Whitney, Author at Whitney Nic James

#WNJDrives | 2016 Mazda6 Car Review

April 8, 2016 by Whitney 5 Comments

From wifely duties at home, to working a 9-5, updating/managing content on WNJ and FWIAM, taking little sis to a pageant appearance or an acting/modeling gig/audition, to meeting up for a brunch or dinner date with hubs or friends, it’s safe to say I have a pretty active life. And let’s not forget about my weekly me-time activities, going to church and spending time with the family! Thankfully I love (all of) what I do. However, these activities keep me on the road quite a bit. So of course anytime I have the opportunity to test drive a Drive Shop vehicle, I’m all in and very grateful! Not only does it save me some gas, but it also gives me and hubs a chance to test different car models, as we’re thinking about purchasing a new car in the next year or so.

Last week I had the pleasure of test driving a 2016 Mazda6. I’ve never driven a Mazda so I was excited to get behind the wheel and give it a go! At first glance I loved the color, which was surprising because I’m usually not a fan of white cars. I was also very impressed with the interior. The leather-trimmed heated (front) seats, along with the rest of the inside, was gorgeous. Of course the first thing I did was connect my iPhone to the car; I must listen to my Apple Music playlists while driving. Here are some other features worth sharing, as well as a breif video for an even closer look:

– Bluetooth Hands-free Phone/Audio

– 7.0” Color Touch-Screen Display

– Bose 11” Speaker Sound System

– Blind Spot Monitoring

– Heated Front Seats

– Power Side Mirrors

– Rear-view Camera

– Power Moonroof

– Key-less Entry

Looking for an affordable, safe and stylish car? Check out the @MazdaUSA Mazda6! #wnjdrives

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This compact and sporty Mazda6 was the perfect companion during a busy week! The trunk had plenty of space to pack and deliver a food few (Heart of Charity) non-perishable donations, as well as store groceries and clothes from the cleaners. Priced at $30,195 with the standard features, and $33,715 for the optional features, the car is reasonably priced. It’s the perfect purchase for anyone looking for a stylish, compact, 4-door vehicle.

The 2016 Mazda6 is stylish, safe and has amazing features. Check out this @MazdaUSA review!

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So tell me, have you ever driven a Mazda6 or another model? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and thanks again Drive Shop for yet another stylish and safe ride. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

Personal Style | Winter Style Recap

April 6, 2016 by Whitney 10 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I’m SO excited to enter into a new month, season, and quarter. As far as the weather forecast it may no feel like spring, but according to the calendar spring is here! That said, it’s only right to check out my winter style recap and see a few of my favorite outfits. It was a cold, sometimes warm, and long winter. My wardrobe consisted of black, prints, and layers. I was slowly transitioning into my minimal style and also working from home quite a bit, so a lot of my outfit choices were pretty simple. However, I had to add some “umph” to my looks with prints and cute flats.

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I worked hard to ensure my outfits matched my personality and lifestyle. Comfort, style and practicality were my main concerns when getting dressed. Weather I wore my black maxi, my favorite pair of ankle length denim, or a sheer sexy blouse, I made sure those 3 elements were present. If it wasn’t comfortable, it was a no-go. Of course the outfits had to be stylish! Deciding on practical clothing for whatever I’d be doing, or wherever I’d be going, that day was also important.

Comfort, style & practicality are important factors when planning your outfit. #wnjstyle

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If there was a lunch date or dinner date with hubs later that day, I’d amp up the chic and add a subtle hint of femininity – hence the sheer blouses and cardigans. If I knew I’d be in the house all day working comfort trumped everything. That’s where the maxi dresses and comfy leggings came into play. All in all, my winter style worked well for my lifestyle and I really enjoyed mixing and matching several pieces from my closet. I also enjoyed switching up my hair from time to time. A simple hair change can do wonders, trust me!

A quick and simple hair change can do wonders for your personal style! #wnjstyle

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So tell me, what was your winter style like? What are you looking forward to wearing this season? Let me know!

