Coconut Coffee Is Back at 7-Eleven

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 2, 2020

Even if you can’t take a trip to a tropical location this summer you can still enjoy the taste from an island resort. 7-Eleven’s newest fresh-brewed hot beverage, tasty, toasty coconut coffee will make you feel like your toes are in the sand. Back by popular demand, limited-edition coconut coffee is a sweet, creamy coconutty concoction made with 100 percent Arabica beans.

Hurry into stores to get it soon because supplies are limited.

Participating 7-Eleven stores are offering seven free any size hot beverages and/or free any size fountain drinks per 7Rewards loyalty member through its 7-Eleven mobile app

If you have redeemed all seven cups you can purchase any size hot coffee for $1 or Big Gulp drink for 49 cents through 7Rewards for the rest of the summer.

Customers who have not already redeemed their seven free cups can try the tropical delight for free through Aug. 9.

“As more and more of us are dreaming of a trip to an exotic locale this year, it’s time to find other ways to treat ourselves,” said 7-Eleven Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Marissa Jarratt. “While we might not be saying ‘Aloha’ to the beach this summer, we can say ‘Mahalo’ for seven free cups of coconut coffee – one of many treats and drinks 7-Eleven customers can grab for a quick and delicious escape.”

For those who want to take it to the next level, 7-Eleven is offering a coffee hack that can only be found in-store. Just mix the coconut coffee with mocha latte to create a delicious coconut mocha. We like to call it the “Coco Loco Mocha.” It’s guaranteed to level up your morning!

And as the world continues to adjust to everyday life amid the pandemic, 7‑Eleven has enhanced its standards and procedures for hygiene, handwashing, sanitation, food handling and preparation in stores, including increased frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces. All store associates are encouraged to wear masks and gloves when serving customers.

Customers now have access to disposable gloves, tissues and sanitizer stations while shopping in stores. As an extra precaution to help reinforce physical distancing and safer transactions, 7‑Eleven has installed sneeze guards and visual floor markers at the front sales counter. In addition, 7‑Eleven continues to offer contactless payment at participating stores at the register with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

7Rewards is the popular proprietary loyalty program found in the 7-Eleven app, where customers can earn and redeem points on most purchases. That’s free stuff, people! Customers can also take advantage of offers, exclusive discounts and interactive features. The 7-Eleven app is available for download on smartphones via the Apple App Store or via Google Play.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: 7-Eleven

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7-Eleven Cancels In-Store Birthday Celebration

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 17, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 7‑Eleven, Inc. will not celebrate 7‑Eleven Day, better known as July 11 (7/11), in stores this year. Instead, the convenience retailer is giving a special birthday gift of one million meals to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country.

“At 7‑Eleven, our top priority is the safety of customers, Franchisees and employees,” said 7‑Eleven Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Marissa Jarratt. “Gathering nine million of our closest friends in stores on one day just didn’t feel right, but I am heartened that we now have the opportunity to help the communities and neighborhoods that have been the lifeline of our business since 1927.”

“The Feeding America network of food banks has been on the ground addressing the increased need in their communities,” said Lauren Biedron, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “We are thankful for 7‑Eleven’s generous donation during this challenging time for many of our neighbors in need.”

7‑Eleven is still giving away free Slurpee drinks this summer. On Jul. 1, 7Rewards loyalty app members will receive one free medium Slurpee coupon in their account. The personalized offer is redeemable the entire month of July, allowing customers the opportunity to treat themselves when it’s convenient for them, while practicing physical distancing in stores. As a bonus, 7Rewards loyalty app members will find offers on yummy foods and beverages, like a Big Bite Hot Dog for just $1, from Jul. 1 to Jul. 12.

If you’re skipping the store altogether, you can still find birthday-worthy delivery deals on the 7NOW delivery app. From Jul. 7 to Jul. 11, whole pizzas are only $5 and a free Slurpee drink is redeemable with your order.

“For nearly two decades, July 11th has been the busiest day of the year for 7‑Eleven stores as millions of customers visit us to kick off summer with their favorite frozen drink” said Jarratt. “But this year, we have to make changes for the greater good. I hope you’ll join us for the in-person party next year.”

