Buzz is a nifty, brilliantly priced little hole-in-the-wall that has become an essential part of my morning ritual. Michael, the owner-operator, has an incredible memory - he knows every customer and their regular orders. The coffee is fantastic and the cheapest I've located in the CBD - plus loyalty cards reward every seven coffees with one free, and there's no extra charge for soy milk. Morning snacks (muffins, toast) are excellent value too.
Approximate cost: $4
A casual, friendly local cafe. Service can be slow, but for a simple coffee or banana bread it's worth the wait. Their soy coffees are among the best I've tried. Breakfast options are a tempting mix, but I was disappointed to discover eggs are pre-poached. Recommended for the locals - it's a good meeting place with a relaxed vibe.
Approximate cost: $12
Juli (pronounced "Yuli") was my regular house cleaner for 18 months. She cleaned our 3 bedroom apartment in three hours, leaving the kitchen, bathroom and living areas spotless. She also vacuumed the whole house, made the beds, and even tidied our bedrooms when asked. Unfortunately I've now moved to a tiny apartment by myself and can't justify having a cleaner - but I would highly recommend the service for that once a week or once a fortnight clean. It's the best money you'll spend! She charges just $20 an hour for a minimum of three hours, but that's enough time for an apartment or small house. I understand that she covers all of the eastern suburbs and inner west.
Approximate cost: $20