Q1 -Why are so many schools changing over to color dress codes and school uniforms?

- It has been shown school uniforms can help deter school violence and promote better discipline because of the positive change in the learning environment
- A real plus is that uniforms help administrators identify possible intruders to the school

Q2 - Okay a plus for school, but a plus or minus for parents?

- Makes morning rush out the door much easier for the parents
-  Wearing of uniforms takes the battle zone out of the ritual “What do I wear to school? problem
- You never have to take part in  that back-to-school shopping spree going, from store to store and trying to agree on what will be suitable

Q3 - What about the kids, do uniforms make their lives better or not?

- Reduces peer pressure, because no one can wear fancier designer names on their bums
- A child never has to worry about wearing the wrong thing, geeky styles, something a parent chose - and they have gotten laughed at

Q4 - It sounds like this is more expensive for the budget

- Buying uniforms is less costly in the end than buying an entire new wardrobe every year
- Often, a  good portion of last year’s clothing still fits this year, saving hundreds of dollars

Q5 - Okay, smart shopper, where are the places we can buy them other than the list the schools give out?

Moni is tucked away at the rear of the Kute Knit factory; You do have to go up a flight of stairs to check out this spot for children’s (newborn-18) casual clothes. At this time of the year, color coded uniforms rule the day and they offer up some of the lowest prices.

In navy, black and gray (the 2 prices refer to the Canadian-made ones or the imported ones): boys pants ($12 & $14), girls pants ($10 &$12), jumpers ($10 & $18), polo shirts ($8 short sleeve or  $9 long sleeve), dress shirts ($10), shorts ($4 & $6), cardigans ($12), gym t-shirts (short sleeve $4 or long sleeve $5), skirts ($8 & $12), boot leg leggings ($6), regular leggings ($5).

The rest of the shop has kids’ clothes for $5 (even 2-piece outfits) and mostly less than $10. Adult fleece jogging sets can be found at only $12. Great for our winter, there will be snowsuits at $28-$60.

Location: 1000 Beaumont, in rear
corner: boul.  l’Acadie
Tel: 514-273-2544 X 262
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-4:30 (Sat 9-2 Aug-Dec, call first)

St Henri Uniformes, is officially a blue collar uniform store with great prices. For boys and girls there are color code uniforms starting with pants in blue, black and gray in waist sizes 23 and up. Hemming is included in the price. White polos start at $16 and white button down shirts are $20 and up. For girls, blue tunics are $30 and up and pleated skirts come in navy blue, black and gray.

The rest of you can buy all kinds of heavy duty jeans, gloves, safety helmets, goggles, boots, western shirts, weatherproof outerwear and ice grips for shoes. They can outfit any of the following: truck drivers, bus drivers, guards, policemen, firemen, pilots, service station  attendants, clubs, schools, restaurant workers, ambulance drivers and chauffeurs. You can also find men’s shirts to 5XL, pants to size 60, and husky boys can be fitted as well.

Location: 2671 Notre-Dame ouest
corner: Atwater
TeL: 514-933-8570
Hours this month for uniforms: Mon-Thurs  9-5:30, Sat 9-1. Hours rest of year Mon-Wed & Fri 8:30-5:30, Thurs 8:30-7, Sat 8:30-4
www. sthenriuniform.com

Schreters has been for 82 years, the place on the Main for men’s and boys’ (7-18) clothing, including suits (to 52). It’s not surprising that you can boys’ school uniform pants (8-18) in a few styles ($29.99-49.99) in  black, navy and a few shades of gray. There is a limited amount of husky pants too.

Oxford shirts are sold in white and light blue, ($19.99 and up), polos with long sleeve are $14.99 and short sleeves $12.99. Their blazers are from quality manufacturers and come in black or navy ($79.99) and there’s ties too. You might be able to score a husky suit ($119 and up). For shoes, there’s basic loafers and basic oxford leather shoes available at $44.99. Their forte is locating hard to find sizes as they will go out and look for them for you. Since they sell both boys’ and men’s suits here, if your child needs a suit for school, sometimes a very small man’s size might fit a boy. A tailor available on site.

Now both men and women can think of this as their neighborhood shoe shop (Toms, Fly London, Converse, Birkenstock, Reebok, Ecco, Rockport, Hush Puppies, and for flip flops - Reef, Haviana, Flojo’s). Make sure you ask for their footwear loyalty card for $50 off on your 6th pair of shoes.

