Girl World #14: Solo Trips to Tokyo, Grinch Nails, Better Sex, Vision Boards, Wintering, Hot Girl Holiday Walks, and Dethroning Podcast Boys

It’s Friday the 13th—an incredibly lucky day and also Taylor Swift’s Birthday. We all know she’s a worldwide success and incredibly talented, but it’s her heart that always stands out the most. So, we’re saying Happy Birthday Taylor and sharing why Friday the 13th is actually a magical day to kick off this week’s Girl World.

How is it already mid-December? Time flies when you’re knee deep in TikTok Tarot, right? As we’re winding down the year and reflecting on what we did or didn’t accomplish this year, it’s a good time practice some self-compassion. Maybe you didn’t hit all of your goals—or maybe you absolutely crushed it. There’s a trend picking up on TikTok where women shared that they didn’t think they accomplished that much this year, but then realized that they actually did more than they thought they did. You definitely need to take big swings in your life, but remember you can go far distances one step at a time. They add up and before you know it, you’re further down your path than you thought.

And, if you’re already thinking about 2025, we recommend doubling down on a vision board. Make a physical one—not a digital one. Print out images, cut phrases and images out of magazines, and host a vision board night with your friends in that weird week between Christmas and New Years. Just like when you actually write out your notes, you’re more likely to remember them, making a physical vision board could be all the difference. If you need more inspo, head over to TikTok or Pinterest and search “2025 vision board.”

Our women-founded small business features continue for the holiday season. If you’re in the Chicago area, consider gifting a class or gift card from Bon Vivant Cakes. It’s a beginner cake decorating class that literally anyone can do. And, you get a cake to take home at the end of class. Win-Win. If you’re in the NYC area, gift a month of fresh organic juices or a gift card from Om Juice Bar. They’re absolutely the best—and your loved one will be grateful to you each time they pop in for a wellness moment. If you’re in LA, head to Lady & Larder for a gift card or one of their seasonal gifts. They make the most incredible cheese and charcuterie boards (sourced from local farmers and artisan food creators). They’re lunches and to-go items never miss either. Of course, you deserve a little something, too. So be sure to grab something for yourself while you’re at it.

1. Winter is here—here’s 9 ways to embrace it.

2. The Year of Brat: Charli XCX is Hitmaker of the Year.

3. How a two-week solo trip to Tokyo changed my mind about solo travel. Seriously, solo travel is amazing.

4. An intimacy coach weighs in on how to have better sex.

5. Why success might feel empty for you. Marie Forleo sums it up in less than one minute.

6. Our new Roman empire: Willow and the existence of multiple universes—did they prove it? Maybe. Of course, we’re claiming the Willow chip is part of Girl World.

Time Magazine’s: Athlete of the Year: Caitlin Clark and CEO of the Year: Lisa Su

Kylie Kelce dethroned Joe Rogan in one episode. Girl Power 🤘 

It’s a great time for women in music—a conversation with Doechii and Brittany Howard.

Melinda French Gates invests $150 million into women in the workforce.

Taylor Swift gave $197 million in bonuses to her Eras Tour team. When women have more money, they do good with it.

How to have the best orgasm of your life.

2025 wellness routines and trends to inspire you.

Hormone therapy was villainized for years, but it’s back now.

Why protein makes you leaner and stronger. It’s literally life-changing if you are 30+.

What should a 30-something look like? It’s all about millennials and aging.

There’s such a thing as an aesthetics concierge and we’re here for it.

Pinterest’s 2025 trend predictions are here. We’re embracing Sea Witchery & Goddess Complex.

Winter fashion is actually wearable this year.

2025 most-anticipated TV shows—Suits L.A., The White Lotus S3, Handmaid’s Tale S6 and more!

The most incredible overwater bungalows in the world. We’re catching flights in 2025.

12 grinch green nails to inspire your holiday nails.

2024 was the year of the situationship album—and we loved every moment of it.

Fine jewelry is heading to Studs. 2025 might be the year we finish that earscape.

An insider’s guide to Rio De Janeiro. Add this location to your 2025 bucket list. It’s on ours.

The 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards Winners—there’s always room on our TBR list!

The Hinge prompts that got this author more dates with men and women.

People who read for fun have different brains.

So, did we book a spot in a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class in honor her birthday? Yes, we did. Taylor, yoga, friendship bracelets and her famous Chai Sugar Cookies all in one place. We can’t wait. We also have a full moon this weekend—known as the Cold Moon. We’re using our Modern Astrologer workbook to harness the energy of the moon.

We’re in full holiday mode this weekend: our annual viewing of The Holiday is on deck as is making holiday cookie boxes for our friends and family. Are we making 12 cookies like some of those food content creators? Bless, but no. 4-6 cookie varieties are plenty!

We’re also heading out for some hot girl holiday walks to check out all of the lights and decorations in our neighborhood. Highly recommend doing the same—or driving around your town like you did when you were a kid. Because, why not? Embrace simple fun. If you’re in the Chicago area, might we suggest the Taylor Swift themed holiday house in Naperville? It’s back with new decor this year.

P.S. we’re finishing the Black Dove series on Netflix this weekend. If you love a spy thriller, give this Keira Knightley-led series a chance. We’re loving it!

💋 Jamie | Late August Media Founder

Girl World is a Late August Media publication.