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.*

Safer disposal program launched: Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center began accepting nicotine vapes only on April 23, free for Johnson County, Kalona, and Riverside residents, to help prevent fires and reduce hazardous exposure -- see eligibility and guidelines.

Local agencies expand housing access: New program offers up to $35,000 in forgivable down payment aid for first-time buyers across Eastern Iowa, helping 15 households over two years with 5 to 10 year occupancy rules -- see how the program works.

Facebook post teases addition: Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville announced a new low-cost shop, Miss A, is coming soon, offering many items for about a dollar. Opening details are still to come -- read the full story.

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.*

Treasure hunt time: If your apartment, wardrobe, or energy could use a little glow-up, Heim has the mix you want... vintage finds, jewelry, house plants, healing crystals, local art, and cheeky gifts that make errands feel like a micro-adventure. Make a quick lap this week and let something unexpectedly perfect pick you.

Flip the midweek blahs: Got a kid who climbs everything or a grown up itching to relearn a cartwheel, Iowa Gym-Nest Iowa City keeps it fun with beginner-friendly classes, real-deal coaches, and plenty of ways to burn energy. Consider it your sanity saver before bedtime this week... and yes, confidence grows pretty fast here.

Brunch worth waking up for: At Pullman Bar & Diner, Iowa City mornings hit better with breakfast tacos, biscuits & gravy, fluffy pancakes, and a craveable coffee cake. Meet a friend, snag a booth, and let a brunch cocktail double as self-care.

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 →

📚 Children's Day & Book Day Fiesta @ Iowa City Public Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 10:30 AM – This Children’s Day and Book Day fiesta brings a bilingual storytime with Iowa’s own luchador, Latin Thunder, proving the library can body-slam boredom. Bring the kids or grandkids for tales en español y inglés, hands-on activities, and bragging rights at school pickup.

🧹 Coralville Community Cleanup @ Wells Fargo Bank | Wednesday (4/29) at 5:00 PM – Clock out and meet at the Wells Fargo parking lot, 327 2nd Street, for Clear Creek cleanup, the kind of happy hour your cardiologist approves. They supply gloves, bags, and grabbers, you bring sturdy shoes, sense, and a neighborly streak we pretend not to have.

🕯 Farm to Table Candlelight @ Walden Place Senior Living | Thursday (4/30) at 4:30 PM – Trade your weeknight takeout for candlelight and a plate that actually met a farmer. Chef K.C. turns produce grown down the road into courses that make small talk feel profound, with seasonal flavors, cozy vibes, and zero mystery ingredients.

🎨 Paint + Sip: Field of Poppies @ Brush & Barrel (Coralville) | Friday (5/1) at 6:30 PM – Ready to channel your inner Klimt, wine glass in hand? This Paint+Sip debuts a Field of Poppies inspired by Gustav himself, a bright little burst of spring that pairs nicely with good company, unrushed conversation, and the second pour that improves every masterpiece.

🍵 Sisterhood Tea - May 2nd @ LIFEchurch Coralville | Saturday (5/2) at 9:30 AM – Trade the inbox for actual conversation at a relaxed Sisterhood Tea in Coralville, a free morning for women with childcare covered, charcuterie included, and a short, encouraging talk from Krisha Roeder. Dress up if you fancy, browse the boutique, and register early, seats vanish fast.

🌷 Tulip Festival @ Wilson's Orchard & Farm | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats wandering a tulip field you can actually snip from. Wilson's hosts the Corridor's original festival the weekends of April 25/26 and May 2/3. Nab tickets online for less, then reward yourself with photos, blooms, and pizza because balance.

🎗 Spring Benefit @ Brown Street Inn Bed and Breakfast | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Follow the Farmers Market with a laid-back brunch at Brown Street Inn, with bites, music, and mimosas. Tickets are $40, or $75 for two, a refined BOGO, and the silent auction opens online, then closes at the event. Space is limited, so snag yours early.

Artist Edgar Guzmanruiz envisioned this one-of-a-kind home, designed by Ahmann Designs and built by B&H Builders outside Iowa City. Solar power kept energy costs under $700 while charging two EVs. Features include a 3-season room, radiant pool and expansive TimberTech deck, bamboo floors, a chef’s kitchen, a guest suite with in-floor heat, and shared trails across 43 acres.