December 8, 2008 | ThriftyFun

Cleaning a Corroded Salt ShakerHow can I clean a chrome salt shaker that is corroded by salt (green tarnish)?

Alternatives to a Christmas TreeI won't have a tree this year, my husband doesn't believe. This is tough on me and hard for me to explain to my 5 year old granddaughter. Does anyone have any ideas for something that would look like a tree? Happy holidays.

Making a Hollywood Hills BannerHere is what I would like a banner printed on decent paper that says: HOLLYWOODS with the Hollywood Hills background. Black and White print. Notice the 'S' on Hollywood. You can easily create your own Hollywood Hills Banner by googling 'make your own Hollywood hills banner online'. I have done so already. My problem is that I can't get enough resolution to enlarge the picture to 12 inches high and 6 feet long. I'd like the banner printed on decent paper to decoupage onto a board. Thanks so much for any info.

Healthy Concession Stand Food IdeasWhat are some good ideas for selling food at a concession stand? Does anyone have any ideas for healthier food too? I am also looking for unique ideas.

Spreading Sour Cream on TortillasWhat is the best way to spread sour cream on tortillas?

Easy Red Velvet Cake RecipeI am in need of an easy red velvet cake recipe as quickly as possible. Thank you!

Puppy Has Itchy Bug BitesI am house sitting and started getting bites on my belly and arms. A few weeks later I brought a 3 wk old puppy, and he slept on the same bed. Now, we are both itching and scratching horribly. I got some medication for me, and I am using it on the puppy but its not helping.

Cook for Other Families to Save MoneyTo save money on groceries, you could find one or two families who you know are very busy and either eat out a lot or order in a lot. See if they would be interested in having you make meals for them. The key is they buy enough groceries to make enough for their family and yours.

Low-Cost Teeth Cleaning Check with your local college or business school to see if they have a dental hygienist program. They usually offer low cost teeth cleaning and other services. It is done by students, but everything is checked by an instructor.

Removing Rust Stains on GunmetalHow can rust stains be removed from gunmetal?

Yellowish cream colored dog with very large ears.

What Breed is My Dog?How do I know if my dog is really a Husky? It is supposed to be a mix, but I want to make sure he is really a Husky. He has enormous ears, but his face looks like a Husky.

Removing Liquor Stain from a Suit CoatCan anyone give me advice on how to remove a dark liquor stain from a suit coat? The stain is set in, but I would really like to get it out. The jacket is black with white and a grayish blend stripes. Help!

Patterns for Pin CushionsWould any of you crafty people have a pattern for different pin cushions. I think my dear daughter is now a collector. Thanks.

UGG Style Child's Boot PatternI'm looking for a free pattern for a baby or child's boot. They look like UGG's and are made from bonded fleece.

Workplace Christmas Gift IdeasMy husband has 15 to 20 managers that he oversees and I'd really like to do something for them for Christmas. I don't know all their names, much less what they like (and neither would my husband). The plan was to do a box/tin etc. of cookies or a gift in a jar.

What Breed is My Dog?I got my dog from the pound about 2 months ago, and they told me that he was a lab mix. To me he doesn't look anything like a lab. So I just wanted to see what other people's opinions are because he is really just a mystery to me! But I love him, he is great!

Using the Last of the Peanut ButterLooking for a tip regarding using the last bit of peanut butter from the jar. She'd put stuff in the jar and shake it and her kids would have a treat. Maybe it was powdered sugar? Love to know what that was and I couldn't locate it with your search feature. Thanks!

12 Days of Christmas Packaging IdeasDoes anyone have any packaging ideas of poems or sayings to go with the 12 days of Christmas?

12 Days Of Christmas BooksI do the 12 books of Christmas with my daughter. Throughout the 1st year of doing this, I collected used or new Christmas children's books from yard sales, thrift stores, etc. I wrapped them all and put them under the tree and beginning on Dec. 13th.

