Clear the Air is a recycling program which will give you $$ and more for getting rid of older cars, 1998 and older.  If you turn them in, you will receive 12 consecutive months of public transit and a refund of up to $1500 on a more energy efficient vehicle – or other rewards. The vehicle has to be bought at a participating Honda or Toyota dealer and is on cars up to 4 years old.

www.cleartheairprogram.org
Tel: 888-819-7330

In addition of receiving the offer of Clear the Air!, you could get extra credit from the Quebec’s government which offers a tax credit for the purchase or lease of a vehicle with a low fuel consumption or a fully electric car. If an eligible person buys or leases for a long-term period (minimum 12 continuous months) a recognized green vehicle before January 1st 2012,  they  may claim a refundable tax credit. Get all the information on the Québec’s income tax site for the year 2011.

Credit information available for subsequent years (2012 +) are on the Web site “Running on green power!”
http://www.vehiculeselectriques.gouv.qc.ca/english/pdf/action-plan.pdf

Kiva opened a new location in Vaudreuil-Dorion. The original store in Pointe Claire village, sells stylish practical clothing (sizes XS-XL) for women. This business model is different in that it is not just a shop, but was conceived to become a community. That feeling of belonging is reinforced not only by the convivial atmosphere, but by fun events like anniversary cocktail fetes or Christmas parties. Friends can also plan a private evening here to munch, shop and enjoy the attentions of a make-up artist too.

The owner, Josee Madore, used to run the design department at Lolë activewear, so she knows about fashion and what women want and need. She desired her own shop so that she could connect with her audience more intimately. “We want to make women look good and feel at ease in all the different aspects of their lives. Women… are balancing so many different activities – it’s not uncommon for them to lose track of themselves and their sense of style.”, says Madore.

At Kiva her team is there to guide women and help them look their absolute best. She chooses flattering styles that are easy to wear and care for. Madore tries on every garment before she sells it, so as to make sure she likes the way it fits. With lots of selection, it’s easy for clients to enjoy putting together an entire wardrobe for each season.

Whether you need a warm winter jacket, sports clothes or want to be able to go from office to cocktails, you can find the answer in their brands::

– comfy Yoga jeans from Second, new bold and demi-curve by Levis and activewear by Lolë, Fig, and Karma

– to make a fashion statement, you can buy: Anna Scott, Schwing, Sandwich, Jackpot, In Wear, Part Two, Coco et Tashi, C02, Flying Tomatoe, Mystree, Trinity, Signal,Jensen and St-Martin.

– cool shoes by: Clarks, Hunter Toms, Miz Mooz, Birkenstock, Volatile, Otbt, Nicole, Madeline.

– put your stuff in purses and bags: Mosey, Co-lab

– jewelry to finish off the look: Clio Blue, Merx, Art and Caft, Cracol, La Mer watches

New arrivals come in every week. You can shop whenever its convenient for you as they are open every day.

New location: 472 St-Charles Ave. Vaudreuil-Dorion QC J7V 2N5
Tel:450-218-6088
Original Location: 15A Cartier St. Pointe-Claire, QC H9S 4R5
corner: chemin du bord-du-lac Lakeshore
Tel: 514-505-0955
www.kivawomen.com, Facebook http://on.fb.me/HDCZrd
E-mail     info@kivawomen.com
Hours     Mon-Wed & Sat 10-5:30, Thurs & Fri 10-8 (summer), 10-6 (winter), Sun 12-5

Aliments Papillon Foods, a by-the-pound store, now has a spacious, renovated, and enlarged store. They were so clever when they re-did their bins because they tagged the items with special diet labels:  wheat-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, sugar-free, organic, Kosher, nut- free, low sodium, fat-free, or even locally sourced .

In those bins you will find: herbs de Provence, toasted corn nuts, psyllium husks, jelly bellies, blackstrap molasses, 12 kinds of chocolate-making wafers, brown basmati rice, glazed fruits, probiotic cereal, Montreal steak spice, pickling spices, whole nutmeg, flax seed, buttermilk powder and chia seeds.

You can rent one of their 150 cake mold pans, and find many cake decorating necessities, and even buy pinatas. You may be looking for soy beverages, retro candy, or Japanese rice candy. For gluten-free diets, there’s a nice selection of: bread (even quinoa), pizza dough, cakes, cookies, pasta pie dough and frozen dinners. There’s an organic section now, gourmet groceries and chocolate letters ($2.39).

Location: 303 boul. St-Jean, Pointe Claire
corner: Autoroute 20
Tel: 514-697-5157
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-9, Sat 9-8, Sun 10-5

A few times a year, Premium Retail Group holds liquidation sales worth waiting for.  This one has cool back-to-school brands for men and women and then a bankruptcy clearance for leatherwear – good timing for this season.

