Homeware Essentials: How to Choose a Coffee Machine

Tea and coffee are the drinks of choice for many people today. Traditionally, coffee was made from granules, although in recent years, coffee machines have become more popular in Britain, and for a good reason. Coffee machines simply make a better cup of coffee. However, with so many models on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. This is why we have put together the following guide; keep reading to learn more. 

Cafetiere/French Press

A cafetiere, or French press as it is sometimes known, is one of the simplest coffee machines. It is a glass jug with an inbuilt wire mesh that works as a plunger. Allow the coffee to brew for a few minutes before using the plunger to catch the grinds. They are relatively cheap and easy to use too. They are compatible with any ground coffee. 

Capsule Coffee Machines

These are arguably the most popular form of coffee machines. They use disposable capsules or pods to create the coffee. It tends to be one pod per cup. They are really user-friendly and convenient to use. The brand of the machine will limit your choice in capsule. There are pod recycling schemes which lessen the environmental impact of these machines. Luckily, OnBuy has a huge range of coffee-making machines, which includes a number of the make and models listed above. So be sure to check them out.

Coffee Filter Machines

A coffee filter machine works by allowing hot water to drip slowly through ground coffee into a jug or a cup below. Depending on the size of the machine, it can make large quantities of coffee too. They are perhaps more ideal for those who want to drink coffee regularly throughout the day or in a house where there are several coffee drinkers. There is a range of models which hit all price points, and they again are compatible with any ground coffee.

Percolators

Percolators work similarly to coffee filter machines, although in the opposite way. The water is pushed up through a tube to brew the coffee in a jug above the water tank. They are also traditionally used on a hob, although you can find electric models. Percolators cannot keep the coffee hot for a long time, and they also may overflow. They do make a great cup of coffee, but they tend to be quite strong. They again range in price and can be used with any ground coffee.

Espresso Machines

In essence, espresso machines are essentially smaller versions of the machines that baristas in coffee shops use. Depending on the model, they may also have a number of other features to explore, like milk frothers and different settings too. They can be tricky to master, and depending on the model; they may require a bean grinder. Some of the models are on the more expensive side, but you can still find affordable options. The type of coffee required would depend on the machine and whether you need ground or whole beans. 

How to Choose?

Your choice will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the size of your household, how much time you have and what type of coffee you prefer. This is why doing research is key. You might even want to consider the aesthetics of your home and which machine will go best with your kitchen and general interior design style. 

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Opening In Columbia This Summer

Columbia will soon be home to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea at 1002 Park St. in the Empire building, near the University of South Carolina campus. The 1,895-square-foot café is set to open this summer and will offer a globally-inspired menu featuring premium coffees, teas, pastries, sandwiches, salads and more.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea to offer a destination for students and faculty at USC this Summer

Franchise owner, Greg Dodd, is excited to bring Sweetwaters’ unique atmosphere and quality ingredients to downtown Columbia. “Our global and Asian influence sets us apart. We have many beverages that aren’t found at your average coffee shop,” says Dodd. “We’re looking forward to becoming the go-to destination for college students, faculty and the greater downtown community.”

The Sweetwaters brand focuses on strong community engagement, such as hosting events for local clubs and student organizations and partnering with nonprofits, making it a perfect fit for the Vista location.

The Sweetwaters menu includes signature drinks such as the Dragon Eye, French Vietnamese au Lait, Napali Brew, Thai Iced Tea, and Red Moon coffee.

The grand opening will include numerous community events and week-long promotions that will be announced on Sweetwaters website and Facebook page. The Columbia Sweetwaters location is one of more than 100 expected to open across the country. 

What is the Difference Between Organic, Fair Trade, and Direct Coffee?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with 1 in every 2 Americans over the age of 18 report consuming coffee each day.

Of course, as any coffee consumer knows, not all coffee is created equal. The Keurig K-cups you purchase at your local store tastes drastically different than the premium coffee you can enjoy at your favorite coffee shop.

The type of coffee beans, the location where the beans were harvested, and even roast date all play an important role in the quality and taste of your coffee.

