Winter solstice has already past, and you know what that means. The days are going to get longer. To stay on your game throughout the daylight hours, you’re going to need coffee to be your perky best friend.

You can make coffee more than just a jumpstart—you can make every cup a small, special occasion. According to a study done in 2011 by the National Coffee Association, 54% of adults ages 25-39 drink coffee on a daily basis, and 37% of total coffee consumed is gourmet. Coffee is important, and people want to experience the best. Yet, the idea of getting gourmet coffee every day in this economy is almost a catch-22. Not everyone has the time or the money to spend going to a coffee shop and getting a cup before the day starts.

Fortunately, this is a pretty easy fix. Lots of coffee-lovers use coffee pods for the days when they feel like enjoying their favorite hot beverage in their own home. A coffee pod is kind of what it sounds like—coffee beans prepackaged in their own little filter pod.

It’s a perfect way to enjoy almost any occasion—whether you’re enjoying your daily dose of joe before work, or winding down over dessert. They’re also simple to use: You just place the pod in the machine, add water, and make sure that your mug is in place.

Coffee pods come in a wide variety of flavors, so you’re bound to find a favorite. You can customize your coffee anyway you want. After all, at home you are the barista. You can add however much sugar or whatever kind of creamer you like without the question—"You want that in that!?"

So with a small coffee pod corner in your kitchen, you have the taste of gourmet coffee shop right in your own home. Perhaps the greatest perk of all is that you know that you can always enjoy a cup of coffee no matter what time of day or night!

About the Author

R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, food and beverage, financial services, and manufacturing industries. She lives in New Jersey with her dog and two cats and enjoys rock climbing and ornamental gardening.