Q: As kids, my brother and I used to love Astro Pop suckers. We thought they were the neatest thing, and tasty, too. I’m putting together a sort of nostalgic goody bag for his birthday this summer, and I wanted to add a couple of these fruity suckers. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to locate them locally. I know they’re available again, I just don’t know where. And I only need a couple, so I don’t want to order online. Can you please help me with this request? Thank you. — B. Jensen, email
A: Astro Pop suckers, shaped to resemble rockets, were first produced in the 1960s. And while production stopped for a while, Astro Pops are back under new ownership, but with the same flavor trio: pineapple, passion fruit and cherry at the wide end. Check out Cost Plus World Market, 4733 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 678-731-0014, because the store is expecting a shipment of Astro Pop candy by the first week of April. These are the larger versions, with 50 percent more candy, and each one sells for $2.79.
Q: I love most citrus sodas, but my favorite is one that I have trouble finding on a regular basis. I’m looking for Mello Yello in 12-ounce cans. If you can find a regular supply of this drink, I’d be really grateful. Thanks. — Joe Parker, email
A: Introduced in 1979, Mello Yello, a Coca-Cola brand, competed against Mountain Dew, a Pepsico product. You can find a steady supply of Mello Yello soda in 12-ounce cans at Buford Highway Farmers Market, 5600 Buford Highway, Doraville, 770-455-0770. A 12-pack costs $4.99, and you’ll find them on aisle 1A, near the frozen foods.
Q: Years ago, I purchased a Martha Stewart ironing board from Kmart. It came with two covers and pads. It is not a standard size, and I really need to find a new cover. It is 49 inches long and 17 wide. — Michelle Scoppa, email
A: Michelle, while these roomy ironing board covers aren’t quite as easy to find as the slimmer, more traditional versions, they’re still around. I found a wide cover that’s extra thick, scorch resistant and boosted with a fabric protector to help keep stains at bay. The 100-percent cotton cover boasts a delicate Spring Floral design and measures 49 inches by 18 inches, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. You’ll find it for $26.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond, 130 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, 770-673-0171.
Q: Would you please help me locate Aveeno Skin Relief lotion with cooling menthol. I have checked the company website and cannot locate this product or any reference to any substitute with the cooling menthol. Thank you in advance. — Pete Joyce, Suwanee
A: I spoke to someone at Aveeno and was told that the lotion was discontinued as of June 2011. Unfortunately, the company isn’t offering any other lotions with menthol. However, there is still some supply of the lotion, but it’s probably dwindling, so you might want to get as many as you can while they last. I found packs of three 7-ounce tubes of Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief calming lotion with cooling action for $34.99 through www.amazon.com.
