How Do You Stir Your Morning Coffee?
After a day of continuous eating and giving thanks followed by a night of Black Friday (online) shopping and story watching, there is only one way to stir your morning coffee – with a Twinkie.
coffee
Starbucks Twelve Days of Gifting 2012
Starbucks is back at it in 2012, commemorating the Twelve Days of Christmas their way. Here’s what I think is Starbucks 12 Days of Gifting for December 2012.
- Day 1. Buy any tumbler or mug and get a free grande beverage.
- Day 2. Buy any VIA Ready Brew 12-pack and get one free. Buy any Tazo Tea Tin and get one free.
- Day 3. Buy the featured Free Brewed Coffee Tumbler in December for $30 and get free brewed coffee the entire month of January.
- Day 4. Get a stainless steel tumbler for $9.95. Get any 1 lb. Christmas Blend platform packaged coffee and a Red stainless steel tumbler for $19.95.
- Day 5. Get a red, blue, or gold acrylic tumbler for $5.95.
- Day 6. Buy a Merry Moments Cocoa gift set for $12.95. Buy a VIA Peppermint Mocha 5-pack for $4.95.
- Day 7. Buy 1 lb. of Christmas Blend platform packaged coffee for $9.95. Buy one Christmas Blend K-Cup pack for $8.95. Buy a VIA Christmas Blend 12-pack for $7.95. Buy one Christmas Blend Verismo Pod Pack for $8.95.
- Day 8. Buy a String of Lights Boxed Mug for $8.95.
- Day 9. Buy a 12 oz. Red Cup Collection mug for $3.95. Buy a 16 oz. Red Cup Collection mug for $4.95.
- Day 10. Save 30% on gift packs: Christmas Blend and Mug, Starbucks VIA REady Brew and Mug, Tazo Joy Tea and Mug, Gingerbread Biscuit and Mug.
- Day 11. Save 40% on Cold Cups and cold cup straws.
- Day 12. Save 40% on a Cranberry Bliss Bar tray.
Note: Reference the image above in case I had any typos.
Of course, the most interesting item is the free coffee tumbler. I luckily got one in 2011 and took advantage of the deal. My only complaint is the tumbler itself. Flow of the fluid is really slow since air doesn’t vent in easily. The lid cover touches my nose when I’m drinking so I have to wipe away any coffee drops. Although a 16 oz. tumbler, its shape is tall and skinny so when in a shallow cup holder, the tumbler moves around quite a bit. I hope Starbucks fix these annoyances for this year’s tumbler.
Rodarte Design Hits Starbucks (and Me)
When I walked into Starbucks this morning, I had to stop because of this display.
The entire store had been redone in holiday red, but this display with lime green, silver, and shades of grey hit me hard. What are these? These belong to a design collaboration with Rodarte.
These diffusion, pixelated pattern items are limited to the Holidays and is the first design partnership for Starbucks.
I had to touch each item and stopped myself from buying any of them. There’s a tumbler, a tote bag, a gift card, and a reusable cup sleeve (which was already sold out).
My only salvation from not buying any of the urban camo-like items? The ceramic makeup of the travel tumbler. The Rodarte tumbler is not metal or plastic, and I’m afraid the ceramic just won’t last. Or maybe it’s my will power that won’t last, caving way first.
If you can’t make it down to a Starbucks, you can also purchase these Rodarte items online by clicking on the image below.
Coffee Can Explain Many Things
Who knew coffee was not only a source of caffeine but a way to explain many things including social media services. Confused? You won’t be after viewing the below graphic.
Thanks to the Marketplace Maven for this coffee-based tutorial.
Starbucks Kaka’ako Now Open
Starbucks Kaka’ako has been open for business for a few weeks now but is celebrating its official grand opening today, in fact right now! If you visit between 12pm and 1pm, you’ll receive a free tall beverage.
While you’re there, you can check out this store’s unique decor. Every Starbucks has common design elements, but you do see differences from store to store. At this Coral Street location, you’ll see a mix of industrial and natural designs. The floor is concrete with divits and discolorations but features many in-ground electrical outlets, especially alongside the window seating.
There are a number of window-side stools and higher bar stools and tables for patrons. There’s a single elongated table in the middle and a few comfortable chairs near the front entrance. It seems Starbucks doesn’t want you getting too comfy and camping out for long durations (that’d be you UH medical students 🙂 ).
The best accent of this location is the wood bar facade and countertop. There’s a wood “brick” appearance topped off with a dark wooden counter. This adds organic naturalness that contrasts the hard concrete.
Oh, don’t mind the napkins. I guess they ran out of the Starbucks logo-ed ones and had to settle for generic. Opening day issues I guess.
While no Starbucks in Hawaii is a Clover location, I could see this spot featuring the Clover one day. And it just struck me that like the tall exterior of this location, there are lots of tall, skinny elements inside the store. The tables and stools emphasizes a more vertical space if that makes sense.
One last note – don’t forget that the Holiday drinks are now available – Peppermint Mocha Frap, Gingerbread Latte, and the Caramel Brulee Latte.
It’s All About Priorities
And giving people what they want. Found this post on Mashable leading up to Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. Seems like there were three closures people wanted to be informed of:
- Subways
- Schools
- Starbucks
Yep, the availability of Starbucks was on the mind of people leading up to Sandy’s landfall. While all Starbucks in New York City and Long Island were supposed to stay closed through Monday, one location opened and attracted a throng of caffeine addicts.
