Get out of that coffee rut

I love coffee, so I was surprised that the thought of grinding the beans this morning brought a heavy sigh and a plan to drive by a Starbucks instead.

When coffee becomes a habit, rather than a joy, it's time to make a change. Not away from coffee, but back to the coffee experience that you love.

I made a mental list of things I really enjoy about coffee, then came up with a quick list of dos and don'ts.

When you feel the coffee rut, don't

• work while you drink it
• settle for the cheapest beans
• use your normal coffee maker
• have the same old same old
• order drip
• get it to go
• have it in the car
• drink it at your desk
• have it in a paper cup
• drink through a lid

Instead of your normal, do

• use a cup, saucer, and spoon (clink clink)
• try a French press
• steam or froth your milk
• sit outside
• sit on the couch
• go to a diner
• order an Americano instead of drip
• go light
• have espresso
• drink it on a walk
• give the machine a thorough cleaning
• instead of pouring your own milk, order a café au lait
• go dark
• use better beans

Enjoy coffee again...