First of all buy whole bean coffee. The beans should be shiney when you open the bag and the aroma fantastic. Get a Mr. Coffee grinder and fill up to where the silver ends, grind 30 to 45 seconds. It also depends on the quality of coffee you are buying. I love the selections from Sams or Costco, 100 percent Arabica Colombian Supremo usually from Starbucks. About $20.00 for a 2.5 pound bag.
Once opened, store the remainder in the freezer tightly sealed. (Never buy from the grocery store....stale as all get out!) (No sheen on the beans!)
Clean your coffee maker once a month by running through 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water. Run it once again with just water.
As the happy homemaker, I am sure you are aware of most if not all of this.
If Colomian Supremo is too strong, try the French Roast or Breakfast Blend.....and always add a dab of half and half!
r.