Thanks for keeping up with me last season, and I hope you stick around for what’s to come this spring and summer! I’ll be back to posting new outfits (and style linkups) and much more this month, but until then be sure to keep up with me on social media. You can pretty much find me everywhere! I’m also really into Snapchat these days, so feel free to follow along with me (@wnicjames). Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Linkups: Trends Spin, How I Spring, Style Me Wednesday *

Events | Macy’s Spring Into Fashion, Tyson’s Corner

March 30, 2016 by Whitney 10 Comments

This Saturday I’m headed to Tyson’s Corner (VA) to attend the Macy’s Spring into Fashion event. There will be a runway show hosted by Lyn Paolo, costume designer for Scandal and Shameless. The runway models will showcase the latest Spring fashion trends, all of which I’m really excited to see! As I continue to spring clean my closet, I’m looking forward to seeing which spring trends I can incorporate into my new minimal wardrobe.

Macy's Spring into Fashion

After the the runway show, attendees will have a chance to win a style consultation with Lyn where she’ll share few wardrobe and fashion tips. Who wouldn’t love a few style tips from the person who helps Kerry Washington look so chic and fabulous every Thursday night on Scandal?! There will also be mini makeovers by Clinique, as well as mini manicures by Modern Nail Studio. Below are a few other locations and dates, including the the event I’ll be attending. For more locations check here!

Macy’s Tyson’s Corner (McLean, VA)

Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m.

Fashion Court, 1st Floor & Women’s on 2nd Floor

Macy’s Wellington (West Palm Beach, FL)

Saturday, April 7 at 6.30 p.m.

Women’s Dept., 2nd Floor

Macy’s Roseville (Sacramento, CA)

Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m.

Women’s Main Floor

Macy's Spring into Fashion Event

So tell me, what spring fashion trends are you looking forward to this season? Will you be attending this event in your area? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out the other locations and dates HERE. Be sure to keep up with me on SnapChat (@wnicjames) for live updates on Saturday. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. During the event you’ll receive a special gift with any Macy’s purchase of $50 or more!

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“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Macy’s; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.”

#WNJDrives | 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited Car Review

March 23, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

A few weeks ago my younger sister hosted her 3rd annual charity pageant, Heart of Charity, here in Columbia, MD. I knew the week leading up to, and the week of the event, I’d be running last minute errands. Having the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited came in very handy during that time! The trunk and backseat space alone left plenty of room for the event supplies, donations, food, etc.

As with most hybrids, the engine was extremely quiet. There were times I didn’t even realize the car was on. And the fact that the gas gauge barley moved throughout the week was rather impressive! Driving a car that takes 2.4 gallons per 100 mile isn’t bad, at all! Another plus was being able to take and make calls while driving, thanks to the the Bluetooth Hands-free capabilities. Other features included, but not limed to, are:

– Front, Front Side Impact, Side Curtain & Driver Knee Airbags

– Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

– Heated & Ventilated Front Seats & & Heated Rear Seats

– 5-inch Color Touchscreen Audio Display

– Panoramic Sunroof w/ Tilt Slide

– SiriusXM Satellite Radio

– Rear-view Camera

– First Aid Kit

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

Of course I had to sync my iPhone to the car upon entering the vehicle. Once that was all squared away I was able to listen to my personal iTunes playlists and favorite podcasts all week. Listed at $35,765.00 the 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s sleek design and hybrid model definitely caters to the young professional or even millennial crowd. I can also see couples, with possibly one child, enjoying this car as well. There’s plenty of room in the back for 2 (or possibly 3) passengers to fit comfortably.

Check out this review on the sleek and smooth 2016 @Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited! #wnjdrives

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Because of the fickle weather I wasn’t able to use the panoramic sunroof as much as I’d hoped. However there was one sunny day during the week where I was finally able to open up the sunroof and let the breeze in. It was lovely. Picture driving down the road, wind in your hair, listening to your favorite song on SiruisXM Radio – perfection!

So tell me, have you ever driven a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid or another model? Let me know!

Thanks for reading! As we wrap up this month I plan to share a few more posts, however once April comes I’ll be back to blogging “on schedule”. I’m looking forward to a new month and a new season here on WNJ. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

Lifestyle | A Few of My Favorite Things Lately

March 16, 2016 by Whitney 12 Comments

Remember a few posts ago when I told you this was my season of preparation? Well, that season has really set in and I’m finally embracing it. Mentally, physically, financially and spiritually I am preparing for greatness. I have a few personal goals for the above mentioned areas that I plan to achieve by the end of the 1st quarter, as well as a few others I plan to take care of within the next few months.

