Sunday, April 26, 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.*

Street vending rights expand: After a March 23 hearing, several limits on Jacksonville, NC food trucks were revoked, letting vendors set up on private commercial property after three and a half years of litigation -- see what's now allowed.

Downtown revitalization plans advance: Jacksonville delayed Court Street brick removal to April 16 after business complaints. The $200,000 project should last three to four months and would convert the corridor to two-way traffic -- see what's planned and when.

Hometown pride soars higher: Jacksonville native and NASA astronaut Christina Koch returned to Earth from a historic lunar mission. Students at her alma mater, White Oak High School, have been following the journey closely -- see how her school responded.

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.*

Kid energy, contained: This week, let your littles climb the traverse wall, shop the pretend Grocery by Publix, deliver the weather on a green screen, and geek out in the space exhibit nodding to local astronaut Christina Koch. Zing Zumm, Children's Museum of Jacksonville is a nonprofit playland for ages 0-10.

Cozy pho fix? Give yourself a midweek noodle hug at My Vietnamese Restaurant, with comforting bowls of pho, crunchy banh mi, and fresh spring rolls that hit the spot. Make it your easy win this week... quick, tasty, and exactly the kind of slurpable self-care Jacksonville deserves.

Your easy downtown hang: The Clove Hitch Beer Company is a laid-back, family and pet friendly beer and wine hall in downtown Jacksonville with a big selection, including non-alcoholic picks like craft sodas and NA beer. Pop in this week, try something new, then linger because somehow one round always turns into two.

That patch of scalp that wasn't there a year ago: It's more common than most folks talk about. Especially in your 50s... hormones, stress, and nutrition all start pulling at hair density at once. Nutrafol is a drug-free daily supplement designed to work on those causes together — and in clinical studies, 93% of women said their hair looked healthier after six months. *Take a look →

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 →

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 →

Two sprays before bed, no more snoring? It really is that simple. No mouthpiece to wrestle with, no CPAP mask, no nose strips that peel off at 2am. This doctor-developed throat spray has been keeping sleepers quiet for 30 years, and first-time orders are 40% off right now. *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 →

💆 30–30–30 Community Wellness Massage Day @ New Bridge Holistic Center | Thursday (4/30) at 9:00 AM – Whether your shoulders have been carrying the family calendar or you just need a tune-up, snag a 30-minute massage for $30, offered monthly on the 30th. Focused, tailored, and actually affordable. Limited spots, so book ahead, then walk out feeling like yourself again.

❤ Community Blood Drive @ First Command Financial Services | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Do a little good between the grocery run and your second coffee. The community blood drive needs locals with decent veins, steady vibes, and a few spare minutes. Book a slot if you like efficiency, or just stroll in, then claim your bragging rights: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=FirstCommandFP

🚗 Third Annual Bike, Car, and Truck Show @ New River Harley-Davidson | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Rolling in for its third lap, the RKMC NC4 Bike, Car, and Truck show is coupling a scenic dealership ride with a relaxed show, vendors, raffles, and a 50-50. Come admire the shine, talk shop, and do some good for folks right here.

🛍 Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market @ Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Whether you’re hunting that perfect mid-century lamp or justifying another planter, the Antique 2 Chic vendor market brings a live duo to soundtrack your browsing. Expect good finds, better people-watching, and the kind of mellow tunes that make haggling feel classy, not awkward.

🕯 Mother's Day Candle Class @ Angsty Libra Candle Co. | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – Need a Mother’s Day plan that doesn’t involve battling brunch lines? Angsty Libra Candle Co. serves mocktails and snacks while you sniff 30-plus fragrances, blend a custom scent, and pour a 7oz candle to take home same day. Supplies included, cozy vibes, tickets non-refundable.

🎗 Relay for Life @ Northside High School | Saturday (5/2) at 5:00 PM – Join Relay For Life of Onslow County, the community walk where we fund cancer research, honor survivors, and remember loved ones. Form a team, bring comfy shoes, and yes, these steps count for more than just closing your rings.

🧱 Lego 'Star Wars' Build Event @ Jacksonville Mall | Saturday (5/2) – Bring the kids, or just your inner child, for an in-store Star Wars LEGO build. Geared toward ages 10 and up, but welcoming to all, it is the perfect excuse to call playtime 'bonding.' Build an X-wing, dodge stray bricks, and debate Wookiee pronunciation.

This new-construction residence in Wedgewood sits minutes from Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, and the Crystal Coast, with no city taxes. Curb appeal shines with stone accents, carriage-style garage doors, and two-toned siding with board and batten or shake. Inside, open living spans LVP floors to a granite kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and a luxe ensuite.