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.*

Urban revival gathers momentum: Geno's Pizza has opened its new Fourth Street spot in downtown Waterloo, one of the last to leave Crossroads Mall. The site also includes two apartments, signaling a brighter downtown -- read the full story.

Key details for entrants: Applications are now open for the 2026 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition with $100,000 in prizes. Waterloo and Cedar Falls startups face a first round deadline of May 15 -- see how and when to apply.

Turning hardship into hope: Iowa author and war survivor Anesa Kajtazovic recently visited Cunningham Elementary, sharing her story with Waterloo students and a children’s book that highlights sudden change, kindness, and compassion -- read about her school visit.

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.*

Ceiling worth dressing up for: Cappella Magna is Waterloo’s show-off spot for a night out, serving Mediterranean-inspired, multi-course dinners beneath Paco Rosic’s spray-painted replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Book it for your next celebration or friend-date, then pretend you’re cultured while debating dessert like Renaissance patrons.

Local vibe, live beats: The Loft is your friendly downtown Waterloo hangout for pool and dart leagues, karaoke bravado, comedy sets, and live music that makes Monday feel far away. Rally the crew, peek at the events calendar, and let their community-first energy turn an ordinary night into one you actually talk about.

Hair day made easy: Trends Hair Salon has served Waterloo for over 30 years with a warm, skilled team that actually listens. Want a quick refresh or a total reset? Booking is easy, the vibe is genuinely welcoming, and a midweek pick-me-up is always on the menu.

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 →

🛍 April Support Local Cash Mob @ Gray Lane Yoga | Tuesday (4/28) at 7:00 AM – April’s cash mob heads to Gray Lane Yoga for an exclusive morning session that even creaky knees can handle. Show up, shop a little, sip something, and feel good about boosting downtown, not just your heart rate. Heads up, you need to register.

🌱 Annual Spring Plant Sale @ UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital | Wednesday (4/29) at 1:00 PM – Need an easy win for the porch? The Allen College Alumni Association’s spring plant sale is at Allen Hospital, featuring Oelwein’s Corner Market & Greenhouse picks. Grab hanging baskets, patio pots, and bedding blooms, then smile as proceeds support Allen College students, campus improvements.

🍽 Panache After Hours: South African-Indian Dinner @ Panache Tea Boutique | Thursday (4/30) at 5:45 PM – Panache's tearoom is getting spicy after hours with a Durban-inspired South African Indian dinner, all shared plates you pass around, and cozy vibes. Expect fragrant curries, warm spices, and a table that fills up fast. Seats are limited, so be decisive, and book ahead.

🍶 Fused Glass Olive Oil Decanter @ Barnwood Brew (Evansdale) | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Need an excuse to make something pretty, practical, and not another coaster? For $30 at Barnwood Brew, craft a fused glass olive and olive leaf murrini panel that’s kiln-fired, then attached to an olive oil decanter, elevating that everyday pour.

🌸 Garden Walking Tour @ Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens | Friday (5/1) at 9:30 AM – Think you know your peonies from your poppies? Join a guided garden stroll to see what’s actually blooming right now, learn a few plant tricks, and finally stop calling everything a bush. Calm pace, fresh air, friendly folks, and zero weeding required.

♻ Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Drop-Off Event @ City of Waterloo Waste Management Services - Sewer - Department | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – This is your chance to purge the paint cans, dead TVs, and mystery garage goo the right way at Waterloo’s Waste Management facility. Black Hawk County residents only, registration required, some fees apply, and yes, they actually need volunteers, not just your dusty VCRs.

🎳 Roll with the RedTails Bowling Fundraiser @ Cadillac XBC | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – Take a little lane therapy at Cadillac XBC with the RedTails bowling fundraiser. For $25, you get youth and adult divisions, raffles, and the generous 3-6-9 free-strike setup, then your score links with a RedTails bowler's for bragging rights.

New-construction, ranch-style condo living with an open plan and a customizable kitchen with hard-surface counters and three cabinet color options. Luxury vinyl plank flooring spans the main level. Two bedrooms include a primary suite with walk-in closet and bath. A slider opens to a covered back deck. A double attached garage and a 3-year tax abatement add extra appeal.