Goget is more like a car co-op than a car hire firm. You join as a Goget member, then this gives you access to cars (and sometimes utes and vans etc) that are parked at various "pods" all over Sydney. You book on the phone or the internet, and using your electronic pass-card you can go and pick up the car you booked, drive it for as little as an hour, or as many days as you need, then drop it off in the same spot. You don't need to go to an office during office hours, there's no paperwork every time you book, you just get a bill at the end of the month. The hire rates are generally cheaper than the equivalent car at a normal hire company, and fuel costs are included (you just fill up on their account if the petrol gets low).

I think Goget is the best idea ever for people who don't really need a car, but sometimes have to drive somewhere. Most of the cars are concentrated around areas where there's good public transport, so there's a fair population who don't drive a car most days, or families who might only have one car, but occasionally need a second one. I get the train to the city to work, but use the cars to go away for a weekend, or drive to visit someone in a suburb without much transport, you can hire a car for 2 hours just to pick up heavy shopping if you need to! The Goget team are at the other end of the phone if there's a drama, but generally the cars are cleaned and serviced so there's no need to call. As I said, best idea ever!

Yots is a lovely place to eat, it overlooks the water on the Pyrmont side of Darling Harbour and is open to the walkway (although there are plenty of tables under cover if it's wet). The menu changes regularly depending on seasons and there are always lots to choose from. Their fish and chips is beautifully cooked, I've never had a bad one. The mains an be a little on the pricey side for a cafe but the portions are very generous. Service is always friendly too.

James at Maluva can build anything from a piece of furniture for your home to an entire shop fit-out. The quality of the workmanship is excellent and because they are a small business they can fit in with what you need and are not tied to any particular schedule or standard designs. Their prices are very reasonable too!

I've used Maluva for several small projects in my business premises, and some custom-made furniture for odd spaces at home, and am very happy with the results.

Fitness First Platinum is a good gym it has a lot of well-maintained equipment so you rarely have to wait for anything, a great view of the harbour from the cardio machines, lots of weights machines (both free weights and pin-loaded), a pretty good class timetable, and it's in a really convenient spot in the Westfield right near the train station. The change rooms and showers are generally very clean and there are plenty of hair dryers and some straighteners so you don't have to bring everything with you then lug it to work afterwards.

There's no pool at this gym but your membership here also allows you to use all the other Fitness Firsts if you want to find one. There are personal trainers on site (for extra charge) or just general staff if you need to know how something works, they are very helpful (but also pushy) designing a program for you. The front desk staff are disturbingly cheerful at 6am, I guess someone has to be awake at that hour.

I think the only downside is the price of membership, it's an expensive gym but does have a lot of facilities for your money. It's been quite a while since I joined, but I believe they are high-pressure when it comes to signing up.

Approximate cost: $86/month

Dr Peter is an "old-fashioned" doctor who does the best for his patients. He doesn't rush you out of the room, always asks how your life and family are, not just about your reason for being there, and even still makes house calls if needed!

Just Cuts does basic hairdressing at reasonable prices. You can generally walk in without an appointment although it does get busy Thursday evenings and weekend afternoons. They ask if you've washed your hair in the last 24 hours and if not they can wash it for an extra charge but they prefer to just cut clean hair and not do the extras. I've always found their cutting skills to be good but my hair certainly isn't complicated. Their prices have gone up a bit over the last few years so it's not a really "cheap" haircut any more but certainly cheaper than most places in a major centre and they are pretty quick because they don't do colouring or straightening. This also means although they do sell a range of hair treatment products, they can't push you to have extra services done (except theydo charge for things like a full blow-dry so be careful of that).

Approximate cost: $25

Craig Zanker is an honest and ethical podiatrist who does great work without being pushy or overcharging. He treats a wide range of foot problems and supplies orthotics if needed. He's always friendly and you feel you get great service without being pressured into treatments you don't need.

Approximate cost: $50

This spa takes advantage of the services of Peppers Guest House where it is located. I highly recommend the package which includes a relaxation massage followed by lunch served from chez pok restaurant - brought to you in your bathrobe on the lawn if you like!

The spa has a pool and spa area where you can relax as long as you like before or after your treatment, and the customer service is fantastic.

I've been to this spa 3 times now, all for special occasions like friends' birthdays. There's no way of describing how you feel as you leave, it's like floating out the door! I've had facials, a head massage, foot massage, and every time I've left feeling not only more beautiful but soooooo relaxed. This place is just a little luxury hidden off the main street. There's even a doubles room so if you go with a friend you can chat while you have your treatment done.

Leah's Waxworks has the best prices on waxing I've found. They are quick and efficient and do a great job, especially for the price. The shop is small, both the waiting area and treatment rooms are cramped, and if there's been a spray tan done recently you can see evidence of the last customer, but the treatment area is clean and their results are good.