Sbuxs Forever

on January 4, 2011
in All Posts

I used to HATE Starbucks.  In college, I referred to Starbucks as the “corporate monster” and refused to get my lattes from the Starbucks that was trying to crowd out a local shop called Kiva Han. 

 

But seriously… Starbucks won me over.  Slowly but surely.   Petite Vanilla Scones?  Why, yes I will. 

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Place to park my butt for three hours and work on the book?  Why, yes I will!

 

Obviously, spent the afternoon at Starbucks.  :)  I was productive so it was a good day. 

 

Came home and the Husband made me this wonderful salad for dinner!

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Greens, apples (both fresh and roasted – yum), black beans, cheese, faux chicken, tomatoes, and garlic. It was a random list of flavors that just totally worked.

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I loved the salad, but I ate round the faux chicken.  Not really my thing – but I gave it a shot!

 

Ate a little sunflower buttah and toast to make up for the chicken:

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Heading off to relax… I hope you have a nice night, too!

{ 101 comments }

 

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) January 4, 2011, 8:40 pm

    screw the petites…. go for the monster pumpkin scone. now that’s something.

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow January 4, 2011, 8:42 pm

    I’m always surprised at how much work I get done when I park myself at the bucks. 🙂 Not sure if it is the aroma of coffee, the lemon loaf that finds it’s way in my belly or what…but I love it!

  • Blog is the New Black January 4, 2011, 8:43 pm

    Youjust inspired me to make vanilla scones!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 4, 2011, 8:44 pm

    I have never not loved Starbuck’s. It’s always been on my <3 list.

  • Evan Thomas January 4, 2011, 8:45 pm

    I spend so much time in my Starbucks. I’ve bonded with one of the baristas over how awesome Vibrams are.

  • Rachel @ Fit Fun and Fabulous January 4, 2011, 8:45 pm

    I go back and forth with Starbucks. I ordered a chai latte from a local breakfast joint on Sunday and couldn’t believe how much better it tasted compared to Starbucks’s.

    But for some reason Starbucks always gets my business. It’s weird!

  • Kari January 4, 2011, 8:45 pm

    When I was studying for board exams, I spent more time at my Starbucks than most of the people that worked there! Bonus: they got to know me, and offered me all the “mismade” drinks for free! I usually bought one regular cup of black coffee, and spent the rest of the day fueled by whatever I got for free.

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:02 am

      That is awesome. I love people who do stuff like that.

  • Meghan@travelwinedine January 4, 2011, 8:47 pm

    When you work at Starbucks for a few hours do you buy several things over that time? I always feel like I have an hour and then have to buy something else or they will kick me out lol!

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:02 am

      Naw… But I do always buy something!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin January 4, 2011, 8:48 pm

    I’ve never tried one of their scones but they always look so delicious on your blog!

  • Lauren @ Team Giles January 4, 2011, 8:48 pm

    I’m so happy you love starbucks. I have such a love affair with them. 🙂 I love going to a starbucks with my laptop.. I get the best work done!

  • the veg meg January 4, 2011, 8:48 pm

    Those petite vanilla bean scones will get me every single time. I looove Starbucks…guess who’s 2 stars away from her gold card? :]

  • Caitlin January 4, 2011, 8:54 pm

    Kiva Han!! I grew up in the Pittsburgh area and my bff and I were a little addicted to their hummus. I went out of state for school, but she went to CMU so we could still get our fix!

  • aubrey @ italktofood January 4, 2011, 8:56 pm

    Ha! Love the fact you used to call them the corporate monster. My first job was at a local coffee shop. I LOVED it. I never went to starbucks….until the little coffee shop went out of business. I worked at another local spot. The coffee just wasnt the same. I would actually come into starbucks before work (at the coffee shop) and sip on my coffee while making other customers the mediocre. I finally made the transition to becoming a starbucks barista for four years.
    I just have to say that the company is actually incredible. They do a ton of really helpful things for the community.

    Okay that was a long comment, sorry!

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:04 am

      That’s true – everyone gets health insurance, right?

