Pregnancy, maternity, baby... they're all words which capture a very specific and singular part of one's life. A lot like 'marriage' and 'wedding'. And, much like 'marriage' and 'wedding', all it takes is the addition of one of those magic little words for dollar signs to ring up in clever retailers' eyes, and prices to magically double. Or triple. Or... you get the point.

Truth be told, Il Tutto--manufacturer of luxury baby/nappy bags for mums--is no exception. In fact, they may be amongst the most expensive of all--a fact that had not escaped my attention prior to being totally sucked in by a gorgeous, soft, genuine black-leather oversized handbag named 'Stella'. Oh yes, she had my name written all over her (despite my name NOT being Stella). So, price aside--and believe you me, $430 is not inexpensive, or an easy investment--she became mine. And I'm happy. Very, very happy.

The bag I bought is gorgeous. It's real leather, and it really does have everything I could ever need from a baby bag. The generous exterior pockets easily fit phone, keys, sunnies--in ONE of them, and the inside is brilliant. Which is why I felt the need to 'review' the business: The back is exceptionally cleverly designed. The bag is BIG. And with this size, I can start to understand *some* of the large price tag, as it is genuine leather. Inside are 7 large pockets, with a generous interior cavity for the rest of my belongings. It also comes with a changemat, wet bag, and bottle cooler, but that's an aside. The interior of the bag is waterproof, but, better yet, ZIP OUT. The entire pocket structure and liner is attached to the bag by zip, so it comes out for the wash in case of--frankly inevitable--'accidents'. And the best part is? The bag is ATTRACTIVE. I can see it's well, and sturdily made, and will serve well as a work-horse, but it's not just a beast of burden. I can 'wear' the bag and still feel good about SOMETHING, even when it's one of those days I can barely be bothered brushing my teeth and hair.

I honestly can't comment on the service--Il Tutto run a wonderful website, but I bought my bag through a stockist. But wow. WHAT A BAG. SO thrilled, and, despite the hefty price-tag, I am very, very happy with my purchase.

Approximate cost: $250-$450

Up until a year or two ago, the space Criniti's occupies was Trellini's--a very nice, but noisy and expensive, Italian restaurant in Castle Tower's very pretty Piazza.

Now it's Criniti's--a very nice, but noisy expensive, Italian restaurant in Castle Tower's very pretty Piazza.

But it's a big change. Gone are Trellini's euro-inspired modern furnishings, white, glass, and brightly lit interior, replaced with a darker, ambient, rustic feel, complete with brick walls, wooden tables, and a Ducati twice the size of an average-sized adult mounted behind the bar.

It's loud, bustling, and it's BUSY. We arrived around 7:30pm on a Tuesday evening for dinner, and shown to a cozy wooden table (the underside of which very kindly left splinters in my tights), and were surprised to find it much quieter, but by no means quiet, inside. The staff were polite and attentive, and I was impressed at how well everything ran, given the place was so busy. And it really was busy. But it didn't feel packed, or crowded, and hubby and I enjoyed our meal.

The menu is huge, and a little intimidating. I'm all for choices, but... I don't like making them. And Criniti's offers hundreds--which of the 21 different pasta options would YOU fancy? Or you can choose from as many fresh, hot, proper wood-fired pizzas. Neither? Maybe risotto, skewer plates, or steak--half a dozen different ways--is more to your fancy? Believe me--finding something to suit your appetite will never be a struggle... if you can narrow it down to just one.

Hubby and I were a little unimaginative in our choices. We ordered the Caprese Bruschetta, which was divine, topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil, and somehow tasting of summer-fresh tomatoes in early spring (really, how did they do that? Essence of tomato?) The serving was generous, with one 'serve' offering two thick-cut slices of crunch sourdough that we could have happily cut in half again to share between four. Wait. Not 'happily'--no. I would not have been 'happy' to share. It was delicious.

Now, that aforementioned expansive pasta menu is split in two--Pasta Fresca (Handmade Pasta) and Pasta Asciutta (umm... Pasta, Pasta? Not handmade? Why would you want NOT handmade pasta when the other's on offer, I ask?!). We ordered the Ravioli Rosa (for me) and the D.O.C. Lasagne alla Bolognese (for him. And yes, that's just lasagne). Both were lovely. Hot, fresh, full of flavour, and reasonable serves--but they would well want to be at around $25 a serve for a bowl of pasta.