They carry name brand clothing (Point Zero, Buffalo, Vera Moda, Lady Dutch, K.way, French Connection, Jack & Jones, Ben Sherman, Penguin, Selected, Levi jeans) in everything from suits to jeans and underwear, all at wonderful prices. Women can find some casual wear and outerwear.

The staff are exceptionally helpful and can come up with really hard-to-find items like suspenders and handkerchiefs, or woolen underwear. For camp lists (duffle bag embroidery) and school uniforms, this joint is one stop shopping. The store motto, “No hassle money back guarantee”, is quite true.

Location:  4358 boul. St-Laurent
corner: Mary Anne
Hours: Mon-Wed 9:30-6, Thurs & Fri 9:30- 9, Sat 9:30-5, Sun 12-5
www.schreter.com

Loft Uniformes was started by Moms 19 years ago, and is still run by Moms who know what Moms need and want - good quality uniforms that will hold up all year at affordable prices. It’s one stop shopping for all your school uniform needs, from the clothing to socks, tights, school bags and belts in a full color range of gray, royal blue, navy blue, hunter green, burgundy, red and more.

For boys’ uniforms, there’s pants, long sleeve shirts, polos, sweat shirts, kangaroos, gym shorts, jogging and track pants and Bermuda shorts. Girls are offered 1/2 dozen styles of jumpers, skirts and pants, and also Bermudas, culottes, spandex polos, turtlenecks, cardigans (in knit and fleece), and look for blazers for both sexes.

The size range here was a surprise - they run from a toddler size 2 right up to adult 5X, and can be custom-made if necessary, and alterations are available.

Location: 7101 du Parc, suite 205
corner: Ave. du Parc
Hours:  August: Mon-Sat 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5. Rest of year: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3
www.loftuniforms.com

Q1:  It’s time to be a tourist in our own city, can you tell us a bit about what’s happening in Old Montreal?

When was the last time you went to Old Montreal? If you haven’t seen it in the last few years, you won’t recognize it. The software companies that marched into its western end, mostly west of McGill St., have turned this area on its nose.

Now there are people living and working down here. Fabulous new restaurants have opened up in wonderful new boutique hotels. At the eastern end, near Bonsecours St., an entire new neighborhood was created.

Q2:  That sounds like a lot of changing, is the street scene modernizing and losing its Old World charm?

Did you know that the buildings on de la Commune Street look exactly the same today as they would have been to a sailor who sailed into the port in the 19th century?  Place Jacques Cartier has been totally refreshed. For the summer, St. Paul street has been turned into a pedestrian mall.

Q3:  Let’s get back to your specialty, what about the shopping there?

For all of the new inhabitants, retail shops opened to feed and care for them  - bakeries, dry cleaners, clothing shops, furriers and depanneurs have filled up the empty storefronts.

At first glance, dear old St. Paul St. is still filled with so many souvenir shops. Having said that, a handful of them contain the works of real artisans or more upscale gifts, and those are worth stopping in to see.

Q4:  What kinds of thing would we find in those stores?

You can think of these shops as shopping green and shopping local:

L’empreinte Cooperative is a 37-year-old co-op for over 70 Quebec artists and artisans, you can expect to find variety, including ceramics, handmade albums, glass vases, bowls, sheepskin slippers, pewter lamps, handmade clothing, puppets and creative jewelry. Marianne Chevalier weaves pictures using copper thread and for souvenir hunters, Renee Bovet captures Montreal street scenes on silk.

Location:  272 St. Paul St. East
corner:  Marche Bonsecours St.
Phone: 514-861-4427.
Hours:  Sun-Wed 10-6, Thurs-Sat 10-10 (Summer daily 10-10, Jan & Feb 11-5:30 daily)
www.empreintecoop.com

Smack in the middle of old Montreal, Les artisans du meuble quebecois, is a 43-year-old artisan’s consignment shop displays some of the wares of a minimum of 450 artists. Look for: glassware, ceramics, handmade cards, duck decoys, door knockers, fish bone shadow boxes, scarves, wooden kids’ furniture, dolls, quilts, creches, jewelry (silver, beaded), wooden boxes and then some.

