I went here for a facial but they offer a full range of day spa experiences - massage, waxing, spray tan, treatments and warps, laser hair removal, manicures, pedicures etc. The facial was a pleasant experience and left my skin feeling great. It was also very convenient to have a late appointment after work.

Approximate cost: $95

Bombay Grill is mainly for takeaway good, although there are a couple of tables if you really wanted to eat there. The food is great value, and really tasty. Favourites are the mango chicken and the saag gost. And the chicken tikka roll (they call it the 'Indian Kebab') is a great lunch or simple dinner. Yum!

Approximate cost: $11.90 (large)

Very pleasant and easy to deal with, prompt and reliable service. Thorough and honest. Would definitely recommend if you need a local appliance repair business.

I went here on a promotional offer, as Christopher Hanna is way out of my budget. I was disappointed. I had a half head of foils, treatment, cut and blowdry and I don't feel like I got anything better than a local, suburban salon. The salon was very busy and I was there much longer than expected. I was offered a coffee, which was slopped out of the cup. The colour is good, the cut and blowdry were average. I certainly won't be going back.

Approximate cost: $300+ (full price)

I had a facial, eyebrow wax and eyelash tint at Fair Beauty a little while ago, courtesy of a voucher I'd received as a gift. I hadn't been there before and was a little unsure as the salon promotes itself primarily as a waxing salon. However the facial itself was quite a pleasant experience. I was a little bit disappointed with the the eyebrow wax.

I was looking forward to going to the markets and making the most of a spare morning to browse and pick up some bargains and one-off pieces. Disappointing! Very junky and not much craft or original stuff. Wandered through all the stalls within 15 minutes without buying a single thing. Some reasonable looking food outlets but we weren't hungry.

Needing accommodation at late notice for a wedding (and having found out we would not have to travel back to Sydney that night as previously thought), I researched options and found the Ettalong Beach Motel. With little else available at short notice, I had no choice but to accept the quoted rate of $150 per night (steep for a motel, even in January!). On arrival, we were quite disappointed. The screen door was stuck (a fire hazard) and we needed assistance to open it. The room was basic, but at least comfortable. Being a Friday night, there was noise from the local pub well into the evening. A small TV, clean towels, tea and coffee making facilities. Oh and air conditioning (although I got the impression this wasn't standard).

Approximate cost: $150 per night (high season)

Step Into Life Peakhurst is part of a franchised group fitness operation. They a variety of group, outdoor training sessions in a local park. Members can choose from a program that includes cardio, kickboxing, toning, fitball etc. The group sizes vary but the trainers keep an eye on individual training requirements and goals. Sessions are offered at different times of the day - early morning, during the day and evening. It's a good value alternative to joining a gym and getting some discipline around your training and your fitness or weightloss goals. Like any training, you get out what you put in. But this is a fun, friendly and healthy environment to do it in. Even at 6am in the middle of winter!

Approximate cost: $15

Akly is relatively new in Riverwood. They offer Lebanese charcoal chicken and kebabs. The proprietor described Lebanese chicken as "similar to Portugese but better". It is very tasty, and comes with a mini pot of garlic paste/sauce that goes with it perfectly. I haven't tried the kebabs or other products but they look good and there seems to be a steady trade. The service is friendly and welcoming. There are tables for eating there - both inside and on the footpath.

Approximate cost: $8 for half a chicken

We 'discovered' Crust through the Entertainment Book and have been back a couple of times. We've ordered and picked up our pizzas and they have been very tasty and generous with the toppings. The service is a bit shambolic - they are flat out and staffed with mainly teenagers, some of whom have been a bit confused about names, prices and processes. You can sit and wait for your pizzas to be called and it turns out it had been ready for a while but no one has called. Having said that, the pizzas are tasty and there is a wide variety of flavours and toppings. Good value with the Entertainment Book voucher, possibly a bit steep without it. Definitely better than the other franchise pizza offerings!

Approximate cost: $20 for a large pizza