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.*

Big prizes up for grabs: 2026 Bustin for Badges Clay Shoot raffle tickets are nearly gone, sales end today at Odessa Police. The May 1 drawing includes a Polaris Ranger 500 and Barrett MRAD -- get all the details.

Personal touches, unforgettable gatherings: Patch Petal Company has opened in Midland, bringing custom decor, floral arrangements, and event styling. Co-founders Amanda Dickson and Kaylee Nunez focus on meaningful, thoughtfully tailored celebrations -- read the full story.

Infrastructure upgrade nears completion: Midland County is pumping water into Greenwood to boost supply, adding two two-million-gallon tanks and an elevated water tower, with work expected to finish by the end of April -- see what's planned and when.

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.*

Treat your inner kid: If your week needs a little tinkering joy, Mad Jack's Toy And Hobby is the kind of spot where you wander in for a quick look and walk out plotting a project. Toys, kits, and hobby finds that make rainy evenings and Saturday afternoons way more fun.

Embrace the chill: When your week needs a reset, Simply Midland serves up a cold plunge with infrared heat to bring you back to warm. It scrubs soreness and fog fast, so you leave oddly energized, quietly confident, and just a touch smug about those icy minutes.

A cozy cocktail escape: Whether you’re dodging the dust after work or planning a low-key date, Sip Haus nails that hush-chic vibe with thoughtful, balanced cocktails and a quietly buzzy room that feels like a secret you’re in on. Put it on the weekly rotation, then take a victory lap around downtown.

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 →

🦋 Butterfly Garden Clean Up @ Watersong Wild Space (Midland) | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to swap screen time for dirt under nails, join in. Help tidy the Butterfly Garden by trimming, weeding, and rescuing volunteer natives, gloves and tools provided. Bring pots, leave with cenizo, winter jasmine, maximilian sunflower, or threadleaf coreopsis.

🐶 Bark in the Park @ Momentum Bank Ballpark (Midland) | Wednesday (4/29) at 6:30 PM – Bark in the Park takes over Momentum Bank Ballpark, in the best way. Bring your pup, sign the waiver, and settle in for baseball, belly rubs, and adoptable cuties who might steal hearts. Expect foul balls, howls, and no judgment for sharing your hot dog.

🍷 Paint & Sip: Bloom & Bold @ The Studio by Kidd's & Canvas (Midland) | Thursday (4/30) at 6:30 PM – If your walls could use less beige and more bravado, this paint and sip night has you covered. BYOB, all supplies included, and step-by-step instruction, so your bold floral masterpiece will look intentional, not accidental. Bring friends, sip, laugh, and let your creativity bloom.

✂ Shred It @ Frost Bank Wadley Financial Center (Midland) | Friday (5/1) at 10:00 AM – Still hoarding old statements like they might become collectibles? Swing by the Wadley Financial Center for free, secure shredding, paper only, limit 10 boxes or bags, open to all. Clean out the files, protect your privacy, and leave with confetti-level peace of mind.

🛍 Rooted in Faith Vendor Market @ Permian Ink (Odessa) | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – Over on E 7th, this market brings local vendors, food trucks, Christian music, plus prayer partners from Odessa Christian Faith Center and Child Evangelism Fellowship for the kids. Shop a little, fellowship a lot, leave with full bags, fuller hearts, and maybe a taco.

🌼 May Market @ Alldredge Gardens (Midland) | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – If you need a nudge to shop local, hit the Gardens breezeway for May Market, featuring Midland and Odessa makers. Permanent jewelry, tallow, lemonade, crochet, and that neighborly charm that pairs with an unhurried lap, good conversation, and guilt-free bags.

🌮 Taco 'Bout a Cook-Off @ The Field Office (Midland) | Saturday (5/2) at 1:00 PM – This backyard-style Taco-Bout-A-Cook Off lines up salsa, tacos, and margaritas for a friendly showdown, any style you like, all made on site. Toss your hat in for $25 an entry, and finally prove your neighbor’s “famous” salsa is just chopped onions.

This 5,200 sq ft two-story in Timber Wolf Estates on 3.4 acres offers 6 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half baths, and two offices. A game room pairs with a guest suite. Quartz finishes, abundant light, a hidden pantry, butler's pantry, and double ovens elevate the kitchen. The primary retreat adds dual closets, vanities, and toilets, plus an outdoor kitchen.