I've been banking with the ECU in Cairns for about 6 years and would never ever go back to one of the big 4 banks. Their service is second to none, they have all the services & products that bigger banks offer without the hassle and no tedious call centre! The staff are always friendly and efficient. Give the big banks the flick!

After trudging around local toy shops & department stores to find a toy rubbish truck for my grandson for Christmas I nearly gave up in despair as not one could be found.
Amazingly enough an online search turned up Toymaster, a web based toy store actually based in Cairns and even better I was able to buy a Playmobil rubbish truck. I have very fond memories of my kids enjoying their Playmobil toys, in fact the grandchildren are still playing with the same toys which are now nearly 30 years old!
Thanks Toymaster, you saved my bacon!

I was blown away by the great service at Zonky Plonky yesterday. This shop has a great range of stuff that you wouldn't find elsewhere. I had to buy a gift and found the perfect item. After paying it was wrapped in tissue, then bubblewrap and finally gift wrapped in an amazing purpose built wrapping machine - at no extra cost. The presentation is amazing. Zonky Plonky is now top of my list for gift shopping.

I've been a regular at Cocoa Amour Grafton St since it opened in 2009. The barrista really knows his stuff and nothing is too much trouble, ensuring you actually get a really great coffee every time. Their teas are nice too.
Their almond croissants are sublime, best I have ever had.

Approximate cost: $12

Enjoyed a delightful lunch at Dundees today. The $15 lunch menu has a great selection to suit all tastes and the portion sizes were very generous, except for the duck spring rolls - 3 very small rolls - avoid the duck if you're really hungry! Service was generally very good, I did notice our bowl of chips languishing on the counter for quite some time which was a little annoying considering the restaurant wasn't very busy.
In summary one of the best lunches I've had in a long time, can't wait to return for more.

Approximate cost: $15

I needed a themed birthday cake at very short notice. I contacted James at Cairns Wedding Cakes on a Friday and asked if he could make me a Babushka cake for Monday morning. He cheerfully replied, "No worries!", and produced the most gorgeous cake which was ready for collection on Monday morning at 10am.
My daughter was absolutely blown away, she loved both the beautiful decoration and the lovely choc. mud cake inside. It was a huge hit. Big thanks to James, he's a marvel.
Photo of the cake online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyberoo/5157749550/