Love Starbucks? Then this applies to you. Keep reading!

Some Starbucks customers, i.e., coffee/espresso/tea addicts, are aware of the Starbucks Secret Menu. It’s not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation, rather, it's more like a coffee/espresso/tea underground. LOL. If you ask for a secret menu drink, there's a very small chance that it will be recognized in store unless your Barista is aware of the secret item, so eliminate possible confusion and just ask for specific drink ingredients to make whatever treat you want. I was introduced to the menu when I tried the Chess mocha, an equal blend of white and regular mocha. It’s as good as the regular mocha and is a bit milder. 

Healthy drink tips:

• Ask for a tall or mini/short size (ingredients are half of a tall drink).
• ​Ask for sugar free alternatives if you want to be more mindful of your sugar intake. (Though the real thing tastes so much better)
• Request decaf or "half caf/half decaf" to reduce caffeine overload. 
• Request skim milk instead of whole milk.
• Skip whipped cream...that's an extra 100 calories.
• Enjoy in moderation. Unless this is part of your winter hibernation plan.

Here's a sweet recipe that you're sure to love...

Note: This drink is available for a limited time, i.e., when pumpkin spice is in season.

• Vanilla bean Frappuccino for a creamy base
• Pumpkin Spice sauce (1 for tall, 2 for grande, 3 for venti)
• Caramel syrup (1 for tall, 2 for grande, 3 for venti)
• Hazelnut syrup (1 for tall, 2 for grande, 3 for venti)
• Optional drink top: whipped cream & caramel drizzle

Very sweet, very good!

Secret Menu drinks can be found on the Starbucks Secret Menu website and visitors with new ideas are encouraged to email  new, fresh suggestions for inclusion on the site.

Do you and/or someone you know have an internet-connected device? If so, this article is for you. :-)

Many of us depend on a variety of internet-connected devices each day. Among the most common are smartphones, tablets, e-readers (such as the Kindle), laptops and desktops. We use these devices for any number of things...playing games, checking/responding to emails, reading the latest news, keeping up with social media, work projects and so much more.

Did you know that staring at tiny screens can cause a variety of issues? Issues such as blurred/strained vision, sore/fatigued eyes, headaches, migraines, muscle strain, dry eye, facial/neck/back issues, poor sleep/insomnia, etc. Some devices have even been known to affect balance and stability. Contributing factors include prolonged use, poor lighting, gadget glare, poor posture, icons that zoom in and out, uncorrected vision issues and so on, This is often referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome...also known as Digital Eye Strain. Our beloved gadgets are literally a pain in the neck.

There is hope. You don't have to stop using your internet-connected devices. Here are some solutions to help prevent issues:

• Implement the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, stare at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Take breaks.
• Set guidelines...particularly for young users.
• Use in moderation.
• Get up from your desk and take a walk outside.
• Get together with friends in person.
• Visit Starbucks and get your favorite drink...without using the Starbucks app.
• Read a good book.
• Read a daily devotion or maybe have Alexa or Echo read one to you.
• Meditate.
• Experiment with your creative side...draw, paint, write, etc.
• Exercise.
• Bake something...`tis the season for making yummy cookies.
• Play a board game.
• Lay back and chill, listening to your favorite music--preferably something that doesn't jar your nerves.

The list is endless.

One other suggestion is to reduce blue light exposure. Blue light falls within the spectrum of high energy visible light due to its shorter wavelength. Blue light aids in increased energy and focus, but can also be detrimental, causing any number of issues (refer to those previously mentioned). Light with longer wavelengths, such as red light, will contain lower amounts of energy and light. Among the benefits of red light are a feeling of calm, reduction of eye strain (and other problems) and promotion of a good night's sleep. Some smartphones, such as the iPhone, now have the option to set a blue light filter. There are also programs and apps available for protective use. F.lux is an awesome one...and it's free!

Stay smart, stay healthy!