This is a great little dry cleaner located on the exterior of the Oakleigh Centro complex, with one 10 minute customer car park right out the front. The lady who is usually at the counter is very firendly and really knowledgeable about what marks will and what will not come out of fabric. Their dry cleaning and pressing is always top notch - hands down better than other cleaners I've used in the area - and prices are marginally lower than competitors. I've found their turn around to be quite fast also and have had hems fixed on a few garments too and the work was spot on. Recommended!

Just when you think you've seen all there is to see at Astoria, you find more! This is the place to shop in the area for every conceivable party supply item under the sun. From disposable plates, cups, cutlery etc to party boxes and bags, themed decorations, hats, masks, a big selection of kids party bag favours and out the back a huge selection of costume and dress up items. Shopping for Halloween at Astoria Paper Products is so much fun and a total sinch.

The quality of products at Astoria is, by and large, really good and their prices are consistently lower than some other retailers carry identical items and brands.

The store is well stocked and well organised.

It's like stepping into the rainbow when you walk into Amitie. This is the home of 100% cotton fabrics in every conceivable colour and pattern... a quilters paradise! If you're looking for best quality, gorgeous contemporary fabrics including Liberty for your craft projects, you've found the place. Fabrics seem to hover around the $18 - $22m range, there are probably some above and below this though.

The ladies at Amitie are lovely and know to give shoppers space as the selection process can be difficult (the first time I shopped at Amitie I left empty handed as I was just so overwhelmed by choice). They are all really knowledgeable and ready to assist.

Amitie also stocks a range of quilt and fabric project patterns, books, threads, batting, trims, bias binding and a multitude of other bits you'll need to compete your project.

They even have a range of hand made, completed quilts and cushions for sale also.

Note Amitie has moved from Centre Road to Gardenvale Rd, Gardenvale.

I have been a regular shopper at Darn Cheap for about 10 years. It has the most amazing selection of sewing and dress making bits including everyday and dress fabrics, craft and quilting fabric, threads, a huge selection of unusual trims, ribbons, cords, zips, buttons and other little funky features you never knew you needed... it really is the place to stop if you're looking for something a bit different and want it CHEAP. I frequently buy the exact same quilting fabric here for $14.50 less per meter than other fancier stores. Buy that's only when it's not on sale, when it is on sale it's not unusual to pick up great fabrics at $2 per meter. They occasionally even have designer remnants.

The ladies in the store are knowledgeable and helpful and always go out of their way to find solutions to tricky questions. I especially like their colourful hair!

One thing I would say about Darn Cheap is, if you see something you like, don't think about it and expect to come back and buy it in a few days. It's an incredibly busy store and stock turns over quickly, there's always something new to look at!

Skin Day Spa have the most luxurious facials! I haven't tried any of their other treatments (Yet!) but have had the most amazing facials at the Spa. My therapist took a lot of care working round my easily inflamed, dermatitis prone skin. The microderm abrasion treatment is fabulous and possibly addictive :) The salon itself is gorgeous and very relaxing. I have recommended Skin to all my friends and can't wait to get back there!

Approximate cost: $100

I have been visiting Oasis for about 10 years and have to say it has been so gratifying to see the business flourish from a modest warehouse like business into an amazing, well laid out and enormous casual eatery, grocery store and cooking school.
I snigger with some disbelief when I pass the miserly herb and spice section of the big supermarkets. Oasis has every spice and herb you could ever need, frequently restocked, generous tub sizes and exceptionally well priced. I usually shop there for grains, cereals and seeds like quinoa, cous cous, amaranth, chickpeas, nuts, spices, middle eastern groceries like amazing fresh falafels (Bite Me brand), pastries, dips and fab cheeses. I usually leave with way way more than I had intended because it all just looks and tastes so good... gourmet ice creams, flat breads, Persian fairy floss (you haven't lived until you've eaten it!), pantry staples, imported groceries, cook books, cooking utensils...
It's hard to get past the hot prepared meals which never disappoint and don't even get me started on the excellent coffee and shawarma (chicken or lamb)... it's the take away you have when you don't want to feel regret afterwards! Love this place!

Approximate cost: $10

I came across The Toy Postman by chance and what a find! The Toy Postman is not a huge store but it's choc filled with an amazing range of great toys for younger kids - generally 0 to 8-9 years I'd say. There are lots of great fun educational things, many wooden, the kind of stuff you'd love your child to be given.

The owners are both quite helpful. Last year when I had to find gifts for my son and daughter under $10 for a kinder Christmas party, they were only too happy to wander the store with me pulling out one great suggestion after another.

If you're anything like me and find the prospect of buying toys from the big US chain a plasticy, depressing affair then this is the store for you!

I've told many of my friends about The Toy Postman, some having travelled 15km+ to get there, and so far we've all left really happy.

Approximate cost: $Various

I recently discovered Tessuti through a friends' suggestion. WOW, lock up your credit card. Tessuti stock an amazing range a very beautiful fabrics, trims, patterns, buttons, thread... A huge step above anything you'll find at your stock standard fabric store and displayed gorgeously in colour blocks, rather than fabric types.

Some really unusual fabrics from all over the world, the quality is reflected in the price per metre.

The assistance I received was second to none with lots of good advice about fabric selection, garment design and construction.

Tessuti is so gorgeous, I'd go out of my way to visit again just to look around.

Approximate cost: $Varies

I come to Kim Chi for the deep fried tofu (like the Japanese agedashi tofu) and pork and veg gyoza... just thinking about it makes my tummy rumble. Both are divine and simple, inexpensive (although prices have increased a little lately) comfort food. The corn tea and kim chi are also great.

I usually eat here at lunchtime when the restaurant can be really quiet unlike evenings which are very busy... but don't think you're going to get great service just because the staff aren't busy. Table service is very light on. Good thing the kitchen is fast!

This is the forth time I've eaten at The Resident and have to say I've yet to leave feeling anything other than totally satisfied.

As always the friendly staff were quick to bring a freshly filled bottle of water and menu to the table shortly after I sat down. I ordered the feta and chive fritters, served with a poached egg, sauteed spinach and tomato sauce. Not only did the meal look gorgeous, the egg was possibly the most perfect example of poaching ever! The crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside fritters were totally delicious and made me feel like I'd done my body a favour to boot. Homemade tomato sauce and nicely sauteed spinach were a great addition... a perfectly sized weekend breakfast. Teamed well with a great caffe latte.

It's a lovely space indoors with a fantastic and surprisingly large outdoor space. The Resident seems to be the kind of space where you're welcomed whether you're dining alone or with the family.

The Resident is just what the Ashburton strip has needed to drag it out of some serious cafe blandness!

Approximate cost: $14