A Frugal Luxury
Author: Frank Yaconis
Author: Frank Yaconis
Tough times mean tough choices on how to spend money, but one simple, but frugal luxury people refuse to give up is a good cup of coffee.
While sales of car and homes have plummeted the past few years, people have refused to give up the simple luxuries in life like a good book, a good bottle of wine and a good cup of coffee.
Coffee is actually one of the easiest and most affordable luxuries to hold onto. Just because you are giving up your $4 daily latte, doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to a delicious coffee. In fact, if you know where to look, you can buy superior coffee beans online for less than you can at the local International Coffee Superstore. For instance, you can buy world-renowned Kona coffee beans for a lot less.
Just because you are foregoing the coffee shop, doesn't mean you should forego the taste.
You can often brew a better cup of coffee or make a better latte at home. It doesn't take a lot of money, either. You can buy a French Press for about $20 and heat up some milk on the stove at home.
Of course, buying a superior coffee bean is crucial. Otherwise it doesn't matter what kind of coffee maker you have, it isn't going to taste good and you will be disappointed.
Also, for a few dollars buy yourself a really great coffee mug, one that makes you happy every time you use it or else a big bowl, like they do in France. French people become so attached to their coffee bowl (they use the same one every morning) that they will often keep it after it is chipped and cracked.
French children begin the tradition early with smaller bowls with handles that they sip their hot chocolate in. And let's face it, when it comes to appreciating the small pleasures and luxuries in life, the French and Italians have it hands down.
So pour your caf au lait in a European style bowl, grab the newspaper and enjoy!
Also, when you are not spending $20 a week on coffee in a paper cup, you can afford to stop at a European style caf one or two days a week and sip your coffee while socializing with a friend. Because you don't do it every day, it will feel like a true luxury, so make sure you take your time and enjoy it. Forget the big super chain coffee shops and find a neighborhood caf with locals. It is all about the people and the ambience.
Even when you are trying to save money, it is a good idea to have these little moments of splurging. It makes your frugality more bearable and it will allow you to stay motivated to save money. If you completely cut out all the pleasures in your life, then it really isn't worth it. In addition, the odds of you sticking to your budget decrease when you are miserable.About the Author:
Frank Yaconis has been a coffee connoisseur for the past 20 years. He has spent the past few years spreading the word about the world's
best gourmet coffee, grown on the slopes of two active volcanoes in the tropical Hawaiian paradise known as the Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii. He wants to share his love of this
wholesale gourmet coffee with everyone.
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