      • aubrey @ italktofood January 5, 2011, 9:08 am

        They are one of the only companies that offer full time benefits to part time workers!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) January 4, 2011, 8:56 pm

    I like local coffee shops and Starbucks. But I don’t like Starbucks coffee. I get lattes and snacks there instead.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed January 4, 2011, 8:59 pm

    I love productive days! I used to avoid starbucks too, for the same reasons. But I love the fact that I can sit there for hours when in the city, and slowly sip and write.
    Heidi xo

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 4, 2011, 9:01 pm

    I don’t really drink coffee, so I never go to Starbucks. I might have to go to get one of those scones though!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 4, 2011, 9:02 pm

    Starbucks has some undeniably delish products, for sure! It’s tough not to go in on a chilly winter day.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) January 4, 2011, 9:03 pm

    Gotta love the free Wi-Fi. I also like that no matter how busy they are, Starbucks never makes you feel pressured to leave. It’s nice to veg.

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith January 4, 2011, 9:04 pm

    I used to be the same way, but I was there once and overhead (okay, I was eavesdropping) a conversation between a manager and new employees. They give really good benefits, I think pay decently and employees get a free pound of coffee a week! I hate the corporate aspect to it, but I really like corporations that treat their employees well. I think Vera Bradley is the same way.

  • eatmovelove January 4, 2011, 9:05 pm

    Have you tried their pumpkin scones or banana bread? Yum 🙂

    Oh man…I wish SBUX could be my office! I’m having a hard time right now staying positive -found out really bad news today – and some permanent butt-parking at the ‘Bux would be good for my soul.

    😉

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:08 am

      I have… so good!

  • Camille January 4, 2011, 9:06 pm

    I am a full blown Sbux lover. I don’t even care if the world knows. But as far as corporations go, they really aren’t that bad.

  • Cathy K January 4, 2011, 9:07 pm

    this summer, on vacation in florida, it was my goal to try LOCAl coffee shops and avoid starbucks…but when starbucks offers FREE wifi that is SUPER-RELIABLE…well, i caved pretty quickly. that’s one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon: blogging and internetting the hours away!
    glad you had productive coffee shop time, too, caitlin!

  • Rachael January 4, 2011, 9:08 pm

    I used to be a pretty hardcore Starbucks boycotter, but these days, I view our relationship as being more beneficial for me than for them. For the price of one plain coffee, I get several hours of wifi and warmth. I like to think that in some small way, I’m taking advantage of corporate behemoths 🙂

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations January 4, 2011, 9:09 pm

    Oh, how funny that you used to boycott SBUX. Seriously, I love it so much. I don’t care if it’s a rotten corporation. I love Starbucks.

  • Marie-Journey to Body Zen January 4, 2011, 9:09 pm

    I used to feel the same way about starbucks b/c I worked at a small coffee shop. But, as Sarah stated above, they do employee a lot of people and offer good bennies, and they are pretty environmentally conscious. I still think their coffee tastes a bit bitter for me tho :). I stick w/ the frapps!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef January 4, 2011, 9:11 pm

    i really like starbucks & local places… each have a different vibe, and work for different moods 🙂

  • Kara January 4, 2011, 9:18 pm

    Do we have to wait for tomorrow for the circus debate?? 🙂 I love the starbucks mini donuts, especially the pink ones with sprinkles. I actually took a pregnancy test in the bathroom of a Starbucks one time…and it was positive! True story 😛

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:10 am

      I don’t know about the circus post! I don’t think I have a strong opinion yet. What’s yours?

      • Kara January 5, 2011, 9:14 am

        I think the circus should have domesticated animals that enjoy performing (dogs, horses, etc) and no wild animals like tigers or even elephants (which I know can be somewhat domesticated) I really like the idea of the Cirque de Soiel (no idea how to spell that) because people choose to be in the circus and can quit when they don’t like it anymore.

        I think it’s more the small backyard circuses that I have a problem with because the big corporate circuses are careful to met animal care standards because they are watched carefully by PETA and others.

        I don’t think I’d take my kids to see the circus, but I do remember enjoying it as a child!

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid January 4, 2011, 9:23 pm

    On a random note: I read the “20 Inspiring Women” or whatever it was in the USAirways magazine, and there was the founder of Girls on the Run! WOO HOO!!

  • Mary January 4, 2011, 9:24 pm

    I used to be a huge Starbucks fan until Caribou Coffee opened up near my house! Also, how do you roast apples?

  • Ali January 4, 2011, 9:25 pm

    I love Starbucks! I wish it wasn’t so expensive sometimes, but I think that’s part of what makes it great!

  • Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) January 4, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Seriously, ya gotta love Starbucks. I love the little guys too, but ya gotta go where ya gotta go! So glad you had a great day and got some work done. Have a great night Caitlin!

