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Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

July 28, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Before the pandemic, my husband and I discussed refreshing our home. We knew we didn’t want to do anything drastic like paint the walls, yet we were sure it was time to make some changes. Once the pandemic hit and we found ourselves spending much more time at home, we put our plans in motion. Little by little, room by room, we began checking off tasks on our “home projects” to-do list.

If you’re looking for ways to refresh your home this season, here are five simple things you can do:

Add Mirrors

Adding mirrors not only makes a room appear larger but also helps let in light if placed near a window. Mirrors can also serve as the focal point or statement piece of a room, depending on the placement. Adding more than one mirror, such as a mirror gallery wall, is a fantastic way to add interest and personality to a room.

Change Your Bedding

This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your bedroom. Changing your bedding gives your bedroom an instant makeover. My husband and I prefer white bedding because it looks crisp, fresh, and clean. Unfortunately, white bedding isn’t very forgiving. That’s why having at least one extra set of white sheets is a must-have.

Change Your Lighting

Lighting is essential when it comes to decor. Changing the lighting in your home is also relatively easy, and economical. Floor lamps, desk lamps, and wall lights are just a few choices available to add more light to any room. Stores like Target, Walmart, and Wayfair have an array of affordable lighting options.

5 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home

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Add Seating

If there’s an empty space in your home that you just can’t seem to fill, try adding a chair or an ottoman. Seating can add a sense of warmth and coziness to a room. Seating can also add an instant mini lounge area.

Add Plants or Flowers

Another easy and affordable way to refresh any space in your home is to add plants or flowers. I only recently became a plant parent, but I can say having three small snake plants in the living room makes the space more inviting. Likewise, flowers also make rooms more inviting. Flowers also help improve your mood, while plants can help remove harmful toxins in the air.

Related: How to Keep Your Home Organized

If you have some time this season, I encourage you to refresh your home. Start with one room and with one project so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Gathering home decor inspiration from social media and other websites can be helpful, but always stay true to your personal style during the process. After all, your home should be a reflection of who you are.

Practical Work from Home Outfits

July 21, 2020 by Whitney 1 Comment

It’s been four months and working from home has become the new norm. I’m no stranger to working from home so for me, it hasn’t been that hard to adjust. And while I do miss some interaction with colleagues, I actually prefer working this way. I find that I’m more relaxed and more focused when working in the comfort of my own home.

Kimono: Amazon

When it comes to my work from home fashion, my outfits are both stylish and comfortable. On any given day I’m wearing a pair of black or grey leggings, a sports bra or tank top, and a kimono or a caftan. Some days I’ll change it up and wear a pair of yoga pants or opt for a tunic instead. Whatever the case, I’m cute and comfy. And, of course, I still accessorize. Big earrings are my go-to.

Orange: Consingment Shop // Tan + Brown: Target // Grey Marble: Nordstrom Rack

Kimono: ASOS Men (sold out)

Most days include working on my computer, cleaning up around the house, or in the kitchen meal prepping. From time to time, I run downstairs for packages or delivery, which is another reason why I like to be dressed. All in all, my work from home outfits are realistic and practical. The less fuss the better.

So if you’re trying to figure out what to wear, other than pajamas and sweats, while you’re working from home, don’t overthink it. Choose outfits that are true to your personal style, but also comfortable and practical. And don’t forget to add something fun to your outfits like a printed turban or a pair of big earrings. Even though you’re not at the office, getting dressed should be enjoyable.

How to Keep Your Home Organized

July 13, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

As I continue refreshing and renewing my way through July, I’ve been reimplementing some of my old habits to ensure that my home is as organized and as neat as possible. For the most part, my husband and I are pretty organized people. We always say that I’m the organizer and he’s the cleaner. I get excited about shelving and storage containers and he gets a thrill out of finding the newest cleaning supplies and natural cleaners.

Regardless of who likes to do what, there are certain tasks we do to when it’s time to organize and clean. Here are five simple tasks we do to keep an organized home:

1. Make the Bed Everday

My grandfather ingrained this into my brain as a little girl and ever since then it’s stuck with me. Not only does this make the bedroom look neater and more put together, but it also helps mentally prepare me for a productive day.

