Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Laila Mayfield
Farmers Feeding Florida program permanence represents a win for food banks and farmers in North Central Florida
At Gainesville’s largest food bank, boxes upon boxes of fresh zucchini and squash are hauled off by the shopping cart-full to ministries, pantries and nonprofit organizations across the region. Colorful, farm-fresh produce is the standard. Just days earlier, this produce was simply a product surplus from a Florida farm.
Alachua County Civics Challenge a sign of statewide embrace of civic education
Fifteen years ago, Sherwin-Williams account executive Leo Booth was frustrated with his daughter’s education. On Wednesday, he was clutching a pad of yellow notebook paper, keeping a running tally of the correct answers his gaggle of seventh-grade civics students earned in the ninth annual Alachua County Civics Challenge. His students took first place. “I saw more and more things that I thought weren’t beneficial in classrooms,” Booth said.
Your Guide To Setting Relationship Standards
That math class cutie is pretty much everything you want in a partner: They’re intelligent, charismatic and have the most *gorgeous* eyes. Swoon. But there might be one thing that irks you about them. Maybe they have a habit of throwing their friends under the bus to seem cooler…or maybe they just forget to do their homework every day, looking to you for answers.
Coffee stand founders, Tim and Suzanne Underwood
Tucked beneath a mint green canopy tent, Tim Underwood carefully pours a cup of cold brew. His wife Suzanne Underwood leans over and tops off the beverage with a cloud of fluffy cold foam, just before he drizzles a dash of honey. The exercise feels more like a work of art than preparing a cup of joe. The process is collaborative and intentional - and all happens within the confines of a bicycle cart.
We Rock Gainesville's Teen Open Mic highlights next generation of city music scene
The shred of the guitar and cadence of the drumbeat could be heard from outside Heartwood Soundstage's listening room, where audience members spilled into the standing-room-only concert. Though the music sounded almost professional, the stage was commanded by a posse of pint-size performers. Comprising three 12-year-old musicians, Gainesville indie-punk band Youth Ambulance is already booking local music festivals.
A Week's Worth Of Easy Meal Inspo To Level Up Your School Lunch
Tired of bringing that same PB&J sandwich to school every day? Dw, we’ve got you covered. With homework, sports and after-school clubs, it can be a challenge to prioritize balanced eating—which is why we’ve provided you a week’s worth of healthy, quick and delish lunch inspo. Yeah, you’re gonna want to take a bite out of this. Monday: Quesadillas Let’s be real for a sec: You can do almost anything with a quesadilla. Want something plain and simple? Just grab a tortilla, cheese and chicken.
How to make a family group chat you actually want to text in
Having a family group chat is super beneficial—you can plan upcoming family get-togethers, delegate household chores or just catch up with your fave relatives. But let's be honest: Sometimes the fam text thread can get a little stiff. The convos can be dry, negative or just boring, tbh. But this doesn't have to be the case! We believe that your fam group chat can be both totally practical *and* totally entertaining. That's why we've compiled all the tips you need to enhance the thread.
Everything you need for your summer bedroom makeover
School's been out for a hot second—you've your summer tan going, an adorable new rom-com to read and even a beach vacay lined up. But what about your indoor summertime plans? You can't stay out in the sun forever (as much as we'd love to). Luckily, it's possible to make it feel like summer 24/7 in your own bedroom. We've rounded up some of the cutest coastal decor and colorful prints so that care-free summer attitude can last All. Year. Long.
We just found a 20-minute workout for every day of the week
Maybe you're a runner who can't stop doing cardio. Maybe you prefer sticking to weights. Or maybe you can't even remember the last time you worked out. Whatever the case may be, finding ~balance~ in your exercise schedule is tough (and don't get us started on the time commitment). We need quick, easy and absolutely-not-boring workouts that hit every muscle group (bc we're strong, balanced queens, obvi). That's why we found the perf 20-minute home workouts to match your weekly exercise vibe.
30 cute conversation starters for your next hangout
IDK about you, but we know pretty much *everything* about our BFF. We know their fave color (aqua!), their biggest fear (heights!), who their first crush was in elementary school (top secret info!)... but let's be real—when was the last time you got *real* with your bestie? Caught up in the day-to-day grind, it can be tough to feel fully connected to your bestie. That's why we've rounded up 30 bestie-proof questions that are more than just breaking the ice. Friendship & Relationship Qs: 1.
