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.*

29th Street Living drives growth: VERGE, a new build-to-rent community in nearby Apache Junction, recently opened along Old West Highway, offering flexible living with more privacy. Developers say leasing has been strong since opening -- get all the details.

Pioneering clean energy research: SRP has launched its first owned and operated solar facility in nearby Florence, enough to power 11,000 homes and to test three panel types as it prepares to double capacity -- read about the research and plans.

Creating a welcoming haven: Fifty Arizona Financial Credit Union volunteers recently revamped A New Leaf’s Apache Junction shelter, marking the credit union’s 90th anniversary and National Volunteer Month with murals, furniture, and outdoor seating -- see how they transformed it.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

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.*

Fresh cut energy: When your ends are fried and your week is packed, Eunice Hair Salon delivers cuts that behave, face-flattering color, and event styling for the fancy moments. It’s the ideal midweek reset in San Tan Valley, quietly polished and never fussy, so you step out feeling easy.

Mesquite magic, right here: Skip the meh and let Maddie Jo’s BBQ handle dinner this week. Mesquite-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs with sides like cheesy mac and spicy slaw... plus that cornbread waffle that hits way harder than it should. Local, laid-back, and ridiculously good.

Your game-day HQ: Savvy’s Bar and Grill has plenty of TVs, crispy wings, and hefty burgers, so you can actually enjoy the game without juggling three remotes at home. Rally the crew this week, grab a cold drink, and let someone else handle the replay and the dishes.

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 →

🐜 Innovative Insects @ Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction) | Tuesday (4/28) at 9:00 AM – Skip the hike and meet six- and eight-legged neighbors from a chair at the Palo Verde Day Use Ramada. Learn their Sonoran survival tricks, spot a few, and feel smug about staying seated. Free with park entry, all ages welcome, leashed pets ok, bring water.

💪 Mat Pilates @ Viney Jones Library (Florence) | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:15 PM – Ready to trade creaky desk shoulders for a taller spine? This mat Pilates class on North Main hits full-body strength, deep core work, and mobility, leaving you decompressed, aligned, and weirdly cheerful. All levels welcome, no pretzel tricks, just intention, and good company.

🎬 The Devil Wears Prada 2 @ FatCats Queen Creek | Friday (5/1) at 6:30 PM – Think you know your cerulean from your cobalt? Channel your inner Miranda at The Devil Wears Prada 2 with light appetizers, unlimited soft drinks, and photo ops. Movie included, drama encouraged, Fashion Week shoes optional, and yes, that’s all.

🌕 Full Moon Gathering @ ZenLife Center for Healing (Queen Creek) | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Trade the usual weeknight noise for a full moon unwind in Queen Creek with ceremonial cacao, kirtan, sound healing, and the Ajna Light doing its brain-soothing magic. Floor seating, familiar faces, and no pressure to be bendy. Light-sensitive? Bring an eye mask and vibe.

⛺ One-Day Camp @ Empire Park (Queen Creek) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Got a kid who needs to sprint off some screen time? There’s a free one-day Rattler camp to test the waters, with a full-month option coming in May. Low pressure, real coaching, and maybe a new carpool crew for you, no orange slices required.

🌷 Glass Garden Workshop @ No Reason Why Flowers (Apache Junction) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Swap the inbox for clippers and build a lush arrangement in a glass cube, guided by a master floral whisperer. Tools, blooms, aprons, and snacks are provided, you bring steady hands, stain-friendly clothes, and a smug glow when you carry your small class masterpiece home.

🎈 AJ Youthfest @ Apache Junction Elks Lodge #2349 | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – This free, family-friendly bash at the lodge spotlights youth services in AJ, open to the public. Expect tiny tots dancing, arts and crafts, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy, a money machine, door prizes, and exhausted kids, which pair nicely with a quiet evening.

On 1.25 acres, this custom 4034 plan blends upscale finishes. The chef’s kitchen features stainless WOLF appliances, 42-inch uppers, counters, and a large island. The great room adds a fireplace accent wall and slider. A guest living area with separate entry and a bonus room impress. The primary bath features a beach-entry shower and soaking tub, plus a covered patio.