Oh my gourd! 🎃

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the pumpkin-spice aficionados are perched on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved latte. Rumor has it, the coveted concoction will grace the Starbucks menu on August 22 this year, but let’s spill the beans: the pumpkin-spice parade has already kicked off!

Competitors like Dunkin’ have been dippin’ their toes into the pumpkin pond even earlier, with last year’s pumpkin-spice offerings popping up a week before Starbucks. And if that’s not enough to make your cup runneth over, consider this: some companies, like Danone, are pushing the pumpkin envelope to the extreme, rolling out their spiced selections as early as July 1. Yes, you read that right – pumpkin-spice season is now a pre-Independence Day event!

School’s in, wallets out

Ah, the back-to-school season: a time when marketers’ palms get sweaty, knees feel weak, arms are heavy, as they brainstorm how to woo the wallets of weary parents. This year, it’s like a game of retail roulette, with consumer spending tighter than a pair of skinny jeans from 2010. Brands are pulling out all the stops, hoping to be the cool kid in the commercial cafeteria.

So, as the season rolls in, let’s give a standing ovation to the marketers and brands putting in the extra credit to make this academic year’s shopping spree one for the history books. Or at least, one that doesn’t end up in detention for overspending.

Just chill, ’til the next episode 🛋️📺

If you haven’t been tuned in to #FollowtheDogg in Paris, you’re missing out! Snoop Dogg’s laid back, good humored Olympic ambassadorship is what we all needed. From old school rapper to America’s grandpa, Snoop reminded us all that bearing the torch is a symbol of peace and he became our athletes’ biggest fan, cheering them on alongside their families. Great moves, Snoop! 

PepperPick

Speaking of horses, it’s race month in Saratoga Springs and we can’t wait to eat and drink our way through this charming upstate New York enclave. Hit Morrisey’s at the Adelphi Hotel for the best espresso tini we’ve ever had, Hattie’s for brunch (get the fried chicken!) and Hamlet & Ghost for the unmatched double cheeseburger with melted onions. Wish us luck betting the ponies and maybe we’ll see you at one of our fave spots! 🍸🐎🍔