Awareness Fosters Balance

Alcohol is a particularly slippery slope because, to quote a line from No Country for Old Men, “beer leads to more beer.” I could never stick by my resolution to only have two drinks when I met up with Andy because we’d have such a good time that I’d want to prolong it and two drinks became three and became four, add a few more friends to that equation, a fun locale, and I’m out all night and down $60 not counting the slice of pizza and the cab ride home. I think somewhere along the label of the bottle there’s a warning that says, and I’m paraphrasing, “alcohol impairs judgment”. Yes, this is why we love it and this is why it’s dangerous for our wallets.

The key isn’t to give up drinking altogether. Like with anything, it’s all about creating a balance and determining priorities. I’m not going to stop drinking. But, if I accept the fact that I will buy four drinks once a week when I see my friend, I may rethink that $8 glass of wine and skip the six-pack. By being honest I become more aware and being aware allows me to create some semblance of balance — and suddenly I’m no longer $20 short!

Creating a Booze Budget

Take your calendar and mark every special occasion where you think you may need to buy drinks—birthday parties, farewells, holidays. Then factor in your regular drinking habits—wine with dinner, a drink after work with friends. By arming yourself with this knowledge your sober self is better able to make a judgment call when unplanned drinking comes into play. You don’t have to be super controlling or stingy, just aware so as to not be caught off-guard (or short on cash).

You know that we at Fab & Fru are all about making small changes in our habits to affect big changes over the long term.  So, just one night a month, instead of bar hopping, why not have all your friends over for a potluck beverage night – instead of a potluck dinner, everyone brings different ingredients for a special libation.  You know we love a good old celebratory sangria (see our article) it’s delish and so inexpensive, especially when a bunch of you are all chipping in.  Just divvy up the ingredients among your friends: orange juice, sangria wine, cut up fruit, 7-up.  It’s a flexible recipe so a great way to use excess fruit and beverages you have on hand too!  Turn it into a theme night, make some cheap cheese quesadillas, chips and salsa, turn up the Latin music and you’re good to go.  Instead of being a boring night in, it’s a fun Fab & Fru fiesta with friends!

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