The Best Bagel in LA
Did you know the average bagel has a history as rich as its flavor? Originating in 17th-century Poland, bagels have traveled the world to become a breakfast (and anytime) staple, especially here in LA, where creativity and quality shine. If you’re craving a bagel that’s perfectly chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, look no further. This roundup features some of the best bagel spots I’ve discovered in Los Angeles, each offering something unique.
Best Bookstores in Los Angeles
As an English major, the only thing I love more than reading books is buying them. Is there anything better than spending a quiet morning browsing around a bookstore, with an iced latte in hand, looking for your next read? There isn’t.
I’ve scoured far and wide—driving everywhere from Downtown to Hollywood to the beach—looking for the best bookstores in Los Angeles so you don’t have to. Below are just a few of my recommendations organized based on the experience you’re after. Visit each store one at a time or plan out your own bookstore crawl! Whether you’re a bookworm or not, each store is worth visiting to get a glimpse at a new area of LA.
10 Last Minute Halloween Costumes
It’s that time of year we’re trudging up the hill of projects disguised as midterms and trying to maintain that treasured “work-life balance.” The last thing on your mind is what three Halloweekend costumes you’ll need to scrounge together with accessories that may or may not come in time. So, here are some last-minute costumes that you can put together with clothes in your closet.
Not Sure What to Do This Weekend? Here’s Your Perfect LA Weekend Itinerary
It’s the beginning of the middle of the semester where you’re caught in the cycle of counting down to Fridays only for Monday to curb stomp you two days later. If you find yourself living in your textbooks or simply needing more local getaway inspiration for relaxation, here’s your guide to a fun day in LA.
USC Student Voting 101
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
It’s Midterm Season! Well, not those kinds of midterms…either ways, we all know the power of voting, so if you need a refresher on the process or are a first-time voter, here’s what you need to know to register and vote in the 2022 elections:
Things To Do in L.A. Before Summer Break
By: Sian Salazar ‘25 (Guest Blogger)
It’s kind of shocking to me that we only have 3 weeks left in the school year. This semester flew by so incredibly fast. Since we’re running out of time, I’ve put together a little guide on how to spend our last couple of weeks here at USC before we have to say goodbye (just for the summer, though!).
The Best Food in L.A. (On a Budget)
By: Sian Salazar ‘25 (Guest Blogger)
As a current college student who’s already (more than) breaking the bank just by attending USC, I know the importance of keeping your spending under a budget. So I’ve put together a quick list of places in Los Angeles with cheap, student-budget-friendly food.
The Best Gluten Free Treats You Can Find at the Grocery Store
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
When I was around 14 years old, I found out that I had a pretty severe gluten sensitivity. As a kid who lived off pasta, bread, and cheese in different variations for most of the years leading up to this moment, I was pretty upset to hear I’d never get to eat many of my favorite foods again.
Donut Friend is Dessert Heaven in DTLA
By: Lanie Brice ‘22
Over the weekend, I took a field trip over to Downtown LA to explore a new part of the city and stumbled upon the cutest donut shop. On my way back from visiting The Last Bookstore, I looked up and saw a sign for a bakery called Donut Friend.
Big New Movies to Watch This Year
By: Claire Wong ‘23
COVID-19 has been an interesting period for movies. Movies have been digitally released this year because theaters across the nation are closed. And without the theater experience, watching movie is not as appealing. Movies have been very much marketing their films differently this season and you may have missed some. Here are some of the best movies released this year!
Power to the People: A Playlist with Voter Resources
By: Celine Vazquez ‘24
The 2020 election is undeniably the most important election in American history. Because of its importance, it’s imperative that we empower people to vote! I made this election playlist that you can jam out to when filling out your ballot at home, or waiting in line at the polls. Along with each song are important voting resources you can use this election! Let’s get voting, USC!
Movie Night on a Budget
By: Danielle Collins ‘20
I love movies, and I love seeing movies at the theater. But in LA, too many movies nights can break the bank. Coming from my hometown where movie tickets are $7, going to the theater in LA was a shock. So I’ve done my best to figure out how to keep seeing movies without draining my bank account. My two biggest recommendations are buying tickets from the USC Ticket Office, or investing in MoviePass if you’re a serious moviegoer. Keep reading to learn about those options and a couple of other suggestions!
Air + Style: Music Festival Recap
By: Terry Nguyen ‘20
What originated as a snowboarding competition 21 years ago in Innsbruck, Austria has grown to be a global event that merges the latest music and the sport into an unforgettable two-day experience. From Feb. 18 to Feb. 19, Air + Style brought the world’s best snowboarders to downtown Los Angeles’ Exposition Park and rising artists, like Grammy-award winning DJ Flume and USC alumnus ZHU. Despite rain or shine, the festival went on for both days from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and crowds gathered enthusiastically between the Winter and Summer stages throughout the course of the afternoon into late evening. Their energy did not quell between the sets, as hundreds of people bunched towards the front of the stage, anxiously awaiting their favorite artists.
Visions and Voices: Free Outgoing
By: Anna Lipscomb ‘19
Last Thursday (2/16), USC Vision & Voices took students to the East West Players in Little Tokyo to see a production of Free Outgoing. Based on a true incident that occurred in India, the play captures the unraveling lives of Deepa and her family after she is involved in a sex scandal that goes viral online. When it feels like the world is against them, Malini, the mother and head of the household, must make a decision to protect the family’s future.
Women’s March Los Angeles
By: Grace Carballo ‘17
Last Saturday, millions of people around the world took to the streets to march for women’s rights, our human rights. The New York Times assembled a photo from each city’s Women’s March, from Nairobi to Lima, Tel Aviv to Sydney (and, of course, dozens of U.S. cities). I get chills each time I scroll through the images of the different demonstrations (and not just when I catch a glimpse of the Antarctica march). What a tremendous display of unity: women make up over half of the world’s population and will not be silenced.
Giving Thanks: Fall 2016 In Review
By: Anna Lipscomb ‘19
Thanksgiving is a few days away, so let’s take a moment to look back at all the things we can be thankful for this semester.
Films to Watch this Halloween (Made by USC Alums!)
By: Anna Lipscomb ‘19
Looking for scary Halloween movies to binge-watch tonight? Check out these ones made by Trojans!
Sun’s Out Buns Out: How to Beat the Heat in LA
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
For one, go to The Beach! A fast cure from the summer heat is a trip to the beach! Check out my blg post West Coast Best Coast for the 6 Must-Visit Beaches in sunny California. I love taking a self-care day and heading to the beach with my girls. Whether you simply want to lay out and soak in the sunshine or take a dip in the ocean here are some of the things you can do at the beach.
West Coast Best Coast: 6 Beaches You Need To Visit
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
Sometimes we forget how spoiled we are to bask in Califronia’s perfect weather. Albeit it can be drastic at times, for the most part the California sunshine never dissapoints. Here are the top 8 West Coast beaches you need to visit.
8 Instagram Worthy Photo Ops in LA
By: Samantha Romero ‘16
You’ve seen them in your feed posted by some of your favorite bloggers but now here’s your chance to grab some friends and roadtrip across the city to snap away at some of the most popular Instagram worthy photo locations.