This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are my own.
When Starbucks first came to town, I turned my back on it and headed to my local coffee shop. As the years went on, the local places went under. Not necessarily because of Starbucks. Some were just poorly managed while others opened in areas that already had too many coffee places.
When Starbucks opened in the building where I work, I quickly found myself at Gold level.
I steer clear of anything with whipped cream and try to do the same for the pastries. I immediately feel in love with cold brew which replaces my normal cup o' Pike in the summer, fall, and spring. And, I became one of those card people who asked for separate transactions to get an extra star.
That ended with the new rewards program.
Refills on a regular coffee are still free and so is the birthday drink, but it's a lot harder to earn that free drink. I'll essentially have to spend $60 some odd dollars for a $5 drink.The thing is, I'm going to spend it there anyway so why not play along and get my free Pike refills?
I love the baristas at my local shop and even the kids enjoy going with me. It amuses me to no end to hear my ten-year-old request a scone with his hot chocolate and even my kindergartner knows that nothing beats a warm blueberry muffin. I've become that mom that I once made fun of when I worked at a trendy (now defunct) coffee house.
You know what? I'm okay with that.
Sure, I may have cried over the nearly full trenta cold brew with cinnamon I left on the roof of my car, but damn it if I didn't earn that free drink.
You can instant Gold Status by signing up for Starbucks Rewards and making a purchase. If you use this link you will be helping me replace my cold brew that went the way of the wind and all over the roof of my car.
