Skipping Lines | Pre-Order Starbucks

My dad and I recently had an in depth discussion about our frustration with Starbucks and the relative fraud behind "gold level." Other than a free drink every 12 purchased and "the prestige of a gold Starbucks card," what are the perks? After finding that these were basically the perks...we began to rant and rave about how frustrating this new pre-order above must be. 

Will it save time? 

Will our drink be cold? If it's a cold drink, will my drink now be warm and watered down? 

Can anyone just grab my pre-paid drink?

How can it possibly be quicker than the drive through? 

Today,  with some time to spare on my lunch break AND a desperate need for a Venti Passion Iced Tea 1/2 sweetened, I decided to take the plunge and try this new Starbucks perk. 

I carefully selected my drink and planned my departure time from the office to the Starbucks with my order time accordingly. I ordered my typical passion tea afternoon treat. When I arrived my drink was perfectly made and behind the counter with the barista. The drink was still cold and my ice cubes were still intact. All of my concerns were squashed. 

Also, the drive through line was 6 cars deep...the total time required for me to retrieve my drink from parking to pulling off was less than 2 minutes. Please tell me the last time a Starbucks pit stop took less 7 minutes (I'm being generous here)! 

REMIND ME WHY I HAVEN'T ALREADY TRIED THIS?! I'm a convert and commend Starbucks on officially implementing this well oiled, perfectly coordinated pre-order drink service. 

Oh... Just an update. I earned my 30th Starbucks star with today's pre-order. I'm now "someone" in the eye of my barista! 

My Stitch Was Fixed | A Stitch Fix #1 Review

I RECEIVED MY FIRST STITCH FIX IN THE MAIL TODAY. WOW. LADIES. If you've been like myself | filling out the style profile multiple times and the last minute not entering your CC information | you've been seriously missing out.

I received the following items in my FIRST FIX. 

1. Skinny Denim
2. Cable Knit Gray Cardi
3. Multicolored "Flannel"
4. Gray Striped T-Dolman Top
5. Gold Stretch Bracelet

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT ITEMS I DECIDED TO KEEP? 

I decided to keep the Cable Knit Gray Cardi and the Gray Striped T-Dolman Top. I felt the most confident in these items and they were worth the price asked for them. These items made me feel like myself with a little twist. I could imagine myself snuggling up in North Carolina in my cable knit cardigan. Also, I envisioned myself bopping around Tyler, TX on a Saturday in the dolman t-shirt. These items FIT my lifestyle, but also made the every day a little more special. 

SIGN UP HERE

WHY DIDN'T I KEEP THE OTHER THREE ITEMS? GOOD QUESTION. 

The denim was EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY. As a girl with a booty though (with really long legs), a good pair of denim is hard to find. I selected a price range that allows for a staple pair of denim. Although these jeans were fabulous quality and a good fit, I didn't feel 100%, therefore I just couldn't commit. I didn't' select the bubble brace (not pictured), not because it wasn't fun and fashionable, but because I wear the same bracelets day in and day out. Adding another gold bangle to my collection wasn't going to enrich my wardrobe. Finally, the multi colored "flannel" top was the perfect weight for Tyler, TX, but not what I had envisioned for my winter staple flannel. It also is a little TOO poppy or my taste. I'm much more into muted colors and earth-tones. HOWEVER, the shirt was made well and is certainly something I would recommend to people with brighter, more adventurous styles. 

YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO TRY STITCH FIX!!

I'm so glad that I finally took the plunge and joined this fantastic clothing service. The worst case scenario if you sign up (and hate everything), is you are out the $20.00 styling fee. From the reviews I've read online, and the feedback from friends who also get their monthly fix, this is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY. 

ALSO, THIS IS A HUGE BONUS. STYLING CARDS. 

YOU SHOULD REALLY SIGN UP HERE!

Revolutionized Coffee Break

Good morning!! The past couple of weeks I've been at home for one of my many PA school rotations. I'm having a blast being wth family, but the >40 minute drive daily has been wearing on me! Even with XM radio, I've already torn through my typical "go to" podcasts. As a result, I recently reached out on Facebook asking friends to recommend podcasts they like to listen to in their spare time! Man, did I find an absolute gem! One of my friends responded and recommended Coffee Break French, but told me that they also have different languages...including Spanish! This morning (before the drive), I downloaded my first lessons (there are 100s of free episodes) and listened to them on the way to work! I'm hooked!!  This is such a basic, conversational way to learn a language and each lesson is <20 minutes! In the 60 minutes it took me to get to work this AM, we covered a basic introduction and greeting. Although I'm "somewhat fluent" in medical Spanish, I certainly lack the ability to make "small talk." Hopefully, this will soon change!