I was attracted by the beautiful and unusual jewellery display in an aisle at the Westfield Shopping centre. The young salesgirl allowed me to inspect, ask questions and try on without pressure to buy. I returned after further shopping and finally decided on a piece for my daughter, I not only received it beautifully wrapped a $10 voucher for future online purchase and promise to replace if my daughter didn't like it. Sistaco donates funds to empowering women in Mozambique to start businesses, Variety, Leukaemia Foundation and the Mater Hospital. And the jewellery is so affordable as well as being crowd stoppers.

As a local for over 30 years I rarely visit the markets these days but having visitors decided to brave the Christmas crowds and parking chaos. At one time stalls were limited to locals selling their own produce or goods but now it seems anyone and everyone can purchase stall rights. I spoke with two who travel from Brisbane twice a week to sell goods every Saturday and Wednesday. No stallholders can sell everything from cheap Bali market clothing to mass produced photo prints. However the crowds ere incredible, sales were flourishing and talking to visitors from around the world they were extremely impressed with the stalls, music, international food and whole atmosphere. Perhaps I will stay away at peak holiday times and visit again when I can get a car parking space within walking distance.

Desperate for a Christmas gift for someone who has everything, I was drawn to the beautiful window display as I was passing so went in for a browse. The wonderful layout divided into colour palettes had me unable to decide from the huge choices available and I spent ages wandering and wondering until finally making my selection. The lady went to great trouble to find me exactly the colour and size I wanted. Wish I had gone there earlier and bought most of my gifts there.

I needed something unusual as a special gift and this little shop is a wonderful treasure trove of unusual and beautiful gifts for everyone. I ended up buying myself a wall clock and came out with presents for so many others. There are regular loyalty surprises for members so I will definitely be a regular from now on.

I have several times contributed towards floral arrangements from this business as gifts for others but when I received a magnificent bouquet myself from friends I really appreciated the time, skill, attention to detail and the quality of the blooms. The flowers lasted almost two full weeks. There is also a loyalty card offered for regular customers .

I received a gift voucher for facial and manicure so it was my first visit and I had to travel from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane. However it was such a wonderful experience and I thoroughly relished the pampering and excellent attention from Samantha. The salon was extremely busy with several clients enjoying hair treatments, style cuts etc but in my little spa room I heard nothing except the relaxation music and Sam's occasional inquiries to ensure I was comfortable. I bought myself another pampering session to enjoy in a couple of months.

We hadn't been here for some years but when the restaurant we were seeking was closed we decided to give The Victory a go for my birthday meal. We were surprised by the crowds but the very friendly and polite young man on the door, escorted us to a sofa and assured us a table as soon as possible. Our wait was not long and we again marvelled at the great make-over since we last visited, the extensive menu, the popularity of the hotel and the delicious meals we enjoyed at very reasonable prices. Trivia was taking place in a closed off area and the very noisy squeals from the children's room proved the popularity with young families. We will definitely return with so many special deal nights offered and such friendly staff but hopefully a little further away from the Kids room having long ago needed such an inducement to dine here.

Approximate cost: $15 specials

Synda and her team create superb poster and publicity images for my production at Noosa Arts Theatre.Recently I needed urgent help to prepare designs ready for the printer and Synda efficiently and very promptly came up with the goods

After a broken arm I have needed many physio sessions but with the great care of Carlie and Patrick at In Touch I am making excellent progress. Their personal concern and my individual exercise programme shows their excellent professionalism and personal attention to patients.

Having always had our cakes made by the previous owner I was rather concerned when he left. Richie's has other shops in Cooroy and Tewantin so decided to have a birthday cake made. Great result so we also called in to try salad rolls and pies. The pie was tasty but the salad roll was soggy, bland and a disappointment compared to those of the previous owners.