Location:
88 St. Paul St. East
corner: St. Gabriel St.
Phone: 514- 866-1836.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

At Tant qu’il y aura des fleurs, the decor here feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s lovely rustic home. Objects to fill yours include artificial fruit and veggies, candlesticks, large quilts and pillows, Joanel purses, animal wallets, woven place mats, colorful tablecloths from Provence (wash ‘n use, stain repellent), dishes, wooden bowls, vases, interesting jewelry and for fun, roosters, For babies, look in the back for little terry robes and booties made in Quebec. Everything can be gift-wrapped to go.  Right now you’d be surprised but they have set up a Christmas section and does make people smile when the see it.

347 St. Paul St. East
corner: St. Claude St.
Phone: 514-395-9079
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Inside Marche Bonsecours, , emphasizes natural items. Look for framed displays of beetles or butterflies, petrified wood, some minerals and fossils. You can buy an 8′ giraffe, skin drums, stone candle holders, dream catchers, bamboo flutes, paper lanterns and some really nice handmade paper stationery.

300 St. Paul St. East
corner: Bonsecours St.,  inside Marche Bonsecours
Phone: 514- 868-9992
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It’s summer, and that means one thing - ice cream! No matter how old you are, you succumb to the delights of it once the hot air moves in. But ice cream has come a long way since we ordered a vanilla pop or a chocolate cone from the neighborhood truck rolling past our door.

Our worldly travels or restaurant forays have taken us far afield when it comes to flavors, types and creations that we now eat. Do we want the full 35% butterfat of the denser, richer, creamier premium American ice creams or have we gotten used to the smoothness of Italian gelati or the icy freshness of a French sorbet?

Gelati is made smooth with milk and/or cream and in the best of all worlds, fresh real fruit. Each store, restaurant or bakery has its own secret recipe of combinations using (hopefully) fresh fruit and not powdered flavors or frozen fruit. Sorbet (or granita in Italian lingo) is made with only water and fresh fruit.

Flavors must blow our minds away. Chocolate is no longer good enough, it has to go beyond to hazelnut chocolate or chocolate chocolate fudge. Fruits have evolved from the fridge, like lemons and oranges, to the wilds of cassis, papaya, mango and even lichee.

Head to some of these fun ice cream parlours around town, where these flavors are layered into parfait glasses with some extra fruit syrups, whip cream or nuts, and they can be frozen into cake creations or actual fruit shapes. And yes, you can still get a plain vanilla cone or chocolate cup.

Gelateria La Bella Italiana is the cafe of the wholesaler Ital Gelati (found in supermarket freezers) and they create about 34 flavours of gelati (1/2 litre to go $5) in mocha almond, noisette, baci, granita, mango, raspberry, watermelon, orange, spumoni, pistachio or sorbets ($5).

Incredible creations such as gelati forma di frutti (in the shape of apples, bananas, oranges) or fruits that have been “emptied” and refilled with sherbets: melon, lemon, pineapple, orange, papaya, raspberry and coconut are here along with coppa di gelato, which is ice cream mixed with fresh fruit topped with whipped cream or coppa fragola, a strawberry dessert with 3 scoops of vanilla gelato, strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries.

Or you can ask for a tartuffe, a ball of vanilla covered by chocolate,  or share a chocolate hazelnut cassata log or gelato cake in mocha almond fudge, pralines and cream and chocolate mousse.

Location:  5884 Jean Talon St. East at Valdombre St.,  St. Leonard
Phone: 514-254-4811
Hours: Daily 8am-midnight
Other location (it’s the office, but you can buy for the freezer): 8390 le Creusot, St-Leonard, open Mon-Sat 9-5.

Save yourself a trip to Italy if you yearn for real gelati. Roberto’s Restaurant and Gelateria is a pretty ice cream parlour which entices you with flavours:  zuppa inglese, baci, amaretto, noisette, tiramisu, mint, chocolate, coffee and pistachio.

If you want some fruit sorbet, don’t worry - there’s watermelon, blueberry, lemon and more. The menu goes on to spumoni, mokador (coffee, nougat, hazelnut), sundaes, fantasie di fruita, gelati with liquors, igloos and sliced cake creations.

2221 Belanger St. East at Sagard St.
Phone: 514- 374-9844
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

La Brioche Lyonnaise, The French are known for their perfection of ice known as sorbet, and this establishment is known for its preparation of that treat in many natural fruit flavours (pear, mango, raspberry, lemon, strawberry, black currant). People have been coming for years to taste them, as well as the homemade ice creams ($3 scoop in cone or cup). It’s a cafe too.

