Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

New pathways to skilled careers: Auburn was selected as one of five communities in GE Aerospace Foundation’s $30 million Lifting Futures program, expanding advanced manufacturing training to prepare 10,000 workers for aerospace jobs by 2030 -- get all the details.

Remote-launched aerial support coming: Auburn City Council has approved a $992,501 contract with Axon for police drones and docking stations. City says it will speed responses, while privacy concerns were raised about thermal imaging -- get all the details.

Key details for drivers: Road work is underway on Highway 14 in Lee County, a $4.5 million resurfacing project spanning roughly 11 miles to Auburn’s Shug Jordan Parkway, expected to finish by year’s end -- see the route and timeline.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Fresh closet fix: Elisabet Boutique keeps your rotation on point with a curated mix of contemporary clothing, shoes, intimates, and giftable finds that feel more fun than fussy. Shop online if you’re couch-committed, or swing by this week and let the team help you find a fresh go-to.

Sweet tooth SOS: When a cupcake craving hits midweek, Gigi's Cupcakes offers a rotating lineup of classics and seasonal one-offs, plus minis, available for pickup through online ordering. A mix suits the office, the game, or a solo treat; no judgment, just frosting.

Cozy jazz, zero pretense: Piccolo 241 Jazz & Cocktails is the cozy, fireplace-lit lounge tucked inside The Hotel at Auburn University where live jazz meets classic cocktails. Slide into a leather chair, order something stirred not shaken, and let the music turn workday brain into weekend brain.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

👑 Royal-tea Party @ Auburn Public Library | Thursday (4/30) at 3:30 PM – Polish your tiara and swing by the library for a Royal-tea Party, with proper “tea,” snacks, and easy crafts the kids, grandkids, and you can handle. Dress to reign or arrive in sneakers, it is free, friendly, and pinkies optional. Bring your court.

💐 Floral Arranging Class @ The Laurel Hotel & Spa | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Walt’s on the Roof is hosting a relaxed floral workshop with The Flower Bed and the Junior League, complete with sips, tips, and the best views in town. Trade your grocery-store bouquet for a lush, seasonal arrangement you built yourself, smug glow included.

🐚 Sea Glass Tree or Angel @ The Fired Fox Art Studio (Opelika) | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – If your mantel needs a glow-up, craft a 10-inch lighted sea glass tree or angel, choose your colors, and personalize with any shells you bring. Yes, even that jar from the 2003 family beach trip. $60, 12 and up, one ticket per person.

📓 Junk Journaling @ Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers | Thursday (4/30) at 6:30 PM – Give that junk drawer a promotion and make a junk journal in a no-stress class. Sticker and Stamp bring all the junk you need for $25, with a journal for $5 if your stash is light. Real materials, real fun, zero glitter explosions.

🎗 Relay For Life @ Opelika Courthouse Square | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Rally the neighbors to knock cancer down a peg. Relay For Life in Lee County brings teams, survivor laps, and luminaria, part of the world's largest fundraiser to end cancer. Less treadmill, more community, stories, and that feeling you did something good, so sign up.

🌸 Mommy & Me Flower Bar @ Dandelion Play Cafe | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – If you need an excuse to let the kids burn energy while you sip, Dandelion Play Cafe hosts a sweet Mommy & Me Flower Bar. Mini bouquets with The Flower Bed, light bites, a photo booth, and open play, $25 per duo, limited spots.

🌼 Garden In the Park @ Park Road (Opelika) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – If your walls and windowsills are begging for something not from a big-box aisle, hit Garden In the Park, a festival of handmade and homegrown finds. Expect pottery, soaps, jams, and plants, plus neighbors you like. Bring a tote, sturdy shoes, and your small bills.

On storied West Magnolia Avenue, this rare detached Auburn residence puts Jordan-Hare, Neville Arena, and Toomer’s Corner within steps. The 2-bed, 1.5-bath main level pairs original hardwoods, 9-foot ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a dramatic spiral staircase with a modern kitchen. A basement and converted attic loft add flexibility. Outside, a private patio and five coveted parking spots shine.