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Personal Style | Casual Spring Outfit + Spring Cleaning Tips

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Spring 2018 is clearly taking it’s sweet time to make it’s way to the East Coast. I can deal with April showers, but April snowstorms and bone-chilling temperatures in the evenings? I’ll pass. Thankfully we’ve been able to enjoy a few spring-like days over the past few weeks, but I’m definitely yearning for consistent spring weather. In the meantime, I’m still pairing some of my winter items with a few spring accessories.

See Also: 3 Winter Accessories to Keep in Your Closet this Spring

Today’s casual outfit is a prime example of styling both winter and spring items. The mules and the ankle length ripped jeans were on reserve for springtime, and the sweater and oversized scarf are leftovers from the winter. Adding my black turban was chich choice, although, in reality, it’s covering my freshly washed and blown out hair which is patiently waiting to be braided or cornrowed.

How to Style Some of Your Favorite Winter Items During the Spring #wnjstyle

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How to Style Ripped Denim

Turban: Amazon Fashion (same) // Sweater: TJMaxx // Denim: Torrid (another option) // Scarf: Target (similar) // Bag: Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom Rak (similar)

How to Style Ripped Denim

How to Style Ripped Denim

While I wait for Spring to arrive, and for my hair to be braided, I’ve still managed to be productive. I decided that despite the confused weather, Spring Cleaning must still be done. We often think about cleaning our homes during the spring, but what about our email inboxes, social media accounts, and even our minds and bodies? Don’t they deserve to be refreshed as well? Read ahead to find out 3 quick and easy tips to help you “Spring Clean” more than just the rooms in your house.

  1. Clear Your Inbox
    • Set aside 30-45 minutes to go through your email inbox. Reply to, archive or trash any messages that have been sitting in your inbox for the last 30 days. Also, go through and unsubscribe from any retailer or mailing list that no longer interests you. Hint: If you haven’t shopped at the store in the last 9-12 months, you don’t need to be on their mailing list. Period.
  2. Get Moving
    • Dust off your walking shoes, yoga mats, and sports bras. It’s time to GET MOVING! Spring is the perfect time to start a workout/healthy living routine. Find a local park and start walking at least twice a week for 20-30 minutes. Don’t feel like walking? Download the Nike+ Training App and try a few 15-minute workout routines. Start by doing this 2 times a week, right in the comfort of your own home. It doesn’t have to be drastic; just find a way to move your body.
  3. Delete, Unfollow & Unfriend
    • Clean up those friend lists. We all have those “friends” on our social media feeds who always post something inappropriate, annoying or downright ignorant. We roll our eyes, complain and keep scrolling to the next status. No more! It’s time to go through your friend list on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Unfollow or delete where you see fit.
3 Quick and Easy Tips to Help “Spring Clean” More Than Just the Rooms in Your House #SpringCleaning

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Casual Outfit_Torrid Denim

Catherine Malandrino Slides

Mules: Catherine Malandrino, Nordstrom Rack (Similar)

How to Style Ripped Denim

So tell me, are you wearing some of your winter items this season? Also, what are some areas in your life that may need some Spring Cleaning? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Personal Style | 3 Winter Accessories to Keep in Your Closet this Spring

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I’ve been waiting to style a few spring items for weeks now, but I never thought I’d be wearing winter pieces to accessorize certain outfits. With temperatures reaching the high 30’s and a snowstorm on the way, I’ve decided to keep a number of winter accessories still hanging in my closet. This soft poncho was a staple in my winter wardrobe, and it looks like it will be a staple in my (early) spring wardrobe as well.

See Also: 3 Tips to Help Find Your Personal Style

Forever 21 Plus Size Poncho

Forever 21 Plus Size Poncho

Poncho: Forever 21 (same)

Spring Fashion Outfit

Blouse: Sejour, Nordstrom (same) // Denim: Wit & Wisdom, Nordstrom Rack (same)

When it comes to spring fashion I’ve learned to keep a few winter pieces within reach, especially during the first few weeks. You can never be too sure about the weather, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here are 3 winter accessories to keep in your closet this spring:

  1. Raincoats & Trenchcoats
    • remove the lining if/when the temperatures get warmer 
  2. Ponchos & Capes
    • lightweight ponchos and capes are great to wear during cool spring days and nights 
  3. Scarves
    • light to medium weight scarves are the perfect accessory to keep in your purse or car during the springtime
3 Winter Pieces to Keep in Your Closet this Spring #wnjstyle

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The poncho adds an extra layer just in case the temperatures drop, and because my blouse is 3 quarter length and lightweight, I won’t get too hot. An outfit like this is perfect for a cool spring day or evening. And although the outfit colors are warm and rich, the floral sneakers give a nice “sneak-peek” of spring.

