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Western Monmouth
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Shalom Torah--Free tuition

Camp Gan Israel

Frogbridge Day Camp

Everafter Furniture

The Movement Dance Centre

Solomon Schecter Day School

CarsonSummer

Breatkhrough Wellness

Congregations Sons of Israel

Welcome to Western Monmouth Macaroni Kid...



GIVEAWAY - iPad Mini from Macaroni Kid


From now until June 15, Macaroni Kid is giving away an iPad Mini to one lucky new subscriber! All you need to do is click here to subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter.  You must be a new subscriber, so you can have your spouses enter or use another e-mail address that we may not have.

Giveway ends June 15th.  Good Luck!

Giveaway- Two Weeks of Joffe Chiropractic Care


Chiropractic Care is a Natural Alternative Even for Children

Click here to enter to win a Chiropractic Full Exam with x-rays and Two Weeks of Adjustments - Value $600 to be used by June 30, 2013
If you would have asked me seven years ago what the love of my life was, I would have said my job as a chiropractor.

I spent the first four years in practice taking care of my patients. I was helping people with many conditions such as neck and back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, injuries from car accidents and sciatica. There was nothing better than ...

Sons of Israel Miss Jackie Baby Summer Classes


Enroll Now

Sons of Israel
Is spreading the news
Miss Jackie's doing

Baby Classes all Summer through!



 ~ Shake Rattle & Grow - Wednesdays - 6/26 thru 8/14

~ Mom & Me - Shabbat Fridays - Fridays 6/28 thru 8/16

Call 732.446.4924.  Don't Delay- Call Today

Ask for Renee



Do You Love Your Cleaning Girls? I Do


$20 off First Deep Cleaning - A Pleasure to Have in My Home

If you're looking for someone reliable, with great references (I'm one of them) give them a call. You can reach Vanessa at 973.474.8109 or Vanda at 973.392.0148.  My cleaning girls, Vanessa and Vanda, were gracious enough to offer me a discount for my readers as well. 

They are amazing, patient, lovely women working really hard to organize and clean your home. I truly like them and don't mind them in my home. They also listen to the way you like things done and ...

50% off Hair Color/Highlights Alex at Metro Salon


Until May 31st- 732.536.0900

Here  is a picture of my highlights (and cut from Alex).  Simply mention Macaroni Kid to Alex and you will receive 50% off any color service including highlights.  
The receptionist will not be aware of this promotion so just let Alex know.  Call 732.536.0900 to book your appointment.
Metro is located in Marlboro at 140 US Highway 9, in Kohl's shopping center. Above is a recent photo shoot from VeroLuce Photography, thanks to Alex for the awesome highlighting and styling!
Alex can be found at Metro Salon ...


Manicures ~ $10 and Gel Polish Manicures ~$15


Macaroni Kid Discount from Liza and Sue at Metro

Liza and Sue at Metro are offering $15 gel manicures and $10 regular manicures.  Go get a little me time!  You deserve it!

Call 732.536.0900 to schedule your appointment, they are pretty busy so call to book. Metro is located at 140 US Highway 9 in Marlboro Plaza by Kohls.

The receptionist is not aware of the promo. Simply mention Macaroni Kid to Liza or Sue for the discount.

I've been hearing from readers how happy they are with Sue and Liza and that they will be ...

Capriccio's Sunday Brunch at Resorts Atlantic City


I was looking for a special place for brunch to celebrate my best friend's birthday. Capriccio's in Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City was certainly the right spot.

The restaurant is high up above the boardwalk with views of the ocean in a big, beautiful, bright restaurant with exceptional service--we were treated like royalty.


The brunch is $44.99 per person and has everything you could imagine. 


Shrimp cocktail bar, oysters, carving stations, unlimited mimosas, bloody mary's, omelettes, tons of breakfast items, pasta, seafood dishes, tuna ...


Immersion Spa at The Water Club in Atlantic City


When you need to escape from it all (and what parent doesn't), Immersion Spa at the Water Club in Atlantic City is the place to leave it all behind. 

