This is our local takeaway, which means it is my go to for me and the kids when hubby is out for the night. The quality seems to vary a bit depending on who is cooking, but overall it is quite good. Look out for their specials on cold BBQ chickens, cheapest that I have seen in Canberra.

Prior to having children, I was never sick very much and therefore did not have a regular doctor. However, this became much more important once I had my first daughter. The doctors at this medical centre are very high quality - and great with kids (especially my first daughter, who really didn't like going to the doctor). Waiting times are generally quite good and prices are comparative to other medical centres. Can be quite difficult to get onto their books unless you already have a family member going there.

Best quality cheap mince that I have found anywhere in Canberra. Price competitive with the supermarkets and cut price butchers - but fair better quality and minimal fat. So delicious too!

Used to shop at Mike's Meats all of the time, especially for my mince meat. However, I found the quality of meat used for the mince had dropped off the last couple of times that I shopped there, so I have found another butcher.

Definitely my favourite sausages - and at excellent prices for their bulk packs - even cheaper than the fair lesser quality supermarket sausages. Worth the extra stop on shopping day!

Light, French style pastries that are so yummy! Prices are about what you would expect, but so much tastier than your standard bakery. I do wish that they wouldn't put everything in a massive plastic bag though - especially when you are mostly eating the sweet straight away.

Approximate cost: $3

My girls and I love doing the rounds of the local markets, fetes and garage sales - and one of the best that we have found is the Marymead garage sales (held 2-3 times a year - check the website for dates) and annual fete (in November). The quality is high and the prices are a steal. My four year old especially loves the toy stall - this year we got a whole box of toys, party decorations and puzzles for $10 (some things were still new in their box). There is entertainment, food and fun for all of the family. Plus, you are helping to raise money for a great cause - Marymead is a not-for-profit organisation helping disadvantage children and families.

So many of my daughters' beautiful clothes have come from the Baby and Kid Markets in Canberra. The market is much easier to get around since the move to EPIC (they used to be held at the Woden CIT). I usually do one full lap around to see what is available before I purchase anything, as the stalls can vary greatly in price and quality. Get in early if you want to purchase large items (as the good things go quickly), or hang around at the end for discount bargaining (as most people don't want to take things home again). Best suited to children up to the age of 5-6.

Amelia made our wedding cake. She runs her cake business from her own home at excellent prices. She will make anything that you can imagine. We looked at a scrapbook of many cakes that she had made (amazing), but we had a different idea which she completed to perfection. Our wedding cake was a delicious chocolate mudcake with a green field, muddy patch and two wedding pigs with a sign
"Happy as pigs in mud". It was so us - better than even we had imagined - I have still keep the sugar figurines from the top of the cake.

Approximate cost: $100

When we wanted a new kitchen in our rental property and an updated kitchen in our own - we chose to go with Granite Transformations. Big mistake! The rental property was first up, and at first things went very smoothly. However, when we need to ask some questions on the detail of the project, it was extremely hard to get in touch with anyone. When you did speak to someone, they seemed very vague (or acted like you were). Eventually, it came to a showdown - resulting in the contract for our kitchen being cancelled (by Granite) without commencement. The kitchen in our rental property was completed (mostly) to an acceptable standard - but the stress involved with the whole debacle has put us off major renovations for years. Granite even kept our deposit (despite them being the ones to cancel). The price seemed right - but perhaps when something sounds too good to be true, it is.

Approximate cost: $10000