2. Clean as I Go

I try my best with this one. For instance, if I’m in the kitchen meal prepping or cutting up some fruit, I’ll be sure to put the knives and any other utensils or items used in the dishwasher as soon as I’m done with them. Also, if I’m baking or cooking, I usually clean up my mess as I make my way through the kitchen. That way I can move onto my next task seamlessly.

3. Have Shoe Storage at the Entryway

We’re a “remove your shoes before you come in” household. Not only does this eliminate unwanted germs from entering the home, but it also keeps the foyer nice and neat. We also store our most frequently worn shoes at the entryway. Doing this cuts down on clutter and makes our “everyday shoes” easy to find.

5. Schedule Cleaning Days + Know My Responsibilities

My husband and I have a cleaning schedule. Although it’s just us right now, this schedule helps eliminate unnecessary disagreements as well as keeps our home in order. I’m responsible for dusting, washing + folding clothes, restocking the bathroom with cotton swabs, floss sticks, and other bathroom necessities, and watering our plants. I’m also in charge of keeping up with our food and household inventory.

Darrius is in charge of vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, and taking out the trash. We split the dishes, bed making, and cooking. We also have a shared grocery and household item list that I created using the Notes App. This makes keeping up with our household inventory a breeze.

4. Use a Calendar

About once a month, Darrius and I sit down and go over our family calendar. From birthday celebrations and date nights to doctor’s appointments and trips home (for Darrius), we like to be sure that important dates are blocked off and planned for ahead of time. There’s an erasable calendar in our kitchen that I fill out monthly. If there’s an event or special occasion coming up, it’s on the calendar. We schedule our own doctor’s visits and any other medical appointments on our own, using our iPhone calendars.

5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Organized

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I can only live with clutter and disorganization but for so long. I know things don’t always go as planned. That’s life. However, keeping our home as neat and as organized as possible is a priority. These five simple tasks can help make keeping your home organized a priority as well.

#WNJBeauty | 11 Ways to Pamper Yourself at Home + a Giveaway

July 28, 2016 by Whitney 16 Comments

Taking a vacation sounds amazing, doesn’t it?! Feeling the sand between your toes, lounging poolside and luxuriating for hours at the spa sounds simply divine. But the truth is sometimes, for whatever reason, we just can’t slip away from “real life” to enjoy an actual vacation. In that case, pull out your robe and slippers and treat yourself! Here are 11 simple ways to pamper yourself at home.

* See Also: 7 Signs You Need a Vacation

1. Pop a bag of popcorn and enjoy a marathon of your favorite TV show.

2. Create a relaxing playlist and listen to it throughout the day.

3. Read a good book or catch up on your magazine reading.

4. Light some candles and take a warm shower or bath.

5. Wear your PJ’s or sexy lingerie around the house.

6. Have a glass of wine or a warm cup of green tea.

11 simple ways to pamper yourself at home. #wnjinspired #selfcare

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7. Binge watch your favorite movies on Netflix.

8. Give yourself a face/body/hair treatment.

9. Put on a sleep mask and take a long nap.

10. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.

11. Schedule an in-house massage.

To help get you get you ready for your very own at-home pampering session, I’m giving away a few of my favorite at-home pampering products! I love a good face mask and I use an exfoliating salt scrub at least once a week. Check out the giveaway instructions below!

* This giveaway is open to those who live in the United States.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So tell me, what do you do to pamper yourself at home? Let me know!

I often share beauty/pampering products on Snapchat so if you’re following, I’m sure you’ve seen one of more of these giveaway items before. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to enter for your chance to win. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | Couples Night & Sutter Home Wines

June 20, 2016 by Whitney Leave a Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MoscatoMoments #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

This weekend, Darrius and I hosted our first couples night. We invited 3 couples to munch on finger foods, taste an array of Sutter Home wines and play a few games. Why Sutter Home? This family-owned company has been around since 1948 and their blends are always affordable and great to pair with several foods. Sutter Home is truly the perfect wine to bring friends together to make them feel at home.

