Q: Besides Ikea do you know of any other retailers that sell closets or armoires for bedrooms.  I have a bedroom with no closet space.   I would like to purchase an armoire big enough and similar to the space of a standard closet.

A: On pg 76 of my book, there’s Danish Jysk, similar to Ikea but less expensive with 3 locations in the city or on my web site, you can find something at a lovely  second-hand shop,  Niche Decor et Mode www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=183. Another place which may have something is on page 141, Deuxieme Debut, Tel: 514-707-2365

If you want to get a Pharmaprix coupon for this sale, it is printed on the Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix Facebook page for customer’s to view and print off to participate.

If you present it at any participating Pharmaprix store, you will receive 25% off your
purchase of $75 or more before taxes and after redemptions. I believe that means you have to buy $100 worth of items.

This $75 threshold cannot include:  all products offered or sold by a pharmacist, sale items, stamps, passport photos, lottery tickets, event tickets, transit tickets and passes, gift cards, prepaid phone cards, prepaid card products, prestige cosmetics and fragrances.

There is a limit of one coupon per transaction per customer. No facsimiles.  Discounts may not exceed $50. See cashier for details.

Date: Friday, December 14, 2012

Refurbishing giant, J. Sonic is holding a sale of electronics.  The enormous warehouse is full of such things as TV screens, home theater systems, laptops, Dyson vacuum cleaners, blu-ray players, and vinyl floor tiles.

Location: 6869 Henri Bourassa Ouest
corner: Felix Leclerc
Date: Sat Dec 15
Hours:  9-9
www.refurbished.ca

Old Skool Crafts is a curated fair which prides itself on showcasing unique jewelry, natural bath & beauty products, skilled woodworkers, hand crafted toys & ornaments, photography, illustrations, paintings, adorable baby items, pottery, greeting cards, designer clothing, knit-ware, baked goods and many more great finds.

The  110 artisans create everything from classic or elegant creations to new quirky and whimsical styles of handmade creations.

There will be a kids craft area, craft workshops for adults & children as well as food for purchase in the Cafe.

Workshops: Poetry Workshop (Free)
Explore the poetic realm with Elizabeth Johnston during this free, 45-minute poetry workshop.

Material required: pen and notebook..
Register at www.elizabeth-johnston.com
Saturday, December 8th, 2pm

Bodhran Demo & Talk (free)
Join Elizabeth Johnston for a free talk on the bodhran, the Irish frame drum. During this 45-minute event, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about its origins, its use in traditional music today, and the basic rudiments of playing.

Material required: There will be a few bodhrans on hand for people to try. But, if you have your own bodhran, bring it along.
Register at www.wearablemagic.com
Sunday, December 9th, 2pm

Ornament Crafts (Free)
Lyn Carrick will present an afternoon workshop for kids. Make ornaments and decorate the tree!
Sunday, December 16th.

Please bring along canned goods and lightly used clothing to donate to local charities so we may share the holiday spirit with those in need. (CTV’s Spirit of Giving boxes)

Fundraiser raffle for The Mercy Project. Tickets $2 each. www.themercyproject.org
Over $100 in prizes to be won. Details at the Bake Sale Girl or The Mercy Project’s tables.

For any other information or to find out how to be a part of the fair please contact:
Nikki @ info@oldskoolcrafts.com

Facebook Event page Dec. 8-9: http://www.facebook.com/events/3881109579356/

Facebook Event page Dec. 15-16: http://www.facebook.com/events/214879925312837/

St.Michael’s Church, 105 St.Viateur Ouest
corner: St.Urbain
Dates: Dec. 8th – 9th & Dec. 15th- 16th, 2012
Time: 11-6
Free Entrance

www.oldskoolcrafts.webs.com

With holidays coming up and coffee and coffee machines being the most popular kitchen items these days, why not go shop at a Montreal coffee institution open since 1910? Stopping by Cafe Union today, I found all kinds of small to big coffee items you can offer up for the holidays.

Made-to-measure coffee has brought java lovers to this business all these years. At around $20 a kilo, it’s quite a deal when you consider that Keurig costs you $130 a kilo.

This wholesaler roasts the coffee right here, so you can choose one or a custom blend from amongst the espresso, melange maison (regular and strong), french press, Kenya, Panama, Columbia Supremo, Fair Trade, decaf and Swiss washed decaf.

Those who like flavors can buy Bavarian chocolate, Irish cream or hazelnut vanilla or one of the 30 flavored syrups (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, etc.) to add in.

