Hi, my name is Leigh, and I'm an addict.

I wouldn't use AA terminology if it wasn't serious. So don't get all "angsty" with me because I'm making light of addictions. (More on being blunt and speaking one's mind later).

Seriously though, I have a problem. I'm one of those "can't open my eyes fully until I've had the time to process at least one large cup of coffee" types. Hell, I can sleep like a baby right after consuming a triple shot espresso after dinner. It's at that level, my friends. So, it is with utmost respect that I address the issue of caffeine fixes and how best to get them.

Starbucks vs. Home-brewed Coffee

I used to be a purist. If I couldn't make it to Starbucks in the morning I would grind up (always keep your beans whole until the moment before you need them ground to brew a batch of coffee... it keeps them fresher!) some beans from Starbucks -extra bold if you please- to tide me over until I could make it to Starbucks.

I'll let you in on a secret. I rarely go to Starbucks anymore, and I'm quite a bit richer for it. In fact, I stopped buying Starbucks beans, now I buy my coffee beans in bulk from (drum-roll please) COSTCO. I know, I know... Some purist I am, but hear me out. The bold Costa Rican blend is rich and flavorful. I bought my first bag of Costco Coffee Beans as sort of a trial run meets knee jerk reaction to seeing 2 lbs of coffee beans for $6 (that's less than 1/4 of the price of Starbucks, for those of you keeping track). Not to mention, now I can have my coffee the way God intended for me to have it... disheveled in appearance, in my jammies, pre-bathing ritual (I used to fall asleep in the shower from lack of caffeine) and before I apply my make-up. I tell you, the pros outweigh the cons by a whole heck of a lot in my book!

In summary, here are the reasons to make your own coffee as opposed to visiting Starbucks for your caffeine needs:

1) Save money

2) Luxury to actually wake up before having to get gussied up to leave home and only to travel to your nearest Starbucks.

3) Save time

4) Save face (that is if you're one of those people [ahem, my male compatriots] who are ever so slightly embarrassed to go in to Starbucks everyday and order a half caf soy bean vanilla latte, hold the foam extra hot with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon...) Just buy some soy milk, a can of whipped cream, some cinnamon and some vanilla syrup and never have to say all that nonsense in front of perfect strangers again!

P.S. According to my calculations, the fixings you'll need to make that irresistible half caf soy bean vanilla BS will cost about $12-$15 and last you a few months as opposed to the $5 dollars a day you currently spend on that "coffee."

~And I'm out. Cheers to being blunt, by the by.