To get a drink you will enjoy, it is important ordering something based on what you are craving. Ordering at Starbucks does not necessarily mean that you must order coffee; in fact, there are dozens of drink choices including tea, smoothies, and hot chocolates. Consider the current outside temperature and season to decide what sounds just right.  If you are not sure what sounds good, do not be afraid to ask your barista for suggestions or help. They can give you choices based on your drink preferences to help make one that is tailored to you. Remember to think about if you want the drink hot, iced, or blended, as well as the sweetness and caffeine. Starbucks is known for having their name-specific sizing. Don’t fear, getting the sizes down is easy. A tall is the equivalent of 12oz, a grande is 16oz, and a venti is 20oz in hot and 26oz. in iced. While not listed on the menu, all Starbucks locations offer a short drink equalling 8oz. Starbucks locations in the United States also offer Trenta for a limited number of drinks, which is equal to 31oz.  A tall typically comes with a single shot of espresso, a grande comes with a double shot, and a venti also comes with a double shot, unless it is a venti iced drink, in which it comes with a triple shot of espresso. If you want more espresso than the size you order comes with, simply ask for extra shots. These will cost more, but you will be able to get that perfect amount of espresso without having to size your entire drink up. It does not matter if you order coffee, tea, or any other drink - you always have the ability to add sugar or a syrup flavor. Adding a flavor will typically give you two extra pumps of syrup, so if you want your drink extra sweet be sure to specify and be ready to pay more. Sugar is free, but a syrup flavor is not.  If you’re uncertain what flavor you want to add, ask to see a flavor menu or ask the barista what popular flavors are available. There are dozens of flavor choices, so don’t feel like you are limited to simply “sugar” or “no sugar.” Most of the popular syrup flavors like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut all come with sugar-free options. If you are trying to be a bit healthier, order a sugar-free syrup flavor for your drink. Ask about seasonal flavors when you order, as there are many specialty syrups that are available at different times of the year. In the fall and winter, pumpkin is available while in the summer coconut is often out in participating locations. Some drinks are made with milk while others are made with water as the base. If you prefer one over the other, specify that when you order. Typically, nonfat, 2% milk, soymilk, and half-and-half are the available milk options. Starbucks also carries milks such as almond or coconut milk.  You can get any drink hot or iced, and many coffee drinks blended. If you change the form of your drink, you might also have to change the liquid base. For example, blended coffee must be made with a milk base instead of water to get the right consistency. When milk is steamed, it creates a richly aerated foam. This is like warm whipped milk on the top of your drink. If you like foam, you can order your drink with extra, or if you don’t like it ask for your drink to go without. Espresso and coffee both naturally have caffeine, as do black and green teas. If you want less caffeine in your drink, order half-caf (1/2 the normal amount of caffeine) or decaf (with no caffeine). You can also add extra shots of coffee if you are looking for a bit more energy from your drink.

Summary: Consider your cravings. Choose a size. Add a little flavor. Choose the liquid base. Consider the caffeine.


Bare windows can make your room seem dull. Hanging curtains in a fun print or bright color can make a huge impact on the look of your room! Let them puddle on the floor for a luxurious look or choose a shorter style for a more modern take.  Choose curtains in colors that complement your existing paint and decor. For instance, pick a color in your favorite photo or piece of artwork and choose curtains in that color. If you’re not a big fan of curtains, opt for blinds instead. They’re available in lots of different materials and colors, so you’re sure to find a style you like. If your walls are mostly blank, an easy way to give them a makeover is to hang up artwork. Pick pieces that you love so you’ll enjoy looking at them for years to come.  You can opt for a large statement piece or even create a gallery wall with smaller framed pieces. Head to thrift stores to find cool artwork and frames for cheap. Monochromatic flooring can look drab. Whether you have carpet, vinyl, laminate, or wood flooring, you can easily break it up by adding a large rug in the center of your space or even a small rug under your desk or chair. If you don’t have a lot of prints in your room, go for a patterned rug. If you do have a lot of patterns, stick with a solid-colored rug. A bench not only makes the room feel finished, it’s functional, too. It can be used for seating or you can display a nice throw pillow and a few decorative pillows. If you need more storage space, use a bench that opens so you can put clothes, blankets, or other items inside when you’re not using them. If you have artwork or knickknacks that you love, put them to good use by displaying them on your dresser. Aim to create visual balance by grouping items in threes and varying the height of the pieces. For instance, you could put a tall vase full of flowers in the center of your dresser and frame it with candles and photos. Add a few small collectibles, like statues or figurines, and voila! If you like a romantic, whimsy feel, install a chandelier in the middle of your ceiling. The soft glow and sparkle will make your room feel lush and elegant. If you’re not into the idea of adding a chandelier, install some pendant lights or add a few lamps. You can buy new lampshades cheaply to transform your old light fixtures. Nothing breathes new life into a room like some greenery. Pick out a few potted plants or flowers and space them around your room. The possibilities are endless, so head to a garden store and find a few plants that you think are beautiful.  Be sure to keep your room’s light conditions in mind when choosing plants to ensure they’ll thrive in your space. Don’t forget to water them, either! For a minimalist look, opt for succulents. If you like something a little different, choose cacti.
Summary: Install window treatments to create a finished look. Hang art on your walls to add interest. Add a rug to create coziness. Place a bench at the end of your bed for an elevated look. Create a display on your dresser to draw the eye to your favorite items. Install a chandelier for an elegant vibe. Set some plants around the space to add a pop of green.