There's something about Olinda/Sassafras that always keeps my hubby and I going back (about 2 - 3 times per year) and every time - I mean EVERY TIME - we always get a pie from Pie in The Sky! I've had their Pumpkin Vegetarian Pie and their Veg pasties - both HUGE and delicious. Hubby has had quite a few of their pies but says the absolute WINNER is the Beef & Cheese - he loves it!! You cannot go to Olinda without eating a pie from this place!!

Approximate cost: $6

My hubby and I love going to Olinda/Sassafras - it's just so lovely up there! Each visit we usually head to Cafe De Beaumarchais to grab - at minimum - a coffee. This last visit we made we also shared an Apple Cake... OMG!! So beautifully tasty, sweet but not too sweet -- we loved it so much we had to ask where it was from. The server said they have a baker offsite who makes them for them. It's definitely worth a try! And their coffees are always (always!) spot on - just right right amount of milk (if you' like flat whites) - and a good, solid coffee flavour. Check out my blog for photos & more about our visit there :) http://twobearsandafork.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/cafe-de-beaumarchais-sassafras.html

Approximate cost: $10

We met up with friends last night at Paladarr.. Y-U-M-B-O!! The Issan starter is a must! I had veg spring rolls (they were good, but nothing really special), and the others shared the Beef Salad, a Prawn starter and a minced-pork entree and they all said it was delicious. I had the yellow tumeric vegetarian curry (oh goodness, that's SO good!!), and the rest of the table he the Blue Eye fish curry, the pork belly with chinese broccoli, and a duck dish. We shared their Vegetarian fried rice and had roti bread, too. Everybody loved their meals, the quality, taste & textures were all spot-on (one of our party actually lived in Thailand for 10 years, and she said the chef at Paladarr was truly amazing!!) This is one of the very few authentic Thai spots in Melbourne - go! go! go!

Approximate cost: $20

I was referred to Phil by a family member last year and have been taking my car to him ever since.

He's courteous, explanatory, and helpful. I just recently had my usual service, and had to get my rear brakes replaced. Phil did a great job (as always) and finished the work earlier than I anticipated.

If you want a mechanic you can T-R-U-S-T, Phil is your man.

I've taken my car to so many places, everywhere from the major brand chains to the small mobile mechanics - and the most common thing that happens is they give you a long laundry list of things you need to repair (and sometimes I've checked and those items aren't in need

Phil's the only one who I know will do the job right, fix only what needs to be fixed, and tell me if there are things I need to know about (eg. upcoming repairs).

If you're in the area and your car needs servicing, brakes, tuning or any mechanical repairs - go see Phil! He'll take great care of you!

I tried Elite Myotherapy a few months ago, then had another follow-up appointment. The therapist I had was very nice, but in all honesty, it felt like (during both sessions) that they were just "going through the motions" if you know what I mean? It didn't seem like they tried to feel/understand my body to work out the spots that needed help - they were just massaging a spot, then moved to another spot, then another. Like their mind was on something else, not on me. For about $90, I expected, well I expected to come out feeling "released" and re-vamped. I will grant though, I was relaxed, but lying down for 50-mins will typically do that do you. Perhaps remedial massage wasn't the core strength of the therapist I saw, hence the lack of enthusiasm or gusto while doing the massage? Who knows, but for $90+ I'm not game to try again. In saying all this, the staff I've seen there are super nice, and the building is new & clean. :)

Approximate cost: $90

A friend of ours 'introduced' us to Sacred Source and we were blown away by this shop! Our last visit a couple of weeks ago saw us leave with *another* book about spirituality. There is SO much here - every single crystal you can imagine, tons of books, cards, CDs, DVDs, and they also have tarot card readings there, too. The owner is super sweet and great to chat with. If you're after any book worth owning (in the spiritual, self improvement niche) head here - it's worth the trip!!

My hubby and I recently had lunch here with his parents - what a great hidden gem this is! A touch of old world charm with a modern twist tucked away in South Morang! We had the Antipasto Misto platter (to share) for a starter, and it was a wonderful mix of meats, veg, and cheese - a great way to begin a meal - worth trying! We all ordered pizzas: Gamberi (prawns), Bufala E Prosciutto, and Quattro Formaggi -- all were delicious and 'authentic' Italian style pizzas (eg. no processed square chunks of meat here!). The only item ordered which didn't quite measure up was the Insalata di Ceriali (spelt/barley/rice salad) - it just lacked in flavour compared to the pizzas. Overall though, this is a brilliant place to catchup over a lovely wine and yummy food. You can view photos & read more about our Farm Vigano experience here: http://twobearsandafork.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/farm-vigano-south-morgang.html

Approximate cost: $20

The range of healing therapies here is amazing, if it's a natural healing modality, they have it! Both my husband and I have had massages there (very good therapists each time we've gone). The great thing about the massage therapists here is that they're very much into holistic & spiritual healing, so you tend to get more than a massage, you get a lot of comforting energy, too. One of the massage therapists told my husband to see Charlie, so he did and said was amazing. Charlie taps into a variety of energies / spirits / crystals ... it's hard to explain, you just have to give it a try!! The owner of the centre Jane is very friendly and sweet. Go support a local - visit them the next time you need some healing work done!

I've been going to Masci since they opened many, many years ago - and they are absolutely wonderful! I've had massages, hair cuts, hair treatments, spa treatments - all top notch! On my last visit, I got one of their pamper packages (as a gift), where I had a full body massage, facial and spa bath... I was *so relaxed* - I definite recommendation if you're thinking of buying a gift for someone special (who needs a total relaxation day!!). You get to sit in a quiet "chill out" room before hand, so you start unwinding, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. The staff are super friendly and always smiling. Yes, you pay a bit more here, but once you go, you can see why - it's quality, comfort all the way!!!! If you want consistency and quality, I highly recommend Masci!

I always used to buy my bread from the supermarket, but last year I bought an Entertainment Guide (discount book where proceeds go to charity) and there were some buy-one-get-one-free coupons in there for Brumbys. Since the closest one is Were St Monty, we tried them out for the first time..and have used all our coupons. BUT because the bread is so fresh and tasty - and they have great combo offers all the time anyway - we've continued to buy our bread there. It's not in our direct way when we go shopping, but we make a special trip to get our bread from there because its so tasty, we're converts now! I love their wholemeal rolls and loaves with all the seeds on top, yum! And I like supporting a local franchise owner, too :)

Approximate cost: $5