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.*

Seaway reopens for ocean traffic: Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor recently welcomed the Ocean7 Ranger, first ocean vessel of 2026, after a 52-day voyage delivering equipment for upgrades at U.S. Steel Gary Works -- get details on the season opener.

Grants boost community initiatives: Porter County Community Foundation awarded $257,479 to 33 local nonprofits, including The Caring Place, Humane Indiana, and more. The next grant cycle opens July 1, giving groups time to prepare -- see who received funding.

Cozy spot for creative slices: Chesterton’s AJ’s Pizza Co. lets you build your own breakfast pizza with bacon, sausage, or veggie toppings, plus thick crust and customizable pies for lunch and dinner -- 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'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.*

Serious LEGO temptation: From build-your-own minifig fun to shelves of new and hard-to-find sets, Miller’s Toy Box is a happy place for Valpo families and grown-up collectors alike. Swing by when you need a quick gift or a rainy-day rescue... your creativity will thank you.

Cozy night out: Nextdoor at Birdie's is the kind of neighborhood spot Porter County keeps to itself, with thoughtful plates, sippable favorites, and conversation-friendly vibes. When the week feels loud, slip in, grab a seat with your people, and treat yourself to something that tastes like a small win.

Craving ribs this week: For decades, Wagner's Ribs has served tender, saucy racks with classic sides, the kind of comfort that turns a Tuesday into a tiny win. It’s perfect for sharing, and future you will savor the leftovers.

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 →

🐐 Goat Walking @ At the Farm - Creme de la Crop (Valparaiso) | Monday (4/27) at 3:30 PM – Craving a reset that bleats back? Walk a goat, buy tickets by goat not headcount, and let your four-legged life coach set the pace. Kids 6+ need a ticket, little ones can tag along, and $5 boomerangs as Creme Cash toward in-store $25+ that day.

⛳ Golf 101 with Nancy Bender @ Creekside Golf Course & Training Ctr (Valparaiso) | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – Ladies, trade the group chat for Creekside and learn Golf 101 with Nancy Bender, beginners welcome. Figure out grips, wedges, and why the boss loves 'nine holes,' then feel ready for those industry outings. It’s $50 by card at the door, only four spots left.

🧀 Charcuterie Class @ Strack & Van Til (Valparaiso) | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Upgrade your snack game with a charcuterie class that teaches you to build a board worthy of company, not just weeknight grazing. Your wine has been waiting. $25, capped at 20 spots, so register at strackandvantil.com/event, and choose the Valparaiso US 30 location.

🧶 Duneland Fiber Fest @ Thomas Centennial Park (Chesterton) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Take a break from doomscrolling and wander to the inaugural Duneland Fiber Fest, a cozy collision of yarn, weaving, and spinning with local makers. Expect soft wool, sharper needles, better conversation than your group chat, plus demos, shopping, and something softer than lake wind.

📚 Free Comic Book Day @ Galactic Greg's (Valparaiso) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Galactic Greg’s is celebrating Free Comic Book Day with stacks of free reads for all ages, 25% off almost everything, and free face painting while the South Shore Ghostbusters drop in. Bring a newbie, bring the grandkids, or quietly admit you’re here for you.

💐 Mother's Day Flowers @ The Hub NWI (Hebron) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Skip the frantic grocery-store bouquet and make Mom flowers that never wilt with a beginner-friendly pipe cleaner workshop. It is kid, teen, and adult approved, and a solid excuse for quality time. Crafty cred, heartfelt points, zero pollen.

📖 Lakeside Story Time: The Great Lakes Read @ Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether you can name all five or still cheat with HOMES, head to Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk for author Barb Rosenstock reading The Great Lakes, illustrated by Jamey Christoph. Lake Michigan breezes, kid-approved wonder, and a rare chance to enjoy story time without screens.

In Pepper Creek just northwest of downtown Valparaiso, this 6,500+ sq ft estate spans 3.5 acres with a 4.5-car garage and a gardener’s garage. The main level offers 4,000 sq ft, including a primary suite with fireplace and a great room with fireplace. Covered patio overlooks pond and waterfall, a path leads to fire pit, plus a walk-out lower level.