As soon as you step of out the elevator, you're transported to the 32nd floor of the Water Club with a two-story spa. Seeing is believing click here to view a video with images of the spa.

The windows are from floor to ceiling and the air even spells better here.  As a spa guest, you're entitled to ...


STOMP The Monster Gets Ready to Run Against Cancer


Local charity to hold 5K Run & Festival to raise money to assist cancer patients in community

I'm not sure if you're familiar with STOMP The Monster™, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.  This year they will host their third annual 5K Run and Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at the Marlboro Recreation Community Center. This will be a USATF-sanctioned event on a certified course.

My family attended last year.  My husband did the 5k and daughter did the youth run.  It's a great time raising money for a great cause.  It sparked an interest ...


A Few of My Favorite Summertime Things to Do...



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1) Walk the boards. When I was little, I loved going to the boardwalk in Atlantic City and Ocean City. In fact, my parents met in Atlantic City and my grandparents met dancing at the infamous Steel Pier in Atlantic City. So romantic! Now that I live in Marlboro, we head to Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant at least 2-3 times during the summer. Plus, starting in the end of June, Jenkinson's has a whole summer line-up of free family-friendly events such as Radio Disney concerts, movies after ...


How Can I Get My Business on Macaroni Kid?


Contact Us to Reach Moms and Families

As you know, Macaroni Kid Western Monmouth is a great resource for invaluable information.  We provide fun events and activities for families in Marlboro, Manalapan. Old Bridge, Millstone, Howell, Freehold, Colts Neck, Matawan and Monroe.   

If your goal is to reach Moms in the area this is a great place to do so.  We can create the perfect plan for your business. 

I can be reached at SheriG@macaronikid.com or 732.995.2596

Looking forward to helping you!

Sheri Guttman
Publisher/Marketing Manager
Macaroni Kid Western Monmouth


Giveaway Winners - Did you Win?


Congrats to Lauren Rosenthal - you won the Disney Gift Card from Laura at Pixie and Pirate Destinations!

Congrats to Jamie Lustig - you won the Field Station Dinosaurs four pack giveaway!

Thanks for entering and supporting Macaroni Kid!

This Week's Picks:


May 24th through May 29th

Friday, May 24 - WPLJ Scott and Todd Morning Show Summer Blastoff

Guests Include:  Gavin DeGraw, Ed Sheeran, Sara Bareilles and Mark Ballas
Where: Jenkinson's Pavillion, Pt. Pleasant
When: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, May 26 - Bradley Beach Arts & Crafts Fair

Food, craft vendors and activities for everyone.
Where: Bradley Beach Boardwalk
When: All day starting at 11:00 AM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, May 26 - Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars at Monmouth Park Racetrack

Sample delights from the most popular Food Trucks. This event will also feature crafters, vendors, and live music.  On Saturday, Country stars Craig Campbell and Chris Janson will be on-site and playing "On the Green" from noon-4pm. Sunday is Family Fun Day and will feature a live band, bounce houses, face painters, clowns, and more!
Where: Monmouth Park Ractreack, 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport
When: Gates open at 11;30 AM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up
Cost: Grandstand admission is $3, children 12 and under are always admitted free. Parking is $4.
For more info: Click here

Sunday, May 26 - Fireworks On the Beach in Asbury Park

Fireworks in celebration of Memorial Day
Where: Asbury Park Boardwalk
When: Dusk
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Sunday, May 26 - Seaport Craft Show in Highlands

A delightful collection of various handmade crafts.
Where: Huddy Park, Waterwitch and Bay Ave, Highlands
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Monday, May 27 - Millstone Township Memorial Day Parade

Come join the Millstone Township Veterans’ Memorial Council at the Memorial Day Parade. Parade line up begins at 9:15AM at the Clarksburg Post Office. Parade starts at 10:00AM sharp! Ceremonies will take place rain or shine. Join us for a free barbecue at the Clarksburg Inn following the ceremony.
Where: Clarksburg Post Office
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Monday, May 27 - Freehold Memorial Day Parade

