 90039 — Atwater Village, I believe — for sending us a CD of “Christmas Music That Doesn’t Suck.” Love the tracks.

2. Elvis and Our MacBook: We recently purchased a MacBook — secure in our timing that Apple wouldn’t put out a new version, since they just announced the release of MacBook Air. So imagine our dismay when the computer giant released new editions of the MacBook and MacBook Pro two days ago. We love Apple, but have a long history of buying their products shortly before a new model comes out. Elvis, manager of the Grove Apple Store, restored our faith when he let us come in and exchange our model for the newest one. We had to pay a 10% re-stocking fee, but it all evened out in the end, as we got a faster computer with more space.

3. Franklin Avenue Turns Five: March marks the fifth anniversary of Franklin Avenue and we are planning something big. Something along the lines of a certain race. You interested? Stay tuned for more announcements.