Macaroni Kid
Pasadena
Macaroni Kid   Editions

Publisher's Note


Joyce Sakonju, Co-Publisher MKP

It seems like time is something that all of us wished we had more of. Being a mom is neither simple or easy and we are responsible for so many things regardless of whether we stay at home or go to an office every day. But it's safe to say that the pace of all of our lives has picked up and everyone I know is busier now than they ever were before. For me, staying organized and having a schedule are the keys to my day and help ...


Leap Year: What To Do With An "Extra Day"


If only I had more time! Every day I wish I had an extra hour, every week an extra day. Here it is, finally what every mom's been wishing for. It comes only once every four years - Leap Year! So here are a few ideas for what to do with your bonus time:

Take a Hike: Enjoy the outdoors with your little one's. There are so many amazing outdoor locations to explore right here in the San Gabriel Mountains. A favorite of our family is Monrovia Canyon Park ...


Seeking Talented Future Filmmakers


Students and Teachers Submit Your Entries

Now in its 46th year, the California Student Media Festival is our nation’s oldest student media festival. Over the past eighteen years, the California Student Media Festival has awarded more than $110,000 to California Schools. It has expanded to include the work of more than 6,000 student contestants from schools across the state. The festival exists to celebrate the amazing media and multimedia projects produced by California’s best and brightest students and teachers — rewarding and acknowledging their successful classroom work at an awards event on ...


What if We Didn't Have Leap Year


Snow In The Summer and More...

A year is 365 days, except in a leap year when we get 366. The extra day is added to February because it's the shortest month.

So, Why Do We Have Leap Years?
It takes the Earth about 365 1/4 days to make an orbit around the sun (one rotation around the Earth's axis is a day). An extra day is added every four years so that the Earth is in the same point of obit at the same time on the calendar each year (summer days ...


This Week's Picks:


February 25th through February 28th

Saturday, February 25 - Early Childhood Education Symposium presented by The Colburn School

The Colburn School presents an Early Childhood Education Symposium. The day features performances, lectures and demonstrations highlighting learning theory and tools for teaching young children led by Early Childhood Education experts Dr. Donna Brink Fox, Dr. Cynthia Taggart, Christine A. Martin, and Dr. Sheila Woodward. For more about the experts,  http://www.colburnschool.edu/page.cfm?id=1133&start=02/25/2012&verbose=1130
Where: Zipper Hall at The Colburn School 200 S. Grand Ave. L.A. 90012
When: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (2/25/2012)
Who: Parents
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Visit www.colburnschool.edu or call 213.621.2200

Saturday, February 25 - Harry Potter Family Day & Book Drive @ little junebugs

In conjunction with Milk+Bookies, little junebugs is hosting a Harry Potter Family Day & Book Drive! The store will be turned into a little Diagon Alley with cool stations to visit! Prof Trelawney will do a Divination & Palm Reading, pretzel wand-making, a Sorting Hat ceremony, crafts & the book drive! We're collecting 300 books (or more!) from the Harry Potter series to donate to underserved kids in L.A. who have not yet experienced the magic of HP. Costumes are encouraged!
Where: little junebugs 27 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena 91101
When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (2/25/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Call little junebugs at 626.440.7300 or rsvp to little junebugs on Facebook, go to the 'event' button and click 'i'm attending'.
Cost: Entry is $15 per child, which includes all activities plus one paperback copy of Harry Potter to donate to the charity. If you bring your own book to donate, the cost per child is only $10!
For more info: Call little junebugs at 626.440.7300. Visit Milk+Bookies.

Tuesday, February 28 - What You Don't Know About Estate Planning Can Hurt You!

Local mother and estate planning attorney, Vanessa Terzian, will be speaking about effective estate planning. She will highlight the common mistakes families make when forming trusts and how to avoid them.
Where: Pasadena Women’s City Club 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena 91101.  Free Parking on Madison
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (2/28/2012)
Who: Parents
Cost: FREE!

This Week's Calendar:


February 25th through February 29th

Saturday, February 25 through Sunday, February 26 - Dr. Seuss Weekend @ Kidspace

Kidspace celebrates the magical world of Dr. Seuss with Oobleck goo, face painting, bracelets & more. Kidspace will have special Seussian story times throughout the day, including a celebration of trees in honor of The Lorax.  And don’t forget to take part in Read Across Kidspace to win discounts in the Busy Bee Learning Store and points in the Nature Exchange – forms available in the Busy Bee Learning Store and online. "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." - Dr. Seuss
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena 91103
When: 2/25 & 2/26
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Regular Admission. $1 off admission if you come dressed as your favorite Dr. Seuss character at the door. 
For more info: www.kidspacemuseum.org