The Freehold Memorial Day Parade is the oldest and largest such parade in Western Monmouth County, with an average of more than 70 units participating each year. The parade features many military units, veterans groups, bands, fire departments, EMS squads, youth groups, custom designed floats and civilian units.
Where: Main Street, Freehold, Starting at Brinkerhoff Avenue
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Monday, May 27 - Manalapan Memorial Day Parade

The parade will begin at the Veterans Monument in front of Manalapan Town Hall. The parade will proceed down Tennent Ave (County Road 522) and pause at the Englishtown Veteran’s Monument.  The parade then turns down Main Street in Englishtown heading towards Wilson Ave.  The parade ends at the American Legion Post located at 11 Sanford Avenue in Manalapan.
Where: See above
When: 2:00 PM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Wednesday, May 29 - Concert: Manalapan Youth Orchestra at Library Headquarters

The Manalapan Youth Orchestra is proudly sponsored by Manalapan Parks & Recreation. The Manalapan Youth Orchestra is made up of classical musicians, ages 8 and higher, who perform symphonic music. Directed by Angela McCurdy, an award winning cellist and conductor with over 17 years of experience conducting youth orchestras.
Where: Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive, Manalapan
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

This Week's Calendar:


May 24th through May 30th

Friday, May 24 - Natural Horsemanship Demonstrations

Curious to find out what Natural Horsemanship is all about? Come to the Sunnyside Equestrian Center, Lincroft, and watch staff play with the therapy horses on the ground and in the saddle. Q&A time will be provided.
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Friday, May 24 - Monmouth Museum Fabulous Fridays - Lincroft

Fabulous Fridays! All galleries are open 5 - 9 pm. Family activities include a self-guided scavenger hunt for "Art of Illusion" artworks (grab some 3D glasses and see some special effects!) Visit the Green Arts Studio and make crafts with recycled materials.

Where: Monmouth Museum 765 Newman Springs Rd. Lincroft, NJ  07738
When: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up!
Cost: GENERAL ADMISSION - $7.00 per person*, Children under 2 are Free, Monmouth Museum Members: Free, Brookdale Students and Staff: Free with vaild ID
For more info: Visit www.monmouthmuseum.org or call 732-747-2266

Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 - Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir

These 45-minutes tours are narrated by Park System Naturalists and include opportunities to view local wildlife. Plan to arrive at the Visitor Center 10 minutes early.
Where:
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
When: 2, 3, 4 & 5pm
Who: All are invited.
How: Please call 732-751-9453 to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent.
Cost: The cost is $5.61 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 & under (tax not included).
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 - Kids' Club at Michael's: Craft Your Hero Doll

Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop! Only $2 per child reserves 30 minutes for your creative kid. Sessions starting every half hour from 10AM - 11:30AM.
Where: Local Michael's store
When: See times below.
Who: All are invited.
How: See a store associate to join the fun!
Cost: $2/child
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 - Play Dates in the Park: Turkey Swamp Park

Join us for a game of Jumbo Basketball. This popular game is played with a 10-foot blow up basketball goal!
Where: Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Ages 5 and up, with adult. No experience necessary!
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 - Paper Moon Puppet Theatre Presents: Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the Three Little Lambs

There is our usual interactive pre-show with the audience and puppets before the main performance. After the performance the audience is invited to see behind the scenes, to ask questions about the marionette performance and to meet puppet characters from the show.
Where: 171 First Avenue (on West Garfield), Atlantic Highlands--New location
When: 1:00 PM (Show runs until June 15)
Who: All ages.
How: 732 775-0290
Cost: $9

Saturday, May 25 - Saturday Make & Take Crafts at AC Moore

Get ready for the sunny weather! Buy a Nicole Crafts Foam Visor and decorate it free!
Where: AC Moore, Rte 9 South, Manalapan
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Cost of visor
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 - Play Dates in the Park

Join us for a game of Jumbo Basketball. This popular game is played with a 10-foot blow up basketball goal!
Where: Manasquan Reservoir, Howell.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Ages 5 and up, with adult. No experience necessary!
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Saturday, May 25 - Pop-Up Picnic at Dorbrook Park

