Macaroni Kid
Hunterdon
  Editions

Road Trip: Rocking Horse Ranch Resort


Relaxing Family Destination

After a very exhausting week without power, my family and I were thrilled to be guests at the Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in beautiful Highland, New York this weekend.  This rustic all-inclusive resort  was made for families and promises to keep every member of the family happily occupied during their visit.

Our first afternoon at the Ranch was filled with activity.  Bungee bounces got the afternoon started.  My kids loved flipping in mid air above the trampoline.  Next we moved on to the outdoor rock climbing wall.  This is a ...


Lysistrata Jones


Giveaway & Discount

"A good old-fashioned tease of a musical comedy—
a naughty, bubbly, modern goof on Aristophanes." 
-Scott Brown, New York Magazine

The new musical comedy LYSISTRATA JONES is getting ready to score on Broadway. Every player on the creative squad is an all-star: Book by three-time Tony® nominee Douglas Carter Beane (Sister Act), music and lyrics by Lewis Flinn (The Divine Sister) and direction and choreography by Tony® nominee Dan Knechtges (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee).

 

View LyssieJ.jpg in slide show

 

The Athens University basketball team hasn’t won a game in 30 years ...


Celebrate with American Girl


Giveaway

American Girl fans have something new to celebrate, or actually a new way to celebrate, now that a brand new line of party favors has been released!  Long awaited, girls can now create the perfect American Girl birthday party with crafts, place settings, invitations, and decorations.

These high quality party supplies reflect all that fans love about American Girl and will be sure to add the perfect touches to your get together.  I received a set of supplies to check out and they are adorable!  I love the invitations and ...


If You Give a Mouse a Cookie


Giveaway

The Centenary Stage Company Young Audience Series will present   If You Give a Mouse a Cookie  Sat. November 19th   at 11am  in the Lackland Center  located  on the campus of Centenary College in Hackettstown ,NJ.  

 Based on the hit book by Laura Joffee Numeroff,  If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is an adventurous , fun filled performance appropriate for ages pre-k through 5th grade, in which a  curious boy finds himself figure skating on scrub brushes,  wrestling a boa constrictor, and climbing mountains when an innocent milk ...


Macaroni Reads Giveaway


What's That?

I love sharing children's books with you each week, but am especially excited when I can share a book authored by someone from our very own community!  Guy Pagano, dad, local Hunterdon resident, and Macaroni Kid reader, has recently published his own book, What's That? inspired by his daughter, Olivia, as she explored her world around her as a toddler.

Inside the pages of this rhyming story, children will find exciting surprises in their everyday world.  Inside the kitchen or out in the yard, discoveries will be made ...


Villa Roller Rink


Giveaway

With the weather getting cooler, Villa Roller Rink in Broadway is a great destination to get the kids active and having fun.  There are lots of open skate times for toddlers, kids, and families.  Be sure to check out some of their events in our event listings below.  This is a great place to visit this Thursday and Friday with the NJ teacher convention, as they are open from 10am-2pm for just $5!  Be sure to check out their website for coupons, too!

Right now, 5 lucky Macaroni Kid readers ...


Gifts for Home


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Here you will find some great gifts to use in your home. These are great gifts for anyone! Click on the links below to learn more and find some incredible giveaways! Things will be added or new giveaways posted frequently, so keep clicking on the links to find out more!


Gifts for Mom


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

What does mom want this year?  She may tell you she wants everyone to be together and happy for the holidays.  That's true, but of course mom wants some fun gifts to open, too!  Here are some fun ideas that she will love!  Be sure to click on each link to learn more information and check out fantastic giveaways.  These will be changing frequently, so be sure to keep coming back for more!


Gifts for Preschoolers


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Little kids are easy to please and there are tons of available options out there.  Here are some fun ideas that they will love to open up this holiday season!  Be sure to click on the links below for more information and giveaways.  These will be updated frequently, so be sure to check back often!


Gifts for Girls


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Here are some fun ideas on what to get your daughter this year!  Click on the links below to find out more information and for giveaways!  Check back often, as these will be updated frequently!


Gifts and Gear for Baby


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you are getting ready for a new addition in your family, or if you have one crawling around, here are some great tested items that would be welcome this holiday season!  Be sure to click on each link for more information and giveaways.  These will be updated frequently, so be sure to check back often!


Gifts for Boys


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Boys are fun to buy for and this year there are many fun options available.  Here is a tested selection that your boys will love this year.  Be sure to click on each link for more information and to see all our giveaways.  This listing will be updated frequently so be sure to check back often so you don't miss out on anything!


Gifts for Dad


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

What would Dad like to see under the tree this year?  Why not try some of these items that we tested out.  These items are awesome and Dad will love them!  Be sure to click on each link for more information and giveaways!  Check back often, too, as we will be updating and adding frequently!



