Picture of Layla Handy

Layla Handy

Bio: Layla is an intern at NYCTastemakers and a current college freshman majoring in English. She has a strong passion for writing and enjoys reading in her free time. Layla also values spending quality time with her family.
Books

Wattpad Gets a Bad Rep

If you are unaware, Wattpad is a popular website and app where people can create and read original stories of varying genres. From romance and forbidden love to mystery and danger, Wattpad has been the go-to place for teenagers and young adults to read and create different stories. However, despite ...

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Fashion

Purses: My Guilty Pleasure

Okay, so I am a little late in my obsession with this, but trust me when I say: I love purses. Like, a lot. After buying a cute little purse last summer, my obsession with purses has awakened, and I fear it may never stop. And I do not want ...

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TV

Why We Like Star Wars

May the Fourth be with you, everyone! The time has come again as we celebrate and appreciate National Star Wars Day! First organized in 2011, based on the pun, “May the Force be with you,” we still recognize and celebrate the day in 2026! Until recently, May 4th was not ...

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Politics

I No Longer Recognize America

Seemingly, it looks like we stray farther from normal society towards a distorted and unfamiliar civilization that is reminiscent of dystopian books. Novels such as “1984” (1949), “Fahrenheit 451” (1953), “Animal Farm” (1945), and “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1985) used to seem so extreme and exaggerated to the point that they ...

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Sports

Why We Want to Belong

As a society, we often engage in sports for the wellness benefits of physical activity.  Whether it’s softball, rugby, football, or gymnastics, sports offer significant health benefits for players engaging in such physical activity. While this fact holds merit and is a valid advantage in playing sports, I argue that ...

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Top 5

Top 5 Songs for May 2026

Who doesn’t love music? Check below to see if your favorite song has everyone singing along in our picks for the top five songs for the month of May! 1. “Man I Need” – Oliva Dean Sung beautifully by Oliva Dean, this song is perfect for just about any occasion ...

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Top 5

Top 5 Local NYC Events for May 2026

Ah, it’s finally springtime, and we all know what that means: Warm weather, longer days, and most importantly, the fun events all over NYC!  If you’re ready to finally enjoy the warm weather and embrace the spring season as much as I am, look no further than our list of ...

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Music Playlist

May 2026 Playlist

Layla Handy

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Female Model

Naomi Campbell

Female Model of the Month for May 2026 Photo credit: Photo by PopularImages from Deposit Photos Instagram Facebook X-twitter Mouse-pointer Bio Gallery Bio Supermodel Naomi Campbell was born on May 22, 1970.  Raised by a single mother, and dancer Valerie Morris, Campbell spent most of her early life in Rome, ...

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Author

Nicholas Sparks

Author of the Month for May 2026 Photo credit: Photo by bossmoss from Deposit Photos Instagram Facebook X-twitter Bio Bio On the 31st of December 31, 1965, Nicholas Sparks was born to parents Jill Thoene and Patrick Sparks. While Sparks’ love and connection for writing began at a very young ...

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Male Model

Tyson Beckford

Male Model of the Month for May 2026 Photo credit: Photo by s_bukley from Deposit Photos Instagram Facebook X-twitter Bio Gallery Bio Supermodel and television personality Tyson Beckford was born on December 19, 1970, in the Bronx, NY. Spending most of his early life in Jamaica before returning to the ...

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Sports

Sports And Uniforms: Performing For the Male Gaze

In many aspects of our society, nothing is equal when it comes to gender and gender identity. And this depressing fact extends to sports as well. While I could discuss the inequity in the pay and wages gap between male and female athletes, another inequality plagues sports: uniforms.    Take ...

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