I like the Kotara Target store better than the other Target stores in the area. They have a great store layout and things are easy to find. In comparison to other retail giants like Kmart and Big W, I must say Target is my least favourite. They do not have the same variety as the other retail stores and Target has a much bigger focus on selling clothing. Their Blu-Ray prices are completely non-competitive. Don't ever bother buying Blu-Ray discs from there... Big W is the cheapest around.

Approximate cost: $Varies

Lone Star used to be a pretty common restaurant, but for years now, this one at Glendale has been the only one in the entire Newcastle/Maitland/Hunter Valley area... and I understand why. Their food is always good, and you generally don't wait long (probably because the place doesn't get packed out like it used to).... however their biggest downfall is the limited menu and the price of the food. When you compare this restaurant to others that also pride themselves on doing good steak (eg. Hogs Breath) then there's simply no comparison in terms of value and variety. I do like that you get free peanuts when you dine, but that is made up for in the higher prices. This place has lost the great "saloon" feeling it once had, but I do go to Lone Star about once or twice a year for a meal.

Approximate cost: $20-$35

I always enjoy eating at Hog's Breath... especially since they revamped their menu around a year or so ago. You get fast service, the meals are brought out quickly, and you just can't beat those curly fries!! Plenty of variety to choose from and a nice dining atmosphere right on the Honeysuckle Foreshore. The desserts are really good too!! And of course, the steaks!

Approximate cost: $15-$30

This is my absolute favourite restaurant. I am never disappointed with the quality, service or price when I eat at the Northern Star Cafe. Authentic Italian dishes for only $9.90... you just don't find that anywhere else. Their menu is hugely extensive, beyond strict Italian dishes, and everything is affordable. The staff are friendly and quick to serve you and you never have to wait long for your meal to arrive... even on a busy night. This place is very popular during dinner time and so you will need to make a booking if you don't want to be disappointed! If you live in Newcastle or are visiting for a short while, if you don't eat at this restaurant you are missing out! They are not open Sundays.

Approximate cost: $10-$25

I have my internet, my home phone, and my pre-paid mobile service all with Telstra. I admit, I've never had any issues with my mobile phone service (probably because it is pre-paid and therefore don't get a monthly bill)... but the issues with my internet and phone seem never ending. Starting up a new connection or service with them is an absolute nightmare. Your first bill NEVER says what you expect it to, and the service takes much longer to set up than they say. We recently moved houses and transferred our service to our new address and it was the most frustrating endeavour I have ever had to do. I dread the day our 24 month contract runs out because I bet they will start charging me 3 times what I pay now. Once you're able to finally get your bills to say the correct packages and reflect the correct pricing... and you are able to get your service established (and established properly) THEN you have less problems and the quality of the services seem to run ok.

As well as the above, of course I cannot write a posting about Telstra without complaining about their customer service (or lack thereof) over the phone. Is it ever possible to speak to the correct person the first time you call? I have never had the first person I speak to be able to solve my problem. You always have to be transferred elsewhere and its usually to the wrong person anyways. You spend more time on hold than you do actually talking to a representative, and when they say they've fixed the problem, they never have. I just can't believe what they tell me anymore.

How the heck is Telstra still in business?

I love shopping at SES. Their clothes are extremely affordable compared to most places and they are stylish too. If you like a particular top or jacket, they usually have it in a wide variety of colours so you can get more than one if you like. They have very good sales. The fabric used for their tops is usually quite thin and more appropriate for warmer months.

Approximate cost: $5-$50

I find Fitness First at Kotara has state of the art facilities and equipment. Staff there are extremely friendly and more than willing to help. However, the price of their gym memberships is considerably higher than most, and there is only one room for classes (plus one cycle room) making classes limited with not much room for flexibility on the classes you enjoy most. They also do not hold many classes during the middle of the day. They are mainly in the morning or evening only.

Approximate cost: $700+

Huge variety of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs and always the option to order in something that is unavailable. Borders also allows for online shopping. However, places like Big W are cheaper but they have a more limited stock range and you cannot always find what you are looking for there. Borders tends to have really large stores which can make finding what you want difficult, however staff are more than willing to help and item locator computers are available.