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May 9, 2012
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Welcome to Macaroni Kid...

Surprise, Peoria, & El Mirage

Welcome to Macaroni Kid Surprise, Peoria & El Mirage!

If you live or play in Surprise, Peoria, or El Mirage then this is the newsletter for you!  I, too, live in this community and strive to bring you the best family-friendly happenings every week. 

Macaroni Kid is FREE and easy so thanks for stopping by.  Make sure you click the "SUBSCRIBE NOW" tab at the top right and every week you'll receive a new e-newsletter about upcoming happenings and events in our community.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook ...


Kiss My Acronym - Boycotting Labels

Editor's Note: I just saw this great article by another publisher and wanted to share since I'm sure it's something that many of us can relate to.  Thanks to Macaroni Kid Robinson for sharing:

I was recently in a room full of women when the initial introductions and small chat began.  Inevitably I was asked by someone, "What do you do?"  

I get the nervous tummy anytime someone even begins the topic because it is then that I need to instantaneously decide if my soap box will ...

Creative Castle Private Preschool & Kindergarten

Bridging Imagination & Learning

When Rose Urness moved to Arizona from Virginia in 2005, she sought out a private, non-daycare preschool for her children that offered small class sizes, teachers with Bachelor’s degrees, and a nurturing environment.  After much searching and frustration, she decided to start her own school based on her own high standards as an educator and mother.  Creative Castle was born.

Creative Castle is “Bridging Imagination and Learning” through their unique approach to early childhood education:

·         Private preschool and kindergarten programs

·         Developmental approach focusing on the whole child

·         Curriculum emphasizes ...


3 Blonde Moms - Special Mother's Day Performance

WIN Tickets Here!!!

Our favorite funny ladies are back in Phoenix for a special Mother's Day performance at Stand Up Live!  Bring your Mom out to the show, or come out with your friends to celebrate Mother's Day with a laugh!

Sunday, May 13th 7:00pm
Stand Up Live
50 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix 85003

Enjoy comedy for the family in all of us with this nationally touring hit comedy show!

Creator and Producer Joanie Fagan, a.k.a "Perky Mom," played Faith on ABC's "Drew Carey Show" and is ...

Need Stuff? peace.love.swap has got you covered!

TWO Great Swaps COMING SOON!

peace.love.swap:  Spread the Love... Save Some Green

PLS is on a mission to help families stretch their buck, recycle gently used items, and help the community.  Since 2009 peace.love.swap has organized dozens of swaps and donated over 100,000 items to local charities!

Join us at one of these great upcoming events:

Baby/Kid/Maternity Clothing & Gear Swap
Monday, May 21st 11:00am
Playgrounds Fun Zone & Cafe
8190 W. Union Hills, Suite 110
Glendale 85308


Bring the gently used items that your family is no longer using and "shop" for tons of "new to you" clothing, toys, and gear!  There will also be a selection of vendors to shop with and some great raffle prizes.  Kids can play for just $2 so feel free to bring the family! For more info and to register online CLICK HERE.  Pre-registered swappers get preferred entry to this fun event!  If you're interested in volunteering or becoming a vendor for the May 21st event, please e-mail ilanas@peaceloveswap.com


PLS is also holding their first WOMEN'S ONLY swap event!

Ladies Night Out Swap & Shop
Saturday, June 2nd 5:00pm
Oasis Fitness & Spa
14991 W. Bell Rd
Surprise 85374

Join us for a Ladies Night Out like no other!  Bring the clothing, shoes, and accessories that you are no longer using and "shop" for "new to you" items!  We'll have several great vendors with great accessories for you and your home, as well as some special treats in store!  ALL PRE-REGISTERED SWAPPERS will get a delicious gourmet cupcake from Lizzy's Sweets 'N Treats, an extra raffle ticket, and a goody bag.  There will also be great raffle prizes, yummy treats, and luxurious hand treatments and chair massages!  Space is limited, so CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY.

If you're interested in volunteering or becoming a vendor at the June 2nd event, please e-mail carriek@peaceloveswap.com

Yummy Mother's Day Breakfast

Crunchy Raisin French Toast

Crunchy french toast with fresh strawberries and cream cheese make a great treat for any mom on Mother's Day!

Ingredients:

4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices cinnamon raisin bread
2 cups crushed cereal flakes (corn, bran, etc) - We used Kashi 7 Whole Grain Flakes
1 cup whipped cream cheese
1 cup diced fresh strawberries
2 tsp powdered sugar
Oil

Directions:
Crack eggs into medium size shallow bowl, beat lightly with a fork. Add milk and vanilla and stir well.

Crush cereal flakes and ...