  • carlee January 4, 2011, 9:30 pm

    LOVE The salad!
    and I have tried PB and WCC in my oatmeal! Next up: TOAST!
    Pb and white chocolate chips are just two foods you can never go wrong with.

  • Kimberly @ Healthy Strides January 4, 2011, 9:31 pm

    Those vanilla scones are dangerous but delicious! They might be in my top 3 faves at Sbux.

  • Avery January 4, 2011, 9:32 pm

    It’s funny you say that. I actually work at Starbucks! I know they seem like such a big bad company, but I love that they’re really serious about their mission and really doing everything 100%. I’ve only been working there for about 3 months, so I’m still learning about the company as a whole. But from working there I can tell you they treat their employees well, and really care about the small stuff. We literally don’t even let our coffee sit out for more than 30 minutes. No excuses! 🙂 (I hereby promise that this is all my own opinion and not a shameless plug!)

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:13 am

      I love this comment 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 4, 2011, 9:34 pm

    I love love LOVE sweet/savory salads!

  • Maddie (Healthy Maddie) January 4, 2011, 9:36 pm

    Starbucks is definitely a great place to get work done!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) January 4, 2011, 9:36 pm

    I used to love starbucks and now…I dont. Not that I hate it but i feel like the bigger theyve gotten the worse their coffee tastes. But their perks get better…like a place to work and wifi and they dont kick you out for just hanging out. Not that i hang out that long w/ a kid and all, but ya know 🙂

  • Paige @Running Around Normal January 4, 2011, 9:40 pm

    I’m pretty sure all of Sbux coffee is fair trade – and I think that’s pretty fantastic of them 🙂

  • Joanna @ Drizzle of Sunshine January 4, 2011, 9:40 pm

    I love those lil scones! How can you resist those cute things!! I love them ALMOST as much as SB’s Madelines!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances January 4, 2011, 9:47 pm

    I would go to Starbucks more often if they had almond milk – I don’t do cow’s milk these days (hurts my stomach usually) and I really don’t like how soy tastes. I’ve tweeted this to them… maybe they will take my suggestion!

    • Jessica M January 4, 2011, 9:52 pm

      Me too! Almond milk is my fav!

  • jenny in new york January 4, 2011, 9:48 pm

    i live above a starbucks! Sadly, i don’t really drink coffee ever and refuse to spend money on tea!

  • Mary Allison January 4, 2011, 9:50 pm

    uhh can you clone your husband? I would purchase a The Husband clone for some serious moo-la.

  • Katie @ Up Fit Creek January 4, 2011, 10:02 pm

    I’m not a fan of Starbucks for the reasons you mentioned and because I think their regular coffee tastes burnt. I will go there if it’s the only option or around the holidays to get my gingerbread latte fix. I’ve never tried the scones. Perhaps I should avoid them because my ethics may fly right out the window. 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate January 4, 2011, 10:07 pm

    Hmm, I think I might be the only person in the US who has never even stepped foot into a Starbucks. 😉 haha.

    And the salad looks delish! I’m not a big fan of fake meat either!

  • Nicole @ yuppie yogini January 4, 2011, 10:07 pm

    mmmm sunbutter

  • Jennifer (Happiness Here) January 4, 2011, 10:12 pm

    I lurve S-Bux, but it’s so freaking expensive. Not saying it’s not worth it – it just hurts my pocketbook. =)

  • Christine January 4, 2011, 10:18 pm

    I feel that way about corporate bookstores- the little independently owned ones have so much more charm! Yet, when you need something specific and fast Borders it is. Starbucks is definitely a corporate monster (just ask Ethiopia), but it’s convenient, dependable, and has probably put thousands of twenty-somethings through college.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 4, 2011, 10:20 pm

    Starbucks is cool, but I’m not a fan simply because I don’t like coffee. The only thing that’s appetizing to me is their vanilla bean frap cause it hardly tastes like coffee at all. 😛

  • Lana January 4, 2011, 10:31 pm

    Were the apples really roasted?!?! Like in the oven? If so, how long and what temperature were they roasted at?

  • Leila @ Spinach and Skittles January 4, 2011, 10:44 pm

    I was a barista on and off for 6 years at local places and hated the bucks. I actually worked there for a day shy of 3 months – the day I would have gotten health insurance…whole reason I went to work there in the first place – it was that bad! But now I’ve been roped in by those vanilla scones and their soy chai’s. I guess I can’t hate on them anymore 🙂

  • Talia January 4, 2011, 10:46 pm

    im from pittsburgh too 🙂 i lived in oakland for 5 years. i totally forgot about kiva han!

