I have a confession to make. . .
@GardenGerty (160696)
United States
November 19, 2011 8:07am CST
I have never been to a Starbucks. There are reasons, or excuses, so let me explain.
The closest Starbucks is more than thirty miles from my house. I do occasionally go to a town where it is located, but not often.
The choices overwhelm me. Way too many decisions for me to make.
I like my coffee black. No cream,milk, or artificial dairy products or whipped cream needed.
No sweetener or fancy syrupy flavors added.
I like the coffee I make at home the best. It just tastes right. I am not really a coffee snob, it is just what I am used to. Drip coffee.
I am way to cheap. Two coffee beverages at Starbucks could easily pay for a large can of light caffeine coffee. Yeah, that is right, light caffeine. Half caffeine, half decaf.
I have been to two of the three coffee shops in my small town. Their baked goods leave much to be desired. I have had coffee beverages from McDonald's, give me a fruit smoothie there instead and I will be happy. I like their coffee,just not the fancy stuff. I have had a cold coffee beverage at Sonic, that had such thick whipped cream on top I thought I was drinking my coffee with butter. I have had iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts, and it is good, and I put milk and way too much sugar in it. I do not need the calories. At home I use 1% milk, and Stevia to sweeten my iced coffee when I have it.
So there it is, my coffee confession of the day.
16 people like this
60 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I've been to Starbucks maybe twice. Once with my daughter and I think another time with my son when we were out looking at Christmas lights. That was a drive through, and he was buying, so I'm not sure if it counts.
I can't justify the prices for those fancy drinks. I don't drink coffee but twice a year if that, and I can make that at home.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
We drink coffee daily at home. I like it that way, and if I want it fancy it is pretty inexpensive to do. I would go if someone were to treat me, I guess. My entire family is that way though about coffee. We like it, but we do not like it expensive.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
19 Nov 11
hi gg, i have never been either. i'm like u just give me some plain ol' coffee w/alot of sugar & i'm happy . i really like perked coffee the best but my percolator went out & they are &70 to buy a new one & i think that's ridiculous. i'm using an old mr. coffee.hope u have a great weekend.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
If you look in enough thrift shops you will find a good percolator. Do you want an electric one or a stove top version. My folks used Corning percolators for a long time.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
And you cannot get anyone to drink it with you?
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I have a corning one that belonged to my Bigmama but it's about a 10 cup & too big for me. I don't drink much coffee but do like a cup in the morning.
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I like my coffee sweet and light, and I prefer to use Splenda since stevia isn't sweet to me. I don't really care what I lighten it with, skim milk or half and half, do put more skim in than others, but I really like to put flavors, especially chocolate in my coffee... and I've had Starbucks, and its okay, way too expensive tho...
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
During the holidays I usually have eggnog mixed with coffee at least once. That is plenty for me. Eggnog is too rich for me unless I cut it with something. Chocolate in coffee is good, but I can do that at home as well.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
My niece puts a scoop of ice cream on top of a very large cup of coffee. My family is the type that one of those Keurig or other single cup things is not going to work. The "cup" they brew is 6 oz. We are more the Bunn coffee maker that will make a pot in less than five minutes. Her travel mug takes almost a whole pot.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I only went to starbucks when the Blue Buffalo middle management guy came up to see me. He always bought me whatever drink I wanted. So I bought a cup of chai. That's the only reason I ever went. I'm ticked that they demolished a Dairy Queen to put in a Starbucks. For an ice cream lover like me, that's sacriledge!
@bulastika (5966)
• Philippines
20 Nov 11
lols. Its seems starbucks is also 30 miles away from you? lols. Just kidding. Even though theirs so many starbucks near my home. I never went to starbucks just to drink coffee. Or anything. lols. Actually if I been in starbucks its will be once every two to three years simply because I meet or try to meet some one in their. lols.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Oh, darn. I forgot I just bought some instant chai for evening beverage. I just had hubby make me instant cappuccino, but I will have to brush my teeth almost immediately to get the funny feeling off of them. I have to have a certain amount of caffeine a day or I wake up way early with a severe headache. I thought I was covered yesterday, as we went to a Meals on Wheels reception, and I had two good sized cups of coffee. It must have been decaf, because I had a splitting headache at 4:30 a. m.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Nov 11
b-Actually, Starbucks is 25 miles away from me.
