Whitney Nic James

Navigation

#WNJReads | What You Should Be Reading to Keep You Motivated

by 8 Comments

A few days ago someone asked what I’ve been reading, so I posted a few of my reads on Instagram. I wanted to share here on the blog as well; I think it’s a great topic to discuss as we prepare for the New Year. Hopefully these suggestions will give you some ideas and in turn, you can send some suggestions my way! There are a few more books on my to-read list (by January 31st), but these are the few I’ve been focused on at the moment. Check out the video and description of each below! 

1. Our Daily Bread | I’ve been reading this devotional for years and I suggest it to just about everyone who asks for an inspirational read suggestion. It’s a daily devotional, filled with short stories, practical applications and references a story in the Bible to tie it altogether. I get them mailed to my home and I also use the app several times a week. If you’re looking for an easy and impactful daily devotional, check it out!

2. Destiny, T.D. Jakes | This book is a must read if you’re searching for a your purpose and trying to figure out why you’re here. This book is truly life changing and came at the perfect time. Not only did I have the pleasure of meeting the author, but he also encouraged me to continue pursing and living my purpose. Powerful moment, for sure. If you get a chance to read this book let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

3. ZAG, Marty Neumeier | Thanks to my Mom I found out about this book. This is yet another “on time” read, as far as where I am in my blog and business journey. It’s an easy and straightforward read on how to stand out from your competition and how to “zag” when everyone else is doing the same thing. GREAT read!

T.D. Jakes - Destiny

4. Essence Magazine (October & November Issue) | I’ve been a subscriber to Essence Magazine for years. These 2 issues, one with Kerry Washington on the cover and the other with Taraji P. Henson, did not disappoint. Both were filled with very useful financial, life and beauty tips/info, geared towards the African American Woman. If you can get your hands on these issues, you won’t be sorry!

5. Self (October Issue) | Although I’m not a subscriber, I often purchase this Self Magazine (and others)  when one of my favorite celebrities is on the cover. I mean let’s be honest, imagery draws everyone in right? I’ve been a fan of Jessica Alba for a while and I admire her as a business woman, wife and mother. Seeing her on the cover, I knew I had to purchase this issue. She talked a lot about building her billion dollar brand while being a woman, mom and wife. She also let readers know a few of her woman inspirations. Check it out if you can.

6. O Magazine (November Issue) | I’m a fan of O Magazine and this issue was not only visually appealing, but uplifting as well. My favorite part of the issue, aside from Oprah’s 70’s inspired outfit, was the pocket size quotable inspiration cards.  You can pop out these cards and add them to your vision board, keep them in your wallet or mirror as daily reminders.

What You Should Be Reading

So tell me, what do you think about what I’ve been reading? What books, magazines or devotionals have you been reading lately? Let me know?

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out the video for an even more in-depth look at what I’ve been reading. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more videos! Also, be sure to enter the Kate Spade #FearlessWomanIAM giveaway, HERE. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

Keep Up With Me

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Newsletter

Thrifted Style | 5 Thrift Shopping Tips for the Summertime & Beyond + a Thrift Haul

by 5 Comments

I think I finally got my thrifting mojo back! Don’t get me wrong, I still love thrifting. But I have not been excited to thrift for months. Because I’m (still) going through a minimalist wardrobe (and lifestyle) phasing period, I haven’t been that into purchasing random pieces. And to be honest, that’s one thing I’m guilty of when thrifting. I’ve been known to thrift the most random pieces from time to time.

Nonetheless, I have made up in my mind which items I need and I was able to thrift quite a few of them. From housewares, books, accessories, and clothing, thrifting for necessities has become easier because I’m clear on what I want and need. Here are a few quick and easy thrift shopping tips for the summertime, and beyond! 

thrift shopping tips

1.  Create a Thrift List (NEEDS, WANT & TRENDS TO TRY) | I have done a thrift list for years, but making the 3 columns within the list has been a great addition. The items I need (i.e. black purse, long gold chain necklace and kitchen items) are the items I make a point to look for first. The want list may consist of earrings and books; items I don’t really need but want to have. Trends to try are the items like overalls and fringe. I’ve seen them on others and I want to thrift the trend before committing to making a department store purchase for them. So, I add them to the list and see if I can thrift the items to give them a try. This section is the last section I shop for.

