Define Your Own Perception, Part IV

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for yesterdays support!

Raven was right. The things that we are the most apprehensive to share are what rally the support the most. I don't know if I lost followers, but I gained some!

I was remiss yesterday in telling you that I was involved in two giveaways, because I am involved in THREE! Find them here:

Don't Quote The Raven

Messy Dirty Hair
Oh Wells Instead Of What Ifs

But I think you are here for the good stuff, because it's Wednesday which means we have some fabulous ladies to feature!

First up, we have Lesley, one of my blog BFF's, who has some awesome stuff to share with us today! She is talking about something that we ALL go through, and that's the inner turmoil we have based on our appearances. Some have weight issues, some have acne issues, and some have aging issues...but the point is that we all have them, so instead of trying to hide them, let's make a change!

Hey there!  I am Lesley and my blog is the dream tree.  I am so excited to be sharing with you a time where someone perceived me in a way that wasn't true and how it affected me positively.  Janna and I have been blogging BFFs for a long time and I'm so happy to be featured on this beauty's blog!

I am the oldest of 3 girls; we are each about 2 years apart, but I get mistaken for the youngest a lot of the time.  Most of the time people perceive me as being a lot younger than what I really am.  I’ll be 31 next month and I hear all the time that I look about 24 or so.  

I'll be honest, it used to bother the hell out of me.  When I was in my early 20s, all I wanted was to grow up and look older.  Well, you hit about 25 and that all comes to a fast halt, or at least it did for me.  Today I do pretty much anything to stay looking youthful.  Unfortunately, I have a problem with aging and I know that I won’t be embracing the wrinkles, fine lines, and looking older, down the road. 

Part of how I stay looking the way I do is because of genetics, but I also try to take very good care of myself, face included.  I have been using moisturizer since junior high. This is so important for all skin types, even oily skin! I also used to be so bad with washing my face at nite, but for the last few years, I do it every nite. I may go once a month without doing it, but very rarely. Shamefully, I have not done this the last two of three nites, but I blame that on my weekend getaway. I feel ultra-guilty though!

I hate to admit it, but I'm a bit vain. Well, maybe vain is not the word because I'm not conceited, but I care a great deal about my looks.  I'm definitely not a stuck up, prettier-than-you, better-than-you person, it's just I don't like how I look with a naked face.  I do have a fine line here and there and I understand that comes with aging {gasp!}, but I like to take care of my skin so they don't lead into deeper wrinkles.

I like to look good and I want to stay looking young.  Because people perceive me to be younger than what I really am, I want to keep that up. I hope that doesn't sound too awful, but I'm sure most of you are the same way.  Therefore, taking care of my skin is a priority! 

Below are the products that I’m currently using in my daily routine.  As you can tell, I don’t use one particular brand. I have used so many throughout the years that I pretty much stick to my favorites now.

my skincare set by supervixen9
  

1 - Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Scrub - I use this every morning in the shower.  I did a review a while back because I loved it so much.  Check it out for more info.  I have been using this stuff for probably 2 years.

2 - Mary Kay Day/Nite Solution - I also use these every morning and every nite after washing my face.  I've also done a review of these as well.  They're amazing.  I've been using these for about 5 years. 

3 - Aloe Soothing Day Cream from Body Shop - I have probably used this for about 4 years now every morning on my face.  Doesn't contain any SPF so thanks to my morning serum,  they make a great combo.

4 - Natrulift Facial Wash from Body Shop - great creamy cleanser that I use at nite.  I've probably used this for a little over a year now.

5 - Vitamin E Nite Cream from Body Shop - this is a good, heavy creamer to fix my skin as I sleep.  Check out this review if interested.  I have used this for probably about 4 years now.  

6 - Arbonne Re9 Eye Cream - I love a good eye cream.  I am always looking for something that works and this stuff is pretty good.  It is pretty expensive, but worth it.  I have used this for about a year now.  

Beauty is one of my passions in life. Whether it’s trying a new makeup look or doing my hair a different way, I love everything about it. Mostly it’s on myself, but I love to make others feel beautiful about themselves, as well.  Taking care of your body is so important and I’m all about living a beautiful, healthy, and happy life.  

Stop by my blog and please say hello!  I would love to meet you.  

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Next, we have Bethany!

This girl has been supporting me, and I her, for quite some time. If blogging had grade levels, I would say we were in the same "class" when we met if that makes sense? I feel like we have learned some of the same things, and I'm glad that she put what I was thinking in to words. Not everything is black and white!

  I used to think... that everything was black and white.  Now I know... that there are shades of grey [50 to be exact - haha - jk]. Living in a society where everyone has differing opinions - no one can define "right" or "wrong".  People see me as... a bubbly, outgoing, carefree girl who constantly suffers from word vomit.  But, I hope that they know... I am unsure of myself, anxiety troubled, and terrified of the future.   I blog because... it is a safe place to express myself without being [outwardly] criticized. If a blog friend, 2000 miles away, disagrees/argues with me it hurts a lot less than my best friends of 20 years. I can genuinely be myself on my blog and adore connecting with people from all over the world. Blog // Twitter // Facebook ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And last, but most certainly not least, we have Shane! This girl has a BIG heart and you can see an amazing example here. She needs your votes and you will actually win prizes if you participate! I struggle... with a strained and virtually non-existent relationship with my father ever since I was 14.  The positive side of this is it has brought me extremely close to my mother.  I trust her with my life and am proud to call her my best friend. People see me as... a perfectionist But I hope that they know... I'm trying to learn to live with my flaws. I blog because... I am a finance major and don't get an opportunity to express my creative side much, so Whispering Sweet Nothings is an outlet to do just that. Blog || Facebook I am seriously amazed by the honesty and inspiration that each woman has brought to the table for the last few weeks. Each one has meant the world to me, and I can't thank them enough. We would love to hear your stories, so sign up for next month and get your spot on my sidebar!