Frugal In Florida

No, I'm not talking about the nicotine habit. Thankfully, we kicked that habit right out the door about 3 1/2 years ago or so (October 31st, whatever year it was that Hubby flew to Kentucky to the hand specialist for reconstructive surgery).  It's no longer such a big deal (either thing) that I don't remember just how many years it's been. What I AM talking about is the Spending Habit.  And the need to constantly be aware of the Habit. I consider myself to be a fairly frugal gal for the most part. Seriously. Yes, I have certain things that I feel are necessary that others would certainly feel are frivolous ... I say the same about others, but really, each family, each budget, is totally UNIQUE in that regard. Recently, I rediscovered how EASY it is to fall off the wagon and hop right back in bed with that SPENDING HABIT. Vegas. Indiana. Woe Me. First there was that sense of 'entitlement' I felt. I'm going to VEGAS baby! It's my BIRTHDAY! IN V...

Is anyone else in awe that the year 2011 is half over already?? June 1st ... signals a LOT of things: Start of Hurricane Season is number one. Not that anything happens TODAY but the awareness is up a few more notches. I've also decided that perhaps, maybe just maybe, I should try a reduced spending month again. I mean heck, I've got 3 freezers stuffed so full that I wasn't able to take advantage of almost free ice cream (may utilize the freezer at work today, still thinking about that). I've got a huge wall pantry stuffed with dry goods and then other cabinets with a bunch of stuffed in between. AND I've got a savings account that is NOT showing signs of life. Meaning it needs to be fed. So .... I wonder ... can I do with $200 for the month to feed the family (and the damn cats)? That would include laundry soap (need now), cat litter (need now), cat food, BEER (unless, of course, I go alcohol free too?) ... but yes, I think I can do it. Can I do it fo...