Thrifty Fashion Arrives in Florida

On the hammock swing near the treehouse built at Gram's Hostel, in a wash and go 'fro style, Pacifica Enlightment Gloss in Poppy coating pout, I'm in a wild schematic designed polyester dress with asymmetrical trimmed bottom that cost only $7. 

Prior to hitting pleasant Florida scene, at Philly Aids Thrift-- my favorite secondhand shop in Philadelphia, colorful, distinctive clothes spoke my name and shouted out my phone number. Made of breathable fabric, I thought it beneficial to be prepared to relax in the hottest of temperatures with outfits containing thin, weightless material. No sense in being distracted by humidity.
Lace and pattern easily led snazzy curating decisions, matching my upbeat attitude and flair for artsy vogue.

I loved this $7 red on mauve skirt. It matched the gorgeous tone of lettering in Frida's name, flowers, ribbon, and lipstick and has a black mesh lining. However, looking chic was problematic seeing as the skirt kept sliding. I'll be wearing it with suspenders from now on. Or perhaps have my sewing friend make and attach pretty belt loops. Either way, I'm not throwing out the skirt on a technicality that could be mended. After all, little tailoring efforts are key to maintaining a successful thrifty style.

Vintage white polka dot and dark blue three quarter sleeve cotton blouse with black tie ribbon for $4 and beautiful white lacy top with thin black stripes for $3.

$4 Forever 21 light blue and white Peter Pan collar blouse with $5 heather gray lace and black jumper dress in another sweet bathroom pic. And let me say, this is a beautiful bathroom-- brick and mortar, wide open space, clean tiled floor, dim lighting. Good job Café Hey!

Happiness is being on a bunk bed, resting weary travel bones on the top bunk, taking advantage of the ceiling mirror, adoring frugal thrift store finds that border between modern sophistication and vintage trendsetting. I think the Powerpuff Girls would agree on these things.

Sweet Doughnuts & More At Humble Charmer Feliticous

I loved that Felicitous's wifi password of my visit was "portraits"-- not only my specialty, but the purpose of my museum adventures that very afternoon!

On my way to another day of art, favorable weather, and lovely palm trees, I made a pit stop at an attractive lavender "house" near the National History Museum, Felicitous. The wonderful word means well-suited, pleasing, and fortunate. I was enthused to find out that though seeming small and delicate on the outside, the interior is spacious and accommodating as well as an ordered, topsy turvy chaos that reminds one of the maddening tea party Alice was invited to in Wonderland. Nothing matches furniture wise yet the eccentric predicament of this rather amusing case is needed for the creative spirit. After all, my favorite color is purple and since Felicitous is nicknamed "the purple house," I found a comfortable coffeehouse to let my freak flag fly free-- with vegan doughnuts too!

I found Felicitous by Google searching "vegan doughnuts in Tampa." What kind of vegan doughnut fiend would I be if I didn't search for my favorite fried hole in the circle dessert? This isn't on HappyCow, but definitely should. The top roll alone was dedicated to dairy free, egg free deliciousness.

Plus the vegan maple walnut cupcakes looked pretty spectacular!

I had the amazing veggie panini (with hummus and extra mushrooms) called Stop Trippin.'

That hot goodness. In addition to mushrooms and hummus, tomatoes and garlic are packed tight in this toasted, crispy breaded sandwich.

For dessert-- doughnuts and raspberry almond milk cappuccino. I sat in an old school little chair and desk and felt like a student sneaking in food to munch on instead of concentrating on my studies.

The glittery lemon lavender (left) was sweet, moist, and light--  the absolute definition of a perfect little doughnut. The vanilla maple, however, although fancifully colored in lilac, fuchsia, cerulean, and hot pink, was crumbly and a bit dry cake-- the flavors were nice, especially the frosting.

Look up: there are no birds or superheroes-- just quirky paintings hanging on the ceilings.

Chirp! Chirp! The birdies on wood drawing/painting reminds one to mention that Felicitous also has a large outdoor area with big picnic tables and pleasant trees for those nature loving coffee/tea drinkers and vegan doughnut eaters.

Again, there is a wonderful range of art displayed-- from landscapes to abstract representation to portraits. This painting, in particular, was an appeasing street scene, with in depth perspective, precise attention to detail, and skillful rendering.

Many cozy areas around the coffeehouse include large couches and chairs one can sink themselves into. Plus for an art aficionado appreciates seeing art located on every crook and cranny-- not in a crowded, salon stacked style kind of way, but in a unique, noticeable fashion that isn't considered a turnoff.

Near the bathroom, from Life to Pictionary, a large assortment of classic board games to play with dearest friends. This is a cheery place that one can spend a few lazy hours at.

There's even a book swap library for those to pick up and exchange books. I screamed hard inside at the sight, my bookworm-y side pulsing with immense joy. In my opinion, book exchanges should be everywhere.