This Week's Picks:

May 10th through May 15th

Thursday, May 10 - Thursday Theater - Estrella Mountain Park

Bees conversing with humans? Yep! That’s only the beeginning of the “Bee Movie” (rated PG). Come see what happens when a bee breaks the rules. Ranger Mark will be showing this feature in the Nature Center on the “BIG” screen. Bring a picnic lunch to eat in the park, afterwards. Fun!
Where: Estrella Mountain Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave, Goodyear 85338
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Great family activity
How: Just drop in
Cost: $6.00 per vehicle
For more info: 623-932-3811
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, May 15 - Rio Vista: Family Literacy Event- Birth to 2 years

This wonderful event is brought to you by Southwest Institute and First Things First.  Join us for fun activities to engage your kids and receive tips and information on how you can recreate activities at home and promote school success.  Families will also receive a copy of the book that is read during story time.
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd Peoria, 85381
When: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Who: Children ages 0-2 with their parents.
How: Registration required.  
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact 480-222-8800 x9 or e-mail k.mccowan@swifamilies.org
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, May 15 - Wickenburg: Family Literacy Event - Age 3 to 5 years

This wonderful event is brought to you by Southwest Institute and First Things First.  Join us for fun activities to engage your kids and receive tips and information on how you can recreate activities at home and promote school success.  Families will also receive a copy of the book that is read during story time.
Where: Hassayampa Elementary School 251 S. Tegner Street Wickenburg, AZ
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Children ages 3-5 with their parents.
How: Registration required
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact 480-222-8800 x9 or e-mail j.avendano@swifamilies.org
Add to My Macaroni

This Week's Calendar:

May 10th through May 16th

Thursday, May 10 - Reading Really Rocks

Take a wild ride through books, songs, and rhymes.
Where: Northwest Regional Library City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children of all ages
How: Just drop in
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Erin at erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, May 11 - PCH Developmental Playgroup - birth to 2 years

These groups promote appropriate developmental skills, socialization, and self-expression in a safe, comfortable environment. Toys and activities are used to encourage the expression of emotions, a sense of control, and success while in the community based setting. The playgroups will also be a time to offer families support, share age-appropriate activities that encourage parent-child interaction, increase awareness of resources in the community and share educational information.
Where: Northwest Regional Library 16089 N. Bullard Ave Surprise 85374
When: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children age 0-2 and their caregiver
How: Just drop in
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 602-546-0204
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, May 15 - Tales for Toddlers

Fun FREE event in Surprise! Share stories, rhymes and songs that are just right for your growing toddler. 
Where: Northwest Regional Library City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Who: Toddlers age 18-36 months with their parent or caregiver
How: Just drop in- no registration requried
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Erin at erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, May 15 - Evening Storytime

Not too early. Not too late. Not too long. This evening storytime is perfect for the entire family! Children of all ages (with parent or caregiver) are welcome to this romp through books and rhymes. Wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed friend, if you'd like.
Where: Northwest Regional Library Kids Corner 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Children of all ages and their families
How: Just drop in
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Erin at erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, May 16 - Baby Storytime for Crawlers

Baby storytime introduces your baby to language, music, and movement. Lap bounces, fingerplays and the simplest of stories build a foundation for a lifelong love of books and reading! This program is best suited for babies who are not yet walking. Thirty minutes of playtime and social time will follow the program.
Where: Northwest Regional Library City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Who: Babies who are not walking yet
How: No registration required.  Storytime is limited to babies and their caregiver ONLY (no siblings) to ensure the safety of all children.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 602-652-3000
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, May 16 - Baby Storytime for Walkers

Join this fun, interactive group learning experience for babies and caregiver. Moms, dads and grandparents are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and other activities while their babies grow and learn about the world. This program is best suited to babies who are walking. Thirty minutes of playtime and social time will follow the program. 
Where: Northwest Regional Library City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 10:15 AM - 10:55 AM
Who: Babies & their caregiver ONLY (no siblings) to ensure the safety of all children.
How: Tickets are required to attend this event and are limited to the first 15 babies.  Tickets will be available at the desk at 10am.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 602-652-3000
Add to My Macaroni

Teen Scene:

May 10th through May 14th

Thursday, May 10 - KnitTeen

KnitTeen is a teen and tween knitting and crochet group for guys and girls.  No idea how to knit or crochet?  No problem- they'll teach you! SEE BELOW FOR ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING
Where: Northwest Regional Library - City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Ave Surprise 85374
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Ages 12-17
How: Registration required.  Register online at www.mcldaz.org or at the library.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Erin Macfarlane at erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org MUST BRING:
  • 1 skein of light colored, non-varigated yarn (preferably worsted weight)
  • Size 8, 9, or 10 knitting needle OR size I, J, or K crochet hook
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, May 13 - Yu-Gi-Oh

Calling all Yu-Gi-Oh duelists!  Bring your own cards and meet opponents in the City of Surprise room.  Battle it out with other players and see how far you can get!  Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers.
Where: Northwest Regional Library - City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Ave Surprise 85374
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Kids age 9-18
How: Just drop in
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, May 14 - Monday Match Chess Club

