Tiamo 1 and Tiamo 2 are located next to each other on Lygon St, but I always seem to end up at Tiamo 2, as there are more inside tables and chairs. The food and serice is ok, but what I like is that you are generally left alone by the staff unless you ask for something. I would recommend having the homemade pasta with meat balls, followed by a hot chocolate.

Approximate cost: $15

I had been wanting to visit the Docklands, and chose to eat at Renzo's Bar as it looked the busiest. We were seated by a lovely friendly man, but that it were the service stoped. We ordered antipasto as a main, and as one of us is a vegetarian we asked if the plate could have no meat. The waitress said that that as long we ate fish it would be ok. While making our way through the plate we realised that there was also sausage, and bacon and some unidentified meats in some of the items! We were most dissapointed but were already quite full by then so didn't say anything. To add to our dining experience our waitress was quite rude and didn't look as though she wanted to be there. We did have a nice glass of wine though.

Approximate cost: $20

Lush clothing is a Melbourne based clothing label. They make stylish pants, t-shirts, shirts and shirts. To me their winter jackets are a standout- think Paris sophisication with Melbourne charm. Their designs are unique- sometimes a little expensive, but always of excellent quality.

Approximate cost: $200

I was introduced to this place by my brother, and later I moved around the corner so it became a regular place for a cheap feed. The menu is not extensive, and you may have to sit on plastic chars, but the food is delicious and the servings are huge.. and they are happy for you to take left overs home.
My favorite dishes are mixed satays, followed by green chicken curry and prawn pad thai.

Approximate cost: $12

Zest of food is located on a prediminately residential street, with only a hairdresser nextdoor. I stopped by for a quick coffee and was easily temepted by their menu to have something more. The pea and ham soup is very hearty and comes served with 2 slices of sourdough toast. There are not many indoor tables which makes it cosy, and the constant activity & smell of feshly baked goods it is quite entertaining. The staff are cheerful and attentive.

Approximate cost: $9

If I am meeting up with friends in Brunswick I normally suggest the Vegie Bar, and I always know that I will order a tofu tight wrap, which consists of marinated tofu and vegies in roti bread-yummy! But on my last few visits I have been dissapointed, as there has been a distinct lack of flavour and the roti bread is the tastiest thing on the plate. Their other meals, juices and service are still good, so I hope they bring back the old tofu tight wrap soon.

Approximate cost: $10

My car needed a few long over due repairs, including replacing the driveshaft and fixing the exhaust. I was a bit worried about the how much it would cost, but for fitting $450 worth of parts Tony only charged $120 labour- which also included a service. My car is now running really well, and sounds alot quieter.

Approximate cost: $570

I caught up with friends for lunch at Switch Board cafe, which is tucked in an alley next to Manchester Unity building. The kitchen is a tiny hole in the wall, but for $7 we ate delicious hot chicken soup and a cheese tostie. They have some tables behind glass but most of the seating is in the alley, but with good friends and gas heaters you don't seem to notice. They also make nice coffee to go.

Approximate cost: $7

Cheap oil change

I started taking my car to Ormond Motors as advertised that they did cheap car services. Took the car 4 times in total, they were ok as they did what I asked for, but the mechanic was always busy didn't seem to remember my car from the previous times. They also left greese on the steering wheel on some occasions.

Approximate cost: $60

They guys buying jeans easier!

My everyday jeans were on their last legs and I wanted a new pair by the weekend. I was about to give up the search for the day, when i walked into Maverick Brighton. I was greeted by Vanessa a friendly sales assistant, who actually asked me questions about what I did and did not want in jeans. Maverick have all the lastest styles and brands, including Nobody, Mavi and Lee and some other brands in their sister shop next door. Vanessa saved me a lot of time as she was able to suggest styles that I would like, rather than just randomly trying on pairs, as I had spent the morning doing. I left the store with one pair, but easily could have brought others as well. Next time I need jeans I will definately try Maverick Brighton first.

Approximate cost: $140