Search Results for: Fearless Woman

Personal Style | #ThatBlogLife + Wearing Black and White

December 15, 2015 by Whitney 12 Comments

This t-shirt and these photos make me chuckle for two reasons – (1) I’m usually wearing black and white “in real life” and (2) 9 times out of 10 I’m doing something on my phone or iPad for WNJ, a social media client or for Fearless Woman, I am. I’ll admit that I have gotten better about checking my phone every few minutes, however most days between 9-5 I’m working on something. I guess it’s safe to say that I am indeed about #thatbloglife.

T-Shirt: That Blog Life (Purchase Here) // Sweat Pants: (Another Option) // Cardigan: Jessica Simpson, Macy’s (Another Option) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Plain Black Option)

Wearing black and white along with a cute and clever t-shirt is stylish, for sure. And although #thatbloglife is a cute and catchy phrase, some may wonder what being about #thatbloglife really means. For me, it means 3 things.

1. Being productive, not busy. | For awhile I had this concept all wrong. I was constantly “busy” thinking about what to share next, talking about my next move for the blog/brand and joining any and every blog related Facebook group or chat. Now my mindset has shifted and I understand the difference between being busy vs being productive. I’m now busy being productive. I don’t just think or talk about what’s next; I make an Action Plan and get it done. I join and participate in groups and chats that are useful and aligned with my purpose.

Blogging is the perfect platform to share your passion(s) and fulfill your purpose. #wnjinspired

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2. Being committed to fulfilling your purpose through sharing useful and uplifting content. | Earlier this year, I made a commitment (to myself) to fulfill my purpose through blogging. I’ve always had a passion for writing and helping others, but I’ve learned how to infuse passion and purpose in order to make an impact. Some may think you can’t for fill your purpose through blogging, but I beg to differ. Blogging is the perfect platform to share your passion(s) with the world while fulfilling your purpose and uplifting others.

3. Being committed to serve an audience. | Serving an audience goes hand-in-hand with my purpose. It’s very important (to me) that I’m serving my readers while fulfilling my purpose. I want to show and share content that inspires and interests you and every time I’m able to do that, my heart is full.

Earrings: Thrifted // Clutch: Fly By Night Boutique // Bar Necklace: oNecklace (Purchase Here – 10% OFF)

So tell me, what does being about #thatbloglife mean to you? Are you a fan of wearing black and white outfits “in real life” too? Let me know!

I must give a shout out to my web designer Kim (Her Name is Kim) for creating these amazing t-shirts. The fit is so accurate and the material is soft and moves with you. I love that! For the first time I was able to order a plus size tee in my size that actually fit! #WINNING Also, being able to style an item that embodies my lifestyle is a major plus. Be sure to visit That Blog Life and grab yours! There are several goodies to pick from. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Denim and Sheer Blouse + Onecklace

December 14, 2015 by Whitney 27 Comments

Happy Monday! Is it me or are you confused about the weather lately?! I mean 65-70 degrees in December, not the norm for this time of year. I am however enjoying the fickle weather as much as possible. So much so that I decided to pull out my favorite pair of ankle length denim and sheer blouse this weekend. I wouldn’t normally wear a sheer blouse this time of year but hey, 70-degree weather can make you re-think your wardrobe choices.

Sheer Blouse: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Denim: JCP (Another Option) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Plain Black Pair)

I also decided to wear my oNecklace bar necklace. They were kind enough to send me this and another personalize option a few weeks ago. This casual and chic weekend outfit was the perfect opportunity to wear my “Fearless Woman” necklace. I thought that was the perfect phrase to get engraved on the necklace. Since it’s inception, the Fearless Woman movement has been growing, thanks in large part to your engagement and support. Shamelessly plugging my movement, I opted to engrave the phrase on a necklace. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome!

Personalized @oNecklace_com pieces are great choices for gifts! #wnjstyle

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I’ve been a fan of oNecklace for a while now. I have another necklace that reads “Nic James” and another with a monogrammed “WNJ”. These pieces are very meaningful and I’m very thankful that they’ve gifted me these items over the years. With the holidays coming up, I think these personalized statement pieces make the perfect Christmas gift. Even for a birthday, anniversary or a just because gift, anything personalized automatically makes the gift that much more special!

Onecklace Bar Necklace: Purchase HERE (10% Off)

Earrings: Thrifted // Purse: Fly By Night Boutique // Nefertiti Ring: Purchased in Egypt // Watch: Charming Charlie (Another Option )

So tell me, are you a fan of sheer blouses? What about personalized jewelry? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Holiday Wishes…& a Happy New Year!

December 25, 2016 by Whitney 3 Comments

This year has been anything but easy, but I am extremely grateful that God has allowed me to make it this far. I’m also excited to spend the holiday season with my loved ones. The holidays seem to make everything that went wrong during the year irrelevant. To know that I’m able to eat, laugh, spend time and just be with my family erases all negativity. I am truly blessed and I plan to take some time to really embrace and enjoy our moments together this season. I also plan to enjoy some me time. I’ve been on the go pretty much all year, but now it’s time to slow down and take a breather.

* See Also, Self Care & Blogging

Before I head off to enjoy my downtime, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reading, following and engaging with me this year. WNJ and you, the readers, continue to be a bright spot in my life. This blog, what it stands for, its growth and your support keep me going. I thank you, so much.

Don’t be afraid to take a break—self care is never selfish. It’s necessary. #wnjinspired

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So tell me, do you plan on taking a blog break or not? Let me know!

There will be plenty of new posts coming to WNJ in the New Year, as well as a few other surprises. In the meantime, I invite you to keep up with me on social media. Also, be sure to sign up for my newsletter! I’ll be reintroducing the newsletter, with a new format, in January. I pray that you all have a blessed and peaceful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year. Until 2017, 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. *

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 | Casual Weekend Outfit

March 7, 2016 by Whitney 26 Comments

Happy Monday! I was MIA last week due to a nasty virus, but I’m back today to share yet another casual weekend outfit. I spent most of the weekend with my family. We had quite a busy Friday and Saturday, so once Sunday arrived I was determined to make that a day of rest. After my little sisters Heart of Charity Pageant on Saturday, I needed a full day to regroup. I was able to squeeze in a few errands as well, hence wearing this casual weekend outfit.

Top: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Pants: Sejour (Similar) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Purse: Gifted

I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’ve been living in casual outfits here lately. Be it working from home or running errands, I’m a lot more active these days and wearing cute and comfy outfits seem to be my go-to. With all that’s going on in the different areas of my life, my style has become much more practical and comfortable.

Believe it or not, the season you’re in can effect your wardrobe. #wnjstyle

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I’ve come to the conclusion that this is a season of preparation for me. Weather I’m helping to prepare for family events, planning my #FearlessWomanIam website reveal and first event, or prepping for things in my personal life, I’m definitely in the planning and preparation mindset. Looking back on recent outfit choices, it’s evident my wardrobe reflects this season.

Earrings: eBay // Sunnies: H&M

So tell me, does your wardrobe reflect the season your in? What’s you idea of the perfect casual weekend outfit? Let me know!

As always thank you for reading! Be sure to linkup to today’s Personal Style Linkup below – I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing! Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: Classy Monday, How I Fall, Mix it Monday, Sophisticated Style, WIW **

#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.

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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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

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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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