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Cathy's Corner: Waiting for Perfect

June 12, 2021

"Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy your life." Joyce Meyer


I spent most of the last year and a half waiting for the pandemic to end, to have everything back to normal in order to be "happy."  I then started to think about all the times I waited for everything to seem normal, easy or perfect before I could let myself just enjoy myself. 


I remember being pregnant with my older son, 18 years ago. I remember the sonograms, the prenatal tests, the cravings, heartburn and the worry. I was so consumed with worrying what would happen next, and how I would care for a real baby, I never enjoyed actually being pregnant. Now when I see pregnant women, I want to run up to them and scream "just enjoy it" - although they'd look at me like I was crazy. Because now I realize. What was I waiting for?


So instead of expecting some bolt of lightening to flash to say life is perfect and it's time to relax  - I'll try to stop waiting and just enjoy now. That said, I hope you're enjoying all the celebrations and beauty this month offers, and have a safe and happy week ahead. Cathy


Need help finding the perfect gift for Father's Day?  Celebrate Dad and have fun at the same time with a Wigwam Escape experience at the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut. This multi-award-winning escape room was given the coveted international 2020 Golden Lock Award by the Room Escape Artist.  No matter who you’re celebrating this Father’s Day this thrilling and unexpected gift is sure to be fun for all.


Please check out my Fathers Day Guide....also start making those plans for Father's Day and treat your dad to an adventure. Visit the Adventure Park on Sunday, June 20 and get a free ticket for dad.


Maritime Aquarium is open at full capacity, but you still need to make a reservation and practice social distancing and wear a mask. MoCa Westport will be offering several outdoor concerts again this spring and summer, so check out their line up in my calendar. 


LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester has reopened! Experience the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground and  the new safety procedures ensuring guests have a memorable and safe visit! Limited capacity for 2-hour playtimes.  I am offering a pair of tickets for a fun family giveaway! To enter, please visit and like my instagram page, tag 2 friends, and DM me. You must be a subscriber of this edition to enter! 


Beardsley Zoo is open! Visit them online for tickets. Get some fresh air and say hello to the animals! 

If you know of any other happenings, please email me. 


Need a quick couples getaway? Check out the Delamar Hotel in Greenwich or Southport! 


Suffering from anxiety, joint pain, insomnia or ADHD? From CBD gummies to chocolates, creams and oils, check out New England Hemp Farm and get a special 15% reader discount when you enter code MACKID15. They are a CT based company with a store in Westport. Makes a great gift! 


Find wellness virtually. Join an online meditation session or take a mindfulness class from the comfort of your home with virtual offerings at Copper Beech Institute.


The Happiness Lab
 
- In "The Happiness Lab" podcast, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos takes you through the latest scientific research and shares some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness.

Please check my Facebook page or here for updates about other ways to give back. 


A mental-health guide for navigating small stressors and emotional disasters from Womens Health. Read here. 


Got a little baker and chef at home? A fun activity not just for the whole family. Also a great party idea. The Little Cake Bosses box from Aux Delices has everything you need for your creation: chocolate cake, chocolate and vanilla frosting, assorted colored piping bags, fondant cutouts and sprinkles! Order for curbside pickup or delivery. 


For both safety and exercise, kids must learn to swim. Thankfully Goldfish Swim School is open in Norwalk and now in Stamford, and practicing safe social distancing. Contact them for classes today. 


Zoom with a therapy dog for 15 minutes on selected Tuesdays starting at 4pm. Read, chat, do show and tell, this is an offshoot of the popular "reading to rover" program serving the community for over 15 years. Register on the westport library website or email lperrigo@westportlibrary.org. 


Get your farm fresh food! The Stamford Farmers Market continues Saturdays in its new location on Spring Street 9am -2pm. Visit for a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. You’ll also find breads, jams, baked goods, cheeses, oils and more! We proudly accept WIC & SNAP.Also come to Latham park for Saturday morning yoga! The Westport Farmers Market is now open outdoors every thursday until fall. For home delivery of farm fresh food, be sure to contact Mikes Organic Delivery  at 203-832-3000 or email orders@mikesorganicdelivery.com.

Explore the farm so close to home with at Wakeman Town Farm. Learn about sustainable farming first-hand through planting and caring for a garden, feeding and caring for animals and more. 


Feeling overwhelmed? For Yoga and Meditation classes in person or online, visit Kaia Yoga

Looking to give back? Volunteer Square a truly unique website that helps you find the perfect volunteer opportunity. Drop off food donations at a local shelter...they need it now more than ever! Donate to Kids in Crisis or No Kid Hungry! Another great idea? Check out Food Rescue US: It's an app that connects excess food from local restaurants to people in need. 


Melissa & Doug free printables! Help with reading, writing and math. Visit them online! 

From Fit4Moms: Whether you're looking to unwind before bed with a restorative workout like this oneor get outside and soak up fresh air in your backyard or on a walk around the block with an at-home stroller workout like this one, we've got options Mama! New to class and our village or haven't been for a while? We would love for you to join us for a free class to see if it works for you! Email hanajones@fit4mom.com to set up a quick video chat.


Parents of teens. I NEED YOUR HELP! Please share any thoughts on what you need for TEENS! Want more events? Shopping, book and food reviews? Tech reviews? Parenting strategies? Volunteering ideas? Email me or comment below! More giveaways and special offers coming soon! 

Know an Inspiring Person or Charity? Please Share It!  Email me at catherines@macaronikid.com and let's celebrate those in our community who help make a difference and inspire others.


Experience Bereavement Camps are one-week summer camps for children who have lost a parent, sibling or loved one that help build confidence, encourage laughter, and navigate grief through friendship and fun. They also provide support with year-round programs. If you or someone you know has experienced a loss, please share this info with them. 


Stay Tuned: Kids Eat Free Guide, Moms Work at Home Guide, Mac Kid Giving Back Guide, Birthday Party Guide, Make a Difference Guide, Learning Vacations, Mac Kid Fashion, Haydn's Reel Reviews & Games, and Preston's Gluten Free Foodie Reviews and much more! Watch out for the Food Dudes!!
 
About Macaroni Kid 
Proudly serving Fairfield County: Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton, and Weston. Your resource for the latest kid-friendly events, activities, reviews, recipes, giveaways and more! Connect with other parents and find information on fundraising, childcare, wellness, nutrition, learning, schools, camps and birthday parties. For updates, like me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram and Twitter.