With my [1] Starbucks coffee drinking “addiction”, I figured that I spend at least $25-30 a week on “freshly made in-the-store” coffee. That averages out to approx. $1200 a year just on the darn Venti (Large) Mocha Coffee. That is also not including the cakes/pastries and my wife’s tea/coffee purchases in the store too. So in total, I’m spending in excess of $2000 a year on just Starbucks alone. (Can I put that down on my taxes?)

I know, I should be much smarter than that. Well, I finally came to my senses and did get a new coffee maker yesterday. My wife went to the store to get a recommended coffee flavor by [2] Seattle’s Best called [3] Javanilla. This may sound funny but it was my first time making coffee myself ever! I did set up the coffee maker last night, and turned on the automatic timer to coincide with my wife getting up in the morning. I even went out to buy a Starbucks coffee mug which “looked” like a venti coffee paper cup to appease myself. ;-)

The verdict: Coffee was a little too strong (even though I followed the instructions). Sorry wife, if you are bouncing off the walls in class today and have the extreme caffeine jitters. I did make it again later in the afternoon and halved my coffee portion which made it perfect. I guess one learns from past “mistakes”. I am happy that I’ll save myself at least $1200 and more from not spending time at Starbucks as much. Next step, try the Starbucks brands.

Happy Labor day weekend!