Whitney Nic James

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#WNJSocial | 5 (More) Amazing Women to Follow on Instagram

February 3, 2016 by Whitney 5 Comments

In case you didn’t know, I’m a very visual person. When it comes to how I learn and how I go about growing my business(es), how something looks is very important. In a nutshell, beautiful images, clean and simple design, as well as appealing imagery makes me happy. Because of this, I’m very particular in choosing who to follow on Instagram. If your feed has pretty pictures, inspiring quotes, well designed flat lays and cute kids, I’m all in! Below are 5 (more) amazing women that I follow on Instagram.

* See Also: Why You Shouldn’t Follow Everyone on Social Media

Women to Follow on Instagram

1. @WhitneyNicJames | I had to include my account, of course. I’ve actually had quite a few fellow bloggers and followers comment on the style of my feed and content. I’m extremely thankful for the positive feedback. I’ve worked hard to create a certain aesthetic and I continue to challenge myself to post inspiring, stylish and uplifting content regularly.

2. @DaynaBolden | Dayna’s warm spirit and down to earth personality can literally be felt through her images and captions. Dayna executes her mission to inspire women to do all things with Love, Passion & STYLE flawlessly. Her Instagram feed is full of aesthetically pleasing style, lifestyle and product photos, along with the occasional posts of her adorable and ever so stylish baby girl.

3. @Brosiaa | This Arizona based Youtuber and Content Creator has been on my radar for years. I was first inspired to follow because of her minimalist lifestyle but as time went on I started to enjoy her candid, yet visually pleasing, lifestyle Instagram posts as well. Her tips on style, beauty and even fitness are always honest and presented in such a retable way.

Who to Follow on Instagram

You should be following these 5 amazing accounts on Instagram. #wnjsocial

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4. @Styleandpoise | I’ve been following style blogger, Roni, for years. I’m such a fan of her colorful and chic style, but more importantly, she’s so positive and inspiring. Anyone who can inspire me AND look fly while doing it, you’re winning in my book. I also like the fact that Roni’s messaging is the same across all platforms. Trust me, that’s hard to find these days. Take a look for yourself; I’m sure you’ll love her just as much as I do!

5. @IamDionneDean | Dionne captures you right away with her exciting and lively Instagram feed! I thoroughly enjoyed scrolling and double tapping through her fashion-forward images, and I’m constantly inspired by her smart shopping tips and tricks.


So tell me, are you following any of these accounts?  Any amazing women on Instagram you think I should check out? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by today. I plan to share more #WNJSocial posts this year. My love for social media and blogging has grown over the years and I’m excited to share my thoughts, tips and what I’ve learned along the way. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: inspiration, Instagram, lifestyle, social media

#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).

Heart of Haiti

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.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Macy's

#WNJSocial | 7 Must Have Apps for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs

December 24, 2015 by Whitney 20 Comments

As mentioned in this post, being a blogger and entrepreneur keeps me on the go most days. I absolutely love what I do and as of this year, I fully understand what it means to be an entrepreneur and an intentional blogger. I’ve also learned which apps help to make navigating through the world of entrepreneurship and blogging a bit easier. Below are the 7 Must Have Apps for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs, according to little ‘ole me.

Apps for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs

1. PayPal | As an entrepreneur and blogger there are several times a month I hear the PayPal chirp go off. That means I’ve gotten paid for a sponsored post, from a social media client, or that I’ve gotten paid for an item sold on eBay. I can also accept payments on the go by using my PayPal card reader. This app, and the reader, are definite must haves for all entrepreneurs out there!

2. Mint | This is a great app to help track your spending. I like to know what I’m spending the most money on and how much I have left in my account at the end of the day/week. The app sends alerts when you’ve reach a “low balance” and tracks pretty much all your purchases, made from your linked bank card & accounts. Very helpful!

3. Mailchimp | Although you cannot create a newsletter using this app, it’s a wonderful tool to track your newsletter openings, clicks, new subscribers and unsubscribers. I send out 2 newsletters a week (WNJ & #FearlessWomanIam), so I find this app very helpful.

7 Must Have Apps for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs. #wnjsocial

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Apps for Bloggers and Entrepreneurs

Original Post

4. Evernote | I use this app to record my daily to do lists for my 9-5, as well as for my personal business needs. Thanks to Mattie, my mentor in my head and play cousin, I use Evernote daily. I’m very thankful she introduced me to this app and created an easy to follow “how to use Evernote” post on her blog. It has helped keep my day to day activities in one place and it also allows me to send my to-do lists to someone else (i.e. an assistant, intern, co-worker, boss, etc.) With the app, you can also create separate lists and notes and even add images and links to each list.

