Share 'Recording on a budget'

I want to set up a nice budget home studio using my Macbook Pro. I need a good Audio interface, decent but cheap recording software and at the moment I am without an amp. So far I am thinking of a Peavey Windsor Studio as it has XLR outs which could go into an M-Audio interface? I've also been looking at Abelton Live. Anyone got any other suggestions? Oh and I want to be able to use my Takamine…