On September 5, celebrate Back To School with a free mochi donut from Pon de Joy with purchase of any beverage. Your choice—Boba Tea, Matcha Latte, Cold Brew, or any other drink—and pick out your free donut (while supplies last.) Pon de Joy is the new, fun, colorful bakery in Newton. Located at 212 Sumner Street in Newton Centre, its specialty is mochi donuts, in a rainbow of colors and creative flavors. Mochi donuts are a fusion between American donuts and mochi— a Japanese dessert made from glutinous rice flour—that are lightly crispy on the outside with just the right amount of bounce on the inside (and one third of the calories of a regular donut.) Pon de Joy’s mochi donut menu changes weekly, so there’s always something new to try. Hours: 10-8 Sun-Thurs & 10-9 Fri & Sat

Chances are if you live in or near Newton, and love Pilates, you’ve already heard about Kink Pilates. Not even open for a year, Kink’s Architectural Digest-worthy surroundings, top-notch instructors, and state-of-the-art reformers have made Kink greater Boston’s top destination for Pilates classes. While not technically in Newton, Kink is right down the road in next-door Waltham, and offers such a welcoming environment and soul-cleansing experience, that it’s worth crossing town lines. Whether (like us) you’re brand new to Pilates or a seasoned pro, Kink’s no judgment studio helps you set and reach your fitness goals and makes the journey to getting shape manageable and even fun. For those who prefer a private experience, there are individual reformer rooms for one-on-one lessons. Kink has two promotions for new clients through September 15: 3 group classes for $79 or an $85 intro private session. And if you’re a local college student, contact Kink before September 15 for their value-priced student specials.

There’s no other shop like The Cork & Board in Newton. Owner and food & wine aficionado, Ryan Gott, curates fine wine, specialty foods, and craft beer from top-notch, and often under-the-radar vendors, wineries and breweries. The result? A "candy store” for adults - stocked with all of the just-right ingredients for memorable entertaining—whether it’s a special charcuterie board for two on a Tuesday evening or twenty of your closest friends at your next outdoor gathering (check out their local, regional and international curated cheese and charcuterie fridge).  An exceptional wine from a small vineyard that you’ve never heard of; craft beer from New England or Italy; the best regional chocolate you’ve ever tasted—you’ll find it at this gem of a store in Newton Centre.  Ryan offers weekly wine tastings, giving shoppers the opportunity to explore and sample wines before purchasing. The Cork & Board also has a large selection of gifts perfect for hostesses and lovers of food and wine that just aren’t available in big box stores.

The school year kicks off at KaiPod Learning on September 5, but Newton’s new microschool accepts enrollments all year long. Designed for students who attend online public schools like Massachusetts’ TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA), are home-schooled, or for whom a traditional school setting simply doesn’t work, KaiPod offers a physical location for students in grades 3 - 12 where students pursue individual school curriculum while receiving academic support from on-site KaiPod Learning Coaches. Beyond academics, KaiPod provides enrichment activities and social opportunities, rounding out students’ learning experiences. With flexible 2, 3, and 5-day plans and an open-door policy to support each family's schedule, KaiPod empowers parents to customize their children’s education journey, allowing them to learn at their own pace and thrive. Interested families can now set up tours, and students are invited to attend a complimentary half-day to experience KaiPod for themselves!

If you’re like us, getting photos taken—whether it’s a family portrait, head shot, or even a passport photo—causes anxiety. How will I look? Can I relax in front of the camera? What should I wear? Luckily, there’s a professional photography studio in Newton, Famili Photography, that makes photo sessions easy and, well, even kind of fun. Photographer Christine Demura’s professional eye, attention to detail, and easy-going demeanor makes photo sessions a snap, resulting in A+ photos that are quickly delivered. Just in time for fall, the studio is offering a special on headshots for those of us whose look has changed but our LinkedIn photos are a bit, well, retro. Famili Photography has reduced its headshot session fee from $114.99 to $64.99 for one person. Or, bring your partner/spouse, and the $114.99 fee will cover both of you! Included in the 30-60 minute guided session are outfit changes, varied backgrounds, and immediate viewing of your photos. Individual photo can then be purchased for $50 each. Christine will make sure that you love the result. The studio is located at 303 Auburn Street in Auburndale, and is open Tuesday-Saturday.

Auburndale's Cardio High specializes in low impact HIIT, taking the stress off knees and other joints, and integrating strength and weight-bearing exercises, keeping bones strong. HIIT is short for “High Intensity Interval Training,” sounding way scarier than it is. A HIIT class simply incorporates several rounds of short high-intensity cardio bursts (like speed-walking or running on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike), followed by brief periods of rest. A recent New York Times article named HIIT the form of exercise with the “greatest bang for the buck,” boosting one’s overall fitness and increasing calorie burn rate.  Cardio High is offering a great deal for the fall, with 4 sessions for just $25—a steal! The studio offers personal heart rate monitors to easily track one’s level of exertion, calories burned, and fitness progress over time. You can also try a class for free--it'll definitely be the "high" point of your day!

Since Dear Duchess opened its light blue door on Union Street in Newton Centre just last week, clothing has been flying off its racks. Owner Rachel Sciaba, a local mom with three young kids, has her finger on the pulse of on-trend fashions that are eminently wearable, flattering, yet moderately priced. The result? A small but smartly curated women’s boutique stocked with everyday clothing and accessories that are easily styled up or down, offering shoppers a classic but current look. It’s just perfect—and exactly what Newton needed. Address: 49 Union Street.

What busy family wouldn't want to kick off each week with a bakery box filled with scratch-baked goods for grab and go breakfasts, easy lunches, and after school snacks? $20 Back-to-School bakery boxes from Blacker's Bakeshop will be available on Sundays beginning September 10, and are stuffed with baked goods for quick breakfasts (like blueberry muffins); lunchbox helpers like small rolls for fun sandwiches; and raspberry bars and brownies for after school snacks and desserts. Each Sunday there will be a limited quantity of Back-To-School Boxes available—first come, first serve. Blacker’s is located at 543 Comm Ave., and is open 8:30-4 Tues-Fri and 10-2 on Sundays. The bakery is closed on Mondays and Saturdays.

Newton’s Rebooked is a new kind of book-buying experience, popping up at different locations with gently used books at great prices, and a guarantee that you’ll like the book you take home—or you can exchange it for another. Newton resident, owner, and bookworm Elizabeth Miller has read every book she carries (and there are lots of them), and quickly recommends the perfect book based on customer’s interests and preferred genres. Whether you’re selecting books for yourself or others, Rebooked removes the guesswork from book-buying, and makes shopping fun. Alongside books, Liz also sells one-of-a-kind vintage treasures, picked up during her buying trips.

On September 9th, Rebooked is celebrating its one year anniversary and the return to school with a huge porch pop-up sale and fundraiser for Newton Public Schools’ Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS). Location: 22 Berwick Road, Newton, from 10 AM-3PM.

Ready to put your best face forward for fall? Newton Medical Aesthetics, Newton’s new physician-led med spa, has a Botox offer for new patients that you probably won’t want to miss. This hot new med spa is offering Botox at just $10/unit (Typically, it’s priced at $15/unit.) Located in a pristine suite at 233 Needham Street near 128, Newton Medical Aesthetics has a full menu of treatments in a luxury setting. In addition to Botox, it offers facial peels, skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser hair removal, and body contouring, delivered by its professional medical and aesthetics team.

