Macaroni Kid
Rockville - Gaithersburg
Macaroni Kid   Editions

Cha-Cha-Changes....Important Updates about Mac Kid


So, I have some big news for you!  After freelancing as an attorney for the past six years, I have just officially accepted a new position as the Client Services Coordinator at Update Legal in DC.  While I am a little nervous about this new career path, I am so excited about the challenges it will bring.  This will be my first "permanent" job in six years, so I know it will take some adjusting to, but I can't wait! 

And, I will still be publishing Mac Kid Rockville-Gaithersburg ...

Imagination Movers Tour- WIN TICKETS


And a discount code for our readers!

Family favorites The Imagination Movers are bringing their tour to the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore MD on Friday May 11th at 4pm & 7pm and the Weinberg Center in Frederick on May 13, 2012 at 2pm & 6pm!  The tour begins after brand-new episodes of The Movers’ Emmy Award-winning show premiere on Disney Jr. during “Movers Week” April 2-6.

The tour showcases live music, favorite songs and energy to ignite every kid’s imagination. The Rock-O-Matic tour stars Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, and Scott “Smitty” Smith who will be playing ...

WIN A Yo Gabba! Gabba Blanket and DVD


Yo Gabba Gabba Bedding Now Available in All Walmart Stores!

Here's something you and your kids can both be excited about - colorful, fun Yo Gabba Gabba! bedding by Betesh, now available in Walmart stores nationwide. The 4-piece toddler bedding set is affordably priced and machine washable. Let your child's dreams come true!

SCROLL DOWN FOR CONTEST INFO!


 
For more fun, add a Pillow Pal or one of several blankets. There are cuddle pillows, nap mats and much more to choose from.. only at Walmart. If you have a Yo Gabba Gabba! fan in the house, here's an ...

Mac Kid Rockville's Picks of the Week


A great place to find out about cool and unique products you want to know about!

This week I'd like to introduce you to three great companies we have recently discovered.  As you know, we love mom-invented products and were very excited to try the SnoozeShade.  The SnoozeShade was designed and developed by a mom, Cara Sayer, in London.  She did so to provide her daughter Holly with a darkened environment in which to sleep while they were out shopping, visiting friends or eating in restaurants. 

SnoozeShade greatly helps to establish proper sleep patterns and habits especially when a baby cannot always be in the ...

All The Ways To Make Use of Macaroni Kid


All The GREAT ways to use Macaroni Kid!


1. The calendar feature will allow you to see the whole month at a glance to see how you may want to plan ahead for events. The white bar on the left side of the page is the table of contents for this week. You can jump to any of the articles or the events listings by clicking in there and you will still be in the current issue.

2. If you would like to look back at previous issues, scroll down ...


French Onion Soup


This soup has been my absolute favorite since I was a little girl. I took my daughter to lunch the other day and she liked it so much she ate half of mine! Here is my version of our favorite soup. Enjoy!

Ingredients4-5 onions sliced4 tablespoons of butter1 teaspoon olive oil2 garlic cloves chopped2 bay leaves2 sprigs of fresh thyme or a teaspoon of dry thymesalt and pepper to taste1 cup dry red wine (you can use a dry white)3 tablespoons ...

Garden Creepy Crawlies


My daughter's preschool teacher is the creative genius behind this gardening activity for little ones.  My daughter has had so much fun at school watching her "caterpillar" get fuzzier by the day, that we had to create a couple of caterpillars for our garden at home as well.  

Materials:
Soil
Grass Seed
Nylon stockings (knee highs or cut off at the knee)
Yarn
6-8 Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes 

Directions:

Mix the grass seed and soil in a large bowl.  

Have your children fill the stockings with the soil-mixture and ...


Together Counts


Helping Families Achieve Healthier Lifestyles Together!

At the core of Together Counts’  message is the concept of moderation and energy balance – balancing the calories you consume with the calories you burn Let’s face it; getting the family all together to share regular meals or activities isn’t as easy as it used to be. Balancing hectic work schedules, after school activities and other social engagements with quality family time has become a job unto itself. Together Counts understands and has been helping families across the country solve these dilemmas by providing resources to get families ...

