Jeremy Farson
Twenty-year roofing veteran Farson is quick to respond, shows up when he says he will — and oh yeah, he has a YouTube channel. Farson tours roofs, shining a spotlight on every major and minor problem — some from wear and tear and others that were clearly the mistake of the last dude who did the job. youtube.com/channel/UCCR2iOOP0tUh3jamkjyFzQA.
Minnow Lane
With a focus on organic, sustainable, nontoxic, ethically made goods, this eco-friendly Fishtown gem has high standards for its products. But that doesn't limit the overflowing selection of toys and clothes for baby and pampering treats (think: aromatherapy sprays) for mom, all of which will earn you a gold star at the next baby shower. 2029 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, minnowlane.com.
Intimacy
It isn't the sexiest purchase a girl's got to make, but a good sports bra—one that holds up to endless bouncing and countless washes—is a wise investment. The boob gurus here will find the brand and fit that work best for you, no matter your cup size. The Plaza at King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, PA 19406, myintimacy.com.
Peter Kate
Here, they understand that the perfect outfit begets a need for the perfect shoes begets the want for a handbag begets a domino effect that makes you say "Well, I can't live without these earrings, either." 3830 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807, peterkate.com.
Foreign Fix Auto Center
Whenever you move to a new neighborhood, you get your bearings: grocery store, parking rules, which bar you can stumble home from. The thing you always forget to find until it’s too late is a car mechanic. That changes today. Jason Capone and the fellas at Foreign Fix will not only get you in and out in the time most shops take to get your car up on the lift; they’ll talk you through the cheapest options first. What are you going to do with all that extra money? Well, there is that bar. 822 Reed Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, facebook.com/Foreign-Fix-Auto-Center-140122042683245.
Bangin’ Curry Franklin
Kazutoshi Iyama and Viet Nguyen, old friends from Temple, decided to show Philly the magic of katsu and curry rice – basically, Japanese comfort food – with a little cart-turned-food-truck posted up at a corner on Washington Avenue. And while you can find katsu all over Philly, nobody nails the super-crispy outside/super-juicy inside quite like these guys. 1760 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146, bangincurryfranklin.com.
Kings and Queens
African food in Philly has traditionally meant Ethiopian. But West African restaurants have been popping up lately, and this one has become our favorite. Newbie? Don’t worry; the cheerful staff loves showing people what’s up. Try the spicy goat-pepper soup and fried fish with jollof rice, with a side of plantains. Multiple locations, kingsandqueensaficancuisine.com.
The Chicken Biscuit at Percy Street
Loosed from Percy Street's Texas-style barbecue roots, Erin O'Shea is showing her talents across the menu. But there's no better bite right now than her fried chicken biscuit, made with crispy fried chicken thighs, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, pickled jalape�os and house-made buttermilk ranch. It's only available during happy hour -- but if you order a trio of 'em, they make a damn fine meal. 900 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, percystreet.com.
Narberth Playground
Yes, it lacks a swag nickname like New York City's Rucker or "The Cage." And it has just two nondescript courts dotted with old-school metal bleachers. But that doesn't deter local prep stars and weekend warriors from showing up, all of them pounding the same pavement where Kobe Bryant, Artis Gilmore and Wilt Chamberlain used to play. 100 Conway Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072, narberthborough.com/narberth-borough-recreation.asp.
Emma Fogt
Living in this land of omnipresent cheesesteaks can be tough on the waistline, but Fogt makes nutrition counseling not-so-scary by kindly helping you and your entire family set goals for a balanced life, rather than a deprived one. You say your kids won't eat anything but chicken nuggets? Fogt's hilarious nutrition-inspired puppet shows will entertain them into trying leafy greens. You'll think she swapped your children out for new models. 16 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, emmafogt.com.
Theatre Exile
Wondering where you can see the latest world premiere from Pulitzer-winning Philly playwright James Ijames? Look no further than this South Philly theater company that’s been pushing boundaries and developing new talent for the past 25 years. As little as $45 gets you Ijames’s Abandon and two other shows this upcoming season. 1340 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, theatreexile.org.
Heiler Painting
So you think you can paint a wall, and suddenly you’re six hours in and you’ve barely taped off the light switches. Heiler Painting isn’t just better at painting than you; they’re honest with their pricing and — just as importantly — their timing. (No waiting around hoping the painter will show up that day.) Beyond interior and exterior painting, the company also provides stucco repair (to keep out that pesky moisture) and cabinet refinishing. And for those looking to weatherize their homes, window glazing is available. 650 Painter Street, suite 1, Media, PA 19063, heilerpainting.com.
Philly Girls Who Walk
When Fairmount resident Bianca Solari founded Philly Girls Who Walk last May, she was looking for a way to get outside and socialize without alcohol. (She wasn’t alone — more than 100 women showed up for the first outing.) The low-key weekly walks, which cover about three miles near locations like the Art Museum, the Ben Franklin Bridge and Schuylkill River Park, are perfect for making new friends and exploring the city, one step at a time. instagram.com/phillygirlswhowalk.
SPF Tanning
Moira Rubino understands that sometimes your schedule has you at its mercy. So she shows up at your door with her handy pop-up tent and organic golden-glow formula whenever you have a minute to get hosed down. Bring your friends: There are discounted group rates when she sprays a bunch of you at once. Service areas include the Main Line and select South Jersey towns; tan@spftanning.com 303 East Church Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, moiraanne.com/services.html.
Mary Tuomanen
With an impressive onstage range and a brain built for crafting memorable scripts, Tuomanen, a 34-year-old Center City dweller, is one of the best -- and busiest -- on the local scene. This past year she co-founded a playwriting collective and debuted a one-woman show; soon she'll star in Local Girls at Azuka Theatre, participate in a UArts incubator, and -- something that's really not to be missed -- play Andy Warhol in the Bearded Ladies Cabaret-Opera Philadelphia collaboration Andy: A Popera at FringeArts.