Sam Edelman Sneakers

Sneakers: Sam Edelman, Nordstrom Rack (Same)

Forever 21 Plus

Nordstrom Sejour Top

So tell me, do you wear any winter accessories during the spring? Let me know! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

KEEP UP WITH ME

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Lifestyle | 40 Everyday Women Who are Fearlessly Impacting the World

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I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by remarkable women my entire life. I have seen firsthand what it means to be a phenomenal woman. My mother and grandmother are my sources of inspiration. They’re women of faith and distinction, but above all, they’re women of purpose. Watching them throughout the years has molded me into the woman I am today. It’s because of their example, I decided to create Fearless Woman I Am 3 years ago. They taught me how to celebrate, uplift and inspire other women. So today, International Women’s Day 2018, I want to celebrate 40 everyday women who are fearlessly impacting the world.

“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” ~ Hillary Clinton

These 40 women are game changes. They are using their God-given talents to impact the world in a positive way, and they deserve to be acknowledged. Some of these women have inspired me to try new things when it comes to fashion and style, while others have given me the best skincare advice to date! There are some women listed who have motivated me to start living a healthier and cleaner lifestyle, and others who have encouraged me to become a more intentional entrepreneur and a more strategic prayer warrior. Some of these women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and some I feel like I know because we engage weekly, via social media. I am also blessed to call a few of these women “my friend”, while others I have yet to meet. All in all, these women have impacted my life greatly and I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on each of them today.

Women Who are Impacting the World

Beauty & Style

  1. Alison Gray (Style) | Wardrobe Oxygen
  2. Chanel Butler (Style & Beauty) | Chanel Files
  3. Danielle Gray (Skincare) | The Style & Beauty Doctor
  4. Dayna Bolden (Beauty & Lifestyle) | Dayna Bolden
  5. Felicia Walker Benson (Skincare) | This That Beauty
  6. Marché Robinson (Style) | Robinson Style
  7. Monroe Steele (Style) | Fashion Steele NYC
  8. Neshanta Davis (Style) | Style is She
  9. Roni | Style & Poise (Style)
  10. Tanesha Awasthi (Style) | Girl With Curves

Business Coaching & Everyday Life Advice

  1. Alisha Robinson (Business Strategist ) | Living Over Existing // The Alisha Nicole
  2. Maya Elious (Business) | Maya Elious
  3. Myleik Teele (Business & Life Advice) | My Taught You
  4. Natalie Gouché (Social Media Coach)| Natalie Gouche
  5. Siobhan Sudberry (Clarity Coach) | Be Free Project
  6. Stacey Ferguson (Business Strategist) | Justice Fergie
  7. Viki Ram (Personal Development) | Victory Ram

Women Who are Impacting the World

40 Everyday Women Who are Fearlessly Impacting the World

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Faith & Inspiration

  1. Adrienne Young | Adrienne Young Ministries
  2. DawnCheré Wilkerson | VOUS Church
  3. Erika Akwo | Know Your Worth, LLC
  4. Heather Lindsey | Heather Lindsey
  5. Lara Casey | Lara Casey
  6. Sarah Jakes Roberts | Sarah Jakes Roberts
  7. Tiona Blyden | Proverbs 31 Boss

Health & Wellness

  1. Brandi Harvey | (Wellness) Beyond Her
  2. Chelsea Williams (Plant-Based Wellness) | That’s Chelsea
  3. India P. (Fitness & Preventative Care) | PYT Training
  4. Jennifer Amoako (Holistic Wellness) | @ajenniferforyourthoughts
  5. Lashwan Henighan (Fitness & Wellness) | It’s Shawn Fitness & Wellness
  6. Lita Lewis (Fitness & Wellness) | @FollowtheLita
  7. Nadia Feimster (Fitness & Wellness) | @nadiacherelle

Women Who are Impacting the World

Lifestyle Content Creators

  1. Christina Brown (Entrepreneurship, Beauty & Lifestyle) | Love Brown Sugar 
  2. Kéla Walker (Style, Fitness & Media) | @KelaWalker
  3. Kim Postell (Personal Style, Travel & Beauty) | Naturally Fashionable
  4. Mattie James (Entrepreneurship, Personal Style & Lifestyle) | Mattie James

