We went to their impressive showroom seeking advice, information and ultimately a rainwater tank installed at our home to service our toilets and washing machine.

We were open about our ignorance and prepared to be referred elsewhere.

We organised for a plumber to come out a quote for us the following week. A younger team member was sent and I feel our request was not really heard and the end result was a quote for installation of equipment that wasn't really what we wanted, despite trying to clarify this during the visit. The quote was far too high for our fairly simple needs and on a much larger scale than required. We also later found out it would not have been possible due to our pipes (something another plumber felt should have been apparent during the quote visit).

Approximate cost: $our quote came in at a co

I have been to Mega Pet in Ringwood many times for premium brand dog and cat food, random supplies (like dog jackets for cold nights, collar and leads and cat scratching posts). I have found them to stock a wide range of dog and cat supplies, usually with a good range of quality as well, which is good.

Sometimes I just want some cheap toys my dogs can have their fun with and trash, other times I want a product that will last - these guys have the lot.

Approximate cost: $Varies

We first went for Breakfast on Mother's Day when Johnathons had only been opened for a few weeks. It wasn't great, they obviously had ring-in staff for the busy day who were unprofessional and overfamiliar (a hand on the shoulder when being asked what coffee we wanted wasn't so funny the 4th time). So we gave them another shot for Sunday breakfast a few months later - much quieter morning with only two other tables busy and yet they still managed to muck up the coffee order (there were only three of us and there was a notepad involved!), the bill and the service was slow. It was also cold and we were seated directly by the fireplace.

The food is only of average quality (for Breakfast there is only a choice of two dishes) - I can't comment on Lunch or Dinner, but for food that's nothign special I'm not sure why you'd bother putting up with the poor service or risking a visit during a busier period - it's not even comical for an entertainment factor.

Approximate cost: $10 for breakfast

The team at Box Hill Vet Hospital and really dedicated and thorough. My big great dane cross had a mystery problem with his toe and they were so thorough in investigating every possibility. The staff are genuine and professional and we always feel welcome and like they have the time to take good care of our animals.

Approximate cost: $0

We have dived with the Dive Victoria team on several occasions over the 2 years since gaining our Open Water certification. This is a mooth operation with good people and well set up to run their business smoothly. Dive Victoria have helped us gain some skills under the pier or go see a Wobbegong shark outside of the heads.

Their dive confirmation line is a great concept nd means you can phone in the morning of your dive before leaving home in case weather conditions have changed. They also have a great website with itinerary planned well in advance and clearly marked prices which I like so there are no hidden surprises.

The last time we dived, we got on the boat at Portsea and met a friend from teh other side of town at Queenscliff (Dive Vic have an office over there too and will pick up people from that side regularly), then all went and dived together around the bay for the day - great fun!

They have gear for hire or take your own

Approximate cost: $0

Bodgies are great for their pies - made on the premises, fresh and tasy, they're great and we have enjoyed many for lunch! Lamb & Rosemary; Chicken; many Beef varieties - all good.

Their bread and cakes are OK, but nothing special.

Approximate cost: $3

"Bella" has become a regular ritual fo rmy family. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or lunch with friends or fine dining evening to impress visitors from afar, it's always a pleasure.

Today, we just had simple breakfast of tasty organically-fed chooks eggs on baked-in-house bread with marvellous mushrooms, freshly sweeuzed (in front of us) OJ and fabo coffee. Dinner is a different affair - a set menu (around 6 courses!) with the chef to explain it all along the way - a real experience.

Approximate cost: $17

A frequent flyer (and vegie) to the Vegie Bar - I always find it vibrant and a great place for catching up with friends over a casual meal and drinks. The dimsims are wodnerful adn there's always something great to get and still have change from $10.

Approximate cost: $10

Fantastic place to find native plants and the Nursery staff (although always busy) give really helpful advice about which plants would be best suited to your area. We went with a rough idea that we wanted some large shrubs (up to 4m) and left with a list of all small, medium and large shrubs and trees most suited to our soil type and climate. The Cafe is OK for standard cake/coffee or lunches. The gift shop is great for finding that slightly unusual gift of for taking visitors from overseas to.

Approximate cost: $14

The cafe at Warran Glen Nursery is a delicious surprise on top of the hill overlooking the lake and ducks and nursery proper. We have had many good lunches and weekend breakfasts here and always foudn the food fresh and tasty. It can get fairly frantic on weekends, so suggest you book ahead if want a particular table inside or outside.

Approximate cost: $13