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.*

Local buzz over bakery scare: Last week, a viral "closed" post from Golden Donut spooked Columbus food lovers before relief set in. The shop says both locations are open after hundreds of reactions -- read the full story.

KICS spotlights Georgia’s global role: Columbus State will host the first Korea-Georgia Dialogue on May 20, highlighting growing ties with South Korea. The full day event is free, with registration due Friday, May 15 -- get all the event details.

Elder care standouts revealed: U.S. News released its latest Best Senior Living ratings this month, and Brookdale Columbus earned memory care recognition as Georgia braces for rapid growth in older residents -- see who made the list.

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.*

Your skin’s new hangout: Whether you need a swift restock or a quiet pamper session, Rebecca & Maria's Beautique at Midtown keeps smart skincare on the shelves and soothing, tailored treatments in the chair. Friendly, no-pressure vibes, plus honest guidance on what actually works...ideal for a midweek reset.

Cocktails worth the stir: Stirrup Trouble is your midweek treat when you want something lovingly mixed, not mystery-poured. They build cocktails and mocktails with locally sourced ingredients, house-made syrups, and fresh juices, which is a fancy way of saying your drink actually tastes like someone cared… because they did.

Time to let it out: Whether your week was chaos or you just need loud, satisfying catharsis, Vent Rage Room lets you smash, break, and vent in a safe, judgment-free zone. Go solo or rally friends for group mayhem, and know the breakables come from the local community which makes the fun surprisingly sustainable.

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 →

👻 Ghost Tour @ Springer Opera House | Friday (5/1) at 7:00 PM – Grab your bravery, and slip into the Springer for a behind-the-scenes ghost tour of our grand old diva of a theatre. You will roam catwalks, wings, and other rarely seen nooks, swap pleasantries with a few resident spirits, and collect chill bumps.

🏃 Marigold 5K Run @ Columbus Botanical Garden | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Trade your usual morning loop for a jaunt around Lake Heath and the Garden trails, courtesy of Big Dog Fleet Feet. Run or walk, enjoy the scenery, then leave with a finisher medal and a quirky, themed award. Bragging rights, and maybe brunch, included.

🐟 Fish Fry & Bake Sale @ O'Reilly Auto Parts | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re here for crispy fish plates or the bake sale pies that vanish first, the O’Reilly parking lot is the tastiest spot in town. Electric City’s Lodge and Chapter are frying, baking, and raising funds for local needs, so bring cash and an appetite.

🔍 Family Day Scavenger Hunt @ Flat Rock Park | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Think your crew can out-hunt the neighbors? Roll into Flat Rock Park for a family Jeep scavenger hunt with photo ops, goofy challenges, and rivalry, just 10 bucks per Jeep with the cash pot paying the top three, bragging rights included. Ducks optional, snacks encouraged.

🧘 Mat Pilates @ River Oak Boutique | Saturday (5/2) at 11:30 AM – Pilates in a boutique, because we like our cores strong, our outfits cute, and our multitasking legendary. Rumble is popping up at River Oak Boutique for a 45-minute sculpt, a little pre-workout boost, and a VIP fitness consult, all for $25, limited spots.

🎶 Porch Fest @ Uptown Historic District | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – PorchFest on Broadway means music drifting from stoops, neighbors you like, and an excuse to unfold a camp chair. Swing by porch 16 at 533 Broadway, settle in, and enjoy tunes the way they were meant to be heard, with shade, lemonade, and premium people-watching.

🧱 Lego Star Wars Build Event @ Barnes & Noble | Saturday (5/2) – Whether you’re raising a young Padawan or still debating who shot first, this in-store Star Wars LEGO build is your jam. Geared for ages 10+, but everyone’s welcome, so come stack bricks, swap dry one-liners, and channel your inner Jedi, midichlorians optional.

Custom built in 2006, this three-level contemporary commands nearly five wooded acres with soaring ceilings, a dramatic wall of windows, and a heated pool. The terrace level entertains with a karaoke room and bar, a second kitchen, with a walkout to the patio and fireplace. Eight-car garage capacity, a private guest suite, and whole-home smart tech shine in gated Pinosa.