Macaroni Kid
Pasadena
Macaroni Kid   Editions

Publishers Note:


Congratulations to Allison R and Marne C, our winners for the Nutcracker Tea Contest!!

"Mom, when is it going to be Christmas?" This is the question I have been getting daily from my 4-year-old. At his age the holidays are all centered around what toys or candy he would like to get. As he is my oldest I am trying to find ways to make him grasp and appreciate the other aspects of our holidays.

Thankfully we have a holiday coming up that is not about what we want to ...


We're Celebrating The Best Of Pasadena


Tell Us Your Family's Favorites for Our December Edition

Just in time for the busy holiday season we will be launching our first "Best of Pasadena 2011" edition On December 1 and having a party to celebrate. From 1 -3 pm we would love for our readers to join us at Magical Playground (1778 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena). Admision to this event is only $5 per child (a discounted rate for the indoor play space). We will have giveaways, goodie bags, snacks and more as well as special offers from our featured "Best Of" businesses. If you would like ...


Going Beyond "What Are You Thankful For?"


by Dr. Vicki Chiang, Psy.D., Institute for Girls' Development

November, an entire month dedicated to giving thanks – one of my favorite things about Fall. In a day and age where entitlement often takes center stage, being thankful and showing gratitude are important to teach.

Gratitude is a difficult concept for young children to understand because they are inherently self- centered. Laying the foundation early for helping kids appreciate what they have can help prevent a sense of entitlement. -which can lead to unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Gratitude is not something we are born with. It is something we are taught ...


Eat, Baby, Eat!


Making Mealtime Fun!

Kids, especially picky eaters, seem to eat better when they enjoy their mealtime. But with our busy schedules these days, it seems like it’s hard enough to get dinner on the table, let alone make it fun.  Here are some easy ideas I’ve tried that have worked on my 3-year-old daughter:

  1. Take the kids shopping. I let my daughter help decide what we are going to eat. Kids love having choices and letting them make decisions makes them feel important. It works best if you offer only two ...

The 2011 Animal-Free Circus is Coming To Arcadia


Enter to Win A Family 4-Pack of Tickets!

Circus Vargas, America’s Favorite Big Top Circus, is excited to bring the Big One for the first time to Santa Anita Park with big heart, big laughs, big talent and big FUN! This is only some of what you’ll experience when Circus Vargas comes to town, pitching its beautiful blue and gold Big Top, as seen in the recent 20th Century Fox motion picture “Water for Elephants”.

The new 2011 animal-free show will be in Arcadia opening Thanksgiving Day November 24 through December 5.

Striving to present the ...


This Week's Picks:


November 19th through November 24th

Saturday, November 19 through Sunday, November 20 - Snow Days @ LA Zoo

Winter is in the air—and on the ground—at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens!  The Zoo’s tigers, bear, snow leopards, and more will have their habitats transformed into a winter wonderland when the flurry of snow arrives.  This two-day event offers an educational and unique opportunity for guests to learn about animal adaptations to different environments and climate change.
Where: LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Drive LA 90027
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (11/19 & 11/20)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free with regular admission. 
For more info: http://lazoo.org/

Sunday, November 20 - Cal-Stewart Train Meet @ Pasadena Convention Center

One of the country's largest toy train expos features train races, operating layouts, vendors, live auctions and more!
Where: Pasadena Convention Center 300 E. Green St. (Exhibit Halls A & B), Pasadena
When: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (11/20/2011)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: $15 per family on Sunday.
For more info: www.cal-stewart.org

Thursday, November 24 through Monday, December 5 - Circus Vargas' Animal-Free Circus @ Santa Anita

An All-American Animal Free Circus! In 2011 Circus Vargas takes you on an artistic journey, encompassing the cultures of the world, in a series of vignettes depicting the experiences, memories and visions of a traveling circus performer. Presenting the highest quality family entertainment, Circus Vargas exemplifies circus as an art form. Uniting amazingly skilled performers with the innocence and silliness of truly comedic circus antics! This latest edition of Circus Vargas bridges the gap between old tradition and modern innovation.
Where: Santa Anita Park (Huntington Drive between Baldwin & Santa Anita in Arcadia)
When: 11/24 - 12/05
Who: Everyone!
How: Tickets available online at www.circusvargas.com or at the Circus Box Office
Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express Accepted
Cost: Various levels from $15 to $60
For more info: www.circusvargas.com or by phone at 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861)

