Macaroni Kid
Hillsborough Branchburg Somerville
Macaroni Kid  

What do Moms REALLY Want for


Mother's Day?

In 1914 the United States Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, and required that the President proclaim the holiday every year shortly before its arrival. While a Presidential Proclamation is nice, we know what moms REALLY want for Mother's Day this year. How do we know? Simple ... we asked! More than 50 moms responded to our question and the answers were sweet, funny, and surprisingly similar. Seriously, you would be stunned if you knew exactly how many moms requested one night in a hotel ...

Secrets of a Busy Mom!


Lately I have been looking a lot more like the Mom in the photo then the one in my head. You know the one...good old June Cleaver. Ok, so she was on tv and had producers and set designers and actors for children and a husband. 

Then there is reality, and gymnastics and lacrosse and softball and horseback riding lessons and work. Some days I know it feels like the demands are growing and the hours are shrinking. All of this activity pushed me to find smarter better ways ...


2012 Summer Camp Guide


Find the best camps for your mini macaronis!

Welcome to the 2012 Summer Camp Guide! Many camps are already open for registration. We have a great list of camps for you to check out and I'm sure you'll find something great for all your campers. In this edition we have highlighted Macaroni Kid's featured camp listings and what we consider the best of the best!

If you choose one of our featured camps for your kids, they are sure to have a fun filled summer! Be sure to let them know Macaroni Kid sent you ...


Nostalgia Electrics


Vintage Collection Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker Giveaway


Ice cream, ice cream...we all scream for ice cream! Oh it's true, everyone loves ice cream and so does Macaroni Kid! We are so lucky to have been sent this awesome Vintage Collection Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker from our friends at Nostalgia Electronics. So much fun, so easy and simply delicious. We recently made the chocolate ice cream that was listed in the recipe book and it was fantastic! We loved it so much it is ready to go to the beach for our big family get ...

Ju-Ju-Be


Giveaway

I was recently introduced to a really cool company called Ju-Ju-Be. It is the ultimate one stop shop for the smartest bags for all Moms! From diaper bags & totes to cool wristlets and wallets Ju-Ju-Be has it all.

It all started as an amazing diaper bag company, and it still is! Ju-Ju-Be makes the greatest baby bags, baby gear, baby accessories, and all around baby stuff you can find. Most of the bags from Ju-Ju- Be are machine washable. Yes, that’s right machine washable! They also include tons of ...


Somerset Patriots


Ticket Giveaway

Ahhh summer is almost here, and with summer comes baseball! I can't think of a better place to spend some time with my family and friends than taking in a ball game on a hot summer night than a Somerset Patriots game. Opening night for the Somerset Patriots is April 26th and they have a great schedule lined up throughout the summer with tons of family friendly activities as well as giveaways and fireworks!

Nobody takes kids into consideration quite like the Somerset Patriots! One of my favorite programs ...

Kiss My Acronym- Boycotting Labels


I was recently in a room full of women when the initial introductions and small chat began.  Inevitably I was asked by someone, "What do you do?"  

I get the nervous tummy anytime someone even begins the topic because it is then that I need to instantaneously decide if my soap box will put a damper on the evening.  Sometimes the soap box is cumbersome.  Big and bulky and certainly not worthy of a situation.  Other times it fits well.  

The truth is that no matter how I answered that ...

This Week's Picks:


May 7th through May 12th

Monday, May 7 - Story Time at Barnes and Noble

Join us on our children's stage for Storytime! All ages are welcome. We feature classics and our new favorites including some books on NOOK! Help foster a love of reading in your little one!
Where: Somerville Barnes and Noble
Somerset Shopping Center, 319 Route 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, 908-526-7425
When: 11:00 AM
Who: all children
How: show up
Cost: free
For more info: 908-526-7425
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Wednesday, May 9 - Sing & Shake Baby/Toddler Class

Dance, Play & Learn with your little one in our weekly class on Wednesday's from 10:30-11:00am. We will sing, read and shake to the beat. Parent or Guardian must attend. Only one class available each week, space is limited so call today! 908-698-2157 Attire: Comfortable Clothing and Sneakers.
Where: Main Street Dance & Music 430 South Main Street Manville, NJ 08835
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Please arrive no later than 10:15)
Who: Ages 6 months to 3 years. Siblings of various ages are invited to join us.
How: Just show up and pay as you go without commitment!
Cost: $5.00
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Wednesday, May 9 - Preschool Dance & Music Class

Pay Per Class Preschool Dance & Music, Ages 2 & up. This 30 minute class is for the energetic preschooler who loves music and movement. Class will use props, music and instruments to nurture a love of singing and dancing for you and your child. One parent/guardian must accompany child in class.
No Commitment. No Contracts. Class starts April 4th, start anytime, we will hold class all summer long!
Class will be every Wednesday at 11:45am.
Where: Main Street Dance & Music of Manville 430 South Main Street Manville, NJ 08835
When: 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Who: Boys & Girls Ages 2 & Up with Parent/Guardian
How: Please call to reserve your spot in the first class on Wed. April 4th or for the date in which you choose to begin. You may start at anytime, you do not have to begin in the first class. After attending your first class, notice is not required to attend again in the future. Come once, twice, or every single week.
Cost: $7 per class, cash only.
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Thursday, May 10 - Childrens's Yoga

Children are invited to discover yoga through a playful exploration of songs, games, and poses while being supported to creatively practice peace and compassion.
Where: Full Circle Yoga and Wellness
19 North Doughty Street (between High and Main Streets) Somerville, NJ 08876

*Parking is available on street and in Municipal Lot #1 across the street.
When: 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM
Who: Ages 6 -11
How: Preregister and pay with Loring by contacting: 908-334-7286 Little.Young.Tall.Yogis@gmail.com
Cost: $85 for the 6 week series *$18 drop-in option. Please call 1st. *10% multiple sibling discount available.
For more info: Little, Young, & Tall Yogis ~yoga for little one & me, children, preteens, teens, and the inner child of adults Loring Nagle, CEC&EE, CYKT, CYT

A caregiver is welcome to be a role model on their own mat or sit quietly along the back wall and observe during the Young Yogis' first class.
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Friday, May 11 - Parents Night Out

Looking for a night out?!....If so, Don't forget to Register your kids for our PARENTS NIGHT OUT!!!
While parents enjoy a night out together, the kids engage in fun, activities at KID JUNCTION, including:
-Dinner & Snacks
-Open Play Time
-Unlimited Arcade Games
-Supervised Activites
-Arts & Crafts
-FUN, FUN, FUN
 
Where: Kid Junction
Branchburg, NJ
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Children ages 3-12 (kids must be potty trained)
How: To Register, Call: Call 908-252-0055
Cost: $30.00 per child, $12.00 for 1st sibling, $7.00 for 2nd or more siblings
** Payment Due at time of Registration **
For more info: www.kidjunction.com
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Saturday, May 12 - Kid's In The Kitchen -Cool Jammin'

Love the taste of fresh fruit at its peak of perfection? Love making jam, but not the mess, muss and fuss? Freezer Jam captures the fresh flavor of fruit in a simple, no-cook way! Kids will learn how to make a variety of fruity jams that can be stored in the fridge and take one home for themselves! No sterilizing, cooking or jarring needed. Jam- making followed by story time.
 
1 hour hands-on class
Ages 4 & up
Where: Wegman's Bridgewater, NJ
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Second session 1:00pm)
Who: Ages 4 & up
How: Please purchase tickets in advance at the Service Desk.
Cost: $5.00 per child & parent with Shoppers Club ($10 without)
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Teen Scene:


Saturday, May 19 - The Road to the White House

The Somerville Public Library, a branch of the Somerset County Library System, will host "The Road to the White House," a program for children in grades 6-12, on Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm. Young people who have worked on national and local political campaigns will speak about their experiences and tell the audience how they can get involved with politics now and in the future. There will also be free pizza for attendees.
Where: Somerville Public Library
35 West End Ave
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-725-1336
When: 1:00 PM
Who: Grades 6 - 12
How: Please register for this free program online at http://www.sclsnj.org or call the Somerville Public Library at (908)725-1336.
Cost: free
For more info: http://www.sclsnj.org 

(908)725-1336.
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Plan Ahead:


May 18th through June 23rd

Friday, May 18 - May Flowers

You are invited to attend our May Flowers event, Friday May 18th from 5:45-6:45, at our new Kreative Kids location 5 Jill Court Building 14 Units 4-6 Hillsborough, NJ. Children will use recycled egg cartons to create and paint beautiful flower wreaths.
Where: Kreative Kids 5 Jill Court, Building 14, Unit 4-6 Hillsborough, NJ 08844
When: 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
Who: Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult that will help them with the craft.
How: We only have room for 12 children for this event so early registration is suggested. Pre-registration and payment is required by May 16.
Cost: $7.00
For more info: Contact: Suzie or Margie Phone: 908-431-4439
www.kreativekidshillsborough.com
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Saturday, May 19 - Parents Survival Night

Parents' Survival Night is held on select evenings and is open to bothThe Little Gymmembers and non-members. To sign-up, please select a date below and click the register button. If a register button is not displayed, please call the gym (908) 526-9100 to inquire about availability.
Where: The Little Gym of Bridgewater
When: 6:00 PM
Who: members & non-members 3 and up
How: Call 908-526-9100 to inquire or register online
http://www.thelittlegym.com/BridgewaterNJ/Pages/psn-schedule.aspx
Cost: Members: $30.00, Non-Members: $40.00
For more info: 908-526-9100
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Sunday, May 20 - RAMBLING PINES DAY CAMP OPEN HOUSE

Rambling Pines Day Camp will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday,
May 30 from 1 - 3 PM. Parents and children are invited to attend the open
house, tour the facility and meet some of the staff members. Applications
are being accepted for the 2012 summer season.
Parents are encouraged to register as soon as possible to assure availability. Rambling Pines offers an extensive camp program for children ages 3 to
15 and an exciting teen program for young adults, 7th through 10th
grades. Transportation and lunch are included in the camp tuition.
Where: Rambling Pines Day Camp
Rte. 518 Hopewell, NJ
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Parents & children
How: Stop By!
Cost: Free
For more info: For additional information or a brochure, call the camp office at (609) 466-
1212 or log onto our website at www.ramblingpines.com.
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Tuesday, May 22 - Worlds BEST Juggling Show!

