Reviews by tash_earl_grey

This review is for AAMI Insurance, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 28 Jul 2011

A minimum of an hour on hold for their claims department (Car) and their fine print is reinterpreted by each person you speak to. Originally told $500 per child carseat in written off car (top level cover) but later told $500 overall. Bad luck if you had three good quality carseats, particularly if you can't afford to replace them with equivalents. Complaint letter ignored and request for callback ignored. Rating One for Life only applies to the car, not the person and they word themselves very cleverly.

This review is for The Were St Food Store, Montmorency VIC

verified email - 28 Jul 2011

Good food and reasonably priced. Service is prompt and friendly and the store itself is interesting and quirky. But its very small and difficult to relax and enjoy brunch with people elbowing their way to the counter.

This review is for Manningham Medical Center, Templestowe Lower VIC

verified email - 27 Jul 2011

In 2009, Mr Theo Sdralis from this clinic performed surgery on my then 4yo daughter, removing her tonsils and adenoids after she'd been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and a 90% obstruction of her airway due to the adenoids. He was sweet and gentle with her, ensuring she wasn't afraid, and reassuring me as I hovered in anxiety! Afterwards she had absolutely NO pain and none of the complications other people have described in the recovery period. In fact, a nurse actually remarked the morning after surgery that "you can always tell Theo's work". Suspecting he'd maybe left his signature in her throat, I queried this strange comment! She replied that he was incredibly precise and neat. I have to agree. My baby is my reason for living and the most precious creature in the world to me. And I trusted him with her and a scalpel! He's sweet, friendly and very compassionate. Quite pricey, but believe me, he's worth it! Our paediatrician actually referred his own nephew to Mr Sdralis, saying he wouldn't consider sending someone he loved so much to anyone other than Mr Sdralis - high praise in my opinion!

This review is for Northpark Private Hospital, Bundoora VIC

verified email - 27 Jul 2011

After my daughter was born, I developed severe PND, exacerbated by her chronic reflux and my father's diagnosis with early onset alzheimers disease. Without a mother to turn to, I fell in a heap. Admitted to the mother-baby unit 6 weeks post partum was a move that I think saved my sanity. I arrived barely coherent with exhaustion and stress, certain that I was worthless and that my baby hated me. I left five weeks later nutured, reassured and with a much healthier baby who slept for more than 45 minutes at a time. They were available over the phone after discharge and although I didn't click with my psychiatrist, I loved my psychologist and ADORED the lovely Deb who ran the 12 week program and even came back when she was 12 months old for their sleep school. I adore the nurses there, particularly the divine Anne King who gave me the mothering I so desperately needed myself. They made me believe in myself and my ability as a mother. They nurtured my soul and one lovely nurse helped me overcome the breastfeeding battles I'd been fighting, to thoroughly enjoy my 'booby time' with my daughter. We weaned at 2 years, 4 months thanks to her! I couldn't praise these people enough and feel so reassured that they're there. I know that if I struggle with my next baby, help is only just down the road.

This review is for Tom Lane Pharmacy Greensborough, Greensborough VIC

verified email - 27 Jul 2011

I have a rather complex medical history including a stroke I suffered at 26 yo plus other assorted conditions. I have allergies to certain antibiotics and preservatives and after my beloved GP Dr Smyth gave up general practice, I took a long time to find a replacement. Meanwhile a local clinic's doctor prescribed me an antibiotic that I am allergic to (anaphylactic shock was my last reaction to it!) but it was under a different name. The doctor should have known better, since my allergy is clearly noted on the file. But it was the pharmacist at Tom Lane who raised the alarm, rang the GP and got him to issue a safer alternative.

I've sought advice for treating my daughter's dreadful reflux and found their own concoction for baby colic most effective.

I could not recommend this pharmacy highly enough and indeed recommend it to all my friends!

This review is for Dr Halkyard Dentist, Montmorency VIC

verified email - 27 Jul 2011

I really like Dr Halkyard, he doesn't rush you, takes the time to explain what he is looking at and discusses treatment options. He isn't pushy and understands that with the cost of dental treatment, some things can't be done immediately and temporary remedies might be necessary. He gives you the time you need, rather than just the allocated appointment time, and is always clean and fresh smelling. Considering my childhood dentist always smelled of sour milk or tuna, this is a definite plus!!!

This review is for Tops And Bottoms, Montmorency VIC

verified email - 19 Jul 2011

A great range of basic kidswear, from nighties and pjs to coats and socks. Supplies generic uniform pieces for the local primary schools and is a great source of advice and guidance in what the school will and won't accept. Has a gorgeous range of locally made and reasonably priced hair accessories, which are extremely popular at my daughter's school! Prices are low, often lower than the big department stores and there are some great bargains to be found!

This review is for Volumes, Eltham VIC

verified email - 19 Jul 2011

Quirky and interesting venue with plenty to keep you amused. Can be rather noisy at popular times and service tends to be a little slow, but the food is always good and if you're not happy, they'll re-make it for you. (My recent chicken wrap was a little cool and they happily re-made and toasted it for me.) Good for kids in highchairs since they've got colouring stuff, toys and books. But can get a little chaotic with the more mobile kids. The book and gift store is quite pricey but still fun to browse.

Approximate cost: $15

This review is for Cherry Red Cafe, Montmorency VIC

verified email - 19 Jul 2011

Delicious food and a pleasant ambiance. Gets a little hot in summer and the gelati is rather runny. The breakfast menu is fabulous - I particularly love the poached eggs on parmesan toast! Their croissants and scones are delightful and the muffins are laden with juicy fruit, which is lovely for a brunch. A little more pricey than other local cafes and they don't have eftpos, but its still our favourite local cafe.

Approximate cost: $15

This review is for Rare Bears, Eltham VIC

verified email - 14 Jul 2011

This centre is fabulous, I can't praise it enough! We've been regular visitors for 6 years and my daughter has held two of her birthday parties there. Its always clean, bright and cheery and the food is much better than most - with fresh fruit platters, home made baked goods and fresh sandwiches as well as the standard fried fare. The new owner is friendly and approachable (just like the last two) and although its not a particularly cheap day out, its still cheaper than many activities.

My visit there today was 6 hours long and cost $51 including 2 child entries, lunch, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. If I'd taken them to the movies I'd have paid more than that in ticket price alone, for less than two hours entertainment. Instead I got to sit and gasbag with my friend while the kids had a fabulous time and got lots of good exercise. What more could you want?