This Week's Calendar:


November 17th through November 24th

Thursday, November 17 - Explore Outer Space @ Westfield Santa Anita's Family Fun Day

For the month of November the Westfield Family program will feature outer space-themed Family Fun Days, kid & family-friendly activities focusing on stars & space. November 17th will feature story time with “A Is for Astronaut: Exploring Space from A to Z” by Traci N. Todd & Sara Gillingham; “Roaring Rockets (Amazing Machines)” by Tony Mitton & Ant Parker; and “On the Moon” by Anna Milbourne, Laura Fearn & Benji Davies. Kids will decorate outer space foam glasses, put together a rocket flinger flyer & enjoy a healthy snack.
Where: Westfield Santa Anita, Lower level Center Court 400 S Baldwin Ave. Arcadia 91007
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (11/17/2011)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: 626.445.6225 or www.westfield.com/santaanita

Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20 - LA Kids Consignment Sale in Arcadia

LA Kids Consignment is the largest kids consignment sale in LA, Santa Clarita & Pasadena area!  We are proud to bring you a fantastic way to buy & sell high quality, new & gently-used children’s items, anything kid related from infancy through pre-teens!  When shopping at our sales you'll find only the best kids items. We only accept items in good, working condition that are CLEAN!!!  Everything is highly-organized & easy to find!
Where: 5649 Peck Road Arcadia 91006
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (11/18-11/20)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up - EARLY! Lines form to get in. CLICK HERE to buy a Pre-sale pass.
Cost: FREE!

Friday, November 18 - Free Children's Drawing Lessons @ La Pintoresca Library

Enjoy drawing? Art Center College of Design students share their drawing skills with kids age 4-10. All materials provided. No sign-up required!
Where: La Pintoresca 1355 N. Raymond Ave Pasadena 91103
When: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Every Friday)
Who: Kids ages 4-10 yrs.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Friday, November 18 - Fun Friday Flick presents 'Cars 2' @ Altadena Public Library

(Rated G) Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure.
Where: Altadena Public Library 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena
When: 3:30 PM (11/18/2011)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, November 19 - Free Children's Drawing Lessons @ Lamanda Park Library

Enjoy drawing? Art Center College of Design students share their drawing skills with kids age 4-10. All materials provided. No sign-up required!
Where: Lamanda Park Library 140 S. Altadena Drive Pasadena 91107
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Every Saturday)
Who: Kids ages 4-10 yrs.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, November 19 - Free Children's Drawing Lessons @ San Rafael Library

Enjoy drawing? Art Center College of Design students share their drawing skills with kids age 4-10. All materials provided. No sign-up required!
Where: San Rafael Library 1240 Nithsdale Road Pasadena 91105
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Every Saturday)
Who: Kids ages 4-10 yrs.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, November 19 - Free Children's Drawing Lessons @ Hill Ave. Branch Library

Enjoy drawing? Art Center College of Design students share their drawing skills with kids age 4-10. All materials provided. No sign-up required!
Where: Hill Ave Branch Library 55 S. Hill Ave. Pasadena 91106
When: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Every Saturday)
Who: Kids ages 4-10 yrs.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, November 19 - Go Club for Teens @ Central Library

Learn to play the game of Go! This traditional game which has been played in Asia for 4,000 years, is easy to learn the rules but even the best computer can't beat a good player. The game has become so popular here because of the anime and manga series, Hikaru No Go. Teens can learn to play this game and compete against other teens.  Bring a friend and learn how to get a free game board, too! 
Where: Central Library 285 E. Walnut St. Pasadena 91101
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Every Saturday)
Who: Kids ages 4-10 yrs.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Tuesday, November 22 - Kids Club @ The Americana

Weekly entertainment for kids and families out on the lawn. For lunch, head to a participating restaurant where kids eat free (with purchase of adult entree). Join Kids Club at the booth and get free kids t-shirt and coupons for Americana stores.
Where: Community Room at The Americana at Brand 889 Americana Way, Glendale
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Every Tuesday)
Who: Kids and families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving @ Descanso Gardens