Games


2011 Holiday Gift Guide

There are tons of new games out there this holiday season--both tradition boards games, with a not so traditional twist, and action packed video games.  Whether you want to unwind and relax or get a work out in, these offerings are great for everyone!

The Logo Board Game

The Nightmare Before Christmas Operation

Glee Cranium

Glee Yahtzee

Hello Kitty Monopoly

Just Dance 2 Kinect

NCIS

Motion Sports Adrenaline Kinect

Self Defense Training Camp Kinect


This Week's Picks:


November 8th through November 13th

Tuesday, November 8 - Children's Programs

Story Time for three-to-five year olds is held every Tuesday morning at 10:30 in the meeting room. The children, and the parents or care-givers who choose to stay, are entertained mainly by picture books, but with some poetry, scissor stories, or drawn stories mixed in. A craft related to the weekly theme completes the session, which generally runs a little longer than a half hour.
Where: meeting room of Flemington Free Library, 118 Main Street, Flemington
When: 10:30 am Tuesdays for 3-5 years, 10:30 am on Wednesdays for 2-3 years
Who: 3-5 years/2-3 years
Cost: free
For more info: parents or care-givers invited to stay

Tuesday, November 8 - Rock Band and Wii at the Library

come play these video games with others and have a fun night!
Where: Hunterdon County Library Headquarters Route 12 Flemington, NJ
When: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM (every Tuesday night)
Who: everyone.  Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult
How: show up--no registration necessary
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, November 9 - Rhyme Tyme with Mother Goose

 Nursery Rhymes, stories, songs, and activities.
Where: Flemington Presbyterian Nursery School Flemington, NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (every Wednesday until May 9, 2012)
Who: children (and an adult!) ages 2-5
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, November 9 - Toddler Tales

The Wednesday Toddler Tales program, for two-to-three year olds, also takes place in the meeting room at 10:30. For this group, children must be accompanied by an adult. Stories are geared to the younger age level and are interspersed with songs and finger-plays. A simple craft activity ends the thirty minutes.
Where: Flemington Free Public Library 118 Main St Flemington, NJ
When: 10:30 AM
Who: ages 2-3
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, November 9 - Children's Storytime & Activity

reading and activity
Where: Clinton Book Shop 12 East Main Street Clinton, NJ
When: 10:30 AM
Who: children
How: show up
Cost: $2

Wednesday, November 9 - Toddler Skate

Toddler skate, no skating on 11/23
Where: Villa Roller Rink 2121 Route 57 Broadway NJ
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (every Wednesday through November, except 23rd)
Who: under 7 years old
How: show up
Cost: $2 per child

Thursday, November 10 - Story Hour

Starting Thursday, June 23rd The NJ Chapter of The Children's Writer's Guild & Twice Told Tales Bookstore in Flemington will host "Story Hour" followed by a craft for children ages 3-6. 
Where: Twice Told Tales Twice Told Tales Bookstore is located at 14 Bloomfield Ave. Flemington.  Bloomfield Ave is the 1st right hand turn after the Union Hotel.
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: children ages 3-6 and their parents
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Thursday, November 10 through Friday, November 11 - Teachers Convention Open Skate

open skate
Where: Villa Roller Rink 2121 Route 57 Broadway, NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: $5

Friday, November 11 through Saturday, November 12 - Open Skate at Villa Roller Rink

open skate
Where: Villa Roller Rink 2121 Route 57 Broadway, NJ
When: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM (every Friday and Saturday night through December except 12/24, 12/31)
Who: all ages
How: show up
Cost: $5

Saturday, November 12 - Parent's Night Out!

Plan ahead and schedule your next Parents Night Out!  Take a break from the kids and have an adults-only evening! Parent's Night Out is a great opportunity to catch a break while your kids enjoy a night jam-packed with tons of exciting activities! Drop your children off with us and plan an enjoyable night out, while the kids have a blast at BSC. Your children will enjoy laser tag and arcade games, have dinner, play field games, and end the night with a movie. .
Where: Branchburg Sports Complex 47 Readington Rd Branchburg, NJ
When: 10/15, 11/12, 12/10
Who: children
How: Sign up now by calling 908-203-1600! Click here to view our flyer
Cost: Better than a babysitter, BSC's Parent's Night Out costs just $40 per child for members, or $45 per child for non-members, for 4 hours of fun! Ask about our sibling discount.

