Likemind has been running for over five years in Birmingham and for the 2 and a half years I've…read morebeen attending, it's been my favourite Friday of the month. What is it? Like most of these things, Likemind started in the USA and it's simply a gathering; uniquely, they take place on the same day, all over the world - the third Friday of each month, otherwise known as my favourite Friday. Put simply its coffee and chat with like-minded individuals: I would describe the regulars as creative, supportive, enthusiastic, hard-working and there is a mix of freelancer and employed types. There is no need to book, just turn up at Saints Caffe on St Paul's Square, from 8am (we usually start drifting away around 9am) and start your Friday right. Third Friday of every month.

Likemind is a monthly coffee and chat meet up which takes place every third Friday from 8.30am…read moreuntil 10am at Saint Caffe in St. Paul's Square. Likeminds take place all over the world on the same day but the one in Brum is close to my heart as it is a great informal opportunity to connect, chat and enjoy the fantastic coffee and pastries that Saints offer. Come along and experience it for yourself.

Based just outside the High Street before you get into Edgbaston proper, this is a lovely but…read morepopular site. I was lucky in that I didn't have to wait too long before a plot became free but this was before gardening became really popular and when allotmenting wasn't really seen as a viable hobby for the middle classes - we're talking a good ten or so years ago. I was also given a rather unlovely spot which took months of hard toil and digging before it resembled anything half decent (and even then, only just and that's only because my Mom took pity on me and helped out). Getting an allotment then is not a decision you should take lightly - the other people who rent spaces here are absolutely brilliant - friendly, kind, cheerful, always happy to share a bumper crop of spuds, but they take it seriously - since I've been there I have seen countless people turn up in Cath Kidston inspired wellies and a load of good intentions only to give up when they realise what it requires - e.g. entire weekends given over to weeding. That's not to put people off entirely - if you can devote the time to it, it's a really worthwhile thing - I have very happy memories of sipping a cup of tea whilst surveying 'my land' and some of the produce we grew was brilliant - courgettes the size of a small child's head, radishes that you could eat straight from the ground and more fruit than we knew what to do with. At Harborne Hill you can also hire a tool shed, there's a small shop on site where you can purchase potatoes, onions, manure and there's also a loo and loads of water taps. It's an idyllic place and I think of it fondly.

Based just off Harborne High Street the Birmingham Observer is another free paper for the city -…read moremuch like the Craic (see previous review) it's the listings that hold the most interest, but this is also quite a good paper for all things local. This months edition talks about the upcoming Harborne carnival, a recent survey that listed the University of Birmingham as one of the greenest universities ever and features a write up about a QAC student whose been named as an Olympic torchbearer. If the Craic is all karaoke nights and function rooms then the Observer is all auction houses and private schools. It's quite an eye opener really and is I imagine aimed at people with more disposable income than me. However, I like flicking through the property pages (average price for rent £1000 a month) and the horoscopes are always good for a hoot.

I love the idea of nosing round other people's gardens, so the opportunity to do it by invitation…read moreand at the same time helping charity, well it's just perfection. Basically, the idea is that local people all round the UK who have beautiful gardens, open them up for everyone to see on certain days of the year. As we have quite a few special gardens our way and because it's a very pleasant way o spend a couple of hours, I thought it worth mentioning. There are quite a few in Moseley and Sutton Coldfield. My personal favourite is 119 Station Road. They have the most amazing garden. I'm no horticulturist but the plants are wonderful. Their open day has already passed but the next one is on 15 July at 55 St Agnes Road B13 9PN between 1-5.30pm. It's well worth a trip, even for half an hour to nose into other people's lives and wonder at their green fingers. For more details, go to the website. It's an annual event, so if you missed out this year, look out for it next time round.

It has to be said, this is a good motorway service station. Yes the prices in "their own" eaterie…read moreare above average, but that is to be expected. The facilities are excellent, and the last 2 times I was there I had a baby with me, so I used the facilities!! The food places are a Costa Coffee, (which has soft seating) Burger King and Eat In (their "own brand") and a microwave is provided for free so you can heat baby food /milk etc, they even provide disposable bibs (must find their supplier!!) and the changing facilities are good too. They could be a bit bigger, but hey, I do have quite a "sturdy" buggy! Overall a very visitor-friendly place to make a stop.

Beware Parking Eye parking fine scam in operation, avoid this motorway service station at all…read morecosts, unless you want a parking fine. After a 4 hour drive from London, I refuelled (£60), got a coffee & snack (£8) and rested for an hour or so. Quite a pleasant service station, I was in Telford for a funeral. But a week later I got a fine in the post from Parking Eye!!!? So avoid this service station at all costs.

It's a hard one to categorise, this little store at the top of the Oasis complex. I was drawn here…read moreby the promise of army surplus clothes (cool looking, cheap, durable, a favourite of mine for many years), so this would surely put the classification under "shopping" and "clothing" right? But what if the same shop sells crossbows and knives too? There doesn't seem to be an option for "army shop"...... I know nothing about crossbows, and not too much about knives so I won't even try to comment on Targetszone's weapon selling abilities. However, I have bought a fair few pairs of combat trousers in my life, and the selection here is pretty good, though there is better to be found in the city(not much in the way of older military style), and the prices are slightly better too. They also sell all sorts of fancy water proof army style clothes that I know little about. In conclusion, it's a decent shop, maybe a great shop if you're into your weapons as well. Probably worth a nose if you're in the Oasis complex.

A lovely interesting watch shop. In the heart of Jewellery Quarter this is the place to come if you…read morewant to browse until you see that special something just for you (or that special someone). When I say they do a wide range of watches, that's something of an understatement. They have A LOT of very nice timepieces in this place. And a little pond with fish! This contributes towards the relaxed atmosphere that is sometimes missing from jewellery shops. The Creative Watch Co doesn't seem to give off the 'hard sell' vibe. The showroom(s) is/ are much nicer than the exterior. As this was the venue of our Yelp event I didn't purchase anything on the day, but am sure to come back here if I'm planning on buying anything of the sort.

Situated close to the clock in the heart of the jewellery quarter, this place is easy to find and…read morethere is plenty of parking nearby. I came here for a yelp event, but I found it a really interesting place. -you can't beat a koi pond in a shop!! Watch prices vary from £20-£600, so they really do cater for everyone! There are also wall clocks And even some jewellery. Staff are really friendly and helpful:)

This little shop has loads of little things made from believe it or not; Iron! Honestly I was…read moresurprised at how much they could fit in and what they sold. They say they pride themselves on meeting new people but there was no interaction during my visit; the guy was standing behind the counter whilst customers wondered around. The shop itself is quiet small and has narrow aisles so I wouldn't recommend it for people who feel claustrophobic easily unless you're brave. This Ironmonger specialise in products that used to be sold by major retail outlets meaning you can get them for a lower price. All other products are quiet low as well. Their extensive range covers the following products: Adhesives Batteries Cleaning materials Catering equipment Cutlery Curtain rails Door mats Drills Fastenings and fixings Gardening equipment Hand tools Keys (cut to order) Knives Light bulbs Locks Nails Paint brushes Tea pots Cake tins Amazing right? It gets better! You can also request free delivery on orders within a five mile radius of Solihull.