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In This Edition


What you will find in today's Macaroni Kid

Proudly serving the communities of Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover, Mounds View, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, New Brighton, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Centerville. 

**Click here to view our complete newsletter!!**

Are you following us on facebook?  Latest updates, contest reminders and facebook only contests are posted on our facebook site, so make sure to "like" us today!   Like us here!

Remember to visit national.macaronikid.com and choose the drop down list to see which other MN communities have a Mac Kid for you.  There are many Macaroni Kid communities across the metro!   And across the Nation!  Don't forget to tell your family and friends about Macaroni Kid, we count on our loyal subscribers to help us spread the Macaroni Love!  If you're going on a vacation, check out a Mac Kid in that area to find great things to do with the kids while there!

Also don't forget to check the calendar tab at the top of our page for a monthly view of all events and activities.   Also, make sure to use that "My Macaroni" feature to print a great list of just the events that you will be attending for the week!  Makes a great list to print out and put on the fridge.

Do you know of an upcoming event that you'd like us to add?  Submit an event HERE!    

  • Back to the 50's Weekend
  • Summer Food Fest - June 21st!
  • Work at Home Opportunities - Get Inspired, Make Money & Do it at Home
  • 2012 Healthy Living Race - June 23rd
  • Great American Backyard Campout
  • Local VBS Directory
  • This Week's Picks
  • This week's Calendar
  • Teen Scene
  • Plan Ahead
  • How to See All of Your Favorite Pages on Facebook
  • Take the 90 Day Challenge - Body by Vi
  • Family Vacation Guide
  • Strawberry Romaine Salad
  • Summer Bucket List
  • Raising a Difficult Child
  • Garage Sale Listings
  • 50 (or so) Things to do in the Twin Cities
  • Contact Me
  • Sponsors

Back to the 50's Weekend


This Weekend!

Looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend!  How about spending a day to treat those men in your life to something fun and exciting?  What better than an amazing car show?  My husband and son LOVE a good car show.  Heck, my daughter and I do as well.  I know where I'll be hanging out this weekend.

The Minnesota Street Rod Association presents it's 45th annual Back to the 50's Weekend June 22-24 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.  There will be over 350 vendors ...


Summer Food Fest


Check out the Great Food Vendors in Blaine!

The 2nd annual Summer Food Fest is fast approaching! Support a good cause and have a TON of FUN doing it! Take your family out for an evening in the park and sample food from over 30 local restaurants while you enjoy family-oriented entertainment! Over 700 people were at this event last year and this year promises to be even bigger & better! It’s on Thursday, June 21, 4:30-7:30 pm at Aquatore Park in Blaine (across from Fogerty Arena, 9191 Lincoln Street.)

 

Proceeds from this event go ...


Work at Home Opportunities!


Get Inspired, Make Money & Do it at Home!

Because of what I do, I am often asked if I know of legitimate companies that allow moms to work from home and actually make money. The answer is always YES! I know of many, many companies that will allow you to work from home, have fun, and best of all - MAKE MONEY! Let's be honest, we all want to make more $$$ and why not do it (mostly) from the comfort of your own home? I set out to put something together to give the Macaroni community a few ...

2012 Healthy Living Race


Get Registered on Race Day!

Get the family out for a day of charity and family fun!  The Healthy Living Race is much more than a race.  In fact, you don't even have to run.  It is a 5K Walk/Run or 1-mile Family Dash so you can choose to do whichever works best for your skill level.  Mostly just have fun!  There will also be an Inflatable Jump Castle, Face Painting, Andover Fire Department, Sponsor Booths and much more.  

The Healthy Living Race is a fundraising event produced by Essentials of Life Chiropractic ...

Great American Backyard Campout - June 23rd


Macaroni Planet

As parents, we’re always hearing about how important it is to keep our kids active, get them outside for some sunshine and spend time “unplugged.” A great opportunity to do just that comes this Saturday because June 23 is the 8th annual Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, as part of Great Outdoors month.

You can choose to camp in your own backyard, at a local campground, or participate in a public community campout. And if Saturday doesn’t work for you, choose another day ...

Local VBS Directory


Get Signed Up Now!

Macaroni Kid loves to share great activities with local families!  Here are some local Vacation Bible Schools for you to check out.  Keep the kids busy this summer with some fun learning!  