GG-Interesting that caffeine keeps your headaches away. Caffeine plus aspirin or tylenol is what they often give many people for migraines.
Yes, my husband usually makes decaf and many people our ages because if messes with his stomach and his sleeping. I like my caffeine in chocolate form.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
5 Dec 11
I have never understood the hype of Starbucks, but then again I am not a big coffee drinker. I can't imagine paying that much money for a cup of coffee though. That being said I have been there a few times over the years. When I was a girl scout leader one of my co-leaders liked to have our leader meetings there so I would go and I would get a minty iced coffee which is more like a milk shake. I have been there maybe twice since and once was with my husband's aunt because she is crazy for the place and once because I got a gift card from someone for it. I tried the pumpkin Latte and it was very good, I actually went and got one this year as well as I remembered it being so good last year, since I still had that gift card and it still had $5 on it it didn't cost me anything. So you see how much I go there I had a $10 gift card that it took me almost a year to use. I might go back once next year and get the pumpkin latte again, but just once. I drove by there today on my way to the bank and the line for the drive through went around almost the entire strip mall. That's just crazy.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
5 Dec 11
Someone on Gather posted a Pumpkin Latte recipe that they got from Betty Crocker. I think I will try that at home. The Iced minty shake sounds good as well. I do not like having long waits for things.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
3 Jan 12
Link to that post on another site http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980603558
1 person likes this
@dxfanatic69 (378)
• United States
6 Dec 11
Oh those drinks can be pricey! When I was an almost-daily Starbucks drinker, my drink of choice (an Iced Venti Caramel Macchiato) would run me nearly $5.50!
But those Pumpkin Spice Lattes are good! I'm kind of curious to try that home recipe now!
2 people like this
@marguicha (223094)
• Chile
2 Dec 11
I agree with you, although I have gone invited to Starbucks. I like the coffee I make. The only coffee that I like when I go out is to have a cappuchino with a friend at a certain coffee house that is not so well known. This is a pleasure that I don´t have very often as it´s too expensive for me. As for Dunkin Donuts, I like to take home some donuts and make my own coffee
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
3 Dec 11
Somehow I imagine you make excellent coffee. I will join you with the donuts.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223094)
• Chile
3 Dec 11
That´s a wonderful mixture! Homemade coffee and donuts from Dunkin Donuts. I don´t like junk food, but Dunkin Donuts are something else
. They are part of my adictions.
. They are part of my adictions.1 person likes this
@dxfanatic69 (378)
• United States
6 Dec 11
"These are my confessions..." LOL, remember that song from the 90s?
I know I'm a little late to this conversation, but I just came back to MyLot, so if I may drop my 2 cents:
It seems like everyone and their grandma goes to Starbucks, but a recent poll says only 30% of Americans choose SBUX as their favorite coffee. I admit, I go to SBUX at least once a week; it used to be about 3-4x/week, but I'm now trying to save my money and brew at home.
I totally agree with you in that there are soooo many options at SBUX, and did you know there are dozens of other combos and drinks that aren't even on the menu?! How hard is it to just say "a cup of coffee". No, today we say, "Can I get a venti non-fat half-caff chai latte with light whip, upside-down and a red-eye?"
But being a city boy with a 24-hour Starbucks a few miles away (Houston, TX), I admit it is good to get a fancy drink at 3:00 a.m. on a Sunday. Although right now I'm drinking a homemade cup. Shhhh! Don't tell Howard Schultz!
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
3 Jan 12
It is never too late to join a discussion in my book. You would have to translate the upside down and red-eye part of the order as I am clueless when you get to that part. You could try the Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffees with a Picolo brewer for a drink that fancy. I like Keurig brewers as well.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I love my coffee black too, but the only time I will drink it cold is the McD's frappe, caramel...I also love the local coffee shop's "highlander grogg" (sp?) and like you, the closest Starbucks is at least 30 plus miles away, and have always wanted to try it, but the price is too high...
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I have this rebellious streak. If "everybody else" loves it, I do not want it, whatever it is. I put stuff in my iced coffee. My dad used to drink iced coffee over fifty years ago, just sugar and coffee over ice. I can see it in my minds eye now, in a tall glass , and the color was so pretty. We thought he was so odd.
2 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
20 Nov 11
LOL, that sounds like my daughter who was a big Twilight fan until everyone else went on and on about it and now she doesn't like it as much..
