I used to be able to live frugally but nicely on about $150-200 a week.  It went on food and gas but I still had money left over for the little things like an ice cream at the park, a slice of pizza for Lily (I'm on Weight Watchers remember?), an impulse outfit buy for Lily or a quick trip to the dollar store for some lead laden pool toys.  But now, that $150-200 is just flying out of my pocket! 

I spent $48 filling up my gas tank the other day and that's for a small, economical car.  (I can't imagine what all those fools who drive SUV's were ever thinking.)  My car may be old but it still gets around 32-33 miles per gallon so I'm going to drive it till the wheels fall off.  Then, I went to the grocery store to quickly get some milk, bread, and other staples and I spent another $47 bucks!  Now, I've got just $5 cash till I break down and go to the cash machine.....something I hate doing.

All our friends are feeling the pinch too so we're having our very first 'pot luck' barbecue with our neighborhood momtourage in Brooklyn this Friday.  Everyone brings one dish so the responsiblity of feeding everyone doesn't fall on one family.  And, we each bring a cocktail pitcher or bottle of wine.  It's a cheap night out and it's going to be a blast 'cause there's nothing more fun than hanging with good friends and enjoying good food.....the laughter of all the kids playing in the background is a big help too.

What are you doing to lighten your budget?  Any tips on saving money?