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Lifestyle | 23 Songs You Need on Your Workout Playlist

November 10, 2016 by Whitney 8 Comments

Earlier this summer I made the decision to take control of my health. I was fed up with feeling sluggish, sick of getting bi-weekly migraines and I was over having zero energy. So, from the beginning of July to the end of September I began walking at least 1 mile 5 times a week, weekends included. I worked my way up to almost 3 miles and incorporated frequent Nike+ Training workouts into my routine. My progress was slow and steady and I was beginning to notice subtle changes in the energy, as well as the shape of my body. Unfortunately “life happened”. I found myself unable to dedicate much time to consistently working out. Instead I focused my energy elsewhere for a few months. Although it was necessary for me to do so, I really missed working out.

You owe it to yourself to live a healthy and happy life! #selfcare

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Thankfully things have slowed down a bit, which means I can finally get back to my workout routine! I never thought I would miss working out. The feeling I get after I finish a 2 mile walk, as corny as it may sound, is amazing. I also feel a little pain and I’m usually exhausted, but finishing workout is an amazing feeling nonetheless. One thing that will definitely get me back on track is creating the perfect workout playlist. I cannot walk, run or do any type of exercise without good music. I usually separate my list into 3 parts – Warm Up, Workout & Cool Down. Different songs and tempos for each phase of my workout is a must. That said, here are 23 songs perfect for any workout playlist!

23 songs you need on your workout playlist, ASAP. #wnjplaylist

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WARM UP

Body Party | Ciara
Be Alright | Arianna Grande
Controlla | Drake

WORKOUT

Sorry | Beyoncé
Hello, Good Morning | Diddy – Dirty Money & T.I.
Get Right | Jennifer Lopez
Freedom | Beyoncé
Go Get It | Mary, Mary
Win Again | Nicki Minaj
Get Your Money Up | Keri Hilson
Alright | Kendrick Lamar
Something New | Zendaya
24K Magic | Burno Mars
Push It | Rick Ross
Get it on the Floor | DMX
Brighter Day | Kirk Franklin
No Limit | Usher
Crazy | Kehlani
Champion | Nicki Minaj, Nas & Drake
Say Yes | Michelle Williams, Beyoncé & Kely Rowland

COOL DOWN

Phone Down | Erykah Badu
I Bet | Ciara
Hindsight | Pieces of a Dream

So tell me, do you like my workout playlist? What are some of your favorite songs form your workout playlist? Let me know!

As you can probably tell, I like to listen to a little gospel during my workouts. I find that hearing an uplifting song throughout my workout really keeps me going. Ending with a smooth jazz song is also something that may seem a little different. Because I usually end my workouts with stretching, I think it’s a perfect choice! Be sure to let me know what kind of music you listen to during your workouts; I’m always up for adding more songs. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 11 Things You Should do Every Day to Live a Better Life

October 20, 2016 by Whitney 14 Comments

I’m big on having daily routines and adopting positive habits. Doing this has helped make my life better and not to mention, less stressful. Sure, life doesn’t always go the way we plan. But it’s still nice to practice good habits and set routines. It makes the day run so much smoother.

All year I’ve been tweaking my routines and practicing different positive habits. Today, I want to share 11 things you should do every day to live a better life. I’d never tell you to do something that I haven’t done or practiced so yes, I truly strive to do these 11 things on a daily basis.

Related: 11 Ways to Have a Better Day

1. Journal & Express Gratitude | I’ve mentioned this several times, but after my morning prayer and devotions, I journal. Even if I’m short on time, I always make sure to jot down at least 3 things I’m grateful for before starting the day. Doing this puts a smile on my face and definitely puts things into perspective.

2. Feed Your Mind Something Positive | I’m always listening to upbeat and positive songs during the morning hours, but I’ve recently started listening to podcasts and certain audiobooks in the a.m. I’m in the car a lot during the beginning of my work days, so I usually turn on one of my favorite entrepreneurial or lifestyle podcasts.

Related: The Morning Playlist You Need to Have an Amazing Day

4. Drink Water | Before tea, coffee or juice I have a glass or bottle of water. We all know the benefits of drinking water, but I will say that increasing my water intake has done wonders for my skin and energy.

5. Move Your Body | Setting aside the time to go for a 1-mile walk or do a 30-minute workout is everything! Doing those activities is yet another energy booster. Walking is so therapeutic for me. It helps clear my mind and calms my spirit. Working out is a great way to get out any frustrations from the day.

11 Things You Should Do Every Day #selfcare

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6. Read Something | I think it’s SO important to read something, every day. Even if it’s an online article or a short devotional, exercise your mind by reading on daily basis.

