How to Cheat Starbucks

I don’t really mean cheat Starbucks because I love their coffee! I enjoy its rich, reliable flavor so much that I actually never order anything there except their brew of the day. I am a “black” coffee kinda gal but something about those delightful Holiday blends with whipped topping and sprinkles just makes me second guess my usual order.
 
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Not only are they packed with sugar and calories, but they can be upwards for $4-5 each! That is outrageous for your everyday cup!  The calories are also outrageous and come from the sugar syrup, whipped cream, and sugar crystals. But, doesn’t it just make you feel like you are doing good for the world if you drink one? I mean really, a wish for good cheer indeed.

A wish for good cheer apparently means a bigger waistline and a sugar crash in a few hours!

One Way to Cheat Starbucks:
My mom and I headed out for our shopping adventures this past weekend and I had no coffee in my new apartment.  I was in despair realizing that a caffeine headache (not Santa) was on its way, so we rushed into the  nearest Starbucks.

Maybe it was the despair for caffeine…

or the posters of perfectly topped Gingerbread Latte & Peppermint Mocha’s that gave me this idea. I ordered the brew of the day as usual, but then asked for “some of” the whipped topping and sprinkles shown in the wishful “Caramel Brulee” posters all over the coffee-house.
The Barista asked if I wanted the flavoring for Caramel Brulee as well and my Nutritionista head automatically shook no to the extra sweetness. She offered to put in 1/3 of the normal and if I didn’t like it, she would make me a new one!

My mom ordered the same exact thing and it was love at first sip!

It was just $2 for this (grande) size concoction that was far from sugar overload, yet sweet and seasonal! It was quite perfect.

Here’s to smaller waistlines, bigger budgets, and delicious holiday cheer!