The Summit Short Hills Macaroni Kid (http://www.summitshorthills.macaronikid.com) is so happy to celebrate its two year anniversary today. On May 8, 2010, the Summit Short Hills Macaroni Kid published its first newsletter for the Summit, Short Hills, Millburn, Chatham and New Providence area. Andrea Spaar, Independent Publisher Mom/Owner/Editor explains, "My first newsletter was not exactly the best, with a number of typos and mistakes. Thankfully, the first one went to only 10 families. I hadn't even told most of my friends yet." Now with 98 newsletters under her belt and over 1080 subscriber families things are definitely going much smoother.  

After almost a year, Spaar was presented with an opportunity to add on the South Orange Livingston MK (www.southorange.macaronikid.com). Things continued to grow and the Summit Short Hills MK has received well over over 450,000 views. The South Orange Livingston MK is following close behind with over 750 subscriber families and over 225,000 views covering South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, and West Orange.  

Why are families subscribing to her newsletters and going to her sites?  The FREE MK sites and newsletters offer an EXTENSIVE listing of kid-friendly local activities and events. Andrea explains, "Our area offers so many activities to do with your children and I try to do all of the work of gathering great events, so families can spend time doing fun things together."   

For Mother's Day, they are running a giveaway to WIN a $100 gift card from Terra Sky Center for Wellness in Summit, NJ. One entry per person, per day. You must be a Summit Short Hills or South Orange Livingston Macaroni Kid subscriber to be eligible to win. The winner will be chosen on Mother's Day, May 13th at 9:00 PM. Confirmation from the winner is required within 24 hours of notification email, or another winner will be chosen.  Information entered will be used for this giveaway only and will not be shared with any other parties.  Winners will announced in the May 17th newsletter. http://summitshorthills.macaronikid.com/article/285673/mk-shares-happy-mothers-day-giveaway.

Spaar is also offering a great deal for local mom owned businesses - As a thank you, she is offering a Free business directory listing for 6 months (a $50 value). You will also be entered into contest to win one free month of advertising on BOTH sites.  Also included is creative/design work to create the ad. Only one entry per business.  You must be a subscriber to enter. If you are an independent consultant, you must be authorized to do business in this territory.  Cannot be combined with other offers. Contest ends on June 1st at 9:00 PM.

The growth of Macaroni Kid newsletters/websites across the country has been staggering. It is emerging as one of the go to sources for local families. There are now over 500 locations around the country and a few internationally.

To subscribe to the free Summit Short Hills MK newsletter, go to http://www.summitshorthills.macaronikid.com or to the free South Orange Livingston MK newsletter, go to http://www.southorange.macaronikid.com.
Affordable advertising opportunities are available to reach this very targeted local audience. For more information about advertising opportunities, to get a Media Kit, or just discuss possibilities please contact Andrea at andreas@macaronikid.com.

"My favorite part of this is working with so many amazing people/businesses and being involved in these wonderful communities," explains Spaar. "I hope to get even more in involved and continue to have opportunities to give back. Thank you for a wonderful two years!"