Welcome to the Neighborhood SUGO!


An Italian Heaven, one small plate at a time!

We were thrilled to be invited to the pre-opening event at SUGO in Park Potomac on Monday night.  When I first received the invite, I could not wait to invite my dad, who being from NY, is a self-proclaimed Italian and Pizza connoisseur.  SUGO comes to us from the fabulous minds behind Cava (which happens to be my favorite Greek restaurant).  

SUGO Cicchetti is a new idea in Italian dining.  Instead of huge, family-style Italian meals that we have become so accustomed to, SUGO serves Italian food, tapas style.  The ...

My Medifast Weight Loss Journey


Woohoo!!!!  I lost 4.5 lbs last week and am getting so close to reaching my goal weight!  That brings my total weight loss to over 60 lbs since August!  The next few weeks may prove a little more difficult since with the new job I will be travelling for the next three weeks and will be eating whatever is served...but I have faith that by using the skills I have learned at Medifast, I will make smart decisions about my food choices and at least minimize any weight ...

Jammie Stroll


This past week I read an article in a magazine that spoke of various ways to resolve challenges with toddlers, including bedtime. For the most part our nearly 5 year old does ok with bedtime routine, but it does appear over the past few weeks that our household needs to focus a bit more on a wind down routine for her sake…and momma and daddy’s!  The one thing that jumped off the page of the story and into my heart was the “Pajama Stroll.”  We implemented this new ...


Macaroni Planet: Stargazing


April 28th is National Astronomy Day and with Spring upon us we encourage you to get out on a cool night for some fabulous stargazing!

The night sky is full of stories to keep everyone in the family entertained for hours.
There is not much you need to prepare for a successful night.
-clear sky
-comfy spot
-map of night sky
-strong flash light to point out constellations
-dim flash light for map (Tip: If light to strong, try a bandanna around the top!)
-bug spray!
You can gaze from ...

This Week's Calendar:


April 25th through April 30th

Wednesday, April 25 - WFamily Fun Day

Join us for themed activities, stories, songs, crafts and more!
Where: In front of Macy's, lower level 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda
When: 10:30 AM (Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday)
Who: Best for ages 6 and under.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free

Wednesday, April 25 - Lightning Bugs

Ever marveled at the lightning bugs you see at night? Join in for an exploration of lightning bugs. Through stories and a craft we'll explore the world of this illuminating beetle!
Where: Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
When: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Ages 3-5.
How: To register call 301-924-4141 or register online.
Cost: $5.

Wednesday, April 25 - Study Skills: Help Your Child Maximize Homework Effort

Carolyn Roth, M.Ed., longtime Academic Coach, will share homework tips and what you should expect of your child. Learn how you can help your child with homework and how you can foster independence in this area of your child's life.
Where: Westland MS, 5511 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda 20816
When: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: All parents welcome
How: Register online or call 301-517-5940
Cost: Free!  Childcare services provided.

Thursday, April 26 - Meadowside Movies by the Fire: Frog and Toad Are Friends

Spend an evening around Meadowside's campfire ring to enjoy a tasty treat and a short film. We'll supply marshmallows and graham crackers, you bring your chocolate of choice, and we'll make s'mores!
Where: Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
When: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Ages 3+
How: To register call 301-924-4141 or register online.
Cost: $3  Please register and pay for all participants.

Friday, April 27 - Renowned Silhouette Artist Karl Johnson

Karl is a 3rd generation silhouette artist. His work has appeared in over 30 national publications including “The O List” in O Magazine, People, In Style, Martha Stewart Wedding, Parents, Elegant Bride, Nickelodeon, People, Country Home, Country Living and many others. 
 He has created silhouettes for thousands of special people including celebrities and their children. Such as Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony & Hilary Duff. His silhouettes are also featured in the new “Black Swan” movie with Natalie Portman.
Where: Barston’s Child’s Play 1661 Rockville Pike in Rockville
When: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Space is limited so please contact the store to make your appointment today! (301)-230-9040
Cost: $25.00 per original appointment
For more info: www.cutarts.com

Friday, April 27 - Reptiles Alive

Join us for an exciting live reptile show!
Where: White Flint Mall, Centre Court
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Who: Everyone welcome!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!

