These guys sell discount shoes. The quality of the shoes are not great and they won't last you forever, but they are dirt cheap, and they have a nice range of dressy styles, specialising in snakeskin and boots, as well as men's dress shoes.

Approximate cost: $20-$50

This computer place tends to have the cheapest computer goods around Melbourne, usually even beating the prices at the Sunday swap meets. The down side is that if you go at any peak time, you'll be queuing up for service for at least half an hour.

This is a decent veterinary clinic. We take our dog there whenever there are any problems and the vets we have encountered have been very helpful and have a good rapport with the animals. They stock all the essential foods and toys that dogs and cats require.

Approximate cost: $50

Forget Pizza Hut, Domino's or Eagle Boys Pizza. This place in Oakleigh (I can only vouch for their Oakleigh branch) makes amazing pizzas, and at a cost of only $5.95 for each pizza. They also do pasta, which isn't quite as good as the pizza.

Approximate cost: $5.95

We take our dog here for grooming. Apparently they wash and groom a lot of celebrities' dogs. They're a little pricey, and only take cash, but they do a very good job of getting your dog looking good.

Approximate cost: $60

I received a leaflet drop from this place. They main deal with take away and only accept cash, but they are very fast, tasty and have friendly service. This is our local Thai Restaurant of choice around here in the Oakleigh area.

Approximate cost: $9.00