Our guests felt so at home that our conversations about life, love, politics, and everything in between kept us engaged until the wee hours of the morning. As the evening went on, we enjoyed the following flavors:

Sutter Homes Pink Moscato
Sutter Homes Red Mascato
Sutter Homes Chardonnay

Of the three, the Pink Moscato and Chardonnay were the favorite flavors. The group enjoyed the sweet taste of the Pink Moscato and the crisp, refreshing taste of the Chardonnay. The Red Moscato was sweet as well, but I noticed that our guests heavily requested seconds and thirds of the other flavors.

Of course I had to make something special, so I decided to blend Sutter Homes Pink Moscato with ginger ale, strawberries and crushed ice. Once blended, I created a Pink Moascato & Strawberry Slush. Refreshing, with just the right amount sweet, the drink was a hit! The recipe is simple and takes less than 7 minutes. Check it out:

Pink Moscato & Starberry Slush

Wash off and dice 7-10 strawberries
Measure and pour 1/2 cup of ginger ale
Add diced strawberries into the Nutribullet
Pour ginger ale over strawberries
Add a few spoons of crushed iced
Full the rest of the cup with Sutter Home Pink Moscato
Blend for a few seconds or until fully blended
Pour blended mixture into wine glasses, add strawberry to the side and ENJOY!

(Msg 4 21+) Start your summer off with a glass of your favorite @SutterHome wine!

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So tell me, have you ever tried Sutter Home wines? If so, what’s your favorite flavor? Let me know!

Whenever there’s good food, an amazing playlist and wine, you’re guaranteed to have a great time! Serving the award-winning Sutter Homes wines was perfect for our summer entertaining needs; we’ll definitely be using these flavors for future summer gatherings, for sure. Thanks for reading and happy summer! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | 7 Work from Home Wardrobe Must Haves

February 16, 2016 by Whitney 15 Comments

Yesterday was another snowy and icy Monday here in Maryland. I’m pretty sure a lot of us were either off or worked from home, due to the “wintery mix”. As mentioned in this post the weather has caused me to work from home a lot more lately. So today I want to share a few (more) of my Work from Home Wardrobe Must Haves.

1. Comfy Sweaters & Tops | Wearing comfortable clothing is a must for me, especially when I’m working from home. I move around quite a bit so wearing comfy swearers, tunics and flowy tops is perfect. I purchase most of my “work at home tops” from Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s and of course, the thrift store. I usually rotate my top, creating a uniform of sorts. It makes getting dressed in the mornings a lot easier when I already know what I’m wearing.

2. Statement Jewelry | It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of statement jewelry. Even if I’m working from home, I always wear at least one statement piece. I thrift most of my pieces, but I also purchase pieces from the jewelry department at Macy’s, JCPenney or Nordstrom Rack.

3. (A Few) Maxi Dresses & Skirts | I love a good maxi dress (or skirt), especially during the warmer months. Having a few maxi options handy on my work from home days is another way to ensure getting dressed is simple and easy. Maxi dresses are also great layering pieces during the cooler months.

7 must have work from home wardrobe items! #wnjstyle

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4. Comfy Shoes | Although I prefer bare feet or sometimes socks while in the house, comfy shoes are important to keep close. If I have to run errands, head out for some lunch or just walk to the mailbox downstairs, I reach for one of my many pairs of cute and comfy flats.

5. Handbags (Clutches, Backpacks & Large Handbags) | Again, you never know when you may need to slip out of the house. Therefore an array of handbags to choose from is a must. I usually reach for one of my backpacks (like this one) or a big tote bag, but there are times when a simple clutch will do.

Even when working from home, keep it cute and stylish! #wnjstyle

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6. Cardigans (Longs and Short) | Cardigans are very important items in my work from home wardrobe. I tend to get cold often so I always keep a cute cardigan, long or short, handy.

7. Thick Leggings | When I’m not wearing skinny leg denim or stylish sweatpants leggings are my thing, like this pair. Not only are they slimming, but they pretty much go with several of my tunics and tops. I have approximately 5 pair of leggings and just like many of my other wardrobe items, they’re in constant rotation.

