How can I restore certain things from Time Machine?

[Daneas]

Hi - first Mac, first post!

Bought an Air a few weeks ago, lots of problems, Apple told me to back-up and then reinstall Lion.

I've done that and get how I can restore things like documents and music, but how do I restore things like my address book, safari bookmarks etc.?

I don't want to do a full restore from Time Machine as I don't want to risk all the old problems coming back - I just want to restore the files and folders I want.

Thanks

Edit: Also, when in Time Machine, is it normal for the Applications folder to be empty?! How can I get all my apps back if Time Machine hasn't backed them up?!