feeling like I love Starbucks

I don't have to tell you Starbucks is awesome, do I? For most people, there's home, there's work, and then there's Starbucks. Starbucks even has a name for this. They call it the "third place.". For 13 years, I've been lucky enough to have my third-place also be my second-place! For a while I thought it was all three...but it was worth it. I was once a manager, I met my husband there, and he even proposed to me at a Starbucks while I was on my 10 minute break! Then we had a couple of kids and then I stepped down so I could stay home with them. Once my youngest went to preK, I decided I'd go back to work, but only while they were in school. It's been working perfectly for this family for the past 5 years. Honestly, they'll never get rid of me!

That being said...here's my "Ode to Starbucks" lunch. Did you know that if you have a registered Starbucks card that you can earn free drinks OR food?! What a great option! After only twelve swipes of your card, you've earned it. (see my starbucks rewards tips below, after the lunch of course.) I always opt for the food since I get all I can drink for free while I'm working. Today I snagged a free reward egg salad sandwich. They're so good! I split it between the two girls lunches, added some apples, and grapes with cheese stuck on a fabulous Starbucks splash stick. Thanks to www.momables.com for the idea! Who says those have to be for drinks only? They're free and better yet, they're dishwasher safe. I wish more people would reuse them...and the cup sleeves for that matter.

Now for top secret rewards info:

-First, go to mystarbucksrewards.com and get that card registered. Do it by 3/14/13 and they'll give you $5 with your $5 reload. That offer is only for new accounts.

-download the Starbucks app on your smart phone if you'd like...it's so much easier to keep track of your balance and rewards there. They'll also message you free music downloads. Sweet!

-Here's the secret info...probably not too secret, but not clearly stated: every time you make a purchase, you'll earn a "star." BUT: if your card balance does not cover your whole purchase...you won't get one. So make sure that you've got enough money on that thing! We can reload it simply right at the register with a card or even with your phone app. (Another tip: if you don't want to sign for that credit card purchase...reload for $24.99 or less! Most people do $20)

-If you're buying more than one thing: make us baristas ring it separately. Even if you get a snarky face...who cares? It's free stuff, yo! Honestly, it's not difficult for us, just let us know right off the bat so we can do it. Otherwise, we have to void off items we've already rung in...and they keep track of our line voids. So speak up! Say, "I'd like you to ring these separately, please." Then rattle off your individual orders. Tons of people do it. Be aware of the line, though.  If it is long, and you're holding it up with more than one individual order, people will get annoyed and so will your baristas.  Don't be afraid of your barista...she's seen it all!

-Start earning your rewards. 12 transactions equals a free drink or something from the pastry case. Free drinks are any size, anything added in...have fun with it. Want any good recommendations? Ask me in the comments below! You can't get bottled drinks as your reward. The food is limited to fresh pastries, sandwiches, bistro boxes, oatmeal and yogurts. You can't get prepackaged cookies, mints, candy or nuts.

-If someone gives you a new Starbucks card: have us transfer that balance onto your registered card. You don't need a ton of registered cards. Just one. We cannot reload cards for less than $5, so make sure you transfer the new card over before using it.

Any questions about it? Ask me! Want me to tell you how to order? Comment below. Anything goes. Thanks for supporting my 401k!

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