Coloring books for adults have been having their moment for the past few years (some even date back to the 1960s!). We’re loving every creative minute of it. They’re such a great way to relax that doesn’t involve turning on some mindless reality TV (although there’s a time and place for that too). But if you’re like us, you might be getting a little sick of books full of swirly patterns. As gorgeous as they are, one can only color so many mandalas before craving something new. If that sounds like you, scroll through to see eight new and super original coloring books!
No matter how much effort we put into relaxing after a long day — whether through meditation, fitness, or a hot bath — sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy to commit to going to the gym or focusing on breath work. Personally, the last thing I want to do when I’m trying to de-stress is stare at a screen. I spend my entire day looking at screens, and my eyes and brain simply can’t handle another pixel. That’s why I opt for screen-free activities like reading, crocheting, or, better yet, coloring before bed to wind down.
Now you may be wondering, does coloring ACTUALLY have a positive impact on your mental health? We spoke to Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed therapist and Chief Clinical Officer at Charlie Health, to getting better understand of just how much the simple act of coloring can actually do to relieve stress.
Are adult coloring books good for mental health?
Coloring offers many benefits for mental health, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety after a long day of work or school. Similar to meditating, coloring allows us to focus our mind and engage in mindfulness. Dr Fenkel explains, "The repetitive motion of filling in shapes with color can soothe your mind, allowing you to temporarily set aside worries or stressors that might be weighing you down."
Because the activity itself is very low stakes, it is a perfect way to unwind. You can focus as much or as little as you like, and for however long you choose. "When choosing colors and filling in a design, your brain can take a break from the overthinking that often contributes to stress," Dr. Fenkel says. "It’s a way of giving yourself permission to pause, slow down, and reconnect with a sense of calm."
Not only does it help with de-stressing, it can also contribute to help processing your emotions. "The creative expression involved in coloring can also help you process emotions. Even though it might seem simple, the colors you choose and how you apply them can reflect your inner state," according to Dr. Fenkel.
"Coloring isn’t just a pleasant pastime, but also a small but effective tool for managing stress, nurturing mental well-being, and cultivating peace in a busy world, " Dr. Fenkel says.
So sit back, relax, grab your markers or pencils, and start coloring!
Find Your New Favorite Adult Coloring Book Here!
Amazon
Yournotes Publishing Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults
This book offers a wide variety of animals and flowers to choose from! The intricate patterns encourage you to pay attention to detail and let you get super creative with your color choices! This book gives you 50 different patterns to color in, so you have enough to last for a while, too.
Amazon
Crayola Flower Coloring Book
This 40 page adult coloring book is a breath of fresh, floral air. Made by Crayola, AKA coloring book royalty, you know the quality on this book is gonna be good. These gorgeous illustrations are on perforated pages as well, so you can tear out your favorites to share on your fridge!
Amazon
Adult Swear Words Coloring Book
Sometimes you just gotta laugh, you know? These 40 single-sided pages are full of swear words and illustrations to help you take the edge off. Some designs are more simple, some are more intricate, and all are a real good time. And if you don't believe me, this adult coloring book has 4.6 stars out of over 3,000 ratings!
Amazon
Kytefox Publishing Stress Relief Adult Coloring Book
This book features larger images, which is perfect if you’re not a fan of smaller details. It has a very nature-inspired and mystical vibe, so if that’s your style, this coloring book would be perfect for you! There are a total of 60 designs to color in, so you've got a lot to work with while you wind down.
Amazon
RYVE Adult Coloring Book for Women
This adult coloring book is "thoughtfully designed to provide a peaceful, mindful experience, combining the joy of coloring with the power of introspection." Each illustration is paired with personal growth prompts, so you can ground yourself even more. This book features bleed-resistant paper, so you don't have to worry about accidentally coloring over your prompts for tomorrow.
Amazon
Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens
This adult coloring book is perfect for a sweet, cute little vibe! I’ve seen these little characters all over TikTok, and they’re just so adorable! I love the characters and all the cute settings the book places them in. Each of the 40 pages features hand-drawn designs, so you know this one's special.
