Lifestyle Archives - Page 8 of 13

Lifestyle | What to Expect this Season

May 2, 2016 by Whitney 7 Comments

It’s been awhile, huh?! Let’s just say the past few months have been extremely b u s y. Despite the business, I’ve been preparing a lot of content to share, as well as putting most of my energy into completing the Fearless Woman I am website. I’ve also used the past few months to spend much needed quality time with my family. As I mentioned in this post, the 1st quarter of the year was all about preparation for me. With the 2nd quarter in full swing, I’m now ready to spring into action and continue sharing and inspiring!

Photography Credit: Greg Hindman

During my brief blogging hiatus, I realized that I really enjoy sharing with you. I’ve created this online space and it feels like we’re family. Moving forward, I want you all to feel like you’re sitting around the kitchen table with me when reading my posts. Whether it’s providing tips on how to create your own personal style, sharing some of my favorite beauty products or books, showing you the latest affordable car on the market, or providing a bit of inspiration/motivation to help you through the day, sharing with you, my audience, brings me so much joy.

Plenty of useful style, beauty and inspirational content over on whitneynicjames.com! #wnjblogs

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Sure, there will be sprinkles of sponsored posts here and there, but my main focus is to connect and engage. If you’re signed up to my mailing list, you already know that starting this month I’ll be trying a Monday, Wednesday and Friday posting schedule. There may be weeks I post on a Wednesday or Thursday and there may be days I don’t keep up with the posting schedule at all. Life happens. But for the most part I plan to do my best to stick to the 3-day schedule. No worries; the content will continue to be useful, visually appealing and uplifting. This new schedule will allow the Fearless Woman I am project to flourish and fulfill it’s purpose, while I continue to serve you, my loyal WNJ Readers.

I’ll continue to update and engage daily over on social media. To make my content easier to find and share, I’ll be using the hashtags shown above. Some may look familiar, since I’ve been using a few already. As far as the newsletters, they’ll be arriving in your inboxes on a bi-weekly basis starting September 1st.

So tell me, what are you look forward to seeing on Whitney Nic James this spring and summer? Let me know!

Thank you for keeping up with and supporting the blog thus far – I’m extremely grateful! If you have any suggestions as to what you’d like to read, let me know. I’m here for you, so feel free to contact me anytime! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 5 Ways to Get Motivated

April 12, 2016 by Whitney 24 Comments

I’ve been talking about seasons quite a bit lately – see post HERE and HERE. As I’ve shared before, this has truly been a season of preparation in many ways. For months I’ve been planning a lot of (great) content and coming up with amazing ideas for the blog and for FWIAM, yet I had no concrete plans on when to share. I basically got stuck in preparation mode.

While I do think taking time to prepare before sharing or releasing something new is necessary, it’s importation not to stay there. Unfortunately, it happened to me. I became so caught up in preparing that I lost the motivation and desire to share. Thankfully I learned how to P.I.V.O.T. my way through this season. This allowed me to feel motivated again. You’re probably thinking, “what does P.I.V.O.T. mean?” Allow me to explain while sharing 5 Ways to Get Motivated.

Trying to get motivated? Learn how to P.I.V.O.T – Pray, Ignite, Vent, Omit and Take Action!

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1. Pray | When you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated, pray. Be specific – ask for exactly what you want. Don’t be scared. Prayer not only calms me down, but it also gives me a chance to listen to what I’m being told.

2. Ignite (Internal Conversation) | Our internal dialogue is so important when trying to get (and stay) motivated. The way we talk to ourselves is a clear indication of how we feel about ourselves. Learn how to spark a positive dialogue with yourself. Self-talk should always be positive, uplifting, and honest.

3. Vent | We can often find motivation just by venting and talking to others. Of course, you don’t want to confide in just anyone, but having a few inspiring, trustworthy and honest people to vent to is very helpful. Let them know why you feel so unmotivated and trust they’ll help you get you back on the right track. Having those few “go-to” people has been such a blessing during this season.

Don’t waste your greatness – TAKE ACTION and share your gifts with the world! #wnjinspired

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4. Omit Distractions. | Get real with yourself and remove distractions. Sometimes the reason we’re so unmotivated is because of who we’re spending time with, what we consume on social media, and even the TV shows we watch. Once I started getting rid of certain distractions, I noticed a positive shift in my attitude. I was finally able to get back to my positive and happy self once again. Protect your peace and eliminate those distractions.

5. Take Action. | There is nothing wrong with preparing, but you must have a plan take action. What good is it to plan so much greatness, that has the potential to inspire and motivate others, if you never share it? Don’t waste your greatness and good ideas – take action and share those gifts. The world needs it!

So tell me, how do you get and stay motivated? What do you think about my P.I.V.O.T. method? Let me know!

Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope this has inspired you to take action. Getting and staying motivated during certain seasons is tough. We get complacent, stuck and we just don’t feel motivated – life happens. However, we don’t have to stay there! Stay positive and motivated and always keep the end goal in mind. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#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. *

#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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#WNJSocial | 5 Reasons Why You Should Use Snapchat

February 17, 2016 by Whitney 6 Comments

Of all the social media platforms, Instagram and Snapchat are my absolute favorites! As I’ve said many times before I’m a very visual person, so it makes sense that these are two of my favorite apps. To be honest, I was late to the Snapchat party. It wasn’t until my 13-year-old sister gave me an intense lesson that I began to consider joining. Once I read Gorgeous in Grey’s comprehensive how-to use Snapchat guide for adults, I was sold. I downloaded the app and haven’t looked back since! So of course, I’m going to do my best to convince you to hop on the bandwagon. Here are 5 Reasons You Should Use Snapchat!

1. Show the Real You | I love this app because it’s a great way to show people “the real you.” Sharing snippets of your day allows an instant behind the scenes look at what your days are really like. We live in an world where seeing how others live their lives is interesting to us. We also enjoy sharing (some of those) moments with others. Well, at least that interests, sort of. For that reason Snapchat is a must!

2. Inspire & Uplift | Snapchat is another platform where you can inspire and uplift others through your verbal messages, snaps (pictures) and quotes. Yes, you can type messages on the pictures you upload. It’s a great way to share positive messages, rants, or even songs with your followers. As with any platform, I believe you should be careful what messages you’re sending out into the social media universe. What you share says a lot about what you stand for and what you believe in.

5 reasons you should use Snapchat. #wnjsocial

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3. Promote Yourself | Have something to sell? An event you want people to attend? A product you want us to try? Snapchat is a great way to share and promote that! Many companies don’t use Snapchat the correct way, in my opinion, but I think it’s a genius way to promote and market your brand/or product. You have a captive audience, so what better way to promote your blog, product, event or services using yet another social media outlet?

Using Snapchat is a GREAT way to promote your brand or product. #wnjsocial

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4. Get Instant Feedback | I love being able to interact with friends, readers and others. Snapchat makes it so easy to do so! You can comment/reply to a persons snap, as long as they have that option available. Most Snapchat users, at least the ones I follow, do have this feature available. It’s a great way to get instant feedback about an idea, product or question you may have. Don’t have any feedback to give? You can simply start a conversation or let the person know you like whatever they’ve shared!

5. Follow Your Favorite Celebs & Brands | Since I was young I’ve had an interest in knowing the in’s and out’s of certain celebrities. Questions like what do they eat for dinner or what products do they use everyday always seemed to run through my mind. As far as brands, I’ve always been fascinated with the behind the scenes process of how things are created, made, etc. The celebrities and brands I choose to follow answer those questions, and much more! Just another reason why you should use Snapchat, just saying.

So tell me, are you on Snapchat? If so, what are your thoughts about this social media outlet? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to follow me on Snapchat (here), if you’d like. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJDrives | 2016 Kia Optima Car Review

February 11, 2016 by Whitney 4 Comments

Just before the New Year I had to opportunity to test drive a 2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo. Hubs and I aren’t in the market for a new car immediately, however we plan to purchase a new car within the next 2 years. So whenever I have a chance to test drive a vehicle, I’m excited! I’ve become very found of the Kia brand over the past year and after driving the Optima for a week, it’s safe to say that a Kia purchase just might happen in the near future.

I put this car to the test, traveling up and down 95 for meetings and other wok related events, as well as driving my usual routes in and around Howard County. The sleek and sophisticated design caught my eye at first glance and once inside, I was very impressed with the space. The car is compact, but not so small that you don’t feel comfortable. Once I became acclimated with the car, I noticed one thing for sure – this car gets OUT! Now of course I wasn’t speeding recklessly, but the need for speed was met while cursing down 95. Below are a few important features of the 2016 Kia Optima:

– Push Button Start / Smart Key & Trunk

– Dual Front Advance Airbags

– SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio

– USB/Auxiliary Input Jack

– Steering Wheel Controls

– Rear Parking Assistance

– Bluetooth Capabilities

– Navigation System

– 12 Volt Outlet

Again, I’m not usually a fan of compact sport-like cars, but driving this Kia swayed me a bit. I had plenty of room to stretch and felt very safe while driving. Because I’m constantly on-the-go, I’m always pleasantly surprised when there’s a place to charge multiple electronic devices in a vehicle. Hubs and Mom were equally impressed with the features and also loved the chic design and Platinum Graphite color.

The 2016 @Kia Optima is perfect for young professionals and college students! #wnjdrives

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I can definitely see this car being a great option for a young professional on-the-go, or even a college student. The price of this model, including the features mentioned and a few others, is $27,415. With all the driving I did I was surprised that I din’t have to fill up the tank. The Fuel Economy is listed at 32 MPG. Not bad, at all!

So tell me, have you ever driven a 2016 Kia Optima or another Kia model? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting. If you’re in the market for a new ride I highly suggest you checking out the Optima, or another Kia model. The more I drive these cars the more I understand the high satisfaction rate among many consumers. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to link your recent outfit to my Personal Style Linkup, HERE!

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

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