Famire is an underrated new addition to the Brighton dining scene. It's food is a mixture of Chinese and Malaysian. The are old favourites, such as Beef Rendang, but some less well known house specialties that are well worth experiencing. What was very unusual and rather refreshing, we were advised when we ordered more food than we needed. Most restaurants are happy to let the punters pay for extra food. The food is tasty, well prepared and cooked. Overall it is excellent value for money.

Approximate cost: $25

This is the place we head to on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon for our sweet treat. Their pastries and gateux are delicious. They somehow seem to make something that really is quite decadent not so rich that you feel ill afterwards. Their portions are just right and the texture and overall "yumminess" is hard to beat. Head down there for a taste of France in a corner of Hampton.

I regularly order books from www.bookdepository.co.uk but this time decided to give an Australian business an opportunity. After my experience, I will not be back. I ordered a book a month ago and was advised it would be dispatched between certain dates. They came and went. Finally, I was told the book wasn't in stock after all and it would be sourced from another supplier. I was given the opportunity to cancel the order, but thought that as I'd waited so long already I may as well keep going. I was given another expected dispatch date and that's now come and gone with no sign of the book. In the interim, I've placed two orders on The Book Depository and both have arrived from the UK. The prices on fishpond are OK, but I'd rather pay an extra few dollars and have the book arrive in a timely fashion, particularly if it's a gift. I certainly wouldn't recommend the site.

I bought a dress on sale from Who Fish. It was 50% off, which was great. What wasn't great was that on the first wear one of the shoulder straps literally fell apart. I went back to the shop and was told that the assistant would talk to the owner. The owner phoned me and said that, "you got the dress for $50 because it was defective." This was not true. Firstly, the dress was $179; and, secondly, it was not marked as having any defects. There were two extra staps supplied, but I was concerned that the same thing was going to happen again. I pointed out that any goods sold had to be fit for purpose, irrespective of price and that I was not happy. If it had been clearly marked as having a defective strap it would have been a case of caveat emptor and I would have no room for complaint. I was then told I could have an additional 10% off. In the end, I decided it wasn't worth the pain. I'd simply tell all my friends of the experience and never go back. It's a shame, because they do have some nice clothes.

Simon made and fitted two teeth implants for me six years ago. They look fantastic and people don't realise they are implants unless I tell them. They're so good that a dentist I sat next to at a dinner party had no idea either. As a result, he now recommends Simon to his patients for prosthodontic work. The great thing is that Simon stands by his work and recently fixed a chip on my front tooth without charge as part of the service. I wouldn't go to anyone else for this type of work.

Bombay by Night is one of our favourite Indian restaurants in Melbourne and the best Northern Indian that we know of. The staff are always friendly, the food excellent and the prices reasonable. One of the good things is that while there are old favourites on the menu there are also dishes that you won't find anywhere else.

Approximate cost: $16

I was given a gift voucher for Christmas for a spa and massage treatment. The price was exorbitant compared with other massages I've had, so I figured it must be something pretty special. What a disappointment. Although the staff were friendly, the first thing I noticed was that the facilities are getting quite tired; the pools tepid; the "quiet room" was overheated; and the massage itself was very mediocre. The worst thing is that I ached throughout the night following. My shoulders and back felt as though an express train had hit them. Not pleasurable in the least. I've had many massages that have been very firm, but none have left me sore and aching. Even if the price was bargain basement I wouldn't be recommending it or going back.

Approximate cost: $280

Great casual dining experience in North Brighton. Bread is made on the premises and it's like being transported to France when you sink your teeth into one of their rolls. Wonderful pastries and other sweet delights as well.

Approximate cost: $10

David is a lawn mower extraordinaire. He knows just how much to mow each lawn, ensuring optimum regrowth. He's friendly, super efficient, reliable and incredibly good value for money.

Approximate cost: $50

Krishna is a great addition to the local eateries. The food is delicious and plentiful. The only reason I've rated it four vs five stars is that while great it's not up there with out of this world. The service is fantastic and experience wonderful value for money. I've eaten some terrible food that cost a huge amount more than what you pay at Krishna.