How would your town (population of only about 10,000) handle it if 38 planes with 6,579 passengers landed on your doorstep unexpectedly? In Newfoundland, they have a local expression about visitors – they call them “the come from aways” – so that’s how the hit Broadway Show Come From Away got its name.

David Hein and Irene Sakoff, Canadian husband and wife librettists and composer-lyricists, took the thousands of stories of passengers and residents on that infamous day, September 11, 2001, when those jets landed in Gander Newfoundland, and turned them into a heartwarming award-winning Broadway musical.

The 90-minute show is drawn from real people’s experiences in Gander on Sept. 11 and on the subsequent days, and  turned them into 12  composite characters: American Airlines Captain Beverley Bass – the first woman captain in the airline’s history, gays, an anxious passenger worried about a missing relative, a man ignored because he looked Mid-Eastern, Southerners, Northerners and foreigners,  These terrified passengers are set down by frightening unexpected circumstances in an unfamiliar land, and are forced to depend on the kindness of strangers.

One can’t even imagine the needs of so many people, besides language, religious and cultural barriers on top of it. Cultures clash and nerves run high, but uneasiness turned into trust when the Newfoundlanders came through with untold hospitality, opening their hearts, their homes, their schools and their stores. When a volunteer went to round up supplies at the town pharmacy, the manager simply said “Take whatever you need off the shelves”.

The dozen in the cast are marvelous, and they somehow 3-D print themselves into a community of people. It’s truly an ensemble, all equally acting and singing their hearts out. To me the superlatives have to go to the set designer, as I’ve never seen chairs star in a show before. Bob Verini of Variety wrote, “passengers and officials…, shuffling set designer Beowulf Boritt’s furniture pieces into a range of evocative public and private spaces”.

Come From Away is now the longest-running Canadian musical in Broadway history. Producer Corey Brunish said, “It’s about how people respond to tragedy.” It shows, he said, that “there’s hope in the world, there’s hope for us as a human race.” “I can’t imagine a musical we need more right now”, Entertainment reported.

Now that eighteen years have passed, you can google the story and learn that the gratitude grew into enduring friendships, and how the passengers paid it forward.

Come From Away is “celebration best of humankind, and an uplifting piece of art for all our times” said The Daily Beast. Go see it and uplift your life.

Location: Elgin Winter Garden Theatre
Address: 189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Dates: til September 29, 2019
www.mirvish.com

Smart Shopping tip: Mirvish is proud to offer CAA/AAA Members up to 25%* on select shows. … view the Visit the Come From Away show page show page … USE CODE MIRVCAA

With some downtime this summer, you might be planning  some home re-decorating or an arts and crafts project. When you are searching for the fabrics that you need, you can now search online at a Montreal fabric vendor, Tonitex.

You can find your answers right here at home, in the Chabanel area, at Tonitex, where they sell polar fleece, denim, fake fur, plush, cotton prints, nylon, jogging fleece, broadcloth, lycra, flannel, cotton twills and outerwear fabric to the nearby manufacturers and to you too.

Around for over 30 years, you will always find  a lot of  printed cotton sheeting from top brands like Spectrix, Michael Miller, Baum, Andover, Fabri-quilt and many more brands at discount prices.

The huge space is filled to the ceiling with giant fabric rolls accessed by ladders.  Look for the coupon bins sold by the kilo – when buying remnants you can save even more money.

Location: 9630 Boul. St-Laurent, Montreal H2N 1R1
corner: Louvain
Tel: 514-389-8293
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5, Sat 9-4
Website www.tonitex.com
To view their new products, have a look at: http://bit.ly/1oWpPiC

Q: Do you know of any where that would fix the cords on window blinds?

A: Fenetre Deco on my website www.smart shopppingmontreal.com is the answer. They can do repairs on blinds and can even re-size some of them if you change your windows. You can call for a consultation.

This company does ultrasonic cleaning and repairs of all types of blinds, from 1″ aluminum horizontals to the higher end Silhouettes and Luminettes.

The blinds are placed with a cleaning solution in large water-filled tanks, which use vibrating sound waves to loosen the dirt. Prices start at $15 per blind, and there is a minimum of $75 for a service call.

They also sell many types of blinds and drapery and provide shop-at-home service for Hunter Douglas, Shad-o-matic, Sol’r, Levolor, wooden shutters, roller shades Altex, etc.  He now sells those easy-to-use motorized blinds.

Location:  214A Ronald Dr. Montreal-West, Quebec, H4X 1M8
Tel: 514-364-2020
Business Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Email: info@fenetredeco.com
fenetredeco.com

Montreal’s real estate mark is hot right now. If you are planning to buy a property, don’t forget to hire a proper building inspector. You want one who is well trained and a well known expert in the field. After all, this is one of the most expensive things you will ever buy.

Morris Charney is good at finding defects. He does all kinds of buildings from single-family homes or or condos as well as commercial and industrial buildings. Charney’s building inspections are so thorough, that he sometimes scares real estate brokers.

