Our love of lattes was getting too pricey. Until we met the Whipper aka the Aerolatte, the steam-free milk frother. Running on two AA batteries and costing between $15-20, it's the key ingredient in brewing up magically manic mornings and kicking the Starbucks habit.

First, grab a dark roast grind. Brew'em up in a Primula French press ($25, on sale at Belks). Heat milk or cream in the micro. Whip the cream into a frothy fury via the Aerolatte (www.aerolatte.com). The little motor makes a lot of snarling noise – a plus, we think, for revving up your morning. Pour on the coffee. Now slurp: a luscious latte minus the lines and the bank drain!

Also works great in concocting Creamsicle cocktails. What's summer without a grown-up Creamsicle?