For example, Tradecraft suggests using coffee beans no more than three weeks after they are harvested to get the most out of the coffee.

While the quality of the ingredients of your coffee is a big part of the final result, the type of coffee you consume is also a crucial factor to consider.

In this brief guide, we’ll be exploring the differences between organic, fair trade, and direct coffee.

Organic Coffee

An increasingly popular type of coffee to consume, coffee that is labeled organic must meet a certain standard of guidelines.

While the requirements can differ slightly depending on various country regulations, organic coffee uses coffee beans where the beans are grown in organic conditions. Organic coffee is produced without any chemicals -- like pesticides.

Because of the unique standards in which the coffee must be produced, organic coffee often costs more than non-organic. Many health-conscious coffee drinkers believe the alleged health benefits and improved taste are worth the price premium.

Fair Trade Coffee

Fairtrade International is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that corporations and producers of common goods are able to establish a mutually beneficial and ethical relationship with their production partners. 

Coffee produced under the Fair Trade USA label requires that the farmers, importers, and exporters all operate within a set standard of rules, with the intention of promoting equality and growth for everyone involved in the coffee production process.

Fair trade coffee is considered to be one of the more ethically sourced types of coffee as it prohibits its partners to use child and forced labor. Additionally, producers who have a Fair Trade certificate must pay their workers a fair and living wage as well as commit to healthy and ethical business practices. 

If you’re looking to consume coffee that is ethically sourced, fair trade coffee is a great option to consider.

Direct Trade Coffee

Unlike fair trade coffee, which operates under a single organization, direct trade coffee involves coffee production where the coffee roasters and coffee producers have a direct, ideally mutually beneficial relationship. Direct trade coffee is not overseen by any one person or organization.

Because the distributors work directly with the coffee farmers, they are often able to have a more significant say in the quality and price of coffee beans in which they purchase.

The direct relationship also allows distributors to offer a higher price to the farmers for their coffee beans than when additional importers and exporters are involved. Direct trade coffee is also often beneficial for the farmers as they can invest their higher profits into building a sustainable coffee production farm.

Though there are many other types of coffee other than what we explored today, understanding the difference between organic, fair trade, and direct trade coffee can help you decide which types of coffee you feel good about investing in.

Espresso vs. Drip Coffee

How do you like your morning coffee? Some people opt for a latte whereas some go for a cup of Americano to wake them up. When it comes to coffee, there’s drip coffee and then there’s espresso. They’re both made from coffee and are similar in appearance— so, what’s the difference between the two?

Pour Over or Press?

Drip coffee is made by pouring boiling water on top of the coffee grind, letting the flavor seep in as it makes its way to the bottom of the cup. A filter is required to make drip coffee, which separated the coffee grind from the cup.

This brewing method is perfect for preserving the flavors and aroma of the coffee grind. So, if you’re into a strong and bold flavored cup of joe, then drip coffee is your best bet.

Espresso, on the other hand, is made by pressing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This is also known as “pulling a shot” since espresso is served in ‘shots’ which measures 1 ounce each.

Textures Matter

Drip coffee has a coarser grind compared to espresso. The textured grounds make for a fresh and flavorful brew. It is recommended that medium grind should be used for drip coffee.

Espresso is often made with a smoother and fine ground. The finer the ground is, the better the espresso. However, grounds that are too fine can actually clog the brewing process. So, it’s wise to aim between small and medium grounds when making an espresso.

The folks at Coffee In My Veins made this infographic which has more information on the difference between espresso and drip coffee. Check it out below.

Infographic: The Difference Between Espresso and Drip Coffee

Courtesy of: Coffee in My Veins

Cinnabon Introduces Cold Brew Iced Coffees

Coffee lovers can enjoy the velvety smoothness of cold brew with the indulgently satisfying flavors only experienced at Cinnabon. 

