"I Have a Dream....."

On this day 50 years ago, The March on Washington took place. During this event Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his memorable and moving "I have a Dream" speech, which was a heartfelt request of the nation to end discrimination. In commemoration of this rousing petition, President Obama will deliver a speech as well, and I am very eager to hear the content. Has America progressed on the road to deliverance from racial discrimination? Some may say yes based on the election of President Obama alone. While the election of a Black President forever marks a civil rights "achievement," and symbolizes aspects of Dr. Kings dreams, it does not change America's circumstance. Let's see if Obama will adress the enormity of issues still prevalent today. Watch the "Let Freedom Ring Ceremony" today on CNN at 2:45. I must mention if my dad was still living, I know for sure he would be in attendance, and I'd be right along with him.

 Equality is definitely required for smooth traveling on the road to Felicity, can you contribute?

Destination: VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Outside of the Mirage

Howdy Folks! So this past June, I spent 4 wonderful days in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada. I can honestly say I had the time of my life! I made some some great new friends, (Entry coming soon about NEW FRIENDS, Drake is a joke!) celebrated the union of 2 wonderful people and just had an all around exciting, care free time.

I was invited by my friend Jackie to attend the wedding of her friends Cynthia and Steve. Total, there were about 20 awesome people that attended to celebrate the joyous occasion. We all had an absolute ball. We pretty much partied and acted a fool the entire time! If you have never been, I highly suggest you add this memorable place to your "to visit" list ASAP. Make sure you plan to get extremely intoxicated and have the most fun you could ever imagine! I would suggest going with a group of at least 4 people so expenses can be split, because it can get expensive if you want to "do it big", and the more the merrier. My wonderful friend Jackie is originally from Chicago and all of the people that attended were as well, and when I tell you they know how to party, We showed out! I can't wait until we visit Vegas again next year as we have already planned our voyage. Although we didn't get to do any site seeing due to extreme foolery and party exhaustion, I can suggest some great restaurants and clubs to hit up while you are there. Every event we attended was uniquely extravagant so make sure to check them out when you make the trip. Below I have included links that will have you well on the was to planning your whole vacay!

Hotel- The Venetian Hotel (Rated 5 stars) 

Since this is the only hotel I've stayed at in Vegas I can not compare it to any others, But it was VERY nice, and had many amenities, restaurants, shopping, clubs, YOU NAME IT... Also, compared to other hotels in the vicinity, as far as appearance it was very "luxurious". 1 complaint- It's massive! To get to our room we had to go up 2 different elevators, 2 security checks, zipline, skydive, and then hop a couple of fences.

Restaurants-
Grand Luxe Cafe- Think of Cheesecake Factory on a low dose steroid. Check out the Menu.

Lavo- 1 word- MEATBALLS.

Cravings Buffet- Located inside of the Mirage; this is the first time in my life I had crab legs that were already split open. Hallelujah!  Every dish I tried at this buffet tasted as if Jesus himself prepared it. We also went a 2nd time during Breakfast, which included unlimited mimosas!

Clubs

Partying in the pool at Tao Beach

Tao/Asian Bistro/ Night Club & Beach- This is an actual night club, as well as an outdoor pool party. The club is beautiful. The decor is an Asian theme and its massive. I'd suggest getting VIP because when we had to leave our area to go to the restroom, it was like a mosh pit! As for the pool party; Awesome energy and the music alone makes you feel like you are at MTV spring break. In order to sit at the bar you must continue to buy drinks and food. I only tried the wings which were great! For an actual cabana you have to pay an outrageous astronomical price. Not exactly sure how much.

Tryst- This was the first nightclub we attended of the trip, and this club is simply amazing!
The outdoor area is unbelivably beautiful and dancing on what feels like the lake with a waterfall in front of you gives you an out-of-body-experience feeling. I thought I was Beyonce on the beach
 in the Baby Boy video!

These are only a couple of the hundreds of clubs and restaurants to visit in LV. If you've been before, what are some of you favorite spots?

Who doesn't LOVE Pizza?

 Healthy Personal Pizza

I don't think I've ever met anyone that doesn't like pizza. If you are one of those people, please let me know what planet you're from! While pizza may be a fave of many folks, it is very fattening and when done just right, (for me: bacon, sausage, pepperonni, banana peppers, onions, and don't tell me Hungry Howies. 2 words- BUTTER. CHEESE.) packs a bazillion calories. Try this under 500 calorie alternative:

Very easy to store in a Tupperware for lunch!

