Call2Organize
Didn't exactly get around to spring cleaning? Or summer cleaning, for that matter? Sorting through mountains of memorabilia can be daunting (okay, frightening), which is why Ccile Steinriede and Sofia Stalberg of Bala Cynwyd-based Call2Organize will not only declutter and reorganize your living space, leaving it spotless while setting aside items for sale or tax deduction; they'll also teach you how to keep it spartan, so you won't need to call them again. Contact: Ccile Steinriede, 00000, call2organize.com.
Greenable
Now in bigger digs in NoLibs, this eco-friendly version of Home Depot will responsibly redo your kitchen, bath, floors and more or just sell you a gallon of VOC-free one-coat paint. Call or see website for consultation, 00000, greenable.net.
Adam Smith
Buying a new house? Don’t sign on the dotted line until you meet Adam Smith. His boutique service includes a one-on-one walk-through that covers everything from small idiosyncrasies to turn-and-run deal-breakers. Click here for some of his best tips for not ending up with a money pit.
adamsmithinspectsphilly.com.Fast Local Locksmith
There are home services where response times don’t especially matter, like furniture assembly or hanging pictures. (Come on, they’ve been leaning against the wall since the day you moved in.) And then there are times when you’re locked out of your home with three whining kids. And it’s snowing. Fast Local is professional, clear at communicating, and, most importantly, super-speedy. 1526 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, fast-locallocksmith.com.
The Black Cat Tavern on 12th
The traditional ones are stuffed with potato and cheese; the fun ones are stuffed like jalapeño poppers; and during the holidays, some even come with smoked duck and cranberry. It’s pierogi heaven where you wouldn’t expect it. 2654 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, blackcattavernphilly.com.
Kool Klips Grooming
Certified master groomer Jennifer Lavelle makes it easy: She'll come to your home, get Snickers gorgeous, and teach you techniques to prolong the time between visits 1327 Elson Road, Broomall, PA 19008, facebook.com/pages/Kool-Dogs-Kool-Klips/112629118773703.
Topgolf
Grab some friends, snag one of the 102 climate-controlled bays, hit drives to your heart’s content, and order another round every time the server comes by. 104 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, topgolf.com.
Southwark
Go to Southwark and order a Manhattan or a Sazerac. Then go anywhere else in the country and order the same cocktail. Then come home to Southwark, because the quaint Queen Village bar and restaurant does classic better than anyone. 701 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, southwarkrestaurant.com.
Virtual Classes
If being at home with your kids 24/7 has changed your attitude toward screen time, it’s okay. We know you love those little rascals, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need some “me” time now and then. Allay your guilt (if you still have any) by registering for one of the many local kids’ classes that have popped up on YouTube and across social media. Settlement Music School is offering Settlement Kids Live (settlementmusic.org), with free music and dance classes for children streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. If your offspring have energy to burn, InMovement Gymnastics Education (phillyinmovement.com) has online tumbling, karate and dance classes. Pick the one that’s right for your little one, and you may actually get the chance to use the bathroom without being interrupted. And the Philly Zoo at 2 (philadelphiazoo.org) introduces kids to all kinds of creatures every weekday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live — and keeps an archive of past videos for hours of educational streaming.
Cotoletta
Cotoletta offers classic pastas, solid seafood, and a starter of provolone-and-sausage-stuffed hot peppers (the last a must-get), but really, you come here for the namesake cutlets – five varieties, made with chicken, veal or eggplant, each pounded thin and fried to perfection, all slices of pure home-style comfort. 201 Jefferson Street, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, cotoletta.net.
MBR Nanny Network
Finding someone to come into your home and take care of your kid is as personal as it gets, which is exactly why Marissa Rosen's nanny biz has taken off: She meets with each family in person, vets each nanny and sitter herself, and is always available by email, text or phone. mbrnannynetwork.com.
Obsidian Eats
Cassava chip nachos topped with fiery jerk seitan, dairy-free queso, smoky chickpea tempeh “ribs” and barbecue jackfruit … there’s some real plant-based wizardry coming out of this pint-size roving cart that you can find all around West and South Philly.
Baked Sunless Tanning
Consider a perfectly bronze, all-natural spray tan your reward for all those sunny days down the Shore spent slathering on SPF 100. Feeling lazy? They'll come to you. In-store spray tans start at $35, at-home treatments at $55. 815 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, bakedtanning.com.
Restoration Hardware Outlet
Savvy shoppers (and interior designers) hit this outlet–and hit it often–to score up to 40 percent off on gorgeous chairs, chaises, sofas, soft goods, tables and lighting. Tips for the semi-savvy: Come prepared with room measurements, be ready to comb through a lot of inventory, and ask the staff about any unmarked sales. 2100 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, restorationhardware.com.
Nardone Pasta Co.
Some of the best pasta dishes in Philly right now — hand-rolled trofie pasta salad with gochujang and smoked celery; fusilli tossed with broccolini and preserved lemon — aren’t coming from any one kitchen, but from whatever restaurant or bar gives the Nardone crew the keys for a night. Multiple locations. nardonepastaco.com.