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Starbucks: The Rise, the Stumbles, and the Loyal Addict’s Story [2025 Update]

If you’ve ever arrived jet-lagged and far from home, you know the comfort that comes with spotting that familiar green siren shining in a city square; a warm beacon of WiFi, a reliable menu, and a seat where no one rushes you out. For me, as someone who has traversed the world’s airports, train stations, and city streets, Starbucks has always offered a pocket of consistency, a place where one can recharge both phone and spirit, connect with loved ones, or just fade into the background with a sweet, icy chai. It’s not just caffeine on demand, it’s the closest thing to home base I could rush to, wherever I wander, and it’s held my loyalty for decades. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. My original article on Starbucks, with high ratings of 5 stars out of 5, has dwindled to 2 stars out of 5, and I unfortunately see myself divorcing from the long-standing relationship I once shared with the Siren.

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Starbucks – Ferndale, Washington

Starbucks Ferndale wasn't always in this stand-alone building. Back in 2018, the local shop moved out of its previous Haggen grocery location to the current Main Street address. The change didn't just update the décor; it transformed daily coffee routines for many Ferndale residents. The drive-thru, for example, became a welcome update for mornings on the go, while extended opening hours let people drop by whenever they need a caffeine fix.

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Mud/Wtr
Investigating Mud/WTR. Adventures of Sir Thomas Oisin Rhymour. https://technowanderer.com/?p=8672 Photo copyright by Techno Tink Photography www.technotink.net/photography. (c) 2023: Thomas Baurley.

Mud/Wtr

Move over, basic black coffee. Mud/Wtr mushroom tea is making waves as a fresh blend on the wellness scene. More people are swapping out their usual morning brew for this earthy, spiced drink made from mushrooms, roots, and adaptogens.

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Moringa

Moringa carries a legend that matches its many names, from the “miracle tree” in rural India to the “drumstick tree” scattered along dirt roads in Africa and Southeast Asia. Its leaves, once crushed into powder or steeped in tea by ancient healers, now find their way into smoothie bowls and market shelves far from the monsoon-soaked hills where its roots first pushed through the earth.

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Capall Mór Unicorn Statue on the N22: Ireland’s Living Fae, Mythology, and Folklore in Sculpture
Unicorn monument along the N22, Wednesday, 20 December 2023. Adventures in County Kerry, Ireland. Photos by Thomas Baurley, Techno Tink Media.

Capall Mór Unicorn Statue on the N22: Ireland’s Living Fae, Mythology, and Folklore in Sculpture

Roadside travelers on Ireland’s N22 will spot a striking figure rising against the green hills: the Capall Mór unicorn statue. Shimmering with an almost spectral presence, this equine monument recalls the very heart of faerie, mythology, and folklore, blending centuries-old legend with the modern landscape. The choice of a unicorn, steeped in symbolism, acts as a visual anchor that links local mythic traditions to a living, breathing geography.

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Rock Porch

RockPorch: An affiliate network for Creators & Bloggers We met RockPorch at Travel Con 2025. Day 1 of the conference and this great company threw a party at Corbett's in…

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Seven Sundays Cereal Snacks

I grabbed a pack of Seven Sundays Cereal Snacks from RockPorch at Travel Con 2025 for a quick bite and was glad I did. The cereal style keeps things familiar, but these snacks are lighter than your usual granola bar. Toss them in your bag, and you’re set for snack time anywhere. They’re portable and never weigh you down. If you want something handy and healthier than a candy bar, Seven Sundays Cereal Snacks hit the spot. They taste good, travel well, and fit into a busy day without fuss. Give them a try if you like easy, healthy snacks.

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REI Travel Stuff Pack

A bulky bag can throw off your groove, but the REI Stuff Travel Waist Pack offers a minimalist approach. It’s small enough to go unnoticed but big enough to carry your essentials. Its lightweight construction makes it a top pick for those who prefer to travel light.

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Peak Protein Bars

I keep Peak Protein Bars in my bag for busy days. They’re lightweight and easy to toss in a pocket or lunchbox. Each bar delivers a solid boost of protein that holds me over between meals. The flavor tastes great—nothing chalky or fake, which is rare for snacks like this. I feel more energized after eating one, and they never leave me feeling weighed down. If you want something portable and tasty, Peak Protein Bars are worth a try.

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Lava Gel Oven

Flameless, Hassle-Free Cooking: Heat meals anywhere without the need for open flames. Ideal for freeze-dried meals, canned food, leftovers, and more—safe and efficient food warming for all occasions.

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