Everything you need to know about crushing on Snapchat
Tori G., 16, remembers the moment she connected with her very first crush on Snapchat. "He didn't go to my school, but I knew him through my bestie and thought he was cute," she explains. "He added me on Snap and we started talking pretty much constantly." As their back-and-forth banter became the highlight of each day, Tori found herself daydreaming her crush would take her to his spring dance or ask to be exclusive. The only problem? Their love story had never left the Snap Map.
6 adorable dog accounts to follow in honor of National Puppy Day
Gather all of your fave squeaky toys and dog treats—because today is National Puppy Day! Everybody knows that dogs are a girl's BFF. They'll never judge you for flunking that biology test, they'll give you a ton of attention after a long day at softball practice and they'll *always* be down for a hot girl walk.
How to tell if you're outgrowing a friendship
Your so-called best friend hasn't felt like one in the past couple of months...it happens. As we girlies go through so many phases in life, our relationships are bound to change, too—some for the better, and some, well, not so much. Here's a word of advice: Don't panic if your friendships start to feel a little different (it's kinda inevitable). Here are some signs that you may be outgrowing a friendship.
EXCLUSIVE! Jordynne Hahn takes us behind the scenes of influencer life (on roller skates, obvi)
Let's be honest for a sec: Jordynne Hahn has basically been living the dream for the past year. At only 15 years old, she's been touring the globe with her besties (as part of Piper Rockelle Live), meeting fans from all over the world, and making the *best* memories in the coolest cities. Not to mention she gets to make dance videos and mini-vlogs every day for her growing fanbase of over 400K on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube combined.
How to level up your room decor with posters
Turns out, your parents were kinda trendy back in the day. If you're looking to channel your inner 90s teen fangirl, look no further than the tried-and-true poster. Versatile, unique and oh-so wonderfully tacky, posters are the perf way to give your room a quick refresh. Not to mention: They're wayyy more affordable than your typical room decor go-tos. We've rounded up all the tips you need to let posters usher in your new room aesthetic. Consider this your crash course in poster decorating.
Here's why you need an exercise BFF
Exercise is hard—everyone knows that. The consistency, the discomfort, the excessive sweat…the list goes on. But you know what makes everything a little easier? Your bestie by your side. Because yes, that minute-long plank does feel a little (just a little) shorter when you’re having a convo with your best girl. Having a workout bestie is a great way to stay in shape *and* an excuse to hang with your BFF. Exercise-based friendships are our new fave type of friendship—here's why.
Your ultimate guide to setting relationship standards
That math class cutie is pretty much everything you want in a partner: They’re intelligent, charismatic and have the most *gorgeous* eyes. Swoon. But there might be one thing that irks you about them. Maybe they have a habit of throwing their friends under the bus to seem cooler…or maybe they just forget to do their homework every day, looking to you for answers.
We're making Instagram casual again (but like, in a cool way)
Don't get us wrong, we loooove scrolling through our Instagram feed. But sometimes the Gram can feel a little, well, fake. I mean, did your beach vacation actually look like that IRL? Back in the olden days (AKA 2014), Instagram was simpler: cute pics of your cat, group pics with your besties and ultra-filtered pics of your latest Starbucks order. Instagram wasn't about impressing your virtual friends but about chronicling your life. A public photo album, if you will.
Volumizing hairstyles for the thin hair girlies Original
We can change a lot about our hair—hair color, hairstyle, haircut, even hair scent! But one thing we can’t seem to change? The thickness. Based on the diameter of each individual hair strand, the thickness of your hair is determined almost completely by genetics. For girls with thin or fine hair, this can be a little disheartening. With fine hair, holding volume or curls is nearly impossible.
7 out-of-the-box ideas for your Friendsgiving
Psstt! It's the szn of counting your blessings, so we're on a mission to level up your Friendsgiving. Gathering by a freshly set table with your besties never gets old, but this year, we're bringing in some a-maize-ing ideas to spice up your feast as one for the books. Brb, getting our turkey on. 1.
