At this point it is NO secret: I am beyond obsessed with Starbucks. My love for Starbucks started in high school–grew to complete adoration in college—and has blossomed into a SICK obsession when I became a parent of 2 and a business owner. : )

The other day in Starbucks (aka my second office), the lady in front of me was a virgin. Noooooo not THAT kind of virgin, she was clearly an older mom and she had her teenage daughter with her. By virgin I mean…A STARBUCKS VIRGIN! I thought this was an extinct species, but I was clearly wrong. I felt like I just discovered a long lost dinosaur fossil or something. : P

She approached the barista after staring at the chalkboard menu as if she had to memorize it word for word before giving a very important speech. She asked the difference between a latte and a cappuccino. She turned to her daughter and asked what she liked, and her daughter spit off a drink order that left me scratching MYYYY head. It was something with soy and chai and a pump of this and a pump of that! The older mom looked nauseous as it was now her turn to impress the barista with her first drink order. She quickly spun around to me. Our eyes locked. Oh no- Here it comes: “What do you like, dear?” I told her my usual is a Caramel Machiatto and finished with a  “ITS DELICIOUS, but strong”. She shook her head as to agree with me, but still unconvinced. She glanced back to the barista. Took a breath and said– “Surprise me”.

What!?!?! No decision? After all that? The barista looked baffled, but quickly assembled one of the most popular drinks they serve; “Cafe Mocha”. (I must say–that was a safe bet–because who doesn’t like chocolate right?) She gets her cup of coffee, takes a sip, and exclaims “PERFECT”.

On her way out she thanked me for my input and before swinging open the door she said, “Hey –you only live once…try something new today…you’ll never know unless you try .”

And so I did. I stepped up, ready to say the words Caramel Machiatto and then the words “Sweetened Passion Tea-Lemonade left my lips”. I was shocked. I went to go take out my money to pay for my drink and the barista waved me off.  “Your drink has been paid for Kaitlin”. (Yes, they know my name–don’t judge)

The lady before me, who’s name I desperately wish I knew, not only gave me some truly eye opening advice in such a unique and smooth way, but she also bought my drink without me even knowing. For no reason at all. This woman single handedly changed my entire day. With the simple purchase of a drink, a fleeing moment of advice, and the courage to not only try something new, but actually trust others…it was all so amazing!

Her act of random kindness inspired me. I want to make someone days better for no reason at all like she did for me. I want to make someone smile, be inspired to try or do something new.  I realize that what I plan on giving away is not a life altering gesture or item, but hopefully it serves in my mission to simply PAY IT FORWARD.

Stay tuned….TODAY—-a GIVEAWAY WILL BE ANNOUNCED! You will have 48 hours to enter to win. Its simple. Quick and free!

Stay Happy, Beautiful, and Fabulous!

Kaitlin Noel