Buy 4 Starbucks gift cards, get 1 free

This is all over the internet, so why not jump into the fray? You can go to your local Costco and grab 5 $20 Starbucks gift cards for $80. Sure, it’s a great way to stock up on stocking stuffers. But why not just keep them for yourself? You know you’re going to be reloading that card of yours anyway, right? And just think of how much free coffee you’ll get with that $20 card! Well, maybe don’t think of that.

Actually, I have a great tip on how to get free coffee at St. Arbucks. Go in any evening and ask for brewed decaf. Many times they will have stopped brewing it for the night because – and this was a surprise to me – they rarely get orders for decaf at night. I mean, I have to go unleaded after noon if I want to get a good night’s sleep. But the rule is that if they don’t have what you want when you ask for it, it’s free.

Just a couple of nights ago this worked for me. I ordered a Venti Pike Place decaf and got a Venti decaf Americano on the house. Try it!

Review: Annie’s Mac & Cheese

We’ve had a chance to try the Deluxe Shells & Aged Cheddar variety. Here are the results:

11-year-old: “I like the sharp taste of the cheese. But I’ve had better – like Velveeta Shells & Cheese. 4 stars out of 5.”

9-year-old: “I like it. 3 stars.”

7-year-old: “5 stars. I love it!”

Mommy: “Can’t talk. Eating. (5 stars)”

There you have it. I tasted the stuff myself and thought it was pretty good. And remember this is an organic product, so weigh that against similar items.

Snagged: Annie’s Mac & Cheese

I’ve heard for years about how good this stuff is but never tried it. This week, for the first time, I found a 5-pack of the Deluxe Shells & Aged Cheddar for $8.59 ($1.72 per package). My kids have not been thrilled with the M&C choices at Costco in the past so I’m hoping this will be a better experience. We’ll give you the product review asap.