Bring your picnic basket and join us. Look for the purple tent and pop in to make a tasty treat and a work of art.
Where: Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck
When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Sunday, May 26 - Historic Seabrook-Wilson House Open for Tours

Visit this house, which dates back to the early 1700s, and see displays on the ecology of the bay and local history. FREE!
Where: Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Monday, May 27 through Friday, May 31 - Lakewood BlueClaws Home Baseball Games

Mon. May 27 @6:35 PM: American flag giveaway, Kids eat free
Tues. May 28@6:35 PM: Golf night
Weds. May 29 @11:05 AM: All-star cards giveaway
 
Where: FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood
When: See times below
Who: All are invited.
How: Click here for tickets
Cost: $7 to $12
For more info: Click here

Tuesday, May 28 - Toddler Storytime, Marlboro

With parent or caregiver
Where: Marlboro Township Library 
1 Library Court
Marlboro NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM (Also on Wednesdays from 10:35 - 10:55)
Who: Ages 2 -3
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Tuesday, May 28 - Baby Storytime

Baby storytime series with parent/caregiver
Where: Monmouth County Library Headquarters
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM (OR 11:00 - 11;30 AM)
Who: Babies, age 10 - 24 months
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here 

Tuesday, May 28 - Book Club at Pottery Barn Kids in Shrewsbury

Kids of all ages are invited to storytime every Tuesday morning. Members receive an official Book Club Card at their first story time an receive a special gift after attending 5 story times.
Where: Pottery Barn Kids, The Grove West, 540 Rte. 35, Shrewsbury
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: All are invited.
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free.

Tuesday, May 28 - Toddler Storytime

Toddler storytime series with parent/caregiver
Where: Monmouth County Library Headquarters
When: 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Toddlers ages 2 - 3 1/2 years old
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here 

Wednesday, May 29 - Baby Storytime, Marlboro

Join us for stories, fingerplays and rhymes for you and your baby!
Where: Marlboro Township Library 
1 Library Court
Marlboro NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Who: Ages 6 - 24 months
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Wednesday, May 29 - Preschool Storytime

Preschool storytime series. Parents/Caregivers, stay in the children’s section while your children are attending storytime
Where: Monmouth County Library Headquarters
When: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Children, age 3 1/2 - 5 years old
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here 

Thursday, May 30 - Preschool Storytime

Preschool storytime series. Parents/Caregivers, stay in the children’s section while your children are attending storytime
Where: Monmouth County Library Headquarters
When: 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM (OR 11:00 - 11;30 AM)
Who: Children, age 3 1/2 - 5 years old
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here 

Thursday, May 30 - Storytime

Baby storytime series with parent/caregiver
Where: Monmouth County Library Headquarters
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: Babies, age 10 - 24 months
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here 

Teen Scene:


Monday, June 10 - Make Your Own Flip Flops

Create your own fun and funky flip flops. Summer is here, so it's time to show off your feet.
We are taking plain old flip flops and kicking them up a notch. For this program you will need to bring your own pair of rubber flip flops (one size up from your regular size and preferably a solid color)
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: This program is for teens entering the 6th grade and up.
How: Registration is required. Please visit the Monmouth County website to register online.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Plan Ahead:


May 31st through June 17th

Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2 - Red Bank Riverfest

Three days of sun, sunsets and evening stars with the best Red Bank area restaurants. Non-stop music and family fun.
Where: Marine Park, Red Bank
When: 5/31: 5 - 10pm, 6/1: 11am - 10pm, 6/2: 11am - 6pm
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Saturday, June 1 - Cinderella at Kelsey Theatre

Kaleidoscope Theatre presents the classic fairytale “Cinderella." The washing and waxing and scrubbing have been finished, but Cinderella’s gown is ruined and her stepmother and stepsisters have already left for the ball!  Will the Fairy Godmother arrive in time so Cinderella can meet her dream prince?  Kaleidoscope Theatre presents its delightful original musical adaptation of this beloved children’s story.
Where: Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
When: Two shows: 2:00 and 4:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333
Cost: $10
For more info: Click here