EXCLUSIVE! Kenz Couch spills the deets about new podcast "Stop Talking Kenz" and spooky szn faves
While most dancers like to share that they've been pirouetting since before they could talk, 17-year-old Kenz Couch has proudly been dancing *and* holding good convos since, like, ever. That's why her latest project—a dance podcast lovingly dubbed "Stop Talking Kenz"—is the perfect platform for Kenz's two fave things (dancing and talking, if you couldn't already tell). "I just feel like being a podcast host is something I was meant to do, because I'm literally always talking", Kenz shares.
Starbucks secret menu items we're craving this fall
Ah, the pumpkin spice latte. An autumnal staple we find ourselves obsessing over every late August (because, let's be real, that's when fall starts). But knee-deep into October, you can't help but grow a little bored of the basic PSL. The pumpkin cream chai might provide temporary satisfaction, but there's gotta be other cozy, Stars Hollow-vibe fall drinks out there, right? Right. They just aren't on the official menu.
Celeb-inspired costumes you need to try this Halloween
It's sure been one crazy year for us pop-culture lovers. Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS? Barbenheimer? Beyoncé's World Tour? It's simply a pop-culture overload (but tbh, are we really complaining?). When it comes to Halloween, everyone loves a good pop-culture reference. After that viral couple who dressed up as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce back in 2020 basically predicted their relationship, we just know there's gonna be some ah-mazing celeb Halloween looks this year.
The scary movie sleepover survival guide
It's a canon event in every girl's life. You're at a sleepover with your BFFs, and the late-night entertainment of choice? A horror movie. You are absolutely *not* a fan of scary movies, but you can't tell them that—your friends are already chattering away about how they love a good scare. So what's a girl (who def prefers feel-good flicks over frights) to do? Luckily, there are answers that don't involve ditching your friends for a safer, scary-movie-free environment.
7 online dress boutiques for homecoming season
Now that the novelty of fresh school supplies and new class schedules has worn off, a new high school hyperfixation is upon us: homecoming. For high school students across the country, early autumn is defined by Friday night football games, spirit day challenges and of course, homecoming formals. Typically the culminating celebration of hoco week, the homecoming dance inspires girls everywhere to spend countless hours scrolling through colorful silhouettes in search of the perfect dress.
Everything the Swifties need to know about Travis Kelce
Consider this the American Revolution, Taylor's Version. After over a decade of only dating London boys (Joe Alwyn, Calvin Harris, Harry Styles, Matty Healy), Taylor Swift's presence at this Sunday's Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears game brought two of America's biggest fanbases together—the Swifties and the NFL stans. Rumors about the budding romance between Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce have been circulating since Taylor's Kansas City stop on the Eras Tour.
Our Fave Celeb Fashion Moments From New York Fashion Week 2023
And just like that, NYFW has come to a close. Sigh. We're already missing our bedazzled Fashion Week Insta feed. If you're like us, you're already counting down the days until February (yes, NYFW happens *twice* a year). But DW, we've rounded up some of the hottest celeb fashion moments from this whirlwind of a week in the Big Apple to obsess over while you wait.
Our fave celeb fashion moments from New York Fashion Week 2023
And just like that, NYFW has come to a close. Sigh. We're already missing our bedazzled Fashion Week Insta feed. If you're like us, you're already counting down the days until February (yes, NYFW happens *twice* a year). But DW, we've rounded up some of the hottest celeb fashion moments from this whirlwind of a week in the Big Apple to obsess over while you wait. Here are some of our top celeb street style moments from this week...
The shy girl's guide to flirting
Talking to your crush is hard—everybody knows that. But for shy girls? It's a whole different ballgame. Talking to normal, non-crushes can be a challenge for introverted girlies, so how are you expected to talk to the one person you *actually* like? Let alone flirt with them? Not to fear, shy gals! We've rounded up all the tips you need to make those flirty convos with your crush happen. And PSA: It's a lot easier than you think.
New York Fashion Week trends we're obsessed with rn
It's the most wonderful time of the year: New York Fashion Week. Running from Sept. 7 through 13, this year's showcase has already brought us some of the best fashion moments of 2023 (have you seen The Summer I Turned Pretty cast's gorg looks yet?). Fashion icons like Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch have featured their upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 designs, and we've already spotted some of the hottest new trends you can expect to see at, like, *every* store in the next few months.