Amazon
Cozy Spaces Coloring Spooky Cutie Coloring Book for Adults and Teens
With fall right around the corner, I thought it was only fitting to include a seasonally themed coloring book too! I mean could this get any cuter? You definitely wanna pick up this 40 illustration book ASAP!
Amazon
Mindfulness Patterns: Coloring Book with Creative Pattern Designs for Stress Relief and Relaxation
Mindfulness really is the big goal with these adult coloring books. This one has 50 illustrations on single-sided pages, and features "a variety of shapes and zentangle doodle patterns." Don't know what "zentangle patterns" are? Me either! According to Zentangle.com, these are images created by drawing structured patterns — cool!
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Stress Free Adult Coloring Book
This adult coloring book is spiral bound with larger print — again, that's really helpful for folks who wanna worry less about coloring in all the intricate, tiny little lines. There are 31 coloring pages, with each being one-sided and perforated. Plus, this well-loved book (4.7 stars out of almost 5,000 reviews) features thicker paper to prevent bleed-through.
Markers, Pens, And Pencils For Your Adult Coloring Books
Amazon
SFAIH Brush Tip Alcohol Markers Set
Hands down, this is the best marker set on Amazon for a reasonable price! It’s always helpful to have both thick and fine tips to cover larger or smaller areas of the page. I also love the variety of shades within the same color, and they're all SUPER cute!
Amazon
Caliart 34 Double Tip Brush Pens Art Markers
This is another excellent marker option if you’re looking for an even finer tip! These are perfect if your coloring books have teeny-tiny details, and if you’re a perfectionist (like me) who loves to stay inside the lines.
Amazon
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books
If you’re more of a colored pencil girl than a marker girl, I highly recommend this 72-piece colored pencil set. They have every color you could ever need! Plus, colored pencils are great for blending if you want to get a bit more technical with it.
Amazon
Artownlar Premium 72 Colored Pencils with Coloring Books Set
Finally, if you’re always on the go or want to color while traveling, you should grab a coloring book set! It comes with everything you need and is perfect for bringing on a road trip, to the park, or even as a thoughtful gift for a friend!
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Header image via Amazon.
After years of white paint neglect, the fifth wall — AKA your ceiling — is finally having its moment. From playful wallpapers and brightly painted stripes to statement chandeliers that venture beyond the dining room, and modern woodwork and moulding details, ceilings are looking better than ever. Here is ceiling inspiration to bring home with you and spark your own creative designs!
Wallpaper Ideas
BelArte Studio Artistic Lines White
For a more graphic maximalist look, this abstract wall mural does the trick in four different colors.
BelArte Studio Sky Wild Forest Ivy Green
Go bold on the ceiling with this hand painted forest wallpaper that climbs from the ceiling and down the wall for a stunning conversation piece.
@addisonswonderland via Hygge & West
Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper
Kids rooms are a great place to play with pattern and spark kids imaginations as they drift off to sleep. This design by @addisonswonderland uses Hygge & West's soaring birds and floating clouds overhead.
@oakandpillar via Hygge & West
Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper
In another colorway for a completely different look, @oakandpillar used this Daydream Wallpaper in gold to pair with the gorgeous dark cabinetry here.
@cassmakeshome via Hygge & West
Hygge & West Forest Floor
This ceiling installation by Cass Smith of @cassmakeshome is a dramatic statement in atop a neutral space.
Graham & Brown Tramonto Amber Wallpaper
Get creative with wallpaper on the ceiling and then a faux headboard to match!
Graham & Brown Midnight Tropic Wallpaper
Powder rooms are perfect for a playful wallpapered ceiling aesthetic.
Photowall
Photowall Silhouettes in Flight
Using wallpaper to accentuate a beautiful molding is an easy yet impactful way to upgrade your decor.
Wallpaper Tips
Wayfair
York Wall Coverings Evening Star Geometric
Try two complementary wallpapers, like a floral and a graphic, for an eclectic look.
