Since Baskin Robbins features 31 flavors, it has a special “31” sale. In the months of the year which have a number 31 in it, they sell their pre-packs of ice cream for 31% less.

The pre-pack flavors stay pretty much consistent with the favourites: Chocolate Mousse Royale,  Cookies ‘n Cream, Cotton Candy, Gold Medal Ribbon, Mint Chocolate Chip, Jamoca Almond Fudge, Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate, Vanilla, Wild Reckless Sherbet, World Class Chocolate

So today is the 31st, so go out there and score some yummy ice cream

You can get a free small ice cream cone at Baskin Robbins on your birthday if you join their Club 31.

Locations: 6170 Cote St. Luc Rd. (514-486-1502); 3343 Des Sources Blvd, Dollard-Des Ormeaux ( 514- 683-9136) ; 2752 Blvd St-Charles, Kirkland,  (514- 697-8841);  1140 Blvd Marcel-Laurin   (514-337-1181)

www.baskinrobbins.ca

Galerie au Chocolat had been a secret spot for years, since they were a wholesaler and sold retail only to those in the know. Head here to buy sweet holiday gifts for anyone on your list.

The delish high-end items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: crisped rice bark, almond rochers, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered ginger, chocolate covered orange peel, pecan brittle, espresso wafers, and their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

Sure, there are chocolate bars, but also fair trade hot chocolate (made with real chocolate shavings which you can mix with either cream or milk), chocolate fondue, seasonal character molds and tiny chocolate dessert cups for port or digestives.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $12; for the rest of Quebec or Ontario, it’s $20.

You don’t have to wait for special occasions or holidays, as everyone loves chocolates every day. Try their high quality scrumptious chocolates right now. Send some to someone special – just because.

8985 Henri Bourassa Ouest,  Ville St-Laurent, QC H4S 1P7
corner: Autoroute 13
Tel: 514-331-8460
Please note New Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat Nov 28, Dec 5, 12 & 19, they will be open these Saturdays only from 9-3

Galerie au Chocolat had been a secret spot for years, since they were a wholesaler and sold retail only to those in the know. For Chanukah gifts, these chocolates are not only Kosher, but very yummy.

The delish high-end items which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: crisped rice bark, almond rochers, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered ginger, chocolate covered orange peel, pecan brittle, espresso wafers, and their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

Sure, there are chocolate bars, but also fair trade hot chocolate (made with real chocolate shavings which you can mix with either cream or milk), chocolate fondue, seasonal character molds and tiny chocolate dessert cups for port or digestives.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy them in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $12; for the rest of Quebec or Ontario, it’s $20.

You don’t have to wait for special occasions or holidays, as everyone loves chocolates every day. Try their high quality scrumptious chocolates right now. Send some to someone special – just because.

8985 Henri Bourassa Ouest,  Ville St-Laurent, QC H4S 1P7
corner: Autoroute 13
Tel: 514-331-8460
Please note New Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat Nov 28, Dec 5, 12 & 19, they will be open these Saturdays only from 9-3

Lola Jeans is a contemporary denim brand located in Montreal but with an e-commerce only address. They believe that all women are beautiful and inspiring, no matter what their shape or size.

They are known for their Pull On jeans, which have the look and feel of their best-selling classics without the hassle. Expect detailed stitching, comfy 4-way stretch fabric and an amazing fit. Their Pull On Jeans creations flatten your tummy and hug your curves. You can easily shop on-line and in 2 to 3 days, the jeans appear at your door.

Lola Jeans supports the pink ribbon campaign and will until every woman affected is healed. Since the beginning of their business journey, they have donated over $50,000 towards this cause, and proudly continue to contribute.

Lola says “Embrace your curves – beauty is not defined by the size of your jeans’.

Location: www.lolajeans.ca
FB: http://on.fb.me/1HYLWuv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolajeansdotca/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@lolajeansdotca
Tel: 514-954-8552  or 888-954-8552

PLEASE NOTE SALE TIMES: *November 27th from 12AM to 11h59PM | *Le 27 novembre de 12AM à 11h59PM

Just at the right time, Decors Veronneau, is offering you 20% off on your Christmas trees BEFORE Christmas. In 4 of their locations  – Laval, Terrebone, Granby and Dix30 – you can choose one of 4 styles.

