We were in a store nearby on a sleepy Sunday and the salesperson recommended this place for a quick grab and go lunch. We got two lots of fish and chips wrapped in paper, drove about 2km to the beach nearby, climbed down a short set of steps, sat by the waterfront and consumed our still hot food. It was very picturesque and we were lucky to see some dolphins frolicking in the distance (I needed binoculars to see them).

I would rank our meal as above average. The chips were crispy outside and soft inside. My grilled fish was very tasty and my partner's fried fish was very crispy. He thought it was a little overcooked however (he does tend to be very fussy about his fish). I had no problems.

Most of their fish except flathead and king george whiting is $5.50 which I find a real bargain. Min chips $3.50. They also do burgers, steak sandwiches and fried snack foods. Their snack pack: a fish bite, chips, potato cake and dim sim is $4.90. Lunch special of a burger, chips and can of drink is $6. Their unique selling point is that they cook in rice bran oil. Closed on Tuesdays, open 11am-8.30 pm every day except Friday when they shut at 9 pm.

Approximate cost: $8 per person for fish and chips

I lived in Logan from 2011 to 2012 and this was my favourite Asian restaurant in the local area. The first time we walked in for dinner I thought it was a bad sign that the restaurant was rather quiet. However the food was delicious and exceeded my expectations. We especially enjoyed the entrees especially the curry puffs, and the beef rendang main.

We then came back for lunch a couple of times since they have good lunch specials, and I got delivery as well (there is a small delivery charge). The staff have always been friendly and lovely over the phone and in person. No hygiene issues here. Logan isn't known for exotic cuisine, something I really missed when I lived here for a year, and Hibiscus tasted authentic to me, one of the most authentic in the area. It offers Chinese and Malaysian however I preferred the Malaysian choices such as Beef Rendang, Char Kway Teow, Mee Hoon and Hor Fun.

Approximate cost: $10-$13; Lunch Specials under $10

This was my local Sizzlers until I moved interstate a few months ago. It probably says something about Logan that Sizzlers is the top end of cuisine in the area. I had never visited a Sizzlers before since I had assumed it wasn't very good (may have been a bit snobby back then). I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. My partner and I would visit when we felt we deserved something special (in his case, steak).

We typically ordered steak and included the salad bar for $7.50 extra. The salad bar was the highlight for me - they have an extensive range of salads and salad ingredients. I liked the feta/walnut salad with lettuce and the potato salad. My partner really liked their sundried tomatoes. Their steaks are not bad, we never had a problem with them. We typically ordered rare to medium and the steaks were never overcooked. Our favourite dessert by far was the chocolate trifle, creamy chocolatey goodness, yum!

Dinner especially on weekends is pretty busy. We normally did lunch, and left feeling very stuffed, typically we wouldn't eat very much for dinner later.

I would take advantage of the periodic light lunch specials they have otherwise it is rather expensive. The light lunch is one trip to the salad bar with a small steak and dessert. Believe me, one trip to the salad bar is plenty. Very family friendly.

Approximate cost: $Approx $13 for small steak/salad/dessert on special, approx $30 otherwise; approx $17 for salad only

I currently do a few mystery shops for several different companies. This particular company is okay but I wouldn't say it was one of my favourites: the pay is not that brilliant but the assignments were fairly straightforward. I've done three assignments so far and they were all food related. I don't get paid much from my normal work so any little extras I can get are really appreciated. I also like that I get to eat out and be reimbursed for it (any excuse not to cook).

My take on the mystery shopping concept is that the pay is not great however if the jobs are for places you would normally go to and use AND if you have the time then you can get a little pocket money for doing what you would normally do, provided it is not out of your way. Admittedly you need to spend time reading the assignment beforehand and then filling in the report afterwards.

It works out better if you can do several mystery shops in a certain area and don't have to spend a lot of time travelling (this would require you to sign up with several companies). It also depends on where you live; if you live in a remote area this would necessitate a great deal of travel to get to the shop. I happen to live in a big city in close proximity to many businesses that get mystery shopped so it works for me (to some extent). But it won't make you rich, it's just pocket money.

Approximate cost: $Usually $20 payment per job but cost of food would be taken out of this.

I visited this store recently and was quite awestruck by the range of foods available. Definitely not the sort of generic stuff you see at regular supermarkets, I could not recognise most of the brands that were there. Their products were laid out in a very enticing way that makes you want to stop and browse. I only intended to spend 20 minutes here but ended up staying for nearly 50.

They have a beautiful range of breads, gourmet cheeses, antipasto and deli items in addition to fresh fruit and veg. None of it is cheap however - this is a place for the well-heeled foodie.

Those with dietary restrictions will find enough here: they have organic, dairy-free and gluten-free products that you don't normally find. Their motto, after all, is "Food That's Good For You and a whole lot more." They have food tastings in store and encourage you to try before you buy.

I did pick up some specials when I was there: organic Rooibos tea (originally $6, down to under $3) wheat-free bread and my absolute favourite, gluten free chocolate mud muffins at half-price (four muffins originally around $11). I'm having serious mud muffin withdrawal symptoms and need to go back. Maybe when my wallet's a bit fatter, otherwise it could be dangerous...

