Friday, December 27, 2013

Must Have Beauty Products- Cosmetics

I’ve never been big on wearing makeup, but these products are a must have (at least try) for all women. Since I am not the one to wake up every morning and allow enough time to “put on my face,” I would say I am a qualified judge of whats great and whats not, seeing how I only allow myself 3 min max to get it done. And if it looks good in that short amount of time, its a must have. My results are always the same… Fabulous!

I don’t use foundation very often, only if I'm going out on the town, and even then its very minimal. This is the only product I will experiment with. Also, in the summer my skin tone changes, so I'm always trying to find a new one. Lately I have been using Maybelline’s Fit Me and I like it. For now.

Victoria's Secret Airbrush FX face primer. Primers are used to creat a smooth canvas (face) so all makeup applied goes on smooth, and lasts longer. Generally, they diminish pores and fine lines creating the illusion of baby bottom smooth skin. When I use this VS primer it controls my shine and creates a matte finish as well.

Benefit They're Real Mascara is so official! This is THE BEST MASCARA IN THE WORLD. Never clumps, its super intense, easy application, lasts all day.. I swear I could go on and on. Anything you can think of good to say about mascara- It applies to Benefit's They're Real.

As you see, most of my go to makeup is MAC- I really love this line. Nothing I’ve ever tried has disappointed me- (except I tried their matchmaster foundation- I would never recommend this to anyone.. in pictures it looks terrible. And everyone knows I love me some seflies.)  

MAC Mineral Skin Finish- Most days this is my “foundation” (according to MAC, A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day. ) It's the bomb!

Face contour- I use the MAC blush in Blunt . If you are unfamiliar with contouring, google it. It gives you a more chizzled look. I only spend about 1 minute, doing the hollows of my cheeks, and the sides of my nose\, So we're aren't talking Kim K contoured, lol.
Photo cred- Makeup By Nakimah & GGF

Lipstick- MAC Ruby Woo- I wanted to show yall this red lipstick because its so perfect. I remember back in my day (90's and 2000's,) red lipstick wasn't very popular, especially for us Brown Sistas. Making the biggest comeback from when M.A.C was first debuted by Madonna on her "Like a Virgin Tour in the 80's," in 2009, Lady GaGa made it the new "IT" lip. Just in case you needed a suggestion on a goo Red Lip, you're welcome. I will do a more detailed post soon, but in the meantime check out this cool article in ELLE MAGAZINE, History of Red Lipstick
Rockin Ruby Woo- Makeup by Donoma

Eyeshadow- Im not really big on eyeshadow so I havn't spent my coin on the Urban Decay Naked pallette. Why? $50 for eyeshadows is a lot to me especially when I can get 500 colors from sephora for $20. I can create the same looks (if I knew how lol,) with my Physicians Formula Naturual Nude Eye Palette. This baby was $10.99 from CVS and I'm sure I used Extra Bucks so it eas even cheaper. Love it!


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Glam Gold Holiday Attire

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

New Years Eve Low Budget > No Budget


I don't know about y'all, but I am on a budget. But, even if I didn't have a budget my outfit would still be the low budget one, although I probably would splurge on those zanotti's..... Only if they were on sale because Joia pays regular price for NADA.

New Years Eve Low Budget > No Budget

Joseph black dress
farfetch.com

Black dress
societyofchic.com

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals
giuseppezanottidesign.com

2b peep toe pumps
2bstores.com

Destination Felicity Presents: Positive Vibes Book Club

 I am not an avid reader- Matter of fact, I can count on both hands how many books I’ve read start to finish. I know you are probably like, “did you go to school?” Lol, well that’s what they made cliff notes for! I have longed to become a book-worm and I think being part of a book club is a great way to do so! Positive Vibes Book Club will focus on readings for the soul! The few books I have read, I finished in a few days or less and that is how you know you’re reading a good book. I hope the books we read will have this effect but I can assure we will engage in conversations about each book we read and be able to apply it in our everyday lives, in a positive way.

