Macaroni Kid
Pasadena
Macaroni Kid   Editions
National > Pasadena Home
Subscribe to newsletter
Published on
December 23, 2010
Macaroni Kid
National Editions
Connect
Faith's Blog
Local

Macaroni Message

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas to my Macaroni Families!  It's so nice to see the sun after four days of continuous rain.  Did you see the double rainbow and amazing colors in the sky on Wednesday evening at sunset?  Seeing that made the rain all worth it.

Now it's time to get out of the house and enjoy a Southern California Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate. Many of you have asked what you can do on Christmas Day. After the last gift is unwrapped, we enjoy getting out of the ...


Macaroni Resolutions

Goal setting at an early age

With the new year right around the corner, it may be a good opportunity to work on goal setting with your children.  Goal setting is an important skill they can carry with them through out their life!  And New Year's Resolutions are a fun way to not only start the discussion, but the process as well.   Here are a few resolutions for your family that you may want to adapt in your home or that may assist you with thinking of ones on your own.   Good Hygiene: Wash my ...

Bob Baker Marionettes Nutcracker

A family-friendly show worth the drive

If you missed buying your tickets to the classic Nutcracker performances in Pasadena, don't forget about a very special Nutcracker by Bob Baker's Marionettes in Los Angeles. Bob Baker's Marionettes are those classic string puppets maneuvered by a pupeteer.  Celebrating 50 years, this is one of the oldest, ongoing theaters of its kind.  The Nutcracker performance is not a typical ballet, but you will see the familiar characters: the Nutcracker, Clara, and all the other fun cast members that make this a family-friendly show for kids of ...


Macaroni Smiles

OXO's Weekly Photo Contest

Break out the photos of your little ones and enter them to win some great prizes from OXO Tot!  Do you have a classic shot of your child with spaghetti in their hair?  Chocolate all over his face?     If so, enter it in OXO Tot’s weekly photo contest!  The contest for 12/28-30 is for “First Foods,” so grab the camera and pudding and let your baby go to town (don’t forget the paper towels).
OXO Tot is a new line of feeding, cleaning and bathing products for ...

Winter Camps in Pasadena

Keeping the kids busy (& happy!) during the school break

The Little Gym Winter Camp 2010

The Little Gym Winter Camp is the place to be during this year’s winter break, offering hours of fun and activity for children age 3-9 years.  Each 3-hour camp will incorporate a theme from our specially developed camp curriculum which draws from our regular Gymnastics, Sports Skills, Dance or Karate programs and includes arts & crafts and a snack.  It’s the perfect break for kids —and parents— during the busy holiday season. 

Camps are available to both The Little Gym members and non-members ...


Lyda Fong Photography Cards

Special Offer for Macaroni Kid Pasadena Subscribers!

Just need a few photos on a CD for holiday cards or thank you notes?
 
Lyda Fong Photography is offering a holiday card special for Macaroni Kid Pasadena readers! It's not too late to order Christmas or New Year's cards, or use these photos for all the thank you notes you'll be writing after the holidays. 
 
$225 includes:
Outdoor photo session for a family of 4 ($200 value)
5 edited images on a CD printable to 5 x 7 ($200 value)
Rights to reproduce images on CD ...


This Week's Picks:

December 23rd through December 28th

Thursday, December 23 - Acoustic Avenue Kids Club @ The Americana: Holiday Arts & Crafts

Join us for a special holiday Acoustic Avenue tomorrow at The Americana at Brand in the Community Room! Enjoy holiday arts & crafts and face painters. PLUS, receive a FREE 5x7 photo with purchase of any SANTA package! It's not too late to visit Santa at The Americana at Brand.
Where: The Americana at Brand in Glendale
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: For more information on Kids Club events at The Americana at Brand, contact Concierge Services at 818.637.8982 or visit our website at www.americanaatbrand.com.
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, December 26 through Monday, December 27 - 3rd Annual Snow Days @ Kidspace

My family and friends did this last year and the kids loved it.  My advice is to arrive early and bring your gloves.  Kidspace sells gloves in their store, in case you forget yours. Kidspace is bringing in 30 tons of snow from local mountains in order to transform the Pasadena children’s museum into a winter wonderland. Fun activities included with general admission include: activities in the Harvest Corner, painting with ice, writing special wishes to hang on the “wish-teria” vine, interactive shows about the water cycle and the possibility of snow in Los Angeles, and planting seedling trees to take home. 
Where: Kidspace 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE with museum admission:Tickets for children and adults are $10; children under 12 months and members are free. 
For more info: http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, December 26 - Stories in the Afternoon: Winter Days

