If you're out for a short road trip one day, you would be doing yourself a favour to stop in for refreshments at Tilly's At Tyabb. Robyn and Rose, your hosts, are just beautiful and will assure you feel welcomed and comfortable. Tilly's is like a wonderful step back in time and away from the rat race and this is what I love and treasure so much about these tea rooms. The ambiance is simple, and delicate. Professionalism is all there, without the pretention. It's all class at Tilly's with quirky old-fashioned cuteness surrounding. A great way to take a break when antiquing. Just do it. You won't be sorry.

So what a relaxed casual and fun time was had by a small group at this fantastic british themed tavern. We loved the decor; it felt authentic - (even more so after a few drinks, was the general consensus.) The drinks were not the cheapest in the city, but I felt the effort put into the feel of the pub more than made up for that. Counter meals are available, light snacks or a more formal sit down meal in the dining room. (I think it was called the Pickwick Room.) We loved the atmosphere shared with other pub patrons and staff, the cheap food, and the central location in the city.

Josephine's has a special appeal that will forever remain something precious for us. It is situated upon the hill at The Briars property, in Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. The property is utilised for a number of ceremonies and celebrations such as Weddings and formal events, but also incorporates facilities for a leisure camp. Josephine's Restaurant however is set apart from the workings of the camp, and feels peaceful, relaxed and almost farm-like. We love the dining area in the back, which proudly displays the work of local artists, and allows views of the property. It is lovely to watch local wildlife frolicking around the property as you dine. The service is professional and the inspired, gourmet meals are beautifully presented. It is not inexpensive, so unfortunately this is an outing best left for very rare occasions. But one we absolutely treasure.

Never has seeking catering supplies (gourmet spice/pastes) for curries been so easy. I love that I stumbled upon this Tasmanian supplier. His services are second to none. Email enquiries are answered incredibly promptly and each of the curry blends that I have used to date have been exquisite. I actually like them all so much I am yet to pick my favourite blend to work with. The freshness and quality of ingredients used in these catering supplies are evident in the packaging but really come to life in endless variations on curry dishes. Postage and packing is economical and delivered to the mainland within a professional time frame.

Value for money is an understatement when used to describe the ever-fabulous family friendly experience that is Lunar Drive-In. With a drive-in upgrade maybe twelve or so months ago to include a fourth screen, there really is no shortage of movie selections on any given night of the year. I particularly love their 'legal carload' pricing option. Depending on the size of your car, this can mean (as is our case) up to seven or eight admissions (of any age) for the one low car load price of $28 - even for double features. Viewers are welcome to take fold out chairs, outside refreshments and even the well-behaved family dog. There really is no greater recession buster and at these prices, its hard to justify cinema seat prices. Drive-in staff do security checks around the property throughout the evening, and we have always felt safe, comfortable and secure. The Lunar Cafe offers free amusement games for the children during interval, - and some more than reasonably priced menu choices.

I love great value but not at the elimination of great quality, therefore I love Global Vegetarian in Ormond and appreciate that they can balance both these integral concepts into their restaurant. Offering dishes packed with fresh quality ingredients matched by their friendly unpretentious service, this lovely business is all about giving their customers wholesome, healthy alternatives. They've never let me down.

Allegra promises all things cheerful and happy, and I genuinely believe the hosts at La Piazza Allegra are completely focused on assuring the dining contentment of their guests. With little touches not seen everywhere, such as an offer of refreshment whilst waiting for takeaway meals, and refreshingly professional, friendly yet non-invasive table conversation when dining in, service at this restaurant is all about warm hospitality. I love that service here most of all, closely followed by the Basilico. Prices are reasonable. Pizzas may set you back a little more than your run of the mill pizza takeout, but you do get what you pay for. Factor in the free delivery for those of us lucky enough to live within the home delivery region, - and suddenly real value for money hits your hip pocket.

Victorians boast about being the best in the country/world about so many things and I often find these perspectives quite insular and exaggerated. Besides shopping and coffee - one of the state's great claims to fame - is Vanilla Slice. The township Sorrento often pops up in the hunt for the best Vanilla Slice. But in this local take-away food shop in charming Flinders, they boast the biggest and best vanilla slice in the world. Ah - the bold bravado of this statement! What I love about this proud shopfront banner, is that I'm actually prepared to completely back it, based on my own personal experiences of course. One Vanilla slice will set you back only a couple of dollars more than any petite average bakery serve, but here is so large that it would easily feed four - making it a very inexpensive sweet feed. I had tried the famous Flinders Vanilla Slice a few years ago, and at the time found it too egg-y. Recently however, the improvements were quite incredible. Our serve was delicious, well balanced and very fresh. Something I'd recommend to all visitors to Flinders. Their hot chips probably don't fall into the inexpensive category (to be fair though, Flinders generally is expensive), - but we really enjoyed them.

I'm not usually a big fan of Florists because I feel that far too many have sadly become unimaginative and commercial. But wow, am I an adoring fan of the work of Brighton star business, 'Pash Flowers'. Whether it be a delivery of gift bouquet or wedding masterpieces, this recommended business really is also about keeping the passion (therefore heartfelt creativity) in their arrangements. I adore that they provide enchanting homewares in their specialty selection because this opens up a whole new world of gift ideas, particularly when creating a unique and quirky floral arrangement or bridal/function table centrepiece. Do yourself a favour and visit their beautiful showroom on Bay street.

We have definitely found a new vet for our beautiful pets. I was so impressed with our initial visit to Village Vet, back in December last year. The business is located within the grounds of a lovely Toorak Rd Property, with a reasonable amount of on-site shady parking for customers in the gardens. We had no problem grabbing a park under the trees, but if it is really busy, there is also some roadside parking on Fulham Ave, away from busy Toorak. Loved our female vet. She took all the time in the world to explain a procedure with us, and was incredibly patient with our anxious cat. What I really appreciated also was the rapport the lovely women at the front desk had with customers, pets and community. We spent at least fifteen minutes discussing various things regarding animal health care and noticed the same generosity of time and expertise was taken with another gentleman who had a handful of questions. Noticeable also, was the content and relaxed nature of dogs being picked up from doggy daycare. This is one business I can happily recommend as having the kind and compassionate nature your pet/s deserve.