2. Throw it in the Cart | If you see something you like or something you maybe kind of like, throw it in the cart! If you leave it on the rack and try to come back to it, I highly doubt it’ll be there when you come back. Throw it in the cart if it catches your eye and sort it out later.

Thrift Tip: See something you might like? Throw it in the cart and evaluate later. #thriftwithnic

Click To Tweet

3. Try it On | Another reason I say throw it in the cart is because when you try items on, you’ll be able to decipher what you want to keep or not. I always suggest trying items on when thrifting, even if it’s trying on a dress in the aisle over your clothes. Not all thrift stores allow returns/exchanges, so TRY IT ON in order to avoid that yucky buyer’s remorse feeling.

4. Re-evaluate | Once you’ve tried everything on and know what you’re going to purchase, reevaluate one more time to be absolutely sure. Check your list and check off the items you’ve found. Also, price check. When I reevaluate towards the end of my trip, I usually ask myself if I’d really pay “x” amount for an item. I then figure out 3 ways to wear or use the item.

5. Bring Cash | Cash is king. Most thrift stores accept credit cards, but paying with cash is so much easier. It also helps keep you on target with your thrifting budget. If I bring $40 cash and I know that was my budget for the trip, I only spend that money. I don’t even reach in my purse for my card. It’s a mind thing, and it really does work!

5 quick and easy thrifting shopping tips for any season. #thriftwithnic

Click To Tweet

So tell me, what are some of your thrift shopping tips? What’re your fave items from my thrift haul? Let me know! 

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

KEEP UP WITH ME

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

Inspiration | #DEARME Advice to My Younger Self

by 2 Comments

Hey there! It’s been a while since I’ve penned inspirational content. I think because I’ve been doing a lot of self reflection for the past 3 months, I just wasn’t feeling as inspired as I use to. When I really think about it, in some way, I felt I was forcing myself to come up with inspiring content. It wasn’t as natural as it was before. I’m not one to “fake the funk” so taking a break from those kind of posts was necessary. You ever have those moments? If you’re like me, just know that it’s OK. We all go through our slumps. That’s life.

Advice to My Younger Self...

Thankfully, I was recently jolted by Shameless Maya to get back to my inspiring self. After watching her recent video I was inspired (haha) to create my own #DearMe video. Before I took the step to record mine, I saw the Good Morning America crew share their videos too! I took that as a sign to upload my story ASAP. Here’s my advice to my younger self.

 So tell me, do you have any advice for your younger self? Let me know! 

In honor of Women’s History Month, I thought it’d be a good way to inspire other women to think about what they’d say to their younger selves. I invite you to film and upload your #DearMe videos too! You can also share your thoughts below. As always, thanks for reading and watching. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

Keep Up With Me

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Newsletter

Blogging + YouTube | What Should I Do?

by 12 Comments

I’ve been back and forth with my decision to head (back) to YouTube. I mean I was never really a huge YouTuber, but I did have a few thrifting videos here and there. Lately, I’ve been really feeling inspired to get back to it. Acting on it, well, that’s another thing.

I mentioned in this post that my YouTube days would return in late summer. As you can see that didn’t happen, lol. Yes, I’m still dragging my feet. But I have a good reason, lol. I’m thinking about making my channel a true extension of my blog. What would that entail? Without going into all the details, below are a few ideas I’ve been tossing around. 

 1. Making “Inspirational Tuesday’s” a weekly or bi-weekly YouTube segment

2. Introducing Style Bloggers and Entrepreneurs via-YouTube

3. Doing (my own) product reviews & monthly favorites 

4. Exploring and filming my experiencing at shops, restaurants, etc. (local & non-local)

YouTube

As I continue to blog, I don’t want to get stale. I think trying different approaches and new things is always a good idea. I also think listening to what your readers want is another important factor. That said, you know I have a question (or 2) coming! 😉

 What do you think about YouTube in general? Did any of my ideas stick out to you? Do you have any suggestion of what you’d like to see me cover on YouTube? Let me know! 

Don’t be shy. Comment below and let me know what you think. You can also contact me here with any ideas, suggestions and thoughts. Your feedback is appreciated and I truly appreciate how much love and support you all show me. It’s a blessing. Hope to hear form you all soon. Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Newsletter