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.*

Honoring a student champion: Temple ISD advisor Kristi Burke was named a 2026 Very Important Counselor by Texas A&M for dedication to students, an honor including a $1,000 scholarship for a future Aggie -- learn more about the honor.

Statewide convenience expansion planned: Target will invest $70,000 at the Temple store for parking lot upgrades, new signage, and lighting, with work starting in early May and finishing by December to expand drive-up options -- see what's planned and when.

Spotlight on local sustainability: Earlier this month, Central Texas leaders marked April as Sustainable Environment Month, honoring youth and community champions in Killeen, including Fort Hood’s Environmental Ambassador, Sgt. First Class Floyd Bristol -- 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.*

Date-night upgrade, sorted: When the week calls for elevated comfort, 17 South brings contemporary Italian steakhouse energy, craft cocktails, and a cozy upstairs lounge that feels special. Pro tip, start with the risotto tots then share the elk tenderloin... it’s date-night-level without leaving Temple.

Bring on the cozy: Blessings Restaurant and Bakery is that downtown spot where a Texas-size cinnamon roll can count as a personal achievement and the Monte Cristo shows up tucked in puff pastry with raspberry on the side. Prefer savory or sippable comfort? Try the Veggie Bliss Burger or the Scripture Cup.

Boutique treasure hunt: Whether you're hunting a new outfit, a gift you forgot to plan for, or that just-right home accent, The Hub pulls it all together with local boutiques under one roof in Historic Downtown Temple. Swing through, browse, and let the “oh I need that” moments find you.

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 →

☕ Creative Company: Graig @ Temple Chapel Graig | Monday (4/27) at 4:30 AM – Fancy a crafty cuppa on the Graig? Tutor Rhian leads a different make each week, from painting to clay, plus a brew, for £4 a pop or £36 for ten. Book ahead or just wander in, chat, create, repeat, though there are steps.

🌱 Gardening Workshop @ Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center, Inc. (Belton) | Thursday (4/30) at 1:00 PM – Patio weather calls for dirt therapy at HOCTIL, where you’ll plant herbs and veggies, pick up easy tips, and turn self-care into salad. Green thumbs and plant-curious welcome. Open to all ages and abilities with RSVP, supplies are limited, so snag a spot.

📘 Día - Children's Book Day @ Temple Public Library | Thursday (4/30) at 4:00 PM – April 30 calls for Día, a bilingual celebration of reading where the kids sing with Tío Tóto, make crafts, and you snag light refreshments while pretending you remember high school Spanish. Every child picks a free book, which buys you future quiet time. All ages.

🐦 Texas Bird Breeders and Fanciers Spring Mart @ Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Grab your coffee and flock to Mayborn Convention Center for a Spring Mart stuffed with birds, gear, and the only tweets worth hearing. Shop everything from finches to fancy perches, hit the raffle table, and call it enrichment. Adults $5, seniors, veterans, and kids $3.

🚆 National Train Day @ Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’ve got train-obsessed grandkids or just miss the sound of a good whistle, National Train Day at the Santa Fe Depot is your excuse to nerd out on rails. Expect exhibits, local history, and plenty of unabashed choo-choo joy. It’s ticketed.

🌶 Centex Salsa & Hot Sauce Festival 2026 @ Whistlestop Park | Saturday (5/2) at 10:00 AM – Head to Whistlestop Park on Cinco de Mayo weekend for salsa showdowns, small-batch heat, and chihuahuas rocking truly unnecessary outfits. Taste, shop, and two-step to DJs and Folklórico, applaud the Selena looks, and feel good supporting local scholarships, then put some Flaco on your taco.

🤠 International Line Dance Flashmob @ Temple Mall | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Nothing beats a spontaneous line dance, especially when half the town is in on it. Temple is joining the International Line Dance Flashmob, so bring your boots, your neighbor, and your best grapevine. No tryouts, no pressure, just communal shenanigans with rhythm.

Set within the gated Creeks of Deerfield, this spacious home features two living areas, both formal and casual dining, and three bedrooms plus a versatile bonus room. A gourmet kitchen shines with stainless appliances, a gas cooktop, and granite counters. The primary suite spoils with a soaking tub and large closet. Surround sound extends to a dreamy patio with fireplace.