BUDGET is my new "it" word

The Tiny Twig has a great post today on how to eat healthy on a budget.

photo credit

This couldn't have come at a better time for me, since yesterday I had to buy a new AC/heat unit for my house. Talk about expensive!

BUDGET has now become the new "it" word for me. I'm trying to come up with ways of saving money and making a little extra money to help ease the pain of this expensive purchase. Here is my very impromptu list:

1. Stock up my Etsy shop - I've been very lax with crafting lately, but that is going to change very soon. I'm going to spend all of Memorial Day weekend working on several new items and some old favorites to add to the shop. I just hope this will be done in the air conditioning. Crafting in a house with no air is no fun!

2. Destash my craft supplies - I wouldn't classify myself as a hoarder, except when it comes to yarn and felt! I have so much yarn and felt I don't have a place to put it all. So, no more trips to the craft store unless it is something needed to finish a project.

3. Make handmade Christmas gifts - Christmas this year is going to be 50% handmade and 50% store-bought, one handmade item and one store-bought item. I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to make everyone, I just need to get my rear in gear!

4. No more eating out - This has actually been getting better since I've been working out and trying to lose a few pounds. I usually eat out once or twice a week, mostly on weekends, but that is going to stop. No more Panera Bread, Firehouse Subs, or Starbucks for me. :(

5. No HBO means no True Blood - This one is the killer. I have been looking forward to True Blood all year, and now weeks before the new season starts I have to say no to HBO. Ugh! But as my mother always says, "Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do". Well, this is one of those things! I'm hoping one of my friends or family members will tape it for me. Hint, Hint! :)

I'm sure over the next few weeks this list will grow, but for now I'm on the right track. If it still isn't enough, I might just have to get a weekend job. It just better not be at a craft store!