Q: Is there anyone in the Atlanta area who makes custom leather belts? I have two silver Navajo belt buckles that require a custom-made leather belt. I’d love to wear these again. Donald Kelmers, email
A: The family-owned House of Fleming has been selling and creating handmade, custom leather goods locally since 1970. The company first opened on Peachtree Road in the Garden Hills area. Today, House of Fleming runs the retail store out of its factory at 2148 Hills Ave., Atlanta, 404-233-5657. The family specializes in American alligator, but it also creates pieces out of lizard, ostrich and other types of hides. While House of Fleming fashions belts, it also makes women's cuffs, custom watch bands and business card cases. To see some of the items, check out the House of Fleming Facebook page.
Q: I’ve been trying to find Waxelene that I originally purchased at CVS in Roanoke, Virginia this year. I have gone to the website, but when I was last on the site, there seem to be some broken links in it. I’ve called the number on the website and left a message but I have not received a call back. This appears to be a very good product. Please help me find it! Thanks so much for your help. Vera Cargile, email
A: Vera, according to someone at Waxelene, the company has made the switch to "all organic," which had a huge demand and left store shelves empty. Waxelene is getting a new packaging makeover, and the product is scheduled to get back on store shelves next year. In the meantime, I have two purchasing options for you. Waxelene, an alternative to petroleum jelly is made with GMO-free soy oil, natural and unbleached raw beeswax, natural vitamin E oil and rosemary oil. It's available in .05-ounce tubes for $7.99 at Sprouts Farmers Market, 4330 East-West Connector, Smyrna, 770-200-7587. Online, you can get the new 2-ounce tube of organic Waxelene for $12.99 through musely.com.
Q: I have been trying since I moved here three years ago to find a garbage disposal pusher. It looks like a large white mushroom. I am so afraid I’m going to get something stuck trying to push food down. Would appreciate any help you can give. Thank you. Lenore Rowley, email
A: Lenore, I found two options for you. First check out the Danco Disposal Genie, which is a multitasker for your garbage disposal. This gadget sits in your drain, replacing the gunky floppy black strainer that allows silverware and bones to slide down your disposal. However, it accepts medium bits of food like pasta and rice to pass through. Not only can you use it to push food down manually, but the flat silicon end acts as a scraper to remove food from your plates. Note that the Disposal Genie isn't a stopper, your disposal runs freely with it in place. It's made with built-in Microban, which keeps odor causing mold and mildew at bay. You can find the Genie for $9.99 at Lowe's Home Improvement, 5925 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-497-8920. It's located on aisle BW, bay 60. The second option looks somewhat like the large mushroom you described. The white Norpro Super Stuffer sits in your disposal drain, and it's dishwasher safe. You'll find it for $8.99 at The Cook's Warehouse, 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, 404-815-4993.
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