Ingredients:

• Low calorie tortillas 
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Veggies of your choice
• Meat of choice ( I like to use turkey pepperoni and turkey breast slices)
• Low Calorie spaghetti/ pizza sauce

Turkey Pepperoni. 40 calories for 6 slices!

Instructions: (For the people who are from a different planet)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Spray cooking sheet with olive oil non-stick spray
3. Spoon out about 2 table spoons of sauce on each tortilla and spread evenly
4. Add veggies, then cheese and the meat on top
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
6. ENJOY!

Chicks In Kicks

So I've recently re-discovered my inner "sneaker-head." Back in the day I used to love wearing Jordans, mainly because my brother liked them, and I was a jocker. So the brilliant Michael Jordan has been re-releasing all of the Jordans that came out probably 5 times before, and people are once again waking up at 5 am to go stand a line for a pair of these fly kicks. Well I've fallen for the craze and the next release 8/31/13; I'll be there! Stay ahead of all the Release Dates By check out Sneaker News.

Chicks In Kicks by joiastarr featuring zipper skinny jeans

Zipper skinny jeans
shopakira.com

Thug Life Rip Back Casual Top Black
$11 - missrebel.co.uk

Air Jordan XIII (13) Retro (Kids)
sneakerhead.com

Egg White Breakfast Muffins

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A number of studies prove people who successfully maintain a healthy weight eat breakfast everyday. Not only does breakfast kick start your energy in the morning, it also increases your metabolic rate; the rate at which you burn calories. Consequently you will lose weight faster. Glory to breakfast! I know you've all heard the saying. "Failing to plan is planning to fail." When it comes to waking up early to make breakfast- Since I don't like to wake up in the morning anyway, waking up to cook is a total joke. So instead of the same old oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, or any other traditional grocery-bought breakfast options, I make these:

Mushroom, Spinach, Turkey, Peppers and Onions and Mozzarella

Egg White Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups egg whites ( A dozen eggs = 2 1/3 egg whites)
• Veggies of choice ( whatever is in my fridge., check your grocer's freezer aisle for this 3 pepper and onion blend.. I use it almost everyday!)
• Meat of choice ( I use turkey breast lunch meat, its easy since its already cooked and lo cal.)
• 1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese of your choice (I love sharp cheddar, but mozzarella is the best low cal option)
• 3 tablespoons of skim milk or almond milk (makes the muffins fluffy)
• salt pepper and garlic powder to taste

 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Spray 12-cup muffin tray with nonstick cooking spray (Olive oil), or you can line with muffin cups.
3. In a bowl whisk egg whites, eggs, seasonings and milk. 
4. Fill each muffin 1/2 way with egg mixture.
5. Place veggies, cheese and meat of choice in each muffin.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You can check if they are done by sticking a tooth pick in the muffins, they are done when the tooth pick is removed and clean.
7. Let cool completely before removing from tray

Since I eat these on the go, I package 2 in a sandwich baggy for easy access in the fridge, microwave for 30 seconds, and there you have a healthy, quick breakfast for the rest of the week! (or snack.)

Summer Dinner Date Uniform

A nice sumer dress paired with fun wedges will always be appropriate for any occasion.  This day I was headed to dinner for my birthday with some friends!

Dress- Band of Gypsies
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Both from TJ Maxx, sorry no link.

Necklace- Gift shop at my job :-)
Watch- Michele
My purse was inside, (I promise I will get better at this)

Birthday ParTAYYY

Since my birthday was such a milestone age, y'all know I had to celebrate in style! I had an awesome party at PHX Lounge here in SA TX. It was a great venue! If you like the more "Grown and Sexy" crowd this is a must attend. They have live music up until 11pm, food, hookah, and they play great music. It is a HipHop / R&b bar so if that's also what you are looking for, look no further. Being originally from Detroit, I have plenty places to compare a great party establishment to. With that being said, the urban sophisticated party scene in San Antonio is very sparse. PHX is a hidden Gem so check it out. I had the time of my life celebrating with my family and friends.

