Welcome to the April Ultimate Coffee Date! Deborah and I hope your April is off to an amazing start. Participate in our virtual get-together by linking up your post about what’s going on in your life and visiting and commenting on other coffee date posts. No need to rush–we’ll keep the link up open all weekend.
Grab the html code for our new coffee date badge here:
Coffee Talk
If we were having coffee,I would ask if you’ve heard about the upcoming changes to the Starbucks rewards program. Since my usual purchase is a simple brewed coffee, it takes me a long time to accrue 125 stars to redeem under the current program. Starting April 16, the “rewards” will be tiered, with different items requiring different amounts of stars.
I was annoyed when I saw that the “cost” for a standard hand-crafted beverage or small sandwich will increase to 150 stars, and the “cost” for larger food items will be 200 stars, but I’m more likely to be tempted by a pastry item that I will be able to get for 50 stars. I’m looking at you, Iced Lemon Pound Cake, and you, Double Chocolate Brownie.
If we were having coffee, I would ask if you’ve ever had a colada. I was introduced to coladas in Miami, when our client wanted one during an afternoon break. One of the locals came back with three small Styrofoam cups of “coffee” and a bag with a few dozen really small plastic cups. I was intrigued by the instructions to pour myself a “shot” of the “coffee” and toss it back. I wanted to taste it, so I took a sip first. It was very strong and very sweet and very delicious.
paperclip for size
Apparently I was taking my life in my hands by having a second “cup”
According to this article, a colada is one of several types of Cuban coffee popular in Miami. It probably would be heresy to order one at Starbucks. 😉
Cherry Blossom trees at peak bloom! #seenonmyrun
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I am excited to be running my first race of 2019 on Sunday–the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. While my sprained ankle cut into my training, my recovery came in the nick of time to be able to run injury-free. The cherry blossoms just reached peak bloom and should be gorgeous. (I ran to the Tidal Basin after work on Monday for a preview.) Best of all, Kim and Linda will be in town, and I hope to meet up with them and Deborah for some race weekend festivities!
Do you care about the Starbucks rewards changes?
Have you had a colada?
Do you have any races this month?
Don’t miss the Friday Five link up at Fairytales and Fitness.
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Never go to Starbucks & don’t drink coffee & no, never heard of a colada either. You guys will have such a fun weekend!
I am actually racing this weekend, too. Not sure it’s the wisest decision as I haven’t run that far (5 miles) in basically a month.
There can be advantages to running on fresh legs — good luck!
Well, I’ll be “running” with the group I’m helping to mentor — granted, it’s not a lot of running & tends to be very slow — the day before. Not sure how fresh I’ll really be. It’s all about the free massage. 🙂 Well, partially, at least.
I did hear about the changes to the Starbucks rewards but I don’t go there often enough for it to affect me.
Feeling all the FOMO about this weekend! Have fun and good luck!
We’ll be missing you!
I have not heard of coladas (sans piña LOL). We do not have a local Starbucks, but if we did, I’d be all over the rewards…not for their coffee or food, but their chai latte).
Those are one of the few “hand crafted” beverages I order. Can’t wait to meet you soon!
That really sucks. I always buy the salad for my free item.
Lucky you about the cherry blossoms. Don’t even have buds on the trees.
I have a 5 miler then a half a 4 miler maybe and finally a 15k. It’s high racing season. Though my calf is still tender. These will all be for fun
You will be paying more for that salad, but it’s still a perk. Good luck with your races!
I didn’t know about the new Starbucks rewards plan. I don’t go there too often so I never accumulate enough points for free items unfortunately.
I hope that you have a great race weekend with all of the ladies!
Thanks! It’s going to be fun!
Considering I go to Starbucks about twice a year, it won’t affect me; my husband on the other hand… I’ve never heard of coladas, but since I don’t like coffee I assume I wouldn’t like it. Of course, if it’s got enough sugar I might. I’d certainly be willing to try it.
Can’t wait to see you tonight at Deborah’s house!
And as always, thanks for the linkup!
I was not happy about the change in starbucks rewards either! Have a great weekend
I use so many gift cards when I go to Starbucks so I don’t think I really accrue stars, do I?
That’s not the kind of colada I’ve ever had…haha
Good luck at the race this weekend!
Thanks! It’s almost as sweet as a pina colada. 😉
you are so funny about your Starbucks! Maybe you should be the in house attorney! Love our new graphic. See you soon!
I really love the bitmoji’s — they have a lot of personality.
One of these years I’m going to make it to CBTM – you all are going to have a fun meet-up! Thanks for hosting coffee 🙂
Would love to host you!
I have never had a colada but it sounds good. I would love to run the Cherry Blossom 10 miler some year. I bet it is so pretty. Can’t wait for your recap. No races for me this month. I have my eyes set on my half marathon for next month.
A May Half sounds great! It is looking like a good year for the Cherry Blossom race — some years it’s cold!
I don’t know why my comment showed up as a response to Patrick’s comment. Sorry!
Oh, coco, have fun at the Cherry Blossom. As the race date gets closer, my FOMO increases in intensity.
I never had a colada, but it sounds like something I must try. Maybe the next time I am in Miami.
There’s a lot of FOMO around this race, but the crowds are insane this weekend since the weather is so nice.
I runfess I only get quad, half sweet, venti caramel machiattos with coconut milk to make the most of my free drinks at Startbucks. Now that they’ll cost me more points I’ll go back to grande Pike with half n half. I’ve not had a Colada. I’ll have to ask my hubby if he saw these in Cuba. Have so much fun this weekend!
I’m not much of a Starbucks lover, to be honest. But I’ve never had a colada and it sounds good! I’m more into lifting, so the only cardio I’m actually doing is just walking, stairmaster and sometimes cycling!
It was great to see you on Friday! I hope your race went well.
I saw an email about the rewards program, but I go there so rarely, I didn’t take time to read it. Thanks for your explanation!
I hope you had a great CUCB race and got to meet up with the ladies!