Coffee - Decaf and Caff

The Decaf
So, I've had my Cuisinart Grind & Brew http://www.cuisinartgrindandbrewcoffeemaker.net/images/3060235214_LG.jpg for about 3 years.  I initially got it because it has a grinder with the coffee maker and I thought it would make my life a bit easier by doing the grinding for me.  It also has this awesome thermal carafe that retains the heat.  However, every time I made coffee using the grinder, the coffee turned out weak.  Plus it was a mess to clean out the grinder.  I stopped using the grinder and have been grinding the beans myself, but still using the coffee maker. About a year ago, I noticed the carafe wasn't retaining the heat anymore.  And more recently, its been leaking water and making really weak/light coffee randomly.  Did I overfill the chamber? Nope.  Since Monday night (when it leaked water), I've used it twice, but it seems to be working fine.  I've read reviews on other coffee maker sites and am leaning towards a more pricier coffee maker being the better buy.  It seems that if you spend a bit more up front, the cost works it way out  because usually the coffee maker lasts longer.  But, honestly, I can't decide.  After my Illy Espressemente experience, I'm leaning towards an espresso machine.  But the problem with any espresso machine is the amount you can make. You can only make about 2 cups(shots) at a time and when you have guests over, you want to be able to spend time with them instead of being the barista all night.  For now though, I'm most likely going to stick it out with this coffee maker until it completely craps out on me.  I have my old $20 Ebay coffee maker as a back up if that happens. 

The Caff
I've long been a coconut fanatic (yes, coffee isn't the only thing I love).  In fact, coconut for me came before coffee since my South Indian heritage has many foods infused with coconut. I thought I was in love with Coffee Mate's Coconut Creamer,  http://www.coffee-mate.com/products/CoconutCremeLiquid.aspxbut a few days ago, I found So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer.  http://www.turtlemountain.com/products/coconut_milk_creamer.html

What's the difference?  Coffee Mate's is basically artificial, where as the second one is made from actual coconut milk and doesn't contain any dairy.  Plus, its healthier! I like the original version and add a touch of toffee nut syrup to sweeten it a bit.  I'm definitely replacing Coffee Mate with So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer.

My two cents today...