Laura's 25th Birthday Tampa Staycation

My little fire cracker Laura just turned 25, so we wanted Tampa to show us a great time! I have been itching to take a trip for some time now, but budgets are very much real. So we went to a couple of places that were sweet to our pockets, and rewarding to our memories.

Laura, Stephanie, Bebe and myself were the Tampa culprits for the weekend. We drove to Tampa Friday night, checked in and took our sweet time to get ready. We headed to the Hard Rock Casino super late night, around 3-4 am. Once we arrived I looked for a cheap slot machine, and waited for the waitress to take my drink order. The Casino is a tricky place for people on a budget, with any gambling you have to know when to stop. I lost 20 bucks, but we had a great time and ended up feeling pretty sweet off those drinks. It was Laura's first time actually playing, and that alone was worth it.

The hotel we stood at provided a complimentary breakfast with lots of options, an omelet station included. This is a meatless month for me, so I had to stay away from the turkey sausage. One way to save money on food when traveling, is staying somewhere that provides breakfast. Hotels, Air bnb, or even your Aunt Estelle's house. These may all be places that will provide a meal sometime in the day. The Embassy we stood at provided bottomless drinks and snacks from 730-9pm too. This helped us a lot, all we needed to do was tip well.

My cousin Jeffrey came to pick us up and take us to Cypress Park. It was such a lively park filled with all types of activities. There're picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, a waterfront, and a nice trail to run. It is family friendly; I enjoyed the green trails to the different bodies of water. It was very peaceful to be one with nature, as Gandhi infused as it sounds. You get a nice mix of city and nature. Distanced highway and buildings, with sand in your toes and fishes biting at your line. The park has no entry fee, and it can probably even be a great place for a picnic or even a birthday party.

Our last night there, Bebe went back to Orlando and Stephanie and Laura decided sleep was best. I, on the other hand wanted a nap and some whiskey. So I took an Uber down to Soho and ended up in a sweet bar named MacDinton's. It is a cool Irish pub, opened until 3am. They have drink specials with free shots on Tuesday's with coin flips. They have a nice outside area, which was where I hung out at. Even met a cool local named Terry, appreciated his respectful conversation and good energy.

I had an overall great trip. I am very grateful to be able to take a small staycation. I am even more grateful that Laura, family was able to see 25, with so much health and love around. I will be joining the quarter club in March. On the hunt for a location, I am between two places, so be on the lookout. Thank you all for the ongoing support. I am still working on my Mars line, and will be updating you all soon. Remember to always love and allow to be loved. Xo