Q: I have looked for coffee pods, not the Keurig cups, for a while and have not been able to find them. They used to be popular a few years ago. I know they are still in use at hotels for their coffee makers. Any ideas? — David Mondecar, Marietta
A: David, you didn’t specify a brand, so I’m leading you to a familiar coffee, Folger’s, which offers a classic ground roast coffee that comes in .9-ounce filter packets. These have been updated and combine the filter and packet in one unit that you simply place inside your coffee maker’s filter basket. Each packet brews 10 to 12 cups. You can check them out at www.Staples.com, where you can order Folger’s filter packets online and pick them up at a store near you without incurring any shipping charges. You’ll have to buy a case of 40 filter packets for $28.79.
Q: I have a challenge for you. My wife has been frustrated for some time now because she cannot find an effective product that will clean the glass shower doors in our bathrooms. Although she has tried numerous products, nothing seems to be able to remove the residue or scum from the glass. Surely, either you, or one of your readers, can help save our marriage. Thanks. — Roger Brummond, email
A: Roger, shower doors are one of the most stubborn items to clean once soap and hard water get a tenacious hold. However, let’s not allow that household conundrum to break up a marriage, shall we? There are a lot of products that promise an easy fix, but many of them don’t work, as you’ve noticed. I’m going to suggest you try a product that’s not ordinarily thought of when it comes to cleaning shower doors. Check out Bar Keeper’s Friend Cooktop Cleaner, which you can find for about $5 at Bed Bath and Beyond stores. Make sure you get the liquid that’s formulated for cooktops. Before starting, apply the liquid to a small corner of the shower door to make sure it’s safe for your glass. Let me know how it works.
Q: I used to buy a portable curling made by Braun. It used ThermaCell. It was very easy to take when traveling. At one point, I was able to purchase the curling iron and ThermaCell from a place in Virginia. I think the place went out of business and I have not been able to find a place to purchase this item. I hope you will be able to point me in the right direction. Thank you. — Yvonne Holley, Lithia Springs
A: Holley, Braun no longer makes the curling iron fueled by ThermaCell butane cartridges, but Conair does. You can find several sizes through www.target.com, with prices starting at $19.99. These aren’t sold in stores. I have another option for you if you’re feeling flush and know how to create curls with a flat iron. Check out www.ulta.com, and look for Sarah Potempa Jet Setter cordless iron that charges like a cell phone. Just plug it in, and it lets you know when it’s charged and ready to use. However, the price tag is pretty daunting at $99 — but, you never have to replace butane cartridges.
Q: I am looking for Stella D’oro cookies that I used to find at Publix, but they do not seem to carry them any longer. They were my favorite growing up in New York. Can you help me find them? Thank you. — Gina Martin, email
A: Well, Gina, these cookies used to be available just about everywhere, but no longer. However, I did find a source for Stella D’oro original breakfast treats, the vanilla-scented curved cookies that are ideal for dunking in coffee. They’re available for $3.19 at Kroger, 12870 Alpharetta Highway, Milton, 770-772-3699.
