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Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The holiday cup



My daughter took a friend to Starbucks yesterday. I was excited for her, not because of the coffee or friendship, but because of the holiday cup. My first question was not "what did you order?" No, it was "what does the holiday cup look like this year?" I enjoy finding out what the cups look like each holiday season. Some years, I actually do go to Starbucks during the holidays, and actually get a cup of my own. Other years, I find myself too busy. When I do make it there, I save my holiday cup for a while, as a memento.

This year's cup is cool and unusual, in that the design on the cup is meant for coloring in.


Kinda cool. I don't carry markers or crayons with me, but this would keep a little one entertained for a little while, while mom or dad enjoyed a cup of coffee. 


My favorite autumn/winter drink is the peppermint mocha, followed very close behind with pumpkin spice latte. I usually make my own coffee drinks at home, for pennies, using a mini-candy cane, cocoa, milk and coffee for the peppermint mocha, and this easy recipe for homemade pumpkin spice syrup for pumpkin spice lattes. (Now I'm in the mood for a mocha!) Both are especially yummy with some homemade biscotti. And as luck would have it I have all the ingredients that I need to make my own coffee drink and biscotti right here at home! I know what I'm doing later . . .




15 comments:

  1. I'm sad I've never been to a Starbucks! But in my defense, I really shouldn't have any more coffee according to my pulmonologist. I recently had chronic cough and many dr. appointments only to find out that acid reflux is my culprit. No coffee, no chocolate, no spicy, no citrus. I'm bummed. But I still have my morning cup of coffee.

    Alice

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry, for you, Alice, especially the no citrus or chocolate part. But I am glad that you found out what was causing the chronic cough and can do something about it.
      Have a great day, Alice.

      Delete
    2. Alice, you may want to check out The Acid Watcher Diet by Jonathan Aviv. It's well-written and understandable, although a bit overwhelming with the dietary recommendations (sort of like a diet to rule out food allergies, where you restrict all foods that may possibly result in reflux for 28 days and then slowly reintroduce foods to determine your triggers--I had never thought about it before, but most or maybe all processed foods use acid as a preservative and that may account for the large number of reflux sufferers). I *should* try it out but I think I need to wait for a time, maybe after Christmas, when it's easier for me to have a more restricted diet and I would be more likely to stick to it.

      Anyway--I also like the Starbucks cup although I think I prefer it without coloring. You are right, though, Lili, it would keep a child busy. Starbucks gift cards are my go-to if I need an easy gift, like for a teacher, as I have yet to meet the person who doesn't appreciate them.

      Delete
    3. Kris, my daughter and I were talking in the car this morning, about the holiday cups. We agreed that many folks have a preferred design, from years past, and so anything new is going to come as a disappointment to someone. Myself, I like the all red, with white design cups from one of the recent years. I remember the year the all red cup came out, and how people were really upset about it. I do Starbucks gift cards, too. It's an easy gift that will most likely be appreciated.
      have a great day, Kris!

      Delete
  2. How fun the Holiday's are here. I love this time of year. Yes making your own coffee drinks at home is amazing. Last year I had a pumpkin spice from Starbucks. I hope you are enjoying the season. The cup looks fun.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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    Replies
    1. Hi Patti,
      I know. I can hardly believe it. Thank you, Patti. I hope you are enjoying the season, as well!
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  3. I have grown to like Starbucks coffee, thought it was a bit strong at first. But we don't frequent there often, only when there is a special promotion to earn a free food item. We love the bacon gouda sandwich, so it is worth going for that. Otherwise, can't beat McDonald's $1 large coffee for taste and value. Even at that, it is still a splurge for us. Next down the line in terms of treating ourselves is the less than .25 k cup (sale priced) that we brew just as we step out the door. Our daily at home coffee (making our own kcups using grains) costs us less than .10 a large cup (since we run the grains twice topping off with new grains for the second cup). Any how, I cannot understand the long drive thru lines just for Starbucks coffee. The cups are cute, as a lot of their designs.

    YHF

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    Replies
    1. Hi YHF,
      I've never understood the drive-through thing either. For me, Starbucks is about the coffee hour experience, where I go and sit with a friend while drinking a cup of coffee. I couldn't see myself doing the drive-through just to get a cup of coffee. But some people really value that, and if they can afford it, then that's there choice. I make pretty decent coffee at home. I sometimes think I would love a keurig, but I think I would be annoyed at the cost of k-cups. I've had keurig coffee twice, and I admit, it did make a very good cup of coffee.
      I thought their coffee was burnt-tasting at first, but I gradually was won over. I do like strong, dark roasted coffee. have a good day, YHF!

      Delete
    2. Lili, if you're seriously interested in a Keurig, I know that they have reusable k-cups that you can fill yourself! A tad less convenient than the throw-aways, but way less waste and lower cost!

      Delete
    3. Hi Allie,
      I've considered that option. I've also looked at other 1-cup at a time coffee makers. I'm slow to choose on this. Thanks for the suggestion!

      Delete
    4. This is where Christmas comes in handy. I find it hard to indulge, that's why our daughter bought us a Keurig several years ago for Christmas.

      There are so many brands out there. Heard the Ninja brand is better than Keurig since the water doesn't sit in the well for the next day.

      YHF

      Delete
  4. Well this shows how much I go to Starbucks. I didn't even know the Holiday cup was a thing. That's for helping me expand my cultural literacy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi live and learn,
      perhaps it makes the news often, here, in the PNW, because, well, Starbucks-Seattle. Starbucks is kinda a big part of pop culture, here. have a great day, live and learn!

      Delete
  5. My daughter loves Starbucks and will buy me a green iced tea when she goes there. I like them, but wouldn't ever stop in and buy drinks there. It's just not on my radar, but I do like the new cup since I enjoy coloring. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Belinda,
      How sweet of your daughter to pick up a drink for you! Coloring is a soothing activity, and I love playing with colors.
      Have a great day, Belinda!

      Delete

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