Girl World #28: Self Care, Phoebe Gates, Bonobos Lessons for Women, Scenic Amtrak Routes, Financial Literacy in 63 Mins, Korean Skincare, Purse Bowls, Infrared Saunas, Spring Outfits and more

Why is self-care so serious?

In an experiment this week, we had a nice back and forth with ChatGPT deep diving into self-care. What is considered self-care? What are women’s top priorities and focus areas around self-care? Most of the discussion on the internet and populating in our AI friend centers around tactics like taking supplements, gut-health, moving our bodies, digital detoxes, anti-aging practices, etc. While some articles touch on mental health action items like journaling and mindfulness, so few address the pursuit of a better world for yourself.

Now, wait, we all want a better world (we think?). Do you mean volunteering is self-care? It could be, but that’s not what we mean.

Build the world you want to live in. That’s the ultimate self-care. It includes healthy eating and some cool probiotics (that may or may not actually work). It also includes:

• Curating your social media feeds to show you content that lights you up, inspires you, motivates you, and makes you happy.

• Setting boundaries with social media, friends, work emails, family, and significant others. Limiting your news—stay aware, but not too aware?

• Making better-for-you choices. Choosing the walk over another hour binge-watching TV.

• Binge-watching TV. Sometimes, you need to zone out. You need a break. Take the break.

• Jumping on a trampoline with some friends. Yes, as an adult. No, you shouldn’t do flips. Having fun and trying things you loved as a kid is soul self-care.

• Taking your older neighbor some muffins you baked and asking how they’re doing. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you connect with another human.

• Buying that necklace or dress you’ve been eyeing it. You’ll feel amazing wearing it.

• Have you ever tried a VR lounge? Do it! Beat Saber is so fun. And, try walking the virtual plank. It’ll kick in your adrenaline faster than a roller coaster. Trust.

• Not saving everything for a special occasion. Your life is THE special occasion.

You get it. Have fun. Romanticize your life. Actually, live your life.

It’s the small things that are maybe the biggies. 2025 has been a lot of things, and none of them are peaceful and stable. Taking real care of our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls is the ultimate act of self-care and love. And, we’re choosing love (almost) every time.

1. We’ve pre-ordered Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves a long time ago, and we’re eagerly awaiting it’s release next week. This interview with the the author, Sophie Gilbert, is a must-read if you’re interested in how pop culture plays a role in how we see ourselves and other women.

2. A practical guide to having deeper, more meaningful conversations in your life.

3. Doechii is having a moment. And, she’s living in her authenticity as she does it. She learned to keep her commitments as a part of her own self-care. Something we all could be a little bit better about. But, also, she understands and doesn’t judge pivots (just like her mom taught her to do). Pivots are so often needed—and that’s ok.

4. Have scientists unlocked scientific evidence of how women can defend themselves against men? Female bonobos team up in groups of 3-5 to defend themselves and gain power over male bonobos. “Fully 85 percent of cases of female coalitionary aggression were directed at males, which also tend to be larger than females.” Thanks for the inspiration, babes. But, really, you make more impact together so who’s in?

5. Making friends as an adult is hard. If you’re looking for ways to make friends, explore these hobbies.

6. Every woman needs this: financial literacy in 63 minutes. Watch it. Bookmark it. Build wealth.

Phoebe Gates (yes, that Gates) just launched her new fashion tech app, Phia. It allows users to find the best price for an item they’re shopping for—super handy for the economic climate we’re facing today. Even though her parents didn’t fund her company, her New York Times feature (gifted article) doesn’t shy away from the access to her parents’ network and the clout (and expectations) her name brings to the game. She recently graduated from Stanford and made the move to New York to be where the fashion game is at. She has all the right ingredients to be the next woman to watch.

Lessons: We can’t all be nepo babies, but we can all build incredible networks. Your network is your net worth, as they say. Remember, you can work hard but it’s not enough to succeed in today’s market.

The other takeaway is a concept that is relatively known, but rarely talked about these days: you’re going to have more success if you are building a business or a career in the epicenter of where your industry exists. Can you make movies and land a gig on a Chicago-based T.V. show? Yes. But, to really succeed at a larger scale or quicker, you most likely need to be in L.A. (or maybe New York). Same goes for tech: AI companies need to be in San Francisco or Austin. Can you succeed in Columbus, OH? Yes. It’s just more difficult.

Signs your skin is losing collagen

Why yoga is the best mind-body connection practice

This one tool could address 50% of the the hallmarks of aging

When things don’t go right, it’s not necessarily a “sign” 

Do we really need to be able to do 11 push-ups? Please let the answer be “no.”

The 10 Things I Hate About You Broadway show is everything millennials need right now

The best Korean serums for glass skin

When did we get comfortable saying the c-word again? No shade, just an interesting take!

The most scenic Amtrak routes in the U.S. have us exploring some summer travel

The new moon in Taurus this weekend wants you to be more present

What’s a “purse bowl?” You’re welcome!

If you’re struggling with what to wear this spring, here’s some great outfit inspo

Do you have “worry windows?” We’re giving it a try!

We’re looking forward to reading Tina Knowles’ new book and we loved her NPR interview discussing its themes

We’re obsessed with this Google calendar management system

Going Out: It’s patio season so find a rooftop, patio or biergarten, and camp out for happy hour, brunch, or dinner (or all three!). Spring farmer’s markets are in full swing. We’ll be stopping by to support local farmers and enjoying the seasonal produce!

Watching: Your Friends & Neighbors—starring Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn & Jon Hamm

Listening: Headphones On by Addison Rae

Reading: There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift (a Harvard Business Book)

In the Kitchen: This turkey avocado sandwich has been on repeat

Moving our Bodies: Let’s get outside and see the spring flowers while hitting our daily steps! We’re into this boxing x pilates class, too.

💋 Jamie | Late August Media Founder

Girl World is a Late August Media publication.