7. Genuinely Compliment Someone | This random act of kindness is something I started doing a few months ago. Genuinely complementing someone can do so much for their confidence. I know how great I feel when others genuinely compliment me, so to return the favor to someone else is the least I can do.

8. Moisturize | I mean, who doesn’t want soft, supple and clear skin? Find a moisturizer that works for your skin type and slather it on, day and night. Don’t forget your neck too!

Related: 5 Things to do at Night to Prepare for Tomorrow

9. Say, “I love you.” | Simply put, life is way too short not to tell those you love that you do. If you don’t already, tell those you love “I love you” every day.

10. Sit in Silence | Most days, when I get home from work, I sit or lay across my bed and close my eyes. I don’t turn on the TV or look at my phone. I just lay or sit in silence for at least 20 minutes. Doing this is a great way to download from the crazy or busy day you’ve just had. It also helps unwind and relax your body in preparation for the evening.

11. Set Intentions for Tomorrow | Don’t wait for tomorrow to plan for tomorrow. Take a few moments each evening to set your intentions for the next day. This small task will help you feel more be prepared and it will leave you less stressed the next morning.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to plan for tomorrow. #wnjinspired

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So tell me, what are some things you do every day to help make your life a little better? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting. I really enjoy sharing inspirational and lifestyle posts with you. It not only helps me continue to strive to live a positive and uplifting life, but I’ve also seen it inspire others to do the same. If you want even more uplifting and inspirational messages, in a more condensed version, keep up with me on social media! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJDrives | 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE

October 12, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

As you know, I had the pleasure of test driving several cars over the summer. The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE is the last car I tested during Summer 2017 and to my surprise, I enjoyed driving it! My first reaction was, “WOW. That’s a small car.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about the size, but I quickly got over that once I saw/heard about the features. And the size actually came in handy when trying to find a parking spot.

Not only was I impressed with the Apple CarPlay feature, but I also appreciated the Bluetooth hands-free feature with steering wheel controls. I’m in the car A LOT during the week for work, as well as for my own personal activities. So being able to safely talk while driving it necessary. I thought the inside would feel a little tight, due to the fact that the car is so compact, but I was wrong. The inside has plenty of room. My passengers didn’t complain either; they all rode very comfortably. Here are some of my other favorite features:

– Bluetooth Hands-Free with Steering Wheel Controls

– 6.5” Display Audio with Smartphone Link

– Push Button Start/Stop Engine Switch

– Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

– Power Windows & Door Locks

– Steering Wheel Audio Controls

– Child Safety Rear Door Locks

– Rearview Camera System

– 12 Volt Accessory Outlet

– Front Seat Heater

– Fog Lights

* See Also, 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

The one thing that irritated me a bit was having to open the glove compartment to hook up my phone. I mean, you don’t have to use the cord if you don’t want to use certain features, but I did. I found a way to close the glove compartment and still have my phone plugged up. It worked for the week, but what if I had to do that everyday? Can you imagine the wear and tear that might have on the cord? But hey, that was my only complaint. Nothing’s perfect, right?

Check out this review on the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE. #wnjdrives

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This list price for the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE is $17,830.00. Talk about affordable! It’s perfect for those who want a compact car with a lot of trunk space. My 14-year-old sister actually asked our parents if she could get this as her first car. She said it was cute, affordable, safe and perfect for teens! I have to agree. It really is the perfect car for a younger demographic. You can get about 37 MPG which is approximately 2.7 gallons per 100 miles. If you’re only driving to and from work/or school, you’ll be just fine. If you’re always on the go (like me) and do a lot of car traveling on a daily basis, you might want to consider another option.

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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

Personal Style | Wearing All Black + 3 Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe

October 5, 2016 by Whitney 22 Comments

From adopting a minimal sense of style to emptying out several overflowing closets and drawers in our home, I’ve been on a quest to find ways to simplify my wardrobe. It hasn’t been easy because I still LOVE a good shopping or thrifting trip. However, I’ve become much more aware of the clothes I already own. I’ve also become an expert at remixing certain items to wear during different seasons. If you want to try minimizing your wardrobe this season, here are 3 easy ways to simplify your wardrobe.

Related: Creating a Minimal Wardrobe

1. Purchase more solid colors. | This is a small and easy step that can easily help simplify your wardrobe. Buying more solid colored clothing allows you to mix & match your items more often, which in turn helps ease the stress of figuring out what to wear every day.

2. Create a work uniform. | I pretty much wear the same 5-6 basic pieces to work each week. To keep things interesting I switch up the accessories/shoes, add a vest, kimono or cardigan and change up my jewelry. Creating a work uniform has made getting dressed in the mornings a breeze. No worries; I’m still stylish, chic and cute every day at work!

