Saturday, April 25, 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.*

Springtime outdoors beckon: Camping season is underway at Black Hawk County parks, with no reservations needed. Early campers near Waterloo should know some amenities, including water and electricity, may not be available yet -- learn what to expect now.

Support for hungry neighbors: Waterloo’s Salvation Army broke ground in March on a kitchen expansion to serve more meals, with completion expected within three to four months from that date -- read the full story.

Community generosity reshapes futures: Donors have pushed UNI’s Our Tomorrow campaign past $100 million for student scholarships, widening access for Panthers. Nearly one in four students now receive donor support across programs -- get all the details.

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.*

Stitch something this week: Crazy To Quilt Shop is the go-to for Cedar Valley stitchers when the stash needs fresh color and the brain needs project inspo, with rows of fabric and a calendar of classes. Treat yourself to a quick browse, then go home and finally finish that WIP.

Waterloo’s easy escape: Need a quick breather that isn’t a full-on road trip? George Wyth State Park packs four fishable, boat-friendly lakes, a beach, and miles of paved and soft trails that connect into the local network between Waterloo and Cedar Falls, plus birdwatching and a fully reservable campground when you want to linger.

Your new lunch crush: With a 4.8 rating and a knack for Asian flavors that hit the spot without slowing your day, The Bing Ladies is the low-key upgrade to your week. Swing by this week when you need something tasty, comforting, and made by folks who clearly love what they do.

Menopause changes your hair, not just your temperature: Thinning, slower growth, a part that keeps widening. The hormonal shift touches all of it. Nutrafol's formula was built for exactly that kind of change: a drug-free daily supplement that works on the root causes instead of the surface. In their clinical study, 100% of women saw improved hair growth by month nine. *See how it's different →

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 →

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 →

Two sprays before bed, no more snoring? It really is that simple. No mouthpiece to wrestle with, no CPAP mask, no nose strips that peel off at 2am. This doctor-developed throat spray has been keeping sleepers quiet for 30 years, and first-time orders are 40% off right now. *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 →

🏃 Kewash Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K @ Washington, IA town square (Cedar Falls) | Saturday (4/25) at 7:00 AM – A morning on the Kewash Trail means one thing: pick your poison, marathon, half, 10K, or 5K, and trot past the scenery you've been meaning to actually notice. It's friendly, low-frills, and very local, the way we like it. Run, shuffle, or supervise with coffee.

📚 Indie Bookstore Day Weekend @ The Nook (Cedar Falls) | Saturday (4/25) at 8:00 AM – Nothing beats a bookstore crawl fueled by coffee, surprises, and smug local pride. The Nook, Books on Main, and Reader’s Cup are going all in with blind-date books, prize wheels, treats, a golden-ticket audiobook haul, and a passport that could win you more goodies.

🎣 Annual Trout Stocking and Children's Fishing Derby @ Prairie Lakes Park (Cedar Falls) | Saturday (4/25) at 9:00 AM – Prairie Lakes gets a fresh trout drop, and the kids get first cast at a free fishing derby. Pack the family, sunscreen, and your dignity for when a 7-year-old out-fishes you, thanks to the DNR, the Cedar Valley Walleye Club, and small-town magic.

🍵 Tea Parties @ Snowden House | Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 AM – Grab your teacup and head to the Snowden House for a run of themed tea parties, from patriotic remembrance and harvest nibbles to yuletide cheer, Valentine sweets, and an Alice-approved Unbirthday. Members sip for $12, non-members $20, and pre-registration is required. Pinkies optional.

🧵 Reverse Embroidered Sweatshirts @ Barnwood Brew (Evansdale) | Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 AM – If your sweatshirt drawer looks like a witness protection program, come fix that at Barnwood Brew’s beginner-friendly reverse appliqué class. Bring a trusty sweatshirt, they supply fabric, tools, and guidance, you leave with a custom, brag-worthy layer, and maybe a new hobby.

🧘 Guided Breathwork and Sound Bath @ Gateway River Park (Cedar Falls) | Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 AM – Breathe deep with Thad Peck, soak in a sound bath, then prove you’re still adventurous with an optional Cedar River plunge. All proceeds go to the ALS Association, suggested $25 or more, Venmo or cash. Good vibes, cold water, and bragging rights you can feel.

🎤 The Texas Tenors @ Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (Cedar Falls) | Sunday (4/26) at 2:00 PM – Craving goosebumps and a little hometown pride? The Texas Tenors, a chart-topping trio, deliver big voices, tight harmonies, and a set that cruises through country, classical, and patriotic favorites, featuring Cedar Valley’s own John Hagen. Snag tickets now, then brag about it later: https://unitix.evenue.net/events/GBD2626

This 2-bed, 1-bath charmer pairs fresh style with room to grow. Main level LVP flooring flows to a bright tile kitchen with backsplash, generous counters, and a pantry. A dedicated dining area adds ease. The lower level is primed for a family room and bedroom. Outside, dual patios, fenced yard, shed and attached storage, plus a 2025 roof and gutters.