Location: 1593 St-Denis at de Maisonneuve.
Phone: (514) 842-7017.
Hours: Daily 7:30am-midnight
www.labriochelyonnaise.com

At Pile ou Glace, you can find out how Italian gelati blends the richness of ice cream with the iciness of sorbet to give you a refreshing summer treat. You can choose from a daily assortment of 18 gelati flavours (could be cappuccino, nougat, chocolate, roasted almond, hazelnut, amaretto, lemon, caramel, banana, coconut or even vanilla), or 4 sorbets (always lemon granita and perhaps dark chocolate, grapefruit, orange, mango). You can eat it outside or take it to go

Location: 7084 boul. St-Laurent at Jean-Talon
Phone 514-277-3301
Hours: Daily 11-11

Magasin Festival Store,  owned by a manufacturer of corrugated boxes,is the place to buy (ask about the liquidated ones) boxes (1.5 to 6 cu. ft) for moving, storing and shipping, with special ones for mirrors, artwork, lampshades, golf bags, bicycles, dishes and crystal and wardrobes. Protective packing supplies are here, like bubble wrap, inkless newsprint, tissue paper and foam chips.  

Prices:  liquidated boxes  $.20-.40,  new boxes 1.08 & up. Festival will buy back their boxes at greatly reduced prices. You can even order custom boxes for strangely shaped objects

8286 Cote de Liesse, Ville St-Laurent
corner: Montee de Liesse
Phone: 514-340-1119
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-5
www. festival.ca

Other moving tips:

First box/last box. Label a box “first box” and put in the last things you packed so you can quickly access your sheets, covers, toothbrush, toiletries, phone, toilet paper, towels, cutlery, dishes or paper plates and shower curtain. On an exhausting moving day, you just want the basics quickly accessible to fall into bed.

Packing tips:

Pack 2 or 3 boxes a day, starting as soon as you find out you are moving and they will be magically done by the time you have to move. Save packing space and money by wrapping fragile things in towels, sheets, duvets and blankets. Don’t leave suitcases empty, move your clothes in them. If you don’t want to buy wardrobe boxes, for hanging clothing, tape hangers together and move in bundles.

Q1: Since both men and women are more conscious of the sun’s rays on our skin we are seeing  more people wearing caps and hats in the summer.

With hats it’s more of a personal look than a fashion style, it has to fit with your facial structure. I think I’m seeing more men wearing hats these days. Perhaps they are seeing more male musicians and stars wearing more hats - especially those small brimmed small crowned trilby styles. Panama hats are popular in the summer and caps of course.

Q2: Where would they find those?

Henri Henri has been open for 78 years - the last of a dying breed. Hopefully, the fashion of men nattily dressed with their hats cocked to one side (Rhett Butler, where are you?) will come back again. If so, this hatter is ready. In business since 1932, he’s the only one left with a full range of western hats, berets, Panamas, caps and fedoras  in both the royal & sovereign qualities and all the rest (Borsalino, Mayser, Stetson, Akubra, Jonathan Richards, Pannizza). Canes, umbrellas, bowties, ascots and re-blocking and cleaning can all be found here. Come on in, buy one and start the trend!

Location: 189 St Catherine est
Corner: Hotel de Ville
Phone: 514-288-0109
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 10-5
www.henrihenri.ca

Q3: I understand that store has a famous past.

With hockey in its final lap, it’s appropriate to talk about where the “hat trick” got started. In order to promote the store, the original owners offered any hockey player who scored 3 goals in a game a free hat. Many Canadiens took advantage Gordie Howe, Stan Mikita, Bobbie Hull, The Rocket. There’s a 2′ X 3′ photo of these legends wearing their hats inside the store.

M. Henri was a clever marketer He was also the first to print hockey schedules (his ad on it of course) and would pass out 15,000 copies at the first game. Big companies loved the concept and took his idea. Henri Henri was not his real name. Ozarius Henri was not very memorable and realized Henri Henri was much catchier.

Q4: Okay women, also wear hats, where can they shop?

Not only do women don hats for the summer sun, I also get questions about wearing hats for weddings and formal affairs.

Nicole & Co has been around for 24 years in the field of hats. You can shop wholesale here for mostly dressy styles (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.

Phone: 514-383-5599
Hours: by appointment Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-4, sometimes Sun
www.nicole-co.com

C’hat’peau, La Griffe is a little atelier where you can find a collection of mainly everyday hats made from wool, felt, velvet, cashmere, straw and cotton. Some are soft and foldable and others are wowy for special occasions. The owner helps you reflect your own personality through your hat; If you are classic she will lead you to the classic styles, if you are small, you should avoid the big brim styles but she also knows that sometimes yo will want to look like a movie star and just splurge with a “look at me” creation. Prices range from $45-$250.