Want your VBS listed in this directory? E-mail me at [email protected] for details!

Oak Haven Church VBX (Vacation Bible eXperience)
June 25-29th 9am-Noon
3 years old - 3rd grade
Go Fish Praise "Where Kids Get Down and Lift God High"
Cost is $10/child - includes T-shirt and CD
More info & Registration here:  http://tinyurl.com/bp3gco 

Oak ...


This Week's Picks:


June 21st through June 23rd

Thursday, June 21 - Summer Food Fest

Local restaurants will provide samples of food & showcase their menus to hundreds of community members – from families to business and community leaders.  There will be a multitude of family-oriented entertainment options, such as music, clowns, face painting, inflatable’s, and more.
Where: Aquatore Park - 9191 Lincoln Street, Blaine
When: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up or buy tickets online HERE
Cost: Adults $25 in advance online HERE or $35 at the door / Children 12 & under FREE with a paid adult
For more info: Proceeds will benefit Free2B!, a local non-profit that supports families with their transportation needs, as well as the MetroNorth Chamber, a non-profit organization supporting area businesses and economic development.   The Summer Food Fest is proud to be a drop-off site for Toys for Joy; bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Joy and receive a FREE SODA!

Saturday, June 23 - Healthy Living Race

The Healthy Living Race is a fundraising event produced by Essentials of Life Chiropractic to promote the health and well-being of kids and families in our community. The activities include a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile family dash, and a community celebration. All ages and skill levels are welcome!
Where: Andover High School - 2115 Andover Blvd, Andover
When: 9:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Register online HERE!
Cost: $30 Individual / $75 Family
For more info: Click HERE

This Week's Calendar:


June 21st through July 6th

Thursday, June 21 through Friday, June 22 - Loco for Legos Camp

Is your child loco for Legos? If so, you’ll love this camp! Lego Camp is a two-part program on Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22 from 2:00-3:30 pm each day. The camp focuses on different projects and activities, including building racecars and cities out of Legos, using paint, collage, and sculpting materials, playing games and more!
Where: Columbia Heights Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: School Age Children
How: Sign up for one or both days. Space is limited and slots will fill up fast. Registration is required and may be done in person or over phone beginning June 1.
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 21 - Thursday Nites LIVE!

Rockie Lynne - Country
Where: Sand Creek Park - Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on.
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 21 - Performance in the Park

Dance Moves Ballet
Where: Town Square Park - 10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - bring blankets or chair to sit on
Cost: FREE

Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24 - Blaine's Blazin' Festival

This weekend gala includes a carnival, craft shows, helicopter rides, recreational activities, food, and live bands to name a few.  Click HERE for the full schedule of events.
Where: Aquatore Park - 7171 Lincoln Street NE, Blaine
When: Times Vary
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Free admission, cost for activities varies
For more info: Click HERE

Friday, June 22 - Movie Night

Head on over to watch fascinating movies on the big screen. There is a new movie theme each week - call for titles!
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 23 - Family Flick

Space Jam **Sensory-friendly starts Sept. 24th - sensory-friendly films offer families struggling with autism an opportunity to enjoy a family outing in a safe and accepting environment. Simple adjustments like turning the sound down, leaving the lights up and offering additional staff within the theater to help with concessions, make a film screening sensory-friendly, and welcoming to families who struggle with autism. Audience members are welcome to dance, sing, and walk around without judgment or scrutiny.  
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Show up early!  First come, first serve!
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 23 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process. 
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 23 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Alex and the gang are back this weekend! Register your child for this clinic and they can build this awesome Luxury Assault Vehicle from Madagascar 3!

Where: All Lowe's Locations
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Children
How: Register online HERE!
Cost: FREE
For more info:

Saturday, June 23 - Blaine's Blazin' 4th Parade

Blaine's Blazin' 4th Parade
Where: Jefferson Street, Blaine
When: 12:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Sunday, June 24 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Alex and the gang are back this weekend! Register your child for this clinic and they can build this awesome Luxury Assault Vehicle from Madagascar 3!

Where: All Lowe's Locations
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Children
Cost: FREE

Monday, June 25 - Monday Night Live!

Each Monday evening there is something different to learn - it might be a puppet show, a campfire talk, a hike in the park, an animal show - or something completely different. Be brave - come and check it out!
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Cost is $3 per person, children 2 and under are free.