I really couldn't fault the restaurant. The food was good, though not necessarily GREAT, the service was good, though not necessarily GREAT, and prices were reasonable, though not necessarily GREAT. At the end of the evening, we walked away happy, sated, and we had enjoyed what I believe was a well calculated 'experience'. Everything on the menu, everything in the interior, every piece of crockery, and every faux-distressed brick on the wall is carefully placed and orchestrated to create an ambience and atmosphere that really was enjoyable, ambient and satisfying. I'd certainly return. No, it won't be my new 'go-to' meal spot, but I'd definitely enjoy it for a special occasion--if for no other reason than to further sample the massive menu!

Approximate cost: $25-35

I don't know about you but, for me, Uluru (or Ayers Rock, depending on what generation you belong to) is one of those things you can't grow up in Australia and not think to yourself, 'one day.' It never occured to me that I wouldn't go. Even if it took 29 years. So off we went earlier this year, even if it was 'just' for a long weekend.

And in true tourist style, what'd we do? Nope--not climb the rock (you can, but you're very kindly asked not to, and the walk around the base is even better)--we booked a camel tour.

That's right. A tour. On a CAMEL.
Was it kitsch? You betcha. Was it worth it? YES.

We were picked up from the resort around 1:30-2 for the 2pm 'Camel Express' tour. The driver of the bus was, at it turns out, the owner, and he was fun, chatty and jovial. The farm itself is... a lot like the rest of Yulara and the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. Red, dusty and picturesque. We were taken inside, greeted, and, as we were there in what's considered 'off season' (late May--the peak tourist season for Uluru is considered Winter, and it's not hard to see why given it's the middle of the DESERT), and the only people on the tour were our little group of 3, and a very sweet international couple.

We were shown out back to meet one of the farm's newest residents--a baby camel called Scruffy. You can tell me it's a bad idea, but you won't convince me: I want a baby camel. She was a sweetheart--cuddly and friendly and a total charmer.

And then the 'tour' started. We were introduced to our trusty steeds, and listened to them grunt and moan while we mounted (interesting fact: the voice of Chewbacca in a Star Wars? A camel. Seriously. I laughed it off when were told, but once you hear a camel 'talking' it's a certain undeniable truth. And hilarious). The camels are tied up in a 'train', led by a guide who took us through the desert, introducing us to a few sites, sounds, and explaining some of the local flora. We had our obligatory photo op, and the guide was lovely. We were also told some of the history of camels in the Outback, and the importance of population management, given the devastating impact they can have on the local ecosystem.

In truth, the 'Camel Express' tour is really just a 45 minute camel ride. You could do one here, do one elsewhere, do one in Egypt. But it's a 45 minute ride on a freaking CAMEL through some of the most picturesque scenery you can possibly imagine. The photos you've seen of the Outback--even the most beautiful ones--really don't do justice to something that has to be seen to be truly understood and appreciated. And at $75, it's also one of the cheapest, and funnest, tours you can do while staying at Ayers Rock Resort, where almost all the other tours are run under a monopoly (but one which at least works with the local community, which is lovely).

Well worth the cash, and well, WELL worth the trip to the stunning Australian Outback.

Approximate cost: $75-$119

Berala's local fish and chip shop has been exactly where it is for as long as I can remember (20 years, give or take)... and I'm not sure a thing has changed in that time, from the exterior, to the interior, to the PERFECT hot chips.

I hadn't been there in a while, but hot chip cravings are not a thing to be ignored--so I dragged hubby down there on a Sunday... only to find it was closed! That's right, folks, it's closed every Sunday. Fair enough--it's a family run business, and everyone deserves a day off.

I went back during the week, and the service was friendly and fast, the serving sizes are good, and our chips came out just how they should--piping hot, crispy, and wrapped in paper. They have a special blend of chicken salt here. It's more a chip... seasoning? Not the typical yellow MSG thing sprinkled on your fries. It's GOOD. The owner chatted with us briefly while we waited and I'd definitely go back again :)

One of the fun things they don't tell you about being pregnant is that, when you get the flu (and face it, everyone does, every year)? Yeah. You can't take anything. Codral, Sudafed; even Neurofen and common antihistemenes like Clarytyne and Zyrtec are off limits. It is a world of SO not fun.