Create a sparkly snowflake mobile while listening to wintry tales in front of Vincent van Gogh’s Winter (The Vicarage Garden under Snow), 1885.
Where: Norton Simon 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE with museum admission.
For more info: http://www.nortonsimon.org/
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, December 27 - Celebrate Kwanzaa @ La Pintoresca Library

Enjoy tasty dishes prepared by members of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority during a celebration of Kwanzaa at La Pintoresca Branch Library.
Where: La Pintoresca Branch Library 1355 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: For more information, call (626) 744-7268.
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, December 28 through Friday, December 31 - Rose Parade Float Decorating

Rose Parade FLOAT DECORATING Presented by Bayer Advanced
Experience the magic of the floats before they make their debut in the 2011 Rose Parade presented by Honda. Get a backstage glimpse of the floral floats in their final stages of preparation at any of our three locations. You will see a variety of fruit, seeds, bark, grasses and of course, flowers being applied to the floats by experienced professionals as well as hard working volunteers.
Where: • Rosemont Pavilion 700 Seco Street., Pasadena & Brookside Pavilion (accessible to disabled visitors):
Lot I, south side of Rose Bowl Stadium • Rose Palace 835 South Raymond Ave., Pasadena
When: 9:00 AM (Times vary depending on location - SEE BELOW. Brookside: December 28 and 29, 9 AM – 5 PM December 30, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Rose Palace: December 28 – 30, 9 AM – 5:00 PM December 31, 9:00 AM– 1:00 PM)
Who: Families.
How: Purchase tickets at door or advance tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company at (626) 795-4171.
Cost: Admission: $10; free for children 5 and under.
For more info: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
Add to My Macaroni

This Week's Calendar:

December 22nd through December 29th

Wednesday, December 22 through Saturday, December 24 - A Flurry of Winter Fun @ The Americana at Brand

Santa is visiting from the North Pole. Don't miss your chance to sit with Santa and go home with photos you'll always treasure. Cost of photo packages range from $15 to $60. Plus PET NIGHTS are Wednesdays from 6pm until closing. Click here for Santa's hours. Holiday Entertainment: Strolling Carolers, Brass Bands and Melodic Bell Ringers... It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! For Holiday Entertainment hours, click here. Santa's House open until 12/24 at 6:00 PM.

Where: The Americana at Brand Glendale
When: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Photo with Santa varies. Check website for details.)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Photo packages range from $25 - $60. Click here for Santa's photo packages.
For more info: http://www.americanaatbrand.com/glendale/promos/promo_page.php?id_promo=59&section=events
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, December 22 through Friday, December 24 - Photos with Santa @ Old Town Pasadena

Santa Claus will be visiting the One Colorado Courtyard regularly up until Christmas Eve at 5:00 PM so come get your picture taken!
Photos with Santa Claus:
Thursdays: 5pm to 9pm
Fridays: 5pm to 10pm
Saturdays: 10am to 10pm
Sundays: 10am to 7pm
Christmas Eve: 10am to 5pm
Where: One Colorado Courtyard, 54 Hugus Alley, Pasadena
When: 5:00 PM (Various times. See below.)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Prices:
1-5 people: 5 photos on CD - $20
6-8 people: 5 photos on CD - $30
Extra disks: $5 each
For a photo with your own camera:
1-5 adults: 3 photos - $10
For more info: http://www.oldpasadena.org/ http://www.onecolorado.com
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, December 22 through Friday, December 24 - Winter Wonderland @ The Americana at Brand

Holiday Entertainment Strolling Carolers, Brass Bands and Melodic Bell Ringers... It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!  For Holiday Entertainment hours, click here.  Watch a Winter Wonderland appear before your eyes. Witness an enchanting blend of light and sound as Santa's helpers transform The Americana at Brand into a winter wonderland each December night at 7pm and 8pm. Exclusively at The Americana at Brand. 
Where: The Americana at Brand in Glendale
When: 6:00 PM (Watch a winter wonderland appear as it snows nightly at 6pm and 9pm on Caruso Avenue, December 5 - 24.)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: http://www.americanaatbrand.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, December 28 - Kids Club @ The Americana: Rhythm Child

Rhythm Child introduces your child to creative expression and cultural exploration through interactive music.  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 889 Americana Way, Glendale
When: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Every Tuesday)
Who: Kids and families.
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: http://www.americanaatbrand.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, December 29 - Rose Parade Equestfest @ LA Equestrian Center