Consumers don’t realize that the “new” Civil Code of Québec [1994] deregulated building inspections so that anyone has a right to do them – even the purchasers themselves. The only stipulations are that it be done in a “prudent and diligent” manner, “without the need of expert assistance”. Those are very loose terms for something so important.

Most inspectors when they find a defect will refer the matter to an expert. Mr. Charney is an expert, a member of two Québec Orders – ­ professional (practicing) architect and city planner.  He is a member of IHINA (Independent Home Inspectors of North America) based in Boston ­ and he happens to be a Harvard graduate.

Typical pre-purchase inspections run about $1500 + tax for a verbal report or you can buy a written one. Reference is made to current and past building codes. All reports are customized narratives, not computer-generated checklists -­ just the defects, clearly explained. The information provided in both the verbal and written reports are the same.

His practice has included renovating many homes, offices and stores so he has a good idea of what things cost. You can check out his LinkedIn site which contains numerous up to date posts regarding typical defects that have been discovered.

Charney believes that a purchaser has the right to be properly informed of what it is they are buying.

Tel: 514-937-5100
Hours: by appointment
www.morrischarneyinspections.com, www.morrischarneyinspectionsfr.com
mcharney@videotron.ca

Would you sleep on the same sheets for 6 months? So why haven’t you ever had your pillow cleaned? Bellingham Cleaners and Tailors will sanitize, deodorize, clean, and fluff you pillow – and – replace the cover.

Take time to take a look around the house to see what needs some freshening up. So if you would like to clean your drapes, window coverings , pillows or duvets –  think Bellingham Cleaners and Tailors. Is it too difficult to remove and rehang your drapes and window coverings? They’ll send someone to do it for you so you can send them in for a cleaning along with the bedding and decorative cushions

No time for laundry? For busy people, they offer a wash and fold service. Whites and coloured items are washed separately – and – independently of other peoples’ clothes. There’s free pick up and delivery. The minimum order is for 10 lbs. Their Bates Rd. location even has Quebec’s first drive-thru service and a 24-hour night deposit box using VIP bags.

Their Deluxe Service handles delicate garments individually:

* garments individually cleaned in virgin solvent
* buttons are removed to prevent damage
* items are hand-pressed,
* double inspection procedure
* garments are stuffed with tissue paper to preserve their form

– For garment repairs (even suede and leather), every day there are seamstresses and a changing room, so quick fixes can be sewn while you wait.
– Home or office pick-up service is available over most of the island.
– Bellingham Cleaners are the only cleaners in the province of Quebec who are certified by the worldwide Association of Wedding Gown Specialists.

TMR Location: 2655 Bates Rd, Montreal , plus pickup/delivery service
corner: Wilderton
Tel: 514-733-4444
Hours: Mon-Wed 7:30-6:30, Thurs & Fri 7:30-7, Sat 8-5, Sun 11-5
www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=167

Closets by Design was here way before Marie Kondo was organizing us.  Simplifying your life is what they have always done. And til the end of June you can get 40% off and $250 worth of accessories.

For a complimentary design consultation, just contact Closets by Design and they will send a talented designer directly to your home. The experts will take detailed measurements and will explore endless storage possibilities with you. They’ll guide you to the best choices possible taking into consideration your budget, style and preferences.

They design, build and install custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundry rooms, pantries. Once your system is designed, the work will begin at their state-of-the-art facilities. Each unit is built to your specifications and a professional team will install the units quickly and neatly. With their wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware, you will get the customized look you have always dreamed of.

For a complimentary design consultation, just contact Closets by Design and they will send a talented designer directly to your home. The experts will take detailed measurements and will explore endless storage possibilities with you. They’ll guide you to the best choices possible taking into consideration your budget, style and preferences. Once your system is designed, the work will begin at their state-of-the-art facilities. Each unit is built to your specifications and a professional team will install the units quickly and neatly.

– Custom Closets: Each variety of closet systems will maximize your space and create a closet which helps organize not only your clothes, but also your life.

– Garage Cabinets: Think about transforming your garage into your workshop, garden center or arts and crafts room – all with plenty of storage space.

– Home Offices: Closets by Design created a line of innovative and effective office systems in a variety of styles and finishes to match your unique needs.

– Wallbeds: Maximize the use of your space with a foldaway designbedT system. Customizable, multi-functional and ideal for small spaces, designbedT offers a creative space-saving solution for any home.

– Laundry Rooms: There are numerous options to organize this room better, including long and short shelving, a variety of places to store cleaning supplies and items to compliment your laundry room needs.

– Pantries: The value of quick access to items in your kitchen is priceless, making meal prep quick and efficient. Their attractive pantries are developed to streamline cooking and cleaning with easy-to-reach shelves for easy-to-find items.

Closets by Design has built a reputation for integrity as an industry leader in customer service and satisfaction. They strive for and build quality, beauty, and commitment into each piece constructed and can easily meet everyone’s different household budgets.

