Sean and I are doing a sort of fast this week. We are calling it a "non-essential spending fast." Basically, we're not going to buy anything that is a "non-essential" item. It sounds like a great idea, but as of Day One, we are already learning its not as easy as it sounds. Example: I cooked/baked all morning (special cookies for hubby) and then touched up our painting around the house, then we cleaned a bit and I did some laundry while Sean did the kitchen. Whew, it was a lot... and right before we started cleaning, Sean said "Hey, want me to go get us a Starbucks? Oh wait... I guess I can't, huh?" Nothing sounded better in the midst of our productive but not exactly relaxing day than a Venti Iced Green Tea with 3 pumps peppermint and 2 pumps classic. MMmmmmm. At only $1.80 each, that drink would hardly break the bank. HOWEVER, it is most definitely a "non-essential."