Get a Free Starbucks Drink and more...

Want to know the secret to getting a free Starbucks drink? It’s easier than you think!

If you love a little treat without paying full price, here’s the simplest, mom tested guide to free drinks and easy savings without having to clip coupons.

Right now Starbucks is offering a special promo called Starbucks Monday!

On Monday, Feb. 9, members of the Starbucks Rewards program can get a free tall (12-oz.) brewed hot or iced coffee when they purchase any qualifying beverage at participating U.S. stores.

Just open the Starbucks app, make sure the free coffee offer shows up in your Offers tab, and redeem it when you order or let your barista know you’re using it in person. If you’re not already a Rewards member, signing up is free and easy, and the free coffee offer will be added to your app before your coffee run.

It’s the perfect little pick-me-up to beat the Mondayest Monday!

And right now, you can get a complimentary beverage up to $8 in value just by joining Starbucks® Rewards and making a qualifying purchase within your first week.

Don’t miss out on this sweet deal, valid for new members who sign up by 9/28/2025.

I’ll show you exactly how to find the offer in the app and what kind of delicious handcrafted drinks you can redeem.

Get ready to sip your favorite drink for free!

How to Sign up for Starbucks Rewards

One of the easiest ways that you can Save Money on Starbucks is using Starbucks Rewards.

How to Get a Free Starbucks Drink

Create your account in the app. Right now, new members who sign up by Sept 28, 2025 get one free handcrafted drink with a qualifying purchase during their first week (the coupon lands in your Offers tab, so make sure to watch for it). Promos change, so peek at the app for the current deal.

1. Download the Starbucks app on your phone.
2. Sign up for the free Starbucks Rewards program.
3. Make a purchase and pay with a card or gift card you’ve registered in your account.

You’ll automatically receive 150 stars after your first purchase through the app that you can use to get one free standard-menu size handcrafted beverage of your choice!

You can add shots of espresso, flavorings, and whipped cream, all included free!

Know your Star tiers (what your Stars buy)

• 25 Stars: add-ons (extra espresso shot, syrup/sauce).
• 100 Stars: brewed coffee or tea, iced coffee/tea, or a bakery/snack item.
• 200 Stars: any handcrafted drink or a hot breakfast item.
• 300 Stars: packaged lunch/salad/protein box or a bag of coffee.
• 400 Stars: select merchandise or Starbucks Reserve packaged coffee (value cap applies).
  Availability can vary by store type. Some grocery cafés (like Target or Kroger locations) show a 150-Star redemption for food/drink—your app will reflect what’s available at your store.

Earn Stars faster (simple habits)

• Pay in-app with a loaded Starbucks Card → 2 Stars per $1. If you only scan your member barcode and then pay with cash/credit, it’s 1 Star per $1.
• Watch for Double/Triple Star Days. Starbucks pings you in the app/email; tap to activate.
• Bring a clean reusable cup for 10¢ off plus Double Stars (works in café, drive-thru, and mobile orders; benefit has daily limits).
• Link partner programs for extra goodies:
  • Marriott Bonvoy ↔ Starbucks = Double Stars during hotel stays + occasional point bonuses.
  • Delta SkyMiles ↔ Starbucks = Double Stars on your flight days + miles on eligible Starbucks purchases/reloads.
• Personalized offers live in the Offers tab (think: BOGO, bonus-Star challenges). Turn on notifications so you don’t miss them.

Don’t miss your free birthday treat

Add your birthday in your account, join at least 7 days before your big day, and make one star-earning purchase beforehand.

On your birthday, you’ll see a free drink, food item, or ready-to-drink bottled beverage to redeem that day.

Check out this Huge List of Birthday Freebies for more ideas!

One more way to get freebies

During the same in-store visit, you can get free refills of hot or iced brewed coffee and tea (excludes Cold Brew, Nitro, lemonades, and Refreshers base). Handy for work or study days.

Quick plan to score a free drink today:

1. Download the Starbucks app and join Rewards.
2. Load $10 to your Starbucks Card in-app so you earn 2 Stars/$1.
3. Bring a reusable cup for 10¢ off + Double Stars.
4. Open the Offers tab and activate any promos (and watch for Double Star Day).
5. Redeem smart: save 200 Stars for pricier handcrafted drinks, or use 100 Stars when you just want a brewed coffee or snack.

Deals and tiers can vary by store (especially inside grocery stores) and change over time, so always double check the app before you order.

FAQs (super quick)

What to Do Next

Ready to treat yourself? Download the Starbucks app, join Rewards, and start stacking Stars. Turn on notifications so you never miss a bonus offer!

    

My favorite vacuum is on sale today!