Cinnabon®, the brand that set the bar with fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, today announced the debut of hand-crafted Cinnabon Cold Brew Iced Coffees. These refreshing new beverages are available in three indulgent flavors reminiscent of the irresistible aroma guests crave:  Signature Cinnamon Roll, Vanilla and Salted Caramel. The cold brew process creates a perfectly balanced and distinctively smooth cup of coffee, providing a delicious on-the go treat enjoyed on its own or paired with any Cinnabon baked good.

Cold Brew Iced Coffee is steeped over time versus roasted, which delivers over 60% less acidity than traditionally brewed coffee and iced coffee. This method provides the desired boost of caffeine with a naturally smoother and sweet profile; the perfect base for the delicious flavors offered at Cinnabon. With spicy hints of cinnamon and creamy traces of the brand's beloved cream cheese frosting, The Signature Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew provides the irresistible Cinnabon experience in a cup. The seasonal Salted Caramel flavor is ideal for guests looking for their favorite sweet and salty fix, and Vanilla adds a classic, subtle sweetness popular among coffee lovers.

"Our new Cold Brew Iced Coffee is so over the top delicious, we know our guests will see this as another reason why they can't resist the temptation of Cinnabon," said Jill Thomas, vice president of global marketing. "With additional beverage innovations to come later this year, we're excited to offer a one-stop destination for out-of-this-world premium drinks to pair perfectly with our world famous cinnamon rolls."

Cinnabon Cold Brew Iced Coffees are now available in 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes for the suggested retail price of $2.99 and $3.39, respectively. For the perfect pairing, fans can top any size bon with a creamy caramel drizzle and a salty toffee crunch for an additional $0.50!

For more details on the new Cold Brew offerings and to stay connected to all things Cinnabon, follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram at @Cinnabon, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cinnabon, follow on Snapchat at TheRealCinnabon, or visit Cinnabon.com

Find Out Why Circle K's Simply Great Coffee Will Make You Ditch Your Barista

CLOSED- Winner is Shayla D

Today's conversation is sponsored by Circle K, and all opinions are my own. 

National Coffee Day is September 29th, and I want to let you know the scoop on where you can get some GREAT coffee without the big price tag. Introducing Circle K's Simply Great Coffee. The name truly says it all! You can get a coffeehouse quality coffee beverage without the long wait in line, or the interaction with a barista. This is especially great for those who prefer less people-ing.

The Simply Great Coffee line of specialty coffees includes: espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano, mochaccino and hot chocolate- All under $3!  They are all prepared with freshly ground beans and fresh milk. 

• Small (12 oz.): $2.29
• Medium (16 oz.): $2.69
• Large (20 oz.): $2.99
• Espresso (2 oz.): $1.29

Their state-of-the-art machines are quite impressive and what you might find in fancy coffee shops, except you can have your coffee in-hand in under a minute. It's very user friendly and the coffee is fantastic! I tried the americano and it's very smooth with no bitterness or cheap aftertaste. They have a full bar complete with any sweeteners or creamers you might want to add. I don't think I have ever been in that well-known, overpriced coffee shop and made it in and out in less than 3 minutes. 

To celebrate the launch, Circle K will serve free 12-ounce cups of Simply Great Coffee beverages from 6 to 8 a.m. during the first two weeks of October. You can follow along on the Circle K Southeast Facebook page to learn which stores will offer free samples each day. That would be perfect on the way to the carpool line for drop off or before heading into work. Who doesn't love FREE coffee?! 

Would you like to try out Circle K's Simply Great Coffee for yourself? Enter below to win a $25 Visa gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) so you can taste why it is called Simply Great Coffee. 

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Be sure to connect with Circle K Southeast on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and promotions.

Can A Person Die From Too Much Caffeine?

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class last month, according to the county coroner. Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks -- a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink -- in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26, Watts said. (Source: CNN) So where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

"Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee," says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He adds that, “the limit varies from person to person.” It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based on age, medical history, and tolerance. However, there is enough research available to make a recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in some of these common drinks:

Starbucks Coffee (16 fl oz): 320 mg caffeine
5-hour energy (1.93 fl oz): 207 mg caffeine
Dunkin Donuts regular (16 fl oz): 203 mg caffeine
Starbucks Latte (16 fl oz): 150 mg caffeine
Coffee, brewed (8 fl oz): 133 mg caffeine
Red Bull Energy Shot (2 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine
Red Bull (8 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine
Tea (8 fl oz): 53 mg caffeine

But how, exactly, can the world's most popular drug kill?