Tuesday, June 26 - Toddler Tuesdays: Kiddie Karnival

It’s time for games galore and much more at the annual Kiddie Karnival! Join us for a morning filled with great games, treats and fun prizes for all!
Where: Mall of America - Rotunda
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families with toddlers
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Baby Storytime

Songs, fingerplays, movement activities and stories for baby and parent/caregiver.
Where: Johnsville Library - 12461 Oak Park Blvd NE, Blaine
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: Ages 0-24 months
How: Registration starts on January 9th -  Register in person or call 763-767-3853 to sign up for Baby Storytime.
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Baby Storytime

Songs, fingerplays, movement activities and stories for baby and parent/caregiver.
Where: Centennial Library - 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: Ages 0-24 months
How: Registation starts on January 9th -  Register in person or call 763-717-3294 to sign up for Baby Storytime.
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities planned for children of all ages and parent/caregiver.
Where: Nothtown Library - 711 County Road 10, Blaine
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master

Be amazed by a tornado of whirling yo-yo tricks and tips!
Where: Bunker Hills Activity Center - 550 Bunker Lake Blvd, Andover
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating may be limited
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Summer Storytime

Storytime full of songs, rhymes, finger plays and stories! 
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Preschool children and families - infants through kindergarten
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Baby Storytime

Songs, fingerplays, movement activities and stories for baby and parent/caregiver.
Where: Johnsville Library - 12461 Oak Park Blvd NE, Blaine
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 0-24 months
How: Registration starts on January 9th -  Register in person or call 763-767-3853 to sign up for Baby Storytime.
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Baby Storytime

Songs, fingerplays, movement activities and stories for baby and parent/caregiver.
Where: Mississippi Library - 410 Mississippi Street NE, Fridley
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 0-24 months
How: Registration starts on January 9th -  Register in person or call 763-571-1934 to sign up for Baby Storytime.
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Baby Storytime

Songs, fingerplays, movement activities and stories for baby and parent/caregiver.
Where: Centennial Library - 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 0-24 months
How: Registration starts on January 9th -  Register in person or call 763-717-3294 to sign up for Baby Storytime.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Click HERE!

Tuesday, June 26 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities.
Where: Northtown Library - 711 County Road 10, Blaine
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Kids Book Club

Join us to discuss great books! 
Where: Crooked Lake Library - 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids
When: 1:00 PM
Who: Kids entering grades 4-6.
How: Register online HERE.
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master

Be amazed by a tornado of whirling yo-yo tricks and tips!
Where: Mississippi Library - 410 Mississippi Street, Fridley
When: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating may be limited
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, June 26 - Performance in the Park

North Suburban Concert Band
Where: Town Square Park - 10801 Town Square Drive, Blaine
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - bring blankets or chairs to sit on
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, June 27 - Magical Mia

Magic that dazzles and amazes kids of all ages.
Where: Columbia Heights Public Library - 820 40th Ave NW, Columbia Heights
When: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating may be limited
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, June 27 - Magician Matt Dunn

Action packed, fast paced, comedy magic for the entire family!
Where: Coon Rapids High School - 2340 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating may be limited
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, June 27 - Magician Matt Dunn

A unique blend of comedy, juggling and audience paricipation.
Where: Northtown Library - 711 County Road 10 NE, Blaine
When: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, June 27 - Dakota Wild Animals

An entertaining reptile and small mammal presentation.
Where: Centennial Library - 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
When: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Best suited for ages 3 and up.
How: Just show up - seating may be limited
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, June 27 - Kids Book Club

Join us to discuss great books!
Where: Mississippi Library - 410 Mississippi Street, Fridley
When: 4:00 PM
Who: For kids entering grades 4-6.
How: Register online HERE.
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, June 27 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities 
Where: Northtown Library - 711 County Road 10, Blaine
When: 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Johnsville Library - 12461 Oak Park Blvd NE, Blaine
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Northtown Library - 711 County Road 10 NE, Blaine
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Centennial Library - 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
When: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Magician Matt Dunn

Action packed, fast paced, comedy magic for the entire family!
Where: Blaine High School - 12555 University Ave NE, Blaine
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - seating may be limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Crooked Lake Library - 11440 Crooked Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Johnsville Library - 12461 Oak Park Blvd NE, Blaine
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Mississippi Library - 410 Mississippi St NE, Fridley
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Family Storytime