Approximate cost: $Expensive, I estimate 1.5-2 times what you would pay in a normal supermarket.

I had a good experience here when I got my eyebrows waxed. I was quite nervous having had a painful eyebrow wax years ago (another salon) however the staff reassured me and said they would use the hot wax and be very gentle. It did not really hurt that much, I had no problems at all. The young lady who did my eyebrows was very quick and efficient. She kept checking to make sure I was happy with the shape and that not too much was removed.

They can get busy on weekends so it's better to make an appointment however walk-ins are welcome.

This particular salon specializes in waxing: their two most popular services are Brazilian and eyebrow waxing. They know what they're doing and are down to earth and friendly.

Manicure $40, Facials $129, Pedicure $70, Facial microdermabrasion $145

Approximate cost: $16.95 eyebrow wax

Conveniently located near Piedimontes, this little pharmacy is fairly busy on Saturdays. The female pharmacist I encountered one Saturday is quite possibly the nicest pharmacist I've ever met, very helpful, kind and provided me with heaps of relevant information. The prices are higher than average so I would only use this for the occasional product and not if you're on a budget. I wouldn't call their range of products enormous but they do have most of the basics.

Opening Hours
9 - 6.30 Mon to Fri
9 - 5 Saturday
10 - 2 Sunday

Approximate cost: $About 20-30% higher than a discount pharmacy

I have very fond memories of this little eating place. It has been a couple of years since I've been here but I feel compelled to recommend what I think of as their signature dish, chicken po chei rice. For the last couple of years I have tried to find a restaurant that serves this dish but so far I have been unsuccessful. Chicken po chei rice is similar to chicken claypot rice, with succulent chicken, chinese sausage, mushrooms and with a fried egg on top which the server mashes into the rice when they bring the sizzling pot to your table. The bottom of the rice is brown and crispy where it sticks to the pot - it's the best part! I took my sister here who was visiting from London and she loved it too. I also liked their crispy skin fried chicken which I usually got with fried rice but you can get it with tomato rice too. They do stir fried vegies with rice for vegetarians.

Very down to earth and unpretentious eating establishment, excellent value. Always busy, and service can be a little slow but nothing much to complain about.

Approximate cost: $9-$12

Northland is the nearest big mall to us, and the one we go to most often. Apart from the usual shopping centre stores in the main complex, there are Bunnings and Masters hardware stores a short drive away plus the homemaker centre and Preston market, everything you could possibly want.

At one end of the main complex are the two big supermarkets. I've noticed the Coles here has much cheaper veggies than the Coles in Fitzroy (I find the Johnston St Coles to be rather poor value and have vowed to never visit again). In between the two big supermarkets is a fruit/veggie shop called Bigfields which has good quality produce at much cheaper prices. It's very crowded on weekends - everyone loves it.

I've got some very good deals at Priceline plus excellent service at Essential Beauty beauty salon. My partner got some good jumpers and tops pretty cheap from Lowes. I like the Colette store here which has nice purses, bags and jewellery at bargain prices.

Only thing that doesn't have my tick of approval is the food court which has stodgy looking food, the type sitting in bain maries all day looking pretty ordinary. Some of these places might make the food freshly for you which would be a better option. The only eating place I do like here are the two Sushi Sushi outlets. Preston however has several good Asian places near Northland where we prefer to go eat, such as Basil House.

One of the first things I looked for after arriving in Melbourne was to find a hairdresser to trim my hair for not too much money. I discovered the Academy by accident when visiting a nearby shop. They charge $8 for a haircut. A student will perform the service overseen by an instructor. I was happy with the trim I received. It does take a long time so only go if you're not in a rush. When I got my hair cut the student had to wait quite a long time to get the teacher's attention at certain stages. (The teacher was rushing around overseeing students). Also the student did take a long time doing the cutting which I would expect from a novice. She was very nice and apologised for the wait. I got my hair shampooed and blown dry as well.

The ambience is not very peaceful - it's like sitting in a busy noisy warehouse - but for $8 I'm not complaining.

I'm planning to go back - basic facials are only $12! They do beauty treatments too.

I would suggest ringing them to book; they only do certain services on certain days. I went at lunchtime Tuesday and just walked in and got seen within 10 minutes.

Hairdressing Hours
Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 2.30pm
Fridays 9.30 to 10.30am colours
Fridays 9.30 to 11.30 cuts, sets, blowwave
Thursday Nights 5.30 to 9pm
Saturday 10am to 11.30am

Sample prices:
perm with cut and style, long hair $36
Foils, full head $50

Beauty Salon Hours 10.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday
Facials - basic $12, deluxe $18
Manicures - basic $12, deluxe $18
Pedicures - basic $14, deluxe $18
Makeup - $18
Gel/acrylic nails - $22
Brow/lip/chin wax - $5
Back shoulder neck massage - $25

For appointments phone 9329 6781

Approximate cost: $8 for a haircut