An Over Engineered Mug

Recently, I treated myself to one of those battery powered, heated coffee mugs.

Normally, I would scoff at such a purchase as being too frivolous. Mugs like the Ember can sell upwards of $130.00. And all it really does is keep your tea or coffee warm. There are cheaper solutions on offer, like an insulated mug, a thermos, or one of those little low voltage mug warmer plates.

And in a pinch there is always the good ole microwave. All it takes its a quick trip to the kitchen. 

Yet the 'Happiness' branded mug I purchased solves the one thing that all the others above can't conquer. Mainly, that I get distracted and often forget about my beverage, or forget to put it back on its warming base. 

The on board battery power of these new mugs kicks in to keep the drink warm, even if I am walking around the house with it in my hand. And when its cradled in its charging coaster dock it can run all day. 

One thing I hadn't expected to love was that you can actually heat up your beverage. Feeling like your coffee isn't warm enough at 135 degrees F? Jack it up to 145 and in a few seconds the dial reads it has come up to temp and you are in beverage nirvana.

And being able to dial your beverages to different temps is really enjoyable. I like my green tea at a lower temp than teas with milk, or coffee. You basically get to Goldilocks your temp for each type of beverage until its just right.

And yet I would never have bought this item under normal circumstances. Owning one has changed my viewpoint on that, but really I have to thank my wife for the birthday Amazon gift cards that made buying this luxury item even thinkable. And it is a luxury.

We truly live in amazing times.