I have super high standards when it comes to house cleaning (how lame!) and have tried a few people and companies that I wasn't satisfied with.

Alex and Kylie at Swan Bay Cleaning were great though. Rather than charge by the hour, they charge a flat rate of $75 which is good if you have a big house! Mine is pretty average - three bedrooms and modern and clean. But it means everything gets done.

I asked them to focus on the little things that don't get cleaned on a day-to-day basis such as the rangehood, windowsills, bookshelves, cobwebs etc. I was really happy with the results. There was a couple of basic things that seemed to get missed - like the kitchen table and microwave weren't wiped down but I did instruct them to prioritise those smaller things, bathrooms and floors.

Their communication was great too. We just texted to arrange an appointment, how to access the house and they followed up afterwards letting me know they had finished. Very professional. I think I'll get them back once a month to help me out. Would recommend to others.

I go here regularly to get my nails done because the girls are quick and lovely.
I went yesterday for a shellac on my nails ($20) and a pedicure and shellac on toenails ($50), so very reasonable I thought. The pedicure included foot spa, exfoliation of feet, toenail clip etc. And all the time sitting in a massage chair which was amazing!

Really happy with the quality. They use OPI products, have heaps of colours and go the extra mile, adding cuticle oil and other creams as part of the service. The paint on fingernails could have been applied slightly more thoroughly, because there are little gaps at the bottom. Although that's probably my fault for not getting a manicure and my cuticles pushed back.

The salon itself is done up really well. You can tell they have really made an effort to make it look nice and not trashy. It's clean, well kept and nicely decorated.

The only slightly annoying thing was that I rang up for a 12.30pm appointment but got there and they were chocca block with people. Had to wait about 10 minutes. On the other hand, I usually just walk in without an appointment and they can generally fit me in straight away. Man, they are fast! At one point I was like an octopus with arms and legs everywhere! Had my foot up on one girls knee while she painted my toes, and two other girls taking care of one hand each. Meant I was in and out within the hour (and that includes my 10 minute wait at the start.)

The girl who treated me didn't have great English and there was a couple of times I wasn't sure what she was trying to communicate. Her boss (and I guess the manager of the salon) is brilliant though, and really great to chat with. At the end I realised I had left my wallet at work so couldn't pay! She was totally relaxed and happy for me to run back and get it without fuss.

Another great plus that I don't think any (or many) other nail salons do is the Venus loyalty card. After four treatments you get 20% off your fifth service. Will definitely keep going back to here.

It's great to have a traditional bakery like Papa Mio's in the mix, as an alternative to all the trendy cafes where wait 10 minutes or more for a coffee and have to pay extra for everything!

They do a good coffee - strong - that's why I keep going back.

They always have a great range of fresh bread baked on site such as baguettes, sourdough and just your standard white or wholemeal loaf for only $2.50. They usually sell out by mid-afternoon though so get in early. I've never had a pie there, but the sausage rolls and pasties look and smell delicious.

The service is pretty abrupt, which adds to the no-frills kind of cafe that it is. Although smiley enough, they girls get impatient when you hover around the glass cabinet trying to decide which sandwich to get. They could try and be a bit friendlier, and not a great look when they sit outside and eat lunch or have a ciggie on their break.

Papa Mio's is a 'what-you-see-is-what-you-get' kind of place. Great spot for a quick, reasonably priced sandwich or sausage roll, good coffee or bread. If a quinoa salad is more your thing, look elsewhere!

I have bought my coffee here every morning for the past few years because they are consistent, fast and really good quality.

The cafe itself is at the bottom of a shopping centre, so not the best atmosphere nestled in among all the asian bain marie lunch options in the food court! But they have their own little narrow corner and have done it up really well - dark wood, glass bottles, old Italian posters etc. It's really more of a grab-and-go spot anyway. The mornings are always FLAT OUT with coffee orders, but I've never found myself waiting longer five minutes. Testament to the prompt service.

Forget paying $4.20 for a coffee just because you want an extra shot! Coffee here is a flat rate of $3.50 - nothing extra for soy, strong etc. The Vittoria blend is delicious too.

The food is superb too - all natural, no added crap. Breakfast examples include crumpets with ricotta and honey, fruit toast (highly recommend), toasted bagel, granola with fresh berries and yoghurt - all well under $10. For lunch I often get a chicken and mushroom or bacon and vegetable frittata with side salad of roasted veggies or brown rice and lentil. Or chicken sandwich on rye or schnitzel on Dench bakers sourdough. They have a gorgeous little cabinet with fresh pastries every day like croissants, pain au chocolat, muffins and other treats.

The two Italian guys who run the show - Mark and Dom - are lovely and and remember everyone's names. It's a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, but they also run a tight ship with orders - especially in the mornings when the hundred regulars come in to grab their coffees. This coffee shop is the real deal - definitely one of Melbourne's underground secrets.