Paradiso (now luna/palace) has consistently been the best cinema for foreign language or arthouse films since it opened in the 90's. Tickets aren't cheap and there is a small foyer but it's comfortable, staff are friendly and I love that it has survived the tough times so that Perth residents can see films we'd otherwise miss at the cinema.

Approximate cost: $20

I really like arthouse or independent films and most cinemas in Perth run mainstream films only. Luna doesn't have the most comfortable seats but there's a lot of leg room, the staff are efficient and the films don't have loads of previews. Also being able to walk out into the cafe strip for coffee afterwards makes it a more enjoyable overall experience than leaving a multiplex.

Approximate cost: $20

This is a company who is against cheap or exploitative labour and support developing communities (check their website for further details.) They sell many different items but I've bought a few truly beautiful gifts (mosaic photo frames, small boxes) that are so different from mainstream items. Worth a mention as so many people are unaware of it's existence.

I'm rating this highly as I bought my engagement ring there for $25! Obviously it's not a diamond but I wanted something unusual/ unique and arty and I found it here after months of fruitless shopping in traditional stores. They mainly sell new age stuff like crystals, meditations CD's etc (which isn't my thing) but they have some nice gift items and pretty jewellery.

We had to put our baby in daycare at 10 months of age when I had an accident and couldn't care for him. Magic circle are competitively priced and meet all the normal nutrition and educational requirements but most importantly, the girls caring for him in the babies room are really friendly and patient. He was very unhappy about being left at first but they have helped him settle in and all the carers working there seem happy to be at work. I think they do after school care if needed.

Approximate cost: $70

Paediatric surgeon. We visited Dr Gollow first in July, then just a week before Christmas with our baby and he was actually early for our appt both times. He has been so helpful and reassuring and he gave us a contact number to reach him on Christmas day if our child needed any urgent medication. He seems to work out of 3 hospitals and 2 clinics so has the metro area covered. I wish all specialists were this helpful, especially when dealing with a child's health.

We go to Paddy's for dinner on a Monday and combine it with the quiz nights (and have won some good prizes and free food/ drinks). The food is pretty typical pub fare but the meals have always been nice and I think are good value compared to many pubs around.

Approximate cost: $20

I go here to get my hair chemically straightened as they don't use the reverse-perming chemicals so my hair doesn't dry out too much and stays straight for a few months before frizzing. That particular process is expensive and I've only really had trims afterwards but they're usually good. My only complaint is that they have always run a bit late for my appointment time (which is annoying when you're parking in Subi).

We went on a Friday night when it was full so expected to wait a while but the service was really slow and we had to check twice if they'd lost our order. The food was quite nice when it arrived but a bit pricey for a pub meal and the atmosphere wasn't great.

If you suffer from CRPS this is one of the few clinics specialising in treatment in WA. They fitted me in for the initial consultation within a few days, knowing the nature of the condition and how quickly it requires treatment and have opened up appointments for progress checks along the way. If you have private health insurance it can cost under $20 per consultation after rebate

Approximate cost: $60