Q: I was given a Clarisonic Mia 1 face cleansing brush some time ago, and over the holidays I went out of town and lost the charger somewhere. Are they replaceable? I don’t want to have to buy a new unit as they are quite expensive. I don’t use the computer a lot, so I haven’t had luck there. Sandra Urrutia, email
A: You won’t have to invest in a brand new Clarisonic. You can order the universal voltage charger that works with the Mia 1 and 2 devices from the source at www.clarisonic.com. Look under accessories or, if you’d rather, you can call 888-525-2747 to place an order. The charger, which attaches to the cleansing brush magnetically, costs $25 and it ships for free.
Q: I can’t believe how so many simple and practical items are impossible to find. For instance, I figured I could walk into any department store and easily find terry cloth bath mats like the hotels use. I have several that I bought years ago, and I have no idea where because I just assumed they were very ordinary purchases. These are so much easier to use than the rubber-backed ones that take forever to dry after washing. I hate those. I want some that aren’t as flimsy as a bath towel and in white, if possible. If you could find some of these for me I’d be very appreciative. Thank you. Meg Starnes, email
A: I agree with you, Meg, I love these because I can toss them in the washer without making an event of the whole situation as I do with thick bath rugs. I’ve read a slew of reviews and I think the ones you might like are the 100-percent Turkish cotton mats that are quite thick and plush but still easy to wash. Check out www.overstock.com. They’re white-on-white with a dot pattern, and measure 24 by 35 inches, making them nice and roomy. Look for item number 13281927. A set of two terry bath mats costs $33.29. And if you prefer to order over the phone, you can call 800-843-2446.
Q: I’ve looked all over for this beer from Dogfish Head Brewing — every major liquor store and online — but I’ve had no luck. It’s supposed to be a chocolaty spicy brew based on an ancient Mayan recipe. I’m longing to try it, and hoping you can help. Thanks. Joe Winterscheidt, email
A: According to Dogfish Head brewery, which is located in Milton, Delaware, the ancient ale is “based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in Honduras that revealed the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink used by early civilizations to toast special occasions.” Theobromo (food of the gods) is brewed with a combination of Aztec cocoa powder and cocoa nibs, honey, chilies and annatto seeds. The brew is available on a limited basis and, locally, the store that usually carries it, Max’s Bottle Shop in Johns Creek, is out of stock. Unfortunately, when I spoke to someone at the brewery, I was told that Theobromo won’t be brewed this year, but maybe next, because there are so many brews to brew, and not all of them can be produced each year. Having said that, I did find a way for you to try some Theobromo, but you’ll have to venture across the state line. I located some 22-ounce bottles for $12.99 at Riverside Beverage, 600 Manufacturers Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 423-265-2337. If you like it, it would be wise to get as much as you can.
Q: I want to put one of those wall-mounted soap dispensers you see in public restrooms in my garage, where I have a sink. My husband and I do a lot of gardening, and a bar of soap is messy, and the bottled soap dispensers aren’t very useful and they keep falling into the sink. I don’t want to spend a fortune. Thank you. Lynn Henry, email
A: What a good idea. You can select from several, inexpensive wall-mounted soap dispensers, as well as the liquid soap, at Grainger, 1721 Marietta Blvd., Atlanta, 888-803-7320. You’ll find several affordable soap dispensers that should work for you, including the DEB heavy duty dispenser 45GY68 that’s priced at only $6. You can check it out online at www.grainger.com. Call Grainger about two days before you plan to pick it up, and the customer service representative will order it and have it waiting for you.
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