Location: 4747, rue Bourg , Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1H9
corner: Off of Montee de Liesse
Tel: 514 – 631-6777
Hours: Mon – Fri 9-5
Sale: Til June 30th
www.cbdmontreal.com
info@cbdmontreal.com

The arrival of spring is a welcome excuse for buying fresh new spring wardrobe items and now’s is the perfect time to update with a few key pieces in your closet.

Raffinalla, the brand that embodies effortless style, and made from the most luxurious fabrics is having their Spring Sale.  Snag wardrobe essentials from their latest collection that are perfect for every day and every occasion.

Save up to 80% off on selected samples and overstock (all sizes available) sportswear, pants, skirts, tops, capes, coats, jackets, belts & scarves. Perfect Fit Pant starting at $25 and score a great deal at the Liquidation room $25-$ 75.

It’s spring at last, so get shopping. Raffinalla, so comfortable and fashion fabulous they will be among your most favorite pieces.

The Boutique is always open Tuesday to Friday 10-5 and private appointments are welcome.

Location: 9200 Meilleur, suite 400
corner: Chabanel
Phone: 514-327-4477, 514-979-4764
Dates: June 11 – 16
Hours: Tues – Fri, Sat & Sun, 10-5
Metro: Station Cremazie, Bus 146
raffinalla.com

At Jelena Styles Lingerie (JSL) in Decarie Square, the personalized service makes it so pleasant to shop here as  the sales women actually help fit you for your correct bra size and shape. For those of you who love or need Walcoal bras, June 7th is the date to put on your calendar. That day a Walcoal representative will be on site to help you figure out what is best for your body type.

Walcoal is also offering a gift for anyone spending over $80 and there will be a raffle to win a Walcoal bra and panty set.

And just to make the trip there even more worthwhile, they’re having a Montelle (Canadian brand) liquidation moment for bras and matching underwear. Prices for bras will only be 15$-35$ until quantities last.

With the summer on the horizon, you can also shop for bathing suits here. Since Jelena’s specialty is help with selecting bras, that knowledge easily transfers to help with bathing suits:  Tyr, Amoena, Alia, Nygard and Gottex – all swimsuits up to 50% discount.

The rest of the little shop is chock full of an extensive bra collection including names you know along with exclusive lines. The certified fitters offer very personalized service. It’s a good idea for women considering breast reduction, augmentation or reconstruction to make an appointment for a fitting prior to surgery  – specialty bra from company Amoena.

Jelena Styles Lingerie (JSL) sells high quality European lingerie at affordable Canadian prices. All the designs are produced with excellent fabrics and offer you comfort and elegance, bringing joy to every woman. JSL also carries in stock: bridal bra collections and bra for nursing mothers. Bras range in size from 30A-44 H, with or without underwires.

Location: 6900 boul Decarie ( Carre Decarie ) Suite 218 H3X 2T8 / Google Maps: http://bit.ly/21jRg65
corner: rue Plamandon
Tel: 514-303-1911
Hours: Regular plus Sunday
Metro:  Station Plamondon, Station Namur
www.jelenastyleslingerie.com
email: info@jelenastyleslingerie.com

The diamond is  the hardest, most abrasive stone known to man.  So Diamancel has created a unique line of genuine diamond files using this property. I’ve been singing their praises and using a Diamancel nail file for a long time. It works amazingly well and you never have to buy another one. So it’s the perfect time now, at their Warehouse Sale to stock up for yourself and for gifts for friends (they’ll always think of you!).

Each flexible diamond nail file in the Diamancel family has been designed for specific nail types to beautifully shape and enhance both natural and sculptured nails. The Diamancel Diamond Hand and Foot Callus Files are ideal for removing and softening rough, dry skin.

These lines are so useful and popular that the brand was was featured in Martha Stuart Living, Bride’s Magazine and New York Magazine.

Discover Diamancel’s  Sacha™ Diamond Nail File for pets. A great alternative,  Sacha™ Diamond File replaces the often-unpleasant cutting process with an easy and effective filing method. No cutting required.

The newest line is the DiamColor mini-size files (perhaps for your purse) in a dozen colors.

Diamancel files provide effective fast, easy and effortless filing. They are durable and will outlast all your files, which make them a money saver.

• The files are washable/sanitizable as they all can be washed with soap and water
• They are hygienic too as they can be soaked and disinfected in medical grade solution.
• The fiberglass base is both resistant and flexible making filing easier

These are  effortless to use as you can use a light hand and the diamonds will do the work for you. All files have been salon tested for maximum performance. You can order your files now on their website or you can come in and score deals at their warehouse sale.

If you head there, you will also discover the Arbonne wellness health and nutrition botanical products for the whole family.

Location: 2477 Rue Guenette, V.S.L. H4R 2E9
Hours: Thurs 10-5, Fri 10-8, Sat 10-3
Tel: 514-856-9711
Sale dates June 6-8
http://www.diamancel.com/
www.christelecaron.arbonne.com