I was an early convert to Truenergy. When we moved bayside, our bill after six months dropped. I thought, how good is this, an electricity company that charges you less. Then a year later they realize that our consumption was actually much, much higher than what they were billing. It took them a while to realize this. After Christmas, they reassessed our account and sought a massive amount. After a few long phone calls, we agreed to split the difference and that I go onto another plan. However, once the next bill came all that we had previously agreed to never got put into effect! They were still seeking the exorbitant amount I complained about. After more negotiation came another bill seeking thousands. I call and they said to ignore it because I had switched to a new plan. Done. So comes today's bill where they mention that I had not paid and was warning of disconnection. Do these people talk to each other within their own corporation? As soon as I make more complaints, I'm leaving this lousy service provider.

Ever crack a screen on a MacBook? I did. Going through the nearest authorized Apple Center, you'd get charged a thousand for parts and labor. Scouring the internet, I found MacFixit. They charge a much lower price and get your machine back to you in quick time. You can either mail the machine to them, get it picked up or hand deliver. Great service.

Getting Japanese food is quite easy these days, especially in the city. Kenzan is an amazing place on one of the flanks of the remodelled GPO. The hand rolls are entertaining to make (you do them yourself) and are of a good quality. I prefer the noodles and these come to you in a large steaming bowl. The serves are quite large and often I can't finish. Despite this, the food is authentic Japanese and the setting is one of a number of excellent nooks in town.

It's been a few years since I've been to Crown and even probably longer since I've visited Cervo. Nicely located next to Automatic, my memory of Cervo was modest Italian food at a reasonable location. My visit today (with 6 other friends) blasted those memories into history.

First it takes 20 minutes for someone to ask us if we wanted some drinks. Another 30 is required to work out if we wanted to eat. When the food came, my pizza was missing a key ingredient - olives (although the colleague next to me ordered the same not requiring such ingredient - perhaps leading to the mistake). I mentioned this and they took it back. On the pizza's return there were olives that were cold, obviously taken out of the jar to appease a paying customer. The pizza itself looked fine until I tried to eat it. The crust was a little too well done; too crispy to easily sink teeth into. Others had average penne funghi and a bolognaise. One praised the gnocchi, which was a saving grace.

All in all, this venue hasn't kept pace with the venue. The arrival of such luminaries as Nobu and Bistro Guillaume should have inspired some places to lift their act rather than drop the ball. Pity. I had such good memories.

Approximate cost: $20

Picture this: warm, sunny Sunday, ten adults, three newborns and a two year old wanting to have a nice lunch. Someone suggests the Middle Brighton Baths, calls are made and a booking is accepted, prams and all. The view downstairs (the cafe) is magnificent, looking into the protected swimming area and the sea. The staff are helpful when doors need opening to shuttle perambulators through and are sufficiently attentive for drinks and orders. The menu appears tempting but don't quite live up to reality. I had the calamari salad and it was more like a coriander and garlic salad with a sprinkling of calamari.

Thankfully the coffee was good but that's not exactly perfect for lunch.

We often go to Bohemia Cakes for either a quick snack on weekends (a luscious meat pie with buttery, flaky pastry for each of us) or when entertaining it's a great place to get the most exquisite éclairs, slices, and fruit tarts. Prices aren't super sharp but the quality more than makes up for that. Fantastic eating!

I'm not one for fashionable haircuts. I don't even have what you would call a hair-style, so I'm always reluctant to get a cut. Amasso is a new hairdresser in Cheltenham run by a young man powered by Energizer. He works 7 days a week and clearly loves the job. I walked in and he was welcoming and willing to understand my lack of fashion sense. When I walked out, I was pleased with what I had; serious enough in the corporate world, different enough for after hours. I was so pleased, I booked another haircut 5 weeks from now.

The one easy way to locate this store is that it's opposite Koko Black in the Royal Arcade, but I digress. Having a newborn, my wife and I want to make sure we don't just buy any old toy. We're looking for quality, uniqueness and charm. Jasper Junior has an amazing range of educational and decorative items for the little tot/tots in your life. The toys are of wonderful quality (lovely wood rattles from Germany) and novelty (a knitted rattle in the shape of a carrot anyone?) that you'd be hard pressed not to find something. They even range clothing and blankets made out of 80% bamboo fiber (so soft and luxurious) that would never be available at Babyco or Baby Bunting. I haven't even been upstairs where they have costumes! There's so much more, I think I'd be visiting this store until my child is 10.

Fabric is the nearest cafe to my office and the coffee there is superb. It's a small cafe that provides a secondary meeting room outside of the corporate confines. The meals are of good quality, better than your average without being outstanding. The seating once the luster newness but are now clearly showing wear and tear.

Peaberry's is a local cafe around my area. They roast their own coffee and from time to time you can smell their work from miles away. It's a modest little coffee house specializing in the dark brew. I get breakfast there from time to time (toasted tomato, ham and cheese) and they always fill the sandwich and ingredients are top notch. The staff are kind enough and quite efficient without being outstanding