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.*

Earth Day imaginations at work: Monmouth County asks seventh graders to name a recycling superhero, with the winning name on county’s traveling trailer. Submissions are open through May 22, with recognition at a commissioners meeting -- see how and when to submit.

A fresh brunch concept: The Maple House opens in Fort Monmouth in May, from a mother son team, with a second NJ location planned and bites like cookie butter pancakes -- get all the details.

Federal grant powers transit access: NJ Transit has partnered with Via for MicroLink, a pilot offering free on-demand shuttles in parts of Monmouth County, which will operate weekdays 6 am to 8 pm -- 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 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 clutter, meet your match: Family-run since 1992, Cottontails Children's Consignment is stocked with gently used baby gear, books, toys, maternity, and clothing from newborn to teen. Trade up sizes, find quality brands, and refresh the closet without the wallet whiplash.

Your midweek trail fix: Quiet, shady loops and a little local history make Freneau Woods Park an easy escape. Wander along the headwaters of Matawan Creek, watch for wildlife, and soak up the calm while the county keeps expanding the trail system.

Treat yourself this week: Il Leone leans farm-to-table with family recipes and Montenegro roots, turning simple ingredients into bold, lingering flavors. Bring your favorite bottle, meet a friend or date, and let the vibe do the heavy lifting for a midweek upgrade that still feels very Matawan.

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 →

🐚 Sea Glass Art & More! @ J&J Art Studio (Red Bank) | Thursday (4/30) at 7:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for glue guns at J&J Art Studio, where Joanie and Janelle teach sea glass art, plus upcycled book goodies and Blind Date with a Book. Seltzer and dessert are on the house, and every dollar gets more books to NJ kids.

🎉 Cinco de Mayo @ Coffee Corral (Red Bank) | Friday (5/1) at 4:30 PM – Skip the crowded cantinas and hit The Corral for a Cinco warm-up with live tunes from John Zayle, tacos from Taqueria Los Gueros, face painting for the kiddos, and a charm bar with permanent jewelry. Grab a Fiesta Paint Kit at the register, weather willing.

🎭 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical @ Count Basie Center for the Arts (Red Bank) | Friday (5/1) at 7:30 PM – Catch Beautiful, the Carole King musical, at the Basie in Red Bank, a local production packed with the hits. Expect You've Got a Friend, One Fine Day, and lots of "oh, she wrote that" moments. Bring your harmonies, your better half, and the good tissues.

🎸 Roger McGuinn @ Pollak Theater (West Long Branch) | Friday (5/1) at 8:00 PM – Whether you wore out your Byrds vinyl or just appreciate a proper 12-string, Roger McGuinn pops in for a rare solo set that hushes a room and proves melodies still matter. Expect stories, chiming riffs, and goosebumps.

🧘 Open Day @ Studio Pilates Long Branch | Saturday (5/2) at 7:30 AM – Studio Pilates Long Branch is throwing its doors open for World Pilates Day with free Reformer classes, proper instruction, and zero intimidation. Bring a friend, pretend it’s cross-training for yard work, and snag the giveaways, exclusive offers, and referral credit before spots disappear.

🔧 Repair and Repast Cafe @ Asbury Book Cooperative (Asbury Park) | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – If your favorite jeans are one rip away from retirement, swing by the Repair and Repast Café at Asbury Book Cooperative for free hand and machine sewing, mending, and light snacks. Bring a mending pile, leave with skills, a patch, and quiet satisfaction.

📚 Crazy Story Books Grand Opening Weekend @ Crazy Story Books (Red Bank) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether your to-be-read stack is a leaning tower or you just miss that new book smell, Red Bank’s new indie bookshop is opening. Swing by for raffles, games, and surprises for adults and kids, and if you’re early, the first twenty snag free swag.

This 9-bed, 5.5-bath coastal retreat sits on a 100x150 lot in Deal, just steps from the beach. About 4,900 square feet unfold with bright, airy living and entertaining spaces, high ceilings, and gleaming wood floors. A large front porch sets the scene, while well-proportioned bedrooms and multiple guest accommodations add comfort and flexibility.