A good tasting and looking cake was important to us for our wedding. We searched Melbourne far and wide looking for the ideal cake. Most places were pushy and tried to influence us into one of their standard recipies at a premium price.

We came across Zimt in a magazine and met Michael who is very passionate about what he does. After discussing what we were after, he listened(!) and suggested a Mille-Feuille (french vanilla slice) covered in chocolate shards.

He made it fresh very early on the morning of the wedding, even though I think it was meant to be his day off! He accepted final payment on delivery.

We served it to guests as their dessert and it went down very well. The cake exceeded expectations on look and taste.

I wish all businesses were like this to deal with. We could not be happier.

Approximate cost: $500

We were recommended this florist by our celebrant. It is a smaller florist combined with coffee shop but run by a woman with real artistic talent who puts a lot of care into her work.

We met with her and ran through some options, looking at photos and whats in season (our wedding was Dec) and came up with something we were all happy with. To our delight, it was under budget.

The wedding day was very hot and the flowers needed to travel for several hours by car to the venue. They were carefully packed for my Auntie to pick up. The flowers made it to the venue without incident and still looking amazing.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Barbara at High on Flowers to be trusted with any special event requiring flowers.

Oh, and the coffee is great too :)

Approximate cost: $550

We used Ardour for both our Photography and Video for our wedding at the end of December 2005. I'll review the video part here.

After viewing the finished product from friends, we were sold on the video - the production and editing was very high quality. The sales pitch was very glossy and they insisted they have all the money up front.

True to their word, they did show up and took some great video, right throughout the day to the close at the end of the wedding.

It took several months before a preview copy of the DVD came back to us. The video itself was great, well edited and will be a treasured memory.

Unfortunately, there was a technical problem with recording the speeches - really bad echo. They never admitted to this - we just found out by listening/watching it. I luckily have a copy of the audio for the speeches but will have to re-dub the correct sound back over the top.

The slow service and technical problems let down what could have been superb and great value.

Approximate cost: $1500

Our apartment building suffered from serious roof leaks. An insurance claim was made and Master Menders won the tender from the insurer to complete the work on the building. They completed and project managed the multi-hundred thousand dollar project, including sealing roofing and terraces and making good all damage to interior apartments. Our apartment had been seriously damaged and the entire ceiling needed replacing, the interior repainting and electrics tested

Approximate cost: $500000

We invited a group of friends here for a Friday evening get-together. The great atmosphere was what I first noticed when we walked in - the minimalist decor, red mood lighting. The staff were welcoming, efficient and friendly. I needed some time to study the wine list - it goes on for pages. There was also a good selection of shareable food to nibble on.

Parking was straight forward - the paint shop across the road has ticket parking. However most people caught the train because the Windsor station is right there.

A great night had by all. I'd highly recommend it.

After not really doing anything for my strength and fitness for years I started training with Jamie to get back into shape.

It dramatically changed my life. Over 12 months, I lost all the excess body fat I put on and gained both strength and muscle mass.

It has permanently changed my attitude to keeping in shape and set up good habits for life.

Jamie looks at all aspects of health and fitness - nutrition, flexibility, strength, fat loss, cardio vascular health etc, all in a safe and sustainable way to ensure long term health.

I learned how to effectively train both indoors and outdoors and became confident using a wide range of gym equipment.

Approximate cost: $60

A chilled lounge-feel bar with cool lighting, velvet, timber floors and face brick. A good range of drinks and some yummy, different and well priced food. There is an upstairs section with a livlier pace during busy times and a great basement space that I think can be rented out for parties.

A good place for breakfast too!

Approximate cost: $10

Fitness First Victoria Gardens opened in 2004 - as a result it has that 'new' feel with all new equipment.

Clean, light change rooms with steam room.

It has a reasonable range of classes with a dedicated Pilates and Spinning area.

The 2 hours free parking makes it easy to get to if you can't walk or take the tram.

Approximate cost: $60