As the world continues to reconfigure everyday life in response to the pandemic, 7‑Eleven has enhanced its standards and procedures for hygiene, handwashing, sanitation, food handling and preparation in stores, including increased frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces. All store associates are encouraged to wear masks and gloves when serving customers. Customers now have access to disposable gloves, tissues and sanitizer stations while shopping in stores.

As an extra precaution to help reinforce physical distancing and safer transactions, 7‑Eleven has installed sneeze guards and visual floor markers at the front sales counter. In addition, 7‑Eleven continues to offer contactless payment at participating stores at the register with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Remember to bring your 7Rewards member account to the party. It’s the proprietary loyalty program in the 7‑Eleven app that gives customers the power to earn and redeem points on most purchases, as well as take advantage of offers, exclusive discounts and interactive features. The 7‑Eleven app is available for download on smartphones via the Apple App Store or via Google Play.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

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Verizon Offers More Free Gaming Options Including Pokemon Go, Roblox and More

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 11, 2020

Playing video games is a great way to pass the time. Verizon expanded its free gaming options yesterday for customers through the More at Home…On Us program! Since March, gaming has increased as much as 75% on Verizon networks.

More at Home on Us is a program offering customers access to premium TV channels and new learning tools at no additional cost. Now, they are offering customers more entertaining ways to virtually connect and redeem offers to receive the following:

Pokémon GO: Since it recently updated its format to support players who can’t venture outside, players get a Premium Battle Pass, 65 PokéBalls and 2 Incense to aid in catching Pokémon and connect with other players from the comfort of home.
Roblox: On the global platform where millions gather daily, players get 500 Robux to upgrade their avatar or access special in-game abilities while they explore immersive, user-generated 3D worlds with their friends.
Sago Mini World: Parents can offer younger children access to hundreds of activities designed to help preschoolers develop creativity and other skills through guided play. Verizon customers can sign-up to get access to 35+ fun apps on the platform for 60 days on us.

Customers who sign-up for Verizon 5G Home service can separately get Google Stadia Premiere Edition, as available, including a Stadia Controller, a Google Chromecast Ultra and 3 months of Stadia Pro on Us. More details at verizon.com/5g/home.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: McKaela Lee on Unsplash

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PlayStation Announces “Play At Home” Initiative

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 15, 2020

Playing video games is a great way to pass the time while staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sony Interactive Entertainment recently announced the Play At Home Initiative. Sony is providing free games to keep the Playstation community entertained as well as establishing a fund to help smaller independent game studios who may be experiencing financial difficulties continue building great experiences for all gamers.

To support Play At Home, PlayStation is offering Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and Journey available for free for a limited time through digital downloads from Apr. 15 at 8 p.m. PT through May 5 at 8 p.m. PT. Once you redeem the games, they are yours to keep.

According to the PlayStation Blog, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a three-game collection from the masters at Naughty Dog including Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. Journey is a beautiful, celebrated adventure that is as moving as it is mysterious.

“People all over the world are doing the right thing by staying home to help contain the spread of COVID-19,” wrote Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan. “We are deeply grateful to everyone practicing physical distancing and take our responsibility as a home entertainment platform seriously, so we are asking our community to continue supporting the safe choice and the need to Play At Home.”

Sony Interactive Entertainment has also developed a fund to support independent developers during this time. More information about the fund, including participation criteria, will be made available soon.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PlayStation via YouTube

Chipotle Wants to Give You Free Burritos for Watching the NBA Finals

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 30, 2019

Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors are facing off against the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals, but it’s the fans watching at home that will be the real winners, thanks to Chipotle’s freeting giveaway. The restaurant chain plans to give away one million dollars worth of free burritos throughout the championship.

The games kick off Thur. May 30 and you’ll want to tune in to every game for your chance to win the “freeting” giveaway. So what does freeting mean, exactly?

🏀 We’re giving away up to $1,000,000 in burritos. 🏀 Every time the announcer says FREE we’ll tweet out a code for free burritos. 5/30, 9PM ET TERMS: https://t.co/02TnDtj9Jh #ChipotleFreeting

— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) May 29, 2019

Every time you hear the announcer say the word “free”—as in free-throw or free agent—Chipotle will tweet out a special code. Once you get the code you can text it to 888222 to get the instructions on how to redeem your free burrito.

