Budget

So, I have to be honest.  We did awesome our first few months being on our budget.  This month... not so much.  BUT, we are still making much better progress than we did before.  We're out of our money from the envelopes today - BUT JJ still has some money in his billfold and it is close to the end of our month (ends on the 15th).  Blame it on JJ being gone for a little trip -- with eating out on both of our ends (without JJ of course I had to eat out at least a few times -- I can only sustain myself on cereal and PB&Js for so long)... or MVJ needing new toys... or MVJ's eating habits... or being sick and needing different supplies (more kleenix, more tylenol, more nyquil/dayquil, etc.)... or needing to buy treats for a few different occasions... orrrrrrr...

I knew the toughest months were coming up -- whenever it starts getting close to the holidays I feel frantic to buy presents.  I am a gift giver from way back.  I wish I were more creative and could make worthwhile projects that don't cost a ton.  Any ideas??  : )