EQUESTFEST Presented by Wells Fargo
Get up close and personal with many of the equestrians appearing in the 2011 Rose Parade presented by Honda. Watch in awe as these magnificent horses and talented riders display their abilities in drills and trick riding. After the show, stroll through the stables to talk and take photos with the performers. It's horsemanship at its best. Visitors will enjoy continuous entertainment along with a variety of exhibits, music, food and beverages. Show begins at "High Noon" rain or shine
Where: Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank (Main and Riverside Drive)
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Families.
How: Box office opens at 10:30 a.m. on day of event.
Cost: Admission: $15; free for children five and under Parking: $5 per car Advance tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company at (626) 795-4171.
For more info: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, December 29 - Films @ Pasadena Public Library

Enjoy watching a holiday classic: It's a Wonderful Life!
Where: Pasadena Public Library 285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: http://cityofpasadena.net/
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, December 29 through Thursday, December 30 - 2011 Rose Parade Bandfest

Bandfest will feature the prizewinning bands of the 2011 Rose Parade performing the field shows that made them famous. Three shows over two days give everyone a chance to see these talented musicians, dancers and auxiliary performers in action. This is a great way to hear the bands and see them perform. 
Where:
Pasadena City College – Robinson Stadium (the PCC football field )1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 2:00 PM (12/30: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (1st show); 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (2nd show))
Who: Everyone!
How: Advance tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company at (626) 795-4171. Same day tickets go on sale approximately one hour prior to the start of each show.
Cost: $15 per person. Free at Parking Structure Lot 4. (Enter from Del Mar Avenue, near the corner of Hill and Colorado)


For more info: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/the-rose-parade/events/detail/bandfest-presented-by-remo
Add to My Macaroni

Plan Ahead:

December 31st through December 1st

Friday, December 31 - Noon Year's Eve @ Kidspace

Created especially for younger children that either can’t, or their parents don’t want them to, stay awake until midnight on December 31, the day-time celebration will have special guest Radio Disney on-hand to play music, lead games and join in the countdown to noon. In addition to Radio Disney counting down the time, “Noon Year’s Eve” festivities will include streamers, sparkling cider, make your own noisemakers and a balloon drop when the clock strikes 12 noon.
Where: Kidspace 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
When: 11:00 AM (Radio Disney will be performing at the Museum between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE with museum admission: Tickets for children and adults are $10; children under 12 months and members are free. 
For more info: http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, January 1 - 122nd Annual Rose Parade Presented by Honda: Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories

This year's Rose Parade is themed Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories, will take place on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. The Rose Parade will be broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision. The Parade is also seen in more than 200 international territories and countries. 
Where: Parade goes down Orange Grove, Colorado and Sierra Madre Boulevards in Pasadena for 5.5 miles.
When: 8:00 AM
Who: Everyone!
How: CLICK HERE to purchase grandstand tickets from Sharp Seating.
Cost: No charge for curbside viewing in designated areas. Curbside viewing is also welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Pasadena city ordinance allows the occupancy of curbside space along the Parade route beginning at noon on the day before the parade. Grandstand seating prices start at $55.
For more info: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/ Visitor hotline: Call 1-877-793-9911
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, January 1 - Family Bird Walk @ LA County Arboretum

Arcadia Naturalist/Recreation Leader Ray Jillson will lead you on a 2-4 hour walk through the Arboretum in search of feathered friends. Children are welcome but must be with an adult. 
Where: LA County Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
When: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (1st Saturdays of the month. Storytime starts at 2:30 PM)
Who: Families.
How: No reservations.
Cost: FREE with museum admission.
For more info: http://www.arboretum.org/i
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, January 9 - Stories in the Afternoon @ The Norton Simon: Who Was Rembrandt?

Imagine huddling under a tall pine tree as you listen to exciting tales of the forest while drawing your own imaginary woodland retreat in front of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s Happy Lovers, c. 1760–65.
Where: Norton Simon Museum of Art 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE with museum admission. Adults $8; Patrons 18 and under: FREE; Students with valid ID: FREE.
For more info: http://www.nortonsimon.org/
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, January 21 through Sunday, January 23 - Expressing Motherhood @ The Lilian Theater, Hollywood

The hit show Expressing Motherhood is back in Los Angeles with an all new cast of moms sharing their experiences with motherhood. The show was conceived by two women during their children's nap time and the January 2011 show will be the 5th Los Angeles production. You need not be a mother....or even a woman to thoroughly enjoy this show!  The January Expressing Motherhood will be collecting diapers at all shows to help benefit the charity, Help A Mother Out. You can see more information on this amazing charity at helpamotherout.org and if you've got diapers....bring them!
Where: Lilian Theater 1076 N. Lillian Way, Hollywood
When: Shows also from 1/28 - 1/30.
Who: Parents.
How: CLICK HERE for tickets or tickets by phone: 866-811-4111
Cost: Ticket Price: $25.00
For more info: http://www.expressingmotherhood.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, December 1 through Sunday, January 2 - Post Parade Float Viewing

