Q: Are there any shops in metro Atlanta that polish brass items?

G. NYSTROM, e-mail

A: I don't know what kind of brass items you have that need polishing, but assuming they're of value to you, then you might consider taking them to Estes-Simmons silversmiths, 1050 Northside Drive, Atlanta, 404-875-9581. This company has been around for decades, and it restores items made of silver, gold, pewter, stainless steel and brass. Check out the Web site at www.estes-simmons.com.

Q: I have looked everywhere for a shaving mug. I can't find them at any major drugstore or even Bed Bath & Beyond. With a shaving mug, a guy can get the hottest, closest and fastest shave anywhere, anytime.

WILLIAM MURPHY

Atlanta

A: William, forget the drugstores and even the home goods establishments. What you need is a place that takes hair removal seriously, and that would be Atlanta Barber and Beauty Supply, 186 Mitchell St., Atlanta, 404-522-8787. Here, you'll find a good selection of shaving mugs made of different materials, including porcelain. Prices range from $8.95 to $21.

Q: I would love to find Max Factor Pancake Makeup. Obviously, it has been discontinued, but I had no luck on the Web site, even for discontinued items. Is all lost? Can you help me, please?

CAROLE MAULDIN

Marietta

A: Max Factor will always be considered the man who gave Hollywood modern makeup, and all women benefited. A version of pancake makeup is still around, but it doesn't find space on many cosmetic counters. However, this foundation, which is best applied with a damp sponge, is available through www.drugstore.com for $6.99.

Q: I am looking for a particular kind of soap. A friend visited Spain and brought me back Heno de Pravia soap. I love it. I would like to have more bars. I have occasionally found it at a Ross department store near North Point Mall, but it is hit or miss. Do you know of anywhere online where I can purchase it? Google came up empty when I tried.

EMILY THAYER

Alpharetta

A: If a trip to Spain to pick up your soap is out of the question, then perhaps you'll find some comfort in knowing that Heno de Pravia is only a click away. Check out jbktrading.stores.yahoo.net and you'll see the bar soap at $1.50 for each 4.2-ounce bar. You'll also find a variety of Heno de Pravia toiletries, including bath gel, cologne and lotion.

Q: For years I have made a lemon-apricot cake. For the last couple of months I have not been able to find the canned apricot nectar. Can you help?

ALICE BARGE

e-mail

A: Alice, many Hispanic markets stock a wide variety of fruit juices and nectars, so if you haven't checked out some in your area, you might give that a try. However, if you want a sure bet, then visit the Buford Highway Farmers Market, 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-455-0770. This market, which offers a shopping trip around the world, stocks Jumex Apricot Nectar in 11.3 ounce cans for 69 cents. By the way, your cake sounds delicious.

Having trouble finding a particular item? We'll try to help you locate it. Because of the volume of mail, we cannot track down every request. Write to us at Buyer's Edge Find It, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, P.O. Box 4689, Atlanta, GA 30302; e-mail buyersedge@ajc.com (please include your name, the city you live in and a daytime phone number); or call 404-582-7642.