Stories, songs, and movement activities
Where: Centennial Library - 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: children of all ages and parent/caregiver
How: Just show up - seating is limited
Cost: FREE

Thursday, June 28 - Kids Book Club

Join us to discuss great books!
Where: Johnsville Library - 12461 Oak Park Blvd NE, Blaine
When: 1:00 PM
Who: For kids entering grades 2 & 3.
How: Register online HERE.
Cost: FREE

Friday, June 29 - Performance in the Park

Mary Hall's Show for Pipsqueaks
Where: Aquatore Park - 9191 Lincoln Street NE, Blaine
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - bring blankets or chairs to sit on
Cost: FREE

Friday, June 29 - Junie B. Jones Stupid Smelly Bus Tour

This summer, Random House Children's Books will launch the 9th JUNIE B. JONES STUPID SMELLY BUS TOUR—a national tour that brings Junie B. Jones, live and in person, across the country to meet her fans. She will ride in the Stupid Smelly Bus to selected cities for fun-filled events. Fans will enjoy Junie B.'s hilarious antics through live theatrical performances based on the bestselling Junie B. Jones series. Events will also include cool Junie B. giveaways and an official book stamping. Barbara Park will not be at these events.
Where: Mall of America - Rotunda
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 4 - Coon Rapids 4th of July Carnival

Carnival, BingoTent, Concerts, Craft Show and much more!  See full schedule of events HERE.
Where: Sand Creek Park - 1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids
When: Times Vary
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE admission - prices of activities vary

Saturday, June 30 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 30 - Family Flick

The Goonies **Sensory-friendly films offer families struggling with autism an opportunity to enjoy a family outing in a safe and accepting environment. Simple adjustments like turning the sound down, leaving the lights up and offering additional staff within the theater to help with concessions, make a film screening sensory-friendly, and welcoming to families who struggle with autism. Audience members are welcome to dance, sing, and walk around without judgment or scrutiny.
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - first come, first serve!
Cost: FREE

Monday, July 2 - Coon Rapids 4th of July Parade

Coon Rapids 4th of July Parade
Where: Parade starts at Sand Creek Park - 1008 Northdale Blvd, Coon Rapids
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE

Tuesday, July 3 - Anoka County Historical Society

Exhibits will be available to view free of charge the first Tuesday of each month
Where: The Anoka County Historical Society and History Center, 2135 Third Ave. N., Anoka
When: n/a
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 763-421-0600

Tuesday, July 3 - Mother's Milk Hour

We will be offering light hor'devours, tea, coffee, natural sodas and mock-tails for nursing mothers to get away for a 'happy' hour with their nursling. Donna Burt ,IBCLC has worked for the air force and the 1st parent support group for more than 15 years. She will be here to help us kick off the Mother's Milk Hour!!!
Where: All Things Diapers - 12064 Central Ave, Blaine
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (1st Tuesday of Each Month)
Who: Mom & baby
How: Register by emailing [email protected] OR just show up!
Cost: FREE

Friday, July 6 - Coon Rapids Mother/Daughter Book Club

Our group will allow mothers and daughter to grow closer together by reading. It also helps both mother and daughter connect socially. The benefits of a club like this will be: Enhancing your daughter’s reading skills, Staying connected with your daughter as she grows, Nurturing your daughter’s self-confidence, Helping your daughter learn life skills, Spending social time with other moms/girls, Building a community of caring friends 
Where: Burger King - 13005 Riverdale Drive,  Coon Rapids
When: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Any Mother/Daughter group girls age 9 to 12 
How: Just show up - meets first Friday of every month
Cost: FREE
For more info: Learders are: Eleanor Thomas and Daughter Cassie 763-443-0958 Co-Leaders are Staci Martin and Daughter Carli 763-269-9436

Plan Ahead:


July 14th through July 15th

Saturday, July 14 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Your child’s favorite movie characters are back at Lowe’s this weekend! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can master building and Kung Fu with this weekend’s project; Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack!

Where: All Lowe's Locations
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children
How: Register online at  http://lowesbuildandgrow.com
Cost: FREE

Sunday, July 15 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Your child’s favorite movie characters are back at Lowe’s this weekend! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can master building and Kung Fu with this weekend’s project; Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack! 

