This is not  a post about coupons or mail-in rebates. It’s not even remotely connected to an offer from Starbucks. Well, not really.

It has to do with Starbucks gift cards.

I thought I’d let you in on a little secret that has helped me keep my addiction or obsession with Starbuck’s Venti Old Skool Vanilla Lattes alive and thriving.

Years ago, I started going to Starbucks every morning to start my day. I’ve worked from home as a freelance designer for the last 13 years or so. I found that getting up and going to Starbucks was a way to mark the start of my day and actually speak to other human-beings in person.

Working from home can be quite isolating. And phone calls, email and Twitter only give you so much reality.

As you can imagine, going to Starbucks everyday is not cheap at $4.17 a pop. The regular coffee is much cheaper, but I don’t happen to drink the regular coffee. I can make that at home with their beans, custom roasted beans from my brother-in-law or the stash I have from Tazza D’Oro in Rome.

I know that last bit sounds a bit pretentious, well, whatever, it’s true. I’m not a coffee snob, perhaps more of  a mini-aficionado. I don’t go to Starbucks because I’m an elitist – or maybe just because I’m an elitist (in the most light-hearted sense of the word.) I go for the ambiance, convenience and friendly faces.

They also know how to make my drink exactly right -every time. I drink a Venti (not “large” it’s venti- it means 20 in Italian meaning 20 ounces) Old Skool Vanilla Latte. Old Skool is simply how they used to make 2% before they switched to actual 2% milk instead of whole milk as their standard. When they switched, I didn’t like the 2%, so they make it the “Old Skool” way, 50% Whole and 50% No-Fat. I’m not really concerned with the math – it works for me.

Old Skool is a term used in my Starbucks because of MOI. In fact, that’s my nickname there. If you want to try this Old Skool 2% at your Starbucks you’ll have to actually explain it to them. The newbie’s won’t know the old way – but they’ll make it for you.

Some people say Starbucks is not “authentic.” I’m not the alternative kid of girl that needs a beatnik- indie vibe with a guy sporting a goatee french-pressing my java in order for my coffee house experience to be authentic. I’m there to get coffee, kibbitz with the customers and Barista’s and be on my way.

OK- Here’s the “How To Get Your Coffee Free” part….As the years have gone by, most  people know that’s how I start my day. My Diva Mom started giving me gift cards and making it known that I was ALWAYAS happy with a SBUX gift card.

Friends and family that received gift cards and didn’t frequent SBUX would me give theirs. I would receive Gift Cards for Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, or just because. It’s easy, useful and the giver knows that I LOVE receiving them.

The trick is to mention this often. You’ll find friend who wouldn’t normally give you anything will pick up a little $5 card here and there for you. They’ll be tucked in a card as a little something extra from family.

My Aunt sent me a Starbucks Birthday card she ordered from them online. She didn’t even have to go to a Starbucks.

I’ll be honest, this so does not cover my entire Starbucks habit. But it’s enough to help.

I also feel as if I’m spreading joy through the world by making others feel happy knowing they gave a gift that is truly appreciated.

I should fully disclose that I am a Starbucks Shareholder. If you do purchase anything from Starbucks, I guess, in some small way, I do benefit…but Hey- I’m just spreading a little joy.

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at 8:37 am and is filed under all, daily diva, news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.