Phone: 514- 288-5254
Hours: by appointment
Note: Haven’t been up there in awhile and she hasn’t called me back for this interview. If anyone goes or knows more, please e-mail me.

Q1: Well, we have the sunshine outside so many of us will also want some wheels. Any ideas on how to save money on buying cars?

Buying a three or four year old car makes the most sense financially because it has lost 50% of its value and still has 70% of its life left and even your insurance costs are lower. These days with improved engineering and tighter quality control the average life span of an automobile is more than ten years.

George Iny, President of the Automobile Protection Association, says “Don’t be a price junkie. In buying homes the saying is “Location, location,  location”, but for cars it is condition, condition, condition.” He explained that, “you want to pay top dollar for a car in good condition, because the cost of repairs for an average or poorly maintained vehicle will usually be much higher than the price difference.”

If one vehicle is $9,500 and a similar make and model is $10,500, look seriously at the second one. And remember to budget about $1,000 for repairs you may have within the first 3 to 6 months for regular upkeep like the timing belt change at 100,000 km., tires and brakes

Q2: Where do you find a car?

There are some benefits to buying privately or and others through a dealer. Privately, the price is usually less and on top of that, you only pay one tax. You can also assess the condition of the car more accurately without it having been “prettied up”. Through the dealer, you have more consumer legislation covering you but you may not be able to find out who owned the car before and how well they took care of it.

Join the APA Automobile Protection Association. For buying new cars, they have a list of selected dealers who follow a code of ethics and have good prices. For buying a used car, they can recommend honest used car dealers or even offer a car finder to help you find a car. Members can also call them to determine the cost of any new or used vehicle.

To check for approximate prices on cars, buy the Auto Hebdo Guide d’Evaluation des Automobiles or look online at www.hebdo.net or www.autotrader.ca. This gives you an approximate book value, but many factors, including the mechanical condition of the car, the mileage and the appearance, will affect this.

Remember that prices of cars will go up in the Spring (April to July) perhaps by $1,000-$1,500, because the demand is greatest now. However, selection is always greatest now too. It is best to buy used cars in March and October. If you are buying a convertible, prices will be highest now too, and will go way down in the Autumn. Four wheel drive prices will go up in the Fall.

Q3:  How do you know if it’s a good car?

Mr. Iny made it quite imperative that “The MOST important thing to do is to get the car properly inspected.” This should be an independent inspection. The APA has a fabulous roadside inspector named Andrew Bleakley who will take his inspection vehicle right to the automobile that needs to be checked out.

He will do a thorough inspection, including an ultrasound of the body , mechanical inspection and a road test. He can tell you if the car has been accidented or is two vehicles welded together, and he even knows how to check to see if the odometer has been tampered with and set back.

Also, CAA Quebec has 2 inspection garages.

Q4: What are some of the steps to take when going to look at a car?

Here is an idea of the process to go through:
- Keep track of the details for each car, including phone number, where you saw the ad, price listed, etc.
- Do not negotiate on the phone about price. Wait until after you see it and have had it inspected, so that you know what repairs it might need, in order use this to negotiate with. Expect dealers to take $500 or more off easily.
- When you are looking for a car, limit yourself to only about 2 or 3 three models, so it will allow you to become more expert on them and be able to make a good comparison study as you check each one. You will also become familiar with the price range and know when you’ve found the right one.
- If  it is a private individual, ask how long they’ve owned the car. A real quick turnaround might be a negative indication. Either it is a lemon, they might be a curbside dealer, or maybe it’s even stolen.
- What is the mileage? It should be about 20,000 km. per year. Much less can be suspicious. And you must consider a rolled back odometer. Don’t let high mileage scare you off, though, because if it was all highway driving or used by a busy company rep whose company took proper care of it, it still might be a good buy. Andrew can reliably compare an odometer to the condition of a car.
- Instead of putting them on the defensive and asking about accidents, ask if it has the original paint and then what body repairs have been done in the past. (It`s hard to get a dealer to answer this question honestly)
- When can you see it? Daylight is important so that you can assess its physical condition.
- In a private sale, ask why they want to sell it. There is no right answer, but you can get a feeling if they might be hedging around some uncomfortable information.
- On the phone, ask them for a cosmetic description. If they say there is a little dent on one side and you find the whole door is pushed in, then you may wonder what else they are minimizing.
- At the site, check the house and garden to see how neat and tidy they are in general. If they take care of those things, it is most likely they also took good care of their car. Are there any oil spots in the driveway? Look in the trunk of the car; if it has cans of brake fluid or oil there may be problems
- Is the name the same on the registration and the insurance form, and is this the same individual that you are dealing with?
- If  there is a transfer paper on the back window, an X-plate, a dealer plate, or more than one car for sale on the driveway, you are probably not looking at a private sale.
- Has it been serviced lately? Ask to see a full service record, not just oil changes. Note the mileage at each inspection. Follow the numbers along and make sure they increase at a consistent rate and add up to what you see on the odometer.
- How much should you offer?- at least $500 off the asking price. Before the end of the negotiations, ask if they have some snow tires to throw in or other useful extras that belong to that car (like a roof rack).