Wallpaper Tips:
- Work with a buddy: Hanging wallpaper on a ceiling can be tricky, so having an extra set of hands can make it much easier.
- Use a temporary support: For longer strips, you might need to support the wallpaper temporarily with painter's tape until it's actually secured.
- Consider your lighting situation: When choosing wallpaper, keep in mind how ceiling lighting will affect the wallpaper color and pattern. Make sure to test a swatch by taping it to the ceiling and observing the day and night light.
Paint Ideas
These circus stripes from design retailer Maison Deux are so on trend right now and just so fun!
Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown
Color drench your rooms from floor to ceiling with this dark stone color that feels natural and elegant and totally on trend.
Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink
Pair complementary tones like this muted rose in Farrow & Ball Calamine and richer pink for a color blocked aesthetic.
@kyrosedesign via Clare Paint
Clare Paint Good Jeans Paint
Here's another cozy color-drenched look by @kyrosedesign.
Painting Tips
Dulux
Painting Tips
- Paint in natural light: If possible, paint during the day when natural light is brightest. This helps you catch any missed spots or uneven coverage more easily.
- Start with the edges: Use a brush to “cut in” around the edges of the ceiling, creating a border. This makes it easier to roll paint up to the edges without bumping into walls or light fixtures.
- Use a pole extension: An extension pole gives you better control, minimizes neck strain, and helps you achieve an even coat.
- Roll in one direction, then cross-roll: Apply the first coat by rolling in one direction, usually parallel to the longest wall. Then, cross-roll by going perpendicular to the first direction to avoid streaks.
- Let each coat dry. This is the kind of project you don't want to rush, so let your layers dry before applying another coat. The paint can should say drying times for the best finish!
Mouldings + Wood
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Delphine Rattan Chandelier
If your ceiling needs a little love, add a ceiling ring and a statement chandelier and you have a refreshing new look. Medallions are also surprisingly affordable for an elegant look.
Wayfair
Ashford Smooth Panel Moulding Kit
This highly rated moulding looks great on the wall or the fifth wall.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
As we all find ourselves with a strange combination of more and less time, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, and a drive to be creative, daily to-dos can feel pretty overwhelming. Luckily, coloring is not overwhelming at all. If you're like me, you might stress a tiny bit about going with traditional colors (should the trees be green?) or unconventional ones (purple trees, yes purple!), but other than that, coloring is an excellent way to zone out and focus on something simple and lovely. For me, coloring is almost like meditation. The act of filling in lines sets my mind at ease, and, in fact, it's been proven that picking up a hobby like coloring is great for the mind and body, helping cognitive, emotional and professional growth. Two birds, one creative stone, right?
It can also feel productive and calming — sort of the opposite of a Netflix binge (although if you haven't watched Tiger Kingyet, just give in). So with all of that in mind, we decided to share 10 of our favorite coloring pages from Brit + Co's Pattern Play coloring book! Download here, and feel free to color outside the lines :)
I can totally understand falling for a costar. One scene gazing into each other's eyes, and (as the kids say), I'd be asking, "What are we?" Zendaya & Tom Holland and Ashley Park & Paul Forman both met on the sets of their most famous projects (Spider-Man and Emily in Paris, in case you were wondering), and this year's biggest movie event also features a brand new celebrity couple: Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater.
The co-stars made headlines when they ended their respective marriages and started dating each other, and Ethan Slater finally spoke out on the response to their relationship. Here's what he had to say, and the latest news on this couple.
- Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater met on the set of Wicked, in theaters November 22.
- The couple made headlines when they started dating the same month they separated from their respective spouses.
- In a recent interview, Ethan Slater reveals the reaction to their relationship was "really hard."
Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's Full Relationship Timeline
Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Late 2022 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Meet While Filming Wicked
After Ariana and Ethan were both cast in Jon M. Chu's Wicked, the movie began filming in early December. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, while Ethan Slater got the role of Boq, one of Glinda's Shiz University classmates.
March 27, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Were "All Over Each Other"
Ariana and Ethan reportedly could get enough of each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscars party. A source told The Daily Mail later that summer that "They were seen making out at a pub in Hampstead, and they were all over each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscar party."
