Rescape Gardening & Landscaping

Bought through: Living Social
Voucher for: Two hours of professional garden maintenance (Value $100)

Rescape Gardening & Landscaping

I'm lucky enough to live in a home which has lovely front and backyards and I enjoy seeing them on a daily basis - it really is positively soothing and pretty much this side of paradise on a lovely warm day in Melbourne. Unfortunately, no one in my house is that great at gardening or clearing, and apart from the occasional run by Alister with his lawnmower, the grasses just grow and grow and grow... 

Before: Front Yard

This voucher popped up just when Spring was whispering she'd be here soon, and I snapped it up as I knew I would never get around to moving the lawns while the weather was being so changeable (and all that rain just promoted the continued growth!)

After: Back Yard

Booking Mark from Rescape Gardening was a little tricky, after initially answering my call and saying he'd get back to me, I

After: Front Yard

didn't hear a peep for almost two weeks even though I had left a couple of messages and even a detailed text with my voucher code and contact details. I patiently assumed that he would be pretty busy at this time of the year, as a lot of local councils have a big push for their green waste pick up ahead of the start of summer. He finally got back to me and we sorted out a weekday he would pop by and work on the gardens. 

Mimi the mouser

By this stage the grasses were out of control and almost up to my knees - I didn't envy his job - and my housemates and I decided that if he needed the extra time we would pay it. We also requested that he clear a disused compost bin from the backyard - we had recently stopped using it as it seemed to draw mice and rats like flies to honey and while my cat is a decent mouser, I don't think you can expect your pet to play full-time pest control advocate.

Before: Sidewalk

After: Sidewalk

Mark turned up at the time he stated - between 11.00 - 11.30am and had a quick chat to Alister, further clarifying from my texts about what we'd like worked on. Alister mentioned clearing the compost bin and Mark said he could do that and also put weed killer down the side walk pathways for about $35 for both - a reasonable price. 

Alister left to do his own work errands for the day and after a couple of hours, Mark contacted me to see if I would approve an extra hour as there was easily enough work. For an additional $27.50 per hour including GST, I happily gave him the go ahead, and monies were transferred via direct debit.

I was pretty excited to see how the place looked after all that, and was impressed by what Mark had achieved in three hours - I know it would have taken me far longer and made me much grumpier if I had to do it all. The local council provides a red topped green waste bin that is picked up fortnightly and we should be able to get rid of all the excess rubbish within the month. 

Bin removed, but not the compost...

Unfortunately, while Mark did take away the compost bin, I think we were hoping for too much to expect him to take away the compost too! As you can see from the photo, it's looking rather embedded with the shrubbery and I guess this is more of a waste management job. 
Alister suggested we wait till it gets completely dried out from exposure and then break it down into the soil. I guess all those eggshells could encourage earthworms to come stay!

Pros: Turned up at a good time; reasonable prices; good cutback on lawns, shrubbery, and weeds

Cons: Initially hard to contact

Yo-Zen Self Serve Frozen Yogurt - Camberwell

Bought through: Groupon
Voucher for: $20 to Spend on Frozen Yoghurt (bought for $10)

Yo-Zen Self Serve Frozen Yogurt

Such a hot, hot, hot day! Alister had been at a workshop for most of the weekend and with the promise of frozen yogurt, managed to muster just enough energy to join me at Yo-Zen (in fact, I think the mere thought of a frozen treat what what kept him going towards the end of that afternoon!)

With an expansive space that would probably easily accommodate a couple of primary school classes, and gorgeously streamlined design, we were well impressed with the interiors - and that was before we even got to sample the food.

Like sugar crystals falling from the sky, frozen yogurt parlours are threatening to run traditional ice-creameries and gelaterias out of Melbourne town. And while I love them all, there is no doubting yogurt's boast of probiotic goodness seems to be swaying our health-conscious angels into thinking these treats are all good. Well, maybe before you add all those tempting toppings...

But life is all about choices - healthy nuts and fruit + filling muesli and maybe just a touch of cacao nibs = a delicious occasional treat; everything else from the confectionery section... well, that's dessert!

The staffer behind the counter was helpful in explaining my voucher options and relayed a story about why he founded his shop. He has seen the bustling trade at Yo-Chi in St Kilda (yes, that place is standing room only after school pickup) and thought it would be a great idea to bring to Camberwell. If you build it, the sweet-toothed swarms will come.

Can you tell which was mine and which was Alister's? Hint: I'm a chocoholic

Pros: Easy to get to location; lots of space to accommodate large parties; a good variety of topping choices

Cons: None on this visit

Cocco Latte

Bought through: Living Social
Voucher for: High Tea for Two with a Selection of Sweet and Savoury Treats plus Pink Lemonade (Value $79.90)


Cocco Latte

Oh dear, this was definitely not a special occasion high tea. Compared to the wonderful spread I had at The Spot Tea Room in Caulfield, this was a very pale imitation, and one that would give you a red cordial headache to boot.

The location is nice enough, a reasonably expansive cafe located close to the Surrey Hills train station, and the proprietors have made a savvy decision in kitting out a good sized kids play area on site - it's not an IKEA ball park, but it should keep your little ones reasonably happy and occupied while the grown ups enjoy a cafe meal or coffee.

Alister and I were here to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea and were lucky enough to get a quiet interlude when we popped by on the weekend. 

Having booked in advance as requested by the voucher, we had a reserved table waiting by a well lit windowed corner of the cafe. The cafe seemed to unfortunately only have one type of tea (?), an ordinary black, so I decided to ask (and agreed to pay) for a skinny mocha instead as I confess a preference for Earl or Lady Grey tea. I had hoped to have a hot beverage included with this deal, but I understand that this is high tea not high coffee. 

The three-tiered platter arrived and I have to say, we were distinctly underwhelmed. Really, this was worth close to $80? I've seen better serves for less cost in the CBD!

The sandwiches were dull, other savoury appetizers looked to be from a box and not the Cocco Latte kitchens, and the sweet items on offer were so sugary they practically gave me a cavity just looking at them. And I have a sweet tooth - ask anybody! The rainbow sprinkled cake-pop brandishing a musk stick was pretty much inedible (though I can understand little ones might go nuts over its festive colours).

Our pink lemonade was not even store bought - just clear lemonade with food colouring that left a line of red on the inside of the glass - ick. 

What I was probably most disappointed about though, was the scones. 
I LOVE a good scone and it's one of my favourite indulgences for afternoon tea when I catch up with friends. My favourite is currently made to order at The Cup and Mug in Kew, and I love it with lashings of jam and cream (and extra strawberries if they're going!) 
This hard biscuit served up with a rubbery scoop of jam and cream so evaporative I suspect it came from a can is the sorriest scone I've seen in a good while. 
I have eaten better at MacCafe. All in all, the entire high tea was very dissatisfying.

Pros: A bustling location; a decent play area for children; nice interiors; and they let me have my coffee (which was quite nice) as part of the package when I went to pay for it 

Cons: I cannot recommend in any way this very disappointing high tea

Spatha Fencing

Bought through: Living Social
Voucher for: One ($12) or Five ($49) Fencing Classes - North Melbourne or Albert Park

Spatha Fencing

I've been known to dabble martial arts, but what I really love is the romance of using cool weaponry - the short sticks in Eskrima, a Philippines based fighting style; the clever staff work in Bojutsu; and the thrilling explosiveness of Kendo, an awesome Japanese sword fighting technique. I've also really enjoyed fencing and have been taking classes on and off since university. 

I saw this voucher pop up on Living Social recently and thought, fantastic! I was quite excited about getting a refresher in my foil technique and secretly, just having lots of fun in combat bouts.

I booked in for my first lesson at Spatha's Melbourne location, an expansive training arena at the North Melbourne Football Club where they held practise on Monday nights from 5.30pm onwards. (My class started at 6.30pm). 

The location was open and airy with what looked to be an Olympic grade Laurent-Pagan electrical scoring apparatus. Impressive, most impressive, and just a touch intimidating as I'd never been wired up before.

And it looked like that wasn't going to be happening anytime soon either. 

Truth be told, I'm drawn to fencing from the great cinematic sword fights and am a fan of the renowned Bob Anderson, an English Olympic fencer and beyond par fight choreographer, who had trained everyone from Errol Flynn onwards to Johnny Depp, even working on The Hobbit until his death in 2012. 

I prefer being free of the electrics, but the classes I received on this intro pass still felt a little basic - we were given plastic foils for the first couple - and then the lessons eventually got bogged down into board-written formulae of attack, feint, lunge, parry... 

This may be what the sport on an Olympic level is made up of, but for me it was way too written-technical for this early stage of training.

I've had many classes before, one term was even with a pupil of Bob Anderson's when I lived in London, and I found you best learnt to fight and utilise demonstrated techniques by physically engaging with different combatants, round robin style. Fencing is essentially chess with swords.

The beginners section of this school weren't part of a dedicated class on their own, but more of an adjunct to the main action on the floor. As such, I found we didn't have a consistent instructor who could recognise how we as students individually needed to learn, and best tailor the lessons to our varying skills and enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, my excitement with each additional class was a lesson in diminishing returns and I don't think I'll be back anytime soon.

Pros: Some of the techniques were a useful refresher to earlier lessons at previous schools; a good space at North Melbourne for more established fencers

Cons: No discussion on protective clothing (gloves for your sword hand); inconsistency in instructors, who were more other senior fencers than trained teachers; technical homework introduced discouraging to casual learners

Gringo Vibes Mexican Cantina

Bought through: Entertainment Book
Voucher for: 25% off the TOTAL BILL

Gringo Vibes

Tex Mex is probably one of the most popular go-to meal options for most Melbournians - drawn to the spicy freshness of cilantro and chilli, it's a filling feast with plenty of vegetarian options to boot.

My lovely pal Suzanne was performing as part of the Darebin Music Festival and after her fun and fantastic Tea for Two show, a few of us headed off for an early dinner down High Street.

Gringo Vibes looked busy and smelled delicious so Violeta, Michal, Alister and I managed to swoop in to just as a small group were vacating a front table. While the names were familiar from options seen at Mad Mex and the like, the Gringo Vibes house specials and versions were generously portioned and satisfying to the whole hungry crew of us. Even Michal and Alister, known to appreciate large portions, were impressed, and the taste sensations were lip-smackingly fresh and feisty.

Loved getting 25% off the total bill too - it made the good prices even more of a bargain!

Pros: Easy to find, reasonable parking, on the main High St in Northcote, delicious Mexican food at reasonable prices with generous servings

Cons: Might be too busy to get a table!



Costumes Direct

Bought through: Our Deal
Voucher for: Get $100 to spend online at Costume Direct! Take up to 50% off your choice of more than 400 costumes available for men, women & kids!

Costume Direct

Anyone who knows me is aware that I love theme parties, regularly take part in community theatre, and look for just about any opportunity to dress up a little in the day. 
So I totally jumped onto this great deal which saw me receive $100 worth of fancy outfits from Costume Direct for only $49!

Based out of Wahroonga in NSW, this online fancy dress superstore have heaps of ideas and options to choose from, and while I was initially eyeing off the Maleficent costume with an additional accessory of her staff (glamourous Disney villian is the new black), I decided instead to get more bang for my buck and chose FOUR costumes from the sales section for about the same price - I do love a good bargain! (And they were pretty cool too).

I had a little niggle when I went online and put in my voucher code - the checkout said that it had expired! But a quick call to the company sorted it out over the phone and my order was still saved so I didn't have to start all over again.

I chose to ship as Standard and I got the tracking numbers within a day. I was in no rush for the outfits (though the site says they can turn around an order in 24 hours), alternatively, you can choose to pick up directly from their location in NSW.

My gorgeous costumes arrived in under a week and are totally glam. Sizing looks to be good as well, and even the feathered headdress for the trapeze artist outfit was in perfect condition - I was worried that it might have gotten bent or broken in transit.

I got Alister The Baron cloak/ cape as a surprise, so now we're both set for our next fancy dress party.

Pros: Website has heaps of costumes to choose from; decent range in sizing with some accurate measurement tables to help you get the best fit; fast delivery if required; reasonable shipping costs

Cons: Initial voucher code was deemed expired, but sorted out quickly with a phone call

Diva & Co

Bought through: Deals.com
Voucher for: Delight Yourself with this Deluxe Pamper Package. Only $49 for a 60 Minute Deep Cleansing Facial plus 45 Minute Luxurious Hot Oil Manicure and Hot Oil Pedicure. Enjoy Fresher, Hydrated Skin and Stunning Nails Topped Off with OPI Polish. Valued at $154

Diva & Co

After spending much for the last month looking like a walking anachronism from a Rococo painting (shout out to all the talented peeps for Heidelberg Theatre Company's recent season of Amadeus!); my skin was feeling roundly confused from the almost nightly regime of full face makeup - theatre white - scrub clean - redo full face makeup - second round of theatre white - final cleanse and clean up. Phew! The look was of the time and paired with wig and

costume, rather spectacular, but I was definitely looking forward to my facial, booked for the day after my final show to give my skin a bit of TLC.

Diva & Co in Hawthorn East is located close to crazy intersection in Camberwell, so bear that in mind if you are looking for a parking space close to the salon. My booking was for Sunday afternoon so no need to worry about parking restrictions, and easily I found a car space across the road from the salon. 

The interiors were bright and calming white, dominated in the front of the showroom by four comfy massage chairs with soaking wells attached. A customer was enjoying a pampering pedicure as I was invited through to a secondary small treatment area for my facial. 

Talk about a pamper package! The 60 minute deep cleanse included a double cleanse, exfoliation, mask, massage and major moisturiser not just my face, but my neck and decolletage as well. It was all very calming and a meditative soundtrack allowed you to drift off for a blissful cat nap.

After enjoying that for about an hour, we proceeded to the second part of my voucher - the manicure and pedicure. Now, I don't get my nails done very often, so I profess I'm a bit unfamiliar with this procedure bar the painting of bright colours!

I had my pedicure first and thoroughly enjoyed a warm oil foot soak, filing, cuticle care (something I would never think to normally do), a buff, polish and even a mini foot massage with a special oil lotion. 

From the display shelves I had picked a fun, iridescent metallic from the extensive Opi range on offer called Kermit Me To Speak, and totally love how it looked on both my hands and feet.

My fingers received similar pampering but I was a little scared when the technician, a chatty and friendly Chinese girl picked up a modified pair of small scissors and proceeded with a little cuticle care on my nails. I would never do this to myself (eek), but surprisingly it didn't hurt at all, and I have to admit, my nails looked lovely when the polish was painted expertly on.

Both sets of nails have lasted quite well and you can buy vouchers lasting three months directly from Diva & Co for the manicure and pedicure set for about $35 (regular retail is approximately $75).

Pros: Bustling location close to lots of fun shops in Camberwell; relaxing facial; and pretty paint for your nails.

Cons: Might have some problems finding parking during the week if you need longer than an hour; can be busy so leave a message to make your booking - they will call back to confirm.

Chokolait at Emporium

Bought through: Ouffer
Voucher for: Chocolate Fix for Two People including Platter, Drinks and Take-Away Truffles. Valued at $64

Chokolait Emporium

I am such a chocoholic. Seriously, I have considered giving up "the food of the gods" for FebFast, or Lent, or just to see whether I can - and while it is possible for a short period of time (especially if I'm in a tropical country and have other novelty sweets to pursue) I always come back to the dark stuff. Always.

Chokolait, a boutique chocolatier which already has a successful store in the Hub Arcade of Little Collins St, has purloined some prime real estate at the Emporium CBD. Management must like chocolatiers as it looks like there will be dedicated temples to the dark stuff on every one of their glittering levels.

Chokolait Emporium looks like a whisky bar with is counter-programming colours highlighted by a black on brown textured finish. It's a reasonable size, but not overly expansive, so be prepared to be politely turned away if the place gets too busy, but don't cry, there's another chocolatier/ patisserie/ scone salon waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth not too far away.

The voucher I had was for a tasting platter accompanied by drinks and take-away truffles to boot and I was well impressed with all that was offered. The platter was a good size, the items a wonderful mix of chocolates, cakes and ices, and our drinks were delicious (though a touch gritty towards the end) but overall impressive to the eye. Our truffles, enjoyed later, were also of a delectable variety and elicited much mmmmm-ing with satisfaction.

A sense of humour and a dedication to the sweet palate had master chocolatier Ross popping out to personally deliver your platter and truffles (with a tip that the chocolate frogs are especially for the ladies); with an optimistic suggestion to socially share your theobromic high to all and sundry. Noted.

Pros: Tony location, generous platter with large drinks and extra truffles to take home; friendly staff; delicious offerings

Cons: None at this time

Ba'get

Bought through: Entertainment Book
Voucher for: One complimentary MAIN MENU ITEM when another MAIN MENU ITEM of equal or greater value is purchased. Valid for dine-in and takeaway

Ba'get

There's a fun eatery filled with tasty pho and delicious danishes just down the street from where I work. Ba'get is a concept borrowed from street food during the Indochine period in Vietnam when the French colonised this south-eastern nation and brought forth a fusion of cuisines that celebrated the best of both cultures.

I love pho - so fast and fresh - as does Alister when we caught up recently for a little lunch in the city. The space on Russell St is expansive, with small seats and tables for street dining outside during fine weather (if you don't mind a little traffic), and a reasonably sized interior area as well. 

Ba'get provide complimentary pandan tea in an urn in the centre of their store and the aroma transported me to Penang and Malaysia, it's a bouquet I've loved since childhood. The perfumes of Pan-Asia!

Both of us decided to get the Grilled Lemongrass Pork Bowl (snap!) which has rice vermicelli, pickled carrot and daikon, lettuce, cucumber, a bit of fried onion, coriander, Vietnamese mint, some regular mint, peanuts and fresh chilli - safe for gluten free-ers if you want an alternative to the baguette options. Filling with a great mix of flavours - there was definitely slurping with relish as we reached the bottom of our bowls!

Cute fixtures utilised upside down launder baskets as lights, while a glorious painted script on one of the main walls set the store apart overall in design from the fast food offerings that populate this Paris End of town. 

While you won't feel you can completely luxuriate in the surroundings - the space is not really set up as such - it is an enjoyable and appetising eatery to catch up with pals. 

Pros: Savoury and satisfying food with a fresh palate; good prices including a $5 morning coffee and danish offer; cute interiors and reasonable space for eating in

Cons: None at this time

Mealballs & Sons

Bought through: Ouffer

Voucher for: Enjoy Some of Melbourne's Finest Food in Trendy Fitzroy! Only $39 for a Meatball Feast for Two including Two Mains, Two Side Dishes, Two Desserts, and Two Glasses of Wine or Pints of Beer. Choose from a Tempting Menu Featuring Confit Duck, Slow Cooked Organic Lamb, Free Range Chicken and Much More. Valued at $88 - Top Rated on Urbanspoon


Meatballs and Sons

I love the signage for this eatery and the manager was the friendly, chatty sort, keen to impress the house beer to Alister - though truth be told, he was calmly nonplussed about the wheat beer bevvy on offer. 

I don't pretend to be any type of expert on alcohol so I demurred on this front and concentrated instead of the welcoming decor, staff and the bbq boisterous foodie options.

The offerings were certainly tasty to look at, and the menu seemed to be edging for a homestyle aw-shucks kinda feel - a little Americano, but mainly from their provisions personality write-ups.

We had chosen for our meatball mains: the skewered bourbon glazed pork with battered corn cobs; and the greek lamb with creamy Persian feta, baby spinach, olives and sun riped tomatoes. Both were tasty, with the pork the comfortable winner from a satisfying taste perspective. 

Our sides were the soccotash - a fabulous name for a simple dish of sweet corn with shell beans, some cut tomatoes and mixed capsicum; and the cauliflower gratin with aged cheddar that had Alister pronouncing that he needed to make this type of dish more often at home - it's simple, relatively healthy and absolutely delicious.

Now, as you may suspect, I quite delight in a dessert and our end notes were the homemade brownie with mascarpone and berry coulis; with Mum's home baked apple (mini) pie with custard layer and cream. Both were comfort food choices with the pastry of the pie being my favourite, though Alister was a little harder to please and found the overall meal, including dessert, enjoyable but not extraordinary. 

US homecooking flavours are filling and fine for me though, and I think this is a reasonable charmer with a easy smile and subtle surprises.

Pros: spacious decor with a warm welcome and a nostalgic Northern American nod in the menu; reasonable prices

Cons: homespun styled cooking may not be to everyone's taste

Cacao Green Swanton Street

Bought through: The Entertainment Book
Voucher for: One complimentary FROZEN YOGHURT when another FROZEN YOGHURT of equal or greater value is purchased

Cacao Green

Forget that it's on a crazy busy street that is probably one of the buzziest in Melbourne day and night, forget that the name doesn't refer to green chocolate (!) and more to a holistic and wholesome frozen yoghurt experience, and come for the absolutely delicious non-fat organic yoghurt that is free..! Of gluten, artificial preservative and high fructose corn syrup.

This location on Swanston St means there is always a sea of people on the pathways right outside it's entrance, but somehow this Cacao Green manages to recreate a little oasis of serenity with it's walled greenery and popping pearls of juicy fruits. 

Alister loves this place - the gypsy jazz fuels the beat of his heart and the yoghurt sweetens the palate most exurberantly. 

The staff are quite patient as you agonise over which toppings to choose, all the while you know that putting everything from that mini buffet will most likely overshadow the star attraction and look a mess besides - stick to complementary tastes and surprise yourself with textures.

Don't fret about missing out on something intriguing this time, there's always another warm day to look forward to, and hopefully a second voucher to enjoy with a two-for-one treat.

Pros: Easy to locate; a nice space in the rear of the store to enjoy your yoghurt and relax; absolutely delicious frozen yoghurt!

Cons: Swanston St is pretty busy, so go with the tide of people; hope that you can get a nice seat in the back area if others are planning on a fro-yo moment