So tell me, what does your work from home wardrobe consist of? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to let me know more about your work from home wardrobe. I can always use more suggestions! Be sure to link your recent outfit to my Personal Style Linkup below. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: How I Fall, WIW, Mix it Monday, Garay Treasures, Trend Tuesday, Small Victories **

Personal Style | Work from Home Outfit + The Pearl Source

February 1, 2016 by Whitney 21 Comments

It’s been a while, I know, but I’m back! I’d planned to be back to blogging in early January, but I decided to take a few extra weeks to enjoy the holiday season and prepare for 2016. I feel refreshed and ready to get back in the swing of things. I’m actually just getting back in the groove with my 9-5 also. Because of the winter blizzard and crazy weather, I worked from home a lot last month. Nonetheless, I was stylish and chic when deciding what to wear while working from home.

Tunic: Lord & Taylor (Similar) // Denim: JCP (Similar Pair) // Mug: Marshall’s (Cute Option) // Phone Case: Best Buy (Another Option)

Working from home has its perks, but it can be hard to stay motivated. That’s why I must get up, do my regular morning routine and get dressed regardless. This work from home outfit is definitely a go-to look. The tie-dye tunic is flowy and loose fitting, the stretch denim is comfortable and easy to move in, and the simple accessories bring it all together. When thinking about what jewelry to wear while working from home on this day, I opted to wear a subtle and classic pair of freshwater pearls, sent to me from The Pearl Source. I’m not usually a fan of smaller earrings, but this pair was perfect.

Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish! #wnjstyle

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I always have a cup of tea and a huge glass of water by my side while working from home as well. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day and who doesn’t like a nice hot cup of tea to on a cold winter day? And if you’re wondering why I don’t have on shoes, well, I pretty much never wear shoes when I’m home. I like to keep our carpet clean throughout the apartment, so hubs and I enforce the “no shoes in the house” policy.

Pearl Earrings: The Pearl Source (Other Options) // Bracelet: Gifted

So tell me, what does your work from home outfit look like? Let me know!

As always, thanks so much for reading! Keep up with me on social media and feel free to sign up to receive my (sometimes) weekly newsletter. I’m excited to be back and I thank you for hanging in there with me. I truly appreciate your comments, emails, tweets, and support. It really keeps me going and means the world to me! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJHome | Remembering Haiti with Macy’s Heart of Haiti

January 12, 2016 by Whitney 1 Comment

Hello there, and Happy New Year to you! I hope 2016 is being good to you so far. I’ll update you on what’s been going on with me a bit later, but in the meantime I want to share another exciting home decor addition from the Macy’s Heart of Haiti Collection. Today marks the 6-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. This catastrophic disaster left so many of its citizens homeless, without loved ones, and without employment. Thanks to the selfless and bold decision to carry handmade items from local Haitian artisans, and creating Macy’s Heart of Haiti collection, over 550 artists make their livelihood by creating goods for sale at Macys.com (and a few select stores).

Purchase HERE

Both handmade metal bowls are not only great additions to our apartment, but the items also serve as a constant reminder of how ethical purchases do so much good for so many people, and their families. After watching the video (below) of how the artisans create such intricate and hand-made metal pieces, I was truly inspired. Can you imagine taking a recycled oil barrel and pounding out intricate designs? Well in the town of Croix-des-Bouquets, that’s exactly what the metal artist do in order to create these masterpieces. There really is an art to it and you can tell that the Haitian artisans take much pride in creating such masterpieces. Knowing that everytime you make a purchase you give hope to AND employment to artists is reason enough for me to support Macy’s and this campaign.

I want to share the locations that have these handcrafted items available for purchase once again. Perhaps you will visit a location and make an ethical purchase sometime this year:

Herald Square
Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown DC’s Metro Center
Chicago’s State Street
San Francisco’s Union Park
Downtown Seattle
Dallas Gallaria
Downtown Portland
Atlanta’s Lenox Square
Dallas Galleria Mall
Miami Dadeland

So tell me, have you seen Macy’s Heart of Haiti collection? Have you made any ethical purchases this year? Let me know!

Be sure to take a look the collection and browse the items. As I said in my previous Heart of Haiti post regardless of your purchases this year, be sure to give some thought to making more ethical and meaningful purchases to support local artisans and small business owners. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions express are my own.