It’s all about priorities…
The Faster Starbucks Rewards Debuts Tomorrow
On Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Starbucks launches its revamped Rewards Program. As you recall, this program is now faster. Get a free drink after accumulating 12 stars vice 15. Freebies are available automatically, not via a snail mail-delivered postcard. Oh, and the Starbucks iOS app integrates with Passbook,
Are you excited? I’m excited! Or maybe it’s just the effects of this venti iced coffee…
Starbucks Reserve Ka`u Now Available
For a limited time, Starbucks is selling Kona Ka`u coffee from its Reserve line of premium coffees. And these are limited with only 600 bags available for sale online.
Here’s how Starbucks describes this coffee’s tasting profile:
Tropical coconut with sweet caramelly and citrus notes.
Cost is above average at $25 for an 8-oz. bag. And um, Starbucks needs to figure out where Hawaii is on the global map (assuming that big dot indicates the coffee region).
Tidbits About Starbucks
This MSN Money post has some interesting tidbits about Starbucks and its locations.
- 80% of Americans live within 20 miles of a Starbucks
- The farthest you can get from a Starbucks in America is 140 miles.
- That point is on the Idaho-Wyoming border near Grand Teton National Park.
- Your rent is higher when you live closer to a Starbucks location.
For more information, read the entire post.
Starbucks Rewards Are Getting Faster
Starbucks is adjusting its Rewards program, making it “faster.” What’s that mean? Starting on October 16, Gold level members get free drinks after earning 12 stars instead of 15 currently. Instead of waiting for your freebie via a postcard in the mail, you’ll get faster access with your physical card or smartphone app. The freebie is no longer limited to beverages with food items now eligible. Here’s the official announcement.
Subtracted from the program is the free additions of flavored syrups and soy milk. And did you know you were entitled to a free tall coffee when you purchased a bag of coffee beans? I never used that promotion, and now it’s gone. There are more nuances to the updated Rewards program, and Starbucks has a comprehensive FAQ.
Some commentary…
12 Stars
I’m liking the change to 12 stars for a free drink. I’m not sure if the recent 12 Star Dash was a final test case. I doubt it, but looking at my Starbucks habit, I did learn that getting 12 stars in 2 weeks wasn’t that easy. During the Dash, I spent about $57 in 13 transactions (stars). Using that as a baseline, with the update to the Rewards program, I’ll also get a free drink which could roughly be 10% ($5) of what I spent.
The Postcard
I have mixed feelings about this. While it did feel archaic to get a postcard via snail mail, it was a treat when opening the mailbox. Getting an electronic delivery feels more cold and detached. Will I remember to redeem my free drink before it expires? This is a tricky one. At least the postcard was a physical reminder. Sure, I could have forgotten to bring the postcard or worse, have lost it. At the same time, I think about all the electronic Groupon and Living Social vouchers that I forget about until the expiration date is upon me.
Food Stuff
The addition of getting free food is a good move. I don’t pay much attention to the food, but now I might. On Starbucks’ side, giving away a free pastry is more economical since these cost less than $3 vice a $4-5 coffee drink.
Bonus Star
Did you catch the new Bonus Star? Here’s the description:
Periodically, the My Starbucks Rewardsâ„¢ program will offer Bonus Stars as a promotion to our members. During the promotional period, when you purchase one of the featured products, you will receive a Star for the transaction (as normal) and an extra Star for the specified product. This is another way we are helping you earn Stars and free drinks and food faster!
All in all, these are welcomed changes to the Starbucks Rewards program.
Done with the Starbucks Dash
Sunday, September 9, 2012 marked the end of Starbucks’ 12 Star Dash. Did you finish the dash or did you coffee out along the way? I started with a simple iced coffee on Day 1, August 27. The SBUX treat receipts were still active so I have a couple two-a-days to finish up August.
In September, I had a steady stream of visits, culminating in my final drink, a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Late (PSL) with whip cream. Normally, my drinks are all non-fat, no whip, but this drink was an anomaly. I got the non-fat part, but the barrista still topped off the PSL with whip. Oh well, I took the drink as a reward for finishing the dash. 😉
On a side note, I thought the PSL was completely transformed with the whip. Normally, the drink tastes hallow, if you know what I mean. I like the spices and flavors, but it’s probably the non-fat and no whip combo that eviscerates the drink. Just with the whip alone, there was a whee! factor that I guiltily enjoyed.
Back to the Dash. When all was said and done, I totaled up the cost of participating in the Dash. I missed the transactions for two visits, estimating $4 per visit. The result came out to $57.48 in 13 transactions, which averages out to $4.42 spent per visit. All of that to get $5 in Starbucks credit, an 8% return. Worthwhile? Ehhhh, so so, but nevertheless fun to do. I did set a personal best of Starbucks visits with 24 in August 2012.
Here are some caveats. I didn’t split any purchases into singles to maximize my Starbucks (Gold) Rewards card. On one occasion, I bought some extras like a pumpkin scone and Pumpkin Spice VIA packets (which is selling well).
I’ll leave you with pictures of the $58 of yumminess I enjoyed while dashing.
Wash Your Clothes With Starbucks
Talk about looking out for the environment. Starbucks is investigating ways where its used coffee grounds and unsold baked goods could be transformed into plastics and laundry detergent. Yes, in the near future, you could be washing your clothes in a blonde roast scented by a Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin. Or maybe you prefer a load of dark roast? I wonder if the detergent will feature the Starbucks mermaid logo?
But no matter what, reducing, reusing, and recycling to sustain our environment is a good thing.