The Best Juicy Frugal Tips Starting with Coffee

Maybe it's because I live in Louisiana.  This part of the country drips with warm weather, great food and drink, and a constant stream of live music. 

And we share some of the same European "squeeze the juice out of every moment" daily lifestyle habits.  Like the love of coffee.  

Coffee consumption is a $4-6 per day habit in my house, even when I make most of it at home. 

Some say cut it out of your budget, it's a waste.   I say that's ridiculous.   In fact, I propose that you cut something else out of the budget just to keep coffee in! 

Why?  

1) It's good for your health (and this is from the people and research at Harvard, mon ami). 

2)  It's one of the best inexpensive ways to add a frugal juiciness to every day of your life.   

3) The Belgians love coffee so much that they serve chocolate with every cup -- free of charge.   If you want to immerse yourself in the Belgian way, check out this blogger's post  about the Belgian café society.     "Drinking good coffee is a spiritual experience..."    Just reading the post made me happy! 

Other ways to enhance your daily coffee: 

1)  Using a French press when you have time.  Above is a photo of mine with a French Press next to a beautiful bone china coffee cup I use in my home.  Nope, I don't make any money from Mr. Coffee recommending this French press.  I started with a Bodum press, but I like my Mr. Coffee better.    Here is a nice visual tutorial if you are interested. 

2)  Use your best coffee cups.  Enjoy the ceramic or china in your life.  The coffee cup in my photo is pure bone china featuring tiny flowers and berries.  

Coffee Service at Luke's

3) The retail shop Tuesday Morning has a deal on European coffees pre-ground that are around $6.00 for 12 ounces.  Trader Joe's coffee is also about .50 per pound.  Community Coffee, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of my favorites, of course. 

4) And you can order coffee instead of alcohol at any of the bars.  Pictured below is a service at the bar within Luke's on St. Charles Avenue in the downtown area of New Orleans.  The casual brassier dining pub has some of the best coffee service.  An inexpensive and somewhat sober way to really enjoy the city.  

How do you take your coffee? Cafe Au Lait?  Or just black?