Males and females who oogle the hot brands of  Cottonfield, Joe’s, Bench, Vero Moda, Matinique, Kaporal 5, Gypsy 05, William Rast, Michael, Stars, Velvet Heart, One Teaspoon, Garcia  Selected, Minkpink,  Jack & Jones,  will love the 60%-90% off prices. Expect  jackets, tops, pants, skirts,  hoodies, handbags and footwear.

Peau sur Peau closing allows you to buy leather duds for 60-90% off:  Cushe footwear, Rieker, Blondo Canada,Bod & Christiensen, Cabrielli & Co

Location: 4454 Garand St. Ville St. Laurent QC H4R 2A2
corner: Pomba
Sale Dates: Sept 19 – Oct 14
Hours: Sat, Sun, Wed 11-5, Thurs & Fri 11-9
www.premiumretailgroup.com

Star player Max Pacioretty will be doing autograph sessions at the 2 Lanctot Floor Design stores on Sept15 & 16. After your excitement of meeting him and the chance to win door prizes, take the time to shop in one of my favorite flooring stores.

Don’t be put off by the location – it’s only 15 minutes across the Mercier bridge, and the sheer volume (100,000 sq. ft.) of merchandise is worth the ride. The Lanctots have been around for 129 years selling floating and hardwood floors (look for the bargain bins starting at $.89), including condo solutions, ceramic tiles (starting at $1.25), about 500 area rugs, carpeting and vinyl flooring (lots of remnants too).

They’re known for choice and service, and their prices are low all year round. Other vendors are inside their building selling wallpaper, paint, bedding, blinds, furniture, kitchen cabinets, plumbing, windows and doors.

Dates and times:  Sept 15: 1-4 at the Longueuil location: 740 Jean-Neveu (Trans-Canada), Tel: 450-647-1571
Sept 16: 1-4 at the  St Isadore (Chateauguay) location:  148 Boyer,  Tel: 514-875-1954
Store Hours: Regular plus Sun 11-5
www.lanctot.qc.ca

This is just what we need as the population ages. Acacia Retirement Services is available to assist seniors to maintain or increase their independence, enabling them to live safely in the comfort of their own home. Acacia’s experienced personnel are dedicated, compassionate and caring.

Their services include:
– Companionship
– Helping with everyday activities
– Transportation
– Monitoring of diet and preparation of nutritious meals
– Assisting clients with self-administration of medications
– Providing respite for a family member
– Assistance with mobility
– Managing administrative health-related activities
– Ongoing close communication with the client and family

It takes a special kind of person to care for seniors. Acacia takes a heartfelt approach to caring – which makes all the difference.

e-mail:  info@acaciaservices.ca
Phone:  514-426-9201
www.acaciaservices.ca

A homegrown company, Arianne still produces the majority of their lingerie, dresses tops, pants, and loungewear at their facilities in Montreal.  Final clearances of samples, seconds, past collections, bras are only $10-$14.

A nicely organized event, all of the items are set out by size and price so you can easily find what you’re looking for.  The merchandise is hung up and items that are on tables, are well marked.  Fitting rooms with mirrors are provided.

You can find them on Facebook. Note that taxes are included in their prices.

Location: 1655 Louvain ouest
corner: Marche Centrale
Tel: 514-385-9393
Dates:  Sept 13-23
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-5, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5
www.ariannelingerie.com

At Puffy Fashion’s warehouse, they offer children’s wear from newborn up to size 10 for boys and girls. Some of the items you might find: 3-pc sets with jackets or sweater knit top or polar vest, skirt sets with matching tights, dresses with matching tights, pyjamas and sleepers, pant set, jackets, baby car bags.

Prices are excellent, up to 70% off and taxes are included. You can go up all week long til they close the doors again.

Location: 9494 Boul.  St-Laurent, suite 600
Corner: Chabanel
Phone: 514-274-6449
Times: Wed: 10-5, Thurs & -Fri 10-6, Sat 9:30-3

Dr. Martens well structured shoes have come and gone over the years in terms of fashionability.  The family owned British brand have opened their own shops. The industrial design harks back to their origins as a working class shoe stitched in yellow but today they are seen on the feet of trendies.

Model Agyness Deyn’s clothing and footwear are sold here too and you can watch her video.

Location: 1383 Ste. Catherine St. W.
Tel: 514-985-2727
www.drmartens.com

Limited Brands has brought its brand, Victoria’s Secret to Canada.  Limited Brands might be familiar to  Montrealers  because they bought out La Senza. Remember those great sales on the TCan when the line went on for blocks?

The first store has opened in Carrefour Laval.  It’s 11,000 square ft of black and pink if full of every color bra yes, but also undies, loungewear, pajamas, and even slips.

Location: Carrefour Laval
www.victoriassecret.com