If you want an obscure bead - these guys would have it. I'm not really into beadning, but have been to this store twice: once for leather thonging for a broken key ring, once to buy a bead for a special new baby cermeony. Each time i got what i wanted. I did have to wait a while for service, counting out beads is like buying single lollies at the milk bar, but there was heaps to look at. Literally thousands of typesof beads

Farrell's is the primary book store in Mornigton and has a good range of audio books and coffee table books. They have most of the recent releases but sometimes dont have the less 'popular' titles. I've asked staff for things and they've looked at me blankly. Also, staff members (some) don't always know about new books.

Approximate cost: $30

Seasons of the Heart is one of my favourite shops in Mornington. Their homewares, art and kitchen wares are delicious! They stock stuff that could bedescribedas shabby chic, but its more country charm without the kitch or pot pourri. REallylovely. And they have a great selection of gift cards - different rom the ones at the newsagent!

Alf and his team give great service and careful dry cleaning. Everything is easy - which is what you want when you're busy. He's even taken me out the back to show me how they do things! I feel safe leavning all my precious garments here. I've never had any rpoblems and they know me by name. A great business

Approximate cost: $6

FLower Girlsis the mostexpensive florist in town, but their flowers are by far the most modern and stylish. I've never had an event done there, only bought gifts for my partner, but I imagine they would be brilliant. The designs are innovative and everything is fresh. The staff are really helpful, especially when you're ordering over the phone.

Approximate cost: $50

While the Coffee Traders is a cafe, it is - more importantly - a greatplace to buy all sortsof coffee. The staffare helpful and will answer questions about the grade to which the coffee is ground and the typesof beans you want to buy. The tables outside are nice when its sunny. Insie its a bitpokey, but still ok. The cakes etc arent anything flash, butthe coffee smell gives the place nice atmosphere.

Approximate cost: $NA

FRom the window, this store looks like a bit of an 'older woman' store, but they stock a big range, including metalicus and morrison, two great brands. They carry new zealand designers as well as Australians ones. They also have great specials, including an occasional 75% off rack (got to love that!).

Approximate cost: $various

This shop is classic. Very stylish and stockingonly the most exciting brands - including European designers. Obviously a lotof care has gone into seolecting their stock. They also carry bags, jewellry and a small clothing selection. Because I find it hard to buy shoes (big feet) I lovethe special attention I get at this store. And it's so flashy inside; decadent!

Approximate cost: $150 a pair, but they do

We had a large function - a birthday party - and Jacqui was a wonderful help from beginning to end. she helped us plan the quantity and was very frank about the costs and the value. On the day she arranged the staff and everything happened without us needing to lift a finger. It was great. The food was exceptional and my guests made a lot of comments about it afterwards. And, to be honest, the over all cost was not that far off what I would have spent if i did all the food myself. Excellent!

Approximate cost: $15 per head for our chos

Excellent food, wholesome AND yummy. Friendly staff, good specials and a great atmosphere. The decor is funky without being over the top. They have a good community notice board and a book exchange, which is cool, too. I ordered the dahl and my friend ordered the burger. It was huge. We both had soy chai latte and they were great too.

Approximate cost: $12