Stepping into a Starbucks store is like stepping into heaven. I’m not a coffee drinker but if I was I’d visit Starbucks everyday. I had 3 Starbucks cards that I haven’t used in the last year. I decided today to go to Starbucks and have a Grande Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I had gotten one of those cool Starbucks insulated coffee mugs, that people carry in their cars filled with their favorite flavor, last year for Christmas but never have used it. I wondered if they would fill my mug with the Peppermint Hot Chocolate. I walked into the store near my house and instantly felt a good feeling. There was seasonal music playing, people were sitting around quietly chatting while enjoying their steaming cups of joe. I went to the counter and explained I had these three cards that I’d like combined onto one card. The friendly woman behind the counter happily ran my cards on her machine and added the amounts together onto one card. I then ordered my Grande Peppermint Hot Chocolate in my cool mug and a slice of iced lemon pound cake to boot. Within minutes I was sipping the sweet, warm peppermint drink. I sat near other patrons enjoying their drinks. It was such a happy feeling. The store was clean, the employees pleasant, the drink was delicious, and the music was soothing. After consuming my sweet iced lemon pound cake, I left the cheerful place with my renewed Starbucks card and my Starbucks mug full of the tasty hot chocolate.

I know that sounds like a commercial for Starbucks but with all that is happening in the world today and the way I’ve been feeling lately, I just had to share the good feeling I got while visiting my neighborhood Starbucks. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go again but this time get a Venti Peppermint Hot Chocolate!