Like other stimulants, caffeine raises blood pressure, boosts heart rate and temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Dr. Calapai explains that, “In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem. Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.”

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect sensitivity to caffeine. “If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Calapai.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness
Increased heartbeat
Nausea
Anxiety
Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)
Insomnia
Sweating
Dizziness
Vomiting
Cardiac arrest

This guest article is from: Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham's, Donal Logue; he was a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Natural stimulants: How to Feel Alert and Fabulous sans Coffee

The mere mention of the word “coffee” is enough to jolt me awake. Just kidding! How I wish that’s for real, but here I am sipping my third cup. I must admit that there were nights when I lose sleep thinking over how I can ditch my caffeine habit. I drink more coffee as I haven’t slept much the night before. Then the next day I’ll be too sleepy, so I’ll bring crank up my coffee just a bit. The cycle goes on and it’s so pathetic! Sounds like you?

Caffeine Junkie Anonymous

Coffee is life. You are not your usual self until you gulped your morning cup. But what if you are taking in too much? How will you know that you are suffering from caffeine addiction? Your coffee habit is ruining your life if you were having bouts of insomnia, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headaches and occasional migraines.

You have already built-up caffeine tolerance, so there is days when you’ll reach for your third, fourth or fifth cup. You are rushing the day, but there are just moments when you are feeling so tired. You might have already tried other caffeine-containing beverages such as energy drinks and cocktails. You even tried to cut back your coffee intake, only to get attacked by a headache the next hour. Sounds like an addict in coffee withdrawal? Since this is also my dilemma, let me share how I worked around my caffeine habit.

Natural Ways to Feel Awake without Coffee

Addiction treatment experts might say that the first step to healing is admitting that you have a problem. OK, you are hooked on caffeine, so it’s not that big of a problem, you are right. Our “addiction” is not as severe as say, drugs or alcohol or sex but hey, it’s still addiction! Our chronic caffeine habit will put us at a greater risk of having brittle bones and heart disease later in life. We must cut back on coffee before it’s too late. How?

1. Plan and sleep
It’s possible to plan your day so you can have more sleep hours. There are days when I just go bum all day only to hurry up and finish my to-do at night. It’s not healthy. It’s super stressful. Don’t cram your activities; instead, plan it. Coffee might make you work fast, but it won’t help if you are inefficient. Plan your day, maximize your hours and get some sleep.

2. Drink water
Before you go about and reach for another cup, drink first at least two large glasses of water. Why water you might ask? Well, you are feeling sleepy but it might also because you are dehydrated. Clogged body equals to fuzzy brain. Drink water to flush out all those toxins. Don’t drink soda as caffeine is usually included on most sodas. Your brain is made of 73-77% water so just a glass of water every two hours during working hours is enough to keep you on your toes and awake.

3. Eat green
Meat can weigh you down. Meat can make you sleepy and less attentive. If you are particular about your brain health, I suggest that you go vegan. If that is not possible, set aside a few days as no-meat days. Eat light, don’t stuff yourself too much. Eat in such a way that you are neither feeling full or hungry. Minimize sugar intake as it can only make you crash and burn in a few hours. Eat a light lunch and munch on small snacks such as apples, nuts, carrots, celery, sweet potato and salad.

4. Drink tea
If you can’t take coffee, go for green tea instead. Green tea has natural caffeine that can make you calm and awake. Tea is effective in keeping you focused without tiring you out.

5. Buy a small cup
The best way to cut back on caffeine intake is to buy a small mug. Water down your coffee gradually and use sugar sparingly. This is also the reason why fitness experts may sometimes advise us to eat meals on a smaller plate.