I ordered this vacuum during the holidays one year, when I found a great deal on it.

I’ve been so happy with it that I had to let you know when I found it on sale again today.

This Shark Navigator Lift-Away is on sale for $118 shipped today!

Regularly priced at $199, you will be saving almost 50% off with this special deal today.

This one is slightly different than the one that I got, since I got mine a few years ago now. But I’m sure it will work just as well as mine still does several years later.

Here’s why I love it so much:

• It is super lightweight.
• You can remove the base which makes it super easy to carry around.
• Vacuuming stairs is no longer a huge chore for me.

It has a setting on it that allows you to use the vacuum with the brush roller turned off.

No more needing to wrestle with the vacuum when I am trying to vacuum an area rug.

Grab your Shark vacuum on sale today almost half price here.

    

Looking for a simple way to get more value from everyday purchases? AARP just launched a fantastic offer that’s too good to pass up, even if you don’t fall into the 50+ crowd.

Right now, a full year of AARP membership is just $15, and as a bonus you’ll get a $5 gift card—your choice between Target or T.J.Maxx.

That works out to just $1.25 a month, and you’re instantly earning back a third of that investment with the gift card.

How to Get this Deal:

1. Go to the AARP page and pick the gift card you want.
2. Choose “Join” if you’re new, or “Renew” if you’re already a member.
3. Fill in your details—including selecting the one-year plan and agreeing to auto-renew (don’t worry, you can cancel later).
4. Complete payment ($15) and your digital gift card hits your inbox in 24-48 hours.

What really makes this deal smart is that it’s open to anyone age 18+, not just seniors.

Besides the gift card, membership comes with some impressive perks, such as:

• Discounts on travel, hotels, car rentals, and cruises
• Up to 15% off at restaurants like Outback, Jamba Juice, Moe’s, and more
• Savings on prescriptions, eyeglasses, gas, and everyday shopping
• Free subscription to AARP The Magazine, fraud protection tools, driver safety courses, travel guides, and more!

That $15 spend can stretch far beyond the FREE $5 gift card, especially if you take advantage of just one or two of those perks.

If you’ve ever wondered whether AARP could offer real value for you or your family this deal is a low‑risk way to find out.

Even if you only use the gift card and one or two of the discounts, you’re already getting your money’s worth.

Ready to snag the deal? Head over to AARP now to join for $15 and grab your free $5 gift card before it’s gone.

    

Valentine’s Day has a way of putting pressure on people. Everywhere you look, you see fancy dinners, expensive gifts, and the idea that love somehow has to come with a big price tag.

If you are trying to be mindful with money, that can make Valentine’s Day feel stressful instead of special.

But here is the thing. Some of the most meaningful Valentine’s Days have very little to do with money at all.

You do not have to spend a lot to make the day feel intentional, thoughtful, or memorable. Frugal does not have to feel cheap, and choosing simple does not mean settling.

These are realistic Valentine’s Day ideas that focus on connection and effort, not spending.

Why Frugal Valentine’s Day Ideas Can Still Feel Special

Often, what people remember most about Valentine’s Day is not what was bought, but how the day felt. Feeling seen. Feeling appreciated. Feeling connected.

When you remove the pressure to spend, you create space to slow down and actually enjoy each other. For many couples, that is what makes the day meaningful in the first place.

Have an At Home Date Night That Feels Intentional

Staying home is one of the easiest ways to save money on Valentine’s Day, but intention is what makes the difference.

An at home date night is not leftovers on the couch with phones in hand. It’s deciding ahead of time that this evening is going to be different from the rest of the week.

You might cook a favorite meal together or recreate something you normally order out. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a simple dinner can feel special if you sit down together and give it your attention.

Small touches matter more than people realize.

• Setting the table.
• Lighting a candle.
• Playing some music.
• Putting the phones away.

Those little choices send the message that this time matters.

Some of the best date nights happen at home because there is no rush and no distractions. It’s just time together without the noise.

We have lots of recipes you could try here.

Choose Experiences Instead of Gifts

Valentine’s Day does not need to be centered around gifts.

Shared experiences often mean more than physical things, especially when life already feels busy. Simple moments have a way of sticking with us longer.

• Go for a walk together
• Watch a favorite movie or an old favorite you both love
• Play a board game or card game
• Talk through memories from early in your relationship

Even looking through old photos or reminiscing about earlier seasons of your relationship can be incredibly meaningful.

These moments cost little or nothing, but they build connection, which is what Valentine’s Day is really about.

Write a Handwritten Note or Letter

If you only do one thing on this list, let it be this.

A handwritten note is one of the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts you can give, and it costs nothing.

