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

Your struggle to find perfectly-fitting clothes ends now. If you’re a big guy no matter what your size or shape, this family-owned store has been specializing in men’s big and tall clothing for 90+years and they know how to wow their customers with an incredible selection and their expertise in fitting you with comfortable and stylish clothes.

Whether you’re trying to find some new polos, tees, shirts, shorts or swimwear to freshen up your spring attire or snag some essential accessories, now’s the perfect time to save BIG on the brands you love by taking advantage of  M.H. Grover’s Sidewalk Sale. All merchandise in store is on sale 15 -70% off

M.H. Grover, the go-to store offering the latest trends in men’s big and tall fashions and always finding the perfect fit. Hurry in, the sale starts now and runs until the Sidewalk Sale on June 7 – 9th.

Location: 4741 Wellington St., Verdun QC H4G 1X2
corner: 3rd Ave
Tel: 514-769-3771
Sale dates:  inside store sale starting now; Sidewalk Sale – June 7 -9
Metro Stop Station Verdun / Station de l’Eglise
www.groversbigandtall.com

Strut over to Cote St-Luc to catch an over-the-top performance of Cabaret by the Cote St-Luc Dramatic Society. As artistic director, Anisa Cameron remarked, This play is “an important piece which is relevant today.”

The plot is based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood and playwright Joe Masteroff’s story, and centers around a nightclub, the Kit Kat Klub, in 1930’s Berlin. While the fun life reigns inside, the Nazi uprising swirls outside. A performer at the club starts a relationship with an American writer who wants to write a book and has shown up in Berlin looking for a room. The star of the show, though, hands down, is the zealous Master of Ceremonies who commands all the action.

You must get over to see Craig Dalley’s performance as this Emcee. His suave, sexy, funny performance and professional stage presence carries the show. It is rare to give a top shout out to a Choreographer, but Alexa Gourd’s sensual, evocative, electric choreography allows the strong cast to strut the stage with an air of insouciance – and as precise as if they were on Broadway.

It’s fun to see the musicians playing, since even they are having a great time. Benjamin Kwong, Musical Director, is smiling and jiving through the whole show. The score and sound effects are right on. Loved it that John Kovac, playing Herr Schultz (really well!), is back in the theatre after 40 years. It’s never too late to return to your passions, and isn’t it wonderful that community theatre is here for us – especially one as good as this one.

Producer (and Mayor of CSL) Mitchell Brownstein pointed out that “in the theatre we can learn about people who are different, and that different people count.” Also that “we must be vigilant” and that the play “sends out a message of hope in the world if you try to make a difference, and that individuals can make a difference.”

He mentioned the Holocaust Education exhibit in the Cote St-Luc library during the play’s run. It refers to Righteous Gentiles, diplomats of many countries, who saved countless Jewish lives. The exhibit is a joint effort of the Montreal Holocaust Museum and Israeli Foreign Affairs led by Consul General of Israel for Quebec, David Levy.

Production Manager Jordana Dobski noted that the play (unlike the movie) makes the story of the boarding house owner, Fraulein Schneider, and her relationship to the Jewish fruit vendor a major plot line. Dobski says, this “un-acceptance of the others” is a lesson learned, and should be respected today.

So a shout out goes to teachers and schools out there who are reading this. The Cote St-Luc Dramatic Society is opening their doors during the day on Fridays for Matinees for students to witness and learn from Cabaret (14+ suggested).

So many lines in the show give warnings about things which are still happening today (think Bill 21?):

“One can no longer dismiss the Nazis” “They will take nothing away.” “Why can’t they leave as alone?” “Live and let live.” “What does politics have to do with us?”

The strong takeaway is that you have to make choices when you see injustice. What would you do?

Location: Cote St-Luc Library, 5801 Cavendish Blvd, Côte Saint-Luc, Harold Greenspon Auditorium
Dates: May 30-June 16
Price: regular admission $35, students and seniors $28
www.csldramaticsociety.com

The iconic Lacoste brand  is up for grabs at great prices at Premium Retail’s Lacoste Warehouse Sale. Save up to 80% off on Lacoste shoes and clothing for men, women and children. You’ll also find designer shoes for women at incredible discounts.

If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to refresh your summer look with fresh, classic clean-cut pieces with athletic undertones then this is the ultimate destination.

Anyone wearing Lacoste clothing and/or shoes will not be permitted entry into this sale

Location: 4344 Garand, VSL H4R 2A3
corner: Pomba
Dates: May 28 – June 2
Hours: Tues & Wed 11-7, Thurs & Fri 11-9, Sat & Sun 11-5
premiumretailgroup.com

Raffinalla is designed for the modern, sophisticated woman and made from the most luxurious fabrics. You are invited you to shop their latest collection. Now’s the perfect time to re-fresh your wardrobe for a new season and to save big on the go-to brand for women’s clothing with a city-cool edge. 

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 Liquidation room $25-$ 75.

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
Hours: Tues – Fri 10-5
Metro: Station Cremazie, Bus 146
raffinalla.com