Q5: What if you wanted to spiff up your car with a spoiler, where could you go?

Kit Motion, around since 1989, has been providing high quality car spoilers throughout Canada.
With more than 300 different models, they can quickly meet spoiler needs for North American or foreign cars - and also those for used vehicles. The company has a team of professionals including accredited painters and trained technicians who ensure the quality of the spoilers.

Most of the spoilers are made of ABS, the same material used in original OEM products. Most models come with easy-to-use hardware kits making installation easy.With their excellent service and high quality products, they have been the leader in car spoilers for over 21 years.

Kit Motion, 8180 Montview St, Mount Royal at Royalmount  Phone: 514-736-0800 www.kitmotion.ca

Automobile Protection Association (APA), Phone: APA-5555. www.apa.ca. By joining the APA ($65), not only do you get access to their vast knowledge of everything that’s happening with new or old cars, you get listings of all their recommended garages and access to their expert car inspector (see below for his details). For buying new cars, they have a list of selected dealers who follow a code of ethics and have good prices.

The APA also has group auto and home insurance. Before you buy a car, refer to their Lemon-Aid magazine, which comes free to members, and then call them to find out the true cost of any new (4 quotes per year) or used vehicle ). Their web site has warranty info - secret ones and extensions, tire recommendations and ratings of local garages.   www.apa.ca.

Andrew Bleakley, curbside car inspector, Phone: 514-890-5000. The inspection price for APA members is $80 and for non-members it is $90 for a thorough curbside inspection in the greater Montreal area. Take advantage of one of the best deals in town.

CAA, Phone: 514-861-7111. Besides the most popular reason for joining the CAA - their emergency road service - they have other deals. Car Inspection centers which charge $175-192 (non-members), or $131-145 (members) for a 160-point check-up, including a road test, are located at 2380 Notre-Dame o. (514-937-5341) or 550 boul. des Sources (514-636-1309), and are open by appointment Mon-Fri 8-5.

For general car repairs, they have a list of qualified service stations. The CAA also offers free trip planning, free travellers’ cheques and more. Other offices: Brossard, 3 Place du Commerce; Pointe Claire, 1000 boul. St-Jean ; Laval, 3131 boul. St-Martin o; St-Leonard, 7360 boul. Langelier.  www.caaquebec.com

After 77 years, Ararat Rug Company, Montreal’s oldest family owned carpet business founded by Kerop Bedoukian, is now closing.

Ararat is owned by Harold Bedoukian who”grew up in the business. He has been active in Oriental rug associations in the US and Canada.  He is treasurer of the Armenian Rugs Society, past president of the Montreal Oriental Rug Club and The Quebec Carpet and Textile Society. Harold Bedoukian is the only appraiser in Montreal certified by the Oriental Rug Retailer’s Association, (ORRA).

He works with his wife, Janice Summers, who is an internationally respected authority on Oriental rugs.  She has more than 30 years of experience as a retailer, collector, author and lecturer, and is the author of four books and numerous articles on Oriental carpets.

Harold and Jan’s knowledge of the history, design and techniques of oriental rug weaving extends far beyond their formal education.  They travelled extensively in the Middle East where, for centuries, the manufacture and merchandising of rugs were closely linked to the culture and often the mainstay of life itself.  They spent time with rug weavers from the most primitive nomadic peoples to sophisticated urban communities whose skills have been refined and passed down from generation to generation. Harold and Jan have studied the artisans’ crafts and artistry from the gathering of goats’ hair to the preparation of detailed cartoons from which rugs are woven.

