We had to wait 20 mins to be served tough with 2 younger kids.. icecream looks like they mix up the flavours with the same base, (about the same quality as in Mc D's!!!! :( bit of buzz with the "mix ins" but took too long.. same price as Baskin and Robbins where the ice cream is delectable and there is normally no wait

Approximate cost: $ttoo much

If you want great personal service, Lena is the lady for you. Great to have a chat with and before you know it you're looking stunning. Moderately priced and great with formal hair styling. My daughter looked fantastic for her formal!

Approximate cost: $medium to high

really creative landscaping design.. very good ideas and construction advice and Ryan has great contacts throughout the building industry... and amazing.. these guys leave your site TIDY!!!!!!

Approximate cost: $medium to high

Fantastic range of useful and durable toys, great for boys. Also really good range of dolls houses. Very well located shop and very friendly service. The owners will search for you and get things in.

Approximate cost: $medium

We love the large monster pizzas at Flames, especially chicken and mushroom and satay chicken. Great for families and staff incentives. Quite a variety of food here and prompt service. Handy to Coles while you are waiting, best value pizza around the Uni area.

Approximate cost: $very reasonable

Monroes in St Kilda has good food, well presented. The major advantage is that when you want to roll up for a meal late you can, they have long hours. The disadvantage is that the prices are equally long! Never mind Monroe's quiet and peaceful at 2 am, and its been part of my history for well over 20 years

Approximate cost: $bit dear

Cosmos is worth one or two hours to sit and browse, of course we always walk out laden down with bookds!!! children friendly and has quite a range of interesting thoughtful books in the arts and literature. Good for the visual arts.

Approximate cost: $varies

still the first port of call even though our budget is no longer rock bottom. Fantastic cabinets (add more fasteners and glue) cupboards (the same) and sit them on an aluminum rail for the wall if there will be a lot of weight. There is the necessity to check things out in the box before you leave.. Never mind the stuff looks good and its cheap

Approximate cost: $fairly cheap

Wonderful selection of books and coffee. Just as a bookshop should be, quite the spot for a break... just so much more personal than certain larger chains! (But I go there too) This feels like the ultimate perfect sort of bookshop. Good service too.

Approximate cost: $varies

The Paint Spot has a really good range of paints, and some cheap paints for ceiling and walls. We liked the variety of concrete paints that the Paint Spot have, and they have been very good in mixing colours. They have an excellent range of brushes and other painting accessories, and still have low priced paint brush and roller kits and drop cloths etc.

Approximate cost: $medium to low