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:14 am

      oakland what what.

      what street did you live on

      • Talia January 5, 2011, 12:59 pm

        I lived in 3 diff apartments throughout the years–on atwood street, melwood street and semple street! I was just visiting Pittsburgh last week, I miss it so much!

        • Tracy January 5, 2011, 4:13 pm

          Kiva Han is still there at the Forbes and Craig intersection, despite there probably being 2 Starbucks on Forbes…

  • Shari January 4, 2011, 10:55 pm

    You’ve just gotta love Starbucks – something about the atmosphere is just invigorating. And their Double Chocolaty Chip drink? AMAZING.

  • rebecca lustig January 4, 2011, 11:02 pm

    ha! i used to boycott starbucks as well. i still try to support locally owned coffee establishments offering fair trade, but what can you do… sometimes study time is study time

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) January 4, 2011, 11:06 pm

    I love how you put white chocolate chips on top of your bread and sunflour “buttah”. I love doing that! It’s my favorite combination! 😉

  • Kristin January 4, 2011, 11:39 pm

    I have nothing against Starbucks (ugh, their Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas are to die for!) but was feeling a nice, simple cafe au lait today and actually ended up at Kiva Han! Dozen Cupcakes is now across the street, which was a nice bonus…

    • Caitlin January 5, 2011, 9:15 am

      Yay Kiva Han!!!

      Is Dozen Cupcakes now in Oakland??? Near PITT or near CMU?

      • Jess January 5, 2011, 10:40 am

        Dozen is now right next to Starbucks on Craig and across the street from Kiva Han!

        I think Kiva makes better soy lattes, and their baked tofu sandwich is fantastic 🙂

      • Kristin January 5, 2011, 8:53 pm

        Yeah, literally right across from Kiva Han. Cupcakes will be the death of me this term.

  • Ally January 4, 2011, 11:40 pm

    I used to be against Starbucks too…then I thought, if I’m going to boycott Starbucks, I may as well boycott The Gap in favour of small designers, the supermarket in favour of a farmer’s market…etc.!

    Embrace the ‘bucks!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now January 4, 2011, 11:47 pm

    Faux meats kinda creep me out, so I understand you!

  • Maryann January 5, 2011, 1:33 am

    I love going to starbucks when I need to get tons of work done. I love how you can get refills for 50 cents 🙂

  • Laura (Starloz) January 5, 2011, 2:38 am

    its weird because we dont get the same drinks or treats as you do. i kinda want to move to the us for awesome starbucks trips!

  • Elise January 5, 2011, 3:04 am

    i love starbucks for studying! its the one place i can go, and completely shut out the world and not feel uncomfortable or like i have to move in 30 minutes… the best! hope you had some good book writing!

  • Whitney January 5, 2011, 6:21 am

    I love Kiva Han! THey make their own chai tea which is spicy and delicious!!

  • Tulip January 5, 2011, 6:52 am

    Starbucks is great for a change of scenery after trying to study in my bedroom all day. Especially the ones with free wi-fi!!

  • Ashley January 5, 2011, 7:10 am

    glad you came around to Starbucks…they’re actually a great company doing lots for the community/countries where they buy coffee…you should tell your local store about Op. Beautiful or Girls on the Run — they may want to get involved!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine January 5, 2011, 7:17 am

    I used to love Kiva Han when I was at CMU!! They had vegan oatmeal made with soy milk, which was awesome 🙂

  • Kristina @ life as kristina January 5, 2011, 7:20 am

    I used to love caramel apple cider at starbucks back in the day-I haven’t been there in forever but someone just threw on the blogworld that they have vegan falafel wraps-that got me a little interested!!!

  • Marina January 5, 2011, 7:34 am

    I love starbucks, but don’t have it in my country. That’s why I go crazy when I travel somewhere that has starbucks 😀

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 5, 2011, 7:44 am

    I can’t deny my love for Starbucks either. I tried chai lattes from just about every other coffee shop in town, and none compare to those from Starbucks!!

  • Kacy January 5, 2011, 8:14 am

    I’m not a huge fan of Sbux, the coffee tastes burnt the majority of the time but I do have mad love for those mini scones.

    I only like the faux breaded chicken in nugget form for the most part – the kind that tries to be grilled chicken really freaks me out.

