I travelled over to Birkdale for the British Fish and Chips but while I was there I thought i…read moreshould check out this great store. What a delight it was to walk in and feel like I had been transported back to Britain! I felt like i was reliving my childhood and I discovered a few treats that I had forgotten about. If they don't stock an item that you would like, you can make a suggestion and they will see if they can get it in stock. Don't expect UK prices for the goodies, they are a little pricier but they are a treat which makes it all the sweeter! I suspect this is the biggest selection of British items in Brisbane! A must visit for all expats.

Britain on the Bayside boasts the largest selection of British goods in Queensland and I think they…read moremight be right. Everything British you could possibly think of is here. Football and Beatles merchandise, books, steak and kidney pies, pork sausages plus a whole variety of British grocery brands. Last time I was there, it was around the time of Prince William and Kate Middleton's marriage. It was crazy! So many people and too many promotional items to name. William and Kate were on everything: coffee mugs, the walls, stickers. Crazy but so much fun getting swept up in the hype. At normal times, the shop is packed full of good old British produce and gifts. Owner Louise is super friendly and knows her stuff.

Amongst the cafes and designer fashion shops on Oxford Street, sits Anne's Secondhand Shop. It is…read moreabsolutely filled to the brim with everything you could possibly imagine or want, plus a whole lot of stuff you don't need, but can't resist buying for kitsch value. Everything from old musty books, retro kitchen ware and dining sets, framed pictures and various knick knacks. They also buy second hand goods too. It's not your usual op shop filled with unfashionable clothes. I felt like a bit of a bull in a china shop, there is stuff piled so high it barely left room to browse. And if there's someone in front of you, there's no chance you can squeeze past. I didn't want to dig too much in case I knocked something over.

At Anne's Secondhand shop, you'll pretty much find anything you need. The furniture in this place…read moreis so ample it's climbing up the walls and its windows are littered with doilies, china sets, and vintage clutches that this place is giving a new lease on life. This place is teaming with furniture and bric-a-brac just waiting to be bought and loved all over again. If you have anything to sell you can take it on in to Anne's Secondhand Shop, or you can pick up something for yourself. Opening hours are limited however, but you can call to make an appointment if you see something you just have to have through the windows when the shop's doors are closed.

I like to think of Spiral more as a symbolic social hub that as an actual shop. The sign perched on…read moretop of their roof indicates that Spiral, in it's shop form, is all about selling goods that contribute towards a socially, environmentally, and politically conscious and ethical world view. You'll find handicrafts from different cultures near and far, along with a small collection of environmentally friendly, low impact innovative creations. Spiral, the hub, serves a variety of functions. Several community organisations and activist groups hold their meetings there on a regular basis. Spiral is one of the drop off points for Food Connect, a local group who deliver food sourced locally (within 5 hours of Brisbane) to customers in an effort to support local farmers and industry and to help city folk reconnect with the source of their food. Local project Think- Tank also host their documentary screenings in Spiral's outdoor arena on the first Monday of every month. (Subject to change). They are on a mission to assist communities to become more sustainable through various means. They have various programs and projects that help various disadvantaged communities receive help in starting financial ventures, small business and so on. In short, Spiral cares. It cares about what's happening in our immediate and global community. For the inquisitive and socially concerned individual, it's a great place to come and support. While you're there, you're just likely to meet some other like minded people folk. Maybe you'll start your own community group or event. They'd support you in doing so.

I have a lot of respect for home businesses that are good at their trade and are very professional…read morein their work, like Belicious Hair & Beauty. Belinda, who is the owner and hairdresser at Belicious Hair & Beauty, is very talented with hair cutting and styling. it is no wonder her business has received plenty of positive referrals. It may be known as a 'home business', however, the salon has a separate entrance to the home and when inside the salon, you will find it is fitted with art deco styled interiors. It has a boutique feel- I love it! As you get your hair cut and styled here, you can relax and enjoy the music playing or bury yourself in magazines. FYI; there are plenty of the latest fashion and gossip magazines laid out next to the mirror. The service here is professional and Belinda makes you feel like a princess whilst you get your hair done. Because she usually takes one client at a time, you'd feel spoilt and pampered here. She takes her time to achieve the cut and style the client wants and also has a great understanding for what styles can or cannot suit, so don't feel afraid to ask for her suggestions. Belicious Hair & Beauty is by appointment only, so make sure you give her a call to discuss hers and your availability. Depending on location the service is available as a mobile service, which is perfect if it's hairstyling for weddings or special occasions.

I have gone to Belinda now for several years. At first she appealed to me for the cost being a…read morepoor Uni student and all at the time, but now i continue to go because I get exactly what I want every time I see her! She takes pride in her work, her scheduling is great you never get rushed out and she is always happy to work with you to get that exact style you want. I have never been one to follow a hair dresser around, I have always just been happy to get it done and get out, but since I started going to Belinda I always leave feeling just so amazing and my hair stays healthy and shiny for weeks. In fact I have even moved since I first started seeing her and I now travel from the west side of Brisbane just to get my hair done.