Java, cup of Joe, mocha, espresso – no matter the preference of flavors, if taken black or with cream, caffeine addicts everywhere rejoice at the site, smell, and taste of coffee. I can’t start my day without a cup of hot, fresh coffee. Each morning at 6 AM, the programmable pot begins to brew before I even get out of bed, casting the sweetest smells into our whole house. I love making the most of money when it comes to this, my favorite beverage. Plus, coffee is useful in more ways than one and you can use it to improve your home while keeping you awake.
1. Lose the Pods
Individual serving pod-styled brewing systems have grown by leaps and bounds in popularity over the last few years. While incredibly convenient, these pots are expensive as are the one-time use single serving coffee “cups.” Opt instead for a more traditional coffee pot and brew smaller portions for yourself.
2. Clean Out Your Pot
If you use your coffee pot on a daily basis, more than likely, you need to show it a little love. Run one part white vinegar and three parts water through a regular brewing cycle and wait fifteen minutes. Pour the solution down your drain (bonus, it will more than likely clear the drain, too) and then run a second course through with just water. Again, allow to stand for fifteen minutes and then discard. You might see the remains scaly deposits in the water which if allowed to clog the brewing system both affect taste and efficiency. Make this practice a monthly routine to extend the life of the machine and increase the quality of your coffee.
3. Freeze the Leftovers
Don’t waste the last little bit of coffee that remains in the pot each morning. You can freeze the remainder in a regular ice cube tray. Whether you choose to make an iced coffee drink or even a smoothie (Dark Chocolate banana coffee smothies with protein powder are my favorite!), you’ll have a quick and easy beverage option later in the day or week.
4. Use the Grounds
Be sure you aren’t just tossing the leftover grounds in the trash. We typically toss our coffee grounds into our open-air compost bin but you can also add them straight to the soil of your garden or flowerbeds. Over time, the coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil, repel pests and attract earthworms. If you have a large plot to tend, check with your local coffee shop to see if you can collect their mass quantity of leftovers. Even large chains often allow customers to have the grounds for free.
5. Freshen the Air
Struggling with a musty smell in your car or home? Coffee beans and dried out coffee grounds can also make a fantastic air freshener, neutralizing and absorbing unwanted aromas. Simply open a can in an enclosed space over night and allow the java to work its non-brewing magic. Or, add beans or completely dried out grounds (if they have any moisture, they might mold and create a new odor) to a cut off pair of pantyhose, creating caffeine infused potpourri.
6. Buy in Bulk & Roast Your Own
Love a high quality of coffee but don’t want to pay top dollar? You might want to try buying in bulk and then roasting your own. It’s not as complicated as you might think and Sweet Maria’s lines out the process for you. Dig out an old air popper, order one on Amazon (here’s a great air popper for only $16), or purchase a used model at a yard sale. Then, purchase unroasted beans, and follow the straightforward instructions. You’ll be an aficionado before you know it!
7. Use Rewards Apps
While we almost always brew coffee at home, sometimes what I term a “fancy lady coffee drink” is a fun splurge. Whether it’s Starbucks or your favorite fast food joint, be sure to look for coupons and rewards programs to maximize your caffeine habit. I love the new change Starbucks Rewards are making to help customers collect more “stars” more quickly. You can find all of the details for this program at Starbucks Rewards including how to get rewards for coffee purchased from the aisles of your grocery store or by using the mobile app to order before you go into your neighborhood location. Other restaurants and coffee shops offer free or reduced rates for senior citizens on weekly schedule. Don’t forget to scan the ads that come in your newspaper or weekly flyers for coupons, too. There’s no reason to pay full price for coffee.
From the steam rising from my mug to pleasantly bitter flavor, I’ll be a lover of coffee until the end of my life. New research proves that taken black, coffee can fight diabetes, Parkinson’s, and liver disease, making it both a healthy and affordable beverage choice. Make the most of your money and coffee to keep your wallet and your mornings happy.
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Keep an eye out for Groupon deals for Starbucks. Multiple times a year they post pay $10 for a $15 gift card. Depending on what you drink, that’s a grande latte free! And you can use ebates and get more back from the transaction.
Great Tip!