Coloring Books and Bath Bombs - Your Best De-Stresser

Let's be real, we're all stressed at one point at another and could use all the help we can get de-stressing. And I'm here to tell you two things that will change your life from stressful to stress free. If you have not heard of the adult coloring book and bath  phenonmon then you, my friend are missing out, for various reasons. Not only are baths and coloring books both super relaxing, fun, and pretty freaking gorgeous, they are also awesome for your mental health.

Coloring books are the most relaxing thing I have ever experienced, and as a tiny highschool girl I need all the help I can get de-stressing. (Can't wait until I have to face the real world and real problems!!) I bring a coloring book practically ever - school, a coffee shop, any trips I go on. They are so versatile and gorgeous, and if you are ever taking a little break or have some time free in your day, I highly recommend coloring. There's something so satisfying about coloring, and how it gets you in this zone, where nothing matters besides coloring the certain subject. I love getting lost in the beautiful designs. Besides that, coloring books are great for your mental health.  Coloring (Mandala's specifically) have been proven to reduce stress levels. Coloring allows our mind to shut off and focus on the one thing in front of them, and in my opinion that's super important. We are constantly bombarded with stimuli and in society today, there is always a new task right in front of us. I think coloring books are key in escaping all of that for a bit, and just calming down. This is an Alice in Wonderland coloring book I got in Japantown, and you can find it here.

Baths are amazing - if you do them right. I'm not talking about soaking in water and your own grime - I'm talking a bath bomb or some bath salts (don't do anything weird with them though - just have them use their purpose) adding some flowers. Baths are great for winding down and relaxing. I like to add a book, and some calming music in the mix too. The great things about baths now, is that you have so many ways to make them fit you. Lush is known for their bath bombs, and they have so many different ones, whether you want a floral, softer bath or a fruity colorful bath - they have the one for you. You can also make your own bath bombs pretty easily, or just pour some bath salts or bubble bath and add some flowers. The bath bombs pictured here are the Lush Intergalactic Bath Bomb (here) and the Experimenter Bath Bomb (here) I recommend both!

Hope you all enjoyed this blog post, let me know if you want more posts like this!

Hope your dreams are lavender scented

Addis

Instagram - @addismeansnew

Growing Up As a Teenage Girl with the Obamas

With our new president being sworn into office today, I figured I would look back at the Obama's time in office, specifically Michelle Obama. I compiled some of my favorite looks from her and her impact on me and other teenage girls. The Obamas were elected when I was 8 years old. If I'm being honest, I don't remember much about Baracks campaign, because I was 8 and had better things to do. However, I knew that the Obamas were very charismatic, and if I could have voted they would have been my choice. As a little girl politics obviously wasn't my priority, but growing up for the past 8 years has been amazing. Michelle Obama is someone who is an incredible role model to me for various reasons.

          Growing up, I would occasionally see her in Disney Channel commercials going on about eating healthy and such. At the time, I didn't really care about what she was doing for healthy food, because let's be real, at age 9, I wasn't choosing my meals, my parents were. However, looking back at it now, I'm glad Michelle made that her cause, because I saw the effects. My first year in middle school, I was told that all vending machines were gone, which pissed me off a bit because who doesn't want affordable junk food that my parents won't let me have at home? Um, 11 year me said yes wholeheartedly. However, that was an important thing for our country. Obesity is a huge issue, and her healthy eating movement really improved a lot of things. 

          Michelle Obama's movement grew though, towards encouraging girls all around the world to pursue further education, and to fight for what they believe in. This may sound like the same old feminist rant, but I believe its very important. In a world that is slowly warming up to feminism and where girls are taking huge steps forward in choosing career and educational paths that are typically male dominant, this is huge. Its so amazing to see it, whether through the TV, her snapchat, or Youtube its truly amazing. 

          The most important thing Michelle Obama brought to us within her presidency was her. She is so much, in herself. She provided a huge example to girls of color everywhere, through everything she did. She proved that you didn't have to be white woman to be the first lady. Every speech, every conference, every meeting she displayed incredible class and leadership. Barack Obama may have been our president for the past 8 years, but Michelle Obama is who truly inspired me, and millions of girls throughout the nation.

What was your favorite moment with the Obamas? How do you feel about the next four years? Let me know!

Hope your dreams are lavender scented~

Addis

Instagram - @addismeansnew

New Makeup Finds

Hello all! I recently went shopping for makeup for the first time in forever! I love finding new makeup and love branching out in what I use, and I love seeing what others use, so I'd share/review the new additions to my makeup collection!

Anastia Beverly Hills - Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette (here)

If I'm being honest, I wasn't planning on picking this up when I went to Sephora, I was leaning towards the Too Faced Peach Palette, or just picking up some pots. But wow, the pictures I have seen everywhere of this palette don't do it justice. Hell, this picture doesn't do it justice. The warm tones are absolutely gorgeous here. This palette is so versatile and gorgeous, I love playing with all the colors. This is the first Anastia Beverly Hills product I've bought (I'm broke, sorry) and to say the least,  I was blown away and would 10/10 buy from them again. While it is a bit pricey, if you are looking for a warm shaded palette this is the one for you!