5. Buffer | This is how I schedule all of my tweets for @whitneynicjames. Each week I plug in and schedule certain posts I want to share via Twitter, including the images and links. Once added, I don’t have to think about it anymore. I know the tweet will be published at the right time and I can even check the stats of a particular tweet.

Try a few of these apps to enhance your blog and business in the New Year! #wnjsocial

Click To Tweet

6. WordSwag | I share at least 4 or 5 inspirational quotes or scriptures weekly via Instagram as part of my brand. Because I’ve created a certain “look” for my Instagram feed, I like everything to look a certain way, even quotes. I use this app to create the quote image and it’s so simple. The different fonts, backgrounds and sizes help make each image different or the same, whatever your preference.

7. Rituals | As an entrepreneur and blogger it can be difficult to find a few moments to yourself. When I do get a moment of downtime, I like to either read, take a nap, listen to music, or meditate. The Rituals app is great for training your mind to meditate throughout the day. I usually use the app early in the morning when I wake or when I get home from work. I’ve even used it during my lunch-breaks. The app guides you through different types meditations for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. The app also shows short videos (and descriptions) of different yoga techniques. This really is the perfect app to have on deck when you need just a few moments to regroup and refocus.


So tell me, do you use any of these Must Have Apps for Bloggers & Entrepreneurs? What’s your favorite app? Let me know!

I hope you’ve found this post helpful. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these apps and also let me know which apps help you find helpful as an entrepreneur and blogger. As always, thanks for reading! Have a happy and joyous Christmas and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style

#WNJDrives | 2016 Kia Sorento Review 

December 15, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

As mentioned in this post, hubs and I traveled to his home state of Delaware for Thanksgiving. The following weekend, we headed back to Delaware for a baby shower. Aside from road tripping, we’ve both been quite busy for the past few weeks. Because of that I wanted to make this trip as comfortable and stress free as possible, for the both of us. I also wanted a smooth and easy drive so at the last minute, I reached out to the lovely people at Drive Shop. Thankfully I was provided with a beautiful 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD the next day, just in time for our road trip.

2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD

2016 Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento 2016

When the driver pulled up with this vehicle, I was immediately impressed. Further examining the Sorento I opened the door and fell in love with the deep red leather seats, the comfortable drivers seat, and the easy to use 8-inch touchscreen display. I remember testing a Sorento a few years back and was rather pleased. However the 2016 model blew me away! Check out some of the awesome features: 

– 19” Alloy Wheels

– Blind Spot Detection

-Side Curtain Airbags

(1st & 2nd Row)

-Surround View Monitor 

– Full Time AWD (All Wheel Drive) 

– Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

– Heated Leather Steering Wheel

– Blue Tooth Wireless Capability

– Navigation System & Sirius XM Satellite Radio 

2016 - Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento - 2016

Charging Station & Electrical Outlet Station in Back Seat

Kia Sorento 2016 review

Needless to say the drive to Delaware and back was smooth, safe and so relaxing. I even caught hubs napping in the passengers seat a few times – he never falls asleep while I’m driving, lol. On our way home, we stopped to grab a few things from Whole Foods. There was still tons of space left in the trunk after storing our suitcase, a few miscellaneous items, water and 3-4 bags of groceries. Looking back it was as if the trunk was laughing at us like, “that’s all you got?!” LOL!

2016 Kia Sorento Review

@Kia’s make safe, family friendly, good looking cars. Read this 2016 Sorento review! #wnjdrives

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This car was the perfect road-trip companion, to say the least. Kia is easily becoming one of our favorite brands. After riding this beauty for a few days, hubs and I are strongly considering this vehicle as our next car purchase. All weekend I raved about how comfortable and safe I felt. The only negative thing I can say about my experience was that I wish I was able to drive it a bit longer, lol.


So tell me, what are you driving? What do you think about the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and be sure to leave your comment below. Until tomorrow, 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. *

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Auto Review, Kia, Road Trip, travel

#WNJInspired | 5 Things You Must Do to Prepare for the New Year

December 9, 2015 by Whitney 12 Comments

In order to prepare for the New Year there seems to be a laundry list of things to do! While this process can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Take a few moments and figure out what it is you need to get done before 2016. What’s at the top of the list? It can be something as simple as cleaning out your pantry. In case you need help figuring out where to start, here are 5 simple things to prepare you for 2016!

