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.*

Stalled development advances: After years sitting empty, downtown Meridian’s Union 93 site could see movement as developer Tommy Ahlquist works to restart a mixed-use plan, while parking concerns for nearby businesses still linger -- learn about plans and parking concerns.

Wellness venture opportunity emerges: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking a concessionaire for a mobile sauna and cold plunge at Eagle Island State Park. The two year contract would require direct management -- see what the contract entails.

Water rules tighten statewide: Idaho’s drought emergency covers all 44 counties, and Caldwell urges water conservation. Prepare for a challenging irrigation season, odd even watering, and no billing credits if the season ends early -- learn about watering schedules.

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.*

Your new speakeasy: Sidecar Bar is Meridian’s low-key speakeasy paired with Grant’s Neighborhood Grill, pouring expertly made cocktails, premium whiskeys, local beers, and wine. Grab a cozy seat, order Grant’s dinner favorites with your drink, and let the vibe turn an ordinary Tuesday into something that feels a little celebratory.

Reach new heights: Swap the usual workout for 65-foot routes, bouldering laps, and an outdoor ropes course stacked with over 80 obstacles, ziplines, and a spicy free-fall at Vertical View Climbing Gym. Finish with infrared saunas or a yoga class, then ride that endorphin glow into the rest of your Meridian week.

Slow-made skin treats: Whether your shelf is minimalist or candle-happy, Wild Capri offers small-batch tallow lotions, raw goat milk soaps, and clean-burning candles that hit reset. Thoughtful scents, simple ingredients, and cozy textures make everyday skincare feel easy... a little local glow without the fuss.

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 →

🔎 Spring Scavenger Hunt @ The Village | Monday (4/27) at 3:00 PM – Turn The Village at Meridian into a low-stakes safari for the kids. Pick up a checklist at Concierge between Kona Grill and Grimaldi's, hunt down 12 bees and blooms, then swap it for a prize. Free entertainment, fresh air, and tiny-leg cardio.

🍷 Spring Fling Wine Tasting & Sale @ Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge (Nampa) | Wednesday (4/29) at 4:00 PM – Clear some space in the wine rack and swing by for free tastings with a few friendly reps pouring crisp spring and summer picks. Snag 25% off any four bottles, then linger over charcuterie, flatbreads, and new desserts, because patio season requires preparation.

✂ National Scrapbook Days @ Kelli Richmond Scrapbooking | Thursday (4/30) at 10:00 AM – Grab your comfy pants and dive into a guilt-free scrapbooking marathon. Choose one day, two, or the VIP stretch, with roomy tables, meals, tools to try, gifts, prizes, and glorious, uninterrupted time to finally tame that photo backlog. Space is limited, so snag a spot.

🥂 25th Anniversary Gala & Auction 2026 @ Galaxy Event Center | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Break out the nice shoes and head to Galaxy for Genesis' 25-year celebration and auction. Expect dinner, powerful stories, a paddle raise you’ll actually want to join, and CEO Steve Davis on what’s next for our neighbors. Come hungry, bid generously, leave proud.

🚗 Free Oil Change for Single Moms @ Crown Automotive | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Single moms, give your car a free spa day at a Meridian shop, no guilt, no upsell. Spots fill fast, so register, have your VIN handy, and show up on time. If plans change, pass the slot to another mom and enjoy a breather.

🩺 Shriners Children's Health Screening Clinic @ Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Between Costco runs, swing by the Boys and Girls Club in Meridian for the Shriners’ free kids health screening. Licensed volunteers check everything from scoliosis to sore joints in 30 minutes, no appointment needed, with referrals to Shriners Children’s, regardless of insurance, plus travel help.

🏓 Pickleball Paddle Customization Clinic @ Selkirk Sport Pro Shop | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Bring your trusty paddle in for a makeover and learn to re-grip, dial in the weight, clean it properly, and more. Think spa day for your gear, not a midlife crisis, and suddenly that kitchen line feels a lot friendlier.

Set in Fairbourne on the rim, this 2023 Biltmore Co. Parade Home blends Modern Coastal style with 5 beds, 3.5 baths, and 5,625 square feet. Highlights include 180-degree views, Wolf and Sub-Zero kitchen with a 22-foot butler's pantry, spa primary with heated floors and hot tub, golf sim, 6-car garage with 51-foot RV bay, and 600-amp pool-ready power.