Crusty Bumps on Horse's FaceMy new horse has relatively small black lumps on her face, mainly in the space between her eyes and forelock. The vet thought they were either insect irritations or melanomas (she's grey) but said it wouldn't stop her from purchasing her.

Gift Ideas for Husband's 30th BirthdayMy husband is turning 30 soon and I would like to do something special for his birthday. It's the first time we have celebrate his birthday together because I was overseas and we're newly married.

Cheap and Healthier Ice BlocksMake up a litre or more of nesquick or milo and milk (I put an extra teaspoon per cup), pour this into small freezer proof containers and freeze them. When they are ready, use a teaspoon to scrape it out. My kids love them.

Making Personalized Homemade GiftsGifts and gift making. The last few years I've been making gifts for the adults and kids we exchange with. The gift is typically the same for those that I'm making for to save on time, planning, and materials.

Modify Framed Mirror for Picture FrameSometimes when shopping for a picture frame, you may come across a framed mirror that would work perfectly, and often at a better price than the frame alone.

Product Review: Powerade ZeroThere is a beverage out on the market now, similar to Gatorade or regular Powerade (which are both full of sugar), it's called "Powerade Zero". Anyone not wanting all those sugars, can drink, even diabetics as it has Splenda in it. It comes in a 32 oz. bottle and can be purchased as single bottles or in multipacks.

Check Online Banking Balance FrequentlyCheck your online banking frequently! Someone has stolen my debit card and has been taking $75.00 per day from our checking account. I have not used it at any unfamiliar places. They have stolen over $600.00.

The Bikes From Misfit IslandDuring this time of year and the uncertainty of the financial instability, I want to share a story with you. In 1987, my first husband and I were living in Arkansas and having a difficult time making ends meet. To heat our home, we had a wood burning stove which was often used to cook our meals.

Set Up Christmas Tree In The GarageWhen Christmas rolls around and it's time to get our tree ready to put up, I always share this tip with friends. Surprising how many folks have never thought of this idea, yet it's so simple.

Amazing Butternut SquashPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring the squash to a boil. Reduce to simmer until squash is soft. In a large bowl, mash the softened squash.

Spicy Potato WedgesPreheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray foil-lined tray with cooking spray. Place the potato wedges into a large bowl and cover with water. Let the potatoes stand for 10 minutes in the water. Drain the potatoes and pat dry.

Potato Cheese MuffinsUse leftover potatoes in this recipe.

Clear Door CanopyI need to erect a door canopy above an outer door. This is essentially to deflect rain from the flat roof immediately above from splashing against the door. This happens each heavy rainfall, despite there being a guttering in place.

Painting Walls With Cobalt Blue CountertopsWe are moving in a few weeks. I will be doing some painting before we move in. My question is regarding the kitchen. The counter tops are blue, kind of a medium blue maybe like cobalt. The only color I can imagine looking OK with that for the walls would be a neutral color such as tan.

How Long Before Peach Pits Sprout?I have two peach pits I will be planting. How long will it be before I see any sprouts?

Storage Boxes for ShoesI need some ideas for storage boxes for my shoes. I would really like some clear plastic boxes but I don't want to spend that much. Thanks

Renuzit Air Freshener Covers Pattern BookIn the late 90s or early 2000s there was a pattern book for Renuzit air freshener covers. They were usually constructed from fabric and glue, not crochet. In it I remember a pattern for a ghost, a shaman, and a sorcerer/wizard. I made my dad the sorcerer from the book, but unfortunately it broke.

Buying a Biomass Pellet MachineWhere is the best place to buy a biomass pellet machine?

Getting Donated Fleece FabricWhere can I can I get donated fleece fabric to make baby blankets to donate to the hospitals for Christmas? My daughter and I are making these to donate and could possibly make them for the homeless if I can get enough fabric.