So, last week, when the flu I'd been studiously avoiding all year finally hit, at five months pregnant, I wound up at Manning's, because poor, sick, pregnant me couldn't be bothered walking 50 metres up the road to the pharmacy I usually visit. I was really impressed. The shop assistant was lovely and friendly, and offered suggestions on what I COULD do and use with a sweet and chatty demeanour. When I asked about pregnancy-safe antihistimenes, and she didn't know, the pharmacist did, instantly, without having to pause, look anything up, or even blink. The service was great, and friendly, and the prices were fine--perfectly standard. I'll definitely go back there again, especially with the super-convenient location (right across from the station, and next to the new medical centre!)

I've walked passed this truly BEAUTIFUL restaurant a dozen times on my way to a favourite cafe further up the street and been really intrigued each time. So when my mum and I were in the Bakehouse Quarter a few weeks ago, we decided to sate that curiosity, and went in for dinner. It was sooooooo quiet--I think we just hit it lucky. We'd wound up there at about 8pm in the middle of ramadan, which we think may have contributed, because we've seen it VERY busy before.

We had our pick of tables, and our little corner bench seat in the banquet area was gorgeous and cosy, surrounded by cushions and glass and the beautiful interior.

Rather than ordering mains, we ordered four or five entrees to share between us, and it was FANTASTIC. The Potato coriander and cauliflower from the entree menu were incredible, and we couldn't even finish all our food!

The staff were so friendly, helpful, and accomodating, and... you know how you can be in a quiet shop or restaurant and feel like you're intruding? We felt like long awaited guests. They were wonderful.

The restaurant is set up with individual tables, and a larger banquet area, and the place would be really lovely for a big family meal. We'll definitely be going back again.

Approximate cost: $25-30

It's not big, but Berala has a glut of Chemists--a new one openened in 2012-13, bringing it to 3. That has to make 20% of the shops in the street pharmacies!

Kesby's is the largest and best of the three, by far. The staff are extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. I sprained my ankle last year and the woman working there took the time to measure my ankle for the correct brace instead of guesstimating. I was there again not long after to pick up a pregnancy 'Bounty Bag', and again, the staff were friendly, jovial, and went out of their way to help me. They've been really wonderful with recommendations for medication, offering alternatives to typical Codral/Sudafed flu medication earlier in the year when I wasn't able to take it.

Wonderful staff, as well priced as any chemist, and they have an excellent range of other 'chemist' products--make-up, toiletries, etc.

We order from here more often than I'd like to admit. It's a Pizza Hut--which means it's a lot like any other Pizza Hut.

But the service is good, the delivery guys are very friendly and polite, and they've always delivered on time for us. When I ordered a pizza, drink, and garlic bread deal last week, it actually arrived 10 minutes earlier than promised--and still hot (not soggy!)--hurray!

I've been seeing Doctor Madan for years--in fact, I've moved well out of the area, and I still travel halfway across Sydney to see him.

He's patient, attentive, very friendly, and--best of all--throrough. As a previous reviewer mentioned, I've never felt rushed (in fact, he frequently takes a few minutes to chat and talk about music with me!) and during some recent complications and a medical scare he was incredibly thorough, leaving nothing to chance and doing extra testing to make sure everything was fine, as well as offering plenty of reassurance.

I'd recommend him as a family doctor to anyone. It's lovely knowing that we HAVE a family doctor--not just whomever is on call at the medical practice on any given day. Everything--every test, every appointment--has always been fully bulk-billed, too!

We booked an evening here for our company Christmas party, and I was impressed. We pre-booked for what I believe was their 'Matsu' menu. It's funny. It seemed like small serves, but no-one left hungry.

The restaurant itself is a little stark, but the focus is so much on the chef, and the hot plate, that it's really not something I could criticise. The staff and chef were friendly, and super entertaining--the whole teppanyaki 'experience' was lovely, and the adults and the two kids with us all had an absolute ball.

Teppanyaki is a little difficult when you're vegetarian, but we advised them of the vegetarian in the party, and they were so accomodating, bringing me out sushi rolls and noodles separately to the main menu items eaten by everyone else. They weren't quite as exciting, but were still lovely, and it was nice to be included in the experience along with everyone else. We had an absolutely wonderful evening, and we'd definitely consider going back for a special occasion!

Approximate cost: $35