Lauren Atchley

Self-Help Books

I used to absolutely love curling up with a good book and relaxing after a  long day.  Then, just like most of us, social media got the best of me and 99% of my free time turned into scrolling on my phone.  That was until I discovered self-help books.  Rather than reading about fictional people’s lives, these books brought up topics I could implement into my everyday life.  Most of the books I have read introduced me to new mindsets that ultimately transformed the way I look at life, negative situations, and my own confidence.  The most influential one so far has been “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life” by Mark Manson.  It was recommended to me by a friend, who discovered upon reading that it would be good for a person like me who cares too much about too much.  So, on an impulse, while we were on spring break, I ran to Target and bought it.  Let me say this: I never thought a book could actually change my life, but I was very wrong.  This book has received numerous reviews absolutely raving about how influential its content is, and I could not agree more.   Many books like these focus on getting out of your head, and back into your life.  If you’re anything like me and want to get back into reading with a little personal benefit thrown in, check out this list of recommendations!

Architectural Digest

Honestly, this is the last thing I’d expect myself to be completely obsessed with, but after stumbling across an Architectural Digest video around 2 a.m. one night, I can’t stop.  Whether it be a celebrity-led tour of their home, or a simple realtor-led tour of a  billion-dollar mansion, something about the different personalities of people and their homes is wildly interesting.  After my busy, anxiety-filled days, something about living vicariously through these people is really relaxing.  Some of my most recent favorites include a tour of the 60-room Azria Estate in Los Angeles, as well as Burna Boy’s Open Door mansion tour in Lagos, Nigeria!

Garage Tank

If you’re looking for the perfect tank to lounge, layer, or even go out in, I have the perfect thing for you.   This high neck tank from Garage reminds me of a sports bra in the sense that there’s really no need to wear anything under it, and you can really wear it for a variety of occasions.  Personally, I have three of these tops and love to pair them with sweats if I’m feeling lazy, leggings and a jacket for some athleisure, or even jeans or a casual skirt if I’m feeling fancy.  Maybe I’m a little dramatic, but the day I found this tank was one of the best days of my life.  No matter the occasion or style, this is the perfect addition to any wardrobe! 

Spotify Discover Weekly

Anyone who knows me knows there’s rarely a moment that I’m not listening to music.  In fact, as I sit writing this, I’m listening to Mimi Webb’s new EP,  Seven Shades of Heartbreak.  I may not be heartbroken, but I sure would be if Spotify hadn’t recommended these songs to me this past week.  The debate over Spotify vs. Apple Music has been raging for some time, but if nothing else, Spotify certainly holds one thing over  Apple Music: customized playlists.  My personal favorite is the “Discover Weekly” playlist.  Updated every Monday, Spotify looks through what kind of music you’ve been really into recently and makes a whole playlist dedicated to songs you might love just as much.  I’m proud to say that some of my favorite songs have come from this playlist, most recently including Small Talk by  Briston Maroney, and SMILE by Arden Jones.  Though my friends may not know them initially, there’ve been plenty of times where I play a song and hear, “How do you find stuff like this?”  Well, Spotify listeners, and (maybe) Apple Music listeners I’ve just converted, I’m telling you, don’t walk, RUN to find your new favorite songs in your Discover Weekly!