Washing Clothes with Clorox 2 and Washing SodaHas anyone been using Clorox 2 powder for colors and washing soda to clean their clothes? I have a recipe of 1 cup Clorox 2 and 1 cup washing soda and I am supposed to use 2 tablespoons for every large load of clothes that are not too dirty. If you have been using this recipe are you happy with the results?

Inside-Out CheeseburgersPreheat the grill to medium high or preheat the broiler. Put cheese in small bowl. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and pepper together, preferably with your hands, without overworking. Shape the ground beef mixture into 8 thin, 4 inch wide patties.

10 Quarts of Homemade Italian Chicken Soup (for less than $10) Put all into a 12 qt pot and simmer for 2-3 hours. Use a hen, it won't break down as quick as a chicken (the meat does not come out dry or stringy) and has more flavor. Check the soup for flavor, add more salt if needed.

Tree Birthday CakeI'm trying to find a idea for a birthday cake made like a tree. Can this even be done?

Looking for Lacoste Shaving CreamWhere can I find Lacoste shaving cream?

Apple Jelly Not SettingI am making Apple Jelly. It will not set, I have not had this problem before. It was boiling for over 30 minutes.

Reusing Matchstick Roll Up BlindsHello I need help in the re-purpose/recycle dept. I have some old matchstick roll up blinds. Any ideas on what I can do with them or make them into? I have about 10 or so I would hate to toss them and a week later realize that I should have kept them. The only thing I have thought of is making a few place mats. Thanks for the help.

Las Vegas Themed Winter FormalThe theme of my 9th grade formal is Las Vegas. Does anyone have any inexpensive ideas for ways to decorate for it?

Hot Cocoa Recipe Using SplendaRecipe for Hot Cocoa Mix that has Splenda, powdered milk and cocoa

Fleece Scarves with LoopsHow do you make fleece scarves with loops?

Craft Ideas Using RibbonI am the program manager at an after-school program for girls ages 6-14, and we just received a big donation of assorted ribbon (different colors, widths, some are wired, etc.). I am looking for creative craft projects using ribbon. Any ideas? Thanks!

Chocolate Truffle CheesecakePreheat the oven to 300 degrees F if you are using a silver 9 inch springform pan. If you are using a dark, non-stick 9 inch springform pan, set the oven to 275 degrees F. Mix the cookie crumbs and butter together and press firmly into the bottom of the pan and set aside.

Photo of a pink sparkle ball Christmas Decoration.

Sparkleball DecorationI had so much trouble locating directions on the internet for making a "solo" cup light ball that I just created my own free website that gives easy to follow step-by-step instructions. I call them sparkleballs.

Original Craft Ideas for Christmas GiftsI need some help desperately. I need some awesome original craft gift ideas for a close friend. For the last few years we've made each other gifts and as fate would have it we've ended up making each other the same thing. One year was glass blocks, one was vases with ornaments, another was evergreen wreaths. I need an idea so awesome she won't think of it first! Can anyone help me?

Craft Project: UnCANNY OrnamentsAdd sparkle, personalization, and uniqueness to your Christmas tree while helping to re-cycle soft drink cans. These would also make attractive personalized gifts for loved ones if you mount a picture of your family in one.

Making Accessories from ClothingWe're running a charity event in February with a feature that involves making accessories from items of clothes. There have been many ideas posted, but if anyone has any other ideas they would all come in useful. We're especially looking for easy projects for non-stitchers!

Disinfecting a Hamster CageOur hamster got sick and died a couple nights ago. I need to know a safe way to clean and disinfect the cage so the next one we get does not "catch" whatever Princess had. We had 2 cages for her to go back and forth in, and the 1 is all plastic. I do not want to use bleach as it may seep into the plastic and make the next one sick. Any ideas on how I can clean and disinfect this? Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

Fettuccine AlfredoCook the fettuccini according to the package directions and drain. Mix the sage, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper with the melted butter. Toss with the warm fettuccini.

Sammi (Maine Coon)Sammi is 7 months old and a Maine Coon. She was given to me from a friend.