Don't go over in October

In just over a week, I'm participating in a challenge called, "Don't go over in October" brought to you by Ms. Career Girl. The rules of this challenge mean you can't buy anything that you DON'T need in the month of October. You also have to track your spending and set an entertainment budget. This is going to be painful, but it will be the kick in the ass I need that Dan can't give me, because that would be considered domestic abuse.

So that I'm not miserable while I'm not going over in October, I've begun planning ahead. Here's what I foresee myself NEEDING, that other people aren't going to consider necessary, that I'm now going to have to scramble to buy in September so I can be frugal in October.

1. A Halloween costume. I usually plan this months in advance and buy my costume parts slowly as I find them, so that I have the perfect look. Last year I was both Daria and Richard Simmons. This year I have to find something to beat BOTH of those costumes without spending a bunch of money. If you have any suggestions, pass them on!

2. A haircut and dye. Seriously, my hair is frazzled and I was going to wait until I got paid from my freelancing gigs, but I'm just going to have to do it this week because I definitely can't wait until November. That would be sick! Hope my favorite girl can fit me in.

3. An eyebrow wax. Apparently October was the month that I was going to decide to pamper myself...

4. A trip to Canada or Colorado. I've never been to either of these places and October was going to be my month to bite the bullet, choose one and buy my tickets. I'm not sure, however, if it counts as spending money in October if I buy the ticket, but don't actually go on the trip until later? I'll have to check with the rule lady.

5. SHOES. I'm shoe crazy and buy no less than one pair a month. In anticipation, I bought a pair of maroon patent leather flats today, but what if it gets drastically cold in October and I need to buy boots? What then?!

6. BOOKS. I'm as book crazy as I am about shoes. I have two that I'm in the middle of right now but once those are done, I'll be fresh out of fresh reads! I wonder if I can have Dan buy them for me and then I'll pay him back in November? (I'll have to check with the rule lady on that one too.)

That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure on September 30th, I'll be panicking because I didn't buy the pet turtle I've always wanted and will have to wait another month.