POST PARADE: A SHOWCASE OF FLOATS Presented by Bayer Advanced
Post Parade is a unique opportunity to get up close to the majestic beauty and splendor of the Rose Parade floats after they have made their New Year’s appearance on Colorado Boulevard. Please allow two hours for this breathtaking display and don’t forget your camera! Comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Due to the popularity of this event, early arrival is suggested. No PETS or bikes allowed.
Where: Location: Approximately at Sierra Madre Boulevard and Washington Street. Parking: use of the Park-n-Ride shuttle is strongly recommended (see map on back for details) as street parking is extremely limited.
When: 1:00 PM (JANUARY 1, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (general) JANUARY 2, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (senior citizens and disabled visitors) JANUARY 2, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (general))
Who: Families.
How: Advance tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company at (626) 795-4171.
Cost: Admission: $10, free for children five and under Ticket sales end at 2:30 p.m.; venue closes at 5:00 p.m.
For more info: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Hey Kids! Enter Vroman's Annual Bookmark Contest

Now through January 9, 2011

Your bookmark could be selected as Vroman’s Bookstore’s official bookmark for next year! Enter either the grade K-3rd or the 4th-6th grade competition by designing a bookmark representing the theme of books and reading in the space provided. One bookmark from each category will be selected and the winning artists will each receive a $50 Vroman’s gift certificate, 50 copies of the bookmark to hand out to family and friends, and enough bookmarks for your teachers and class!

1. Use Color! Past winners have used lots of ...


Expressing Motherhood Returns to Hollywood

Tickets on sale now!

The stage show about motherhood, starring women performing their own essays, is back for an all new show this coming January in Los Angeles at the Lillian Theater in Hollywood, CA. 

Expressing Motherhood is a live stage show performed by mothers sharing their life experiences regarding motherhood. Humorous and dramatic pieces are included so as to represent all aspects of mothering. 

Madeline Holler of Babble.com says, “I wound up in a controlled sob midway through…(it had) everything to do with how the disconnect between what we expected from ...


Macaroni Traditions

Train Ride to Santa @ Travel Town

One tradition that I'm looking forward to this season is taking the kids to see Santa on the train ride at Travel Town in Griffith Park.  You board the train for the North Pole at the Travel Town station and the train travels for a few minutes and then stops at the "North Pole" where Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves are waiting for the train to unload the passengers.  You can have your photo taken with Santa, hang out and see the elves, and enjoy the lights. You ...


Holiday Lights Viewing in Pasadena Area

Macaroni Kid Mom Caroline Solberg emailed me this list of local area holiday light displays in the San Gabriel Valley.  This is a list of places in the Pasadena California that have Holiday Lights that are worth seeing. Feel free to give it a test drive.  Make sure you zoom in to the locations (flashing bulbs) for greater detail.

Thanks Caroline and Bruce!
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115138706501667775885.000496d661bb78e8dff17&t=h&z=12

Farmer's Markets In Pasadena & Nearby Communities

Tuesday
s

Pasadena Villa Park 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
363 E Villa St, Pasadena 
626.449.0179

Wednesdays

Sierra Madre 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mariposa Ave & S Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre

Thursday
s

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.

Fridays

L.A. Eagle ...


FREE Museum Days in Los Angeles

Monthly Free Museum Days

Page Museum, La Brea Tarpits (1st Tuesday)

Natural History Museum(1st Tuesday)

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)

Pacific Asia Museum (4th Friday)

 

Weekly Free Museum Days

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Grand Ave, Thursday 5-8pm) 

MOCA Geffen Contemporary (Thursday 5-8 pm)

Skirball Cultural Center (Thursday)

UCLA ...


FREE Storytimes in San Gabriel Valley

FREE STORYTIMES IN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY - Please call or check website before going.
 

MONDAYS

Location: Currant Baby & Mommy 289 E. Green St., Pasadena (in Paseo Colorado)
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Description: This is an excellent opportunity to get to know other parents and children in the Pasadena area as well as enjoy a morning out.

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 and bring your favorite stuffed animal to the ...


Macaroni Kid Needs a New Publisher

Beverly Hills-Downtown LA area

Do you know someone who'd like to take over the Beverly Hills-Downtown LA Macaroni Kid site?  As a publisher, you run your very own edition of Macaroni Kid, get press perks like free show tickets and earn extra money. It's a great opportunity for a parent who wants to work for home, have flexible working hours, and stay connected with the community.  If you would like to join the Macaroni Kid family and to learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email [email protected].

Subscribe to newsletter

© 2013 Macaroni Kid, LLC

Subscribe Now and Enter to Win an iPad Mini!



Contest Ends 6/15/2013