TIP # 7 - EMBELLISH THE TRUTH

O.K. SO I GOT A LITTLE CARRIED AWAY. THE TRUTH IS THAT WHEN EMBELLISHED, THE SIMPLEST OF PEICES RISE FROM THE ORDINARY & BECOME THE EXTRAORDINARY. I STARTED WITH MY WORN OUT SHOES THE OTHER DAY, BUT I JUST CAN'T STOP MYSELF. I GUESS I'LL BE CAMPING OUT HER FOR A WHILE. I SET UP A NEW ETSY SHOP, THAT CARRIES THE PATTERN. CLICK HERE TO VISIT http://FABULESSLIVING.ETSY.COM

TIP # 6 - LIGHTEN UP

Lighten up!!! Things are not so bad. And while you're at it, you can up-cycle an old candle - turning it into an object d'art!

To make this teacup candle, I melted several old candles in a double boiler, added vanilla flavoring (for yummy scent), placed a candle wick in this old cup, and poured the melted wax inside.

This would make a great gift, but lately I've been a bit stingy - so I think I'll keep it!

TIP #5 - SHOP AT HOME

O.K., well I don't actually mean shop, I meant to say, create. These fanciful table items took no time to whip up. Imagine how much they might cost if I actually bought them in a store? They'd make great gifts, but I think I'll actually keep these for myself.

TIP # 4 RE-WORK, RE-CYCLE, RE-VAMP

So I did say goodbye to the insoles, and the played out bow, but instead of trashing them, I gave them a little re-design for the fall. I think they'll be awesome with my super-dark denims.

These shoes were about to get the boot. They were a pair of comfortable favorites that I'd worn a few too many times.

TIP # 3 - KEEP IT FRESH

Many times, it's more economical to make meals that use partially prepared ingredients. When cooking with frozen vegetables, jarred pasta sauces, or boxed dishes (like tuna helper), adding fresh ingredients enhances, both, the flavor of the dish, and it's nutritional value.

TIP # 2 GET CRAFTY

You can save a boat-load of cash while not giving up on style, by learning to craft. I made this colorful blanket for my youngest son, Kouassi's bed. I used left-over yarn, so in a sense, it didn't cost me anything. Learning to crochet is simple, cheap, and accessible. Crochet Guild of America, offers free on-line tutorials.

TIP #1 - LEARN TO COOK

One of the smartest ways to grab a hold of your finances is to learn how to cook, and present meals that are fun, healthy, and economical.