Chipotle will also be offering free delivery throughout the games on orders of $10 or more so you don’t even have to leave the couch to score that freebie. Just throw on a few more burritos to your order and place it with DoorDash or through the Chipotle app.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

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Big Changes Are Coming to the Starbucks Rewards Program, with Tons More Freebies

by Erica LoopMarch 20, 2019

Changes are coming to the Starbucks Rewards program, so forget about everything you think you know—because as of Apr. 16, you’ll get the chance to experience Stars at Starbucks in a totally different way.

As of mid-April, the days of waiting until you reach you reach a specific level or status to reap the benefits of your rewards will go the way of the dinosaurs. With this new program, you’ll get the chance to start earning—and using your Stars—right away.

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How will the new rewards program work? First, make sure you’re signed up for Starbucks Rewards. You’ll get two Stars for every $1 spent. Look for other ways to earn, such as Double Star Days and more. You can redeem your Stars when you collect 25 of them, with new Star tiers that allow you to bank or spend as you please:

The 25-Star tier scores you a free extra espresso shot, dairy substitute, or additional flavor.
At 50 Stars you can get a brewed hot coffee, hot tea, or select bakery item.
The 150-Star freebies include handcrafted drinks, hot breakfast picks, and yogurt parfaits.
At 200 Stars you can choose from a lunch sandwich, protein box, or salad.
And at 400 Stars you can choose from select merchandise or packaged coffee!

Members also get free brewed hot coffee and tea refills as well as a free birthday treat. Starbucks Rewards Visa Credit and Prepaid members won’t need to worry about expiration dates anymore. (Stars for these members won’t expire.)

To join the new Starbucks Rewards program, sign up here online.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Starbucks

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Valentine’s Day Is Here for a Whole Month at Disneyland & Love Is in Bloom

by Karly WoodJanuary 28, 2019

If you’re headed to Southern California you’ll want to check out Valentine’s Day at Disneyland. From now until Feb. 18, the park is decked out in fun Valentines decor that celebrates Mickey and Minnie Mouse and of course, the day of love!

From the moment you enter the park, you’ll notice the heart decorations, flower “portrait,” perfect for that photo opp off Main Street U.S.A. and plenty of sweet treats. Did we also mention there’s a scavenger hunt?

Help the kids complete Minnie’s Valentine’s Surprise, a special scavenger hunt where guests help Mickey find hidden valentines throughout the park. All you have to do is purchase a commemorative map and stickers at select merchandise locations, find the secret valentines and then return your completed map to Disney Showcase to redeem a special Valentine’s surprise!

And of course, it wouldn’t be Valetine’s month at Disneyland without some sweet treats, like this adorable Minnie Mouse-inspired Specialty Funnel Cake, available at Stage Door Cafe at Disneyland Park.

Don’t forget to check out the seasonal entertainment, especially Get Your Ears On–A Mickey and Minnie Celebration. This show is all about celebrating the 90-year legacy of our favorite mouse couple, Disney style.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

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Disney World’s New Pass Gets You into the Parks for Just $85 a Day

by Karly WoodJanuary 20, 2019

Get ready to book your epic 2019 vacation and take advantage of the new Walt Disney World 4-Park Magic Value Ticket. As of Jan. 18, 2019, guests can purchase this special ticket that allows you to visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks for as little as $85 a day!

The 4-Park Magic Value Ticket is good for one admission to each park, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. You can only enter each theme park one time, once per day—and it doesn’t include activities or events. Despite the restrictions, we are totally on board with an $85 per day ticket!

Source: Thomas Kelly via Unsplash

Ticket prices vary for kids and adults, with children paying $80 per day and adults at the $85 price point. When you do the math, that’s about $320 to $340 total for a family of four (plus tax). In order to purchase the Magic Value Ticket, your trip must be taken between Jan. 18 and Mar. 1, 2019 and the ticket must be used within seven days of the first use (or by Mar. 1).

If those dates don’t work for you, there are some other money-saving options out there. Spring, late summer and early fall tickets range from $84 to $89 per day and share the same restriction of using the ticket within seven days of the first use. You can book your trip during these dates to save big:

Jan. 18 to Mar. 14
Mar. 27 to Apr. 9
Apr. 27 to May 27
Aug. 19 to Sep. 30

If you’d prefer to visit during the popular summer months (all of June, July and August), you can snag tickets ranging in price from $90 to $95 per day, plus tax. Use those tickets within seven days and be sure to redeem anytime from Apr. 27 through Sep. 30.

