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.*

New chapter for community aid: Community Action House has opened a second Northside Resale Store in Holland, offering refurbished donated goods. The new shop is expected to boost revenue and help more local families -- learn how impact will grow.

Pastry traditions meet Great Lakes hospitality: Tulip Time is almost here, and Holland’s Dutch bakeries shine. Think almond-filled banket, crispy speculaas, and oliebollen from Nelis’ Dutch Village and Dutch Village Downtown -- get all the tasty details.

Public invited to review session: Holland City Council approved a five-year contract with Republic Services for residential trash pickup and reviewed the proposed Fiscal 2027 budget, with a final vote scheduled for May 13 -- see how to get involved.

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.*

Cozy screens, big vibes: Need a midweek escape? At Sperry's Moviehouse, boutique screens, plush recliners, and bites from 8th Street Eateries make the plot taste better. Settle in for date night or a peaceful solo recharge when Holland hums a little too loud.

Trail-to-town refresh: If your jacket, boots, or pack are past their prime, The Outpost of Holland curates men’s and women’s apparel, footwear, and legit outdoor gear in a historic space with creaky wood floors and staff who actually help. No online store, just try-it-on advice that gets you trail or town ready.

Spice up dinner plans: From a wall of spice blends to loose-leaf teas and actually useful gadgets, The Seasoned Home makes weeknight cooking easier and tastier. Expect pantry-refreshing blends, quality cutting boards, dependable bakeware, and clever tools that handle the heavy lifting.

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 →

🚲 Velo Kids Gearing Up Fundraiser 2026 @ Warehouse 6 Events | Monday (4/27) at 5:00 PM – Velo Kids is hosting a grown-ups-only FUNdraiser at Warehouse 6, raising cash to get every kid on a bike. Grab an $80 ticket for food, salad, dessert, raffles, a silent auction, and a cash bar, before the 150 spots disappear like your hill-climbing stamina.

🧵 Stitching on Images from the Archives @ Herrick District Library | Monday (4/27) at 6:00 PM – This hands-on workshop shows you how to add simple stitching to old photos and postcards, yours or from the archives, turning memories into one-of-a-kind art. Finally, a reason to raid the family shoebox, practice a few basic stitches, and give those snapshots a second life.

✂ Craft Night @ The Stave and Barrel | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – Whether your tulips are blooming or you’re faking it until Tulip Time, head to The Stave and Barrel for a relaxed night painting a rustic wood tulip for your spring décor. Supplies, snacks, beverages, and step-by-step guidance included, $40, limited spots, so reserve early.

🎡 Carnival @ Holland Civic Center | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Take a breather from tulip selfies and hit the carnival for unlimited ride wristbands available daily. Snag an online wristband for $30, plus fees, and pace yourself, there are two sessions on Saturdays and the first Sunday due to capacity. Funnel cake counts as cardio.

🌷 Tulip Time Art & Craft Fair 2026 @ Centennial Park | Friday (5/1) – Ready to trade tulip selfies for something handmade? The Tulip Time art and craft fair fills Centennial Park with juried makers, local finds, and the smell of kettle corn. Stroll, chat, and bring home something that lasts longer than the blooms.

🌷 Tulip Immersion Garden @ Beechwood Church | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Skip the big-box run and wander Tulip Time’s juried Makers Market, 250-plus vendors deep and ready to test your tote’s limits. Expect quality crafts, smart design, and A-grade people watching, plus enough tulips to make your landscaping feel insecure.

✈ 2026 Tulip Time Fly In @ West Michigan Regional Airport | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Plane spotting with a side of pastry? The fifth annual Tulip Time Fly-In at West Michigan Regional serves up complimentary treats, gawking, and a $5 shuttle to downtown Holland, free for kids. Hit Going so they plan enough carbs, then chase tulips, quilts, and clogs.

This 7-bed, 7 full and 2 half-bath Lake Michigan estate claims 200 feet of private beach on nearly 4 wooded acres and over 7,700 square feet across three levels. Iron gates with 200-year-old French Chateau columns set the tone. Multi-level Ironwood decks, a swim spa, outdoor kitchen, koi ponds, and a La Cornue chef's kitchen add resort-worthy style.