Project Money Diet

This is a topic we can all relate too. Money! It's everywhere, and it's in our lives daily whether we like it or not. Recently, money and I have not been so friendly. Last week was a very expensive week, and it's made me realize enough is enough. The loss of our roommate has also quickly forced us to reevaluate how we spend. Time is get real, as my mother would say. Fortunately, this is a topic that really does interest me and I've already read what seems like a great deal on the subject already.
Currently, I'm reading a book on how to go from a two income family to one income. It's not totally applicable, but the bones are there. It's 11 guidelines on living frugally without depriving yourself. This is something I feel is very important. It's similar to a food diet. If you can't have the cookie, that's all you think about. Let yourself have a cookie, but not the whole box. Let yourself vacation, but don't stay in the fanciest hotel. Try staying with family, or a lower priced hotel. It's way your not deprived, and you're saving at the same time.
So here's what I'm thinking for myself. Starting in January, Josh and I will be tightening our belts and hopefully saving some real cash. My long term goal will be to have a healthy down payment for our first house. Short term, I'd like to be debt free in 12 months. Now when I say I have it debt, most of it is owed either to myself or Josh, BUT if I don't look at it as debt I'll foget about it. I'll use this time to research methods, and formulate our plan.
What I'd like to ask from you guys is encouragement. Would anyone else want to do this will me? I'd love to hear your money saving tips if you want to share.