As far as Brookside goes, it's been my family's local (and very small) shopping centre all my life…read more It's because Brookside has always provided the fundamentals: places to get groceries, newsagents, a Coffee Club, Myer and Target, a chemist, and a few other ever-changing stores dotted throughout it. I've essentially always seen Brookside as a basic shopping centre and, even though it has a special place in my heart, a shopping centre without any speciality shops to be profoundly proud of. But now, a little bit older and hopefully a little bit wiser, I stumbled across House + Garden by pure chance as I was waiting for a friend. I'm happy to report that House + Garden has a really great/love/affordable range of homewares, knick-knacks, furniture, furnishings, and kitchen gadgets. I'm not obnoxious enough to think that I've seen all types of cabinet styles, but obnoxious enough to say that I've seen a lot, especially after trolling through Antique stores. But I was delighted when I saw a white cabinet set that has five charming hidden doors. House + Garden also boasts a fantastic range of arty pictures, some of which are inspiring, and some of which have famous people like Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe splattered across them. The kitchen section is equally charming, and set up just like it would be inside a home. I can easily say I would find something here and if I had the funds, would also spill my savings. I'm a fan, and I'm really impressed that Brookside hosts such a lovely and quaint little homeware shop.

Would I shop here on the daily? Unlikely. But when you need cheap jars to act as vases at an event,…read morepaper squares to use as photo backdrops or cheap garden supplies, The Reject Shop does, as the three stars say, A-OK. It's reliable and affordable. There's ample parking in either Brookside Shopping Centre or just out front. Don't dwell on the fact of what it is, just embrace that it sometimes has what you'll want and without breaking the bank.

Bargain City in Lutwyche is full of a whole range of cheap and cheerful products. They've got…read moreplenty of stuff from pet needs, homewares, toiletries and confectionary. You would be struggling to find anything over the price of $15, as everything is cheap cheap CHEAP. The quality, is not so bad although cheaply mass produced. I've bought plastic tumblers from here that have survived a whole lot of dropping, but are in great condition still. They've got plenty of wrapping paper for last minute wrapping needs and my favourite, cheap art supplies including canvases! The customer service here is really good. They've always got enough staff to handle the customers and they even have enough time to personally help customers out. Pretty good place for a bargain shop.

Jess's Home Interiors is a great local shop for that something different. I often drop in there…read morewhen I need a present for Mum, my Sister or the Girlfriend!! Lots of people like to shop online for these kind of accessories these days but I love to touch and feel and see the real thing. Its great to get another perspective when buying gifts as well!! I'm always surprised at the creativity of the little nick knacks and almost purchased a piece of furniture during my last visit. Next time you want to spoil that someone special drop in for sure!!

Fairly new, this Target took over from a rather old and tired looking David Jones store…read more David Jones was two levels though, while this is only one. It's bright and full of Things, yet I often find there's really nothing I want there, and Targét is really how they think of themselves judging by the prices. The quality of their products is no better than any other store, yet they charge like a boutique.

I like me some target work clothes. And the fact that this one is at Toombul, it means it's never…read morevery busy. I really hope busy enough to stay open, but keeping the crowds away. The car park is a bit annoying since this Target is right in the middle of the shopping centre, but for that same reason it can be seen as convenient. Like all Targets be aware their sizing fluctuates. On the plus they list the measurements above racks. Still, annoying... The change room no longer has a limit on how many you can take in. Which is great since on the weekend I took in 13 items. Target. I like. I will never get used to the cash register system though. Making you line up in one huge line for multiple registers. Is it to give the impression the line is moving faster? I am not a fan. Edit: Since writing this (honestly, it was about 10 minutes ago) I've received an abusive number of texts from a friend, all written in caps, about how good the single line is. About the fact that it means you don't have those jerks beat you out of the store even though you lined up first and picked the slow register. You know one time at Target I got stuck with the slow person and I didn't have a choice about it because I was shepherded to whatever register I was told to go to. But please, go to Target because you love the one line. I'll continue going, just not for that reason.

Just one of many bargain stores down at Toombul, but I find there's a couple…read moreOf things about this one that makes it stand out from the rest. It is owned and managed by the same People for as long as I can remember, they have a huge selection of dress up costumes, props, and party supplies (everything from birthdays to baby shorts), and my absolute favourite, cheap frame!!!! No no not spectacles or glasses, like picture frames, deffo the cheapest down at toombul, and not terrible quality either!! Staff are typical, young kids on the floor and the guy I assume is the owner on the registers who is always very polite! You must pay these guys a visit for any occasion, be it state of origin, through to my personal favourite, Halloween!! Some stuff is a bit overpriced, but on average a good deal to be had by all!!

Aspley Village Shopping Centre is a hidden treasure that I honestly don't want to tell anyone…read moreabout. Less than 3km away is Chermside Shopping Centre with its busy crowds and horrible parking situation, yet Aspley Village still remains a calm and serene shopping experience. It was always quiet, there is ample undercover parking and you don't have to battle with crowds. And this is bliss, when all I want to do is some grocery shopping. I am noticing the crowds are slowly starting to grow on weekends, but I think we've got a while before it becomes anything like Germside. The Coles supermarket is clean and new and well laid out, Patton's Big Guns has all your fruit & veg, deli and butcher needs met, there's a Malouf Chemist and a bottle shop. What else could you need? Well there's also a florist, a bakery, a fish and chip takeaway/seafood monger, a cafe, a couple of fashion stores and the complex is also home to a Medical Centre, Sunshine Kebabs and Outback Jack's Steakhouse.

Brett's Timer and Hardware is the ideal location to begin planning the fit-out of your new home, to…read morereceive renovation inspiration or to just fill space in your imaginary dream home. For me, being confined to limited kitchen and bathroom space in a rental property, a visit to Brett's ignites my imagination and fuels the desire to design my dream home. The place is huge and is filled with everything, including surplus kitchen sinks. There are kitchen gadgets, ovens, large fridges, microwaves, designer coffee machines, baths which come in all shapes and sizes (hello, square bath), an abundance of shower heads (which make you believe that you do in fact need more than one in your shower), toilets, the largest collection of bathroom taps I've ever seen, and of course, the all-essential fire pit. On weekends, the display kitchen comes to life with live cooking shows and domestic-barista training sessions. There is also an adjoining structural timber warehouse, ideal for constructing your dream home, but I was mesmerised by the interior, domestic gadgets so I'll leave that for you to check out for yourself.

Wonderful family owned hardware store! Everyone is always really helpful. I've been a regular here…read morefor years for things for painting, gardening and office stuff - and I will keep coming back!