 Being a part of this E-club comes with perks! 
I will provide each member with a PDF copy of the book of the month. You can read it on any tablet or print it out, whichever you prefer. Also, each member is invited to contribute in monthly discussions and as an incentive to do so, the person with the most insightful contribution each month will get a prize. YAY for prizes! Id like to complete 1 book a month having the discussion begin the last 2 weeks of the month. To join the club all you have to do is comment on this post, "I'm in"  and subscribe to this blog by entering your email address on the home page. If its easier for you to just email me please do so at joia@destinationfelicity.com. Thats all! Please join by January 5th.



This will be our first read. Once you join the club, I will email a PDF copy to the email address used for subscribing. Thanks and I can't wait to radiate positive vibes with you all!


Xoxo,
Joia

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Whats for Dinner? Rosemary Garlic Baked Chicken, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes & Sauteed Squash and Zucchini


 Eating healthy can be really great, or really boring. I personally can not eat the same thing every day, that is why it is difficult for me to meal prep. I like some variation. Here is an idea for a very healthy meal with a flavorful veggie side that's easy to make, and perfect to add to your meal prep or dinner menu. Also, my weakness- potatoes, Parmesan roasted to be exact.

Sauteed Squash and Zucchini


      Ingredients:
  • 4 to 5 zuchinni
  • 4 to 5 yellow squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sliced onions
  • Garlic Powder
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
 Slice zucchini and squash.. I'd say about 1/4 inch thick. Heat olive oil and saute onion until tender. Add zucchini and squash. Toss until tender and crisp, about 8 minutes.  Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to your liking. Turn off heat and cover allowing mixture to soften. About 10 minutes. ENJOY!

I love squash and zucchini... It is so flavorful and is a great texture.. You can play around with this recipe and add tri-color peppers, and even potatoes...... Stay tuned the recipes for the other items mentioned above.


  • About 6 to 8 medium red or gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper 
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Preheat oven 425 degrees. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix. Transfer to an olive oil greased baking dish and bake for 35-50 min on the top rack. ENJOY!

The potatoes will form a crispy goodness on the outside and be tender and moist on the inside. YUMMYYY!

Non Negotiable- Must have Beaty Product Week


I'd like to say that products I am going to highlight this week, I will ALWAYS have on hand. I never run out and have a backup on reserve. Every girl has those beauty products that they feel they could never live without, and even though they are loyal to these particulars, they will wander off into product land to find the next best thing- Not me. I don't want to try anything new, or find one better, because there isn't any replacement. What are your Non-negotiable beauty must haves?

I'll start off with my face cleansers and moisturizers.

Buf Puf / exfoliating pads - I have only got a facial once in my life. After dishing out $65 dollars the best part to me was the head an shoulder massage. Aside from having Eczema, which causes dry areas(The reason why I can not live wthout emollients) in various places of my body, my face is pretty normal. Due to the Eczema, particularly when the seasons change I have flare ups which affect my face. Using the miracle face exfoliator helps to keep my face smooth and gets rid of any dry areas instantly. I like to buy the disposable ones in bulk from Amazon, or if you want to try them ASAP and can't wait, they sell them also at CVS. They are very exfoliating so I use only once a week. Since I have my other products I alternate between, its not necessary for me to use them everyday.
                 


Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads- These are so convienent and perfect for all skin types. One side is more abrasive for the perfect gentle exfoliation. I alternate washing my between these, and Simple Facial cleansing wipes. I love the simple wipes just as much as the Aveeno pads. There's no specific reason I alternate, I just like to switch it up.

Moisturizer- I don't have a specific one I stick to. I'm always trying defferent ones. I use a lot of Vaseline, and Eucerin cream, but lately I have been loving the Simple Vital Night cream. 