Sure there’s the classic pine decorated with red and green balls (was $89.99, now $71), however you can jazz up the holiday with a fir tree in green or white with 400 sparkling lights ($527 or $529). A simple budget friendly pine tree can be had for as little as $43.

You can find many other items reindeer, ribbons, branches, polar bears, wreaths and even elves to decorate the house. Now that makes for a Merry Christmas.

Locations: Laval, 2965 Boul. Le Courbusier H7L 3M3 (450-680-1989), Terrebonne, 1200 Ave Yves-Blais J6V 1P7 (450-585-555?); Grandby, 922 Rue Principale J2G 2Z4 (450-991-1554); Quartier DIX30, 8240 Boul.Leduc J4Y 0K7 (450-678-5060)

www.veronneau.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/decorsveronneau/?ref=ts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/veronneaudeco

Galerie au Chocolat has been a secret spot for years, since they were a wholesaler and sold retail only to those in the know. Those of you looking to buy sweets for the holidays coming up, this is your Kosher candyland.

The delish high-end items  which are made with fine Belgian chocolate come in many interesting varieties: crisped rice bark, almond rochers, chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate covered ginger, chocolate covered orange peel, pecan brittle, espresso wafers, and their famous almond bark. Discover more when you come in to the shop.

Sure, there are chocolate bars, but also fair trade hot chocolate (made with real chocolate shavings which you can mix with either cream or milk), chocolate fondue, seasonal character molds and tiny chocolate dessert cups for port or digestives.

They have a variety of packaging options. You can easily see the yummies inside their cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon, or you can buy it in a gift (or just for you) tin or in a beautifully wrapped gift box. You can fax, email or call in your orders any time. Delivery on the island of Montreal is $12; for the rest of Quebec or Ontario, it’s $20.

Don’t just wait for special occasions or holidays, as everyone loves chocolates every day. Try their high quality scrumptious chocolates right now. Send some to someone special – just because.

http://galerieauchocolat.ca/

Q: I would like to wear a fascinator to a wedding I’m going to in August. I’m wondering if you have any information regarding where to look for one. I’ve seem a few at the Bay at Fairview but they are larger than what I’d like and rather pricey. Some place in the West Island area would be great but that feels like I’m asking for the sky.

A: Here is an interview I once did on that subject. Please note that I haven’t checked to see if any of these have moved, so Call First:

Q1: Our “Princess”, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge has brought the word fascinators into our lexicon, what are they?

A fascinator is a headpiece, often a bit frivolous or delicate that you could wear instead of a hat. It is often constructed with feathers, flowers or beads. You attach them to your hair by a comb, headband or a clip as they are often worn at a steep angle or vertically – kind of a sideways hat.

Q2: Why or when would you wear one?

There are occasions where you might want to – or in England be required to – wear a hat. There, head gear is really popular at premium horse-racing events. They might be worn at weddings or with fairly formal attire. Brides may choose to wear them as an alternative to a bridal veil. If you ever attend the Easter Parade in NYC, everyone wears a hat.

Q3: Where can you buy fascinators in Montreal?

Ophelie Hats are created by Quebec designer Corine A. Serruya. You can find a hat (or fascinator) for all tastes as they run the gamut from elegant to modern or vintage, sometimes all at the same time. The hats are sold both in Europe and North America, including Urban Outfitters in the US and Topshop in London. Here in Montreal, you can find them at Simons, Ogilvy and Espace Pepin – and at her atelier.

Location: 3868 boul. St-Laurent (across from Schwartz’s)
Tel: 514-341-8624
www.opheliehats.com

Lucie Gregoire, is one of the few milliners in the city who can create a made-to-measure hat (or fascinator) for you. You can select from some ready-to-wear creations at her studio, and you can add a personal touch such as jewelry, ribbons, feathers or buttons. You’ll find hats for special occasions like weddings for sure, but also for the beach, travel and some fantasy ones too.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make hats, she offers students, professionals, amateurs and hat enthusiasts training courses on headgear. Some of the collection of hats, turbans and scarves meet the needs of women who have experienced hair loss following chemotherapy treatments.

