It's kinda wild how much we overanalyze every part of making coffee. Bloom time might help, but stale beans will ruin any pour-over no matter what. Fresh beans are the base, everything else is just fine-tuning. Unless you're in a competition, who really cares that much? Just drink what tastes good to you.

Right but isn't Barbara's point just that it's all a bit over the top?

Actually, hotel towels always seem too thin or slippery to give real resistance. Bands pack down flat and you know they'll work every time. Just my two cents.

I love how you and your sister laugh while cooking. My friend Carla and her roommate tried a budget food challenge last winter. They bought a big bag of rice and beans, then got creative with spices and frozen veggies. Their big win was a huge pot of chili that fed them for three days straight. They said it was honestly kind of fun, like a puzzle. Your mileage may vary, but finding those cheap meals can really bring people together.