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Hey Celina, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Oktoberfest fun, the MUD debate, and free family stargazing + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Bavarian fun returns downtown: McKinney Oktoberfest will fill nearby Historic Downtown McKinney September 25–27 with free admission, live polka bands, stein-holding and weenie dog races, kicking off with a 6 p.m. Keg Tapping Ceremony -- read the full festival details.
Convenient care under one roof: A Plano dental practice expanded to offer implants, crowns, Invisalign, root canals, and emergency dentistry under one roof, simplifying visits for North Texas families with a patient-centered, convenience-focused approach -- see the dental upgrade.
Local growth and control collide: After lawmakers heard testimony in Austin, debate over developer-created MUDs matters for Celina. Supporters say MUDs keep homes affordable. Critics say they bypass local control and shift costs to counties -- see the MUD debate.
The bill all retirees 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.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
From sparkle to snuggle: From Queen of Sparkles party pieces and Z Supply everyday comfy to Julie Vos and Enewton jewels, Eden Lifestyle Boutique nails the outfit-and-gift run. Toss in Jellycat cuteness for the kiddos, Jack Black for him, plus Mahjong sets and home goods... consider your last-minute needs officially handled this week.
Craving real-deal tacos? El Grande Burrito is cranking out made-to-order Mexican comfort, from carne asada tacos and crispy steak quesadillas to breakfast burritos built to actually keep you full, all with house-made salsas from mild to spicy. Cap it with churros or a super-refreshing watermelon drink and call it a win this week.
Step onto local history: Elm Fork Bridge - Texas State Historical Marker is a 1920s two-way steel truss still in its original spot, now a pedestrian crossing on the Ray Roberts Lake State Park Greenbelt. Stroll it this week for river views, a history fix, and an easy add to your walk or ride.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
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 →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👨 Family Day - Kids Eat Free @ Urban Cookhouse (Prosper) | Tuesday (8/4) at 12:00 AM – Need a midweek win? Every Tuesday, kids 12 and under eat free from the Cool Kids Menu with each adult entree. Order something grown up, let them feel smug, and browse the Summer Specials all week.
👶 Baby Storytime @ Celina Public Library | Wednesday (8/5) at 11:00 AM – Weekly Baby Storytime for 0 to 18 months, with lap bounces, colorful books, and play that builds social skills, color recognition, and hand-eye coordination. Your tiny roommate meets new faces and gentle fun, you get adult sentences and a decent shot at a nap.
🀄 Free Open Play Mahjong @ The Nook CKMC | Thursday (8/6) at 11:30 AM – Bring your 2026 Mah Jongg card and your set if you like, this free open play welcomes newbies, returners, and tile-slinging lifers. Expect easy chatter, strategy, and a little table talk. You might even leave with new friends, not just bams, cracks, and jokers.
🍦 Swirled Star Delights @ Celina Town Square | Friday (8/7) at 6:00 PM – Celina Friday Night Market is back, and so is Swirled Star Delights. Artisan star bread, savory swirled loaves, gourmet cinnamon rolls, sweet bread loaves, and a buttery aroma that convinces responsible adults to call it dinner, nod solemnly about sharing, then lose count.
🛍 Celina Friday Night Market @ Downtown Celina | Friday (8/7) at 6:00 PM – Celina’s Friday Night Market is filling up downtown with 60-plus vendors, live music, and more ready-to-eat dinners than your fridge can judge. Homemade, handmade, homegrown, and happily local, with fresh produce, artisanal pastries, and neighborly catch-ups that absolutely count as cardio.
🎶 Lacey Ingram & Scotty Isaacs @ The Gin (Prosper) | Friday (8/7) at 8:30 PM – Whether you've followed Lacey Ingram since the early days or just appreciate songs that can hush a room, catch her with Scotty Isaacs at The Gin. No cover, which pairs nicely with strong pours, familiar faces, and an easy night out.
🌌 Frisco Starfest: Free Family Stargazing Event @ Frisco Commons Park | Saturday (8/8) at 6:00 PM – Take a break from doomscrolling and look up at Frisco Commons Park, where the Texas Astronomical Society rolls out telescopes for a free Starfest. A monthly excuse to show the kids Saturn, find constellations, and remember the streetlights are not the only bright things here.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Celina report Weather forecastToday — High: 100°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 104. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 78, with temperatures rising to around 80 overnight. Heat index values as high as 102. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 99°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 99. South southwest wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 79. South southeast wind around 10 mph. This house is wildThis award-winning Highland Home in Mustang Lakes pairs dramatic style with everyday ease, featuring a curved staircase, soaring ceilings, and an entertainer’s kitchen with an oversized island and seamless views. A private courtyard, spa-inspired primary suite, media room, game room, wet bar, and four-car garage round out the luxe layout. Resort amenities add the finishing touch.
Take a peek inside → |
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