- The weather has finally given us a forecast for a few good days. I am looking forward to some sunshine. The start of school is just around the corner. If you are going to buy your "back to school" wardrobe, wait until Sunday. Why? Because Sunday the 19th is the first day of Tax Free Week in Connecticut. It's like an extra 6.35% off of everything. And don't forget--when Connecticut increased the sales tax from 6% to 6.35% they also eliminated a lot of items that had been exempt so Tax Free Week has more of an impact on your wallet than you might think. Tax Free Week starts Sunday and goes through Saturday.
- I am also looking forward to fall. Speaking of fall, if you have a favorite activity or you know the best local place to find pumpkins, pick apples, take hay rides, buy fall decorations like corn stalks, let me know! Email me your best picks for fall and Halloween family fun kimm@macaronikid.com. Everyone who sends me a tip will be entered to win a gift card!
- This weekend has a lot of great events to choose from. If you haven't decided yet, then consider the Bridgewater Fair, the Pomperaug River Fest, and Kidologie. You will be able to find Macaoroni Kid at each event. For the Bridgewater Fair and Pomperaug River Fest, I have oodles of prizes to give away to people who stop by the table to enter: a family four pack to Peter Pan from the Palace Theater in Waterbury, Bounce Cards to Fun Factor of Middlebury, many chances for a free hair cut at Defining Moments Salon in Middlebury, a gift card to the Golden Button in Southbury, and a gift card to Tot Town Party and Play in Brookfield.
- I can hardly believe it is time for school to start up again. For you moms of Kindergarteners who ended up with the afternoon session when you were hoping for the morning session, you can still get some time to yourself in the mornings. Check out Jumpstart for their drop-off playgroups. What could you do with an hour and a half to yourself? That's enough time to grocery shop, get a manicure, work out, grab coffee with a friend, start your Christmas shopping early, or just read on a bench.
- Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to fill out the Macaroni Kid survey. I would love some more reading material. Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MQYT9TF and answer a really quick, two minute, survey and at the end you can enter your email for a $20 Target gift card drawing.
- Check the calendar for the most up to date kid and family events. There are also recurring events in the calendar that aren't in the newsletter. Visit the calendar for everything!
- - There is still room for independent consultants in our guide! If you or a friend is interested, just drop a line to kimm@macaronikid.com.
- Discounts:
- Save on your registration fee at Brown Tufts Montessori
- Mention Macaroni Kid and get $20 off of the first month of unlimited playgroup sessions from Jumpstart Therapy and Fitness Network when making a 6 month commitment.
- If your kids who are 8 years old and over would love to know about the stars, the solar system, why the sun will turn into a red giant someday and why some stars turn into black holes, save 20% on my husband's astronomy class now signing up for the fall!
- Fun Factor of Middlebury:
- Special: Play all day for only $5 through the month of August!
- Fun Factor is also offering a traditional Summer Camp experience along with a 10% discount for Macaroni Kid readers who sign up for an entire week. They are also offering daily sign ups, too! The camp runs from July 23rd through August 24th.
- Kids eat free or cheap deals
- Summer Activities around our towns (they aren't in the calendar, so make sure to check the articles!):
- Summer Outdoor Concerts
- Farmers' Markets Check out your Farmers' Market and nearby towns for farm-fresh produce grown in Connecticut and local products.
- Summer Movies.
- Find great local places to get your fresh food. This article is unique. Not only does it list the pick-your-own farms nearby in Connecticut, they are arranged by what fruit they offer and in order that the fruits are ready to pick.