As I travel through this season, something has come to my attention – I haven’t been posting as much. Instead I’ve been enjoying my free time with my husband, family, catching up with girlfriends, as well as working (tirelessly) behind the scenes on my #FearlessWomanIam project. I felt bad about the lack of posting, but realized I needed to embrace this season and fully enjoy these moments. I’ve also made time to enjoy a few good reads, which brings me to today’s Favorite Things.

I’ve always LOVED to read. I remember zipping through B-more Careful and The Coldest Winter Ever back in high school in just one night! My favorite novels, Catcher in the Rye and 1984, were also consumed rather quickly during my high school days. Once I entered college I swooned over Eric Jerome Dickey and Terry McMillian novels, and also caught the magazine subscription bug. From Essence, Ebony, Honey, Vibe – all magazines I longed to work for during my print journalism days – InStyle, People, Time and even National Geographic, I was obsessed with magazines! Now that I’m a little older, and I have to pay for these things myself, I’ve lessened my magazine purchases and I’ve gone the audiobook route, as far as novels.

Reading is fundamental at any age. What have you been reading lately? #wnjreads

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But lately I’ve been falling back into my old ways and picking up certain magazines here and there. I’ve also purchased a few (hard copy) books too, a few of which I plan to in depth reviews on in the coming months. All in all I’ve realized that I’ve missed reading and taking sometime during the day and weekends to do nothing but catch up on magazine and book reading. Granted life gets busy and we all have things to do and places to be, but there’s nothing like reading a good book or magazine article every now and then.

I’ve made it a point to take at least 20 minuets during the week to read…SOMETHING. And not just blog posts and social media statues, although you can learn a lot from them too. I mean reading something that interests me and something I can possibly learn from. It’s nice to take a little break sometimes to enjoy a bit of reading. And if you can learn a thing or two in the process, that’s a win-win!

Take at least 20 minutes a day to ready, SOMETHING. It’s worth it. #wnjreads

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Here’s a list of some of my current favorite reads:

Magazines

Essence
Success
Entrepreneur
Fortune
InStyle

Books

The Little Black Book of Success, Elanie Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood & Rhonda Joy McClean (Foward by Angela Burt-Murry)
A Place Called Peace, Glenda K. Harrison
Make it Happen, Lara Casey
My Time with God, Thomas Nelson

So tell me, what are some of your favorite things lately? Have you read any good books or magazine articles? If so, let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to share your comments and suggestions below! More in depth reviews on the books mentioned above coming this and next month, as well as a few other fun and helpful posts. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | The Start of my Minimal Wardrobe

March 10, 2016 by Whitney 8 Comments

For the longest time, I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a minimal wardrobe. About 2 1/2 years ago I started going through my closet more frequently and figuring out what I really wore often. After doing this I realized that I only wore about 50% of what was in my wardrobe. At this time I was big on thrifting, so the number of thrifted items packed in my closet was astronomical. Well, probably not that bad, but you get the picture.

It was then I realized it was time to cut back on my random thrifting trips and possibly give the whole minimal wardrobe thing a try. Before you read on, here’s my definition of minimalism, which is a combination of two definitions I stumble upon recently from Joshua Becker, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus:

Minimalism – A lifestyle designed to inspire others to live their best lives while owning fewer possessions, as well as a tool that can help you achieve freedom. (i.e. financial freedom, freedom from fear, worry, overwhelm, etc.)

When hubs and I downsized to our new apartment, I already had the idea of a minimalist lifestyle in my mind. I knew I had to research a little more first; I don’t like to jump into things and change my routine without researching. Even after the research phase, I’m all about subtle changes here and there. So the whole downsizing decision kick-started my minimalism quest and I decided to start with my wardrobe. Below are 3 things I’ve realized during the process.

