As someone who lives in an apartment, it's not often you'll see me in a shop that devotes itself to…read moreoutdoor living. My Secret Garden in Teneriffe is the exception. The shop is treasure chest full of beautiful things for your garden, balcony, outdoor table as well as lovely art and gifts. I recently ducked in to buy a friend a wedding present and was highly successful in buying a unique gift that I was sure they could cherish for a long time. But it's possible to buy for yourself (even if you live in an apartment) with items such as pot plants which sit over a balcony railing, candles, deck chairs and hammocks. The owner Rick who mans the shop is friendly and always willing to chat. It's obvious that he is passionate about creating comfortable spaces and an urban oasis for us Brisbane dwellers. My Secret Garden is a treat of a shop whether you're shopping for yourself or not. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Teneriffe!

What better way to escape the heat of summer than to drop into what has to be the coolest…read more(temperature cool and awesome-cool) boutique outdoor living store in the inner-north. You feel like you've reached the inner-sanctum of serenity as you're greeted by the sounds of chilled out meditation music blended with the gentle gurgling of splashing water. Bliss? Yes. Dark wooden shelves are adorned with outdoor table decorations - from scented candles, to table cloths and an assortment of cups, saucers, cutlery and iced tea pitchers. The middle of the shop features outdoor furniture draped in bright cushions, towels and lamps. And of course, discounted, high-quality Christmas decorations and oversized deer (why not?). A perfect place to unwind and begin hoarding those decorations for your garden which you know you'll have to have once you step foot into this oasis of calm.

I use cloth nappies normally during the day but had to switch to disposables as my daughter has…read morestarted day care a couple of days a week. I was using naty nappies which were good but thought I would try ecoriginals as I wanted to support a start up Australian company, the order arrived in about 10 days which I thought was fine and I have been highly impressed with the quality and absorbency of these nappies so far. We have had no leakages at all so far and they are a simple and smart design. I would highly recommend these as a cost effective Eco-friendly option and I hope they do well.

Everyone I think knows who and what Bunnings is. This store is no different from the rest. A few…read morethings worth pointing out include: They offer quick and cheap gas cylinder exchanges - the cheapest around They offer courtesy trailers There is also a tool/equipment hire service.

Its one of the smaller Bunnings, the closest full size one is in Bethania. While this bunnings…read morewill carry most things on the website there will be some things missing that you may have to travel for. Staff will call ahead and make sure an item is at the next store you are going to visit to save you going if they don't have it in stock either. There is always a sausage sizzle on the weekend and usually something for the kids to do other than the playground for the littles.

I used this company last year for repairs to locks. The young serviceman was polite and capable,…read moreeasily solving my problems. Within a few weeks the same problem happened again, but I didn't rush to get in touch and left it in my " to do" box. When I did call them, a communication breakdown occurred and my request/complaint was left unattended. I waited a month, then I used another company to solve the problem. I also left a lousy review on their site. Well, that got a reaction. I have received a number of calls or emails from management who wished to resolve the problems I had had. Excellent effort on their part. I agree lousy receptionists should not stain their reputation. Would I use them again? Absolutey. I can't wait for the amazing customer service I will get next time.

Some winters ago, I decided to take up leadlighting. I've always loved the ornamental arts…read more Leadlighting was one of those things, perhaps like wood turning too, that seemed to combine a trade and an art form together. Just as I had gotten good at glass cutting, it had come time for me to move away. Goodbye leadlighting classes, goodbye workspace. I kept my tools with me because I wanted to take it up again when I moved back to Brisbane. Two years on from making the move, I finally signed up for copper foiling classes at Annerley Glassworx. I have loved this store for years. It's a huge two storey corner store and is filled to the brim with incredible copper foiled lampshades. They're the leadlighting stalwart of Brisbane- they've been around since 1991, designing and building leadlights, doing repairs, supplying other leadlighters with all the tools and materials they need to do it themselves. If you're not up for the classes and just like to admire the glasswares, you're welcome to use Annerley Glassworx as a retail shop. All of their lamps are for sale, and they've got an unbelievable variety. Short stands, long stands, vintage lamps, stained glass billiards lamps, hanging lamps and Tiffany inspired lamps can all be found here. For me, I'll be using it as a workshop. The classes they hold are 8 weeks long and cost $210 (not including materials and tools). For those who haven't cut glass before, I'd suggest you take the beginners class. If you're familiar with using a glass cutter, then step up to advanced. Realistically, Annerley Glassworx is worth going to even if you're just interested and want to marvel at the glass works. They really are impressive.

Again, I have driven past this place a million times. Yes, you guessed it, decided to check it out…read more The best way to describe this place is its like a medieval souvenir shop. As soon as you step in, it's like going back in time. From the tin dogs, out the front to the huge , giant glass ants hanging of the wall. Just amazing. You just have come for a look. I ended buying the stained glass dragon.

When we got to the store we were met by Greg who helped us throughout. We got to try the robot bed…read morethat prints out a report on the mattresses best suited. We then tried six mattresses in a range of prices for five minutes each. Greg would leave us to have some privacy when trying before directing us to the next sample. We found him knowledgeable and unobtrusive. He even switched test pillows he felt were suited to our neck profile. There was no pressure to buy. However he told us there is a discount for RACQ members which we would not otherwise have found out. You can pay by a variety of cards including Amex, cash or they can give you their back account details. Three thumbs up.

Yes I am a major fan of The Good Guys!…read more If their jingle doesn't sway you... "Come in and see the good good good guys, pay cash and we'll slash the prices!"... I don't know what will... Oh wait, yeah I do; their super awesome deals and savings! It's true, pay cash and you get a discount. By cash it means everything except AMEX, which I don't have so... Woohoo! The staff at The Good Guys in Lutwyche are very nice. Kim in particular is very kind and helpful. She helped us out when we were shopping their last time and was able to do a good deal for us. If you need home appliances, white goods and kitchenware, I'd definitely recommend heading down to The Good Guys in Lutwyche. Not only will you get great prices, you'll receive the best customer service!

After waiting to be served at Harvey Norman for almost half an hour, we headed to The Good Guys…read morewhere we were served, offered a cheaper price, organised delivery and completed the transaction in under 10 minutes. Very happy with their prompt and friendly service! :)

Queensland Used Appliances is a tiny little shop off Wynnum Road. It might not actually be that…read moresmall but you can't tell because the appliances are so tightly packed, it is hard to fit any customers in. They have fridges, washing machines, dryers and some freezers, depending on when you go the range can vary. The staff member I spoke to was quite friendly and helpful however the time I went, they didn't have what I was after. Still worth a shot though because if you find what you need, the prices are likely to be quite reasonable. Not the most fun shopping experience but worth a look if you're on a budget.