3. Declutter your space little by little. | We often want to get rid of our junk right away, all at once. However, if you declutter little by little, one closet or drawer at a time, it’s less overwhelming. It also makes decluttering and reorganizing a more realistic task for you to complete.

Vest: Dalia, TJ Maxx (Another Option) // Dress: Kenar Woman, Marshall’s (Similar) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Exact, Size 6 & Similar)

Related: 5 Things to do at night to Prepare You for the Next Day

I also suggest wearing purchasing a few all-black wardrobe staples. A little black dress, a black vest, a couple pair of black leggings and a few black t-shirts can do wonders for your personal style! As I mentioned over on Instagram the other day, I used to think wearing all black was boring. But I’ve learned that with the right accessories, an all-black outfit can be just as exciting as one with color and prints.

3 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe #wnjstyle

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Sunnies: H&M (Similar) // Necklace: Purchased in NY (Other Options)

So tell me, do you have any tips on how to simplify your wardrobe? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to let me know your thoughts on simplifying your wardrobe, as well as my all-black outfit, below. I love reading and responding to your comments! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 5 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

September 29, 2016 by Whitney 17 Comments

If you subscribe to my newsletter you probably remember me saying that this summer was “a wild one”. I can honestly say that I’ve gone through just about every emotion there is over the past 3 months. Despite the wild and craziness of the season, my saving grace has been my evening and morning routines. Having set routines makes navigating through my days so much easier. Therefore, I want to share a few of my “night before” tips with you. Here are 5 things to do at night to prepare for the next day!

1. Clean up your surroundings. | I always tidy up before heading to bed. When everything is in order and in place, I can breathe easier. Plus it helps to know where things are when you’re trying to head out the door in the morning. Spending 5-10 minutes in the morning frantically looking for your car keys or phone, when you’re probably already running late, is no fun – trust me.

2. Make a list. | When I jot down a few reminders for the next day I feel like I’m already 5 steps ahead. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; a short list of 3 or 4 reminders will do. I often list 3 people I need to email/or call the next day on a post-it and stick it on my computer screen.

3. Pick out your clothes. | This is something I’ve been doing since I was in grade school. My husband does the same thing. Hang your next day outfit in the front of your closet, or even on the outside of your closet door. Place your shoes, jewelry and any other accessory you’ll need on the dresser or somewhere visible. This simple task will save you so much time in the mornings.

5 things to do at night to prepare for the next day. #wnjinspired

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4. Set your alarm. | Thanks to the iPhone iOS 10 upgrade, the ‘Bedtime’ feature reminds me when I need to go to bed in order to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep. Since I’m working on consistently going to bed and waking up at a certain time during the week, this feature is the perfect way to keep me on track.

5. Unplug. | After you’ve set your alarm, put your phone on silent and place it face down on your dresser. Also, turn off the TV or laptop. The worst thing you can do is sleep with those on. The bright light from both is distracting and makes it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep.

So tell me, what things do you do at night to prepare for the next day? Anything I mentioned above? Let me know!

I hope you find these tips helpful. Doing these 5 simple things has really helped me prepare for a productive “next day”. I plan to share my morning and evening routines with you in the near future, but in the meantime feel free to follow me on Snapchat. I often share snippets of my routines over there. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJDrives | 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

September 27, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

A few months back I test drove the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco for a week. When the cute and compact car pulled up I was all smiles. From its red exterior to the sleek body, I was ready to hop in and start driving! Once inside I was equally impressed with the cream interior, huge touchscreen and spacious backseat.

During my time with the car I enjoyed being able listen to my morning podcasts on the way to work, as well as my many iTunes playlists. Like the other cars I’ve recently tested, the Hyundai Elantra Eco was equipped with Apple CarPlay. I love this feature and I’m glad to see that it’s becoming the norm for so many of the newer car models. Receiving and sending messages while driving was extremely safe and hassle free, thanks to Apply CarPlay. Check out some of the other feature below!

– Leather Steering Wheel with Audio & Cruise Control

– Front, Front Side Impact & Side Curtain Airbags

– Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System

– Touchscreen Display Audio System

– Android Auto & Apple CarPlay

– Hands-free Smart Trunk

– Blind Spot Detection

– Heated Front Seats

– Rear-view Camera

– SiriusXM Radio

Check out this review on the 2017 @Hyundai Elantra Eco! #wnjdrives

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I also made a Target run while test driving the car. I was able to pack in quite a bit, plus a few extra goodies from the grocery store, thanks to the spacious trunk! The rear-view camera came in handy as well while maneuvering in and out of the parking lot(s). The Hyundai Elantra Eco also provided plenty of space to hold drinks, as well as your cellphone while driving. I don’t like holding my phone in my lap while driving or having to put it in the passengers seat next to me. Having a specific area to place my phone and drinks was very convenient.