Friday, December 20, 2013

''Live the life you love, Love the life you live''

If you took a poll asking a group of people what "living life to the fullest" meant to them, I'm pretty sure every persons answer would be different. For me, I like to plan things. Sure I may be a procrastinator and not accomplish the goals set for myself right away, but living life to the fullest, means to me accomplishing every goal I set. In order to accomplish anything positive in life, I believe you must love yourself, and your life beforehand. No matter what situation you are currently in, love it. Love is defined as an "intense feeling of deep affection," so if you go thru life with an I dont care attitude, there is no possible way to love anything. Even if something isn't going the way you planned, be thankful for the experiences that allowed you to realize its not going right. For those moments will allow you to not let it happen again, and if it does, you can only blame yourself. But even then, love it even more this time around! Some may say, "my life is so terrible, how could I love it? I would love it if it got better..." Well let me tell ya, What you are going thru, is not half as bad as what other people in the world are facing. Always remind yourself, any day above ground is a good day- and a day to make an effort to make life better.

I always start posts and finsh them up at a later time... After I started this post I was talking to one of my best friends. I swear we are like eachothers personal counselors and she's been a great influence in a lot of life decisions. Recently we've been discussing her outlook on life and how sometimes she feels like she may be depressed and it has hindered her in ways such as connecting with people, getting out of the house, and basically just becoming an introvert, when I've always known her to be the outgoing social butterfly. She came to the conclusion that she needs to change her attitude and is sure that will help with her self diagnosed depression. I TOTALLY AGREE! A lot of times people who are unhappy have a very negative attitude, which only make personal issues worst. She then told me she got the book Joyce Meyers, "Battlefield of the Mind." We came up with the awesome idea that we are going to start a book club and I wanted to share it with you guys too!

We all need some uplifting in our lives and I first suggest going to church. If you're not religious or spiritual, thats fine, but please find a happy inspirational place, that nurtures your mind and soul. One sugesstion is to try a non-denominational church... Here in San Antono, I go to Community Bible Church, and I would describe it as a "super church" becuase its huge. Check out the link to see all they have to offer. There are probably well over 1,000 members. Anywho, this place is awesome! They have so many outreach programs, and small groups, and services include a live band and its not too "churchy" or holy. Its simply a place to worship and make you feel good... and one of the things that made me really love this church and recommend it to everyone is they don't pass the collection plate around. Their "collection plate" is in one central location so you never feel bad if its passed to you and you're not able to give that day.

Our book club will select books that put us in a happy place, and influence us to live life to the fullest. As mentioned our first book is going to be

"Battlfield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers
.. A perk of being a part of this club is you don't have to buy the books!!! (only electronic version availivble.) I will send out the E Version to anyone who'd like to participate in our discussions! Please comment below or email me if you'd like to join. I will be making another post on how the club will function, and the date we will have our first discussion. Since alot of my friends are out of town, It will be online. Can't wait :-)

-Joia

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Back to the regularly scheduled program......

Hey yall... So i've been steady coasting toward Destination Felicity and I can say I am pretty content with my pace. I know, I know, yall are wondering why I havn't I been posting lately... well I am not going to make up an excuse.. I just have not. I definitely can't say I havn't had enough time becuase if Beyonce can drop a surprise album with 14 songs and 17 videos, my regular self can make a blog post at least 5x a week. So forgive me people I took enough time off to "get my life together," and I will be back on DF regulary. I have been taking many and plenty photo's and have lots to tell you about from new destinations I've visited to some yummy recipes. Stay with me my beutiful people, you won't be dissappointed!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Multi-Function BCBG Wrap Dress

Sunday I visited a friends Church and went out to Brunch with my mom. I wore one of my favorite BCBG dresses, which can be worn on many different occasions. This is a wonderful piece to have in your closet! The print I wore is from a previous season, which I paired with my Steve Madden T strap Sandals I found at Macys for $13.00 and my purse for the week, Emma Fox black and white Tote which I got from TJ Maxx for $159.99. See my Polyvore below (and follow me while you're at it,) If you need info on ordering these items.








Multi-Function BCBG Wrap Dress