I've always had oily skin. Great for keeping you young looking, not so great when trying to manage the daily lumps & bumps, especially when you've left the teenage years waaaay behind.

Now most facials just aren't worth the money, time or effort, but not with the ladies at Clear Skin. I booked a steam and squeeze with glycolic, and let me tell you it was great. My skin was soft, clear and looked so good I even forgot to put on makeup the next day when I was going out. I've just been for another session. The recommended products are not expensive and they actually work so you'll save so much money and time.

If you're expecting a salon that's super quiet, with (supposedly) blissful music and and a heap of privacy, you won't get it here. What you will get is a treatment room (door open), and a procedure that will clear your skin. Absolutely the best investment I've ever made in myself.

Approximate cost: $95.00

Another little gem in Penrith. I was tired of my fine hair not having any volume or style that would hold, and after I was wandering back to the car I came across Beautopia. This is a hairdressing supplies store, and though it may look utilitarian the advice I received was great. Certainly better than many hairdressers or stores of similar ilk. With this store I actually ended up with a product (or two) that really work. They have the usual well known brands, but Marissa put me on to 'Nak', an Australian brand. That part was an added bonus. The best bit, their "stuff" actually works. I bought the 'Body n Shine Volume Foam' and the Medium Shaping Paste. I currently have longer hair but still these are great. Thank you so much Marissa & Beautopia.

Approximate cost: $30.00

Off the cuff I took some out of town friends to this restaurant. The place was completely packed (and remained that way all night), though we were lucky to be able to get a table 1/2 hour later. No problem as we were able to get a drink down the road while we waited. There was a great variety with the menu and everything was fresh with loads of flavour. Loved the Chimichanga (chicken) especially, as well as the mojitos. I vaguely remember we had 3 or 4 of those each. What a great evening. Highly recommend you book, though I've managed to squeeze in on two occasions now.

To be honest I don't know how I found Ryan and Negergy, but I'm pleased I did. I've purchased several EcoSwitches to eliminate standby energy for my tv, stereo and various lamps. I was frustrated my bills were going up though I was trying to be as judicious as possible. I definitely know my electricity costs have been substantially reduced - even in winter. The quality of the EcoSwitches is excellent and the service from Negergy is great. Ryan (the owner) knows his business and only adds the most effective, useful and very reliable products. I regularly check in and see if there is anything else I can use.

Approximate cost: $60.00

A cute cafe, with white linen tablecloths and a rustic vibe going. The service was prompt and friendly, and the pile of pastries and cakes on the sideboard looked divine, and I really wanted to try these, but my sister was giving me grief for even contemplating them :(. We went with pancakes and curried egg on toast (why sis). I enjoyed my pancakes, even the slice of banana, and the dollop of honeycomb cream which was divine. The coffee was good too, not weak and not bitter. Be aware the curry does have chilli in it and adds a real kick. A couple of suggestions might be to alter the sign on the front door (add please somewhere) and perhaps change the font on the menu. It's beautiful but can be hard to read. It's in a great location, and I like the fact it was so peaceful and you could have a conversation. Many cafes are just noise boxes.

Approximate cost: $18.00

Took my family here as a day out and it did not disappoint. Dad is a cricket tragic, Mum, not really interested, me, more a fan of the 70's - 90's cricket and my sister, definitely not interested - all of us really enjoyed it. Whether it was the historical stuff - the writing, the videos of old matches in screening room or interviews with the greats (on headphones with a personal screen) plus heaps of other things. Also the beautiful Bradman Oval is next door. Really worth it.

I love Dirty Janes. It is by far the best antique store around. There is always a constant turnover of stock (French, American, Australian), everything is great (and well priced) and you won't be afraid to use it, plus the staff are very helpful. My recommendation is if you see something, buy it as it won't be there next time (experience has taught me this). Also out back is a huge warehouse (the Antique Market) where there is an expanding group of small antique stalls which run the gamut and also get on the email list for the Bush Auctions held in the carpark.

This shop is a favourite of mine in the Southern Highlands. The majority of goods stocked is locally produced pottery - and by locally I mean in the workshop behind the store. The focus is on usable pieces - mugs, bowls, jugs, dishes etc. My favourite is still the white collection. The original mugs I had were big and bulbous on the bottom, perfect for that big cup of coffee (very handy). They are now making smaller versions, plus teapots, and probably everything else for the the dining collection. Always worth checking out for unique items.

Approximate cost: $Depends on what (and how much) you buy

Absolutely love QueenB candles. Cate has been hand-making and hand-pouring her beautiful candles for several years now (and I've been buying them for almost that long), from nothing but pure Australian beeswax. The candles last for such a long time, so they are very cost effective, and the beautifully natural (and subtle) honey scent given off as they burn, is just gorgeous, There are many styles from tealights, to tapers to pillars. Something to suit your every need. Cate and Queen B candles are the best!

Approximate cost: $60.00

Really hungry and tossing up between the Japanese place, or this cafe. It started promisingly, with a chat with the waiter and I went with his recommendation of goats cheese lightly fried, in a salad. Coffee came quickly and the meal looked good when it arrived. Then it sort of went downhill. I asked for some water (no problem apparently), 5mins, 10mins, 15mins - still no water. Whilst the meal was lovely, it was rich and definitely needed the water. I wasn't able to get anyone's attention and certainly didn't know where the waiter had gone. I gave up trying to eat the rest and went to pay. I was finally asked by the person manning the register (and busy chatting up a woman), "how was everything?". I explained I had been waiting some time for water and couldn't eat the rest, a shrug of the shoulders in response and "I was busy, couldn't leave the register". It was after lunch, it wasn't was busy as there there were only a couple of other people having coffee... I've been to this place before and they wouldn't even turn down the loud music (it's a small place) because they were enjoying themselves too much. Though the menu is enticing, I give up. Next time Japanese.

Approximate cost: $17.50