Worlds BEST Jugglers come to Circus Place. Enjoy an amazing display of creative juggling, partner juggling and have a fun family friendly BLAST. Wes Peden, voted the worlds most favorite juggler, along with his partner, Jay Gilligan will delight adults and children alike. Circus Place is the only stop they will make in New Jersey and New York. Enjoy a professional show right in your own neighborhood!
Where: Circus Place 3 Jill Ct, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (9:00-10:00 additional show)
Who: Everyone!
How: www.thecircusplace.com to purchase tickets
Cost: Only $10.00 per ticket
For more info: 908-829-3784
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Saturday, May 26 - Build & Grow at Lowe's

A free children's clinic with instruction will be held at Lowes 10 a.m. Each participant will receive a free apron, googles, a themed patch, and a certificate of merit upon completion of their project.


Nothing says “summer” like ice cream! Your child will love building this Ice Cream Truck complete with stickers and paperboard cutouts!
Where: Lowe's Hillsborough & Flemington
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children up to age 12
How: Due to high demand, please register early online at: 

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx
Cost: FREE!!!
For more info: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx 908-904-6140
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Saturday, June 2 - Home Depot - Kids Workshop

Build. Learn. Create. Have fun with Kid's Workshops!
  • FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety along with instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
  • All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

    June - Build an organizer for Dad!

Where: Your local Home Depot Stores!
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 5 - 12
How: show up
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday, June 5 - Lego Build

One day each month you can learn how to build a cool LEGO mini model, and take it home – for free! Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month – ask a Store Associate for details! Models are not for sale and cannot be purchased. One free per child. Event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. June - Lego Lawnmower  
Where: LEGO Store Bridgewater Commons Mall
When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 6- 14
How: show up early!
Cost: Free
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Saturday, June 23 - Girl Scouts - The Big Concert

A full day of fun, including interactive sports clinics, cooking demos, arts and crafts, rock climbing, a
fireworks spectacular and much, much more! Special performances by Joe Jonas, Sara Bareilles, and
Rachel Crow!
Day Time Performances:
Bloom, Girl group
Manika, Female Pop Singer,
Stephanie Marie, Pop Singer
Ani Hesse
The group Savvy (AKA: The Wannabes)
Goodbye Friday, New Jersey Boy Band All net proceeds to benefit the Girl Scout Councils of New Jersey as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Where: Liberty State Park
When: 1:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Who: Open to children and adults of all ages
Cost: $89.50 members | $101.50 non-members
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Macaroni Made


Mother’s Day Craft….Flower of love

Mother’s Day Craft….Flower of love

I always try and have my kids do something special for their grandmas for Mother’s Day, a project they can help with and that is meaningful. I am a HUGE fan of foam craft projects, especially for little ones, so last year my kids and I made these “flowers of love”.  Of course, grandma loved it…a flower she could keep year round, filled with loving words and a photo of her “babies”.  In fact, it is still on display in her ...


Macaroni Recipe:


Mother's Day Egg Casserole

I love making egg casseroles for special occasions because they are low on mess and high on simplicity. My favorite ones can be made the night before and then put into the oven the next morning. Serve Mom breakfast in bed for Mother's Day. We've got two recipes for you. The Veggie Omelet is fancy and elegant, like breakfast at a fancy restaurant. The Denver Omelet is a bit simpler and can be prepared the night before.  Both taste delicious!

Vegetarian Omelet Casserole
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ...

Mother's Day Breakfast


Bananas Foster French Toast

The perfect sweet treat to make for a special mom on Mother's Day!

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract - divided
8 slices whole grain bread bread
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon dark rum or rum extract - optional
powdered sugar
Oil

Directions:
Crack eggs into medium size shallow bowl, beat lightly with a fork. Add milk and 1 tsp vanilla, stir well.

Heat griddle or frying pan over medium heat.  Coat with a thin layer of ...

Food Allergy and Awareness Week


Facts EVERY Parent Should Know

Do you read every label, on every package of food, every week, at the grocery store?  Have you ever feared for your child’s life as you took them to a friend’s birthday party or school celebration?  Do you bake most things from scratch so you can control the ingredients?  Chances are no, unless you have a child or family member with a life-threatening food allergy.

It is estimated that 15 million Americans have food allergies and there has been a dramatic increase in the last few years by ...

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