Saturday, June 1 - Bike and Stroll with Marlboro Mayor Hornik

Join Mayor Hornik at the 5th Annual Marlboro Mayor's Ice Cream Bike and Stroll. Ride or walk on the safe and scenic Henry Hudson Trail followed by a refreshing treat.
Where: The Bicycle Hub, 239 Route 79, Morganville
When: 2:00 PM
Who: All are invited
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Sunday, June 2 - Daddy & Me Event with Miss Judy

DINO-MITE DAY FOR DADDY & ME Join Miss Judy for songs, crafts, music and storytelling for a day you and your child will treasure. . RSVP 732-583-1010
Where: Temple Beth Ahm, 550 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen
When: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Kids 6 and under, with their dad or grandfather
How: RSVP 732-583-1010
Cost: $5/child, $3/adult
For more info:  732-583-1010

Monday, June 3 - Read to the Dogs

Join us for a special Dig into Reading event! Come visit and read an animal themed book to a trained therapy dog! Please choose one session: 4:15-4:30 p.m. OR 4:35-4:50 p.m.
Where: Marlboro Library
When: See times below.
Who:  This program in intended for children Grades K and up.
How: Space is limited. Registration will begin Monday, May 20.
Cost: Free
For more info: 732-536-9406 

Thursday, June 6 - Wallaby Tales

See animals from around the world, as we kick off our Dig into Reading special event! Learn about their habitats, what they eat, and how they survive! For your child's safety, please alert us of any allergies to animals your child may have.
Where: Marlboro Library
When: 4:15 PM - 4:50 PM
Who: This program is intended for children and their familes Grades Pre-K and up.
How: Registration begins Monday, May 23.
Cost: Free
For more info: 732-536-9406

Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 9 - Lowes Build and Grow--Build a Monsters University Scarer

It’s going to be a monster summer at Lowe’s! Bring your child to Lowe’s, and they can build these awesome Mike and Sulley Scarers inspired by Disney•Pixar’s upcoming release Monsters University!  Build a wooden project and get a free apron, goggles, patch and more! Next workshops are on June 22 and June 23.
Where: Local Lowe's--closest one is on Rte. 9S, by Rte 520
When: Saturday at 10:00 AM; Sunday at 2:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: REGISTRATION OPENS ON MAY 22nd. Register here
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here

Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 9 - Jersey Shore Wine Festival

The Lakewood BlueClaws will host the 3rd Jersey Shore Wine Festival June 8th and 9th at FirstEnergy Park. The festival celebrates New Jersey wines and the many varietals produced in the area. In addition to wine tasting, the festival features live musical entertainment, crafters, vendors, and food.

 
Where: First Energy Park, Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: All are invited.
How: Advance tickets are now on sale and can be purchased in-person at the BlueClaws Box Office, on the phone at 732-901-7000 option 2, or online by clicking here.
Cost: Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate for adults 21 years and older. A two-day ticket option is also available for $25. Those under 21 years of age or designated drivers are free.
For more info: Click here

Monday, June 10 - DIG INTO…DINOSAURS! a Monmouth Museum Traveling Trunk Show

Learn all about dinosaurs!  Hands-on activities help tell the history of these amazing creatures.  Two presentations will be offered simultaneously; please register for ONE program only:
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Preschool – Grade 2 OR Grades K and up
How: In-person registration begins on Thursday, May 30 at 9:00 am. Phone registration begins at 3:00 pm if space is available.
Cost: Free
For more info: 732-431-7220 x 7226  

Monday, June 10 - Create a Pet

Make your own unique pet rock! Stones will be provided, but feel free to bring in one from home. We will be painting- so please bring a smock or something that can get dirty.
Where: Marlboro Library
When: 4:15 PM - 4:50 PM
Who: This program is intended for children GradesPreK and up.
How: Space is limited. Registration will begin Monday, June 3. 
Cost: Free
For more info: 732-536-9406   

