• get a free medium McCafe’ brewed ice coffee (with purchase of any large breakfast or regular menu sandwich)
• get a free medium McCafe’ iced mocha (with the purchase of any large breakfast or regular menu sandwich)
• buy any McCafe’ coffee and get a free McCafe’ coffee
• buy any breakfast sandwich and get a free breakfast sandwich
• buy any breakfast sandwich and get a free breakfast sandwich
• buy any large regular menu sandwich and get a free large regular menu sandwich

Sorry, but some papers do not carry the Redplum coupon section.  Image from McDonald’s.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Millstone is a popular coffee. I like that you can buy it by the pound. I don’t brew a lot of coffee, so I like that I can purchase 1/4 lb if I choose.  It also allows me to try different flavors and bean types without feeling stuck with a whole pound of something (if I don’t like it).  The problem I have with Millstone is that I find it to be incredibly bitter.  I have yet to find a Millstone flavor that I really like.  Any suggestions?

The Juan Valdez coffee is a more affordable option.  The price is pretty good and we’ve heard the Juan Valdez name for years, but I have never tried their coffee.  If anyone has tried it, please let me know what you think of it.

A few months ago, Wal-Mart began carrying a less expensive by-the-pound coffee.  At $6.54/lb, Veneto’s is an affordable alternative to Millstone.  I found that Veneto’s has a similar taste to Millstone.

A few other coffees I have tried are Folgers, Maxwell House, and Starbucks.  Folgers is ok, Maxwell House seems to taste good for a few days and then loose its intensity, and I have yet to find a Starbucks flavor that I enjoy.  They’re too strong, too bitter, or something just isn’t right.  I don’t mean to be so picky, but if I’m going to have coffee I want it to taste right.  Know what I mean?

I was getting very frustrated at my coffee experiences and so I asked my friend Marye at Kettle & Cup which coffee she recommended.  Her top recommendation was Ugly Joe’s.  I was giving thought to trying Ugly Joe’s (and still am), but then I came across Caribou Coffee while I was shopping at Target. 

I probably wouldn’t have bought the Caribou Coffee, but it was 50% off.  The $4 price tag made it hard to pass up, plus I had tried the Caribou Coffee granola bars before and they were quite tasty.  I decided to give it a try and got the Sumatra blend.  Let me just say, I am pretty happy with this purchase.  It is creamy and not bitter and the earthy taste is delicious.  I don’t know that I have found the “perfect coffee” for my personal taste, but this is pretty close. 

Some of you may have no problem drinking inexpensive coffee such as Maxwell House, Folgers, or S&D.  Unfortunately, I have developed a preference for a certain taste.  In areas such as this, it is difficult to use coupons and buy whichever brand is the cheapest.  It is, however, thrifty to find something that you like and not waste hard earned money searching for something that meets your preferences.

If you enjoyed this article you may also enjoy 20 Ways to Save on Coffee. 

Which coffees are your favorite?

Disclaimer:  These thoughts are only opinions and should be treated as such.Images 1-3 by Karen Weideman.  Image 4 from Caribou Coffee. 

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

“Dunkin’ Donuts admires and respects the commitment of veterans who have given selflessly to their country and we are proud to play an active role in helping them rebuild their lives,” said Steve Caldeira, Chief Global Communications & Public Affairs Officer for Dunkin’ Brands.  “We hope our involvement will inspire our customers to sign up to become Homes for Our Troops volunteers and join our effort to help these brave men and women live the rest of their lives to the fullest.”

Dunkin’ Donuts is also launching a nationwide call to recruit one million new volunteers to support Homes for Our Troops’ efforts. The first 200 people to sign up as volunteers will receive free Dunkin’ coffee for one month. 

For more information or to volunteer, visit dunkindonuts.com/icedcoffeeday.

Also, Thrifty Mommy has iced coffee recipes, compliments of Dunkin’ Donuts. 

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Monday happens.  And when it does, head into Caribou Coffee. Every Monday, get a medium cup of Caribou Blend coffee for just $1.  Happy Monday from Caribou Coffee. 

Also, Caribou Coffee offers free wireless internet at their locations.  Find a location near you.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

We received two free iced mocha lattés.  There were no strings attached and no purchase required.  The cashier said that the promotion should go on for a few more weeks.  You may want to call your local Sonic to see if they’re participating. 

Good luck and let me know if you get some free drinks. 

image from sonic

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf celebrates Valentine’s Day with a buy one get one free promotion.  Buy one Caramel Mocha Bliss Ice Blended® or Latte drink and get one free.  The offer is good Saturday, February 14, 4-8 pm.  To redeem this offer, consumers must mention the secret code “I Love Coffee Bean” to the barista.

Have you found any other Valentine freebies?

image from coffee bean & tea leaf

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Don’t know where to volunteer? On the 21st, Starbucks can connect you with some local opportunities.  Sign up at pledge5.starbucks.com.

 image from pledge5.starbucks.com

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1)  Brew your own coffee.  Uh huh.  Cut out the expensive $5 trips to Starbucks. 

2)  Look online for recipes.  You may think that you can’t make coffee like the pros, but you can.  It’s really not that hard.  You just need the right ingredients.  Thrifty Mommy has some coffee recipes from Dunkin’ Donuts.

3)  Splurge on the more expensive syrups.  If you buy the cheap, nasty tasting syrups, then you’re not going to be motivated to make your own.  Some coffee shops sell the same syrups that they use.