Friday, April 27 - Pizza Play Night at My Gym Kentlands

Free play and dinner!
Where: My Gym Kentlands, 620 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Everyone welcome! (members and non-members)
How: Just show up!
Cost: $10 per child. $5 for adults who want to eat. Cash only, please.

Saturday, April 28 - Saturday Morning at The National Theatre

4/28: Bright Star Theatre: We Can Do It!
Where: The National Theatre in Washington, DC
When: 9:30 AM (Second show at 11am)
Who: All families welcome
How: Seating is limited!! Tickets are Required, and are distributed without charge one half-hour prior to performance, on a first-come first-served basis, one ticket only, to each person standing in line. Children must be accompanied by an adult who remains present for the entire performance.
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Saturday Morning at the National has been sponsored exclusively since its inception by
Marriott International, Inc. and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Inc. Visit the website.

Saturday, April 28 through Sunday, April 29 - USA Science & Engineering Festival Book Fair

Who discovered insulin? What kind of tattoos do Scientists have on their bodies? How long can butterflies fly? How can I make fun, safe, explosive experiments at home?  Find out at the USA Science & Engineering Festival Book Fair! Meet award-winning authors and get autographed books as souvenirs. Books & more will be available to bring science home. The Book Fair is free of charge and is perfect for teens, children and their families.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - 801 Mt. Vernon Place, N.W., Washington, DC 20001
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Ends at 4pm on 4/29.)
Who: Everyone welcome!
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, April 28 - Renowned Silhouette Artist Karl Johnson

Karl is a 3rd generation silhouette artist. His work has appeared in over 30 national publications including “The O List” in O Magazine, People, In Style, Martha Stewart Wedding, Parents, Elegant Bride, Nickelodeon, People, Country Home, Country Living and many others. 
 He has created silhouettes for thousands of special people including celebrities and their children. Such as Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony & Hilary Duff. His silhouettes are also featured in the new “Black Swan” movie with Natalie Portman.
Where: Langley Shopping Center, 1382 Chainbridge Rd, Mclean, VA 22101
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Space is limited so please contact the store to make your appointment today! (703) 448-3444
Cost: $25.00 per original appointment
For more info: www.cutarts.com

Appointments also available from 10am-4pm on Sunday, April 29th at Barsons in Arlington: 4510 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 522-1022

Saturday, April 28 - Spring Festival and Native Plant Sale

Help us celebrate the nature center’s 10th anniversary with a spring native plant sale, live animal show, face painting, woodland hikes, rain barrel sale and more
Where: Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages welcome!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE

Saturday, April 28 - Caroline Goes to the Seashore

Maryland Youth Ballet’s Spring Children’s Matinee- Caroline goes to the Seashore. Maryland Youth Ballet’s talented dancers present Caroline’s fantastic adventure at the seashore where she and her friends encounter a friendly octopus or two, sea horses, angel fish, crabs, King Neptune, and more… But what happens when the waves threaten her friend?
Where: Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery College Silver Spring/Takoma Park Campus 7995 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910
When: 3:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Tickets: 301-608-2232
Cost: Children 12 and under: $10, Adults: $15

Monday, April 30 - Computer Smart (part 3 of 5)

Explore the MCPS website and online resources, set up an Edline account, and learn about Microsoft Office programs in this beginning-level workshop. Facilitated by an MCPS technology teacher.  
Where: Earle B. Wood MS, 14615 Bauer Dr., Rockville 20853
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Part 4: 5/14, Part 5: 5/21.)
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Register online or call 301-517-5940
Cost: Free!  Child care services are provided.

Plan Ahead:


May 2nd through May 16th

Wednesday, May 2 - Story Time with Ms. Jazmine

Join us for exciting stories and songs with Ms. Jazmine!
Where: White Flint Mall, North Bethesda, MD
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month)
Who: Ages 1-6.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!