My Birthday Suit

My birthday outfit by joiastarr featuring a bright orange nail polish

BCBGMAXAZRIA quin embellished dress
bcbg.com

Chinese Laundry heeles shoes
dsw.com

Charlotte Russe rhinestone studded handbag
charlotterusse.com

Fringe jewelry
torrid.com

Stella Dot stella dot bracelet
stelladot.com

MAC Cosmetics lip stick
nordstrom.com

OPI bright orange nail polish
target.com

I must mention the fact that my shoes cost $7.38 from DSW. They were 70% off plus my $10 rewards coupon! Thats a Cheapalista Fashionist for ya.

coupo

25 & up

A new age means endless possibilities, opportunities, goals, and dreams to be conquered. Growing up I always had this perfect picture drawn in my head of what my life would be like at age 25, specifically. I didn't actually realize the timeline was getting shorter to have this masterpiece come to life until about 6 months before the "unveiling." Ok, who am i kidding more like 1 month before. It was like a race to get my life together to taste sweet victory at the finish line; my 25 birthday. Everyone that knows me well, knows my favorite line to describe needing to accomplish something is "I need to get my life together." This can include many activities- getting dressed, cleaning, doing homework, going shopping, sleeping. Pretty much any thing. But with 25 approaching, it was down to the wire to really get my shit together. You are probably asking yourself "exactly what can she accomplish in 1 month that will significantly change my personal view on life-not a whole lot. 1 day after my birthday I'm still not living in a perfect gated community, happily ever after with Chloe and my 2 other beautiful actual children, (Chloe is my dog-child,) with my wonderful supportive husband who runs our family business as I work-from-home. But dreams do come true and that remains one I aspire to live in reality. BUT, 1 day after my birthday I accept my life the way it is, and some 25th birthday, magical mind stimulant has me changing my outlook on my life. All of my ideas and desires will be accomplished. The reality of setting goals always remains- everybody talks about what they want to or should, or need to do. I can recall my father always telling me "there's nothing to it but to do it," and it is really time for me at the age 25(and beyond) to actually do everything I say I am going to. Without procrastinating or making up excuses. Focus more on feeling and looking my best. Practicing better financial habits. Making destination felicity a household topic, and just overall following thru with all the Ideas that cross my mind on an everyday basis. It sometimes get tough to meet the expectations you have in life, but at 25 I can say the switch is turned on. It's time stop the idle planning and actually start following thru. As of today my next "milestone" is my 30th birthday. I will not go into that day that same as 25. Less talk more action. (and blogging about it!) Another saying I live by, continuously told to me by my lovely mother:

"You make your own Heaven or hell."

Very true. I am the only person in control of my life and until I actually reach the pearly gates I will give 100% to live heavenly on earth. Either you can continue to talk about it forever, Or take the necessary steps to be exactly where you want to be- Destination Felicity.

August 20th, 1988- A "Starr" was born!

No, but really. My middle name is Starr so I AM talking about myself, duh.

Happy Birthday to me and also to the newly updated Destination Felicity! Stay tuned for beauty and style inspiration, my healthy living journey, advice, tips & tricks, contests and giveaways!

Weekend Fun Times

Strawberries and pineapple are my favorite fruit, so why not mix them together, throw them in a Tupperware to enjoy poolside on a 104 degree day? Such a perfect Saturday to be outside enjoying the weather while hanging out with my super cute and fun niece Azalea. Whenever we spend time together (any of my nieces and nephews,) my day seems so much more meaningful! Todays adventures included San Pedro Park, which also has a huge pool. It's more like a man made lake designed like a pool because that thing is HUGE. It has to be the size of at least 2 football fields. Since its so large, it is never too crowded to soak up some sun while keeping cool in the pool. My friend Jackie and her adorable little ones joined us and swam the day away before working up an appetite. We decided to cure our hunger with San Antonio's  famous Big Lou's Pizza.  If you are in San Antonio and have never tried this place you must do yourself a favor and go. Even if the line is wrapped around the building, I still suggest you wait. Your tummy and taste buds will be very satisfied.

                                     

An enjoyable Weekend is an integral part of having a "good week overall. It's the only time of the week (if you work a m-f , or are a parent, or both,) that you get to sleep in, even if its only a 10 minutes. For some its a different day of the week but you understand where I'm going with this- you sleep in , are able to make a decent breakfast, can relax all. day. long, get tasks done around the house , and have plans to do something that would be virtually impossible to do on a weekday.  For me it's spending time with my family and friends and making fun memories that I can't wait to share with y'all :-). It is very important you have at least 1 care free, relaxing day a week. I know we are all busy and engulfed in work, parenting, and whatever else may keep you from having a thoroughly enjoyable day. But be sure to make time in order to maintain your sanity, and stay on the road to felicity.