Q: I hope you can help me find something I’ve been trying to find for years now. What I’m looking for is what they call a backrest or a bed rest pillow, but what it’s stuffed with is what is crucial for me. It’s possible that it’s not made anymore. I bought two of these some years ago, they were both very firm and dense, and offered good support when sitting up in bed. I stupidly gave one to Goodwill when it wore out, the other I still have, and I’m literally patching it together with duct tape because I love it so much, but it badly needs replacing. They were made by Brentwood Originals. I’ve tried doing Internet searches based on the product numbers on the label, but with no success. Maybe you have better means. The problem I’m finding is that apparently all backrest pillows that have been made since I bought my original good ones, are very soft and squishy, offering no real support, and feel like they’re stuffed with a very light foam rubber. Also, they seem very small and narrow; the original one I have has nice wide armrests, enough room to rest my arms. What I’m looking for is a fill that is very dense, sturdy and offers good back support. Can you help me? — Joy Bragg, email
A: Joy, I spoke to someone at Brentwood Originals, which provides its backrests to a wide variety of retailers, including Costco, Kohl’s, Kmart, Wayfair, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon. When your SKU number was checked, it didn’t pop up, meaning your pillow is no longer made, and hasn’t been for quite a while. As for the heavy, dense pillow you currently have, well, Brentwood no longer makes its backrests that heavy. Today, they’re no more than four or five pounds because customers were complaining that they were too heavy to lift. The spokesperson suggested you check Brentwood Originals on Amazon to find one that might be ideal for your needs. Look at the shipping weight, and read some of the reviews. I do, however, have another suggestion for you. I checked with O’Kelleys Upholstery and Design, 781 Miami Circle, Atlanta, 404-231-5737, and it was suggested that you bring in your pillow and let someone take a look at it to see if it could be repaired and brought back to its original shape.
Q: Could you please find a local retailer that carries New Planet Tread Lightly ale and raspberry ale, two gluten-free beers with lower calories? I live in Johns Creek, but would gladly drive elsewhere to buy it, and I’m sure many others would, too. Thanks! — Michaelene Gorney, email
A: New Planet, a Colorado brewery that specializes in gluten-free and gluten-removed ales, sells various products in the Atlanta area, but raspberry and Tread Lightly ales are seasonal items only available through summer, according to the person I spoke with at Total Wine and More, 124 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, 770-395-1678. The store carries these each season, as does Cost Plus, 4733 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, 678-731-0014. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until next summer to stock up on your favorite gluten-free ales.
Q: Can you locate a cookie produced in Australia? It’s a crispy chocolate wafer called TimTam. Thank you. — E. Chastain, email
A: Tim Tam are double-layered chocolate cookies made by Arnott’s, an Australian company. You’ll find the chewy caramel and original chocolate wrapped flavors for $4.99 per package at Cost Plus World Market, 3330 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, 404-814-0801. Note that the package says Arnott’s original chocolate coated biscuits with a cream center, it won’t say Tim Tam, but that’s exactly what they are. At the Australian Bakery Cafe, 463 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, 404-653-0100, you’ll find Arnott’s originals and chewy caramel (again, without the Tim Tam moniker) for $9.95 per package.
Q: Where can I find a double-sided hair sponge? The only ones I see have one side with holes and that’s it. I want holes on one side and texture on the other. I would like to find it in town, without having to order it. Thanks. — C. Morris, email
A: Onyx makes a thick hair sponge with large holes on one side to create twists and dreads, and the other side is designed with soft spikes for added texture. The sponge measures just over 7 inches long and nearly 5 inches wide. It costs $13.95 at Atlanta Barber and Beauty Supply, 186 Mitchell St., Atlanta, 800-969-5666.