Saturday, November 12 - National Gaming Day

Celebrate National Gaming Day at the library.  Participate in board games, video games and more!
Where: Hunterdon County Library Headquarters Route 12 Flemington, NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: show up, no registration necessary
Cost: FREE

Saturday, November 12 - Build & Grow at Lowe's

Come build a project at Lowe's! Science lab  11/12 Santa's Sleigh 11/19
Where: Your local Lowe's
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: children up to age 12
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, November 12 - Paws to Read

"READ" to certified Therapy Dogs. "READ" the pictures, make up your own story, have a family member or friend read the story for you, or just practice your reading. Have fun while the dogs enjoy the stories.
Where: North County Branch Library 65 Halstead St Clinton, NJ
When: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM (11/12, 11/19, 12/3)
Who: all ages and abilities
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, November 12 - Santa Arrives at Phillipsburg Mall

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. Enjoy comedy with our juggling toy soldier on stilts, a ballet performance with Clara and The Nutcracker, and see Mrs. Santa Claus for giveaway balloon animals and a magic show. Be sure to stop by for the fun and some great photo opportunities with all of our characters! Santa will be available for visits and photos through Christmas Eve!
Where: Phillipsburg Mall Route 22 Phillipsburg
When: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Sunday, November 13 - Open Skate

open skate
Where: Villa Roller Rink 2121 Route 57 Broadway, NJ
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (every Sunday through 12/18)
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: $4

Teen Scene:


Wednesday, November 16 - Writers Workshop

 
  • October 26 Story and Plot Development
  • November 16 Backdrops, Moods, and Settings
Where: North County Branch Library 65 Halstead St Clinton, NJ
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (9/28, 10/26, 11/16)
Who: This program is open to students in grades 6-9.
How: Registration is required beginning one week prior to each workshop. Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 9 Call the Youth Services Dept. at 730-6834 for more information
Cost: FREE

Plan Ahead:


November 16th through December 17th

Wednesday, November 16 through Saturday, December 24 - White Christmas

Don’t worry about the weather forecast — it’s going to be a “White Christmas” at Paper Mill Playhouse! Based on the beloved Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye film, this merry musical tells the tale of two famous song-and-dance men who stage a show in a scenic, snow-topped Vermont inn — and end up finding love with two singing sisters under the mistletoe. With laughter, crazy plot turns, Broadway-size production numbers and the unforgettable music and lyrics of the legendary IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is a brightly wrapped holiday gift.
When: until 12/24
Who: everyone
How: purchase tickets online
Cost: varies

Wednesday, November 16 - Zoo-wee-Mama!

November is all about "Cabin Fever," the newest book in Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Come hand out with other Wimpy kid fans, play games, and make a journal for drawing your own Zoo-Wee-Mama comics in!  
Where: Hunterdon County Headquarters Route 12 Flemington, NJ
When: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (11/16)
Who: Grades 2 to 6
How: Registration begins 11/7 by stopping by the library or calling 908-788-1432
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, November 16 - Open Skate

open skate
Where: Villa Roller Rink 2121 Route 57 Broadway, NJ
When: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (every Wednesday night through 12/28, but not 11/23)
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: $2

Saturday, November 19 - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie


If You Give A Mouse A Cookie - Sat., Nov. 19, 2011@ 11am
Where: Centenary Stage Company Hackettstown, NJ
When: 11:00 AM (9/24, 10/15, 11/19)
Who: everyone
How: Order tickets online
Cost: Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and can be purchased by calling the box office at
908-979-0900 or logging onto centenarystageco.org.

Sunday, November 20 - American Girl Fashion Show

Immaculate Conception School invites girls and their friends and families to experience the American Girl Fashion Show ®. This fun, engaging program showcases historical and contemporary fashions for girls and their dolls.  Close to 100 local models will present the fashions, while lively commentary, music and decorations will create a memorable experience for girls and their families. The event also includes refreshments, favors, raffles and door prizes.  
Where: Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Hampton, nJ
When: 10am, 1pm, 5pm 11/20/11
Who: American Girl fans and their families
How: purchase tickets ahead of time
Cost: Tickets are $42.50 per person.  Visit www.icsclinton.org/agfs or call 908-320-2707 to order tickets and for more information. 

Tuesday, November 22 - Weave a Basket

basket weaving
Where: North County Branch Library 65 Halstead St Clinton, NJ
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (11/22)
Who: Grades 1-6
How: register beginning 11/15 by calling 730-6834
Cost: FREE

Friday, November 25 through Sunday, December 11 - A Chirstmas Carol: The Musical

Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast," "Little Mermaid,"), Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime," "Seussical") and Mike Okrent ("Crazy For You," "Me and My Girl."). Called by The New York Times "a tonic for adults, and for children a transfixing journey," this spectacular musical extravaganza ran for ten years at Madison Square Garden. A Christmas Carol retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously-told story by Ockrent and Ahrens, and the Menken/Ahrens score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics. In fact, their song "A Place Called Home" has become a holiday standard.
Where: Centenary Stage Co Hackettstown, NJ
When: 11/25-12-11
Who: everyone
How: purchase tickets online
Cost: varies

Friday, November 25 - Dickins Days & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Holiday tradition, festivities, horse drawn carriage rides and more.  Tree lighting ceremony at 7pm
Where: Clinton  Main Street
When: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Sunday, November 27 - Mooseltoe

