Light is the New Black

Starbucks is so much more than coffee. It's a special world. A different vibe. I look around and see all these unique human beings as they read, write, talk and create. It's really a special thing and a warm place to be especially when sitting on their patio, taking in all the sunshine. Light, it's the new black after all. More of that below. ;-)

It's been a very rainy gloomy week, BUT on Wednesday it was beautiful out so I went to Starbucks on my lunch break to read a new book I just started. I got a peppermint mocha. It's not just a holiday drink, it's a feel good drink. For me anyways...cheers!

The new book I started is called Light is the New Black. I am not even half way in, but it's already been a life changing book for me. I know this will be one I go to from time to time to read certain pages or chapters depending on what's going on in my life at the time. I highly recommend it and that is saying a lot from someone who isn't a big reader. I am ready to shine my light in this world.

Here is a link to a video of the author and a look into what this book is all about.

https://youtu.be/X7GVU-S7LgM


Postive vibes,
Jenn

Product of the Week

Another great on the go breakfast or snack!

 

Starbucks Strawberry Smoothie

 

This drink has 16g of protein, 7g of fiber, vitamins, iron, a whole banana and is only 290 calories and 1g of fat for the non-fat milk option.  I haven't been to Starbucks for over 4 months since I am pregnant, it was nice to step foot in one again.  I missed it.  This may be sad but it made me feel like me.  I used to go there daily for coffee.  Obviously I couldn't get coffee because of the caffeine, but this is a great substitute and I finally get to use my christmas giftcards.  The baby needs mommy to eat a lot of protein so this is a great source.  I asked my doctor and made sure protein powder was okay to have before getting this.

 

Calling All Coffee Lovers

Starbucks is having their Happy Hour for Frappuccino's once again!!!

 

May 3rd to 12th

from 3-5pm

 

There are two new frappuccino's, Hazelnut and Carmel Ribbon Crunch!  I have yet to try them, but I think 50% off during happy hour will be a perfect time to.  Click here for more flavors.

 

And remember there are lighter options for them all!  So enjoy this happy hour with no guilt!  Enjoy!

Cut Costs & Cut Calories, Coffee Style

In today's economy I think most people are trying to find more and more ways to cut every day expenses.  With doing this we still want to be able to enjoy things that we love though.  We can't give up everything or life wouldn't be as enjoyable.  For me my favorite cost is Starbucks coffee.  It's something that immediately brightens my day.  As much as I know I could do without and I do do without it when it just can't fit it into my budget on certain tight months/weeks, sometimes you just need to have it.

"Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed, but chocolate makes it worthwhile."

My usual drink is a Grande Non-Fat Mocha (only one pump, no whip), this is the basic mixture of espresso and chocolate, two of my favorite things.  The normal grande size has four pumps of mocha (all flavored espresso drinks have four pumps at a grande size), but to cut calories I only get one because it's just enough to taste the mocha without it being overbearing.  Sometimes too much chocolate is too much, believe it or not.  You can do without all the pumps in all of their drinks if your thinking about your waistline.

A way to cut calories and also cost is to make your own espresso drink, but still with the taste of Starbucks signature espresso.  If you have a espresso machine, like I do, just purchase Starbucks espresso beans, but even with having a maker I rarely actually make it myself.  It's just easier and for me faster to just stop in the Starbucks I pass daily.  But I more recently found something for the Keurig that you can put in your own espresso beans, grounded already.  It's called a reuseable filter, check your local Kitchen product stores.  This is much easier and faster then using an espresso machine.  So purchase your favorite espresso beans, whether it's Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts or wherever and enjoy brewed espresso from your home!

Today I decided to save some cash and instead of ordering my normal hot drink at Starbucks I made a hot chocolate k-cup at home with my Keurig.  This is made with water obviously so the lack of milk will save quite a bit of calories.  This is my substitute for the chocolate flavor.  Then I made an espresso k-cup with my Keurig, mixed them together, added a little cinnammon and creamer.  It was my very own Mocha.  Granted it's not completely the same and I will still enjoy my normal drink from Starbucks when I can, but it's good to know of other options.

Grande Mocha - $4.33

2 K-Cups & Creamer - About $1.60

That is $2.73 of savings per day!

Also, at the coffee shops they have great smelling fresh baked goods that may be hard to pass up.  By not being around them you could possibly save on unneeded calories!  Make something or grab a healthy breakfast bar from home.

Coffee Happy Hour!

Starbucks is having their Happy Hour for Frappuccino's again!!! Half price any flavor you want, customized to how you like it & there are light options to make them healthier.

May 6th - May 15th

3-5pm

Also, after 9 long years the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino is back! My taste buds have never been lucky enough to have had this drink before because 9 years ago I was only 16 years old. My love or should I say obsession for coffee was not found just yet. I saw Starbucks post about this drink over a month ago on Facebook & have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival.

So I went to Starbucks today, I was asked what I wanted before I made it to the counter. I replied with my normal "mocha frappucinno light please." After making it the register the woman asked me if I would like to try the new drink they have & it was the one I've been waiting for! After looking down at the samples, seeing the sign above me advertising it, I frantically changed my order before even trying the sample. Fortunately these people know me there & my crazy coffee feening self was nothing new to them.

I knew I would like it, there was no doubt in my mind. Chocolate, coffee & coconut in one...what's not to like? It's like a perfect caffeinated dessert! For me it was breakfast & lunch. I didn't get a chance to eat with my running around today. Yes I know not healthy, but it happens. The moment I tasted it I was in coffee heaven. I got the light version of course, so no whipped cream, no toppings & the light base for the drink. Here is a picture of the non-light version...

For me Happy Hour at Starbucks is the best kind of Happy Hour. If you usually don't go to Starbucks because of the higher prices, here it the perfect chance to get some of their yumminess since they are half the normal price. It's a steal. Enjoy fellow coffee lovers! :) And for those who don't drink coffee, there are some options for you as well.

Click here for the nutritional facts information for ALL frappucinno's.

Starbucks - Free Treats!

Starbucks celebrated their 40th anniversary this week, congrats! Personally I don't know what I'd do without my non-fat mocha's from Starbucks. They keep me sane. New treats were added to the menu and they are low in calories! Today until Saturday from 2-5pm with the purchase of a drink you can get a free petite treat. The new treats include different cake pops, mini cup cakes, sweet squares and a red velvet whoopie pie. Click here for the descriptions. They all look amazing and I know the whoopie pie and s'mores cake pop taste amazing. The whoopie pie was better then the cake pop though in my opinion. All the treats are under 200 calories, some under 180.

They also have a new logo and at first I didn't think I would like it, but it's growing on me. I look forward to what their holiday version will look like with the new logo.

Get your asses to Starbucks!! How can you say no to free food? ;)