Where: All Lowe's Locations
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Children
Cost: FREE

How to See All of Your Favorite Pages on Facebook


Macaroni Technology

Lately I've noticed that a lot of the pages I have "liked" on Facebook are not showing up in my Newsfeed. If you're like me, you liked those pages because you wanted to see their posts! And hopefully this Macaroni Kid edition is on your list of likes! I have tried to do the "Show in Newsfeed" thing that is supposed to make the pages show up, but it isn't a guarantee, especially if you don't interact (comment or like) with those pages regularly. So, here ...

Take the 90 Day Challenge - Body by Vi


Week 3 - Down 12 Pounds!

I just started the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge and will be sharing my results with all of you every week!  I'm so excited to see great results and become healthier at the same time.  I've lost 12 pounds in 3 weeks and I feel great!  Can't wait to share next week's results with you!  I have much more to go.  

I'm your typical mom...no time for myself, working and being a mom all the time.  I need an EASY way to lose ...

Family Getaway Guide


Plan the Perfect Family Getaway with these Macaroni Kid Approved Places

Now's the time to plan the Perfect Family Getaway and Macaroni Kid can Help! 

We've put together a Family Getaway Guide with Macaroni Kid Approved Vacation Places! You don't need to go far to find a place to relax, play and have some fun with the family! Whether your looking for fishing, hiking, biking, or even a waterpark - we have the perfect places for you! 

Go ahead, you deserve it! Dedicate a weekend or even a full week to spending some family time away from home! And ...

Strawberry Romaine Salad


Macaroni Eats

This yummy summertime salad is healthy, easy and delicious. It looks great too, making it a perfect dish to bring to potlucks or outdoor gatherings. Pair with a grilled chicken breast for a nutritious meal.

Dressing:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (can substitute black pepper)

Combine ingredients in a large jar. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Chill until ready to serve.

Salad:

  • 1 ...

Summer Bucket List


Macaroni Fun

I saw this idea on the side of a Chick-Fil-A Kid's Meal bag and thought it would be a fun way to remember to do everything the kids want to do this summer. The craft was for a bucket list, but we decided to make it a Summer Bucket List. Now it will be a family tradition each summer!
I went to the dollar store and bought everything we needed:

  • Small bucket
  • Clothes pins
  • Sharpie

Total cost was $3 plus tax!

Ask the children what they would like to ...

Raising a Difficult Child


Macaroni Parenting

I strive to be a great parent. I have moments of glory and others of massive doubt and worry. Because I constantly revisit what is a good parent? And for every happy, proud moment there are a thousand small deaths endured as a parent. I die a small death every time my child gets cut from a team, left out of a birthday party or receives a bad grade.  And, seriously my kids are not always dying with me. It’s often me bleeding and worried and they are texting ...


Garage Sale Listings


Advertise Your Sale Here to Thousands of Local Parents!

Are you planning a garage sale that will include kids' items (clothes, toys, games, books, anything to do with kids)? Then list your garage sale in  Macaroni Kid - Coon Rapids/Blaine/Andover, a publication that reaches more than 2,800 local parents each week!

Every week, we'll be running this article that features area garage sales with the date, time, location, and general items that you'll be selling. If you're interested or have questions, email me at [email protected] with the subject "Garage Sale Listing"

It ...


50 (or so) Things to do in the Twin Cities


Find Fun All Around Town!

Looking for something to do this weekend?  At MacKid, we want to make it easy for you; here is our list of great places to check out and family-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities.  

Visit the website links for more information. 

Have a favorite you think we should add to the list?  Let us know

  • The Minnesota Children's Museum, website
  • Science Museum of Minnesota, website
  • Minnesota History Center, website
  • Mill City Museum, website
  • Bakken Museum, website
  • The Works, website
  • Twin City Railroad Museum, website
  • Historic Fort Snelling ...

Contact me!


Suggestions, Feedback, Submit Events, etc.

I am working hard to make sure that I keep up to date on the latest events in our community.  Please contact me if I've missed something important or if you know of an event that you'd like to see published in the newsletter.  

Also, please contact me with any thoughts or comments about my newsletter.  I would really love any feedback that you have!!  Business owners are free to contact me about advertising also.  

Do you know of an upcoming event that you'd like us to ...


Our Wonderful Sponsors


Please visit our sponsors and thank them for being a part of Mac Kid


 


 


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