Our annual kids’ holiday favorite! Meet a Moose with an impossible dream – to fly with Santa’s reindeer! Enjoy the whimsy and magic of the holiday spirit in this enchanting holiday “moosical.”
Where: Mayo Center for Performing Arts Morristown, NJ
When: 11/27 1:30pm & 4pm
Who: ages 4 to 8
How: purchase tickets online
Cost: $15|$15|$15|$12|$12
For more info: www.mayoarts.org

Friday, December 2 - Clinton Guild's Annual Christmas Parade

Come enjoy over 40 floats, live performances, and of course the official arrival of Santa Claus! 
Where: Clinton Main Street Clinton, NJ
When: 7:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: For more information visit www.clintonchristmasparade.com

Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 4 - Museums On Us

Every first full weekend of the month, if you are a Bank of America customer, you can visit over 150 locations for free!
Where: Museums throughout NJ and NY (and across the country) http://museums.bankofamerica.com/
When: all weekend
Who: Bank of America customers
How: Bring your ID and your Bank of America card to get a free admission for each card holder
Cost: FREE with card

Saturday, December 3 - Crafts in the Warren Tech

The area's finest crafters and artisans come together at this one-day juried event to display their unique handmade items. Run by the Warren County Technical School PTA, all proceeds from this event are to benefit scholarships and programs for our students. Saturday, December 3, 2011 9am-4pm. Fun for the entire family! Face painting, caroling, door prizes and more! Free admission! Ample parking!
Where: Warren County Technical School, 1500 Route 57, Washington NJ 07882 (Warren County)
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (12/3/11)
Who: everyone
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, December 3 - Kids Workshop

  The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Where: Your local Home Depot store
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: ages 5-12
How: show up
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, December 6 - 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 and offer is good while supplies last only. A new model will be available every month and will be specially themed to that month
Where: Bridgewater Commons Mall--Lego Store
When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: ages 6-14
How: show up early!
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, December 6 - The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller

With 20 million Christmas records sold, Mannheim Steamroller is right up there with eggnog and Rudolph.But the show is no quiet fireside moment. This sizzling performance mixes big sounds, brash confidence, spectacular ingenuity, lavish multi-media images, spectacular ingenuity, synchronized lighting and special effects.
Where: State Theatre in Easton, PA
When: 5:30 PM (12/6/11 5:30pm & 8:30pm)
Who: everyone
How: purchase tickets online
Cost: varies
For more info: here

Tuesday, December 6 - Know the Bear Facts

See and hear an entertaining and informative audio/visual program about the natural history, behavior and biology of the NJ Black Bear as well as current bear research. Lebanon Township has a thriving population of black bears and there are frequent sightings. Attendees receive practical information about co-existing with bears and will learn how to react if a bear is encountered by surprise.

There will be time for Q&A after presentation. Conducted by Michelle Smith from the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife -- NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection.
Where: Woodglen Middle School Performing Arts Center – 70 Bunnvale Road, Califon, NJ.
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (12/6)
Who: All ages welcome. Bring your kids or grandkids too.
Great information for the whole family.
How: show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Brought to you by the Lebanon Township Education Foundation
ltefuture.org

Thursday, December 8 - Nutcracker

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is a magical and timeless holiday tradition that comes to life! A classic for the whole family, the production features new characters, hand-painted sets, larger than life puppets and breathtaking scenic design. Beloved Russian fairytale characters, Father Christmas and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden, add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling that sets this Nutcracker apart
Where: State Theatre in Easton, PA
When: 7:30 PM (12/8)
Who: everyone
How: purchase tickets online
Cost: varies
For more info: here

Saturday, December 17 - A Christmas Carol: The Musical

This fully staged musical version of Charles Dickens' classic tale has become a Yuletide Tradition, with a full array of traditional Christmas carols such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Away In a Manager" and "Here We Come A-Wassailing" interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middleclass merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.
Where: State Theatre in Easton, PA
When: 7:30 PM (12/17)
Who: everyone
How: purchase tickets online
Cost: $45-$50

Developing Your Child's Self -Esteem


Thy self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of the world. Kids who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These kids are realistic and generally optimistic.
In contrast, kids with low self-esteem can find challenges to be sources of major anxiety and frustration. Those who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If given to self-critical thoughts such as "I'm no good" or ...

Macaroni Made


Up-Cycling

I find myself stumbling on hair clips and headbands that seemed to be in random places around my home.  Most recently I found a stash under my pillow when I was getting ready for bed.  You see, my 3 year old has a love of these items and they seem to end up everywhere, except in her hair!  We had a few spots around the house to contain these items, but they never seemed to be used.  Recently my daughter was playing with a set of jars and lids, one ...

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