Location: 2205 Parthenais, Room 307
Tel: 514-279-8856
www.luciegregoiremodist.ca

Also you can sometimes find hats and fascinators at: Ogilvy, Holts, Simons, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters or even at Aldo shops in accessories.

Q4: Okay Smart Shopper, you must know this, where can you buy them for less?

Nicole & Co. has been around for 26 years in the field of hats so they have kept up with the fashions and now offer 1000’s of fascinators.

You can shop wholesale for mostly dressy style hats (gray flannel cloche, gavroche, peau de soie, organza and silk, velvet, lace, mink) or bring in your own fabric for them to make one to match an outfit. Some casual berets, straw foldables, scarves, cashmere caps, dressy headbands and shawls are also around.

Location: 9200 Park Ave, suite 407
Tel: 514-383-5599
Hours: by appointment Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-4, sometimes Sun
www.nicole-co.ca

Maman the Giant Spider

Most people would not think of taking children to an art museum. However, The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa offers Artissimo, one of the best children’s programs I have come across – and at an amazingly reasonable price of only $24 for 2 adults and 3 children. They try to teach kids about the art through different senses.

– First up was the creation of Art Buddies, toys (like dolls or animals) which can be found in paintings. These exact reproductions are given to the kids to hold, and then they are pointed to galleries where they can try to find them in a painting. Our Marguerite Charlotte doll had golden curls intertwined with green ribbon, and was holding a little blue bird in her hand.

– Second fun activity was the touch box which the child wears around his neck. They can put their hands in the sides (like a muff) and feel textures inside. Each box relates to a painting which has these textures in it; they have to guess what they are feeling and what in the painting represents it: a feather, lace, fur, picture frame, etc.

– Thirdly, was a real hit for ages 4-10. In Sounds Like Art, they are given headphones which play sounds. In each gallery, they have to find a painting which would relate to that sound: water, a crying baby, horses’ hooves, crackling fire.

The Arts and Crafts Area

For completing these games, the kids are rewarded with collectors’ cards of the paintings.

– Lastly there is an arts and crafts area set up in the most beautiful setting possible – the Great Hall with its soaring windows. While they are creating their works of art, you (and they) can oogle the magnificent panoramic view of Parliament Hill, the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River.

The children also enjoyed finding the surprise garden (from above and at ground level), the ceiling water window in the lobby, the “sound sculpture” in the chapel and, of course, Maman, the giant spider outside. And yes, there is also the fabulous collection of art. We spent 4 hours there easily.

Location: 380 promenade Sussex Drive, Ottawa ON K1N 9N4
Phone: 800-319-ARTS
Hours: Tues-Sun 10-5 (closed Mon Oct 1-Apr 30)
www.gallery.ca www.beaux-arts.ca

Q: I would like to know if by any chance you know where I could buy a typewriter ribbon for an older typewriter? I have been to Bureau en Gros but the ribbon they sell is either too small or too big. Are you aware of anyone still selling typewriters?

A: Yes it is in my Smart Shopping Montreal book: Dactylographe V.R.,  5121 Jean Talon est, still fixes typewriters and sells ribbons. They also sell and fix all kinds of newer office machines.

I am still amazed that I still get asked this question in this century.

Q: I have a two way zipper on my which jacket which is finished. Any recommendations?

A: I just went over to St-Hubert St. which is the fabric district of Montreal. There are 2 side-by-side shops that sell notions and they both sell two-way zippers in many sizes and colors. I was surprised to find out that you can buy any length of one-way zipper as they have long rolls and just cut off the length you need (I bought a 60″ one for a duvet cover) and finish off the ends

Boutique Bilal  7432 St-Hubert  (514-278-8007) – ribbons, lace trim and collars, all sizes of  zippers, buttons, interfacing, linings, elastic, labels, fringe, boas
Accessoires de couture St-Hubert 7454 St-Hubert (514-278-9416) – tons of trimmings, costume jewelry, buttons, zippers, appliques, ribbons, large rolls of sewing machine thread

For a tailor to put it in: on my site I have Denis Tailor  Tel: 514-334-7963  http://www.smartshoppingmontreal.com/store.php?s=151 who is located on Sauve near l’Acadie