Hustlestop is a new salon in Newton that may just become your favorite spot to zip in for hair and nail services. Through September 30th they’re offering a free “Dazzle Dry” manicure with any hair service (cut, color, blow out)—an offer way too good to pass up. Hustlestop’s professional team focuses on getting busy clients in and out the door quickly, looking polished without spending a day (and a paycheck). It’s a streamlined, refreshing experience, one that’s sure to make you ask, “why don’t other salons work this way?” Try it yourself and see. Book the free manicure with any hair service on-line, using code “BTS” at checkout. Please note: Offer available for adults and accompanying children and services can be shared! Also a 20% gratuity ($8) is due on the regular price of the free manicure. For a limited time, Hustlestop also has “buy 5, get 6” Hair and/or Nail Packages. Location: 400 Homer Street, near the Newton Free Library, and across from the City Hall War Memorial. Plenty of free street parking and private parking behind building.

Nomad Organic Spa in Newton Highlands specializes in foot reflexology and massage for those of us who are a little, ummmm, tightly wound. A respite from daily stresses, spending just an hour at Nomad feels like a mini vacation. Through September 30, the spa has two back to school promotions for extending that just-returned-from-vacation feeling into fall. There’s a $69 one hour Asian body massage (Tuina) which includes hot stones, And there’s a $59 one hour session which includes a foot reflexology massage with an organic herbal foot bath and an Asian body works (Tuina) massage. Or, if you book regularly priced spa services with a friend, the second person receives 50% off their booked services. Located at 1 Lincoln Street, and open seven days a week.

Derby Farm Flowers is one of our first stops for seasonal home and gardens decor. Now there’s one more compelling reason to stop in—its entire collection of stylish and colorful French Fermob outdoor furniture is discounted 15% through September. To celebrate Back-To-School, Derby Farm has a special $30 Dahlia bouquet sale on Sat. Sept. 9th at the Rebooked Pop-Up, donating 30% of all revenues to Newton Public Schools’ Creative Arts & Sciences. Bouquets can either be pre-ordered by emailing lauren@allovernewton.com or purchased at the Pop-Up from 10-12.

Derby Farm not only offers bespoke flower arrangements, but also boasts home and garden decor that’s inspired by nature. From patio furnishings to tableware, kitchen items, planters, outdoor lights, and home accents, all of Derby Farm’s carefully curated merchandise adds understated elegance to homes and gardens. And if you’re shopping for someone who loves the outdoors, Derby Farm has a treasure trove of gifts. Location: 1280 Centre Street. Hours: Tues-Sat 10AM-5PM

Recently, households throughout Newton have experienced a little taste of France as Marion Bonte, of Marion B., A Taste of France, delivers her authentic French baked goods to Newton doorsteps*. Customers place online orders by midnight on Tuesday, Marion bakes everything from scratch on Friday morning out of her certified home kitchen, and then drops off baguettes, madeleines, cannelés, meringues and special items—like her limited edition summer madeleines with honey and lavender—between 8:30am and 4:30pm, with no delivery fee. Marion now has a Friday (1-5 pm) pick-up option at Fulfilled Goods in Newtonville, for online orders placed by Midnight Tuesday. She is also offering her baked goods for pick up on Saturday, Sept. 9th at Rebooked’s pop up sale in Newton Center, donating 30% of sales to Newton Public Schools’ Creative Arts and Sciences. Pre-orders for Sat.’s event must be placed by midnight on Wed, Sept 6th. (*Please note, doorstep delivery is currently available in the following zip codes: 02459, 02461, 02467, 02464, 02468, 02132).

Lynne's Vintique curates local food and vintage finds. It's Newton's only go-to source for truly local raw honey and is offering a big discount through September on its three sizes of honey: 8 oz jars are now $12 (marked down from $15); 16 oz jars are $24 (marked down from $30); and 32 oz jars are $38 (marked down from $48). Lynne also offers regular specials on fun food items. Those in the know in Newton also flock to Lynne's in the Echo Bridge Antique Mall for Boston's Dean's Beans Coffee, and 100% natural Wise Mouth Teas (available at a price below what you can find in grocery stores.)