Prepare for the New Year

1. Schedule Time for Self-Care. | Scheduling time for self-care is something I’ve starting working on already. I’ve made 2 spa appointments, a facial and a massage, for next year. Take time to schedule a few self-care related appointments for 2016. Once a month is very realistic to make time for a facial, massage, hair appointment, or even a yoga class. You can even set aside time to read, catch up on your TV shows or do an at-home spa day for yourself monthly. Whatever you consider a self-care day, make the time.

** Related Post: The Importance of Self Care 

2. Clear Out. | It’s time to clear out your closet, pantry or bathroom cabinet(s) – out with the old, in with the new! If you still have spring or summer clothes in your closet, I won’t judge you. However, I will say it’s time to switch to your late fall/winter wardrobe. If you can’t fit an item, it’s time to get rid of it. When it comes to your pantry, check the expiration dates on all of the canned goods and packaged items.

3. Donate. | If you have you clothes, shoes, accessories or even books that you no longer want, head to your local Goodwill (or thrift store) and donate those items. If you find that you need a few more items to replace some of the things you’ve donated, try thrifting those replacements first. It’s a great way to save money and you’d be surprised at the affordable and useful gems found at the thrift store.

** Related Post: Thrift Shopping Tips 

Prepare for the New Year

5 things you must do to prepare for a productive 2016. #wnjinspired

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4. Unsubscribe. | Throughout the year we all subscribe to certain stores and blog newsletters/email lists. At the time it seems like a great idea, but once your inbox becomes full of sale announcements and unrelated/random messages it becomes junk. My rule is this – if I haven’t shopped at a store or visited a blog/website in the last 60 days, it’s time to unsubscribe. Keep your inbox clean and clutter free in order to see those important messages that come through.

5. Reevaluate. | Reevaluating your wardrobe, habits, lifestyle and even your circle of friends is an important step to take when preparing for the New Year. After you reevaluate you may find that somethings and people don’t need to trickle over into 2016. That’s OK. With each season in your life it’s natural to let somethings go. Don’t be afraid to sit down and really think about what and who needs to stay and go.

** Related Post: The Importance of a Solid Starting Five 


So tell me, what do you do to prepare for the New Year? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and following. I truly appreciate the support here on the blog, through social media, and even by sending emails. Until next time, stay blessed and be safe…XO!

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Filed Under: Inspiration, Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: inspiration, self care

#WNJDrives | 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Car Review

December 3, 2015 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Last month I had the pleasure of test driving the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC for a week. I’ve driven an Outlander before and although I was a fan of the look and interior, I wasn’t 100% sold on the actual driving experience. However this time, I was very pleased! The car drove very well, I didn’t feel the bumps on the road like last time. Above all I felt very safe. My experience with the Outlander Sport was enjoyable and one I wouldn’t mind having again.

** Previous Outlander Review HERE

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Source

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

As a certified music junkie the first thing I do is check the sound system in any car. Knowing that I was able to listen to my iTunes and Apple Music playlists while driving was such a treat. I don’t mind the radio, especially Sirius, however being able to control what you listen to is always my favorite option. Thanks to the Bluetooth capabilities, it was possible to pick and choose my tunes. Another plus, the sleek design. Let’s be honest, we all love to drive around in a nice looking car. This sporty vehicle was indeed a looker!

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport review, thanks to @mitsucars and @driveshop! #DriveMitsubishi

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Noteworthy Features 

– Spacious 2nd Row AND Trunk

– Steering Wheel Controls

– Handsfree with Bluetooth

– All Wheel Control (AWC)

– Sirius Digital HD Radio

– Touchscreen Navigation

– Panoramic Sunroof 

– Rearview Camera

2015 Outlander Sport

AM/FM Radio, CD, Sirius & Bluetooth 

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport


So tell me, have you ever driven the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?  If not, what car do you currently drive? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back soon with another auto review. Hubs and I are out of town this weekend, once again, and I’ll be test driving another ride. Follow along with us on social media searching the #WNJDrives hashtag, or on Snapchat at @wnicjames. Until next time, be blessed and be safe!

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Car Review, Drive Shop, Mitsubishi

7 Fabulous & Budget Friendly Gifts Under $50 for Female Entrepreneurs from Nordstrom

December 1, 2015 by Whitney 19 Comments

Believe it or not it’s time to start holiday shopping. I must admit that I haven’t started just yet, but I have a list and plan to get things going by the weekend. If you’re like me and have been stalling a bit to get your shopping started here’s a quick and easy gift guide, perfect for the female entrepreneur in your life. Weather a creative or corporate entrepreneur, these gift ideas are perfect. More importantly, they won’t break the bank. I made sure each Nordstrom item was under $50 – thank me later. 😉

The perfect gifts for any female entrepreneur from @nordstrom, under $50!