Aliah Anderson/Getty Images
July 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Split From Their Partners And Start Dating
News of Ariana's split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez broke on July 17, while TMZ also reported Ethan filed for divorce from his wife at the time, Lilly Jay, on July 26. (Ariana and Dalton ended up filing for divorce in September).
After People reported Ariana and Ethan were now in a relationship of their own, Lilly told Page Six that “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” However, other sources claim Lilly and Ethan had been separated for a couple months before his relationship with Ariana started.
August 2, 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Are Moving Fast
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly fell head over heels so quickly, their friends were telling them to pump the breaks. “Ariana’s been told it’s too soon to go public with him and to take things slower,” said an Us Weekly insider at the time. “She’s very aware of how she’s perceived by her fans, and she’s trying to be mature. [But] if it were up to her, she’d be seen with him tomorrow.”
Elsa/Getty Images
September 4, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Are Learning How To Balance Their Relationship
Sources told People at the beginning of September that the costars and couple are trying to figure out how to balance their relationship with their celebrity.
“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple says. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private."
Another reemphasizes that Ariana and Ethan only started dating after they were separated from their spouses, while a third adds, “They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.”
September 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Go To Disney World
Surrounded by their friends and family, the Wicked movie stars headed for a day at the happiest place on earth. "They went with a big group of friends as well her mom and brother," a source told People. The source also said they're "really happy and really good for each other. All of her friends love him."
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
October 31, 2023 — Ariana Grande Supports Ethan Slater's Spamalot
Ariana Grande showed up to support her boyfriend for Spamalot's opening night at Broadway's St. James Theater.
December 23, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Grab Dinner In New York City
To celebrate the holidays, Ariana and Ethan headed out to a nice Italian dinner, reportedly with Ari's dad Ed Butera. "They love to support each other in their work," a source told People. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."
Considering she's a musical girlie, and has been on Broadway herself, I totally believe Ariana heads to the theatre whenever she gets a chance!
December 28, 2023 — Ariana Grande Says She Feels "Deeply Misunderstood"
“I’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me,” Ariana Grande said in an Instagram story. “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life.”
A source also told People that the popstar is “serious with Ethan. She loves being with him."
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
January 12, 2024 — Ariana Grande Releases "Yes, And?"
In a line heard 'round the world, Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" (the lead single from her Eternal Sunshine album) begs the question, "Why do you care so much whose d—k I ride?" The song doesn't mention Ethan by name, but there's a lot of room to infer.Although, when the album releases in March, Ariana also talks about a new "interaction" on “Intro (End of the World)," and wonders "if he’s judgin’ me like I am right now."
September 30, 2024 — Ariana Grande Defends Ethan Slater
In a Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana opened up about the reaction to her relationship with Ethan Slater, revealing that “the most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of [the story]."
“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she says. “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart...I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Lucille Lortel Theatre
October 30, 2024 — Ethan Slater Finally Speaks Out About His Relationship With Ariana Grande
Almost two years after meeting Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater finally opened up about their relationship in a new interview with GQ. “Obviously, it was a really super big year and I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public," he says. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love. So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard."
But the clouds also came with silver linings. “Of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited," he continues. "I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”
November 3, 2024 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Go Instagram Official
These two took their relationship to the next level in the modern dating age — they put it on the grid. Well, not exactly. In Instagram posts celebrating the Australian premiere of Wicked, Ariana and Ethan both shared a picture of themselves. Is it blurry? Sure. Are their faces in it? No. But does this still count as an Instagram hard launch? Absolutely.
November 5, 2024 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Pack On the PDA During Wicked
And after taking photos for the new Wicked movie in Sydney, Australia, Ethan and Ariana were more than happy, walking with their arms around each other and big smiles on their faces!
Check back here for the latest news on this Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship! Read up on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce while you're at it ;).
This post has been updated.