Media & Web Design 

  1. Christen Rochon (Media) | Divas & Dorks
  2. Kimberly Marie (Web Design) | Her Name is Kim
  3. Krystle Rowry (Web Design) | Kriss Did It
  4. Maya Washington (Media) | Shameless Maya
  5. Narsha Njoya (Web Design) | Narsha.Co
  6. Rochelle Washington (Brand & Web Design) | RoseRedd Etc.
“Any time women come together with a collective intention, it’s a powerful thing.” ~ Phylicia Rashad

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Do you know any women who are fearlessly impacting the world? Let me know below! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

Faith | 5 YouVersion Bible Plans Every Woman Needs to Read

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One of my favorite things to do every morning is to read one of my daily Bible Plans on the YouVersion Bible App. As of January 2017, this became part of my morning routine. I love spending time with God and reading His word, especially in the morning. Doing this sets a positive tone for my day and allows me to feed my soul something positive and uplifting.

Related: 10 Books to Grow Your Faith & Business in 2018

My goal this year is to complete at least 30 Bible Plans on the app, and I’m pleased to say that I’m well on my way to reaching my goal. Below are 5 of my favorite YouVersion Bible Plans I think every woman needs to read. I’m sure you’ll find something that catches your eye or speaks to your soul.

YouVersion Bible Plans

1. Fashioned for His Purpose

  • If you have a career in the arts (ie. fashion, beauty, etc.) this plan is perfect for you! Throughout this 7-day plan, written by fellow creative Dionne Dean, you’ll learn God’s heart for the creative arts and the people He has anointed to display His beauty on earth. The way Dionne crafted and laid out this plan is pure genius. It was easy to digest, enjoyable and spirit-filled.

3. The Daniel 14-Day Plan

  • Every once in a while I go on a fast and the fast can last anywhere from 3-21 days. I choose not to let others know when I’m fasting, with the exception of my husband (and my immediate family if necessary). However, I do need a little boost from time to time during this process. 3-21 days of a fast is not easy, no matter how what anyone says! It does become more bearable as each day passes, but nevertheless, this plan is the perfect 2-week boost! If you’ve never tried a fast, this plan gives much insight into the process itself, as well as scriptures and devotions to guide you through.

2. Top Verses to Memorize

  • I just finished this plan yesterday and to be honest, when I first started I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep up for 365 days. Despite my doubts, I got it done and learned so much along the way! This plan helped me identify some of my (now) favorite verses and gave me the urge to dig even deeper into the scriptures. This plan also inspired me to share a scripture each morning on Twitter.
5 @YouVersion Plans Every Woman Needs to Read

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4. Weight Loss, God’s Way

  • A few months into my healthy lifestyle journey, I started this plan. I felt like I needed some spiritual encouragement to keep going, so I searched the Bible App for a plan that would help me along my journey. Reading this plan definitely gave me the spiritual guidance I needed to stay on track. As I mentioned on Instagram, connecting food and fitness to my faith really helps keep me focused on my health & wellness goals (most days).

5. Women on a Mission

  • Thanks to my mother, I completed this plan about a year ago and I absolutely LOVED it. This 3-day plan is perfect for all women, period. The daily devotionals show you what it takes to be a woman filled with strength and dignity, and explains what a modern day Proverbs 31 Woman looks like. It’s short, sweet and to the point, and I’m sure you will thoroughly enjoy it.

YouVersion Bible Plans

So tell me, do you use the YouVersion Bible App? If so, what are some of your favorite Plans? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Personal Style | Minimal Everyday Outfit + 3 Tips to Help Find Your Personal Style

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It’s taken me a while to figure out my personal style. While some aspects of my style may evolve as I mature, I have a pretty good grasp on what I like to wear and what’s right for my body type. My lifestyle is active, my work environment is casual, and my closet reflects that. Sure, there may be an occasional business professional or fancy event I have to attend. When that time comes, I’m prepared. But for the most part, my style is minimal, chic and no-fuss. Give me a kimono, like this one from Forever 21, a pair of leggings, a comfy flat or sneaker, a pair of hoop earrings and I’m good to go!

RELATED: What I Usually Wear to Work

So, how can you figure out your personal style? It’s really not that difficult. The process can actually be quite enjoyable! Read ahead for 3 quick and easy tips to help find your personal style.

