Girl World #18: Miley, Romantasy, Oprah's regret, women NFL coaches, body gua sha, Shanghai + Paris, sleep retreats, Barbieland basements, self-care + more

It’s only mid-January, yet it feels like we’re a few years into 2025. It goes without saying that many of us are feeling the heaviness of the last few weeks and months. Don’t worry—this isn’t sad and heavy. It’s about hope.

Since Girl World was partially inspired by Barbie the movie and Barbieland, we want to remind you that Barbie on her own didn’t save Barbieland. The Barbies (and a mother daughter duo) were successful when they banded together to take it back.

The tragedy of the L.A. wildfires has demonstrated the power of community. The Hills’ Spencer and Heidi shared that they lost everything in the fires and asked the internet to help by streaming her songs from a decade-old album. It’s been trending and reached the top of the streaming charts.

Food influencers and chefs were making food for first-responders and those affected by the wildfires. The AirBNB company and local hosts have provided housing for thousands of people left homeless by the tragedy. LA is showing up and donating food, pet food, clothes, and everything in between. THIS is the power of community.

TikTok might or might not be saved—but a protest movement to move to the Chinese-owned Xiaohongshu (Rednote) by millions of U.S. users, and now being supported by users from around the world, has changed so many lives and perspectives in less than week. Two cultures told to hate and/or fear each other are having real conversations, sharing jokes, and enjoying each other’s company. After spending only a few hours on Xiaohongshu, we can attest that it’s a lovely, positive, and welcoming platform that feels amazing to be part of. Whether TikTok is banned in the US or not, these conversations have been impactful—and we’re not going back.

THIS is the power of community. THIS is the power of coming together to create change.

We’ve gotten to such a place of divide and isolation that we forget how much we need each other. As humans, we need a community. Yet, so many Americans are lonely and isolated. Finding community is crucial to our success, happiness, and evolution. Join a bookclub or a social club or a dinner club. Chat up your neighbor after your barre class. Host a dinner party. Join a pickleball league. Volunteer for an organization you care about. Pick something to expand your network and connect with others. It’s evident now, more than ever, that we need each other.

Community is something we’ll continue to explore here in Girl World and in our personal lives. We hope you join us.

1. A quick reminder from Marie Forleo that you are your most important asset—act accordingly.

2. Miley Cyrus’ Bazaar cover story is a must-read. We’ve always been Team Miley!

3. We love this Gracie Abrahams and Sofia Coppola interview—with a preview of their Chanel collaboration. So fun and girly.

4. “Romance is this beautiful place where women get to say on the page what we want, what we deserve, what healthy relationships should look like. [It’s about] destigmatizing what a woman feels she’s worth.”— a look inside Rebecca Yaros’s fantasy life

5. A fascinating look at the history of eating the last piece within cultures throughout the world.

6. Oprah revealed her biggest regret and the lessons to learn from it.

Refinery29’s Women Powerhouses of 2024

Boxer Ramla Ali Enters the Ring in Style

A look at the women coaching NFL teams

Jeni Britton of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is transforming gut health and sustainability with delicious fiber-filled snacks at Floura

For healthy hair, eat like this

What is the anti-inflammatory diet and is it right for you?

15 high-protein snacks to try this year

The winter blues are real—here’s how to manage them

Staying in the moment during sex—how to enjoy the moment and not get distracted

This superstar gut supplement is a must-try—and it’s not probiotics

The benefits of body gua sha 

12 of the buzziest films to look for at Sundance and in theaters

WFH outfits to inspire your OOTD

Latino-owned body care brands to explore this winter

A treasure hunting reading list with puzzles to solve

The Céline lace trend is back

Explore this Shanghai travel guide 

Valentine’s Day nail inspiration that you’ll love

A book list that pivots our focus from work to life

We’re in love with these basement design ideas for our Barbie Houses

The fashion editor’s guide to Paris

Are sleep retreats the next wellness trend?

10 Valentine’s Day outfit ideas

Up your tea consumption with these tea blends from a female-founded company

It’s the dead of winter in most of the U.S. and we need to prioritize our happiness and joy levels to combat any type of seasonal depression. We’re going to dinner and trying out new restaurants with our friends. We’re getting together with friends to celebrate a birthday. We’re skipping our Target runs for a long bath and a good read. We’re moving our body with a daily workout and getting outside for a walk with a friend in some nice bright sunlight.

We’re also heading to a two-hour yoga and meditation class because self-care is our number one priority. We’re putting our minds, bodies, and souls at the forefront of the choices that we’re making with our time and resources this year. Yes, we’ll be scrolling TikTok just in case it disappears on Sunday (Monday?), but we’re also leaving our phones behind for IRL experiences.

This weekend, we’re baking this strawberry funfetti cake and making these loaded chimichurri sweet potato fries. Because, why not? You can eat real food and enjoy what you’re eating. It’s called balance, right?

💋 Jamie | Late August Media Founder

Girl World is a Late August Media publication.