It is hard and I still struggle keeping on top of the little expenditures when out and about with the kids. I am in a situation now where we have more money, but still need to keep some control over it.

Totally get you on the driving around to save money. Have that situation where I live. I try and look at what I need, then work out the best place to shop based on that.
If out with the girls, then I just suck it up and let them order what I know they will eat, rather than what I would prefer them to eat. Nothing worse than spending the money and then they don't eat it, then complain later about being hungry. Often I would not order for myself, except maybe a coffee and just rely on what they did eat to feed myself (not doable so much these days, as they do eat more).

I still have the memory of when we first moved to Melbourne and not affording to go and grab a coffee.