Saturday, February 25 - Go on a Safety Safari @ LA Zoo

At the second annual Safety Safari, hosted by Radio Disney AM 1110 and the Los Angeles Zoo, families can meet safety experts, take home safety tips, learn how to build an emergency kit, participate in a safety relay, and much more.  The Los Angeles Police Department will bring along a patrol car and motorcycle for youngsters to see up close. Other guests include Smokey Bear and the California Highway Patrol.
Where: LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Drive LA 90027
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (2/25/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free with regular admission. 
For more info: http://lazoo.org/

Saturday, February 25 - E-Waste Recycling @ Altadena Public Library

Bring electronics such as computers, monitors, TVs, cell phones, ink cartridges, printers, microwaves and more to be recycled.
Where: Altadena Public Library 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (2/25/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, February 25 - Miss Hilary's Story Time @ Flintridge Bookstore & Coffehouse

Please join Miss Hilary for story time. All are welcome, but perfect for 3-7 year olds. February 25: Follow the Leader! ~ March 3: Home! March 10: Telling the Truth! ~ March 17: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! March 24: Cow Girls and Cow Boys! ~ March 31.  
Where: 1010 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (2/25/2012 - Follow the Leader)
Who: All are welcome but perfect for 3-7 year olds.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Visit Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse or call 818.790.0717

Sunday, February 26 - Peace.Love.Swap Event @ Magical Playground

You are invited to swap out your gently used baby, kid, teen & maternity items & fill your bag with all the "new" to you items that you need. Clean out your clutter, "shop", help the planet & donate to charity in just a few short hours. Drop off your items 11a-12:30p. At 1pm, you will be invited to the swap floor to enjoy a boutique style shopping experience without price tags.  
Where: Buttercup Baby Store (Paseo Colorado) 289 E Green St., Pasadena 91101
When: 2/26/2012 - 11a dropoff, 1pm swap
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up! Bring anything related to babies (except cribs) & kids ages 0-14 years, including clothes, toys, books, movies, baby gates, bedding & maternity gear. Bring only clean, stain-free items. Hang clothing larger than size 6 months.
Cost: $7 at the door / $5.50 prepaid online AND STUFF TO SWAP
For more info: Please visit Peace.Love.Swap for more information about the swaps, how they work, & to prepay.

Monday, February 27 - Barks & Books @ La Pintoresca Library

Elementary school-age children can read to a gentle, well trained dog!  This program is made possible by volunteers from Pasadena Humane Society.
Where: La Pintoresca Library 1355 N. Raymond Ave Pasadena 91103
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (2/27/2012)
Who: Elementary school-age kids
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Tuesday, February 28 - National Pancake Day @ IHOP

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals(c) and other designated local charities.
Where: IHOP restaurants nationwide
When: 2/28/2012
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE short stack of buttermilk pancakes!

Tuesday, February 28 - 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: The Americana at Brand on the Main Lawn 889 Americana Way, Glendale (In the event of rain, please go to the Community Room.)
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Every Tuesday)
Who: Kids and families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Wednesday, February 29 - Leap into Learning with SimplyFun @ Magical Playground

Leap into Learning with SimplyFun with an interactive presentation will also give you the opportunity to see AND experience our products, while finding out more about this growing company committed to “Smarter Kids, Stronger Families.” At SimplyFun, we believe that the simple act of PLAY accomplishes just that & we are here to help you incorporate more PLAY in your family time. Our line of award winning games are designed for learning & connecting even if you only have 30 minutes of time between the busyness of life. 
Where: Magical Playground 1778 E. Colorado Blvd (at Colorado/Allen) Pasadena
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (2/29/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Fun included with price of admission to Magical Playground
For more info: www.simplyfun.com or email SimplyFun Playologists, Priscilla Hervey & Ani Janbazian.

Plan Ahead:


March 3rd through March 9th

Saturday, March 3 - Miss Hilary's Story Time @ Flintridge Bookstore & Coffehouse

Please join Miss Hilary for story time. All are welcome, but perfect for 3-7 year olds. February 25: Follow the Leader! ~ March 3: Home! March 10: Telling the Truth! ~ March 17: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! March 24: Cow Girls and Cow Boys! ~ March 31.  
Where: 1010 Foothill Blvd. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (3/3/2012 - Home!)
Who: All are welcome but perfect for 3-7 year olds.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Visit Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse or call 818.790.0717

Saturday, March 3 - 'Year of the Dragon' by Oliver Chin & Jennifer Wood @ Kidspace

'Year of the Dragon' by Oliver Chin and Jennifer Wood. 2012 is the year of the Dragon! Join us when illustrator Jennifer Wood visits Kidspace for a reading of her book Year of the Dragon, the newest addition to the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac picture book series.  Jennifer will work with kids to draw their own dragons, autograph her books, and discuss her work in illustration and animation.  
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena 91103
When: 1:00 PM (3/3/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Regular Admission. 
For more info: www.kidspacemuseum.org

