#strawhberri

By:Hayley

  Happy November Willow and Bide Readers! Where I live, I am in the midst of a gorgeous fall, with winter quickly approaching. Not only is it the season of holidays and colder weather, it is also now the season of smoky eyes! (Or at least that’s how I see it)

  I’m here to talk about my favorite makeup product ever, the Naked 2 Palette. I splurged on it in June as a high school graduation present to myself, and I firmly believe that it was the best money I’ve ever spent on eye shadow. Yes I’m aware that I was a little late to the game, but if there are any readers like me that are currently considering the investment, listen up.

  There are several reasons why I adore this palette. It cost $60 US dollars, which isn’t bad for a high-end palette. I had never tried any Urban Decay products before, and I must say I’m impressed. The consistency is great, and paired with the Urban Decay primer potion and the amazing brush that comes with the set; it goes on smoothly and stays on throughout the day/night.

  Aside from the eye shadows themselves, the shades are perfect for any occasion. I was able to use the palette throughout the summer to do simple and light eye looks, but it is especially great for the colder seasons. There are amazing shades for daytime and nighttime smoky eye looks; perfect for fall and winter!

By:Hayley

This is my current go to playlist for when I want to study or just chill out with a cup of tea.

What Makes You Beautiful- The 1975

Do I Wanna Know- Hozier

Stay With Me- Ed Sheeran

Burn (Live)- Ellie Goulding

We Can't Stop- Bastille

Best Song Ever- Gabrielle Aplin

Summertime Sadness- Miley Cyrus

Take Me To Church- Ed Sheeran

Riptide- Taylor Swift

West Coast (Acoustic)- Lana Del Rey

By: Hayley

I can hardly believe that it is already the October issue. Much love to all of our readers and followers! Anyways, the past few weeks, I have been struggling a lot. I’ve had a lot going on in my personal life; I’ve been stressed with schoolwork, and have had a lot of anxiety and issues with self-esteem and just feeling good in general. Here are a few of my simple tips for achieving feeling eased, serene, and happy.

//Exercise// I have a bad habit of neglecting exercise when I’m in a bad mood, and I eventually find that it only contributes to the unhappiness. I found that I felt much happier when I dragged myself out of bed and to the gym. You will never regret working out, you’ll only regret not doing it!

//Eat Clean// It is so tempting to binge when you’re having a bad week. It might feel good in the moment, but it will only feel worse when the binge is over. Eating clean and healthy foods will keep you feeling refreshed, light, and focused.

//Journal// Writing about your problems helps. I’m always so worried about being too reliant on my friends when venting about my problems. I know it’s not true, but it’s just a weird thing I have. Writing is guilt free and therapeutic. Whether I’m venting, writing poetry, or doodling, my journal helps me get through my hardest times.

//Watch Movies// Watching a good movie can take you to another world away from your problems for two hours. I keep my Netflix queue stocked up with classics, comedies, and horror movies. 

//Go on Tumblr// But instead of looking at depressing black and white photos and melancholy quotes, look at happy things! Beach pictures, movie and TV show things, and inspirational quotes! Blogging is a great distraction and way of self-expression.

daisy- only a couple weeks ago lol at my life

rose- could be I'm not sure yet

poinsettia- definitely sweet potatoes

By: Hayley

 My last week at home before I move two and a half hours away to attend college has been challenging, to say the least. I figured that I would share some of my thoughts on everything with you lovely readers, perhaps even instill in you some insight and calmness that you need right now, or will in the future.

 I can’t believe this moment is finally here. Nobody was lying when they said high school flew by. Four years seems like a long time, until you’re sitting in your bedroom listening to music and packing up your life to fit in the back of your parents’ car. This time has made me so nostalgic about growing up, and I have been reflecting a lot on not only my four years of high school, but just my life in general. On the one hand, I’ve been sad that I’m not a kid anymore, and my turn to navigate the big scary world is approaching more quickly than ever. And then on the other hand, all of this reflection has inspired me to write. I’ve been writing and drawing in my journal non stop on my feelings, dreams, and fears. No matter what is driving it, I feel like I might as well just soak it up and keep writing. It will be nice to look back on my musings during this time when I do finish college. 

  Then there are the nerves. Oh my, the nerves! The past few weeks I’ve had trouble eating, sleeping, and just functioning like a normal person! The thought about living on your own for the first time is something else. Although there is nerves now, soon there will newfound freedom, responsibility, and self discovery. Plus think of decorating an adorable dorm room and if you have roommates, every night will be like a girls night! When you think about entering a college on your own and knowing nobody, think instead about how you will end the year with new friends that will last a lifetime. It’s corny, but so true.

  And lastly. saying goodbye to loved ones has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But me knowing that I was leaving at the end of August played a big role in having the best summer I could possibly have with all of the people closest to me. And when I get sad thinking about being away from those people, I just think about the first time you see someone after a long time. You know what I’m talking about. When you see them and you can’t help it that the biggest, goofiest smile spreads across your face as you embrace them and just feel a joy and a warmth that brings the comfort and happiness that your soul needs!