4)  Use coupons to purchase coffee beans and grounds.  Some coffee manufacturer’s put coupons in the Sunday paper.  Otherwise, check online at their website and sign up for their promotions and newsletters.  When all else fails, call the company and ask for the coupons.

5)  Look at the warehouse clubs for discounted rates on beans. 

6)  Check local papers, freecycle, and the internet for equipment. Coffee equipment can be very expensive.  Check around and compare prices, equipment quality, look for sales, etc.  I am thankful that we found a display model espresso machine for $20!  It brews coffee and espresso and has a frother.

7)  Store coffee properly.  Only buy what you can use within a short amount of time.  Some people say to only buy what you can use in a week.  I can keep mine for several more weeks just by storing it in an airtight container.  You might even consider vacuum sealing the beans.

8)  Buy beans instead of grounds.  Grounds lose their flavor quicker than beans.  This year I purchased a coffee grinder and started buying beans.  The flavor is so much better.

9)  Keep your coffee pot clean.  A dirty pot might alter the taste of your coffee a bit.  And since we’re being honest here, I just have to say that I have a hard time drinking coffee from a public coffee pot.  I’m referring to the ones at the mechanic shop or in the lounge at school.  It just has a weird smell to it.  Ick!

10)  Buy a reusable coffee filter.  Coffee filters don’t cost much money, but if you brew coffee every day, then it won’t take long for the reusable filter to pay for itself.  I purchased one a few months ago for about $5.  Besides, it helps to keep paper from being thrown away.

11)  Don’t give up easily.  Sometimes it takes several times to get a drink just right.  It may take some time, but the savings are worth the effort.

And for those of you that just need to have a special coffee fix . . .

12)  Ask for samples.  A few weeks ago, I was in Starbucks week with Kelly and the manager offered us some samples of coffee.  I had no idea that coffee shops offered samples.  I’m so glad I got a sample though because I learned the coffee of the day was yucky!

13)  Talk to the workers.  Say, “What was that you just put in there?”  Sometimes you’d be surprised at the info they’ll give you.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, then pay close attention when they’re making your coffee.  You should be able to pick up a few tips during each visit.

14)  Look for promotional days.  The coffee place I visit has offers each day of the week.  One day they offer $1 off espressos, another day $1 smoothies.  Treat yourself on the day that they have the special on the item that you want.

15)  Get a frequent visitor card.  Some places have a special punch card.  Some may say buy 8 and get 1 free.  Check to see.

16)  Weigh your options.  If you have to buy the frequent purchase card, then make sure the money saved outweighs the price of the card.

17)  Set a coffee budget.  Some of you may be very good at cutting back on all your expenses and coffee is your splurge item.  That’s ok, but you need to have a budget.  Whether it’s $5 a month or $20 a month, you need to have a budget and stick to it.  Otherwise, you might just find your car magically veering into the coffee shop parking lot.

18)  Cut back on your portions.  Yes you want the vente size, but the smaller size will give you the kick you need.  Plus, it’s less calories.

19)  Try something different.  I heard someone say that they started saving themselves $1 per cup by ordering 2-3 shots of espresso rather than an ice latte.  She just adds the free milk that they offer at the counter.  You could also try ordering a less expensive drink every now and then.  You might just discover something that you like better than your usual.

20)  Tell friends, family members, and co-workers about your love of coffee.  When Christmas rolls around, you might just start getting coffee baskets or gift cards.  And by all means, if they ask what to get you then tell them!

Do you have some money saving tips to add to this list?

image: morguefile

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

All beverages can be garnished with whipped cream or topping of choice.

Very Merry Berry

3/4 oz Sweetened Raspberry Syrup (found at local retailer)
8 oz double brewed Dunkin’ Donuts coffee
1 oz of cream
1 tbs sugar
3/4 cup frozen mixed berries

Peanut Butter Bomb

8 oz double brewed Dunkin’ Donuts coffee
1 regular scoop of vanilla ice cream (1/2 cup)
2 tbs caramel syrup
1 tbsp of creamy peanut butter
1 tbs of chocolate syrup

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass over ice.

Almond Joyish

8 oz double brewed Dunkin’ Donuts coffee
1 regular scoop of vanilla ice cream (1/2 cup)
1 tbs sugar
2 tbs pina colada mix or coconut cream
2 tbs chocolate syrup

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass over ice.

Iced Chocolate Vanilla Cappuccino

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar syrup
1 1/4 cup Dunkin’ Donuts espresso (Customize with chocolate and French-vanilla flavor shots or use 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.)

Bring water to a boil. Boil one minute and stir to completely dissolve sugar. Set aside to cool.  Measure and combine sugar syrup and espresso.  Place in flat bottom baking pan and place in freezer.  Whisk every 20 minutes until frozen – color will lighten and texture will become “icy”.  When firm, whisk and allow to freeze overnight.  To serve:  scoop into oversized cappuccino mug and serve with foamed skim milk.

Let me know how these turn out for you.  They sound so yummy!!!! 

[image and recipe use granted to Thrifty Mommy by Dunkin' Donuts]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

During the hours of 7 am-10:30 am, McD’s is giving away the chicken biscuits. During the hours of 10:30 am-7 pm, they will giving away the chicken sandwiches. Don’t forget, you need to purchase a drink to get this sandwich for free. The sandwich usually costs about $2.79, so although you have to purchase something it seems to be a worthwhile deal.

Don’t forget about the free Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee that is also on May 15. No purchase is necessary to receive the free coffee.

Do you have any freebies to share?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy