This website is fabulous for busy people who want to shop for cosmetics without the hassle of going into the shop. They charge a bit extra for shipping perfume (some kind of customs regulation) but it is still cheaper than DJs. They always throw in a few extra freebies too, which is a bonus. Beautifully packaged and wrapped so nothing gets damaged. Love this website!

Approximate cost: $100

This is the best place to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Even though the water can be pretty polluted, there is a great little kiosk with all the australian snacks & lollies, and the wooden boards are so nice to lie on after the sun has been shining on them all day. Cheap entry, gorgeous view. Take a picnic!

Approximate cost: $5

This is one of my all-time favourite shops. The clothing is expensive, but you'll always find something original and of excellent quality. I bought a black, slinky dress about 4 years ago, and even thought I machine wash it (on gentle) and it still looks fantastic. It's always fun to go in and wander about, and the lovely ladies working there are very helpful and glamorous. Rock star chic at its best.

Approximate cost: $250

A colleague of mine always receives the Ezibuy magazine, and over winter we both purchased flanelette sheets. I find they lose a lot of fluff in every wash, even on a gentle cycle. The price was too good to be true! However, while not as good a product as I had expected, they do the job and are quite toasty. I haven't bought anything from them since, so perhaps that would indicate I was a bit disappointed...

Approximate cost: $45

This is the perfect place to take visitors from out of town, as the view will blow them away. I like to have a cocktail in the gorgeous lounge area before a meal, and then book a table out on the terrace. It can get a bit crowded as that's where everyone wants to sit, but once you're seated you can relax and enjoy it.
The food is excellent and the cocktail list has a lot of interesting blends to try... such a great spot & very romantic.

Approximate cost: $45

This has got to be one of the top Thai restaurants in Sydney. I would recommend the pad thai, the whole fish and the desserts, especially the mango and sticky rice. The papaya salad is super hot, and you can add more chillis to amp it up - tastes as good as anything you'd get in Thailand! Be there early as you always have to wait, but once you get in it's perfect.

Approximate cost: $18

I went here for a pre-theatre meal. The food was delicious and the wait-staff were present without being annoying. They have a sommelier to recommend the perfect wine for your meal, and the selection was spot-on. I'd try to reserve a table near the window but away from the darling harbour side as several of these have a great view of a concrete pylon! Absolutely perfect for a special occasion meal :)

Approximate cost: $60

This is my favourite place to go to escape the office for lunch. The tea is fantastic - obviously - but the soup and scones are also great and they leave you to read the papers in peace. Love this place!

Approximate cost: $12

I needed an emergency root canal therapy and this was the only place that would see me to begin the process. They were very accommodating and stayed open late, something my regular dentist would not do. Very expensive (being Paddington doesn't help!), but I have absolute faith in the quality of the treatment I received, and there were no side-effects.

Approximate cost: $570

The staff at bronzalicious do flawless spray-tans. They take the time to clean your fingernails, wipe off the excess from elbows, knuckles etc. I have never had a tell-tale tan from these guys. Expensive, but definitely worth it. I love the brown shades they have - no yellow/orange tinge here.

Approximate cost: $55