#lifebit

Mugs can have a variety of uses besides just hanging out with your morning coffee. They keep things organized; even double as your pen holder or corral small items. Add more to this kitchen essential's repertoire by making quick meals.

Your favorite mug, some kitchen staples thrown in, 5 minutes or less in the microwave and who would know you took shortcuts.

Here's a roundup of 12 mug meals:

Image credit: STL Today

1. Coffee Cup Quiche - Great for quick breakfast..or dinner. Whichever way you'd go, you'll never go wrong

Image credit: Kirbie's Cravings

2. Blueberry Muffin with Streusel Topping Mug Cake -  Blueberries. Crumbly freshly-baked streusel. Your kitchen will smell like sunshine. 

Image credit: Lady and Pups

3. Microwaved Sausage and Cheese Spaghetti Dinner -  This may take more time than the rest but waiting is good. That's when great, glorious comfort in a mug happens. 

Image credit: How Sweet It Is

4. Strawberry Mug Pies - This micro version would be equally proud to sit next to its pie cousin. 

Image credit: Smitten Kitchen

5. Roasted Tomato with Grilled Cheese - This isn't as two-step as the rest but its worth it. Prep a day ahead and when it's time to serve, please sprinkle loads of cheese on it.

Image credit: Babble

6. Nutella Mug Cake - Because everyone has Nutella. Here's your excuse chance to include it. 

Image credit: Dance on Flour

7. Chicken Pot Pie in a Mug - Comfort food is extra special if it's cradled in your favorite mug. Just like how mom makes them.

Image credit: No. 2 Pencil

8. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup - Basic stuff, really. I'd eat them as dough if I could. 

Image credit: Babble

9. Instant Mug o' Mac & Cheese in the Microwave - Comfort food number 2 in our list. Just as good as a hug!

Image credit: Heather's Dish

10. Microwave Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie - Things just got a little creative with peanut butter and brownies. Great combo if peanut butter is your thing.

Image credit: Just Putzing

11. Omelette in a Mug - Perfect for breakfast on the go! Healthy and quick. 

Image credit: Kirbie's Cravings

12. Cookies and Cream Mug Cake - This is a recipe of five: 5 ingredients and less than five minutes (Yup, we don't know our math anymore) 

These babies deserve their own selfies. Don't forget to post a bit if you're on a Lifebit Foodie Quest. Because you have to prove they existed before you inhaled them.

Image credit: Kenny Louie

There’s something about preparing to hunker down in your favorite coffee shop. You are all set for a busy day ahead, and when your latte’s ready, you see a delicate rosetta on your favorite cup of joe. You can't help but smile :)

Yep, that's a smiley right there.

Whether your barista is in an artistic mood or it's just his way of telling you to smile a little, coffee art is welcome.

This elevates coffee into a whole new level where its appearance is as critical as its taste and flavor.

These concoctions showcase both the quality of the craft coffee shop's coffee and their barista's skill in frothy design.

‘They say, “I’m not going to punish the customer by serving him as fast as possible. I’m going to ask for a little bit more of his time, but I’m going to reward him with a really excellent cup of coffee.”’ - WILLEM BOOT

Taking a picture of the coffee is more than just showing what you have for the day. It's a perfect homage to those people who have mastered their craft. 

There is no special meaning encoded into each latte after all. Just pure awesome art.

Learn how to free pour with this slideshow and add this to your Lifebit quest: Post a Photo of a Coffee Art

Key to staying within budget when you were still in college or just starting with a job is to make sure your food choices are always affordable. While you can always rely on cereal, coffee, or pizza, nothing could be worthwhile than a humble pack of ramen

Instant noodles is a meal purely of convenience. Ramen has achieved comfort food status, in my book. And it's easy to see why: a pack, some hot water, flavor packet, and you got yourself an empty stomach fix.

Well, full on ramen might be a stretch but who says you can't?

Elevate and upgrade according to time, level of cooking skills, and ingredients on hand. Make it as healthy as you want it to be. Make it stretch even. This can be your blank canvas to a satisfying meal.

Turn ramen into a rockstar in 4 ways:

Image credit: Alpha

Sauces and condiments

Image credit: Michael Vito

Eggs

Image credit: thatwelike

Veggies

Image credit: jmawork

Soft meat such as chicken or any meat leftovers

My own recipes:

Used tomato sauce, some finely sliced cabbage, and frozen vegetables.

Tried topping it with leftover ham and lots of pepper.

Added fresh eggs and mix it as it cooks and created some egg strands in the process. Or you can top it with a hard boiled egg.

All were satisfying lunches and one was even served at a party.

The internet shows you how to upgrade your instant noodles. They're easier than you think.