Misty S.

Kwiatkowski Plumbing & Remodeling

A week ago, I opened the cabinet under my sink to find that the drain had separated. EVERYTHING was draining right onto the floor! Without a plumber, I needed to open the Yahoo.com Local and choose one. Kwiatkowski was the first on the list.

When I called, the owner fielded the request. He was friendly and professional and put me at ease immediately. I told him the problem, and he told me a plumber would be out in 90 minutes.

When the plumber, Bob, arrived, he went right to work fixing the drain. Because he was so prompt and professional, I also asked him about fixing a leaking valve under the sink in our 1/2 bath. He did so. Within two hours he was completely done and presented me with a bill--for $402!! While the work was done well, I didn't expect such a hefty fee!

My advice? Use this plumber...but get an estimate first!

PROS: Prompt, Professional
CONS: Expensive!

Ko Sports Hockey

If there are boys who play hockey in your family, you MUST visit Kosports. This skate shop has everything the hockey player needs, from skates to skate guards, and they won't empty your wallet. When my boys started playing hockey, we took them out to Kosports not quite sure what to expect. They expertly fitted both boys for skates, sold us only what we needed and even discouraged overbuying before we were sure the boys would like it.

The service here was top notch, though the business was a little out of the way for this Pittburgh gal. It was, however, well worth the trip!!

Gram & Gramps

If you like for your baby or toddler to stand out from the crowd, you should definitely be shopping at Gram and Gramps! They have a terrific selection of designer clothing, and they even have a section of high end toys that you surely won't find at ToysRUs. Their selection of baptism and christening outfits is extensive and positively GORGEOUS!! The sales associates will help with your purchase then package it beautifully. Parking is plentiful, access is easy and the entire shopping experience is always a delight!

Wildwood Highlands North Park

We had my daughter's third birthday here, and the kids had a ball!! Inside there are tunnels to climb in and around, while outside there are bumper boats, go carts, a miniature golf course and several small amusement park type rides for the toddlers. The pizza they served was hot and tasty, and the service was terrific. If you go, don't forget to check the Entertainment Book for money saving coupons!

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet School

If your young child shows an interest in dance, bypass the neighborhood dance classes and go for the best--Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. The instructors here are professionally trained and will instill in your child a love of the art of dance. I love the new studios on Industrial Blvd. They've added a studio for pilates, a beautiful kitchen, ballet training studios, locker rooms, play rooms for waiting siblings, and (my favorite) a HUGE waiting area for parents, complete with leather sofas and a stone fireplace. The are the BEST dance school in the city!

Signature Desserts

If you've ever had a chocolate craving.....if you've ever gotten up in the middle of the night in search of something sweet....if you consider yourself a bakery conniseur...then you MUST visit Signature Desserts. This bakery supplies many local restaurants with their sweets, but their tiny store front allows for foot traffic. The selection is limited, but what they do, they do well! Everyone should try Death by Chocolate, a heavenly chocolate cake that melts in your mouth--it's their signature piece. They also do a heavenly Black Forest Cake, topped with fresh chocolate covered cherries.

They do cakes to order as well, and the options are amazing. We've had the strawberry custard filling and the chocolate fudge filling in cakes we've purchased for various occasions, and the cake is ALWAYS the hit of the party.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this bakery!!