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Hey Midlothian, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Leagues Cup opener, live band karaoke, and teacher surplus sale + 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.
Cup play begins: FC Dallas starts Leagues Cup play in Mansfield today versus Queretaro FC. Dallas has allowed three and scored two since returning, as Mansfield Stadium undergoes seating and partial roof renovations -- see the Leagues Cup opener.
Getting ready for class: Dallas ISD students will return August 11. Before then, the largest-yet Back-to-School Fair at Fair Park on August 7 will offer free backpacks, health and dental screenings, haircuts, and more -- check the fair lineup.
Bargain hunt for educators: Goodwill North Central Texas will host a Teacher Surplus Sale August 8 at the Fort Worth Goodwill Outlet, selling classroom and craft supplies for 99 cents per pound to educators -- get all the details.
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.
Home refresh, anyone?: Whether your couch is sagging or your bedroom needs a reset, CB Furniture has you covered with living room and dining sets, comfy mattresses, kids and teens furniture, outdoor pieces, and fun extras like LED beds and massage chairs. Stop in this week and actually love your space again.
Time for a hair refresh: Whether you’re maintaining your cut or plotting a full glow up, Ember & Ash Salon makes it easy with online booking, a legit portfolio to browse, and service packages or memberships that keep you on schedule. They even have a shop for pro picks, so your hair behaves between visits.
Your band’s secret weapon: From pro saxes to trusty student horns, Rivard Brothers - Band Instrument Specialists helps locals find the right woodwind or brasswind, then keeps it playing like new with meticulous, friendly repairs. They also stock reeds, cases, and percussion must-haves, so your next gig, lesson, or halftime show actually sounds intentional.
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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.
🐾 DFW, It’s Time to Join the Beasts! @ Lancaster High School | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:00 PM – Wednesday evenings at Lancaster High, the Texas Beasts host free open practices for football and cheer, perfect for kids who need a better outlet than your living room. Affordable registration, linemen play for $100, and degreed head coaches, plus $100 off with code FEARTHEBEASTS.
🎤 Live Band Karaoke @ Fat Daddy's Sports & Spirits Cafe (Mansfield) | Thursday (8/6) at 7:30 PM – If your shower solos are getting cocky, graduate to live band karaoke with Shannon Cobb, no cover, real musicians, and plenty of hometown swagger. Pick your anthem, dodge the infamous Time Out Chair, and prove you still remember the bridge, rhythm, and key.
🥕 Cedar Hill Farmers Market @ Downtown Cedar Hill | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – Craving farm-fresh finds and a little two-step? The Cedar Hill Farmers Market brings Historic Downtown to life on Cedar Street, between Houston and Main, with local produce, baked goods, preserves, art, and more, plus a line dance class in Pioneer Park. Cardio with better snacks.
📚 MT Back to School Drive @ MT Hope House of Texas (Desoto) | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – If your kid's supply list reads like a small novel, this free back-to-school drive has backpacks, pencils, binders, crayons, and more. At 201 Executive Way in DeSoto, they are kitting out every kid like a hero, no questions, just community, and fewer aisle-12 meltdowns.
🎨 Art with Mr. K on Book Lover’s Day @ DeSoto Public Library | Saturday (8/8) at 2:30 PM – Book Lover’s Day calls for more than dusting shelves, so Mr. K is leading a creative workshop that yanks favorite characters off the page and into art. Expect paper, paint, and imagination, plus the smug satisfaction your dog-eared paperbacks always knew you had.
🏫 Back to School @ Oaks Church (Red Oak) | Sunday (8/9) at 8:30 AM – Oaks Church is kicking off the school year with prayers for students, teachers, and admins, a teachers’ lounge with a free gift, and free haircuts and backpacks for K-12 kids. If your crew needs a trim, a blessing, and fewer errands, this covers it.
🌳 Guided Tree ID Walk @ Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center (Cedar Hill) | Sunday (8/23) at 11:00 AM – Ever look at a leafy neighbor and wonder if it is cottonwood, alder, or just showing off? Expert volunteer Jake Calvit leads a tree ID walk through the preserve, with tips, facts, and bragging rights for next family outing. Free, no RSVP, and donations appreciated.
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 — Midlothian report Weather forecastToday — High: 100°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 103. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Clear. Low around 76, with temperatures rising to around 78 overnight. Heat index values as high as 101. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 99°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 99. South southwest wind around 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 76, with temperatures rising to around 78 overnight. South wind 5 to 10 mph. This house is wildThis upscale Killian Custom Home sits on a picturesque 1-acre lot and pairs luxury with everyday function. Walls of windows flood the back of the home with light, while the oversized chef’s kitchen, huge butler’s pantry, and spacious utility room keep things practical. The family room and den share a gorgeous wood-burning fireplace, and the primary suite adds a true retreat.
Take a peek inside → |
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