Minimizing your wardrobe should be a gradual and well thought-out process. #wnjstyle

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1. Minimizing your wardrobe doesn’t have to be drastic. | You don’t have to throw out or give away everything you own; it’s not that serious. This decision should work for your lifestyle, period. If your lifestyle calls for more than 9 pieces in your wardrobe, so be it. If you need 21 pieces to create a minimal wardrobe, great! It’s all up to you and no one should dictate how many items you should or should not have in your closet.

2. A minimalist wardrobe saves time AND money. | Deciding to create a minimal wardrobe saves time in the morning when getting dressed, as well as MONEY. Just think about the money you’ll save on clothing, shoes, and accessories when shopping. Deciding to “go minimal” takes time and careful planning, but in doing so you’re sure to have a couple coins left over in your bank account. Can’t beat that!

3. Minimalism doesn’t have to stop with your wardrobe. | If you decided to go this route as far as your wardrobe, why not try a full on minimalist lifestyle? Get rid of the clutter and unnecessary items in your closet, kitchen cabinets, bookshelf, bathroom, etc. Freeing up space in other areas of your home will help you feel more at ease. Once you have that down pat, you can even try the minimalism approach in other areas of your life too!

Creating a minimal wardrobe saves time AND money. #wnjstyle

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Minimal Wardrobe & Lifestyle Reference Links

So tell me, do you have a minimal wardrobe? Have you thought about living a minimalist lifestyle? Let me know!

All in all, I’m on a quest to continue living a God-centered, happy and simple life, while living with less. I’ll be sharing more of my thoughts and changes as I go through this process. If you have any tips, links or suggestions that may help, feel free to send them to me. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Black Maxi Dress and Sheer Cardigan

March 8, 2016 by Whitney 16 Comments

With the temperatures warming up I’ve been happy girl lately! That means I can wear my favorite black maxi dress more often, as well as more sheer tops/cardigans. I think it’s safe to start making subtle changes to my wardrobe. I’m not ready to pull out the sandals or anything, but maxi dresses and sheer garments are a good start!

Black Maxi: H&M (Similar) // Cardigan: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Purse: F21 (Another Option)

This is the kind of outfit I’d wear while working from home or even out to run errands. The decorative earrings and sheer cardigan also make this outfit perfect for a casual date night with hubs. It’s lightweight and chic, the perfect date night combo. Since I’ve become a fan of stretching and maximizing my wardrobe, it’s no surprise that this is my 2nd time wearing this maxi during the winter. FYI, I plan on getting a lot more wear out of this black maxi dress during the upcoming spring season as well!

Maxi dresses are the perfect spring wardrobe must have! #wnjstyle

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So tell me, how often do you wear a black maxi dress or any maxi for that matter? Are you a fan like me? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Casual Weekend Outfit

March 7, 2016 by Whitney 26 Comments

Happy Monday! I was MIA last week due to a nasty virus, but I’m back today to share yet another casual weekend outfit. I spent most of the weekend with my family. We had quite a busy Friday and Saturday, so once Sunday arrived I was determined to make that a day of rest. After my little sisters Heart of Charity Pageant on Saturday, I needed a full day to regroup. I was able to squeeze in a few errands as well, hence wearing this casual weekend outfit.

Top: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Pants: Sejour (Similar) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Purse: Gifted

I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been living in casual outfits here lately. Be it working from home or running errands, I’m a lot more active these days and wearing cute and comfy outfits seem to be my go-to. With all that’s going on in the different areas of my life, my style has become much more practical and comfortable.

Believe it or not, the season you’re in can effect your wardrobe. #wnjstyle

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I’ve come to the conclusion that this is a season of preparation for me. Weather I’m helping to prepare for family events, planning my #FearlessWomanIam website reveal and first event, or prepping for things in my personal life, I’m definitely in the planning and preparation mindset. Looking back on recent outfit choices, it’s evident my wardrobe reflects this season.

Earrings: eBay // Sunnies: H&M

So tell me, does your wardrobe reflect the season your in? What’s you idea of the perfect casual weekend outfit? Let me know!

As always thank you for reading! Be sure to linkup to today’s Personal Style Linkup below – I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing! Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: Classy Monday, How I Fall, Mix it Monday, Sophisticated Style, WIW **

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