Let me start off by saying I have been a long time Starbucks fan. I am a card carrying gold card member and make at least a weekly Starbucks visit. I also love everything about fall: cooler temps, the crunch of leaves under my feet, and bringing tall boots into my wardrobe rotation. But the one thing I love about fall most of all are the warm, comforting flavors of the autumn harvest. I adore the days of fresh, orchard picked apples and pumpkin flavored everything.
You think I’d be over the moon with the uber early release date of August 25 for the Pumpkin Spice Latte but you know what? I’m not. In fact I’m pretty stinking disappointed. Time goes by fast enough as it is and I am in no rush to make it go any faster. On August 25 there is nearly a month of summer left and I for one will be savoring these last few precious beach days, blueberry flavored anything and my flourishing late season tomatoes. Starbucks is far from the only corporation assaulting our ability to enjoy the current season without trying hit the fast-forward button. Heck, Starbucks isn’t even the worst offender; Christmas has even started creeping into September with aisles starting to be lined with Christmas decorations and Silent Night playing overhead. August, you don’t need to live up to the expectations of October, I like you just the way you are. I encourage everyone to enjoy today for what it is, for tomorrow will be here soon enough. I know I’m just one person and my actions likely will not change the way that Starbucks or any other corporation does business, but what I can do is try to protect my own personal time as much as possible. Now, I don’t expect all of you to completely forgo the tastiness that is the pumpkin spice latte, I just ask that you wait until it is actually fall. In fact I think it will taste better if you do.
Katie @ Domestiphobia says
Yes! I was shocked when I saw seasonal pumpkin beers on display at Trader Joe’s yesterday. Whhhaaat? I’m all for the autumn pumpkin onslaught, but you’re right — it needs to wait until fall!
Brianna says
I also recently saw the Reese’s peanut butter pumpkins at the grocery store. While I am a firm believer that all Reese’s taste better in holiday shapes it needs to wait until its cool enough to wear jeans on a daily basis.
Jenna says
Yep, so annoying when the seasons are pushed around for the sake of corporate money making. I’m not a big fan of Starbucks’ flavored drinks anyway because there’s so much sugar and they rarely taste like coffee.
Brianna says
Jenna, that’s a whole other post all together!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says
I totally agree! Although I am a teeny bit jealous of how much pumpkin flavoured food is available in the US – there’s not nearly as much here in the UK!
Brianna says
I fell in love with the pumpkin and pumkinseed oil in Austria, delish!
Lisa says
You’re right. It takes some of the fun out of it when it’s earlier than it should be.
Brianna says
Things keep creeping up earlier every year!
Pam | a Blonde around the World says
Ah you should live in Italy! In august you sweat in your flip flop in front of a shop window and you can only sweat more as what you see is just boots and fur.
And what if you need a new bikini? In august? Forget it …
Totally agree with you ….
Brianna says
Really, who is sweater shopping in August?
Heather @ TravelingSaurus says
I totally, totally agree with you that seasons need to mean something…it makes me vomit have to sort through Christmas lights in September.
However, I think you have more self control than I to refuse a Pumpkin Latte. Must…have….onee…..
Brianna says
Stay strong Heather!
Laura says
Well that explains a lot — I was very confused this evening at Barnes and Noble when I overheard someone order a Pumpkin Spice Latte. The “seasons” come earlier every year. All the grocery and drug stores are already full of Halloween items. Too soon!
Brianna says
Don’t get me started on Halloween candy!
Will Tang says
It’s funny…i’m reading this from Starbucks and I see the PSL signs everywhere. I totally agree that they’re jumping the gun. It’s blazing hot outside!!
Brianna says
Slow your roll Starbucks!
Stephanie Mayo says
Sorry, I’ve already let temptation win. I have no power against the delicious pumpkin spice latte! But for you and for the love of summer I pledge to wait until fall.
Brianna says
That next PSL will taste so much better when theres a chill in the air.
Andi says
I could totally vent for hours on this topic! All holidays are ruined in my opinion, so I decided about a decade ago that I don’t celebrate any of them! My husband and I celebrate each day the way we want without anyone dictating what to buy, eat or do – the over-commercialization just makes me sick! I am a fan of Starbucks card carrying gold as well, but I have never had a PSL and don’t plan to have one either!
Brianna says
I enjoy all the holidays but I too am sick of all the over commercialization. Let each day come in its own due time, they will pass soon enough as it is.
Jenn of Who Needs Maps says
Pumpkin spiced lattes are (sadly) really bad for you! Its apparently one of the worst drinks at starbucks… but theyre sooooo good!
Brianna says
Lately I’ve become a bigger fan of coffee flavored coffee 🙂