Back-to-school supplies that give total #studytok vibes
Lofi-music. A cute bev. Soft lighting. A seemingly endless array of multicolored pens. We all wished our notes looked as cute as the #studytok girls' on TikTok. They have clean, college-ruled notebooks and the most aesthetic desktop home screen. There's a reason the hashtag has amassed over 14 billion views. With back-to-school szn in our sights, it's def time to revamp your school supply selection. Why not channel your inner #studytok girlie with some adorable yet durable new supplies?
The ultimate guide to game day fits
Football season is right around the corner. If you want the *cutest* game day outfits, you have to start planning right now. No seriously, like rn. If you're tired of the basic school color combo and bandanas, we've got you covered. Here are 6 fun game day outfits to recreate this fall! Take me out to the ball game We know what you may be thinking...totally wrong sport.
EXCLUSIVE! TikToker Bella Horiszny is redefining what it means to be a fitness influencer
If you were into fitness in 2020, TikToker Bella Horiszny probably popped up on your FYP. Her smiling face, affinity for Celsius energy drinks and amaze morning routine made her an unmistakable presence on wellness TikTok during the lockdown era. Everything about her life seemed like #goals, from her workout seshes to her cute relationship to her healthy recipes and adorbs Gymshark fits. We wanted to be just like Bella—but the Bella we knew online wasn't quite like Bella IRL.
Enter your nature girl era with these backyard mindfulness activities
Let's be real: If you're reading this, you're probably not basking in the warmth of the late summer sun in a vast, open prairie, listening to the birds chirp as you read the latest off of your TBR. You're probs sitting at home, dreaming of the day you can finally chill out—no drama, no homework, no bad vibes.
Every era performed at The Eras Tour, ranked
It's been five months since we heard that sweet sweet Miss Americana remix in Glendale (AKA Swift City), "Era"zona for the first time. On the opening night of The Eras Tour, Taylor Swift shocked audiences with a prodigious three-hour setlist, complete with a tour through *almost* every era (RIP Debut). We still can't comprehend how Taylor Swift busted out 44+ songs each night.
You need these dairy-free ice creams in your life
Fact: It is estimated that approximately 68% of humans worldwide have lactose intolerance, per theAlso fact: Ice cream is delicious. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, lactose intolerance refers to the inability for your body to break down the lactase sugar enzyme present in milk products. As a result, you may have stomach pain, bloat or other annoying, race-to-the-bathroom-type feelings. Lactose intolerance isn't totally treatable, but you can take lactase pills to mitigate the effects.
We ranked every surprise song combo on the Eras Tour
Must List What a week, Swifties! Rumored tour documentary filming, a ton of new blue fits and the announcement of 1989 (Taylor's Version) cemented the L.A. stop of the Eras Tour as one for the books. The surprise song combos were top-tier, too. But how do they stack up against almost 50 other tour dates so far? In celebration of the past five months of touring, we've decided to unofficially determine which Eras Tour stop got the *ultimate* surprise song combo.
EXCLUSIVE! All-star cheerleader Brooklynn Riley is spreading kindness one Post-it Note at a time
"Thank you for the sunshine you add to this world. Keep going, I'm happy ur here." That's just one of the many unique compliments given by all-star cheerleader (and reigning queen of kindness) Brooklynn Riley, 15, on a daily basis. But if you stumbled upon the sweet comment in the form of a small, neon Post-it Note pasted on your car window, you'd have no idea where the kind words came from—and that's the point.
We just found a 20-minute workout for every day of the week
Maybe you're a runner who can't stop doing cardio. Maybe you prefer sticking to weights. Or maybe you can't even remember the last time you worked out. Whatever the case may be, finding ~balance~ in your exercise schedule is tough (and don't get us started on the time commitment). We need quick, easy and absolutely-not-boring workouts that hit every muscle group (bc we're strong, balanced queens, obvi). That's why we found the perf 20-minute home workouts to match your weekly exercise vibe.
5 times Barbie reminded us that we can do anything
We already know that Aussie queen Margot Robbie will make the perfect Barbie. She's perfectly poised and whip-smart—just like our fave doll. But what about the decades of Barbies that came before her? Since Mattel's 1985 "Barbie: You can be Anything" campaign (which is still going strong today!), we've seen Barbie take on jobs spanning everything from dolphin trainer to presidential candidate.
