We needed an accountant who would understand our needs in relation to tax planning. What we received was prompt and efficient service and a lot of helpful hints in relation to our needs. The prompt and efficient reception is staffed by the lovely Bianca who also manages to make you feel welcome. Sandie Richmond provided great practical advice in an easy to understand manner. She explained in layman terms some of the more technical pieces of taxation legislation. The advice was solid and practical which makes it so much easier for us to follow.

Approximate cost: $165

This has become our favorite pub to take visitors and locals to. The staff are always friendly and the food is great, the outside beer garden even has an area for kids to play in. The locals are friendly and the setting makes the most of the divine mallee weather. The chips are awesome too and really enjoyable. (I love my chips and I hate soggy and insipid ones). The Birchip Hotel is great country value. A true landmark in Birchip one you really should visit.

Approximate cost: $25

Tired and hungry we stopped for a quick dinner on our way home. The service was speedy, the shop empty, and the chicken and chips we had filled the spot. The gravy in particular was a stand out, tasty and with a lovely finish, it proved the perfect compliment to the well cooked and seasoned chips. The service was provided by a very cheerful young woman, who was genuine in her service and made us feel welcome. All in all a great place to stop on the way home for a bite to eat.

Approximate cost: $34

We were looking for somewhere to go after spending the morning at the Camberwell Market, and the Short Black Cafe and Restaurant was literally bursting at the seams. We were seated all the way at the back of the restaurant and our orders were taken quickly.

The soy hot chocolate I had was on the small side. It was lovely and rich, but not a great size for the price it cost - especially with the surcharge for the soy milk. I indulged in the Salmon Stack and was rewarded with a really tasty brunch. On the small serving side it was just enough to fill me up though. Speedy service and a tasty meal provided a satisfying finish to my day out at Camberwell.

Approximate cost: $19.9

I had searched Melbourne for a perfect pair of Debutant gloves, and had searched a few stores in Ballarat. Melissa E was recommended to me as a place that just might have the pair I was after. Melissa E did - their range had the perfect pair that the young lady I was buying for wanted. The assistant was helpful and knowledgeable, and I was assured that I could return them if they weren't what the young lady required.

Approximate cost: $3

Location, location, location. We stayed at the Lakeman apartments just a walk from the wonderful Adelaide Oval. The location is fantastic - a quick walk to O'Connell Street and even walking distance to the city, this is a well located apartment. The airconditioning was very good - very important during hot Adelaide weather, the apartment quiet, but spacious. It comes equipped with a full kitchen and a dishwasher as well as a full bath and good sized bathroom. The second bedroom is small, with a huge main, but it's good value and well situated.

Approximate cost: $160

We stayed here twice on our way to and from Adelaide. The rooms were airconditioned and clean if not a little on the tired side. The pool though was good, and a great way to unwind from a tiring long drive. There are mini bar fridges in the rooms, and the place is off the highway so nice and quiet. A nice complex run by a very cheerful proprietor.

Approximate cost: $125

We moved with this firm and though the quoting was prompt, we found that they had underquoted for the time to perform the removal. Which is always awkward when you need to find the extra cash to pay for a removal at the end of a long day moving. Other than that, there were no breakages, the guys were polite and prompt. They were also cheerful throughout the entire move - a good thing to have. I just wish they'd quoted accurately.

Approximate cost: $1800

Marie is great value and really managed to accommodate our large number of furrkids at short notice. The dog runs are a fair size, and the cattery section was cool when we dropped and picked up our cats. Overall she's great value and our pets were cared for appropriately. Our 15 year old cat was well cared for too, and she came back weighing a little more then when she went in.

We have eaten most of the items off the menu now and have found the quality inconsistent at times. The chips can be fantastic one day and then not quite there the next. The range of foods on offer is good and they do offer lunchtime specials from paellas, to oriental style foods. Over all a good alternative when you're hankering for some good chips and gravy.