Monday, June 17 - It's Cool to be Kind

Join us for a special visit from the Monmouth County SPCA. This program teaches children compassion for animals, pet care and animal safety. We will be collecting donations of dog/cat food, treats, blankets,  paper towels,etc.. starting Monday, June 10. Please alert us of any allergies your child may have.
Where: Marlboro Library
When: 4:15 PM - 4:50 PM
Who: This program is intended for children Grades PreK and up with their families.
How: Register by calling number below.
Cost: Free
For more info: 732-536-9406

Funs Facts about Memorial Day


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Memorial Day is more than going to a parade and having a BBQ or picnic! It is a day of remembrance of those who have died serving our country.

~Since the late 1950′s on the Thursday just before the Memorial day, around 1200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts ...

Patriotic Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day


Memorial Day: A day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought and lost their lives so that we can be free!

Kicking the long weekend off with a barbeque? While there’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a day off, it’s important to remember the origins of Memorial Day. Established on May 30, 1868 to honor the nation’s war dead, the holiday was originally called “Decoration Day” because people laid flowers on the graves of the fallen. No matter where you fall on the ...


Food Allergies and Memorial Day


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Many of us will be heading out to Memorial Day Weekend festivities, so now's the time to get ready to handle summer's new food allergy challenges that our kids or even for ourselves.

Here are a few things to look out for:

Grilling:
Grilled foods maybe one of the safest options for all food-allergic people because of their simplicity and lack of sauces, however, outdoor grills present a BIG cross-contact risk. Marinades may contain many types of allergens including nuts and the shared grill presents many risks for ...


Memorial Day Cook-out Recipes


Turn up the grill...

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Having a cook-out this weekend? Here are a few delicious recipes to get your mouth's watering!

Espresso Rub BBQ Burger

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 tsp. espresso powder or instant ground coffee
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 3 tbl. hickory brown sugar bbq sauce
  • 4 slices colby-jack cheese
  • buns, lettuce, tomato, onion to taste

Directions:

Mix ground beef with espresso powder and black pepper. Form into 4 patties. Grill patties until desired pinkness and later in bbq sauce. Top with cheese, melt and serve on bun with toppings ...


Tri-Color Pasta Salad


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This recipe is one of a fellow MK Publisher's (Kelley from Eastside, WA) husband's favorite pasta salads to make during the summer. It goes so well with anything you stick on the grill! We don't really have any measurements, we just add as much as we want, depending on the mood.

Ingredients:

  • Box of Tri-Color Pasta
  • Fresh Mozzarella (we like to use the small balls, bocconcini)
  • Salami, cut into strips
  • Sliced grape tomatoes
  • Italian Dressing
  • Pepper to taste
  • Other foods that make this salad yummy are: green ...

Basil Shrimp Pasta


Macaroni Menu

Serves 6   Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
8 oz box of your favorite pasta… I used thin spaghetti. Angel hair would be great too!
1-1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
3 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 lb fresh medium shrimp, peeled, dev-eined and tails removed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped basil
 
1. Cook pasta as directed ...

Fish Tacos


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If you haven't managed to get your kids eating fish yet, try fish tacos. Most kids enjoy build it yourself meals so this may be the perfect gateway! Sometimes once you get a kid to taste something for the first time in a "fun" dish, they're willing to eat it presented other ways. If they like it, lift your glass and make a toast to your open minded fish eating child! They will see that trying something new is something to celebrate and may be more likely to ...

Red, White, and Blue Muffins for Memorial Day


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Whip of a batch of these easy, healthy red, white and blue muffins with the kids for Memorial Day. Including whole wheat flour boosts the nutritional value and using frozen orange juice reduces the amount of refined sugar in the recipe. 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2/3 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup cold butter, diced

3/4 cup plain low fat yogurt

1/3 frozen orange juice concentrate ...


