Mini DeLites: BOOKS

{ homemade turkey burgers }

{ kind of jumped on the Kylie Jenner lip train** }

Since I’ve had some major downtime this month, I’ve been able to sort of kick back and do one of my favorite things ever: READ.

Every time I’ve had anything bad happen in my life I turn to books.

I find that they suck me into a different world where I can turn my brain off. Take a moment. And reflect subconsciously.

I guess reading has always been extremely therapeutic for me.

( I always joke with Michael that I knew I wanted to marry him when I found out he was a big reader. No matter how busy he is with work/life, he ALWAYS makes time to read everyday. To me, thats a very attractive trait in a man or woman ).

As my business has grown, I noticed I wasn’t making time to read…SCREW THAT.

& what a BULL SHIT EXCUSE, there’s always time if you make time, right?

SO I’ve changed my thought process. I’ve made time to kick back & just read. It doesn’t have to be some gnarly, intense book, it could be something light & girly, but I believe that making the effort to read everyday is good for your soul, good for your brain, & good for your sanity.

Do I sound crazy or are we on the same page here ( lol )?

{ a rad illustration drawn by a TSC reader }

Anyway, I decided to compile a little list of what I’ve been loving this month…

1.} The Cartel by Don Winslow: I just started this last night & I’m almost half way through. IT’S SOOOOO GOOD. If you’re looking for an amazing read, START THIS BOOK. Again, I haven’t finished it but so far it’s been ADDICTIVE.

2.} Down The Rabbit Hole by Holly Madison: DON’T LAUGH because this was awesome. I loved it! Holly tells it how it is. She shares an inside look into life behind the Playboy gates & a peek inside Hugh Hefner’s crazy world. This is the perfect book for someone who just underwent intense surgery because it’s light & really takes your mind off anything negative. Highly recommend this juicy autobiography.

3.} Is Everyone Hanging Out With Me? ( And Other Concerns ) by Mindy Kaling: very funny, cute, & a quick read. Mindy makes you LOL. Again, a perfect post-surgery book.

4.} The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers: HILARIOUS. My girlfriend, Gillian, recommended this to me & it did not disappoint. Firstly, Joan was my spirit animal. Her daughter, Melissa, does an eloquent job of remembering her mother in a witty, seriously funny way. And obviously Joan was a fucking spit fire. Highly recommend this one for a good laugh. Next up: want to read all of Joan’s books ( she has like 4! ). She laughed through her adversity…& looked fab at the same time.

5.} In My Shoes: A Memoir by Tamara Mellon: Tamara is a balls to the walls business babe. She is the co-founder of Jimmy Choo & super inspiring. This book really resonated because Tamara kind of started from the bottom & created a massive empire.

6.} Suja Juice Solution by my girlfriend, Annie Lawless & Jeff Church: I really, really loved this book. It’s full of awesome recipes, easy tips, & clean ideas. There was so much thought that went into this book & I use it all the time when I’m cooking. I love this breakfast recipe & this is kind of a spin on one of their drink recipes!

7.} Blogging For Creatives by Robin Houghton: this book is awesome if you’re in the blogging world. It’s a quick read with insightful tips. I would recommend this to someone who is new-ish to the blogging community.

8.} 10 Pounds in 10 Days by Jackie Warner: this was research for The Skinny Confidential Bombshell Body Guide. I love reading about other fitness gurus tricks & tips. This book has AN AWESOME list of foods to eat & foods to avoid if you’re looking or optimal weight loss. Jackie is sassy pants & a total wellness inspiration.

9.} Confessions of a Catholic Cop by Thomas Fitzsimmons: I love this author because he always writes about real deal New York City Bronx crime. He was a former cop who actually has seen the worst of the worst. And shocker, I love reading about cops, gangs, jails, etc. & this writer gets it.

10.} A bunch of James Patterson books because they’re quick & light reads. After a while you start to see the way he writes & it’s gets a bit repeatitive. But the first couple of books are fun if you want something kind of mindless.

Also, I started the autobiography Finding Me by Michelle Knight ( the woman who was held captive for 11 years & found in Cleveland ) & couldn’t finish it. It was WAY too sad. She is amazing but I had to put it down halfway through. I will try to finish it when I’m feeling better, health-wise.

Here’s my list for the next month: Shogan by James Clavell ( << Michael’s recommendation ), I, Justine ( << she’s a top YouTube vlogger ), Primates of Park Avenue ( MEOW! Should be interesting… ), & Girl on the Train ( << a reader’s recommendation ).

{ easy post workout smoothie: 1/2 banana, handful of berries, kale, bee pollen, chia seeds, & turmeric }

{ gold lamé x a leather moto }

So ya, there’s my list. Like I said, sometimes it’s fun to just read a light girly book & sometimes it’s nice to dig a little deeper. Hell, sometimes I love to even listen to books on tape ( currently: Diane Keaton’s autobiographies ). Oh, can you tell I like autobiographies??!

What is your favorite book lately & why? I would love recommendations. Obviously I’m home, resting, & trying my best to heal so literally any book you guys suggest is a real lifesaver to pass the time.

Hope you all had a fun, chill weekend!

– lauryn, xx

** Kylie Jenner lip train note: I have to admit I had a weak moment a few months ago & purchased this weird contraption called Candy Lipz. Since I’m a blogger, I’m always trying to test out new things…this one was a REAL FAIL. Basically you put it around your lips & er, uh it’s a lip plumper device designed to shape, contour, & enhance the lips naturally and instantly. AKA sucks the blood to your lips making them look bigger. I thought I’d share it with you guys because for as many awesome products, there’s always a few losers. This one was a real LOL. Do yourself a favor & use lip liner instead ; ).

{ summer whites }