Come learn to play chess or polish your skills.  Join us for some friendly competitive chess matches.
Where: Northwest Regional Library Kids Corner 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Kids 9-18
How: No registration required
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact jeffhowland@mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Plan Ahead:

Thursday, May 17 - Reading Really Rocks

Take a wild ride through books, songs, and rhymes.
Where: Northwest Regional Library City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Surprise, 85374
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children of all ages
How: Just drop in
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Erin at erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, May 17 - Thursday Theater - Estrella Mountain Park

Join Ranger Mark in the Nature Center for this week’s feature presentation of “Antz” (rated PG) on the “BIG” screen. Their tiny world is turned upside down when an ant falls in love with a princess and discovers an evil plot to take over the kingdom! Bring a picnic lunch to eat in the park, afterwards. And watch out for ants!
Where: Estrella Mountain Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave, Goodyear 85338
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Great family activity
How: Just drop in
Cost: $6.00 per vehicle
For more info: 623-932-3811
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, May 17 - Magic: The Gathering

Come down to the library to play the trading card game Magic: The Gathering.
Where: Northwest Regional Library, Surprise Room:  16089 N. Bullard, Surprise 85374
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just drop in
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.mcldaz.org
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, May 17 - KnitTeen

KnitTeen is a teen and tween knitting and crochet group for guys and girls.  No idea how to knit or crochet?  No problem- they'll teach you! SEE BELOW FOR ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING
Where: Northwest Regional Library - City of Surprise Room 16089 N. Bullard Ave Surprise 85374
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Ages 12-17
How: Registration required.  Register online at www.mcldaz.org or at the library.
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Erin Macfarlane at erinmacfarlane@mcldaz.org MUST BRING:
  • 1 skein of light colored, non-varigated yarn (preferably worsted weight)
  • Size 8, 9, or 10 knitting needle OR size I, J, or K crochet hook
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, May 17 - Surprise: Family Literacy Event - Age 3 to 5 years

This wonderful event is brought to you by Southwest Institute and First Things First.  Join us for fun activities to engage your kids and receive tips and information on how you can recreate activities at home and promote school success.  Families will also receive a copy of the book that is read during story time.
Where: Northwest Regional Library 16089 N. Bullard Ave Surprise 85374
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Children ages 3-5 with their parents.
How: Registration required
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact 480-222-8800 x9 or e-mail j.avendano@swifamilies.org
Add to My Macaroni

Advertise with Us!!!

Own a family friendly business?  Looking for highly targeted advertising options?  Macaroni Kid Surprise/Peoria/El Mirage has several low-cost, flexible solutions.

 

Click HERE to submit a request for more info or e-mail carrieh@macaronikid.com


Families Earning Six Figures

WIN a $50 Gift Card

What are your plans this summer?  

How about starting your own business?  

Don’t think you have the time, the know-how, or the money to do it?

I thought so too, until my friend told me about FamiliesEarningSixFigures.  I found a way to build a business around my already busy schedule.   And the best part is that I’m working with a company I respect, with a fun group of people, and I don’t have to sell anything to my friends and family.  It was easy to get started ...


3rd Annual Mom Entrepreneur Celebration

Hosted by The Mom e-Club

On Thursday, May 10 at Ultra Luxe off 101 and Indian Bend Road, Tisha Pelletier, founder of The Mom-e Club®, hosts the 3rd Annual Mom Entrepreneur Celebration to recognize Valley mom entrepreneurs.  The festivities start at 5pm and include a networking reception from 5 to 7p with heavy hors d’ oeuvres, cocktails, Mother’s Day vendor specials, a silent auction item and 50/50 raffle to benefit The Mom-e Club grant fund, followed by the highly acclaimed Mom Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony at 7:30pm, and a ...


Follow Us on Twitter!

Macaroni Kid Surprise/Peoria/El Mirage and Macaroni Kid Glendale can now be found on Twitter!  Follow MacKidWstVal for event updates, contests, and other info.

 

Click HERE - MacKidWstVal


Fan Us on Facebook!

Check out Macaroni Kid Surprise/Peoria/El Mirage on FACEBOOK for daily updates on kid-friendly events, last minute calendar entries, special announcements, and fun things to do every day. I also give away tickets and do special contests JUST for Facebook fans! 



What is My Macaroni?

Build your family's weekly event & activity itinerary!

Simplify Your Family’s Busy Schedule with “My Macaroni”, a great new feature from Macaroni Kid!


What is My Macaroni?

My Macaroni is a one of a kind feature that allows you to build your own list of events that you would like to enjoy with your family each week. MK is locally focused so you can find activities in the areas that your family is interested in and use the My Macaroni feature to unite all of your lists.  For example, if you subscribe to Macaroni Kid Surprise/Peoria ...


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