After all the cooking for the holidays and New Year’s Eve parties, your stove is probably a bit messy right now. What better place would know about cleaning appliances, than an appliance repair shop?

At Centre de Pieces et Services DB, on their counter by the cash, they sell Weiman cooktop cleaner in two sizes for $5.99 or $10.95. Right next to that, is Sany stainless steel cleaner for $10.95 and that’s it.  Sany is a Quebec product so that’s even better.

In this parts store, around for 20 years, you can find the piece you need for most major brand name (GE, Maytag, Frigidaire, Roy, Gibson, Kelvinator, Amana, Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, LG, Inglis, Kenmore, Nutone, Venmar) appliances to do it yourself of use their repair service.

Parts are in stock for refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, microwaves, freezers or dishwashers up to 5 years old and you can buy a few here too.

Some small appliances (mixers, irons, coffee pots, toaster ovens, processors, vacuums) by Sunbeam, Oster, Breville, Black & Decker, Krups, Tefal, Bionaire, Electrolux, Broil King and Eureka as well as their parts are sold and are reparable here.

Locations: 8000 Pie IX, Montreal-Nord (514-374-4500); Laval, 3300 boul. St-Martin O. (450-680-1333).
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30, Sat 8:30-1
www.piecesdb.com

Q: Love your website. Do you know of anyone that repairs snowblowers either shops or home service? Need help…..

A: There is an entire 20-page section in my book Smart Shopping Montreal for Repairmen. Under “Sharpening” you will find: Jean Guglia & fils at 10,344 Boul. St-Laurent. They sell and fix snowblowers as well as many other tools. They must know what they are doing as they have been open for 58 years. http://jeanguglia.com/

If some of the cakes at Les Delices La Frenaie look suspiciously similar to those in Loblaw’s (and Boccacinos, Chenoys and your favorite espresso bar), you would be a good detective.

So come to the source for the 46 kinds of cake: chocolate praline explosion, apple caramel cheesecake (23 others), frutti di bosco, custard, limoncello, heavenly berry and Milky Way in 8″ or 10″ sizes. The best buy is the pound cakes ($9.50) which come in apple walnut, orange, lemon cranberry, banana chocolate, espresso almond and 13 more.

Some cakes can be ordered for more than 20 people if you call 36 hours in advance. Of course there’s birthday, wedding and character cakes. There’s usually tastings, don’t pass up the amaretti biscotti.

Trays of pizza (tomato, white, all dressed and vegetarian) can be ordered – and are perfect for New Year’s party nibbling.

Locations: St-Leonard, 8405 Lafrenaie, St-Leonard (514-324-8039); 58A boul. Brunswick (514-542-4242); Rosemere, 199F Cure-Labelle (450-430-4222).  www.lesdeliceslafrenaie.com

Mega Vente has amazing  prices all year long.  Right now they are having a super Boxing Week sale with added bonus of the coupon below. There are vast choices from more than 10,000 sq. feet of well known brands to choose from.

This was a secret warehouse for a long time, but now it’s very open to the public, 7 days a week. Perfect for the snow piled up outside are the men’s and women’s outerwear (starting $28.880 and the kid’s snowsuits (starting at 38.88).

The huge neat space has something for everyone, including for New Year’s Eve parties, men’s suits/tie/shirt combos at $99.99 (34-60 short, reg, tall) – and even a salesman to help you out.

The first quality clothing is balance of inventory from the current season. Females (XS-4XL) and males (S-5XL) might find:  t-shirts (short and long), blouses, jeans, sweaters, boxers, velour or corduroy pants, sox and for the kids: t-shirts (short and long), sweaters, polar vests, nylon pants, corduroy pants, cargo pants, jogging sets,  jeans and skirts,

Locations: 120 boul. St-Joseph, Lachine
Tel: 514-637-1116
Other locations: St-Leonard, 8235 boul. Langelier (514-223-0510); Laval, 3679 boul. St-Martin (450-688-2221), 4910-A rue Jean-Talon O (514-238-0705)
Hours: Sat & Sun-Wed 10-5, Thurs & Fri 10-8
www.megaventemontreal.com

Professional hair care products and colorations (Biosilk, Nucleic A, Dikson, Pravana, Marrakesh Oil, Park Avenue…) that the salons use can be yours as well, if you shop at TifClip.

Styling products such as boar’s hair and ceramic brushes, clippers and trimmers, gels, waxes can be found.

Electrical appliances like Chi hair irons, Elchim blow dryers, Babyliss straightening irons, curling irons and hot rollers are yours for the asking.

They are now carrying the 2 top models of Parlux blow dryers from Italy (www.parlux.it). They have the 3800 ionic and ceramic edition which is totally eco-friendly, and the 2800 which is a long lasting and high endurance product.

Ask about spa and waxing products as well as hair extensions. Here’s hard to find help – you can get hair color consultation and a repair service here. (Taxes are included in the prices)

2122 Bleury St., Montreal QC H3A 2K3
corner: Sherbrooke St.
Tel: 514-288-4411
www.tifclip.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5

On Thursday morning on CJAD 800AM, you can listen to  me  on the radio (or Internet) on the Tommy Schnurmacher Show. James Mennie and I will be talking about how to approach Boxing Day sales.

Location: CJAD 800AM
Time: 11 am -12 pm
Date: Thurs Dec 26
www.cjad.com

After Boxing Day, where are the deals? I will be interviewed by Sonali Karnick on CBC one 88.5 FM and will cover Boxing Week and Boxing Month as well as store return policies. You can still hear the show online after it airs.

Location: 88.5 FM
Date: Dec 27
Time: 3:40 pm

Q: I was wondering where I would be able to buy designer undergarments (undershirts, underwear etc.) at discount prices?

A: This is a hard question to answer as so many stores concentrate on women. The one chain that is strictly for men’s undies is Calecons vos Gouts. It is full price but maybe for Boxing Day and the days after Christmas, they will have some good sales.They sell it all – boxers, boxer briefs, sport briefs, thongs and ones made out of bamboo. Look for bathing suits, p.j.’s and loungewear.

Locations: 705 Ste-Catherine O., Eaton Centre ; Place Montreal Trust (514-849-3382); Carrefour Laval (450-688-9480); Fairview Pointe Claire (514-426-1829); Place Rosemere (450-430-1698); Les Galeries d’Anjou (514-356-0335); Complexe  Desjardins (514-288-8380); Mail Champlain (450-465-1440).   www.shopcvg.com

Trio Group had always been strong for men’s clothing but at this sale they have items for women too. Their warehouse sale is different in that you have helpful sales people to make the shopping experience so much easier.

The racks and tables are neatly laid out with plenty of room to move around. Brands are posted (Matt & Nat, Lacoste, Jack & Jones, Converse All Star, Ralph Lauren, Vera Moda, Only, President Stone, Sean Jean, Covet, Penguin) so you can find the ones you like. Well done.

There’s perfumes too: Diesel, D&G, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Versace, Burberry, Calvin Klein –  and even some snowsuits for the kids.

The sale for 50%-80% off will go on all month.

Even better, starting on Boxing Day, Dec. 26, until Dec. 30, they will be reducing their already low prices by an extra 40%.

Location:  6320 Transcanadienne
corner:Boul. Cavendish
Dates: ends Dec 30
Times: Tues-Fri 10-8, Sat & Sun 10-5, Dec 24: 10-4, Closed Christmas