Saturday, March 3 - The Colburn Orchestra's Concert Series @ Ambassador Auditorium

The Colburn School is a world class performing arts school located in the heart of downtown L.A. The school presents its students, faculty & guest artists in more than 300 performances each year, many of which are free. Please contact the Colburn Box Office for ticket availability. Free tickets are no longer available for the series, but $25 and $50 seats are still available. 
Where: Ambassador Auditorium 131 S. St. John Ave Pasadena 91105
When: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM (3/3/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Free tickets are no longer available. Please contact the Colburn Box Office for availaiblity of $25 and $50 tickets. 213-621-1050
Cost: Free tickets are no longer available. Please contact the Colburn Box office for availaiblity of $25 and $50 tickets. 213-621-1050

Tuesday, March 6 - Free Family Night @ Kidspace

Museum admission is FREE between 4 and 8pm. Join Kidspace as we watch Russian Dancers performing traditional folk dances and ballet.  Learn about the history of this traditional style of dance and be inspired by the dancer’s energetic performance.  The dance performance starts at 6pm.  See you there!  
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena 91103
When: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (3/6/2012)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free from 4-8pm
For more info: www.kidspacemuseum.org

Thursday, March 8 - Barks & Books @ Sierra Madre Library

Be a special reading buddy to a real dog! Elementary school-age children can read a book to a gentle dog. This program is made possible by volunteers from Pasadena Humane Society. 
Where: Sierra Madre Library 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 91024
When: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM (every 2nd Thursday of the month)
Who: Elementary school-age kids
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!

Friday, March 9 through Saturday, March 10 - CCPPNS Annual Convention for Parents and Teachers

This event is for parents, teachers & anyone who works or lives with children. There will be many vendors, workshops & resources for parents & educators that can be used at home or in the classroom. CHP will be on-site conducting car seat safety checks & for those with seats that do not comply, they will be giving away a number of new car seats. Childcare is available for children ages 2-6 on a first come, first served basis.
When: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Register Now)
Who: The San Gabriel Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools is a community of parents and educators committed to teaching and inspiring families through parental involvement & mutual support
How: You may register at http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1032584 or visit www.ccppns.org and click on Convention
Cost: $95 covers your registration for either one or both days
For more info: On Friday morning at 9:00, we welcome Dr. Tina Bryson, co-author of The Whole-Brain Child. Keynote Speaker, Dr. Larry Cohen of Playful Parenting will open Saturday morning at 9 a.m. In addition many presenters will conduct workshops on topics such as Speech and Language Development, Fostering Emotional Intelligence, Math and Your Child's Intuition, Raising Girls, Raising Boys, Reading and Literacy Readiness, and so much more! [email protected]

It's Banana Bread Day


and That's My Favorite Baked Goodie

We put our bread machine to work last night and baked up some Nutella Banana bread. A yummy treat this morning. Check out a similar recipe we found on Pinterest (no bread machine required) and a few more we've pinned for you.

Gooey Nutella Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups mashed ripe banana
  • 1/3 cup skim milk
  • 1 tsp ...

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: For Sale/ Wanted and More


Classified Listings for Items of Interest to Pasadena Area Families

For Sale: Maclaren Techno XT. Excellent Condition (grey and purple) $100 not negotiable! Contact [email protected] for additional photos and  information if interested.

For Sale:



Do you have a gently used Bumbleride stroller for sale? Is your neighborhood having a yard sale this weekend? Are you a nanny seeking employment?  Advertise in Macaroni Kid Pasadena's new MKP Marketplace!  This is your opportunity to reach over 1,400 local families who are interested in the items and services you have to offer! 

Listings cost $5 for every 30 words ...


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 M, W, F Storytimes in San Gabriel Valley


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 ...


T/TH Storytimes


Please call or check website before going

TUESDAYS

Location: Pottery Barn Kids 511 South Lake Ave., Pasadena, (626) 405-1743 
Start Time: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Description: Kids of all ages.

Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066 option 4. Registration required.
Start Times: 9:30, 10:00, 11:00 AM
Description: Story time for infants, 0-17 months.
Start Time: 10:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Description: Story time for toddlers.

Location: Hill Ave. Branch Library 55 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena (626) 744-7264
Start Time: 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Description: Join us ...


FREE Weekend Storytimes in the San Gabriel Valley


Please call or check website before visiting

SATURDAYS

Location: Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-5320
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: Story time for toddlers and preschoolers with Mr. Steve.

Location: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena (626) 744-4066
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Description: A story time for preschoolers with stories, songs, finger plays, flannel board stories, and a short video. For ages 3-5 & their families. No registration required.

Location: Glendale Central Library 222 E. Harvard St. Glendale (818) 548-2030
Start Time: 10:30 AM
Description: Stories, songs and finger ...


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