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.*

Generations united in celebration: Richlands Elementary in Onslow County recently celebrated 100 years with a big community event, a local Marine Corps band performance, and alumni like Shelby Parr sharing memories with students -- read the full story.

Local expertise, quality floors: Tide & Timber Flooring recently launched in Coastal North Carolina, with a Jacksonville location on Blue Creek School Rd and Wilmington showroom, offering materials and installation for homes and businesses -- see services and locations.

Construction schedule released: A section of Walton Road near Highway 24 in Onslow County is closed for paving and reconstruction at the railroad crossing, with NCDOT expecting to reopen on May 29 -- see the planned hours.

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.*

DIY kitchen upgrade: Skip the scroll and paint the mug or serving plate you actually want at FireFlies Pottery & Art Studio. Hang out with friends, pick a piece, get artsy, then head home with something you'll use. Your cabinets look better, and your week feels a little calmer.

One-stop sanity saver: Whether you need a quick Ross browse, pet food from PetSmart, or a new sofa from Bob’s Discount Furniture, Gateway Plaza keeps errands easy, then bribes you with Cava or Cici’s. Park once, hit Five Below for the fun stuff, and call it a productive afternoon.

Parent sanity saver: If cabin fever is creeping in, Zing Zumm, Children's Museum of Jacksonville delivers hands-on play that burns energy and sparks curiosity. Expect plenty of make-believe, tinkering, and space to explore, perfect for quick after-school adventures or a rainy afternoon sanity check.

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 →

💆 30–30–30 Community Wellness Massage Day @ New Bridge Holistic Center | Thursday (4/30) at 9:00 AM – Whether your shoulders have been carrying the family calendar or you just need a tune-up, snag a 30-minute massage for $30, offered monthly on the 30th. Focused, tailored, and actually affordable. Limited spots, so book ahead, then walk out feeling like yourself again.

❤ Community Blood Drive @ First Command Financial Services | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Do a little good between the grocery run and your second coffee. The community blood drive needs locals with decent veins, steady vibes, and a few spare minutes. Book a slot if you like efficiency, or just stroll in, then claim your bragging rights: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=FirstCommandFP

🚗 Third Annual Bike, Car, and Truck Show @ New River Harley-Davidson | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Rolling in for its third lap, the RKMC NC4 Bike, Car, and Truck show is coupling a scenic dealership ride with a relaxed show, vendors, raffles, and a 50-50. Come admire the shine, talk shop, and do some good for folks right here.

🛍 Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market @ Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Whether you’re hunting that perfect mid-century lamp or justifying another planter, the Antique 2 Chic vendor market brings a live duo to soundtrack your browsing. Expect good finds, better people-watching, and the kind of mellow tunes that make haggling feel classy, not awkward.

🕯 Mother's Day Candle Class @ Angsty Libra Candle Co. | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – Need a Mother’s Day plan that doesn’t involve battling brunch lines? Angsty Libra Candle Co. serves mocktails and snacks while you sniff 30-plus fragrances, blend a custom scent, and pour a 7oz candle to take home same day. Supplies included, cozy vibes, tickets non-refundable.

🎗 Relay for Life @ Northside High School | Saturday (5/2) at 5:00 PM – Join Relay For Life of Onslow County, the community walk where we fund cancer research, honor survivors, and remember loved ones. Form a team, bring comfy shoes, and yes, these steps count for more than just closing your rings.

🧱 Lego 'Star Wars' Build Event @ Jacksonville Mall | Saturday (5/2) – Bring the kids, or just your inner child, for an in-store Star Wars LEGO build. Geared toward ages 10 and up, but welcoming to all, it is the perfect excuse to call playtime 'bonding.' Build an X-wing, dodge stray bricks, and debate Wookiee pronunciation.

The Winestone pairs timeless curb appeal with a flexible layout. A first-floor primary suite anchors the plan with an en-suite bath and generous closet space. The open great room links to a kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, and access to a covered porch. A study and office boost versatility, upstairs bedrooms share baths, and unfinished attic space invites future expansion.