You and your new-ish flame have been enjoying all of the best parts of fall. You’ve indulged in pumpkin carving, sipped apple cider in a corn maze, wore the perfect DIY couples costumes, and cozied up for an early peek at some of your favorite holiday movies. Things really couldn’t be going better. With just a few weeks left before Thanksgiving, though, you’re about to be faced with a big decision: Is it time to invite said S.O. to join you and the fam for Turkey Day festivities?
How serious is serious enough? Will an invitation like this freak bae out? And when do you really know that a partner is ready to handle all the family chaos that the holidays can shake up? Deciding whether or not to bring your partner home for a major end-of-year holiday can feel like a big deal, and we want to help you dial down the intensity so you can focus on what’s really important: food and quality time with your loved ones. We’ve consulted with relationship experts about how you know the time is right to bring a date to family Thanksgiving — read on for their six signposts.
1. You’re Having In-Depth Conversations About Family Traditions And Dynamics
You and your sweetie have been seeing each other for a few months, and with the holiday season just around the corner, you’re starting to open up to each other about the parts of the festivities that are most meaningful to you. You’re swapping stories about favorite recipes and customs, and you’re comfortable enough to share the nitty-gritty details about icky family dramas that can make the season awkward. If these conversations are coming up naturally and you want to share your holiday with your S.O. IRL, licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind says it might be time to extend the invite.
2. Your S.O. Has Already Met Some Of Your Family
Therapist Irene Schreiner recommends that you consider bringing your partner to Thanksgiving if they’ve already met some of your loved ones. “If they haven’t met anyone in your family yet,” on the other hand, “it can feel too overwhelming to have them meet everyone at once during the craziness of the holiday,” she says. Know your S.O.’s boundaries so you can push or protect them accordingly.
3. Your Family Wants To Meet Your Significant Other
Mom’s been picking up hints from your phone conversations that something pretty amazing is going on between you and your new special someone, and she’s anxious to put a face to the name you keep mentioning. Your siblings are equally excited to interrogate — er, meet — your boo. It’s rare for your family to come together outside of the holiday season, so if you’re serious about your S.O. this might be the perfect time to invite them to make the rounds.
“If your family is constantly begging to meet [them], it is time to bring them home for Thanksgiving,” encourages Grapevine Gossip relationship expert Caitlyn Paltsios. “It shows your family is interested… and you can also see if your S.O. is excited to meet your family.”
4. You’ve Both Traded "I Love You's"
Maybe you said “I love you” first, or maybe bae made the initial move. Either way, you’re both swapping that all-important word pretty comfortably now; you might want to consider swapping it over a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes. “‘I love you’ is such a powerful statement for any relationship,” notes counselor and Tech Talk Therapy owner Connie Omari. “Once this line has been crossed, you naturally become more open with one another. This closeness should be solidified by allowing your S.O. to interact with the other people that you love.”
5. Your S.O.'s Family Has Already Invited You To Gatherings
If you’ve already had a chance to attend family dinners and maybe a birthday party or two with your S.O., it’s your turn to extend an invitation (assuming, of course, that you share their serious feelings and there aren’t other concerns as to why it might be unsafe or unhealthy to reciprocate the invitation). “If they are including you in small family events, they are looking to integrate you into their larger lives and are likely ready to have you do the same,” Schreiner explains. This doesn’t mean that you should make the invitation purely out of obligation — only that you should seriously consider it when they’ve already made the first move.
6. You Can't Imagine Spending Thanksgiving Apart
“Thanksgiving has historically been known for being around people with whom we care very much about,” reminds Omari. “If your S.O. means a lot to you — maybe even the world — it’s likely you will feel very uncomfortable at the thought of being separated for Thanksgiving.” Tune in to your feelings and visualize experiencing this very special occasion as a couple. If this seems like the only way you would want to celebrate, then you have nothing to lose by asking! If, however, visualizing this makes you feel anxious or uncomfortable, psychotherapist and co-founder ofA Good First Date Rachel Perlstein suggests that it’s probably best to rain check until next year.
Do you get nervous about inviting a partner home for the holidays? Tweet us @BritandCo!
This post has been updated.