Update - Day 20 on No-Spend Challenge

Greetings.  So I totally fell off the wagon on Saturday, but it wasn't a long fall.  I mentioned a few days ago that I made plans to spend the day in Indy, and I was concerned about breaking the No-Spend rules.  I did end up breaking a few:
 - Gas to get to and from Indy ~$7.50
 - Lunch $7.40
 - Frivolous fabric buy $2
 - Donation to Buddhist center $2

I don't regret spending a single cent because my cousin and I had a great time.
Our day began at the Indiana Buddhist Center.  Neither of us had ever been to a Buddhist center before, and we came for a meditation session.  We were treated to butter and milk tea and an impromptu teaching by Hlarampa Geshe Jinpa Sonam.  It was an honor to be there.

After a great meditation, we headed to Irvington for lunch at one of the best pizza places in Indy, Jockamo's.  Ashley had never been to Broad Ripple before, so we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around BR window shopping, walking the Monon, perusing the Indianapolis Art Center, and pining for ice cream.  We had very good self control though and only splurged on lunch.  

Day 15 - Half Way There

We made it half way!  15 days into the 30 Day No-Spend Challenge, and I'm not sure about you, but I'm feeling the struggle now.

I've made two plans with friends for this weekend.  Accommodating friends and this budgeting game has got me scratching my head.  I'm packing a picnic dinner for Friday evening to be enjoyed during an outdoor symphony - which I can get everyone into for free.  That's a nice bonus.

Saturday will be harder because I'll be taking my cousin around Indy, and who wants to pack a lunch when there are so many delicious restaurants around!?  The conundrum!

There have also been instances where I've wanted to get frivolous with the ingredients I have at home.  I've stopped myself quite a few times from making cookies, brownies, or something else sweet.  We don't really need these, and it would be sort of wasteful when that flour could be used in something more nutritious, like bread.

But...I have made a mug cake or two to subdue my raging sweet tooth.  It's only a single serving and that's how I've justified it.  My go-to mug cake comes from Not Quite Nigella's blog, and you can find the recipe here.

This photo comes from Table For Two's blog.  Aaaand I'm making their mug cake recipe right now.  It's been one of those days.  How do you cope with stressful days and a tight budget?