Have been a Myer shopper for decades, but finding the overall level of service dropping - its getting harder to find a staff member on the floor who can help you which is really disapointing. When shopping at sale times, the store does offer some exceptional deals, but stock levels aren't always great - especially in this store. (Came to Myer Southland to buy an advertised massage chair, and on the second day of the sale, and after waiting 15 minutes for assistance/help, was told that they couldn't find any, and suggested I visit the city store. Found it at David Jones, who were happy to match the advertised price!)

Great place to visit to get your fix of Indian and subcontinent spices and meals. They have a large range of products, at reasonable prices, and often a good range of specials. A huge range of Indian language DVD's, and open long hours. Usually find their service quite good, and do try Thumbs Up from the fridge, and Indian version of Coke - and not too bad either!

Now this was a surprise! A Fish and Chip chop that prides itself on clenliness and quality.... the shop was spotless, and newly decorated, and looked great on arrival. The large menu board was filled with many options which made selection difficult, and the prices were attractive.

The burgers are made with fresh (not frozen) 100% beef delivered fresh each day from a local butcher. The fish is equally fresh, sourced from the Melbourne wholesale fish markets, and is once again, fresh not frozen. The oil used is all healthy, low cholestral, with an interesting sign mentioning that it is approved by Kosher Australia... so it is probably Halal too!

Pricing is reasonable, with a generous burger and coke for $5, and a good serve of chips on the side for another $2.90.

The chips were golden brown, served with real vinegar (unlike so many other chippes), and were very clean.... no burnt oil residue. The burger tasted great with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a good sized pattie. The steak used for the steak sangas is Scotch Fillet... as they say on the board, so cheap substututes used.

I can vouch for the frsh deliveries - while I was waiting, the local butcher delivered todays meat, which the shop proprieter immediately started making fresh meat patties. The fresh fish was also delivered around the same time.

The food was well enjoyed, and we will definitely return.

Approximate cost: $5

A Sunday morning tradition - get up early, and head down to Glicks to get some bagels (Make sure you ask for hot ones - fresh from the oven!) A mixture of plain and sesame seed to keep all the troops happy, pop into Coles nearby to get some Smoked Salmon (lox) and Cream Cheese.... and you have the traditional New York experience right here in Melbourne.

Boiled bagels, as only they should be, for around 80c each - much cheaper than the flight to New York.... pick up some Poses Pickels too if you like Pickled Cucumbers!

A great range of dips, and fresh Challas on Friday afternoon..... watch out for the little old ladies trying to push in ahead of you.... they can be persistant!

The onion rolls are also a favourite..... with lashings of butter! Mmmmm.

We recently stayed at the Rydges Resort at Coloundra for 10 nights, havign stayed at a sister property in Yepoon last year. The resort is value priced (especially when using the 50% off offer in the Entertainment book), but the accomodation is dated, and in urgent need of renovation to bring it up to current standards. The room featured 2 small tv's, with 1 broken remote control, and the inroom fridge either froze or was too hot...nothing in between worked. Airconditioning was only in the lounge, with fans in the bedrooms resulting in hot sleeping conditions. Staff were excellent and very helpful, and when we presented the hotel with a 12 item list of items that needed replacing or repair, they were all attended to the next day. (leaking toilet, filthy shower curtain, damaged frying pan etc etc etc) Location is great, with a large shopping centre within 2 mins away, a new Woolworths adjacent, the Caloundra Sunday makrets a short walk, and off course, the beach a few minutes walk away. Australia Zoo is also nearby, and a planned Wet'n'Wild water park is opening in Sep 2009 within a very short distance away.

Approximate cost: $1500

Homepath are a homeloan provider, fully owned by the Commonwealth Bank. While they are bank operated, they operate as a seperate entity, and have different products and fees and charges. Being an online organisation, all applications are done purely online, with little or no interaction with staff members. Fees are quite low, and interest rates are (were) lower than other mainstream loan providers. A recent request to lock in an interest rate (a fairly easy request with another mortgage provider) took 6 weeks to process, with interest rate rises in the mean time, and staff would not return calls. You pay for what you get - low fees, and no service.

I have been using Condor Appliance Service for many years, and have used them to repair washig machines, dishwashers and other kitchen appliances. They will visit out of ours, and provide a quick turnaround. Quotes are honest, and parts only replaced when required. When you call, you will be told when they are coming, and if they are running late, they will call you to let you know. Old fashioned trustworthy service.

Approximate cost: $60

Being a high speed Cable user, we were surprised at the relatively slow speeds provided, with a low download limit, and a fairly hefty cost. When service does go down, support staff are very quick to blame the user, rather than the service, even when it is obviously the fault of Bigpond. We very rarely get anything near the quoted broadband speeds.

Approximate cost: $60

An old style plumber who cares more about getting the job done right first time, and less about charging you big bucks! Have called Phil on several ocassions, and in one instance, I was quoted $2500 by another plumber for excavation work to repair a blockage, which Phil fixed for $85. Phil has visited me on Easter, and last at night, and never charged a excessive call out fee. Been around for a long time, and knows what he is talking about. A real treasure for a tradesman!

Approximate cost: $100

Being a specialised Paediatric Dentist, Dr Lucas has great skills in making children feel special, and comfortable in the chair, explaining eveything he does, and why he does it, and answers your kids many questions in detail. My kids now enjoy going to the dentist, which makes it easy for all of us!