I'm all about coffee. I often justify a $5 coffee simply because it's the highlight of the day...(until happy hour). BUT sometimes I know it's just ridiculous to drop cash on the oh-so-awesome liquid lifesavers.

SO, here's how I sometimes cheat on the "man" (starbucks...definitely the "man".)

1. DRIVE THRU AT MCDONALD's- ORGANIC newman's own iced coffe, monster-sized large with hazelnut: $2.59.

2. ICED AMERICANO, with room for cream- Here you're paying for espresso and ice. Then, use the free counter canister to add milk. It'll save you a buck and it's like a latte.

3. BREW a pot at home, add sugar while warm... PUT IN THE FRIDGE- This makes last minutes caffeine refills and on-the-go cups much more readily available and tasty!

4.  BUY SYRUPS- if you just need that extra gourmet kick, buy a bottle of vanilla flavor - or whatever kind makes you feel like you're living the life. You can buy syrups at a discount at TJ MAXX.

5. ORDER black coffee (WAY CHEAPER than a latte) and add flavor to the old fashioned joe. You'll save like $2...

6. BUY BOXED chai and make your own. They taste good and for the cost of one latte, you can have one every day of the week.

AND THAT, my friends, is how dustbunny gets her buzz on a budget... :)