Instead of buying a card with someone else’s words, write your own. It does not need to be long or perfectly written. It just needs to be honest.

Write about why you appreciate them. Mention specific qualities or moments. Say the things you might not always say out loud.

These are the kinds of things people keep and reread. Long after Valentine’s Day has passed, a handwritten note often means more than anything that came from a store.

Include One Simple Treat That Feels Thoughtful

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget does not mean skipping treats completely. It just means being intentional.

You might make dessert at home, bake something together, or prepare a favorite drink or coffee.

• Make dessert at home.
• Bake something together.
• Make a favorite drink or coffee.
• Share one special treat instead of buying multiple gifts.

The point is to slow down and enjoy something together.

Sometimes the simplest treats are the most memorable because they are shared.

Make the Day Feel Different From an Ordinary Day

This is where Valentine’s Day really stops feeling cheap.

What separates a regular day from a special one is intention.

That might mean dressing up a little, even if you are staying home. It might mean slowing the pace of the day or making space for conversation. Turning off distractions can go a long way toward making the day feel set apart.

Valentine’s Day does not need elaborate plans. It just needs a little thought.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a Budget Without Guilt

Choosing a simpler Valentine’s Day does not mean you are missing out.

In seasons when money is tight, low pressure and thoughtful celebrations often bring more peace than expensive ones. You can still honor your relationship without adding financial stress.

Frugal living is not about removing joy. It is about choosing what matters most.

Valentine’s Day Does Not Have to Be Expensive to Be Meaningful

Valentine’s Day does not have to cost a lot to feel special.

When you focus on being present, thoughtful, and intentional, the day naturally feels meaningful. Whether that looks like an at home date night, shared experiences, handwritten words, or a simple treat, the heart of Valentine’s Day stays the same.

Connection matters more than cost.

What is your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money?

    

If you have leftover corned beef and cabbage you might want to try out this quick and easy Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup!

We rarely have extra leftovers from our corned beef and cabbage dinner, but when we do this is the best recipe to repurpose that meal and make a new one that everyone will love.

It’s a hearty and comforting soup that uses leftover corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots, celery, and more.

This soup is loaded with flavor and a great way to make your leftovers taste like a brand new meal.

Also, make sure to check out my Instant Pot corned beef recipe. And don’t forget to have some sort of bread with this soup.

• Irish Soda Bread
• Rustic Dutch Oven Bread
• Homemade French Bread
• Crusty Homemade Bread
• Olive Garden Breadsticks
• Buttermilk Biscuits

You will get that fork-tender corned beef that melts in your mouth.

What Makes This Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup Different

This isn’t just a dump everything in a pot kind of soup. This recipe is designed to be:

• Perfect for leftover corned beef – no dry, chewy bites
• Brothy but hearty – not overly thick or bland
• Family-friendly – mild, comforting flavors (no overpowering cabbage smell)
• Flexible – easy to adapt based on what you have on hand

Instead of boiling everything until it falls apart, this method builds flavor slowly so the vegetables stay tender and the corned beef stays juicy. It’s cozy, filling, and tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup…

• This is a comfort-friendly soup that is loaded with flavor and a great way to utilize your leftover corned beef and cabbage dinner.
• Nutrient-rich and flavorful soup that is loaded with protein and nutrients to fuel your body.
• You will love this as dinner or an easy lunch recipe. Eat it alone, pair with a salad, or even a sandwich.
• This is a great soup for cold weather where you want to warm up from the inside out.

The Best Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup (From My Kitchen)

After making this soup many times, here are a few small things that make a big difference:

• Use broth, not water. Beef broth gives the soup depth without extra effort, plus it allows you to control the sodium levels even more.
• Sauté the vegetables first. This adds flavor before anything even simmers.
• Add the cabbage last. This keeps it tender instead of mushy.
• Simmer gently. A low simmer lets the flavors come together without breaking everything down.
• Taste before adding salt. Corned beef can be salty on its own.

If you want even richer flavor, let the soup simmer for an extra 10–15 minutes after everything is added. Just keep it gentle.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Corned Beef – You will use your leftover corned beef as the base of this soup. Make sure to chop it up into bite-size pieces.
• Cabbage – I did use the leftover cabbage for this soup. You will chop it up roughly into smaller pieces.
• Vegetables – Now for the soup I added other veggies into it. Garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. This is going to add tremendous flavor but also add tons of nutrients to the soup.
• Spices – Dried thyme and salt and pepper are what I used. You could also use bay leaves if you’d like to. You will find the corned beef has quite a bit of flavor due to the spices used when you cooked it.
• Oil – I did use a little olive oil for sauting the onions and garlic.
• Broth – You can use a chicken or beef broth for the base of the liquid. Or if you happened to save some of the liquid from when you cooked your corned beef you can use that as well.
• Water – Filtered water is recommended for this recipe. That way the water is flavorful and used to help add liquid to the soup without taking on more flavor.