I loved Felicitous and hope to come back again someday. It's a sweet spot that speaks to the many faucets of my persona-- art, fun, games, vegan doughnuts, books, and wifi. Not many coffeehouses can say that they have that winning combination of pure, gratifying enjoyment.

A Tasty Bite Out of Ella's Americana Folk Art Café

Ella's Americana Folk Art Café, a hearty, laid back eating establishment that showcases visual artists and musicians, has a wide variety of vegan options including salads, appetizers, pizzas, and tofu replacements. On Soul Food Sundays, they even have mac n cheese and BBQ sandwiches.

I met a friend (and fellow artist!) at the hostel, I stayed at-- Gram's Place in Tampa.
On a gorgeous day, we headed out to the modest yet charming Tampa Museum of Art, catching a cool retrospective of Alex Katz paintings and prints. I told her about Ella's (thanks to HappyCow) and that's how an early dinner began....

The giant letters, stars, and bulls eyes on this eye-catching menu definitely has an eclectic vibe, letting the hungry patron (with a big appetite) in on delicious home cooked yumminess.

The Good Burger is modeled after the classic 1990's Nickelodeon film. The beauty of the word "good" in fancy yellow curried mayo was such a nice touch.

The Good Burger is a house made patty with sunflower shoots, avocado relish (tastes similar to guacamole yet with a pickle sweet finish), and onion strings all on a yellow sesame seed bun.

It's a whopping huge size, but with pinched hands, I managed a bite out of this piping hot wonder. The range of flavors and textures are just downright phenomenal-- patty was plump and tender, the bun so soft and pliant, and the crunchy onion strings were right on par together.

These Rasta-Far-Fries were incredibly exceptional-- spicy, crisp, just cooked to perfection. They're actually thick cut potato wedges fried and then seasoned with house mustard, sea salt, cilantro, and sriracha. Needless to say, along with the hot burger, my mouth was on fire throughout the eating experience-- yet so well worth it.

A long length painting that happened to catch my eye.....

On the outdoor turf, where folks can eat their meals in the warm pleasant weather, eccentric art is everywhere on the patio including this intriguing sculpture trio of wiry scarecrows.

Rusty tin musicians also wait in the patio, serenading with an enchanted promises.

This colorful bench was made for relaxation in the great space cloaked by nature.

I loved the strands of lights hanging from the patio as though they were necklaces for the blossoming trees. Ella's was a beautiful environment to have iced waters (or whatever cold beverage wanted) and reminisce about life's magic, especially in regards to this comfortable restaurant tied down with a lovely relationship to art.

More woodsy outdoor picturesque wonders....

The teasing little lights glowed among the setting sun and lush foliage, a splendid end to the experience of a good meal and funky art.

Breakfast at Café Hey

One of the most popular sandwich choices for vegans is the VLT.

If I lived in Tampa, I could envision Café Hey being a humble part of my weekly routine.
This veg friendly, free wifi hotspot near the bus station of tall palm trees and vibrant red bloom was the first notch on this little mini pleasant weathered vacation. It's a spacious bricked place smelling of fresh brew where afro girls with Mos Def buttons on their backpacks have lunch, where a few visitors stuff vegan brownies and vegan tarts in their pockets, and where people sit at rounded tables with coffees, friends, and laptops. The music is a mixture of indie and classic rock and the staff behind the counter offer helpful advice for a new patrons. The whole spirit of the atmosphere, with a Cheers kind of vibe, is just what one craves from a coffee shop-- hip and unique.

Doughnuts and cats as Valentine's? So very perfect. This is the kind of romance I aspire to have again.

 Plus the art on the walls bring a smile.

Fresh baked vegan goods of the day included raspberry lemon and banana nut muffins, double chocolate brownies, and peaches and cream tarts.

Cute, cleanly ordered, sweet and spicy condiment station has all the straws, stirring sticks, sugars, siracha, and Tabasco that one needs to liven up their goodies.

Layout of bricked walls, small scale art, and rounded tables with black wingback chairs.

Many drink and syrup options. Plus no charge for vegan milks. Always a win!

Now let's break down the super amazing VLT. For some reason, I expected a cold sandwich, expecting veggie bacon to be cooked and chilled. Why oh why? I suppose I was hungry and impatient. The flavorful veggie bacon is hot, warming several kinds of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and Veganaise. The toasted bread tastes divine-- it's crunchy yet retains sensible chewiness. Overall a yummy start to Florida foodie adventure.

I ordered the last raspberry lemon muffin and a honey free iced chai latte sweetened with simple syrup.

Bursting with pitted raspberry and citrusy lemon flavor-- the combination is a moist, tantalizing winner meant to complement any caffeinated (or decaffeinated) beverage.

Café Hey is a charming spot. Plus when bobbing your head to classic Smashing Pumpkins and The Pixies, life feels almost complete-- with refined sort of tastiness promised in the end.