When buying a rug from Ararat you were always able to rely on their knowledge and be confident of its quality and assured of its provenance. Now we have to say “adieu” as they continue the tapestry of their lives.

Location: 3457 Avenue du Parc
Corner: Milton
Tel: 514- 288-1218
www.araratrug.com

Val-Morin Piscines is having a bankruptcy sale. Everything in their 3 locations will be 25%-50% off. This includes: pools, spas, spa parts, chemicals, maintenance products, floating chairs, water toys, bbq’s, patio furniture, garden accessories, gazebos, etc.

The 25% off is more on the spas, bbq’s, heat pumps, solar blankets, chemicals and the 40% is more likely the patio furniture.

Locations: Pierrefonds - 14 400 boul. Gouin O.
Hours: M-W 10-6, Th & F 10-7, S & S 9-6

Laval - 3229 Autoroute 440 Ouest
Hours: M-W 10-6, Th & F 10-8, S & S 9-6

Dorion - 310 boul. Harwood
Hours: M-F 10-6, S & S 9-5

This show aired on April 14, 2010

Q1: With wedding and prom season upon us, you have suggested that you’d like to address the  delicate subject of ladies undergarments.

Like everything else which is built, the infrastructure that supports it all makes the difference. It is not dissimilar to when you are getting dressed. There are so many different kinds of undergarments these days - all types of body shapers and bras - you almost need a whole wardrobe of them so that you look right in what you are wearing.

Q:2 What would you say is the most important thing to look for?

It is important when you are looking for a bra that you go to a shop where they know how to fit you. Women tend to stay brain-stuck in the size they were at 18 years old, and for the rest of their lives think they wear a 34B - or whatever. Girls - as you get older, your body changes in all sorts of ways, and so does your bust.

Q:3 How do you find shops where they know how to fit you?

As the corsetieres of this world die off, it has become almost impossible to find these places. The good news is we still have a couple of oldies and unbelievably, one newbie to fit the bill.

J. Haverstock is a second-generation business and after 47 years, still very service oriented. All you need in slips, nightgowns (Diamond Tea, Nanso), camisoles, underwear and bras (to 44I) by Triumph, Hanna, Fantasie, Grenier, Champion, Anita, Chantelle, Empreinte and Padded Attractions, etc., are here at prices at least 20% off, and usually much more. There are even pretty things for teens, full figured ladies (Wacoal minimizers and you can order Edith Lances) body shapers and nursing bras as well. Now you can get your bathing suits here: Christina, Baltex, Tyr, Pointe Zero, Gottex, Nygard and Sunflair (bra sized).

Location: 6900 boul. Decarie, Carre Decarie
Corner: Vezina
Phone: 514-738-4186

The saleshelp at Change of Scandinavia, a Denmark based chain, have had training in fitting bras and learn how a bra should fit around the breasts, back and neck, how to choose a cup and model for you and the anatomy of the bra itself. There are 3 main lines (sizes 28A-40J): Change, Chic for the younger body with extra padding, and Charade which is lacy and a bit pricier. It’s nice that there are great prices for larger sizes which is hard to find.You can also shop for bathing suits, sweats, lingerie, t’s, and bra accessories like silicone enhancers, clear straps, strap extenders and bra clips.

Locations: Rockland Shopping Center,  Carrefour Angrignon (514-789-6486), Carrefour Richelieu
www.change.com

Q4: What if you still can’t find a bra that fits or is comfortable for you, what can you do?

As with all other kinds of clothing, you may not be a perfect size in a bra or a cup. They are hard to find, but there are still a few bra-makers in this town

Victoriann Bra Bodies,  No more searching through stores and spending hours in the dressing room trying to replace your favorite bra. For about $150, this talented lady can clone it, alter a bra, or create one from scratch for very large breasted or small breasted women or anyone in-between. Once you have a bra made (shallow, regular, deep, wireless, etc.), she can design a bathing suit (about $250). She also gives courses on how you can make your own. Her newest project was to develop a softly padded bra without wires for amply endowed women, offering more support with less jiggle and bobbing.

Phone: 514-694-2567.
Hours: by appointment.