Click To Tweet

 

Gifts Under $50

1. Voluspa Scented Candles | As a female entrepreneur you probably have a home office (or space where you do your work) and to be honest, you may spend more time there than at your 9-5 office. Of course you want that area to look and smell good, which is why these mini Voluspa candles are the perfect addition to your home office/space. They smell simply divine!

Nordstrom Gifts Under $50

Voluspa Mini Candles| Purchase HERE

 

2. Kate Spade Lined Journal | If you’re anything like me you’re constantly jotting down ideas and notes. Why not use a pretty journal to do so? This blank journal is the perfect size to fit in your purse or tote!

 

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Kate Spade Journal | Purchase HERE

3. Kate Spade Thermal Travel Mug | Weather you’re a coffee or tea drinker, every female entrepreneur needs a fancy to-go mug. I love this Kate Spade option because it’s chic and easy to carry around while out and about during meetings or appointments.

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Kate Spade Polka-Dot Thermal Travel Mug | Purchase HERE

4. Rifle Paper Co. Note Cards | Note cards are perfect for writing professional and personal thank-you notes. You never know when you need to send a little handwritten note to someone. It’s personable, professional, and very thoughtful!

Paper Co. Blank Note Cards | Purchase HERE

 5. ‘Good Vibes’ Desk Sign | My mother, a fellow female entrepreneur, is obsessed with cute office supplies. She has a collection of the fanciest notebooks, pencils, and paper clips, similar to these below. These Kate Spade clips are perfect to add to your desk! They have cute sayings on them and can be used over and over again.

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He Said, She Said Desk Sign | Purchase HERE

6. Reversible Tote Bag | I have this tote (and detachable wristlete) and I absolutely LOVE it! It’s very durable, stylish, easy to carry to work, and great for travel. The reversible aspect makes the tote 2 bags in 1 and the bonus wristlete is great for carrying during a night out on the town. Perfect in every way!

Gifts Under $50

Reversible Tote (with wristlete) | Purchase HERE

 

7. Lilly Pulitzer Planner | This planner is not only pretty, but super spacious and perfect for keeping you organized and on track during the New Year. My mother ordered this planner for 2016 and is LOVING everything about it. The spiral design makes the planner very functional and easy to write in. The pages really are beautiful too as well!

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Lilly Pulitzer Jumbo 17-Month Agenda | Purchase HERE


So tell me, what do you think about my picks? What are some gifts under $50 you think a female entrepreneur would love?  Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to tweet me if you decide to purchase one of the 7 items above; I’d love to see. Until tomorrow, stay blessed and be safe…xo!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Gift Guide, gifts, Nordstrom

#WNJBeauty | Typical Wash Day + Irresistible Me Flat Iron Review

November 26, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers celebrating! Hubs and I are in Delaware with his family and all I can think is, let’s eat! LOL. Before you go and enjoy the day with family and good food, I wanted to talk about my latest beauty product that I believe is a must have, especially for ladies with a short cut like mine. It’s the Diamond Flat Iron by Irresistible Me. I actually used this product to do my hair for today’s festivities. Check out my video review below!

As I’ve mentioned several times before on the blog, I’m a huge beauty product junkie. That includes hair products as well! Of course I was more than thrilled when Irresistible Me reached out in hopes that I’d review their product. At the time I’d just cut my hair short and was actually in the market for a new flat iron, so I said what not?!

The @IrresistibleMeO Diamond Flat Iron is a wash-day must have. #wnjbeauty

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Irresistible Me Review

I can honestly say I’m very pleased with the Diamond Flat Iron. My favorite feature is being able to set your own temperature. I don’t like using too much heat on my hair, so being able to set the iron temperature to the lowest setting is perfect for me. Here are all the features that impressed me:

– Multiple heat settings 

– Does not cause hair to smell burnt

– Flat iron glides smoothly over the hair

– Easy to use & compact/easy to store

– Multiple heat settings

– Heats up quickly

– Easy to handle  


So tell me, have you ever tried the Irresistible Me Diamond Flat Iron? What do you use to style you hair? Let me know!

Again, I wish you all a happy and fun-filled Thanksgiving! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: beauty, beauty products, Beauty Review

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