Happy Friday everyone! This month we have been talking about ways to create a well rounded healthy and happy lifestyle for the new year, and how to achieve that lifestyle and not just make empty resolutions (that you will give up by the time February rolls around). One of the things I haven’t really talked about yet is my goal to start taking  my finances seriously and really grow my savings for the future. There have been many ways I have been trying to achieve this goal like eating out less, utilizing the Level Money App I spoke about in a previous post, and spending a little less money at coffee shops.

Now don’t get me wrong I love a good coffee shop. I have already spoke about a couple in past posts and have a ton more I want to share with you, but my goal is to save those coffee shop runs for the weekend.. almost like an end of the week treat. So today I am here to talk to you about a couple ways to make an awesome cup of coffee right at home!

1 Reusable Coffee Pod for Keurig. This is something I have been LOVING lately. I have been buying ground coffee beans from my favorite coffee shops and using the reusable coffee pod to brew quality coffee quickly and conveniently. The ground coffee is still cheaper than a box of k cups and is much cheaper than buying a coffee everyday. This is perfect for when I am running out the door before work.

2 French Press. Oh the french press.. I love you. When I allot myself a little more time in the morning I will use a french press to brew my morning coffee. The whole experience is calming to me and really ups my morning game. First pour the grounds into the french press. Add in the boiling water and stir. Let the coffee and the water steep for four minutes. After four minutes press the plunger down, pour yourself a cup, and enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Macy’s

3 Pour Over. Different variations of home brewing coffee are becoming increasingly popular, but none as popular as the pour over method. Most specifically the use of a Chemex coffee maker. Chemex is a beautiful one-piece hourglass shaped vessel, made of high quality, heat-resistant glass that ranges in size. You begin by putting a paper cone on top of the Chemex. Place the grounds in the cone and add enough boiling water to coat the grounds. Let it sit for a couple seconds. Continue pouring more boiling water until the coffee begins to drip through the cone. This whole process usually takes about three minutes. This method gives you control over the water flow and produces a cleaner taste.I am looking forward to testing this method out some more.

Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel 

Another thing I have been loving? Substituting milk for coconut creamer. I buy mine at Trader Joes and it adds a great flavor to my coffee.

What is your favorite way to get your coffee fix?

xx Casey