It’s been quite chilly these days. After walking outside in the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot drink in a cozy spot.
I usually just grab beans at Starbucks to brew coffee at home, but one day a staff member kindly pointed out I'd won a free drink on my receipt. Naturally, I chose my special cup to savor in the store.
Steam was gently rising from the warm drink, making it all the more inviting. Actually, a few days later, I returned to Starbucks, having decided what I wanted to order.
The matcha latte was a tall size, made with oat milk and no syrup. Another friendly staff member kindly suggested, "We can add whipped cream too♪"
This little bonus during my Starbucks visit was a gentle gift of a moment. They even let me sample today's coffee.
You can request a ceramic mug for in-store drinks at Starbucks—short or tall sizes work well for this. Unfortunately, paper cups have a plastic lining that can leach microplastics into hot beverages. I love drinking coffee from paper cups, though.
The matcha latte, with its soft color and flavor, now blended seamlessly with the whipped cream for a richer, creamier taste.
I usually go to Starbucks just for beans and skip drinking coffee there, and it's not only because of the paper cup issue. It's also about saving money. Plus, at home, I can brew it just the way I like with plenty of water to my taste.
Unexpected gestures from the staff, like a free drink and coffee sample, turned an ordinary Starbucks visit into something truly special. Opting for a ceramic mug over paper cups lets us enjoy these moments mindfully—free from microplastic worries—while savoring flavors just the way we love them at home or in-store.
◆ Quick Update ◆
I saw a post on SNS saying 70% of Japanese people aren't using their AC for heating! Some are even layering up with coats at home to get by. AC heating costs quite a bit more than cooling, after all. I'm the same—skipping AC heat myself and just using a small ceramic heater occasionally or snuggling on an electric underblanket, covered with my bedding. Let's all stay warm without getting sick! 😊