6. Keep calm
Maintaining ideal temperature can significantly affect an individual’s performance. The summer heat can make us feel sleepy so better invest in a good air conditioner. Turn on the lights and crank up your AC for the sake of productivity.

7. Take small breaks
Stretch your muscles throughout the day. Walk around the office after every hour of intense computer activity. Chew gum during your most sleepy time of the day. Do some jumping jack and jog in place. If you are barely holding up your eyelids, walk a bit around the office. You can also do some eye exercises to keep your eyes awake and alert.

8. Listen to music
An excellent way to keep your blood pumping is the listen to some upbeat music. Avoid sweet songs as they can just lull you to sleep.

Conclusion
If you find yourself reaching for coffee throughout your working day and if you use coffee to feel motivated, then you have a problem. If the challenges of your work are not enough to keep you awake daily, then you don’t need a cup but rather a new job!

Thanks to Sarah M. for this guest article

FREE Peet's Coffee on Veteran's Day

Peet’s Coffee is offering complementary drip coffee or tea to Armed Services Veterans and Active Military on Veteran's Day, November 11th at all of its 200+ locations nationwide. For a list of store locations, visit here.

Plus, now through Nov. 17, customers can choose to donate coffee to Operation Gratitude to include in care packages to active U.S. military. For every 1 lb. of coffee donated, Peet’s will also make a $5 monetary donation (up to $35,000) to Operation Gratitude.

Green Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags

It’s easy to think of your coffee grounds and tea bags as mere tools with which to brew a little pick-me-up. However, they can both be much more. Once your cup is empty of your favorite hot beverage, you can reuse the grounds and leaves in an environmentally friendly manner. Here are 10 ways to give them a second life.

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Remove Odors From Skin
Cooking foods with strong odors doesn’t mean you’re destined to wear them afterwards. Rub your hands with leaves or grounds to freshen your skin before rinsing them with soap and water

Brighten Up Wood
Boil 2 to 3 tea bags in a quart of water to create a green cleaning product for your wood floors and furniture, which will also brighten and leave a shine. Traditional teas (as opposed to the herbal variety) are best to ensure tannins are present. Be sure the wood is darker than the tea to avoid staining.

Deter Uninvited Garden Guests
Your coffeemaker grounds can keep your garden free of ants and other pests. They can also be extremely helpful in keeping the neighborhood cats from turning your beloved oasis into a litter box. Sprinkling only a few tablespoons of grounds near each plant will deter felines.

Deep Clean Dishes
Your pots and pans can be cleaned without the use of harsh abrasives or synthetic chemicals. Instead, use the natural abrasion offered by grounds. If the dish needs to soak, place a tea bag or two into the warm water to allow tannins to break down stubborn residue.

Compost for Plants
Both types of grounds offer nourishment to plants that live indoors as well as those outside. For plants such as roses, strawberries and tomatoes that prefer a more acidic fertilizer, use the remnants from your coffeemaker. For less acidic-loving plants such as lilacs, succulents and geraniums, use the tea.

Pedi Pleaser
Take a few of your used tea bags and steep them in warm water for a good foot soak the next time you give yourself a pedicure. The antibacterial properties of the tea assist in removing odors while cleaning and brightening up the skin.

Fridge Freshener
Place grounds in an open container and place in your refrigerator to add an aromatic scent while deodorizing and freshening the area.

DIY Dye
Whether you are looking to dye eggs, paper, clothing or even your hair, you can steep grounds in hot water to create an earth-friendly dye. Strain the liquid when you have achieved the desired color and leave to cool.

Home Facial
For a light exfoliator and skin brightener, create a facial scrub by mixing grounds with honey or avocado. Reduce puffy eyes by placing two cooled, used tea bags over your eyes for about 10 minutes.

Eco-Friendly Shoe Shine
Once you’ve steeped your brew, rub the damp tea bag over the surface of your dark-colored dress shoes to clean and moisturize.

National Coffee Day: 9 Places to Find Complimentary Caffeine

Check out these 9 offers from chain and regional restaurants, and be sure to visit your local coffee shops for potential deals.