  • Emily @ Write Twenty Eleven January 5, 2011, 8:20 am

    I love Sbux, especially now that they have free wifi! A few friends of mine who have worked for them say it’s a really good company, too.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing January 5, 2011, 8:40 am

    I must say I’m not a huge fan of Starbucks coffee but some of their specialty drinks are SO GOOD! I cannot get enough of their cinnamon dolce latte :).

  • Emmanuelle January 5, 2011, 8:51 am

    *sigh*
    The only Starbucks in Brussels is at the airport, miles away from downtown… So every time we travel abroad, I make a point of stopping in all and every Starbucks in sight. I drank my fair share of pumpkin spice lattes when we stayed in Montreal last October 😀

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers January 5, 2011, 8:54 am

    I love Sbux purely for having a place to get out of my house and still get work done! Plus, it doesn’t hurt I have a gagillion $$ worth of gift cards. 😉

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy January 5, 2011, 9:01 am

    I LOVE those scones 🙂

  • Emily January 5, 2011, 9:13 am

    I had such a bad addiction to starbucks for a long time. It was the perfect escape from our tiny college campus during undergrad. I have to avoid it now because my budget goes totally out the window once there! Your salad looked great, I loved grilled apple salads!!

  • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable January 5, 2011, 10:00 am

    Panera is another one that I totally can park at. In law school I used to go early in the morning, spend all day studying and absorbing the free wireless, and refill my cup of coffee a billion times!

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) January 5, 2011, 10:03 am

    I used to think the same about Sbux, but unfortunatly they won me over too with thier passion fruit iced tea lemonade…. so stinkin’ addictive!

  • Gabby (Quest for Delicious) January 5, 2011, 10:11 am

    There’s a recipe for those vanilla scones on the pioneer woman’s website that I am dying to make!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales January 5, 2011, 10:14 am

    I’ve never really gotten into the whole Starbucks craze (except maybe for a year when I was a junior in high school). I just can’t seem to justify the high prices. Oh, and I don’t like the taste of coffee. That might have a lot to do with it. But I’m pretty sure they have some good teas, though! I haven’t been in one in so long. Maybe I’ll venture in one of these days to see what’s changed.

  • Carlee January 5, 2011, 10:32 am

    I have to say I used to feel the same way but what drew me into Starbucks was consistency. With the local shops I have found you can’t always depend on your cup of joe tasting the same each time you order it. I like to know exactly what I am getting. I don’t want to be surprised that it’s weaker/stronger/bitter/sweeter than I was wanting.

    With Starbucks I can walk into any store anywhere and know exactly how my cup of coffee will taste before they even make it.

  • Kailey (SnackFace) January 5, 2011, 11:40 am

    Isn’t fake chicken the creepiest? It either tends to be super rubbery or too much like the real thing! I’d have to pass on that, too!

    By the way, I have had such a craving for white chocolate chips and peanut butter lately….hmmm, wonder why! 😉

  • Nikka January 5, 2011, 1:23 pm

    That is too funny!
    I used to stand on my soapbox spouting out my distaste for Starbucks to anyone who would listen..and by anyone, I mean my family. I wanted to stand up for the little guy! But then… I got a job downtown and long hours = caffeine addiction, and of course my trusty Starbucks was right down stairs. Needless to say I converted a couple years ago and now I’m a card-carrying member! My family still gives me grief every time they get the opportunity! 🙂

  • Carina January 5, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I only like the faux chicken when it’s cooked and warm and with something else (like in a stirfry).

  • Heather January 6, 2011, 10:29 am

    I hear ya on wanting to stay away from the “corporate monster” in favor of the little guy… and usually I’m the same way, but as a Pitt grad student, I REALLY dislike Kiva Han. The place is filthy, the seats are all ripped, there’s dust flying, the upstairs is like the attic of Hell, and there are almost no outlets. Ordering takes forever, and the coffee is just bad. (Obvs, IMO). I went to KH for weeks, studiously buying from “the little guy” and avoiding the SBUX across the street, and finally decided that I was rewarding bad behavior by continuing to patronize Kiva Han. Also, my officemate told me that Dozen has pretty good coffee (it does!) and so does the Crepes place up the street. No more KH for me, ever.

  • Sara January 7, 2011, 8:20 pm

    Ha! In college, I called Starbucks the Evil Empire and refused to patronize them because they were crowding out local cafes. I am now a convert, glad I’m not the only one.

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