For a truly relaxed Thanksgiving, leave the cooking to the experts at Patina Restaurant Group. Sit back and enjoy a traditional Turkey Day feast with your family while someone else handles the dishes! Two seatings - noon & 2pm.
Where: Descano Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge
When: 12:00 PM (11/24/2011 - noon & 2 PM)
Who: Everyone!
Cost: Dinner is $53 for the general public, $45 for Descanso members. Children 4 to 12, $19. Free for children 3 & younger.
For more info: Call 818.949.4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org

Plan Ahead:


November 25th through November 26th

Friday, November 25 - Pasadena's Largest Tree Lighting Ceremony & Celebration @ One Colorado Courtyard

Old Pas celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with free, family-friendly activities beginning on 11/25. Join us for a magical tree-lighting ceremony, 20 tons of snow, festive live music, Santa’s arrival & more! At 6p, Santa will arrive to light the 35-foot tree with the assistance of the 2012 Rose Queen & her Royal Court. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or book for the Charles Cherniss Tournament of Toys toy drive, benefitting kids in the SGV. Those who donate will receive a free photo with Santa from 6:30-9p on 11/25 only!
Where: One Colorado Courtyard, Old Pasadena
When: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (11/25/2011)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, November 26 - Dickens Village 2011 in Sierra Madre

Come visit Sierra Madre’s Dickens Village 2011! Activities include shopping, Artist's Alley, Santa Claus, horse & buggy rides, snow sledding, choo choo rides, carroling, tree lighting ceremony, free family art project.
Where: 1 Kersting Court Sierra Madre
When: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM (11/26/2011)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

San Gabriel Valley Area Farmer's Markets


Tuesdays

Pasadena Villa Park 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
363 E Villa St, Pasadena 
626.449.0179 http://www.pasadenafarmersmarket.org/

Thursdays

Glendale 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
E Wilson Ave at E Broadway, Glendale
 818.548.3155

South Pasadena 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. by the Metro Gold Line and Mission St., So. Pasadena  CLICK HERE for more info.

Wednesdays

South Lake Avenue 3:30 - 7:30 PM Farmer's Market Shoppers Lane on Lake & Del Mar (April 27-Sept ...


FREE Storytimes in San Gabriel Valley - UPDATED!


Please call or check website before going

MONDAYS  

Location: The Right Start 370 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Description:
Right Start’s resident narrator will wow all of the little ones with an interactive story.
For more information, please call (626) 585-8900.

Location: Hastings Branch Library 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena (626) 744-7262
Start Time: 7:00 PM
Description: Pajama Story Time! Kids, put on your pajamas & bring your favorite stuffed animal to the library for bedtime stories that are sure to inspire sweet dreams.

Location: Crowell Public Library 1890 Huntington Dr ...


FREE Museum Days in Los Angeles


Check website for details & to confirm

Monthly Free Museum Days

Page Museum, La Brea Tarpits (1st Tuesday)

Natural History Museum (1st Tuesday - Additional days for September -check website for dates)

Huntington Library, (1st Thursday, tickets required)

Norton Simon Museum (1st Friday, 6-9 pm)

Pasadena Museum of California Art (1st Friday)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) (2nd Tuesday)

Autry Center (2nd Tuesday)

Los Angeles County Arboretum (3rd Tuesday)

Japanese American National Museum (3rd Thursday & Target FREE Saturdays - check website for dates)

Pacific Asia Museum (4th Friday)

Kidspace Children's Museum (1st Tuesday)

La Habra Children ...


MKP MarketPlace


Classified Listings for Items of Interest to Pasadena Area Families

Are you a nanny seeking employment?  Do you have a gently used Bumbleride stroller for sale? Is your neighborhood having a yard sale this weekend?

Advertise in Macaroni Kid Pasadena's new MKP Marketplace!  This is your opportunity to reach nearly 1,400 local families who are interested in the items and services you have to offer! 

Listings cost $5 for every 30 words and will be listed for one week from Thursday through Thursday. 
All listings are at the sole discretion of Macaroni Kid Pasadena publishers and must be ...


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