So tell me, have you ever driven the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco? After reading the review, what do you think? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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

Lifestyle | 7 Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s

August 10, 2016 by Whitney 14 Comments

As I get ready to enter into a new decade, I keep thinking about the many lessons I’ve learned throughout my 20s. If I shared all of those lessons, we’d be here until my next birthday. So I’ve decided to share just a few. Read ahead to find out 7 life lessons you learn in your 20s.

Related: 10 Things I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago

1. Know your worth. | If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 20s it’s to know your worth. It’s imperative to understand that wanting the best for yourself, and expecting nothing less, is exactly what you deserve. Know your worth, know your value and never settle.

2. Nobody really knows what they’re doing. | Truth be told, we’re all just winging it. Simply put, there is no “right way” to go through life. I’ve learned to focus on being the best version of myself, while being kind to others along the way, and leaving the rest up to God.

3. This world owes you nothing. | I’m not a fan of people who feel entitled. The world owes you nothing and we should not live life, expecting the world to give us what we think we deserve. I’ve learned that you have to work, sometimes harder than others, to get what you want/deserve. You get out of life what you put into it. Period.

* SPOILER ALERT * Even if you work your hardest, you still may not get what you want or deserve. Unfortunately, that’s life.

7 Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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4. The only thing constant is change. | Things, people, and situations change. Throughout my 20s, I’ve had to deal with so many changes. Prayerfully I’ve been able to move forward, but it’s been unbelievably difficult to adjust to certain changes. Your 20s are the perfect time to learn how to become more flexible and open to change.

5. There will always be someone better than you. | In your 20s it’s easy to feel irreplaceable and invincible. Trust me, I’ve been there. But never think you can’t be replaced because you can be. You’re not always going to be everyone’s cup of tea and as they say, there’s always going to be someone better, stronger, or prettier than you. This is why knowing your worth is extremely important. As long as you’re the best version of yourself and you give it everything you’ve got (at all times) you’ll come out of the top every time.

Related: 50 Life Goals in 7 Years

6. You can’t please everyone. | I’ve learned this lesson quite a few times in my 20s. While I respect the opinions of my loved ones, at the end of the day I have to make the best decision(s) for myself. It’s really that simple.

7. Some things should be kept private. | As much as I LOVE sharing my life on social media, I’ve realized that some moments are not meant for the world to see. I’ve learned that although I may be OK with sharing certain things, the other people involved may not want that moment shared. Also, sharing too much with the public leaves room for judgement, speculation and questions. Who wants to deal with any of that? I sure don’t. Trust me, keeping some things to yourself is definitely a good thing.

So tell me, what do you think about my lessons? What are some life lessons you’ve learned in your 20s? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to share some of the lessons you’ve learned in your 20s below. I can’t wait to read them! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 20 Things You Should Do in Your 20’s

August 2, 2016 by Whitney 4 Comments

I can’t believe the summer is already winding down and I really can’t believe that I’ll be celebrating my 30th birthday in 9 days! Where has the time gone?! Before the summer slips away, and before I turn the big 3-0, I want to share a few things I’ve learned during my 20’s. I’ll be publishing a few posts surrounding that topic leading up to my birthday and today, I want to start with sharing 20 things you should do in your 20’s.

* See Also: 50 Life Goals

Personal & Life Experiences

Cultivate meaningful relationships
Live on your own (without your parents)
Travel to another country at least once
READ (books, magazine articles, website articles, etc.)
Spend time with your parents/family

* BONUS * Figure out what your passion is, even if it takes a while.

20 things you should do in your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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Career & Business

Perfect your networking skills
Clean up your online presence
Find a business mentor
Update your resume
Intern, Intern, Intern!

Money & Finances

Make a plan to pay off your student loans
Open a bank account (& learn to track your spending)
Set savings goals (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.)
Check your credit report often (…and get help understanding it if you you’re unsure of certain things)
Invest in yourself

* BONUS * Develop multiple streams of income.

It’s important to understand and check your credit report often in your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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Health & Wellness

Create a workout routine
Practice self-care often
Schedule (and actually go to) doctor’s appointments
Let go of toxic relationships
Develop healthy eating habits

So tell me, what are some things you’d suggest doing in your 20’s? Let me know!

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

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* Linkups: Small Victories *

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