How to Make

Here is a quick look at what you will need to make this corned beef soup recipe.

Full measurements of ingredients are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step 1: Start by getting a large pot and adding oil in it, and heat on the stove on medium heat.

Add the diced-up onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Next add in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes to help them soften up.

Step 3: Pour in the broth and water, and then add in the potatoes, thyme, and salt and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower the heat. Simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Stir in the corned beef and cabbage, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and ladle up into bowls and enjoy.

Variations To Recipe

• Vegetables – Add or take away vegetables of your choice. You can use any or all types of vegetables to mix in the soup. A lot of people really love adding leeks to their soup. Feel free to customize to your preference, or raid your pantry drawer and use up what you have.
• Bone Broth – Now if you want to add even more nutrients to the soup consider swapping broth with a bone broth. It will add more nutrients to the soup but also even more flavor.
• Beans – Consider adding some white beans to the soup for added fiber and protein. I like white navy beans, they are mild in flavor but will add a great texture to the soup.
• Cheese – Top your bowls of soup with a little grated parmesan for a tangy cheese to pair with the ingredients. I am a cheese lover so I find that parmesan is a great pairing in flavor.

Flavor Boosts & Serving Ideas

If you want to adjust the flavor or serve this soup in different ways, try one of these ideas:

• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving
• Brighten the broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• Serve with crusty bread or Irish soda bread for dipping
• Top with cracked black pepper or a small pat of butter for extra richness

This soup is simple, comforting, and very forgiving and perfect for using what you already have.

Helpful Tips for Success

• When adding the meat to the soup. Make sure to trim away any fat or tougher pieces of meat. That way you are only using quality meat for the soup.
• Make sure to saute your onions and other vegetables to help soften them. But also by sauteing it is going to increase the depth of flavor to the soup.
• When you are dicing up the vegetables and the meat make sure they are bite-size pieces. So you can get a spoonful of a variety of ingredients.
• You can add more herbs or spices if you want to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Skim the fat off the top of the surface of the soup, that way it removes any excess fat in the soup before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any of the soup you do not eat in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge.

Make sure that you watch the quality of the meat, especially if you’re using older meat. When in doubt always throw it out.

How to Freeze Leftover Soup

You can also freeze the soup if you would like.

Just place soup in a freezer container, then leave 1-2 inches at the top as it will expand as it freezes.

Freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or defrost straight from the freezer whenever you’re ready.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup FAQs

More Soup Recipes

If you liked this homemade soup recipe, you’ll love these ones too:

• Vegetable Beef Soup – this is a classic soup recipe that you can make in te slowcooker.
• Mushroom Soup – a thick and creamy mushroom soup that is bursting with flavor.
• Cheeseburger Soup – Instant Pot recipe that’s is so easy to make and tastes great too, along with some crackers or homemade buttermilk biscuits!
• Zuppa Toscana – this copycat soup recipe from Olive Garden is so fast and easy to make at home, you’ll never have to wait to go to the restaurant to enjoy it again.
• Chicken Noodle Soup – this is a classi recipe that you can make in just minutes!
• Southwestern Chicken Soup – bursting with a variety of flavors, textures, and colors, these soup bowls are so good..
• Creamy Tomato Soup – a simple way to make this classic tomato soup using your slowcooker.
• Split Pea and Ham Soup – the easiest recipe to make using you slowcooker to do the work for you.

Print

Cabbage and Corned Beef Soup

This hearty and comforting leftover corned beef and cabbage soup is a delicious way to repurpose St. Patrick’s Day leftovers. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and savory broth, it’s a flavorful and warming dish that’s perfect for chilly days and a delightful solution for utilizing leftover ingredients from your festive meal.

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword Cabbage, Corned beef, leftovers

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 1275kcal

Author Kristie Sawicki

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 carrots sliced
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth or reserved broth from cooking the corned beef
• 2 cups water
• 2 potatoes diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups leftover cooked cabbage chopped
• 2 cups leftover cooked corned beef diced

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Pour in the liquid (chicken broth, beef broth, or reserved cooking liquid) along with 2 cups of water. Add the diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
• Stir in the chopped leftover corned beef, cooked cabbage, and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Video

 

Nutrition

Calories: 1275kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 75g | Fat: 85g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 44g | Cholesterol: 256mg | Sodium: 9710mg | Potassium: 2453mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 32806IU | Vitamin C: 201mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 11mg