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
4 Jan 12
I think I've only been in a starbucks once with hubby, he got some fancy drink and I bout fell over at the prices. Good golly who can afford that everyday?!?! Hubby drinks coffee at home or work where it's much more reasonable. The only other time I've been in one is toask for the used coffee grounds for my garden and the clerk told me their location doesn't do that anymore because of people failing to come in to get the grounds.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
11 Mar 12
When you can buy a whole can of coffee for what they charge for one drink, it is hard for me to even want to try them out. It is also the snob factor. It is too bad about them not saving grounds any more. I put mine from home in my compost. This brings back the memory of my grandma always putting her grounds in one place. That was the same place that she dug for fishing worms. It worked out well for all concerned.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
19 Nov 11
i love coffee but have always been to cheap for Starbucks. I went a few times when i was dating way back when. because most guys say we should meet for a drink and id say, id rather meet for coffee. 
mostly because i seldom drink and have been around drinkers all my life. i was married to 2 drunks and didnt want that to happen again.
so, i went to starbucks and they would buy. @GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I like a good cup of coffee from a china or stoneware cup, with a pleasant person nearby. Maybe that is what I do not like, the Starbucks styrofoam cups.
1 person likes this
@bulastika (5966)
• Philippines
20 Nov 11
They say three strike out. lols. Theirs only two drunks. So I think theirs still room for one more right? lols. Its just a joke. But my point is that sometimes what you hate in a person is sometimes what you also like. Weird right? Its like coffee. Its taste bitter but we drink it. lols.
2 people like this
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
6 Dec 11
You are not alone there my friend. I have never been to one either and do not intend ever setting foot in one. 
Only a few short years ago, Starbucks was something that we Aussies knew only from American TV, but now they are popping up along with other American chain stores everywhere. This is something that I am not pleased about so I choose not to support the stores.
I also do not drink coffee these days too which makes it even easier for me to stay away. But the millions of addicted adults out there are flocking to these stores to feed their addictions and throw their money away on a daily basis. Sad really. 
Only a few short years ago, Starbucks was something that we Aussies knew only from American TV, but now they are popping up along with other American chain stores everywhere. This is something that I am not pleased about so I choose not to support the stores.
I also do not drink coffee these days too which makes it even easier for me to stay away. But the millions of addicted adults out there are flocking to these stores to feed their addictions and throw their money away on a daily basis. Sad really. 2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
11 Mar 12
I am slow getting back to you on this. I do not foresee me giving up my coffee, but I certainly would rather go to a local place than a chain store, and we have some nice ones around. It is important to support your local businesses and customs.
@13tyates (1606)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I think it is great that you can drink coffee with nothing in it and actually experience the taste that coffee has to offer. For me I have never really been a person that likes coffee. I love the smell of coffee. If I can get a light taste of coffee mixed in with another flavor then I enjoy it. That is why I like the coffee's (well I guess they are not really coffee with so much stuff in it) that have another flavor to them. I can actually enjoy those. Happy Mylotting!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
Coffee mixed into hot chocolate is yummy. I consider that to be a chocolate drink more than a coffee drink. Again, I do it at home.
1 person likes this
@Mayuko (1268)
• United States
3 Jan 12
I don't think that's so bad, shameful or embarrassing to call it a confession
I've never been to Starbucks either. In fact, I've never had coffee anywhere except from home. The only coffee I've ever had until last week was instant coffee. I recently got a coffee brewer and now I'm tasting different types and flavors of coffee, and I love it!
The main reason I don't buy coffee from restaurants is because they are overpriced compared to homemade. And when I want coffee, it's usually because I'm going to work out, and it'd be a waste of time to go out to buy coffee only to come back home and exercise (I work out at home, not at a gym).
I've never been to Starbucks either. In fact, I've never had coffee anywhere except from home. The only coffee I've ever had until last week was instant coffee. I recently got a coffee brewer and now I'm tasting different types and flavors of coffee, and I love it!
The main reason I don't buy coffee from restaurants is because they are overpriced compared to homemade. And when I want coffee, it's usually because I'm going to work out, and it'd be a waste of time to go out to buy coffee only to come back home and exercise (I work out at home, not at a gym).2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
3 Jan 12
Good for you working out at home. What kind of brewer did you get? I find that many people assume that if you like coffee, you like Starbucks, and if you like being online, you like Facebook. etc. People are all different in their likes. I am too economical to buy coffee at a shop because I like what we make at home really well.
