Making Money, Making Dresses

I'm in the mood to make stuff: Namely, money and clothing.

With rising gas prices and a suspiciously low bank account, I am looking for ways to increase my income "easily."
1) Something I had looked into in the past has come back around - being a secret shopper for various businesses. This involves me either eating out and getting paid for it, shopping and getting paid for it, and giving opinions and getting paid for it. Sounds right up my alley, doesn't it? The trick is timing and scheduling. How many of these assignment can I do in a week to make some money and not severely screw up my schedule. With plans to start classes in the fall, working on my Master's in Intercultural Studies, in addition to my full-time job, I need to be flexible so my 2 main priorities here don't get short-changed.
2) Also, I am going to start spreading the word about dog-sitting. I used to do this in high school and made decent money, and I think I am pretty good at it! I'm reliable and trustworthy, love animals and have experience with a lot of different kinds (horses, dogs, cats, turtles, and guinea pigs, to name a few). So, those are 2 options I'm looking into.

Also, I am currently wearing a very cute yellow sundress from Old Navy, which I have no idea how to pull off. Let's be honest here, I tend to appreciate things that fit, not so much feeling like I am wearing a sack or a lampshade. Unfortunately, the style of this dress is just that. It's a trapeze dress.

Mine is yellow, with a little white and green design on it. Unfortunately, I can't seem to pull it off like this model does! So, I have it cinched at the waist with a belt today. I started looking for directions on how to take it in, so I can still use it, but will feel less awkward about wearing it. That led me to patterns for various dresses to make....I used to sew (I use that term loosely. Purses and pajama pants were top notch, anything beyond that was a little trickier) so I feel like I could maybe a) take my dress in to my satisfaction and b) make some cute dresses for summer. With Raleigh weather approaching 100 this weekend, cool comfy clothes are a must!

If that doesn't work out, maybe I'll just go on a shopping spree at Forever 21 next week while in Indianapolis.....Wait, that messes up my goals all-together. I'd be spending money on clothes I could make. *sigh* That's not good.