Kristi Gilbert's Fab Finds: From Consignment, to Steaks, to Sushi

Every few months, I like to share some of my discoveries. I know, I've been here for about a year and a half and some of these places may already be in your back pocket. But for those of you that are, like me, still getting acquainted to the area, be sure to check out my newest local favorites!

If you haven’t been to Sweet Pea Consignment in Westmont, you are seriously missing out. Traci Curtis (the shop’s owner) has been filling her shop with some of the cutest, mint-condition kids' stuff you could find. You don’t even feel like you’re in a consignment shop when you walk in—it's super clean and well organized, everything has been laundered, and all toys are scrubbed down.

First of all, the shop itself is darling; there is even a play area in back for your kids to play while you shop. (The clouds just opened up and I see the sun!) And secondly, the clothing, toy and book selection is fantastic! On a recent visit, we scored a brand new pair of Lelli Kelly’s for $22, which typically retail for up to $80. Winning!

The brands she carries are incredible: Burberry, Patagonia, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Bugaboo, etc. I’m actually kicking myself right now for sharing this gem with you; I want the deals for my own kids and don’t want others swooping in on my loot! For info about what Traci is putting out on the sales floor and when to get there, follow Sweet Pea's Facebook page for daily updates.

Now that you’ve got your kids all decked out in their top brands, head on over to Standard Market, my next new favorite! This place is absolutely gorgeous! It’s impeccably clean and has a fantastic and friendly staff.

I’m a huge fan of Standard Market because it is one place I have found that carries Boulevard Brewing Co. products, something I drank regularly in college at Mizzou. (I can probably thank them for my "freshman 15.") Up until now, I was only ever able to find Boulevard products in Kansas City and St. Louis. Well, not anymore! And don’t forget to try Standard Market's Bolthouse Farms salad dressings. They are 45 calories per serving and are the very best “lite” dressings that my taste buds have ever encountered!

Standard Market's meat and seafood selection is top of the line. I highly recommend their bone-in filet mignon. We bought them, marinated them, and threw them on the grill. They were every bit as good as Gibson’s or Ditka’s. Then again, I should probably give my husband some props for manning the grill. Move over, Bobby Flay! It was beyond tasty, for a fraction of the price of what you'd pay at a restaurant.

While we’re on the subject of food, it’s only right for me to share a few other local restaurants that have recently caught my eye. They are Nabuki and Giuliano’s.

Nabuki has the most delicious sushi I’ve ever had. Seriously. I could eat myself to death at this place. Now that I'm not pregnant, I can't stay away! My personal favorites include the Asian Tacos, Tunado Roll, Stop Drop and Roll, and Hamachi Tiradito. The staff is more than accommodating and very friendly, as well.

Giuliano’s Chopped Salad. That’s about all I need to tell you about this place. It’s sooooo good. I order it each and every time. Sadly, we’ve never actually been to the restaurant because we’re big on delivery. I can also tell you that their Chicken Parmesan and Cheese Ravioli are yummy-licious. And don't forget to mention your $2 coupon in the Money Mailer!

Next up on the must-know-list of newfound favorites is Paddy Wagons, based in New Lenox. Paddy Wagons is a service where drivers will come to you and your car and drive it home while being followed by a friend. It’s super reasonable, reliable and guaranteed to keep you DUI free! Even better, your car will be in your driveway when you wake up with that throbbing headache. It’s genius! We used the service a month ago and I can’t say enough great things about them. Make sure to call ahead, though. We made arrangements with them at the beginning of the evening, allowing them time to coordinate the drivers. In other words, they don't work like a cab service where you can call and expect them in five minutes.

Lastly, Chicago Ave. Cleaners in Westmont. They are so cheap and do an incredible job! My husband has to have everything dry-cleaned, and that adds up. We are paying a fraction of the cost of what we were spending elsewhere.

So there you have it, my newest favorites!

I can tell you about a find I was not happy about, though. Upon returning home from getting my hair done last Saturday at J. Bryant Salon, I walked into the house and Ken said he had a surprise for me. I opened Ava’s bedroom door to find a disgusting display of fecal art all over the walls, furniture, and toys. I have never been so grossed out in my life. She was so proud of herself, too.

I told her, “This is very, very bad. Ava you were really naughty.”

"Sor Momma. Ava noggy," she said, looking down at the floor.

Lucky for me, it wasn’t nearly as hard to clean as the Desitin she slathered her whole body with the thick, white paste, eventually making her resemble a mime. (See that post here.)

So I got to work and started cleaning up the awful mess. Ava soon grabbed a rag and started scrubbing too, exclaiming, “Here Momma. I help. I help scrub. Ava noggy. Poop is bad,” to which I turned my head away from her to smile and laugh at the adorable-ness of my child. 

Despite the stench, it was yet another story to tell her about when she is old and grown. And I was fully prepared for this day, as I'm told it's very common for a child to "paint with poo."

Thank God for Clorox Bleach Wipes—another fabulous find!