1 person likes this
@jtj_hello (627)
• Philippines
19 Nov 11
Hahaha! I love how you confess this here in mylot. I never had a Starbucks too until I was 20 years old. The first Starbucks I tasted when i was working night shift and my friends tag me along when they had their break to the newly open branch of starbucks in our province. Their coffees are very delicious but kind of pricey. Overall, it's worth. Now that I am in the city, I'm able to taste Starbucks whenever I feel like to.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
For a special treat when traveling we have bought the bottled, chilled, flavored Starbucks. We are so silly we even bought our own small coffee pot to use at rest areas when we travel. I do not have a job, so I have to be careful with my money.
1 person likes this
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
4 Mar 12
You're not being silly GardenGerty, Mom and I would ALWAYS travel with a coffee pot. That way we could have coffee the way we like it and also save a ton of money when traveling. We also had pump pots that we would have in the car so that when we wanted coffee we could do a couple of pumps and have fresh hot coffee without spending a buck or more for a tiny little cup. Over the 17 years of doing this, we saved close to $2,000!
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
19 Nov 11
I don't blame you, I have been to starbucks in the past with friends, and I have been to other fancy coffee shops but the prices are just crazy and I can't afford them anymore, but more importantly I just don't want them.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I do not crave flavored coffees that are sweetened very often. If I do it is in the winter time. I find the older I get the more I like my own cooking, even when it comes to coffee.
1 person likes this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I've never been to a Starbucks either. For one thing, I don't drink coffee. I've tried to before, and sometimes will go in short spurts and drink some at work when it's really cold outside, but it doesn't taste near as good as it smells! I put a little coffee in my cream. And then your mouth tastes yucky after one or two cups. I like hot tea when it's cold. Otherwise...my choice of caffeine is diet coke. I guess that puts me in a minority.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I like hot tea as well, and I do not put milk in it. Honey and lemon are good, or a little sweetener. I like herbal teas and black tea and just about any other tea you can think of.
1 person likes this
@Anne18 (11029)
•
19 Nov 11
Hey GardenGerty!!!
SSShhhhh!!!!!!
Don't tell anyone......
BUT............
I have never been to a Starbucks either!!!!!
I don't drink coffee, but I do suppose they do tea as well!!!
SSSSHHHHHHh..... don't forget........
Don't tell anyone will you? Our little sercet
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
19 Nov 11
I am not sure if they do tea, but your secret will be safe with me. Are there any famous tea houses I should be aware of? I enjoy tea of all kinds, herbal or green or china. It is good for a real comforting feeling too.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (136535)
• India
20 Nov 11
A slight digression here GG. It is perhaps ambiance rather than the quality of coffee that people flock to Starbucks. I am one for ambiance when I choose to eat out even if the food costs ten times more but I curb those longings and indulge in them once in a while.
There are places though where food is prepared with their own 'trade mark' that tastes so different - but the secret is never shared!
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I agree about the ambiance, and to me, Starbucks does not have that appeal. I have been to other non chain coffee shops and find them cozy and relaxing. I think quality is an issue. When we do eat out, we want it to be someplace special and unique.
1 person likes this
@bulastika (5966)
• Philippines
19 Nov 11
Theirs almost more than 500 starbucks with in thirty miles radius from my house. But once a year I'm lucky if I been in starbucks once. lols. I'm coffee lover. But starbucks is not really my type. I want to have coffee at the comfort of my own chair and table each morning. Alone with no buzzing noise of strangers. lols.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
That sounds nice. I often have my first coffee in bed. I have been to coffee shops with nice sofas and magazines and internet, and other things. Usually they are quiet places that are more private. In the summer we often have coffee on the front porch.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Oh you are missing something! I try to get to Starbucks twice a month.. or at least once a month. I usually get the mocha frappuccino. My daughter gets the one with chocolate chips in it.. and sometimes I get the caramel one. I usually get a slice of pumpkin bread or some other type of pound cake with it. We have Starbucks in the Target store.. we have Pizza Hut there also... I'm glad because it is just 3 miles away from me.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I have bought the frappaccinos in the grocery store. I think for a once a month treat it probably is pretty good. I have various breads in my freezer now. I suppose if I had someone to go with, I might, but hubby doed not do the sweets much either.
1 person likes this