They sell espresso machines (Saeco, Gaggia, Rancilio, Pavoni, Breville, Quick Mill, Jura, La Spaziale) and teapots, too.

For smaller stocking stuffers, the Cafelat line of barista accessories, tamping mat, knockbox for grinds, milk pitcher for the froth as well as Urnex washing products for pots, grinders and frothers are there.

How about buying a Keurig re-usable coffee container so you can put your own blend of coffee (for a Lot less) into a Keurig machine? Nespresso makes blend-your-own containers.

Drink products like iced cappuccino, chai latte concentrate, Twinings teas and Mighty Leaf tisanes now line the shelves. Free delivery is offered for 5 pounds or more.  Repairs to coffee machines are available.

Location:148 Jean-Talon O.
corner: Waverly
Tel:  514-273-5555
Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 9-4
www.cafe-union.com

The best monthly sales of linens, etc. is the one held on Louvain St. in the Chabanel area. Now they are making it easy for those of you who live more easterly and are offering a second location on Pie IX.

If you need bedding, curtains, comforters, pillows,  shower curtains, bath towels, mats, dishcloths, oven mitts, mattress covers, etc., head to one of these locales.

They offer great deals like cushions for $5,  curtains for $5 and comforters starting at $15.

Location: 100 Louvain
corner: boul. St-Laurent
Other location: 8566 Pie IX
Phone: 514-384-8290
Dates and times: Fri Dec 7: 11-6, Sat Dec 8: 8-1

Distributeurs Iann is a terrifically priced landmark Chabanel spot. They sell a mixture of  home linens, family clothing and luggage. You can find some budget busting gifts for the holidays.

To grace your festive table, you’ll find a vast selection of tablecloths – even embroidered ones and for the rest of the house there’s sheets (warm fleece and polar too), towels and bath mats.

If you want to run away from the cold, there’s heavily discounted prices on sample and floor model brand name (Swiss Gear, Air Canada, Atlantic, Travelpro, Roots) luggage.

For the ladies’ look for nightgowns and for the men, pajamas, shirts and jackets, and then socks and undies for all. You can even buy some woolen long johns here. The assortment of baby items (up to 24 mos.) are at really reasonable prices – crib sheet sets, 2-piece outfits and pajamas. This is a great all year round place to stock up for your family and home.

Location: 111 Chabanel ouest, Suite 102
corner: Reims
Tel: 514-383-1589
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5

If you are planning a home renovation which includes new flooring, you may want to check out this sale for marble or quartz tiles. Since it is a bankruptcy clearance, prices should be right.

Location: 5438 Royalmount, TMR
Tel: 514-739-3355
Hours: Daily 10-5
www.c3.com

Besides framing paintings, prints, diplomas and needlepoint, Galerie d’Art Pointe Claire (open since 1983)  can frame coins, medals, awards, sports items, religious objects, souvenirs, keepsakes, family heirlooms or hockey shirts (in shadow boxes).

Until Nov 30th, they are offering 20% off custom framing from well known companies such as Larson Juhl and Verbec.

Mats in popular sizes are stocked, and custom framing is done at reasonable prices. Over 200 ready-made frames are in stock.  There are over 500 hundred samples available, so for sure there will be something to match the art you are framing.

How’s this for a great speedy service: You can bring in your art in the morning, and it will be ready by the end of the day. All work is done on the premises – nothing sent out.

The other half of the store is mainly art supplies (lots of how-to books); there are special deals on stretch canvas all year long. Paints you can buy here are: Liquitex Acryliques, Lukas oil colors, Holbein oils and watercolors, and Winsor & Newton artist’s watercolor and oil colors

You will enjoy their amazing personalized service. The staff really knows their products and have a great ability to help choose the correct mats, frames, and colors that will make your framed item just perfect.

Location: 303B boul. St-Jean, Plaza Pointe-Claire
corner: Highway 2-20
Tel: 514-695-7760
Hours:  Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 (call first)

Q: Where can I find someone to repair silver cutlery in west end Montreal? love your program!

A: Unfortunately the main company that did this closed last year. Right now, Barocco, 1396 Ste-Catherine W. is the only independent (2nd generation!) silversmith that I know. Phone: 514-866-7205.  Don’t forget Mr. Fixit, for he can work on all kinds of valuables including silverware: Phone: 514-484-8332, 4652 boul. Decarie.