Tips for Making the Best out of Life when Tight on Money Part 1

Since we moved from Fort Myers, Florida when I was around 4 or 5 we had been treading the thin line between poor and low middle class. I would say right now my family is middle class. It normally gets worse before it gets better, but hanging in there is all you can do. After a little background information I will give tips on how to have fun, save money, and make stuff while being tight on money

My house is 200 years old. I have called it home for close to 15 years. Although we don't actually own it, even in it's distorted beauty, I have attachment to it. Our Landlord refuses to fix anything, which is illegal, but we don't take him to court because we won't have a place to live. The kitchen floor is tore up, the roof is rusted, and it is smaller than normal 3 bedroom 1 bathroom 1,000 or less square feet. My parents floor has caved in, The ceiling leaked so bad it ruined their bed..while they were sleeping by the way. The kitchen slopes down and is uneven. Since it is so old it is harder to keep clean. I could dust today endlessly and the dust would form over night. The foundation is actually on tree stumps. The termites have burrowed through the walls..and to be honest I'm just waiting for it to fall down. Well I don't think it is that bad but it is bad. Hopefully within the next year we will have our own house. As much as I will miss this one, It seems as though what I have been promised my whole life might actually become a reality.

*****If you like birds like I do, especially humming birds, instead of buying the food, you can just make it yourself. Sure it doesn't have the fancy label but they still will love it.

1. Bring water to a boil
2. Add sugar and boil for about 5 minutes
It really is that simple, and the ingrediants are the same as if you were to buy it from the store. Let it cool and poor it into a hummingbird feeder. You can get a cheap one at your favorite store. Instead of paying 2 dollars maybe more to buy the store brand food, it cost you nearly nothing if you already have sugar in your home.

******Can't afford to buy a card for someone? Make one yourself!

I actually enjoy getting cards that are made, and look like alot of effort or thought was put into them because, it is alot easier just to go to the store and pick out a card. It takes time to make one, and who ever you are giving it to will appreciate the effort.

*******Plant flowers.

This really always uplifted my mood to see pretty flowers outside. You can get seed packages at your favorite store that have a variety of different kinds of flowers. Just remember to water them.

******* This is something fun. How to make ice cream.

I have made ice cream in chemistry class but forgot the recipe. We used baggies but I found this other recipe online that may be more benefical. You will need:
1 1-pound coffee can with lid
1 3-pound coffee can with lid
1 pint of milk ( any kind you want)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup (choclate ice cream)

I modified the ladies recipe a little bit because it finally came back to me what the recipe was.
"Add all of the above ingredients to the 1 pound coffee can; mix well. Put the lid on the coffee can and secure with duct tape. Place the 1 pound coffee can into the 3 pound coffee can. Surround with crushed ice and rock salt and place the lid onto the 3 pound coffee can."
Roll the can around "back and forth" for about 8- 10 minutes.
Remove the lid to the 1 pound can and serve it any way you want it
Serving is 4-6 people.

Hope someone finds this useful!

http://homeparents.about.com/od/recipesandcrafts/r/icecream.htm