Kimono: Forever 21 Plus (similar) // Cap: Ivy Park (same) // Sneakers: Converse, Chuck Taylor’s (same)

 

  1. Consider Your Everyday Lifestyle 
    • Figure out what your every day looks like. Are you active? Always on-the-go? Do you work in an office that requires you to sit behind a desk? Does your industry call for you to dress business-casual or more business professional? Do you work from home? These are a few questions to ask yourself to help get you thinking about your personal style.
  2. Find Inspiration 
    • Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion magazines are the perfect go-to’s when looking for style inspiration. Take it a step further and create a mood board for your personal style. As you shop for new pieces to add to your wardrobe, use the mood board as a reference guide to help keep you on track.
  3. Re-organize & Clean-out Your Closet 
    • Once you complete steps 1 and 2, head to your closet and figure out what pieces you already have and what pieces you need. Write down the needs, keep the haves and donate or toss what you no longer need.
3 Tips to Help Find Your Personal Style #wnjstyle

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So tell me, what do you think about my personal style tips? Thoughts on my outfit? Let me know!

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

KEEP UP WITH ME

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Auto Review | 2018 Genesis G80

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Last May, I had the opportunity to test drive the 2017 Genesis G80. After seeing this vehicle up close at the 2017 Washington Auto Show, I was thrilled to get behind the wheel! Fast forward 8 months, and I’m test driving the 2018 model. #WINNINGWait, do we still say that in 2018? Either way, sitting in the driver’s seat of this Casablanca White 2018 Genesis G80 made me feel like a winner, for sure! I describe this car as, “affordable luxury at its best.” From the Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers to the Wood Grain Interior Accents, the 2018 Genesis G80 has everything you need, and more.

Related: 2017 Genesis G80 Auto Review

2018 Genesis G80

The 2018 model comes equipped with a new Pedestrian Detection System. This feature watches people outside the car while the driver awareness system monitors the person behind the wheel. Another addition I noticed was the Integrated Memory System. The 2018 G80 remembers your personal comfort settings in the driver seat, with the exterior mirrors, the steering wheel, and with the Heads-up Display. They’re automatically adjusted to your stored preferences. I kept wondering why the seatbelt automatically got a tad tighter, in the driver’s and passengers seats, once I took off. Now I know!

This sturdy eye-catching sedan drove over bumps and turned corners with such ease. I haven’t felt a smoother ride since I test drove the 2017 G80. While I did notice the backseat and trunk measured a bit smaller than the 2017 model, the slightly smaller space(s) wasn’t an issue for me nor with my passengers. For even more exterior and interior specifics, as well as more safety features and the price, check out the information below.

Total MSRP: $41,750

*$310 more than the 2017 model*

*MSRP (Manufactured Suggested Retail Price) *

Fuel Economy: 19/27 City/Highway Miles Per Gallon

*2017 Model MPG: 18/28 City/Highway*

Exterior

  • Hands-Free Smart Trunk with Auto Open
  • Auto Defogging Windshield
  • 18” Aluminium Wheels
  • Rain-Sensing Wipers
  • Rearview Cameras
  • High Beam Assist

Interior 

  • Google POI search, Android Auto™, and Apple CarPlay™
  • Full Grain Leather Seats (3 levels of heating & cooling)
  • High-Definition 9.2-inch Display Touchscreen
  • Bluetooth® Hands-Free System
  • The Integrated Memory System
  • Woodgrain Accents
  • New Analog Clock

Safety & Security Features 

  • Blind Spot Detection with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Pre Active Seat Belts
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • 9 Airbag System

Check out this ( @GenesisUSA ) 2018 Genesis G80 Auto Review! #GenesisUSA

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So tell me, what do you think about the 2018 Genesis G80? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Lifestyle | What I Read in 2017 + What I Plan to Read in 2018

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I always enjoy sharing my favorite books! So much so that on Instagram, I created the #wnjreads hashtag. I also share a lot of my favorite quotes on social media, as well as through my newsletter. Most of these quotes are actually from whatever book I’m reading at the moment. That said, I want to share 5 of my favorite books from 2017, as well as 3 quotes from each book. I’m also sharing 5 of my must-read books for the New Year. This list could also be called, 10 Books to Grow Your Faith and Business in 2018. Either way, take a look and let me know what you think!

Related: How to Choose Your Word of the Year

My Top 5 Books of 2017

1. Instinct, T.D. Jakes

  • “We need to fail boldly if we want to succeed extravagantly.”
  • “When ideas hang out with influence, income will always emerge.”
  • “You can’t take everyone with you just because they were with you in the beginning.”

2. The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz 

  • “God is life. God is life in action.”
  • “Doing your best is taking the action because you love it, not because you’re expecting a reward.”
  • “Respect your body, enjoy your body, love your body, feed, clean, and heal your body. Exercise and do what makes your body feel good.
“We need to fail boldly if we want to succeed extravagantly.” ~ T.D. Jakes

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3. Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life, Lara Casey

  • “She believed she couldn’t, so God did.”
  • “We can’t do it all, and do it well. But, we can choose to cultivate what matters.”
  • “You don’t have to be perfect or have it all together. God has it, and His abundant grace is yours for the taking.”

4. You Are a Badass at Making Money: Mastering the Mindset of Wealth, Jen Sincero

  • “If you’ve made a backup plan, you haven’t made a decision.”
  • “Get yourself in the position of bringing in money and deal with the fine-tuning later.”
  • “When it comes to changing your life, if you’re not scared, you’re doing something wrong.”

5. I am Number 8: Overlooked and Undervalued, but Not Forgotten by God, John Gray

  • “Your job is not to try to knock someone else out of your position, but to maximize your position as best you can.”
  • “The anointing that has your name on it, the calling, the gift that has your name on it, is irreversible and irrevocable.”
  • “So many people want the platform, but they don’t want the process. They want the position, but don’t want the pain.”
“If you’ve made a backup plan, you haven’t made a decision. ~ Jen Sincero”

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My Top 5 Must-Reads in 2018

  1. Higher is Waiting, Tyler Perry
  2. Soar: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up, T.D. Jakes
  3. Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today, Lisa Nichols
  4. The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google, Scott Galloway
  5. Rise & Grind: Out-Perform, Out-Work, and Out-Hustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life, Daymond John
10 Books to Grow Your Faith and Business in 2018

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So tell me, what were some of your favorite books from last year, and what do you plan on reading in 2018? Let me know below!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Social Media | 5 Ways to Increase Your Visibility on Instagram

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Despite the janky algorithm, Instagram is still my favorite social media site. Many of my fellow creatives and entrepreneurs have complained about the lack of engagement on their posts, as well as the random drop in their following. Trust me, I see it and I’ve been affected. My following seems to be at a standstill, and my feed seems to be stuck on only sharing the same 6-7 posts, from the same people.
The algorithm is jacked up, but there’s still hope for Instagram. #wnjsocial

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I get it, trust me I do. However, I still enjoy scrolling and double tapping through my favorite feeds, and I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of Instastories. I believe the Instastories feature has revived Instagram. While the new feature has allowed me to engage with my audience more, there are a few things I’ve noticed that have helped increase my visibility. Continue reading to find out 5 ways you can increase your visibility on Instagram (at the moment). I would say in 2018, but we all know there’s a strong possibility things may change. But for now, the tips below will definitely help.

  1. Be honest and transparent with your audience
    • think of Instagram as a way to visually tell a story
    • make sure your story is relatable, authentic, and true to you/or your brand
  2. Engage with your audience
    • ask a question at the end of certain posts to spark a conversation (be sure to respond back)
    • make your caption a “short story” to increase the chances of receiving genuine feedback
  3. Engage with fellow creatives within your niche
    • genuinely comment on their posts (and they just might follow you back)
    • respond to their questions
    • share and tag their Instagram handles with your audience
  4. Tag the brands of the products you post
    • shout out your favorite brands when posting about them (you never know who’s watching or reading)
    • ask your audience their thoughts on the products you share (be sure to respond back)
    • ask your audience to share some of their favorite products from that particular brand
  5. Get familiar with the Instastories feature
    • ask poll questions to get your audience involved
    • share bits and pieces of your everyday life
    • share behind the scenes of your brand/or job
    • go Live by yourself or with someone else
    • tag bands when sharing products

As far as the aesthetics of your Instagram feed, I’m a big fan of theme based feeds. I find these accounts more visually appealing. As a content creator who has their own Instagram theme, I will say this makes coming up with content less stressful. Not only do you have an idea of what to post next, but you’re audience also knows what to look forward to. I call my Instagram theme IPL: Inspiration (quote or scripture), Personal Style (outfit post), and Lifestyle (food, family, products, etc.).

Think of Instagram as a way to visually tell a story that is relatable and authentic. #wnjsocial

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So tell me, what do you think about Instagram? Do you find any of these tips helpful? Let me know! 

I plan to share more social media content in 2018, so feel free to let me know what you’d like to read about! As always, thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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