We used Rosevears as our base to do a lot of exploring in Tasmania. It turned out to be a fantastic place to stay, beautiful apartment villas that look out over the vineyard and the countryside without being in "the city" in an ordinary hotel. The rooms have a little kitchenettes so you don't have to go out to eat all the time, and the spa bath was luxurious! The apartment was nicely decorated and very clean, you have plenty of space and privacy but reception and a top restaurant are just nearby. I'd go back in an instant.

Hunter Valley Bed & Breakfast is a nice little B&B near the vineyards. There are 4 rooms and a small common area, it's quite secluded and very quiet, although handy to many of the places to go in the Hunter Valley. The rooms have separate entrances and are joining, but not actually part of, the main house, so you get some privacy and don't feel like you are walking through someone's loungeroom when you get back at night. The bed was VERY comfortable, and the room is fairly basic but very clean. There's a continental breakfast available in the morning, and a deck to sit and look for kangaroos on the property.

The B&B is decorated with hot-air balloons and the host, Peter, is very interesting to talk to about his previous life as a balloonist.

My only criticisms, and they're quite minor, is that I'd prefer an option for a hot breakfast, as there's no-where within walking distance to eat otherwise, and the cost was higher than some local places of similar standard, but I'd still go back, maybe just watch for specials!

I've used Waterways Plumbing a few times now, for a leaking toilet pipe, and new cistern, to install a new vanity and taps, and a leaking shower inside the wall. Being in an old apartment building with old pipes there are always new things needing replacement. They have always turned up on time, which is important to me because I need to leave for work, the job is always done well and they don't leave a mess. Highly recommended.

Ubud serves great Indonesian food at excellent prices. The owner is often there checking that everything is ok, the service is very personalised and attentive. The menu is simple but has a wide variety of food, both meat and vegetarian options, and the satay dishes are especially good! I went with a friend who insisted on ordering both the beef and the chicken satay, and the meals were very different, not just the same sauce over different dishes, and both VERY nice.

David Gallagher is a friendly and relaxed dentist. He takes the time to explain what's happening and why. He's very thorough in the cleaning and examination and makes sure you are comfortable and not getting nervous. Very convenient location in the city and quite reasonable prices.

I first met Roz when I was in a class she was teaching at Eastern Suburbs Evening College and have now done several courses at her private studio. She teaches all manner of jewellery-making, beads, metal-work, resin, precious metal clay, glass jewellery, polymer clay, and more, it gets a bit addictive and there are too many things to do!

Roz loves to teach and show her hints and tips for getting the best jewellery design out of a piece, she also hosts "special guest" artists at her studio so you can learn from them as well. The studio is not a shop ,although Roz can supply materials and books for the classes, you are mainly just going to her home to learn and be inspired.

The classes are fun and relaxed and I've learned so many skills there, and made some lovely jewellery as well.

I have my phone and fax lines with Arrow for my small business. They originally got my business because I was moving premises and they offered to do all the co-ordination of the installation and connection of new lines so I wouldn't have to deal with Telstra - and they did, the move went smoothly and everything worked without my having to organise linesmen and co-ordinate electricians. I have had 5 years of great service since then too, Arrow were a great find, their prices are extremely competitive. They contact me regularly to make sure I'm on the right plan and my needs haven't changed, and if I need something done, like an extra voicemail box or a quote for broadband I just call my account manager and it's done, no call centre!

Arrow also supply internet and mobile services, and as my contracts run out I'll definitely look into moving more of my phone services to Arrow.

We went to the Southern Cross on a Friday night and had dinner in the bistro. As a group of 12 people including 2 teenagers and a toddler, the staff couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful. They moved tables, advised us on food, double-checked orders, kept and eye on fast-moving children, and SMILED the whole time!

The food was fantastic, my steak was delicious and the ribs looked wonderful, prices were very reasonable, but the most important factor was the staff, I can't speak highly enough of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day out with Jan and Peter, they love to share their knowledge of the best wine and food places in the Hunter Valley. It's a really friendly day and the tour can be adjusted to suit what you are interested in, we were searching for the best champagne and fabulous dessert! There was a stop a the Smelly Cheese Shop too so we had lots of goodies to go with the wine purchases. Jan and Peter know the restaurant and winery owners so you feel the whole tour is just for you, the pick you up from the hotel and deliver you back so it couldn't be easier. I'd go back and do it again anytime, there must be MORE champagne I've missed out there!

Approximate cost: $300

I needed a watchband replaced on a watch I have had for over 25 years, it's an older style in a non-standard size bit I love the watch. Haydari Jewellers were able to modify a new band to custom-fit my watch. It looks as good as new, I'm very impressed. Quick service and good value as well.