Had lunch at Siren Bar and Restaurant today. They have a great selection of Modern Australian food (including burgers and tapas). When we got there, the high chair was ready and waiting for bub - a very safe looking one too compared to a lot of restaurant high chairs. We ordered a selection of tapas for the table plus a kid's meal for my little girl.

When the kid's meal came out, the girl did mention that it was very hot - but as 4 year old's do, my little one dived straight into and burned her mouth. Not the restaurant's fault, but perhaps some common sense with the temperature of the food for little ones would be an added bonus. The tapas were generous and very tasty - I can particularly recommend the pork belly with apple sauce and gorgeous crispy little bits of crackling on the side. The other highlight of the meal was dessert - a banana and hazelnut pudding with caramel sauce. Plus, my little girl had a three scoop icecream with topping included in the price of her kid's meal, which is always a bonus.

Altogther, a very pleasant 2 hours spent sharing food with the family.

Approximate cost: $15

What beautiful flowers - I have purchased from here on a couple of occasions for farewells of work colleagues. Their shop always looks so bright and colourful with the bouquets that they already have prepared. They will also put together something specific for your needs.

Our local bakery, so I do wish that they were a bit better - then I would definitely shop there more often. Bread is very ordinary and sweets that I can take or leave. Really only pick something up there if my little girl wants a sweet treat after school. And I do wish that they would make their "face" cookies more suited to the appetite of a small child - who else is going to eat a cookie with a smily face on it.

Such beautiful quality second hand books - a lot of the time they look just like new. I think that Ron is quite selective in the books that he purchases and places in the store. He always seems very helpful and friendly (even to my little girl). The prices reflect the quality, so can be slightly higher than some other second hand book stores - but the quality and service is worth it.

Going to the movies can be quite expensive these days - and Hoyts Belconnen is no exception. However, the cinema quality is good, seats are comfortable. I love that they have recently introduced reserved seating (you select your seats upon purchasing tickets). Just remember to get them to swipe your parking ticket (gives you three free hours instead of just two).

Approximate cost: $17

One of the best little op shops in the local area. My daughter loves the huge range of kid's books (although it is difficult to get her to cut down to only a couple). Clothing range is extensive and good quality. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find things as it is a little cluttered. Park around the back if you want to donate items.

Love the selection of fresh food all in one place - fruit, veg, meat, bread and deli items. Often very reasonable prices compared to the large chains. Can be a little cold during the winter. Only open Wednesday-Sunday (until 6pm)

I have had both of my children at Calvary Private Hospital - one in 2008 and my second in 2011. On both occasions, it was a great experience. The midwives are excellent and very dedicated to their jobs (I recognised at least one in 2011 who was also there the first time around). The midwives give you as much or little support as you need. With my first bub, I struggled with the whole experience and the midwives were at my beck and call. The second time I was a lot more comfortable and had a much easier time, so they gave me space to bond with my baby.

In terms of the hospital itself, I loved that they supplied a shower in the birthing suite, as that was vital to me. They also stuck to my birth plan as much as medically possible (including hooking me up to a portable monitor with my first bub so that I could still move around).

Many of the rooms in the private section allow for your partner to stay overnight too - either in a double bed or by providing a matress on the floor. Meals can also be provided to your partner at a minimal cost. The food was quite good for hospital food - and plentiful through the day - including a kitchen with access to tea, coffee, biscuits, yoghurt etc.

Unfortunately, standards at the Florey Medical Centre seemed to have declined in the 10 years that I have been living in Canberra. Although this medical centre is walking distance from my house, our family avoids going there unless we just need a medical certificate for work or a script for a pre-diagnosed problem. Although the waits aren't too bad, many of the doctors have very limited Engligh, making it difficult to get diagnosis for complex problems.

Approximate cost: $75

Our pharmacy at our local shops. Obviously, a small local pharmacy can't compete price wise with the large discount style pharmacies (although they have some good specials), but they always give great advice about prescriptions. Service is always friendly yet professional.