After a slight dip in a few things after a change in ownership, Plunge is now back on my radar as a great local cafe. The new owners have broadened the menu, while keeping favourites, and there is an Arabic influence in some of the dishes which is great. Apparently Amina from Masterchef is in the kitchen - not that I've seen her yet! It's buzzy and there never seems to be any downtime for them and the staff always acknowledge you when you walk in (and not as an afterthought). The coffee is well made, though (and I'm by no means a coffee connoisseur) I prefer their single origins/estate over the blended version. I feel like a snob for asking when ordering, but it's just a preference in this case. My only little criticism is the size of a latte, or it seems the other coffees as well, the glasses or cups are pretty small. Two & a bit sips and the thing is gone. I'm asking for a mug next time otherwise I'll be going through 3 cups each time I go there.

Approximate cost: $14

Some really lovely furniture and good quality - especially the California range in Mangowood. Despite the fact you may be interested in buying a piece, or even if you have, don't expect any pleasantries or service from the staff in Artarmon. I've been there a few times in the last eighteen months, and each time they were dismissive and even rude. My sister who was with me on a couple of occasions was shocked at the level of rudeness I endured - especially on one occasion, as I had just paid for two sizeable items. I can only say, I loved the pieces too much to go back on the deal. Thank goodness the pieces are as great as the day they arrived, and the delivery guys were sensational. Otherwise the service score would have been a no star rating.

Approximate cost: $1400.00

Located at the front of an arcade across from Elegant Lifestyles. The food cannot be faulted, and the service is friendly and prompt. Each time I go to Penrith, I detour to eat here. Many of the surrounding shops may not all be the greatest but this place is a gem. Latest meal was the Prawn Noodle Soup - big, fresh juicy prawns and lovely vegetables and noodles. Yum.

Approximate cost: $12.00

Well this shop is a surprise to find in downtown Penrith. Interesting and stylish mix of mostly neutral homewares with some clothing & jewellery. Everything from (actual) linen robes and sheets, to indian bonsai scissors (why not), cane and wood furniture and crockery and quartz cheese boards (that I'm really regretting not buying at the time) along with bright juju hats for the wall. All beautiful quality and the prices aren't excessive. The staff are also great and let you meander if that's what you want to do. Great store and one to visit regularly.

Approximate cost: $45.00

Despite living in the area for a few years I've only been to these markets are few times (shame on me). The quality and range of food, fruit and vegetables is great, and reasonably priced so you can pick up everything from breakfast to dessert and probably more. Even my wonderfully super snobby girlfriend from Dee Why was highly impressed and purchased a heap, and she and her husband used to go to the Frenchs Forest markets. Rustic, casual, with music being played, second hand and vintage clothing plus a kids area castle and probably a few things I haven't checked out yet. I've even been able to stock up on my favourite coconut fibre pot scrubbers and 'Bang' jute bags that I've only been able to get online. So I've saved not only on price but postage. The markets have a bus stop outside the gate so for me it's a few dollars and not much of trip to get there and back home. Good way to spend a Sunday. Just take your cash as there aren't any atms close by. Dogs on leashes go as well!

Approximate cost: $50.00

Great location with the option of indoor or outdoor dining. Went in in the early afternoon (on a Sunday) and was offered both the breakfast and lunch menus, which was quite good. The place was probably half full, and people were at all stages of eating or ordering, so it wasn't manic. However wasn't given time to fully peruse both menus as the waitress waited for me to make a decision. Fortunately I quickly landed on the corn fritters ($15-$16) plus tea (not really what I was after). The fritters were great, with plenty of avocado, bacon, greens, tomato and mayonnaise. Definitely would order those again if I was in the area. The (black) tea came in a small teapot, hello where's the milk?? Had to ask for that, and it took a while to get attention (forgive me!), and when it finally came it was in the SMALLEST jug I have ever seen, barely enough for two cups. Well it would be one decent cup of tea, and the other would be pretty strong. So if the fritters are any indication, the food seems to be really good and good size servings. The service on the hand, pretty indifferent from 3 servers. Is that a general thing or was it because I was a solo diner? Not a 2 but not really a 3. The service is part of the experience, and I don't want to pay good money if I'm treated like I'm speaking Swahili.

Approximate cost: $19.50

I've been going to this library for around six years, and prefer it over my "local" at Marrickville. It's easy to get to with buses. It has a great selection of books, artworks, newspapers, magazines and author lectures to relax with.

The only disappointment was their very limited promotion for internationally successful, Sydney author Matthew Reilly. I knew he was going to appear (through his fb page) but hadn't seen anything on the library's monthly newsletters, and almost missed him. To avoid this, get yourself on the newsletter/email list as well as fb, and read the noticeboard opposite the front desk. Though on the night of the talk, they had a sign outside promoting another author talk in a few weeks and the noticeboard sign for Matthew was so small you could have easily missed it.

Overall I still enjoy going there, but can someone lay off buying the Mills & Boon and Avon Romances!

Approximate cost: $0.00

Love Biome, though strangely I've only visited the Paddington store, which I found through visiting from interstate. Now I just order online. Great products from health to cleaning (and possibly most things in-between) in green, clean and organic. I'm always trawling through the website to see what they have.

Approximate cost: $45.00

My go-to place for takeaway thai, and I've tried lots in the local area. Never had a dish I wasn't happy with. The food is always great. Very fresh, tasty and generous. You don't even have to call up, just get on to their website.

Approximate cost: $50.00

Love everything about this business. The ladies (very helpful with queries and very prompt postage), the products (quality,natural, concentrated and they work), the samples (who doesn't love a little present) and the product development (which you can get involved with) - all top notch and I've been using them for a few years now.

It's always a hard decision working out what to add to my usual order of beer shampoo bar, vinegar rinse and now the beer conditioner bar. All of which keeps my fine, coloured hair curly, soft and really healthy. Recent additions include the moisture salvation bar (for doing what it is supposed to do), and the orange poppyseed soap - which smells beautiful and I adore the feeling of knubs of poppyseeds rubbing on my hands. Almost become addicted I love it that much!

So many great products.

The packaging can be recycled, including the filler. The only exception I would think would be the tape. If there was a cost effective biodegradable or recycled variation, Beauty and the Bees would be using it.

Brilliant business in every way!

Approximate cost: $80.00