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.*

Months-long traffic impacts: Wallingford will close Toelles Road at the bridge for construction starting May 4 through Nov. 30, and a hard barricade will be installed with a detour route for motorists -- see closure dates and detours.

New spot for collectors: Unison Co will open soon at North Haven Crossing, offering over 6,000 square feet for tournaments and games like Pokemon and Magic The Gathering, from owner Michael Shawn Carbaugh II -- read the full story.

Healthcare project moves forward: Yale New Haven Health will move into a new 8,000-square-foot medical building at Meriden’s former American Steakhouse site, with demolition plus paving and drainage upgrades planned soon -- get all the details.

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.*

Ice, but make it cozy: When your knees gripe after weekend warrior-ing, cryotherapy at A Moment Away Spa in Southington delivers a brisk reboot. Then thaw in the sauna or sink into a massage, and let the contrast do its thing... a small, steady ritual your body will happily high-five.

Pho night, sorted: When soup weather hits, or, honestly, any Tuesday, PHO 170 serves fragrant, slurpable bowls piled with fresh herbs, alongside Vietnamese and Thai comforts for anyone not chasing noodles. An easy midweek win that spares you the overthinking and gets dinner sorted.

A little self-care nudge: Potions Salon and Boutique is Meriden’s cozy, creativity-forward spot for a confidence boost. Think welcoming vibe, attentive stylists, and a boutique feel that turns a visit into a treat. If you’ve been craving a little you-time, consider this your gentle nudge to make space for it.

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 →

🚜 Farm Open Play and Market Day @ Guided By Goats (Cheshire) | Monday (4/27) at 9:00 AM – If your kid thinks mud is a food group, this farm play day packs sensory stations, a water table, and animal meet and greets, all at their pace. Then hit the student market for seedlings and eggs that fund vocational training, animal care, and brunch.

✂ Intro to Sewing Workshop - Spring 2026 @ Gallery 53 | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:30 PM – If you’ve been meaning to fix that stubborn hem, this five-session intro gets you from hand stitches to sewing machine confidence. Deb Molloy guides the whole way, you’ll make a pillowcase, and maybe stop paying the tailor. Ages 10 to adult.

👜 Power of the Purse 2026 @ Middletown Elks Lodge 771 | Thursday (4/30) at 5:30 PM – Grab your game face, Power of the Purse serves great food, better company, and a spirited auction of chic bags, so you can shop, snack, and feel virtuously local. Every bid fuels Middlesex United Way’s Women United, helping women and families thrive. Tickets drop soon.

🖌 Words on Wood Workshop @ Words on Wood (Wallingford) | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for sawdust at a DIY studio workshop where you pick a design, stencil it onto real wood, and leave with decor that actually looks intentional. Bring a friend, your reading glasses, and that wall measurement. Save your spot through the link.

🌼 Meriden Daffodil Festival 2026 @ Hubbard Park | Friday (5/1) – The Daffodil Festival takes over Hubbard Park, turning it into Meriden's unofficial front yard. Stroll the paths, soak up the color, and trade small talk with half the town, then flash your best 'yes, they are lovely' smile.

💃 Cinco de Mayo Dance Party @ Jazzercise Hamden Fitness Studio | Saturday (5/2) at 8:30 AM – Your living room salsa moves deserve an upgrade, so come spin them in public at this free, one-hour, Cinco de Mayo inspired dance party. Team-taught, hip-shaking, zero judgment. Bring a friend to double the laughs, then refuel with light refreshments, and smug endorphins.

🧱 Lego 'Star Wars' Build Event @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (5/2) – Channel your inner Padawan and pop into the shop for a Star Wars LEGO build session. Officially great for ages 10 and up, unofficially perfect for grown fans, patient grandparents, and anyone who has ever sworn after stepping on a brick. Low-key fun, high nostalgia.

This renovated 1803 Colonial at 380 Main St in Meriden pairs history with fresh updates. The 3-bed, 2.5-bath layout highlights an eat-in kitchen with a cozy gas fireplace, two stairways for convenience and classic New England appeal, and preserved architectural details. A new roof, windows, and deck boost comfort and curb appeal. Spacious rooms keep daily living easy.