Thursday, May 3 - Preschool Songs & Stories

Back by popular demand, the Arts Barn will once again host an exciting and enriching cultural arts program for children. Preschool Songs and Stories gives three to five year olds and their parents or guardians the opportunity to explore the arts through singing, dancing and active listening to story books.
Where: The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg’s premiere cultural arts facility, is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg.
When: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (1st and 3rd Thursdays through June 2012)
Who: Preschool aged
How: Just show up!  Pay at the door.
Cost: $3 per child.  Adults are free.
For more info: For more information call 301-258-6394 or visit the website.

Thursday, May 3 - Grandkids and Me: Build a Bird Feeder

Looking for a fun way to spend time with your grandchildren? Create memories while participating in fun natural and cultural history programs with activities such as hikes, games, crafts, and more. Come learn common birds you might see in spring, then build and paint a feeder with your grandchild. Put it up at home and watch together to see all the birds you're helping!
Where: Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
When: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Ages 8-12.
How: To register call 301-924-4141 or register online.  Grandchildren sign up; grandparents are free!
Cost: $10

Friday, May 4 - Cabin John Mall Kids Day

A great new children's entertainer at each event!  Plus great disounts throughout Cabin John Mall.
Where: Located in the Atrium of Cabin John Mall, Potomac, MD
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (1st & 3rd Friday each month)
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: All activities subject to change without notice. When Montgomery County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, Cabin John Kids activities will be canceled.

Saturday, May 5 - Alien Invaders

Our park's native plants are being choked and overgrown by alien invasive plants. You, your family, or your group can help give the park's native plants room to grow by removing the invasive non-natives. Bring leather gloves if you have them or borrow ours.  SSL- approved.
Where: Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 8+.
How: No registration required unless you are bringing a group.
Cost: Free

Saturday, May 5 - Sensory Friendly: Pirates! Band of Misfits

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Where: AMC Rio Cinemas 18
9811 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, Md. 20878
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Purchase at the box office on the day of the show.
Cost: $4-$6
For more info: Visit the website

Saturday, May 5 - Celebrate Mama

Celebrate Mama! is a free family event with live entertainment, give-aways, a fabulous vendor marketplace, and so much more!
Where: Rockville Town Square
When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: visit the website.

Saturday, May 5 - Wildflower Walk

Enjoy a stroll through our woods looking for and learning about our native late spring wildflowers.
Where: Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Ages 10+
How: To register call 301-924-4141 or register online.
Cost: $5.

Sunday, May 6 - KidzRock at the Rooftop

KidzRock at The Rooftop, is the latest and hippest family entertainment event.  This event features entertainment by a top notch local kid's entertainer, dance instruction from Studio-310, fun street break dancers who interact with the kids, plus food, music, dancing and fun and hot tunes from the great Washington Talent DJs!
Where: Rockville Rooftop, 155 Gibbs St., Rockville
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Also on 6/3, 9/9 & 10/7)
Who: Kids ages 2-10 and their families!
How: Buy tickets online or just show up.
Cost: $5 in advance, $8 at the door.
For more info: In Partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings, Studio-310, Washington Talent and Macaroni Kid Rockville-Gaithersburg. Event is rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, KidzRock will be moved indoors to the 2nd floor VisArts Event Gallery.

Tuesday, May 8 - Tiny Talon Tales

Children will spread their wings as they listen to stories of raptors and see them come alive. Listen to a raptor-themed story, meet Meadowside's own raptors, and make a craft to take home.
Where: Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 3-5
How: To register call 301-924-4141 or register online.
Cost: $5

Thursday, May 10 - Mommy & Me and Daddies too @ Congressional Plaza

Head over to Congressional Plaza for the Mommy & Me and Daddies too active learning and creative play at all your favorite stores! There are special offers from our eateries, story time, arts & crafts, musical entertainment, prizes and a whole lot more!
Where: Congressional Plaza 1626 East Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20852
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Also on 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13, 10/25)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, May 12 - FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER

Claudia Kincaid longs for adventure. With her brother Jaime, she decides to run away from her routine-driven home life to find it. Her destination is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with its infinite number of hiding places, and a mysterious statue nicknamed Angel. Is it the work of legendary sculptor Michaelangelo? With the help of the statue’s original and very eccentric owner Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Claudia and Jamie attempt solve the mystery of Angel. This fun and suspenseful drama is based on the Newbery Medal-winning book by E.L. Konigsburg.
Where: Montgomery College - Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, MD 20850
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 8+
How: Purchase tickets online.
Cost: Adults $7, Seniors, students & children $6.

