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.*

Mixed-use high-rise envisioned: Ann Arbor City Council approved a deal for a downtown library, selling air rights over Library Lane. Fifth Avenue branch stays open until 2029, with seven-year window to begin construction -- get all the details.

Marking International Compost Awareness Week: Washtenaw County has expanded its food scrap composting program to sites in Dexter and Salem Township, a pilot turning kitchen waste into soil and keeping organics out of landfills -- get all the details.

AI-powered training arrives: An Ann Arbor Pilates studio will expand to 1709 Plymouth Road in early to mid May, adding 14 cable machines in a new space focused on cardio and strength training -- see what's planned and when.

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.*

Weekend tee time, anyone? Rolling fairways, real shot variety, and a sly breeze make Leslie Park Golf Course a round that rewards solid swings without hijacking the weekend. Friendly vibes, personal-best potential, and a standing rule: a three-putt only counts when someone actually mentions it.

Need a low-key escape? Slip into The Last Word for classic-leaning cocktails mixed with care, a serious whiskey selection, and that cozy speakeasy vibe that makes catching up with a friend feel like a small luxury. Perfect for when you want top-shelf conversation energy without the undergrad chaos.

Wine night upgrade: Vinology mixes curiosity and good taste with a sharp, ever-changing list by the glass and bottle, plus shareable plates. Let the team guide you to a new favorite, turning a low-key hang into something a touch more celebratory.

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 →

🐦 Monday Evening Migration @ Matthaei Botanical Gardens | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – If you've been waiting for a sign to tell a warbler from a leaf, this is it. Join a bird walk under two miles to spot spring migrants at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, meet at the main entrance, binoculars provided, newbies welcome, and early exits encouraged.

♻ A2ZERO Sustainability Forum @ Ann Arbor District Library | Tuesday (4/28) at 6:00 PM – Take a break from doomscrolling and come celebrate the A2ZERO Community Cookbook with Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations. Hear city staff, local food leaders, and cookbook contributors dish on how recipes, gardens, and neighbors make our town more resilient, and frankly, tastier.

🎷 International Jazz Day @ Kerrytown Concert House | Thursday (4/30) at 7:30 PM – International Jazz Day gets the full Jazzistry treatment as Vincent York leads an all-ages tour from field hollers to hip-hop, with stories, photos, and rhythm demos. Think history class you’ll actually enjoy, with world-class players and toe taps.

👠 Cinderella @ Skyline High School | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Grab the kids, or your inner pumpkin, and catch a newly revised, family-friendly Cinderella. Expect an act one preview with a Q&A, a royal meet and greet at Schuler's, and a Girl Scout day with discounts and a patch. Glass slippers optional.

🥕 Saturday Market Regular Hours @ Ann Arbor Farmers Market | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – If you’ve been meaning to restock the crisper and your patience, hit the Saturday farmers market in Kerrytown. Local growers, crusty loaves, flowers that make your porch look intentional, and enough samples to count as lunch. Bring cash, a tote, and your neighborly wave.

👟 Great Strides 2026 @ County Farm Park | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Let’s swap our coffee walk on Main for an annual community stroll that counts twice, for your step tracker, and for CF research. Join the locals supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with care, research, and hope. Lace up, bring a friend, register here: https://fundraise.cff.org/Annarbor2026

📚 Free Comic Book Day 2026 @ Vault of Midnight | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Free Comic Book Day is back at the Vault, and yes, it still counts as culture. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or bribing your kids to read, snag up to five freebies, dig the $1 longbox gold, and enjoy cosplay, music, and vendors.

Perched above the Huron River with unmatched views of Gallup Park, an architectural standout spans 1.86 acres in Ann Arbor Township. Rooms link to surprises like an indoor garden with a mature tree, a spiral staircase, and a conservatory with wet bar. Patios with outdoor fireplace, an elevator, theater, and a primary suite with 180 degree views complete the picture.