Delicious food, quiet and cosy atmosphere and great value for money banquets. Definitely worth a return visit. Even the kids will love it. Can highly recommend the butter chicken.

Approximate cost: $15

I went here with a couple of girlfriends and shared some dishes (based on recommendations of people who had been before). Although I never would have tried the Roast pumpkin, chilli, pomegranate jam & feta pizza (a little unusual sounding for my usual ordering taste) - it was absolutely delicious. As for the sticky date pudding, with your choice of homemade icecream, it was to-die-for!

Approximate cost: $23

I have been to Turkish Delight many times (including for my birthday three years in a row). The atmosphere is cosy and unique and the food is wonderful. I most often go with my Mum, and we usually share a platter between us so that we can get to try lots of different things. Just make sure that you don't fill up on the bread and dip (although that is delicious too).

In fact, you are reminding me that I want to go again soon. Love my "local" Turkish restaurant.

Went on a whale watching tour with hubby and two kids at start of August. Was able to get 20% tickets off by booking online the day before. Staff were friendly and courteous. Spotted dolphins and whales - although whales were quite a way in the distance. But they are wild animals, so that can't be blamed on the cruise people. Probably a bit long for really little kids (at 2 1/2 - 3 hours), would try a straight dolphin cruise next time.

Approximate cost: $48 / adult

Stayed here a few weeks ago (August 2012) with hubby and our two kids. Got a great deal on Wotif.com (although it wouldn't have been a bit out of our price range otherwise). Great location right on the beautiful beach of Shoal Bay - looks to be great swimming beaches for little ones (although it was too cold to try at this time of the year.

The 1 bedroom apartment was spacious with a full kitchen (complete with dishwasher and oven), separate bedroom and fold out couch for the little ones. Everything was clean and well appointed. Side on view from the balcony of the beach. Toiletries and tea and coffee rations included.

The pool was popular with our four year old (although too cold for me, would be great to have an outdoor spa here). But the real bonus was the onsite Adult Only spa. At first we were disappointed that we couldn't take the kids inside to the indoor lap pool, but it turned into a great retreat time for both myself and hubby (individually) for some time away from the kids. Can highly recommend.

Approximate cost: $200 / night

On holiday in Shoal Bay and we were craving fish and chips - unfortunately the shop at the Nelson's Bay wharf was just shutting as we wanted to order. Couldn't see one in Shoal Bay itself, so asked the ladies at the reception of our hotel - and so we found Aussie Bob (tucked just around the corner off the main street).

Parking and seating wasn't an issue for us, as we were staying walking distance down the road. Not the best fish and chips that we have ever had (as our favourite at Bermagui sets the bar high), but Aussie Bob certainly ranked up there. Real calamari, crispy chips and homemade tartare - what more can you ask for?

Recently, we stayed at the Gilbraltar Hotel in Bowral with our two young daughters. What a beautiful hotel and a gorgeous location. Our hotel room window faced out onto the golf course, but from the bed angle you could just see a lake full of ducks - as if you were looking out into the wild. The hotel contains little cute little nook and cranny rooms all over - perfect for a quiet winter afternoon with a hot chocolate and a a good book.

One highlight of the trip was the double nozzle shower heads in both the pool room and our own bathroom (including a huge one from the ceiling). I had forgotten what showers could be like prior to drought, water restrictions and shower saving water heads - and this was a shower that dreams are made of.

Approximate cost: $250 / per night

When I was looking to add a special touch to my little girl's Dora themed birthday party, I was glad that I went to Gorman's. They arranged some absolutely gorgeous gerbera in a Dora tin bucket that we had - all colour coordinated to Dora's outfit. My little girl loved the flowers, they lasted for ages and all at a very reasonable price.

Although slightly more expensive than some other pet stores in Canberra - it is great to have a store so close by that focuses solely on fish and aquariums. Their quality is always excellent and the tanks always look crystal clear. Plus, it is a great outing with little ones - looking at all of the different types of tropical, cold water and marine fish.

I was lucky enough to receive a NZ$150 voucher to Nature Baby - so got to try out a children's product business that I might have otherwise not had anything to do with. The Australian website gave me a converted value of my voucher as soon as I entered my voucher code - making it very easy to see how much I had to spend in real terms. Free postage for items over $100 in value was an added bonus.

The products arrived from New Zealand by courier within 2-3 days of ordering, which is just amazing (I have had items come from within Australia much slower than that). The product quality is excellent - and comparative in value to other websites of a similar type. My bub loves the little wooden books that I ordered her (saves her chewing on the corners of the cardboard ones) and I have some beautiful organic PJs that she can wear when she is a bit older.