Russell's Infamous Pineapple Boats


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Ok, it's officially BBQ season for most families. However, in our family, it is BBQ season all year long! My husband, Russell, is the biggest BBQ geek ever! He will BBQ in pouring rain, snowstorms, and tornadoes. Of course, he drags all the bad weather back into our house. But, in his defense, he does also bring in the MOST delicious cheeseburgers on the planet. I think our Weber BBQ is officially the 6th member of our family. He treats it like a baby--never in my life have I ...


Homemade Summer Sidewalk Chalk


Nothing screams outside fun like SIDEWALK CHALK!  Our little Rembrandts go through BUCKETS FULL each summer.  Here's a fun activity to do as a family that helps keep your CHALK supply plentiful!  It's cheap, easy to make and a great science project!   The sidewalk is their blank canvas--let them create! 

What you will need:

•    Toilet paper or paper towel tubes (cut paper towel tubes in 1/2)

•    Scissors

•    Duct tape

•    Wax paper

•    Small bucket or disposable container to make the recipe

•    ¾ cup of warm water

•    1 ½ cups Plaster ...


Mess-Free Collage


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I love the idea of collages, but let’s be honest they are a MESS! That’s why I LOVE this project! So simple you can do it with very young children and so fun and creative that even teens will enjoy it! But the best part by far is the mess free part!

What you’ll need….

Clear contact paper

Scissors

A couple heavy objects (paperweights, cups, rocks, etc.)

Collage materials of your choice, here are a few ideas (photographs, pictures cut out of magazines, shapes cut out of ...


Gel Boards


Macaroni Made

I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest and it inspired me to try my own take on it! My kids love it and it was so easy and fun to make! 

Supplies:  
Hair gel (cheap stuff from the a dollar store)
Glitter
Duct tape
Cardboard
Clear plastic bag


Step 1: Measure approximately 5-6 ounces of hair gel and mix in as much glitter as you want!


Step 2: Pour mixture into a clear food storage bag and get as much air out as possible and seal bag.

Step 3: Measure ...

Gutter Garden


Make it kid friendly!

Does your kid LOVE to garden? Play in the dirt? How about learn new things? What about eating their veggies? Well if you said YES to at least one of those things, you might be looking at your next project and HOPEFULLY add "YES!" to eating their veggies!

Kids tend to be MUCH more interested in eating their veggies, or at least TRYING them, if they had a HAND in growing them, themselves!

We made a Gutter Garden on our fence this weekend. It was easy, QUICK and looks super ...


Take A Colorful Nature Walk


Macaroni Fun

Make your next walk a hunt for specific colors (try this any time of the year). This is an easy project that can be made very simple as your time/ materials/ patience demands.

You’ll need:
  • An empty egg carton
  • Paints and paintbrushes
Paint the inside of an egg carton different colors. Encourage the children to mix colors together or add black or white to create different hues. 

Want it less messy? Use markers or crayons. 
Need it even easier? Place crayon pieces inside your egg carton, and/or use ...

Where-to-Go Wednesdays


Fun Places to Take the Kids

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Local mom, Jeryl Marcus, blogs with her daughter on places to go with kids in the tri-state area. Here are some of their reviews from their blog "Says Me, Says Mom" of fun places to take the kids!

Here are her latest reviews:

Sleepover at a Baseball Stadium

High Line

Pick Your Own Fruits

Trenton Thunder


Previous Reviews

Young Chef's Academy

Callies Candy Kitchen

American Museum of Natural History


Yogi-Berra-museum

Broadway

Chuck E. Cheese

Battleship Museum

The Empire State Building


Jenkinson's Aquarium

Popcorn Park Zoo


Madame Tussauds Wax ...

Dig Into Books for 2013 Summer Reading fun!


  
       
summerreadThis summer, come to the Monmouth County Library to Dig Into Reading, Go Beneath the Surface and enjoy some Groundbreaking Reads!

Summer reading clubs at the Monmouth County Library for all ages begin on June 1 and run through August 10. Meet your goal and earn a cool prize! Library branches will also hold special summer programs for all ages.

All Monmouth County Library Summer Reading Clubs will be online beginning June 1. On that date you will be able to register and begin to log in your reading.

The ...

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