Dunkin' Donuts
Try the donut chain's new Dark Roast Coffee (medium cup) for free when you visit your local store.

Krispy Kreme
If you like your coffee black, Krispy Kreme is offering a free 12 oz. cup of their House, Decaf and Dark Roast coffees today. Those with more of a sweet tooth can enjoy a 12 oz. Mocha, Latte or iced coffee for $1 and participating locations.

McDonald's
The Golden Arches have been celebrating free coffee since Sept. 16 with its Free Coffee Event. Today is your last opportunity to score a free small McCafe during breakfast hours at participating restaurants.

LaMar's Donuts
Pick up a free 12 oz. coffee from participating locations of LaMar's Donuts today. Good luck avoiding their tasty assortment of confections!

Peet's Coffee & Tea
Bring a friend to participating locations of Peet's Coffee & Tea and enjoy a BOGO promotion in honor of National Coffee Day. Buy one drink, get the second one of equal or lesser value free (excluding juice and bottled beverages).

Caribou Coffee
Today, enjoy free samples of Amy's Blend coffee, a roast dedicated to a former barista who lost her battle with breast cancer. Through Oct. 31, 10-percent of Amy's Blend purchases will be donated to CancerCare, an organization that helps support cancer patients and their families.

Tim Hortons
The iconic Canadian coffee chain is offering any size Regular or Dark Roast coffee for $1 (go ahead, get the biggest size). This offer is not valid at Buffalo, NY locations or at Presque Isle, Maine locations, where patrons will receive a medium Dark Roast coffee for $1.

Kangaroo Express
Southeastern U.S. dwellers can pick up a 12 oz. bag of Bean Street Coffee for just $0.01 between 6 a.m. and and 10 a.m. today.

The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.
With locations along the east coast and one lone restaurant in Los Angeles, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is offering a free coffee with entree purchase today.

Information provided by CouponSherpa.com

Life is Good Coffee Review & Giveaway (2 winners) CLOSED

CLOSED-- Winners are Atasha M and Sharon H. Congratulations! 

Every single morning, I start my day with coffee. Even if I only have one cup, it is a must-have. I was so happy to receive 3 of the new coffees from Life is Good. Just the name alone makes me feel lively. Life is Good coffee comes in 5 delicious flavors--Light Hearted, Happy Medium, Dark & Daring, Banana Bread Bliss and S'more to Love. They are UTZ Certified for sustainable farming and 10% of net profits go to helping kids in need. How can you not feel good about that? 

The 3 flavors I received to try are: Happy Medium, S'more to Love and Dark & Daring. I let my hubby pick which flavor we would try first. We went with Happy Medium. We are big fans of a medium roast and this one was really good! It is the perfect well-balanced blend, very smooth yet rich at the same time. We plan to try the S'more to Love flavor this weekend. It sounds amazing!

Check out the website for coffee specials. You can also see if there are any stores in your area that carry it. I am so happy that my local Publix supermarket carries Life is Good coffee. I even saw them on sale last week. Be sure to connect to Life is Good on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. 

I am so thrilled to offer a giveaway for two lucky Mom Files readers to win 3 bags of Life is Good Coffee each. Enter below:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on April 17, 2014. Two winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. *Prizes may vary. Good luck!

I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are mine as always. 

How I maximize my coffee budget and still have the perfect cup each day

I love a really good, rich cup of coffee. I only require one cup a day and I get tired of the same old brand sometimes. I am a coffee snob and stay away from the low-end bargain brands. They lack the strength and flavor I require.  The whole 'use a tablespoon per 6 ounces of water' is a joke. I am more of a use 1/2 cup per 6 ounces (no lie!) As much as I love the premium brands, I can't always justify the cost. I finally found a way to get around that and not sacrifice the quality or taste. Lately I have been shopping for premium, traditional ground coffee that is on sale and try to match it up with coupons. I also purchase an espresso ground coffee that I always find on sale at Publix. They tend to always have a brand for under $3. I usually buy Cafe Bustelo, Pilon or La Llave.

