Kicking the Habit - Drive Thru That Is

   

I have kicked the habit. Drive thru habit that is. About a month ago I decided my morning drive, after completing the drop off, should not include the daily stop at my favorite drive thru coffee shop. To be honest I was beginning to feel like a junkie, feeling out of sorts until the said coffee was delivered into my hands. To some this may not seem BIG however to my wallet it is. $3.85 x 30 roughly equates to 1/3 of the price of Kumon classes or one new pair of shoes, I was literally drinking away education and accessories  . I must say I did not do this for reasons attached to poor service or poor product but rather it started as a challenge to myself to put more time back into my day, which surprisingly adds up to 18 to 20 minutes on average which is a bit amazing as the coffee shop is only 1.25 miles from the house. Given that gas prices are now hovering close to $4.00 and the cost of everything has risen this definitely adds more punch to the money I am saving. My favorite coffee drinks are no longer a necessity for me but a treat. Preparing my morning jolt at home has become ritualistic and soothing, while classical music plays in the background the steam leaves my Espresso Pot (which lovingly takes only the space of a stove top burner), I froth a bit of milk add the two Splendas and relish in the idea that at home I too can be a Barista. I would love to hear about what items you have taken out of your day to add more time and money to your life.

Comments

[Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur]

Though I don't drink coffee. I love the smell of it. It must be wonderful to be able to smell it freshly brewing in your own sweet kitchen. Good for you!

xx Nancy

[Maija Lepore]

Yummm....I have an afternoon ritual- at about 3, just before my boys get home from school, I have a pack of G7 coffee. It's an instant coffee already with cream and sugar, made in Vietnam and available at the local oriental store. I'm an addict and it's about 13 cents a cup!

[tina]

hey girlie!! Well at least you are drinking it from a Starbucks cup right?

[ruth rae]

I was trying yo blog just now and chose to see what was going on in your part of blogland...

you have put a morning smile on my face... just thinking about shoe shoping!!!

I am with Maija, I do my coffee crave around 3 and its the folgers french vanilla instant cappuccino.

[artgirlatl]

I agree. I'd rather keep the cash have a cup of Joe in cafe de home! Take care.

[Jonna]

I don't do coffee...but am a TV addict...and have been playing with the idea of getting rid of our cable to spend more art time. Course it hasn't happened yet. You have inspired me to 'think about' it more....:)

[sarah fishburn]

TOTALLY open to suggestions here at my house; not sure what I can do away with as not one thing seems luxurious. Maybe email?
But it already suffers from my neglect. Reading blogs? I am already down to just checking 2 per day (you got clicked on today). Help!!!
xxo
sarah

[sarah fishburn]

PS And I really DO *need* some new shoes. . .

[Karen Cole]

I think I will say "sleep". I have not slept for a week. Too many things going on. However, I wasn't buying shoes. Junking was on my list.

We missed you.

[inge Bekaert]

I quit watching TV for a long while now. I didn't get rid of it because my daughter still loves to watch TV, so we don't save money here.
She does ask after digital television and because we watch so little TV, we tell her the time we do watch television doesn't weight up to the extra cost. ( so, I do save some money...)
The extra time I saved by watching no TV is huge ! I spent this time following bookbinding courses on monday and tuesdayevening, reading blogs , create... so this IS my biggest saving !

greetings
Inge

PS : In Belgium we can make delicious coffee at house with a "senseo" machine.
I don't know if it's available in America, but if you can find it, buy it !
Never making a huge pot of coffee to throw the half away because it doesn't taste good anymore : just one cup of delicious coffee, instantly made the minute you want it !