It’s been 45 years now that Boutique Anne Marie has been open. Now in its new home, it offers a large selection of girdles, body suits and bras in sizes 32A to 50G. Prosthesis orders even have at least a 20% discount (only $240). They’re lucky to still have a woman who can make bras or girdles to measure, or she can adjust ready made ones too. The designer/owner has developed support belts to help you if you have back problems and magic belts that take you down a dress size, and she can make corset costumes for shows and can fit transvestites

Location: 7002 St. Hubert St.
Corner: t Belanger St.
Phone: 514-273-5503.
Hours:  Mon-Wed 10 - 5,  Thurs & Fri 10 - 6, Sat 10 - 5,  (Sun noon - 5 pm, but not every week - call first)..

Q1: Coffee, not bread is the new staff of life. Can you tell us what makes one bean pricier than another?

The price for coffee reflects rarity rather than quality. Coffee beans proudly keep the name of the country and area that they come from (Columbian, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaiian Kona). If no country is mentioned on the label, it’s probably of a lesser quality. There are 2 main kinds of beans, arabica or robusta. Arabica is grown on steep slopes in higher altitudes and is considered superior quality as it seems to have a richer flavor. Robusta beans cost less as they are grown on lower slopes. Commercial blends and instant coffee use these.

Q 2: How does the roasting affect the bean’s flavor?

The taste of coffee is highly subjective. Regular roast is lighter and perhaps reveals more of the true bean flavor; Dark French roast (which cafes mostly brew) dispenses more dense flavor. A roast can be too dark and can overpower the bean flavor or even lead to a burned taste.

Q 3: Is there anything else we should know about buying coffee?

- Most importantly, how fresh is it? It should been roasted within the week that you drink it as the flavor rapidly deteriorates after roasting.
- To use word “fresh” means: just roasted, properly stored  and packed air-tight.
-  Ground coffee loses flavor more rapidly than whole beans.
- Storing in your freezer is best.
- Don’t forget too that coffee is 99% water and how the water interacts with it matters.

Q4: Does it matter what kind of a pot we use?

Drip pots make better coffee than percolators as the water pours over the beans only once. Also your pot, filters, plunger, and all parts must be cleaned regularly as they retain residues which may not be visible to your eye.  Soak your pot in boiling water for least 5 min. and lightly scrub it (try not to use soap) and rinse well.
Coffee retains  most potent flavor for only about 20 min after brewing, so sit down immediately and have a cup.

Q 5: So many of us splurge on the coffee made in our favorite cafes, is there anyway we can get those beans to brew at home? Yes, and you can even have them delivered to your door!

Made-to-measure coffee has brought java lovers to Café Union, a Montreal  institution since 1910. This wholesaler roasts the coffee right here, so you can choose one or custom blend your own 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.

Coffee related products like iced cappuccino, or chai latte concentrate now line the shelves. Free delivery is offered for 5 pounds or more. They sell espresso machines (Saeco, Rancilio, Pavoni, Breville, Quick Mill, Jura La Spaziale) and teapots, too. Repairs to these machines are available.

Location: 148 Jean Talon St. West at Waverly St.
Phone: 514-273-5555
Hours: Mon-Fri 8- 5:30, Sat 9-3
www.cafe-union.com

The Coffee Gourmet Centre can deliver to you its trendy coffee beans in over 40 flavours (Yrgacheffe from Ethiopia, Italian espresso, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaiian Kona, Costa Rican, Moka Java, Panamanian, etc.) and also pure Swiss water process decaf. You can also add to your order a wide selection of tea leaves: estate, white, green leaf, herbal.

Also available are gourmet goodies (Greaves jams, dips, balsamic vinegars, extra virgin olive oils) as they stock them for their custom gift baskets for all occasions. If you order over a kilo of coffee, you get free delivery on the Island, or you can pick up your order at one of their depots. Ask about the fund raising program for your school or organization using coffee and hot chocolate.

Location: 3966 Cool St. Suite 201,Verdun
Phone: 514-369-0368
www.cafegourmet.ca

A coffee or tea addict’s dream might be to have his favourite brew at a reduced price, delivered right to his door. Brossard Freres, open over 50 years, provides this service for a minimum order of 10 lbs. There are at least 20 kinds - regular coffee ($5.90 lb.), decaf ($6.90), flavours like amaretto, rum brandy, chocolate mint ($7.80), and ground for percolators, filter, Turkish, Melitta, Bodum, or espresso, but you can buy as little as one pound if  you come in person. About a  half dozen loose leaf  (herbal too) teas are $7.90 per lb. Delivery is the next day. Can you smell it brewing already?

Location: 10848 Moisan Ave, St. Leonard
Phone: 514-321-4121
Hours: Mon-Fri 7-5
www.cafebrossard.com