Q: I read your column each Sunday because it is interesting to see what people are searching for and amazing to me that you always seem to find the item for them. I never thought I would be one of those in need of your help, though. I have a delicious homemade spice cake recipe that calls for baby food plums. For a while, I could find the baby food plums, and then I was only able to find baby food plums with apples, which worked in the recipe just fine. I had planned to make the cake this weekend, but have been unable to find either the baby food plums or plums with apples. Thanks in advance for your help. — Melanie Cooksey, Monroe
A: Melanie, it’s my turn to thank you, not only for reading faithfully, but for offering readers a helpful tip. There are a lot of readers out there who have been looking for the plum baby food for that beloved cake recipe. Some of them have even put the recipe away because plum baby food is pretty much a dinosaur these days. But, thanks to you, we now know that the plum with apples baby food makes a good substitute. Not far from you, I found Earth’s Best organic baby food apples-and-plums flavor at Publix Super Market, 916 Loganville Highway, Bethlehem, 770-307-1600. Each 4-ounce jar costs $1.15.
Q: I am trying to find a paper folding street map of Alpharetta and Canton. I am moving there soon and I would love to have a map where I can see all of the streets. Yes, I have a smart phone and a navigation system, but there is nothing better than opening a map to see what streets are where and what connects to them. I have looked at local gas stations and bookstores, but they do not carry the maps. I found a store online that sells them but it costs $12 to mail two folding maps. Is there a place locally where I can get them? Thank you. — Lori Samoline, email
A: Lori, I bow down to you. Not only can I never find what I’m looking for on a paper map, but I can never fold it back the way it came. I did, however, find both of the maps that you’re seeking, and not only can you pick them up yourself, but they won’t cost you a penny. Check out the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, 178 S. Main St., Alpharetta, 678-297-2811. It offers free folding paper maps that list every street in town. To pick a free street map of Canton, you can go to the Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center, 100 North St., Canton, 770-345-3288. The maps also are available downtown at City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton, 770-704-1532.
Q: My dad is a big fan of black cherry soda, and his favorite brand is Dr. Brown’s. He now has to drink diet, and I’m having a hard time finding this for him. And it’s much too expensive to order online. We would both really appreciate if you could help us with this request. Thank you. — Betty Daniels, Atlanta
A: Betty, you can nearly always find a selection of Dr. Brown’s soda, including diet and regular black cherry, in the kosher market section of Kroger, 2205 Lavista Road, Atlanta, 404-633-8694. A six-pack of the diet soda costs $4.99. You’ll find the ample kosher section located toward the back of the store.
Q: More years ago than I like to think about, I used to have a sheer lipstick that turned different colors depending on who wore it. It was a sheer pinky rose on my lips, perfect for casual wear. The name of this lipstick was called Tangee, but when I ask about it, no one seems to have any idea what I’m talking about. If you could track this down for me, I would be so grateful. I don’t like to order over the Internet, but would rather speak to someone in person, if that’s possible. Thank you very much. — C. Bradley, Atlanta
A: The vivid, but sheer, orange Tangee lipstick that glides on clear, then changes color to, ideally, suit each wearer perfectly, is alive and well. It’s just no longer available in local stores. However, it’s now part of the permanent collection of vintage merchandise at the venerable Vermont Country Store. You can snap up tubes of original Tangee lipstick for $14.95 each. Take a look at the lipstick on the website, vermontcountrystore.com, and call 800-547-7849 to place your order. Note the item number: 61436.