What I do is mix both varieties in my regular drip coffee maker. The fact that The espresso grind is more concentrated and rich, makes me have to use less of my more expensive premium coffee.

The result is a dark, strong and rich cup of coffee every time. I have been doing this for months and even my husband noticed how good our coffee is. We are so spoiled that we have to bring coffee from home when we travel. I totally recommend this method of coffee making for those who crave the richness of Starbucks but have Walmart pockets.

The Poor Man's Keurig

For 3 years now I have bugged  nicely asked my husband for a Keurig coffee brewer. Being the frugal man he is, he reminds me of my old school Black & Decker Cup-at-a-Time coffee maker. He's like why spend $80-$100 when you already have the original version? You know what? He is so right. I bought this gadget about 12 years ago for about $15 at Walmart. I have even purchased additional ones as gifts.

Strangely enough it has hung in there after numerous uses, and even traveling on road trips, being used in the office at work and of course at home. It still makes a steaming hot cup of strong coffee. I can use any ground coffee I want and don't have to purchase the little pods and I can brew to my desired strength. I don't think one little K-cup would work for a gal like me. I am used to drinking coffee as strong as motor oil!  I guess it really makes sense after all to stick with my old school machine. I haven't seen these brewers around in some time but if I do, I might need to purchase it as back-up! 

WTH? Wednesday | Coffee

Today's gripe is about coffee prices. Let me start out by saying that I am a coffee snob. I only like a couple brands and although I try others for the sake of saving a couple bucks, I end up regretting it. So I stick to my fancy coffee brands. My main coffee that I love comes in bigger bags at Walmart so I go there twice a month for it. It used to be $9.98 then $10.98, $11.98 (last week) and it is now a whopping $13.98!! WTH??!! There is no way I am spending that much. I know that everything has gone up price-wise but this seemed to be a bit too much. I looked around at other brands and I was floored to see even the cheaper ones were very expensive. What to do? Stop drinking it? We tried that before and failed miserably. I spotted an old school favorite that we used to drink exclusively in our Miami days.

Good old fashioned Cafe Bustelo. It was $3.88 a can. Hmm...$13.98 or $3.88? Yeah, Cafe Bustelo won the price battle. I told Dwayne he better get used to a couple espresso shots each morning. When I told him the cost difference he was completely with me. I even broke out my old stove-top espresso pot. Nothing like jet fuel to start your day! Y'all know Dwayne is going to get me for the product advertising!! Shh, don't tell on me! :D

If you have any WTH moments please share them in the comments!

Dr. Drip Coffee review

I recently tried the neatest portable "coffee maker" that is called Dr. Drip Coffee. Each serving size comes individually packaged and contains actual ground coffee~ NOT instant. How does it work you ask? You take the Dr. Drip pack and tear the top off. You then place in on top of you mug as pictured below.


Next, you slowly pour hot water into the top opening. The good thing about it is you can brew it to your liking. More water for a lighter brew and less water for a stronger brew. I personally like mine strong so I opted for less water. I tried the Ultimate Pick-me up and boy did it do just that! Maybe I should not have been drinking coffee after 4:00 since I could not go to sleep that night. It tasted just like drip coffee and nothing like instant. That was a plus for me. Dr. Drip Coffee comes in 4 varieties: The Organic Tonic, The Double Daily Remedy, The Ultimate Pick-me-up and The Decaf Energizer.



I love the idea of having a freshly brewed cup of coffee that I can make myself over going to a coffee shop. Dr. Drip Coffee is a great idea to have at work since it is a sanitary choice and of course a way less expensive way to have a good cup of coffee without paying the coffee-house price. This would also be a great choice for travel, especially if you go camping often. You can buy Dr. Dip Coffee here and you can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

I received product samples for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always.

I almost quit

I have been contemplating it for some time. I kept saying that I will give it another shot.

Day after day it was the same old thing. I wanted something better, fresher, richer, newer, more decadent. Decisions... decisions.

Well I have made up my mind. I'm not leaving you, not now and maybe not ever. Sorry I even entertained the idea of getting rid of you.