––Karly Wood

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LEGO Is Giving Away Tickets to “The LEGO Movie 2” But Only to Loyal Fans

by Erica LoopJanuary 18, 2019

The LEGO Movie taught us everything is awesome. Things are about to get a whole lot more awesome now that you can get free tickets to The LEGO Movie 2. We’ve got all the deets on how to score yours.

For a limited time, LEGO is giving away free tickets to see The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part when it comes to theaters next month—but only to its most loyal brick-head fans. That’s right: we’re talking LEGO VIPs.

How does this whole free tickets thing work? This amazing promo is only available to LEGO VIP customers, an exclusive points and rewards program for only the most die-hard LEGO fans—and those who love things like early access and special offers.

If you’re not part of the club, it’s free to join and just takes a couple of minutes to register online. After becoming a member (or if you already are), you’ll need to purchase at least $60 worth of qualifying The LEGO Movie 2 building sets between now and Jan. 15. And don’t forget to save your receipts—you’ll need them.

Here’s the tricky part: you’ll need to wait 21 days to claim your offer. Visit vipexclusiveoffer.com, upload your receipts, fill out the required info to get a Fandango Promo Code; you’ll receive the actual code within five business days. You have 14 days from the time you receive the email containing your code to click on the link and redeem it for two free tickets. Tickets are valid until Mar. 31, 2019.

For complete details, check out the LEGO VIP website.

—Erica Loop

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Plan a Family Date Night Dining with Little Diner’s Crew

by Maria ChambersJanuary 10, 2019

Moms and dads rejoice! We’re here to save you (and your kids!) from the standard kid’s meals and uninspired and unhealthy menu choices. Created by Chicago parents for Chicago parents, Little Diner’s Crew will soon become your go-to for a family date night out grabbing grub. Read on to learn how they got started, their mission and how you can snag a spot at the table. Grab your bibs and read on!

photo: Nicole De Khors

How did Little Diner’s Crew get its start?
Driven by a passion for experiencing restaurants that expose them to new flavors using quality ingredients, husband and wife duo D.C. and Alayna Crenshaw created Little Diner’s Crew. The stimulus for the concept was a desire to share their love of food exploration with their two boys, after a brief stint on the dreaded mac-n-cheese and chicken tender circuit.

What is the goal of Little Diner’s Crew?
The mission of LDC is 3 fold. They want to provide kids the opportunity to try new foods from around the globe, give chefs a forum to educate kids about the food they eat, where it comes from and how it’s prepared and, lastly, they want to bring families together to enjoy a unique dining experience.

photo: Little Diner’s Crew

What are the membership details?
There are several membership options, all of which include a passport that allows members to document their culinary journey and access to free appreciation events and tastings. Passports can also be used to redeem LDC perks at participating restaurants and partners.

Members will receive email alerts about free tastings, discounts and invites to openings from partner restaurants as part of the LDC Perks. You will also enjoy non-food perks such as family events, services and products.

Annual Eat Membership: $95/year per child, does not include cost of meals

Monthly Travel Membership: $9.99/month per child, does not include cost of meals

Explore All Access Membership: $29.95/month per child, includes cost of meals, additional exclusive Explore Member events, 1 complimentary child guest at an event per quarter

Family Membership: $150/month for 2 adults and 2 kids, includes cost of meals and exclusive Family Membership events.

photo: Little Diner’s Crew

Walk me through the event, please!
First of all, it’s important to note that LDC events start promptly. So, be sure to plan ahead so you can arrive on time—no small task for parents, we know! A different restaurant will be featured each gathering and have included such notables as Carnivale, Naoki Sushi, Riva and RPM. When you arrive, you’ll check in with an LDC rep and have your passport stamped. The dining experience will include either the Chef, GM or owner discussing different aspects of the restaurant’s history, menu and cuisine. The menu for kids and adults is exactly the same, but the portions are smaller for the kids. Also important to know, kids dine alone with their peers, while parents enjoy adult time nearby.

How old do my kids have to be to join the Crew?
LDC is best suited for kids ages 4-12 and their hungry chauffeurs (a.k.a. parents).

How do we stay looped in on events?
Good question! Be sure to keep tabs on their website to get the 411.

— Maria Chambers

Photos courtesy of Little Diner’s Crew

ML Interest Tag: redeem

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