We got some credit to use Aussie Farmers Direct when we bought our fridge. We started off ordering the fruit and veggie boxes, but to be honest, it just didn't work for us. Getting one or two of an item wasn't really enough to cook a meal, and sometimes the substitutions when at item was unavailable was odd. For example, we were supposed to get a rockmelon but it was substituted for grapes, and there was already a bunch of grapes in the box. Massive grape overload!

My partner is now using up the credit ordering seafood and meats and he tells me the quality is very good (I don't eat meat). You have to admire getting up and having fresh produce already delivered to your door by 5am. Having said that, when we have used up the credit, I don't think we'll continue using them - I personally find it easier going to a store and selecting the items I want, making planning meals so much easier for our family.

We got given a voucher for a free newborn portrait session with one free photo when my child was born. The suggestion was to do the photos before two weeks old, but we waited a little longer - I think at 3 weeks. Tania and Karen were very professional, helping to calm our bub (and mum!) and allowing me to breastfeed her without even batting an eye so she would get used to the situation. Photos were taken of bub with and without clothes, and there was no rolling of eyes when the inevitable newborn poosplosion happened, just a very understanding look. Baby was made very comfortable with plush rugs to lay on, a heater and very cute accessories! They also took a few family shots as well, which was really lovely. We went back to view the photos and it was very hard to select just one for our free shot... so we also bought a package of photos which gave us digital images and a few select mounted prints. This studio is definitely not the cheapest around, but the quality is amazing. Service is really lovely, and the fact that the newborn portrait photographers are both mums themselves helps create a comfortable atmosphere.

Pet City is gigantic local institution which has been around for decades. In addition to the usual dogs, cats and fish, they also have rats, guinea pigs, birds (including chickens), snakes, lizards and all the requirements to go along with these animals (food such as frozen mice, live crickets etc). Staff are always very knowledgable and helpful within the departments. They also have a VIP membership which entitles members to at least 10% off stock, including pet food, as well as other special discounts. Opening hours are extremely generous and there is also a hydro bath, groomer and puppy preschool.

We chose this swim school as they take babies from 2 months old, whereas others tend to start from 4 months. I think its important to learn water safety as early as possible, and by starting so young, children still have much of the instincts they were born with. Making learning fun through song and play, my daughter at 6 months is completely comfortable in the water. She can hold her breath, hold herself up in water, is happy on both her stomach and back with her ears under the water, and can be comfortably submerged. The teachers are all very patient - with both parents and the children. Facilities are a little dated but lets be honest here, it's swimming and it's with babies/children so chlorine levels NEED to be kept high.

I signed up to one of the yoga for beginners courses and it was a great introduction. The free mat was an extra bonus. The studio is lovely and modern (and doesn't hurt that it is right next door to a great cafe for breakfast afterward!). The instructor was very patient and thorough, making sure that we understood the theory and basics of yoga as well. I didn't feel like an ignorant newbie but more that the yogi was enthusiastic to introduce this class of new people to an art that she loved. After the course I continued on to a few 'regular' classes and this theory helped me get through them. I'm still to master a downward facing dog but I think I've found a new favourite relaxation method! Value is pretty standard price wise, but the instructors are what really keep me coming back to this studio.

I do love a good cupcake. And Poppy Cakes deliver exactly that! I've tried just about every type of cake they have (I shudder to think what I have spent here) and they don't disappoint. Favourites are the red velvet cupcake and the chocolate peanut butter cupcake. The prices are about average for a cupcake these days (which is way too high in my opinion) but the quality is fantastic - and delicious! The coffee served is so-so, but the service of the staff is top notch!

Approximate cost: $5

We had a number of security doors and windows fitted and installed by Barrier. They came and did an initial quote for all windows and doors and then we were able to pick which ones we wanted as the quote was clearly itemised. The quality of the screens is very good, however the installation service could be improved. There was some damage to existing structures, which when pointed out, I admit that it was fixed. I do wonder if they would have corrected it had we not drawn their attention to it though. We have also had to call them back to replace a pet door insert which was faulty, and to their credit, this was done quickly and painlessly, no questions asked. In terms of value for money, we got quite a few quotes to get security measures installed, and Barrier came out in front by a long way. Our decision was also helped with the quite hefty discount we were offered if we placed the order out of season (i.e. Autumn/Winter) as I guess business is slow then. I can and have recommended this business to others.

Originally we started using Central Dental because of the opening hours - open until 9pm on some nights, and because it is so close to us. We keep going to see them because of the dentist there, plain and simple. The service is great - no trying to sell you things you don't need, and an honest opinion about whether you'll get value for money with a particular treatment type. They take a proactive approach to dental work and will make notes to monitor anything that looks suspect, rather than treating it willy-nilly. They send out reminder letters every 6 months and getting a preferred appointment time is quite easy (although for late night and weekend appointments do book in advance). Because of the fantastic and proactive dental service, the wait time can sometimes be annoying. I've had to wait when they run overtime for the previous patient, but it's not like they cut my time short so it's a minor inconvenience. Definitely recommend this dental surgery.

They installed our solar panels for a great price. The salesperson was fabulous, as you'd expect, really did a great job selling the product and couldn't be more helpful answering questions and researching when he didn't know the answer. It was once we'd signed that service went downhill. Calls went unreturned, and there was a great issue with the paperwork being submitted which meant we waited ages for our solar meter to be installed and running properly. The installation itself was fine, and the panels look sturdy and appear to be of a good brand. We also had a problem with the inverter which took a while to fix, much longer than it should have considering the first one didn't work from the beginning. It was eventually replaced under warranty but they acted as though I was having a favour done, not having a genuine issue rectified. Also recently, I have begun to receive a great deal of email and other social media spam from the company, which I certainly didn't sign up for at all! Probably wouldn't use them again.

This is one of those local treasures that everyone needs to have one of nearby. I'm always popping in for just one thing, and walking out with a bunch of things I didn't know I needed. Fruit and vegetables are really well priced, especially if you buy in bulk. The premeasured buckets at the front offer the best value. There are some deli goods which are a little on the expensive side, but when you take a closer look, the quality is worth it. Open 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, you can't really ask for better service than that. Staff have the feel of a family business, and they actually seem to care about the customer here. The carpark could be bigger and it's a bit of a pain getting out in peak hour or school traffic but can't beat the service offered here.