5 better-for-you soda alternatives we're craving rn
Idk about you, but we're craving a crisp, ice-cold Coke straight from the can pretty much 24/7. Soft drinks can make the perfect sweet treat for a warm summer evening with your BFFs, but their super-high sugar content makes them an imperfect choice for a daily beverage. Yeah, Diet Coke exists, but we just aren't digging that fake sugar either. And let's be fr—it tastes nothing like the OG. But fear not, bb! Bubbly bevs can still be the sweetest mood-booster without that excessive sugar.
What your dream The Summer I Turned Pretty boy says about you
Conrad or Jeremiah? The age-old (er—the year-old) question that has haunted The Summer I Turned Pretty fans since the day the show first came out. For OG fans of the book trilogy, the debate has lasted far longer. Are you falling for Conrad's mysterious persona or dreaming of a date with Jere? TBH, you could be crushing on another TSITP boy altogether. There's plenty of Cousins Beach boys to fall for, but what does your choice say about you?
How to plan the cutest The Summer I Turned Pretty watch party
The outfit For the watch party, why not dress like you're a Cousins Beach local? Wear your best sundress and sandals. Maybe even bring a swimsuit, if you are thinking about making it a pool-party-turned watch-party. For more, check out our article on all the fashion tips from the Summer I Turned Pretty. @thesummeriturnedpretty The decor DW, even if your hometown is nothing like Cousins Beach (inland girlies, we get it), you can still decorate your house to feel like a seaside getaway.
Quiz - GirlsLife
X-MEN MEETS SPY KIDS In this third installment of the bestselling series, a trusted ally of The Forgotten Five must go undercover to expose the corrupt president's re-election scheme. Will their plan work...or will the kids' criminal parents prove to be their most powerful enemies yet? Enter here!
How to copy Taylor Swift's NYC street style
Welcome (back) to new york, Swifties! Since the Eras Tour began just three months ago, we’ve seen Taylor Swift out and about in the Big Apple more than we have since the 1989 era. As if our fave singer-songwriter couldn't get any cooler, Taylor's been spotted in the cutest city-chic looks. Her street style is classy and elegant, but still casual enough for walks about the city.
Everything you need to know about the "Female Athlete Triad"
OK, we probably aren't the first to tell you that moving your body and eating well are the hallmarks of cultivating a healthy lifestyle. But contrary to popular belief, it is actually very possible to push that "healthy lifestyle" over the edge. Common among teenage girls, the "Female Athlete Triad" is defined by Massachusetts General Hospital's Neuroendocrine Unit as the interdependence of three key symptoms: period loss, low energy availability and minimized bone density.
Quiz - GirlsLife
Quiz - Tell us about your crush and we'll give you the perfect first date idea @rudeth We all know the feeling: you've got the biggest crush, but you just don't know how to make that pivotal first move. First dates are never a one-size-fits-all, and we're here to help you get some inspo. Tell us all the deets about your crush and we'll give you a totally personalized (and totally swoon-worthy!) first date idea. By Laila Mayfield 1 First of all: How well do you know your crush?
A nondefinitive ranking of every Met Gala theme since 2013
With the first Monday in May falling on the 1st this year, the annual Met Gala is just around the corner. Hosted by Vogue's editor-in-chief (and couture queen) Anna Wintour, the event is often hailed as fashion's biggest night—and we couldn't be more excited to see this year's looks. A selection of year-defining A-list celebs, musicians and fashion designers are invited to dress according to a unique theme, with inspiration spanning everything from punk rock to hyper-advanced technology.
EXCLUSIVE! Ava Ro brings music, family and fun to her new Nickelodeon show Erin & Aaron
People always say that music brings people together—but can it unite two *totally* different stepsiblings who both want the musical spotlight? That's a question for actress Ava Ro, who's living out the sitch as lead character Erin on Nickelodeon's brand new show Erin & Aaron.
EXCLUSIVE! Skyla I'Lece spills *everything* about her new Disney+ show The Crossover
When Skyla I'Lece found out she landed the role of female lead "Alexis" in Disney's TV adaptation of novel-in-verse The Crossover, she thought she was in a dream—and we can't blame her. At just 16, she's starring in her first series regular role in a long-awaited adaptationof a Newbery Award-winning book. Not to mention the fact that it's executive produced by NBA all-star LeBron James and lyrically narrated by Hamilton's Daveed Diggs.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Laila
Contact Laila, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack