Search Results for: home

Music | 5 Underrated Female Albums & EP’s

May 17, 2018 by Whitney 4 Comments

I can’t live without is music. Take away television, social media, even books (just not the Bible). As long as I have access to music, I’m good. Thanks to my Mom, ever since I was younger, music has been a huge part of my life. In middle school, I would rush home to watch 106 & Park, TRL, and The Box Music Television. I would get in so much trouble ordering music videos on The Box. I also used to save up my ALL of my allowance just to purchase CDs and cassette tapes from Sam Goody. Talk about the good ol’ days.

Personal Style | Casual Spring Outfit + Spring Cleaning Tips

April 3, 2018 by Whitney 9 Comments

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.

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

Click To Tweet

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

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.

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.
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.
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

Click To Tweet

Mules: Catherine Malandrino, Nordstrom Rack (Similar)

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!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Newsletter // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook

* Linkups: Visible Monday, Trend Spin, Style Me Wednesday, FabulousFriday *

*THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS*

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

February 20, 2018 by Whitney 6 Comments

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)

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.
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.
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

Click To Tweet

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

Newsletter // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook

* Linkups: Visible Monday, Style on the Daily, Fabulous Friday, Hello Monday, Trend Spin *

THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS

Life Update + My Word for 2018

January 5, 2018 by Whitney 14 Comments

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know, I know. It’s been a while. 4 months tomorrow to be exact. My last post was about preparing for a new season, and it’s ironic because looking back I realize that after publishing that post I was about to enter into a new season myself. It was a season that would require my full attention, meaning I would have to step away from one thing to focus on another. So, I decided to push pause on creating new content for WNJ in order to nurture my other brand, Fearless Woman I am. I struggled with this decision for weeks but in the end, I knew it was best. Here’s what I accomplished as a result:

Successfully Executed FWIAM’s 1st Vision Board Event
- Held in Columbia, Maryland

Created & Showcased 2 FWIAM Products
- Pillow & T-Shirt

Hosted our 2nd Annual Blessing Bag Drive for Generosity:Global
- Collected & Made 75+ Blessing Bags for the Homeless in my hometown, Baltimore City

Accomplishing these goals gave me a sense of pride. Yes, pride. I am not ashamed to say that I am proud of myself! For almost 2 years, I was unsure about how to grow FWIAM. There were times when I had absolutely no clue what to do next, but despite the uncertainty giving up was never an option. I prayed for clarity and direction, and once I (finally) sat still long enough to hear what God was telling me, I knew it was GO TIME! I stepped aside and allowed Him to order my steps. There was no way I could have executed my vision trying to juggle both brands. Not the way I was doing it anyway. So, in the end, I am thankful for the unplanned, yet very necessary pause I took with blogging.

Learning to step aside and let God take control is tough, but it’s always worth it in the end.

Click To Tweet

Propelling FWIAM wasn’t the only thing I did during my 4-month hiatus. I was knee-deep in my 1st 6-week fitness boot camp with my husband. This boot camp was also unexpected. Darrius was all signed up and ready to go, and I was planning on being his biggest cheerleader. Afterall, I was already walking a mile every other morning, and getting a lot better with my food choices. I was good, so I figured this boot camp would be great for him. He needed to catch up with me!

Well, fast forward a few days and I’m walking into the gym on Day 1 of the 6-week boot camp with him. Not what you expected, huh? Me either! But after hearing more about the process and reading some of the literature Darrius brought home, boot camp didn’t seem that bad. So I joined him. As time went on, I realized that he needed me to keep him on track with the clean eating and I needed him to help keep me on track with the consistent workouts. After losing several pounds and more inches in 6 weeks than I thought possible, Darrius and I actually joined the gym and have made the decision to make this lifestyle change, together.

* Praise Report: After the 6 weeks, Darrius went from diabetic to pre-diabetic and I have been fibroid free since August!

I was thoroughly enjoying my life during those 4 months! FWIAM was flourishing, Darrius and I were getting healthier, we were spending a lot of time volunteering, as well as enjoying moments with our family and friends. Things were flowing effortlessly, and I felt like I was at my best; spiritually, mentally and physically. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing too major. That was until a few days after Thanksgiving…

My brother-in-law, Hakim, unexpectedly passed away right after the holiday. Darrius and I were in Delaware with the family, laughing and having THE BEST time during Thanksgiving weekend, so to get this news after just seeing our brother days earlier was devastating, to say the least. My priority since that day has been making sure that my husband is OK, both mentally and spiritually. Yes, he and our marriage are always a top priority, but in this instance, it’s a little different.

Needless to say, this tragic incident has left both me and Darrius feeling out of it. I’ve noticed that some of our routines have been disrupted, and rightly so. The grieving and healing process takes time. However, around the Christmas holiday, I was thinking about the upcoming year and how I wanted things to get back on track. I don’t think, after such a huge loss, things will ever be “normal” again, but creating a new normal is definitely doable. Which leads me to my word of the year which is, REVIVE.

Revive: to give new strength or energy to

My goal in 2018 is to give new strength and energy to:

My Faith
- complete the Bible in one year (via the YouVersion App)
- invite at least 1 person (or couple) to church once a quarter
- become a partner at Bridgeway

My Health & Wellness
- resume training at our gym at least 3 days a week
- continue clean eating & increasing water intake
- begin swimming again

My Marriage
- more date nights
- more trips & events
- more “phone-free” evenings

My Finances
- continue growing business
- create new streams of income
- TITHE + SAVE

Certain Relationships
- make more memories with family
- strengthen current friendships
- cultivate new relationships

My reference scripture for my word of the year is:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

So tell me, what is your word of the year and why? Let me know below!

I know this post was a long one, but I really wanted to share what’s been going on in my world for the past 4 months. I’ve missed creating new content and engaging with you, so get ready for the revival of WNJ. 2018 is going to be AMAZING. I can feel it, and I hope you’re ready because I’m taking you along for the ride! Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Newsletter // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook

Travel | The Dominican Republic, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa

August 31, 2017 by Whitney 6 Comments

As I mentioned in my last post, Darrius and I spent 5 days in the Dominican Republic celebrating my 31st birthday. Our home for those 5 glorious days was Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa. Approximately 25 minutes from the airport, the palatial all-inclusive resort was breathtaking at first glance. Once we drove past the huge brass gates, our eyes were fixed on the beautifully landscaped surroundings, as well as the pristine outdoor lobby. We were greeted with a glass of champagne, then escorted to the front desk. Darrius, a hospitality professional, and expert, immediately mentioned how accommodating and knowledge the staff was. I couldn’t agree more!

Outdoor Lobby

King Room with Pool View (Photo Credit)

Views from the Balcony

Our room was almost identical to the one pictured above. The only difference was our room had a gorgeous view of the garden and sandy beach. Darrius and I were very impressed with the cleanliness of the rooms, as well as the huge shower/tub. I forgot to snap a picture, but that shower was massive!

We arrived later in afternoon on the first day, so we spent most of our time lounging and napping. We did, however, venture to the other side of the resort for dinner. Of the six à la carte restaurants we chose to dine at the international buffet, World Café,. From sushi to pizza, to fresh fruit and the decadent dessert bar, the options were endless! World Café was our choice most mornings as well because it’s the only restaurant on the resort to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We made it a point to visit a new restaurant each night for dinner. My favorite meal was from Oceana. The salmon literally melted in my mouth, and the shrimp Cesar salad was divine! Darrius was a huge fan of his mussels appetizer from Seaside Grill, as well as the hearty beef stew prepared at the Bordeaux. Below are the restaurants we visited, along with a brief description.

Oceana – Á La Carte Specialties & Fresh Seafood

Seaside Grill – Grilled Steaks & Hamburgers

Bordeaux – Delectable French Cuisine

World Café – International Buffet

Aside from eating VERY well, we also made time to enjoy the lovely beach and pool area. The older I get, the more I become a beach lover. We spent hours at the beach, just relaxing on our beach bed and playing in the ocean, on our first full day. The beach beds were heavenly, and the unlimited food and drink service was superb! The fresh paella, warm breeze, and sun rays made for such an enjoyable experience.

We decided to spend a day a the pool later in the week. From the swim-up bar to the poolside lunch, Darrius was in his world! While lounging and swimming, we met a few nice families from Atlanta and California and a newly married couple from Virginia. It never fails; whenever we go somewhere we meet at least one new person, couple or family. I guess we both have friendly faces?

The one day we decided to go off the resort was to enjoy a morning in the middle of the ocean. Yep, our speed boating and snorkeling excursion placed us smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic. This adventure was a bit outside of my comfort zone. Not because I can’t swim, but because I’ve never been swimming so far out in the ocean! Putting my reservations aside, we decided to let Darrius drive the speedboat, which was a very smart decision because I probably would have only driven 6 MPH the entire time. When it came to snorkeling, I must admit that I shocked myself. I fearlessly jumped out of our boat and went for it. The experience was one I will NEVER forget!

Afterwards, we zipped off to a shallow, and absolutely gorgeous, island for rum and coke and swimming. We frolicked in the water for about a 30 minutes or so, chatting with the other travelers from England, France, and Canada. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. The excursion was certainly worth every dime! Below are a few pictures of our adventure. I haven’t uploaded them from the excursion CD to my laptop just yet, but I think you can get a sense of how much fun we had.

So tell me, have you ever been to Punta Cana? Does my experience make you want to book a trip? Let me know!

This trip was very special for us because it was our first out of the country trip together. It was also our first official vacation since we’ve been married. Our honeymoon was a bit unconventional, which we both thoroughly enjoyed, but this trip to Punta Cana seemed like a “real” honeymoon. I can’t wait to share many more adventures with Darrius, and I look forward to those travel experiences with you all as well. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Personal Style | Wearing Stripes + 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying Something New

July 3, 2017 by Whitney 17 Comments

So, I’m still trying to get my minimal wardrobe down pat. I took a break from shopping and organizing my closet for about a month or so, in order to focus my attention elsewhere. But as of last month, I’m back in action. This striped blouse, purchased for just $7.99 at Macy’s, is actually one of my latest minimal wardrobe additions. Wearing stripes for me comes as natural as wearing leopard print and as much as I love solids, styling prints every so often is a must!

* Read Also, How to Style 1 Kimono 3 Ways

Blouse: Macy’s // Bodysuit: F21 // Leggings: Philosophy, TJMaxx (another option) // Necklace: Purchased in NY // Shoes: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom Rack (similar style)

Before deciding to purchase this blouse I had to come up with at least 3 ways to wear it. Regardless of the sale price, if it didn’t serve a purpose in my wardrobe, and if it didn’t make me happy, I wasn’t going home with it. Gone are the days when I purchase an item “just because” it’s the right price. My budget and my closet can no longer afford it.

:: SHOPPING TIP :: Before purchasing an item, make sure you can style it at least 3 ways. #wnjstyle

Click To Tweet

I approach shopping for new wardrobe items, shoes and accessories included, differently these days. It’s taken some getting used to and there are times when I find myself slipping back to my old ways of shopping, but more often than not I catch myself. To help keep me on track I have 4 questions, in the Notes section of my phone, that I often refer to each time I go shopping for something new. You may find them helpful.

Can you afford this item right now?
Does this item fit into your lifestyle?
Can you style the item at least 3 ways?
Does this item speak to your personal style?

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Something New #wnjstyle

Click To Tweet

Tote Bag: Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom Rack (another option)

So tell me, do you ask yourself certain questions before making new wardrobe purchases? Also, are you a fan of wearing stripes? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to share your thoughts with me below. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Personal Style | Black & White Floral Kimono

May 3, 2017 by Whitney 7 Comments

Even though it’s been a while since I’ve posted an outfit, not much has changed. I still LOVE wearing and styling kimonos! The one styled in this post is actually my latest kimono addition. I purchased it a few weeks back during a shopping trip. I desperately need(ed) to add some spring and summer pieces to my wardrobe, so I headed to a few places I knew would have just what I was looking for. Of course, Nordstrom Rack was my first stop.

Kimono: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Black Bodysuit: Forever 21 (Similar) // Leggings: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom (Another Option)

Becuase I’ve been taking much better care of my body, thanks to eating healthier and being more active, I’ve shed a few pounds. Buying clothes and being in between sizes makes shopping trips a bit more strategic. I can’t grab an item and go straight to the register anymore. I literally have to try everything on, even bras. No complaints, but it’s something I’m getting used to. So imagine my surprise when I was able to comfortably fit a OSFA (one size fits all) black and white kimono, found in the regular women’s size section. Can you say, SHOCKED?!

Clothes shopping while in between sizes? Try EVERYTHING on in the store before you get home.

Click To Tweet

Clutch: Love, Cortnie (same) // Flats: Ted Baker, Nordstrom Rack (Same)

So tell me, what do you think about my new black and white kimono? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be filling you in some more, as far as what I’ve been up to during the past 2 months, little by little in the coming weeks. In the meantime, be sure to join my weekly mailing list. I’ve been sending out Friday emails for 3 months now; it’s a great way to see what I’ve been doing, get a dose of inspiration, and find out some of my monthly favorites. So until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

Spiritual Wellness | 7 Simple Reasons to be Thankful Everyday

November 25, 2016 by Whitney 2 Comments

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Darrius and I enjoyed our time celebrating the holiday with his family in Delaware and now, we’re back in Maryland gearing up for a quiet and relaxing holiday weekend. But before I start my weekend, I want to leave you with 7 simple things to be thankful for every day.

Related: 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude + 5 Scriptures on Gratefulness

1. Family, friends & loved ones. | When all is said and done, family is all you have. It’s truly a blessing to have people who support, uplift, pray for and even lovingly correct you. Blood relatives, in-laws, friends who have become like family…be thankful for them all, every day.

2. Clean water. | Having clean drinking water is something I’ve taken for granted for years. However this year, thanks to our dear friends Rich & Erika Akwo, I’ve realized how bless we are to have access to clean water. I’m thankful to have clean water to cook with, shower in and to drink. From the water crisis in Flint, Michigan to the water crisis in Cameroon, I have a new found appreciate for something as simple as clean water. For more information on how you can help provide clean water to those in Cameroon, read more here.

No matter what, there is always something to be thankful for. Always. #gratitude

Click To Tweet

3. Pets. | Although we don’t have any pets just yet, I have several friends and family members who do. I’ve seen firsthand how having a pet can bring so much joy to one’s home. That’s definitely something to be thankful for!

4. Your gifts & talents. | I’m not sure about you, but there have been times when I’ve taken my gifts and talents for granted. Now that I’m more aware of what they are, I try to use them to inspire and uplift others as often as possible.

7 Simple Reasons to be Thankful Every Day #gratitude

Click To Tweet

5. The internet. | Being able to connect with family and friends whenever you want, because of the internet, is definitely something simple to be thankful for. Being able to know what’s going on in the world, thanks to social media, without having to wait for the local news report is priceless!

6. Music. | Music has the power to uplift, comfort, bring people together and do so much more! For that, I am thankful.

7. Your ability to read this post. | Being able to read this post means that you’re alert, capable and above all, it means that you are ALIVE.

So tell me, what are some simple things that you can be thankful for everyday? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and I can’t wait to read your responses. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

« Previous Page

Search Results for: home

See Also: 23 Songs You Need on Your Workout Playlist

RELATED: What I Usually Wear to Work

*THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS*

* Praise Report: After the 6 weeks, Darrius went from diabetic to pre-diabetic and I have been fibroid free since August!

Related: 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude + 5 Scriptures on Gratefulness

THIS POST DOES INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS