Please don't judge me for this review. My significant other is mad on Warhammer (for those of you…read morenot in the know this is a sorta strategic war game using models as board pieces). I for one had never heard of it until we started dating but as they say there is a niche for everything, and Games Workshop caters for one of these. The store itself purveys wares related to games, collectibles and models with a special focus on Warhammer 40 K. The guys who work here at super knowledgeable, friendly and always trying to get you involved in store events (I prefer to be a silent supporter who is 'allowed' to help paint the models every once in a while) What's cool about this place is how it functions as a social club, there are tutorials and workshops held often and people are encouraged to meet up with their mates and challenge each other on the terrain which is available in-store. Perhaps my favourite thing about Games Workshop though is that it's right next door to some of my favourite shops on queen street, so it is more than easy to do the whole extraction mission without my partner even noticing I have gone.

If you have kids under 5 come here for a weekly music and dance work-out! You will not be sitting…read moreon your bum for long but dancing along with your little ones to songs like Mrs Bunny and other popular kids songs. Mainly Music sessions are offered all around Auckland but I'm prepared to drive a little bit further with my one year old daughter to attend the one in Birkdale - mainly because the 11 o'clock session is run by the lovely Cath (mother of 2 and midwife). Can anyone possibly have more energy and motivation to run the show? Seriously, her big smile and dance are contagious -even the shyest child can't resist and will join in. The sessions always include some full-on action and some quieter cuddle-time songs, some story-time, morning tea for everyone followed by playtime with the countless small and big toys they have on offer. And don't forget all the cool puppets, dress up items and musical instruments that will never be missing. The venue is part of the Baptist Church in Birkdale - it may be a bit older but it does accommodate 30 kids and their mums/dads quite easily. Unlike with other Mainly Music venues there is no waiting list. Just come along, pay $3 for your family and have one hour of pure fun!

Kids jumping, kids singing, kids playing, kids happy happy kids, adults jumping too and singing and…read moreplaying, happy happy mothers. Want a place that is fun to come to and you get to have a coffee and bite to eat and a bit of a gossip with other mothers, after all that jumping and singing then Mainly Music Birkdale is the place. While you are having a coffee the kids are playing on and with the toys that are provided by your $3 donations. I come to the 11am session that Cath takes and she is just great, she is a wonderful and motivated teacher that gets everyone moving. So as well as a music place you also get to do a bit of well needed exercise. Highly recommended !

Messed up my reservation; had to scramble for another place to stay first night; which turned out…read moreto be almost 1/2 the cost of this place. This place was Quite a bit more expensive than I thought it should be. Internet worked well one night, but not at all the next.

On one of my birthday night celebrations I ended up at The Pony Club. I did not even know it was…read morethere as it is hidden between a strip club and an adult massage place. Take care not to use the wrong entrance if you do decide to go to Pony. Upon our arrival the club was pretty empty but my group of 15 friends and I made a party out of it. We danced everywhere, dropped it low and picked it right up in every corner of the club. I loved the fact that it was empty because it meant that we had a larger dance floor and it made it seem like we had hired the club for a private party. The club has space and has these awesome seats/booths along the sides of the room, they are perfect for getting cosy with a loved one or someone you want to get to know. They are always a perfect place to sit when a group decides to take shots. The set up of the room is fantastic as the bar is the first thing you see when you get there so you sort of get a drink then hit the floor. Plus the DJ is amazing, he did not mind the countless requests from my group and even played some Afro (African) tunes, where he got them I don't know.

I'd hate to think how many times I've walked into the mirrors in Pony. It used to be part of the…read morestrip clubs upstairs (which explains the full length wall mirrors, dark interior and slight tangy smell). The mirrors give the illusion the rooms keep on going, but they are indeed just mirrors so be careful. I even went home with a black eye one night. Besides this the music is pretty fun and is usually supped up versions of the latest hip-hop offerings. There is also plenty of plush seating if your feet are tired. My only complaint is that it's inconsistent. Some nights it's absolutely rammed and you have to line up outside. Other nights it's empty (very embarrassing if you've just dragged a bunch of people across town). It's hard to know how to solve this, but perhaps send a lackie across first to check out

Travelling with children can be a daunting and tiring experience, and with airlines milking the…read moreluggage weight costs, it can be very expensive to include enough toys to keep the young ones entertained. When my sister in law and her little darling daughter came over for a three-week visit, she simply couldn't bring along Louise's toys, so we arranged to collect some from the Northcote Toy Library. The library offers a great service, and as a national body, allows parents to access toys for children without the big cash required for a purchase. This is a great opportunity to use their services when you need it, and then to donate to when you are able to give back to society. I know I will.