I got my hair cut a few week ago by Nat at Green Butterfly. I was running really late for a cut and color appointment and she was so lovely about it and was still happy to at least cut my hair. She did a great job and I am really happy with it. Great down to earth girls - not your typical snobby salon!

Approximate cost: $65

I had an 1 hour Shiatsu at Sakura this afternoon. They accommodated my request on short notice and were great to deal with. The rooms are relaxing and very comfortable - the massage itself was fabulous. I am definitely booking again with my partner. Great value.

Approximate cost: $70

I have ordered 2 replica pieces from Milan Direct in the last year. Their furniture is fabulous quality - great leather and craftsmanship. It is delivered quickly, and so well priced. I highly recommend Milan Direct.

Approximate cost: $500

We picked a couch from Oz Design that we loved about 1 year ago - my boyfriend then found something almost identical at Damro, for $1000 less, so we bought it. When it was delivered, I was pressured by the delivery driver to pay the balance owing on the couch before inspecting the couch - he had another job to get to. I did pay him, and was dismayed to realise once I unwrapped the couch that the legs were not at all what we ordered, and the ottoman was a different colour to the couch - it was also missing a "dimple" in its top, which was very obvious. 3 months ensued of chasing up Damro, they conceded the error and said they would arrange to come to the house and change the legs onsite as well as swap the ottoman - they never returned our calls and the manager was never available to talk to us. In the end I was so sick of dealing with them I gave up. We have had the couch now for just over a year, and it looks tired and worn - I would spend the extra $$$ on a more expensive and higher quality product next time.

Approximate cost: $1500

The Hotel Spencer is a great old style pub which is both comfy and elegant without any pomp. The food is fabulous - innovative and interesting menu, which includes some staples (i.e. the obligatory chicken parma) for those less adventurous. Great steaks, and a great duck dish are staples. Its quiet, a great place for a weeknight dinner after work. The wine list is good too!

Approximate cost: $25 - 28

We rented through Avion properties throughout 2007 and 2008. We ended up deciding to leave the property, partly because of the unhelpful nature of our property manager. Upon leaving the property, Avion inspected it and we were advised our bond was to be refunded in full. A week later we were advised that Avion were making a claim on the bond. A dispute ensued, which was handled in an unprofessional and somewhat spiteful email war by the rental property manager at the time. We ended up agreeing to Avion making a claim on our bond simply so we did not have to deal with them anymore. I was really disappointed with the conduct of the rental staff I dealt with - overall a stressful and upsetting experience.

We have had our house regularly cleaned over the past 2 years using 2 Absolute Domestics franchises. I have found both ladies to be fantastic cleaners, open to suggestions and requests, time efficient and trustworthy.

Approximate cost: $22

I booked a vacate clean including carpet steam clean in January 2009. I had to redo much of the work myself; the blinds were left dusty, the sink was dirty, some cupboards weren't cleaned, the floors had water marks and footprints all over them, the walls were left with marks on them. We got them back to re do the carpets only as they were still stained and I had re done the rest myself, in line with their 100% money back guarantee - described as follows on their website "if you aren't happy with our work, we'll reclean the area for free. And if you're still not satisfied, you can have your money back plus we will pay for another cleaner, up to the value of the original clean." After they had returned to "reclean" the carpets, the real estate agent advised that the guy had come back and LOOKED at the carpets only (and advised he couldnt remove the stains) but not even attempted to clean them.
I emailed and called the agency to pursue this further but never received any return correspondence from them - as a result we had to sacrifice part of our bond to cover the uncleaned carpets. We never got our money back - the vacate and carpet clean cost $350.00.

Approximate cost: $90 approx