They have done a few jobs for me over the past few years(removed a broken key from a lock, installed window deadbolts), and they have been very prompt and trustworthy. I had found dealing with locksmiths a bit worrying previously but these guys are friendly, and very professional

After trying a number of different dentists around town and particularly Oakleigh, I have settled with John at Oakleigh. He did some bridgework for me about five years ago at about half the price I was quoted somewhere else, and I have never had any trouble with it. Since then my wife has been going and taking the kids too. It has a good atmosphere and friendly staff. I don't like going to the dentist much, but this place is good.

I recently bought a new computer from these guys and got a very good deal. The place is a little disconcerting though, and you do really need to know what you're doing. I took along a mate who really knows his PCs who actually did most of the negotiating, because the folks at CPL seem to think that people who don't know what they want should go to Harvey Norman and not waste their time. So if you know what you want, and don't need any advice - these guys will sell you a computer very cheaply - but don't expect them to be polite or very responsive if you need to ask dumb questions.

Approximate cost: $1800

I ordered a skip to be delivered on Dec 24th. They had the size I wanted available and were able to deliver roughly at the time I wanted. It cost $250 for a 4 cubic metre skip that fitted in the driveway without a hassle. They called before delivery to confirm, and I paid the driver cash. He carried no change, but thankfully this was not too much of a problem. The skip was then picked up at the time promised, on Jan 2nd. I think this was good service considering the time of year, and I will use them again - very soon given that there is still some concrete to be dug up in the backyard.

We have been eating regularly at Kimchi for seven or eight years now. It is a great place for a quick feed of hot sweet salty food for the whole family. They are well set up for little kids because they have high chairs and the food arrives quickly and is well suited to kid's taste, especially the Bulgogi. It is getting a little pricey now, but is still a good place to get a fast and tasty feed.

Approximate cost: $20

My wife and I have eaten there a few times, including once with our toddler who was tolerated and well fed. The food is a very high standard, and more traditionally korean that much of the more anglicised stuff you get in the more popular Korean restaurants in Carnegie or Clayton. It is a nice small place with a relaxed but quiet atmosphere that has consistently left us well satisfied.

Approximate cost: $20

Our washing machine stopped working. I got the call from the wife that we needed a new one, but demanded we try repair first. These guys came the next day and fixed it quickly and cheaply, and it has run as new ever since(about 4 months now). We are very vulnerable consumers in this area as neither of us know the first thing about washing machines, but the fault was a cheap and easy fix and was explained with some patience. A great quick result. They will be first call if anything goes wrong again.

Approximate cost: $150

We had a leaky pipe between the meter and the house. Our regular plumber couldn't make it for four days, so we called Phil and he came straight away. He impressed me by digging in exactly the right place the first time, finding the leak, fixing it quickly and talking to us about how to deal with the water company to get a discount off the water bill. He wasn't cheap, but that seems to be all plumbers now

Approximate cost: $300

We had a fence replaced recently by this guy. He was the cheapest of three quotes so maybe we got what we deserved, but he didn't cut the top of the fench straight, so you can see the height changes by 10-15cm along its length. The wood is also warping really quickly, but our neighbour (with more experience of these things) says that is normal and we just need to paint it.

Approximate cost: $1000

We eat takeaway from here on a regular basis. They are always friendly and fast and the food is real Thai and good enough to keep us coming back. There is something on the menu for all the varied tastes of the family, including the two little ones. They are also open on a Sunday night when many other takeaway shops around Oakleigh are closed.

Approximate cost: $8-10