Tuesday, May 15 - Mommy & Me and Daddies Too!

Mommy & Me and Daddies Too! meets for a special morning out with active learning and creative play at all your favorite stores!  There are lunch specials, story time, arts & crafts, sing-a-longs, prizes, and a whole lot more!
Where: Rockville Town Square Plaza
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Every 3rd Tuesday of the month)
Who: Everyone welcome!
How: You can just show up, or register online to be added to their newsletter for updates.
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Visit the website.

Wednesday, May 16 - AM Little Tots @ Rio

The Little Tots series at Washingtonian Center features different children's entertainers, merchant specials, arts & crafts, raffles and more.
  • 5/16: The Great Zucchini
 
Where: At the Washingtonian Center in the atrium of the RIO Center.
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: visit the website  

Have Your Own Sid the Science Kid At Home?


Well, You Don't Want to Miss This FREE Event For All Ages This WEEKEND!

USA Science & Engineering Festival Raises Excitement Level in Washington, DC a Notch This April

A visit to Washington, DC in the spring is especially exciting, but this season the “wow” factor in the nation’s capital will rise just a bit higher as the city becomes the site of the 2nd USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo hosted by Lockheed Martin on April 28-29, 2012. The Festival -- with its world-class array of technology, innovators, science celebrities and Nobel laureates as well as amazing hands-on exhibits and stage shows -- is the nation ...


My Macaroni


Check out what I consider to be one of the best features of Macaroni Kid...

My Macaroni, as a subscriber you have the ability to check off events that interest you and then will be able to generate a weekly calendar/schedule of events and activities that you don't want to miss out on.  You can print it and hang it on your fridge or toss it in your purse.  It is a great way to keep track of all the events you do not want to miss, or to share with friends, grandparents or childcare providers so you can all plan a playdate ...


Local Children's Theater Productions


Imagination Stage:
Rapunzel
April 4- May 20
Ages 4+

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
June 20 - August 12
Ages 5+

The Puppet Co.:
Pinocchio
April 12 - June 3

Goldilocks
June 8 - July 15

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
July 21 - September 2

Adventure Theatre:
Five Little Monkeys
April 27 - June 3
All ages

If You Give a Moose a Muffin
June 22 - September 2
All ages





Kids Eat Free or For Less!


(Some deals are for discounted kids meals, or activity nights at local restaurants)

Be sure to call and confirm before heading to the restaurant - offers can change at any time!!  Most of these deals are not valid with any other promotion or discount.

Mondays:

  • Mama Lucia's Pasta Night - Order one pasta entree regular price and get a second for $4 Dine In or Carryout 5-10pm (Rockville, Bethesda, Olney, Frederick & Silver Spring locations)
  • Ambrosia Grill - Buy 2 entrees and get 1 kids meal free 5-9pm 
  • Eggspectations - 1 free kids meal with purchase of adult entree (Silver Spring)The Stained Glass Pub (Silver Spring ...

Thanks to some of our fabulous Site Sponsors!


SPONSORS:

  


Weekly Open Gyms & Storytimes


A great, free or low cost way to keep your kids entertained!

Do you need to get the kids out of the house? Too hot, or cold, or rainy to go outside to play? Here is a list of local businesses that offer free or low cost weekly story times or open gyms.  I suggest arriving early as these events are very popular and fill up quickly.  If you find any of these need updating, please let me know right away at [email protected].  Also, since we're heading into summer, you may want to call and confirm these as several ...


Macaroni Kid Saves


Please share your favorites with us!

Special Promotion Codes:

*Mabel's Labels - save 5% using code "macaronikid5"

Daily Deals:

Mamapedia

Eversave

Socially Ideal

Groupon

Gazette Daily Deal

Living Social

Certifikid

Online Coupon Sites:

http://www.retailmenot.com

http://www.6pm.com

If you own a local business and would like to offer our readers a discount, please e-mail me at [email protected] with the details.  If you are a subscriber, please add your discount codes in the comments section.

*We try our best to make sure these codes are current, but cannot take responsibility since ...


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