Kat Von D Everlasting Lip - Lolita (here)

OOOOOH BOI! This Liquid Lip!! It is SO good. I am one of those people who loves lipsticks, and how they look like on people, but when it comes to me, feels like I look like trash in most lip colors. I love nude, brown, and pinks a lot, but feel like I can't pull them off with my skin tone. (I'm half-African, and half-Caucasian, and I'm in this weird middle stage, and I love my skin but I feel like lip colors look weird on me) This lip color is gorgeous, and works for a lot of skin tones. I am completely in love, it's so gorgeous.

Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation (here)

So, I have been wearing NARS Sheer Glow Foundation for the past 4 years or so, but I found it just wasn't doing the job as well as I would like that. And so I scoured the internet (I watched my usual beauty guru's and they brought it up) and I decided to check it out. There's quite a variety of shades, (although lacking towards darker skin tones) and the foundation feels great on my skin. I haven't worn it enough to know if it makes me break out, but it feels super nice on your skin! It definitely lasts the time, and I think it will be implemented in my daily makeup routine!

Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter - Kitten (here)

Ok, so similarly to the Modern Renaissance Palette I wasn't planning on picking this up because I didn't really need a new highlighter, I had just gotten one. But wow, this highlighter by Stila is so gorgeous. I love the color and it is SO soft and smooth I died! Honestly, I never realized how great it is to have a smooth highlighter until I got this. It's so gorgeous, and the pigmentation is great, it goes onto skin super well too. I completely recommend this highlighter.

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick - Redrum (here)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick - Rose Matter (here)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick - Chrysanthemum (here)

Ok, so I actually recieved these as a gift for Christmas, and I've never tried out Jeffree Star cosmetics but, I really like these! (Also it's kind of funny how I have both Kat Von D and Jeffree Star in a post together - but I love both of their products so whatever) They are absolutely wonderful! They smell super good, and go one super sleek. I love the feel, and they don't dry my lips out too much which is awesome. The pigmentation is great, and I love the first two colors, and the last color is gorgeous too, I just don't know how I feel about it on my skin tone. These liquid lipsticks are pretty affordable, and I would reccomend these or colorpop to try out for your first time using liquid lipsticks.

Jeffree Star Skin Frost - Peach Goddess (here)

Along with the liquid lipsticks, I also recieved this highlighter as a gift, and wow it's gorgeous. First, of all it's pretty big so you're getting your bang for your buck, and the color is gorgeous. You don't need to put too much on because it comes on pretty pigmented. It gives you a nice peachy glow, and it's super gorgeous. The packaging is super cute too, and I love the star logo in the highlighter. 

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer (here)

I've used this in my daily makeup for quite awhile now, but it's so good I felt the need to talk about it since I was getting a new one. This covers up all of your spots and uglies, and doesn't crease like the title. It's an honest to God miracle, and a staple in my makeup routine. You need very little to put it on to get full coverage, and I am an avid user of it. If you are looking for a new concealer right now, I 10/10 would recommend checking this out.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (here)

So, I got the travel sized version of this because I wanted to try it out completely. I have heard so many great reviews (and memes) about it, so I figured I would try it out for the sake of it. I use the NYX Matte Finish, but I decided to give this a shot, to see how it holds on for how much I'm paying for it. (I didn't pay a huge amount I'm just poor and bitter) It works very well, and I'm pleasantly surprised, it works a lot better then the NYX spray, and I would recommend using it!

Thanks for reading! Do you have any new makeup favorites? Let me know!

Hope your dreams are lavender scented~

Addis

Instagram - @addismeansnew

Winter LookBook

Beanie - H&M

Sweater - Forever 21

Jeans - LF 

Boots - H&M

Sunglasses - Forever 21

Earmuffs - Free People

Sweater - LF

Skirt - Forever 21

Stockings - Target

Boots - H&M

Hat - LF

Choker - Brandy Melville

Sweater - Forever 21

Dress - ASOS

Boots - Forever 21

Beret - ASOS

Choker - Brandy Melville

Top - Brandy Melville

Coat - Forever 21

Pants - Forever 21

Glitter Socks - ASOS

Creepers - Nasty Gal

We are in the height of winter! Right now in California we've definitely been feeling it, although compared to other places it's pretty warm here, Right now, we've been experiencing a lot of rain. but here in California the lowest the temperature gets is maybe 37, and that's usually only in the morning. That's why a lot of these looks are lighter then what one who lives in say, Minnesota would wear. If your sightseeing, or where you live never gets below freezing, I totally recommend these outfits for you! I put an assortment of different looks  in, ranging from casual to formal, to more edgier looks for you daredevils out there!  I hope you all enjoy these looks as much as I did putting them together! Let me know which look you liked the best and what the weather is like where you are!

Hope your dreams are Lavender scented~

Love, Addis

Instagram - @addismeansnew

Edgy Snow Outfit

Beanie - Forever 21

Sunglasses - Gift

Jaclet - Northface

Belt - Brandy Melville

Jeans - Pacsun

Boots - UGG Australia

Hello all! To kick off the new year, I was at Pinecrest, and although I left before the snowstorm came in, I was still able to drive up and find some snow!! I love this look as it's very monochrome except for the sunglasses and beanie. I love little short visits to the snow as I live right by San Francisco and the closest thing we have to snow is frost on a cold (maybe 37 degrees Fahrenheit) day, only in the morning. This look felt super cute but also kept me warm, and that's what really counts in the end, staying warm, right? Do you guys have a favorite winter look? Tell me if you do in the comments!

Hope your dreams are lavender scented~

Addis

Follow me on Instagram - @addismeansnew