Once upon a time—not in a castle, but probably in a kitchen filled with laundry baskets and Legos—I realized I was living two lives. One was the “girl boss” version: the high-achieving, ceiling-shattering overcomer with a childhood that read like a plotline from a gritty Netflix drama. The other? The barefoot, cookie-baking, baby-wearing mama living her dream… but also occasionally hiding in the bathroom with chocolate and noise-canceling earbuds.
Reconciling those two versions of myself took time, love, a little therapy, and one oddly inspirational flamingo fact (don’t worry, I’ll get to that). But in the process, I discovered something magical: I don’t have to choose between being ambitious and being at home. I can live both stories. And better yet—I can help others do the same.
💗 So... Who Am I?
I’m Rachael. I'm a writer, a teacher-turned-homeschooling-mom, a fierce advocate for neurodiverse families, a lover of hot glue guns and glitter, and now... your Macaroni KID Publisher for Carlisle, Boiling Springs & Shippensburg (plus Harrisburg and the West Shore).
I have five wonderful kids, a husband who keeps our ship afloat with quiet strength and endless snacks, and a heart that beats wildly for connection, storytelling, and community.
I didn’t come to this role because I had it all figured out. I came to it because I didn’t. Motherhood is beautiful—and also bonkers. And in the trenches of tantrums and triumphs, I realized I wasn’t the only one feeling isolated or like I’d lost a little of my color.
🌸 The Flamingo Moment
Did you know mama flamingos literally lose their pink while caring for their young? They pour so much energy into nurturing their babies that they turn pale. But once those babies grow? Their vibrant color returns.
That metaphor smacked me right in the feels—and probably would’ve knocked me over if I wasn’t already on the floor picking up fruit snacks.
Like so many moms, I had given my all. And somewhere along the way, I started to fade. But when I began building my village—connecting with other parents, laughing through the chaos, and finding creative outlets like writing—I started finding my pink again.
💻 Why Macaroni KID?
Macaroni KID became my way of weaving together everything I love:
🎉 Helping families find FUN and make memories
✍️ Sharing real stories from the parenting trenches
👩👧👦 Supporting and celebrating all kinds of families—especially the ones who feel like they don’t quite “fit the mold”
🌍 Showcasing the diversity, beauty, and magic of our local communities
I’m not just here to list events (though trust me, I’ve got all the best ones for your calendar). I’m here to help you rediscover your village. To remind you that you’re not alone. And maybe—just maybe—help you find your pink again, too.
🎉 What Can You Expect?
Macaroni KID Boiling Springs, Carlisle & Shippensburg is your go-to resource for:
📆 Local family-friendly events
🛝 Hidden gem playgrounds and rainy-day lifesavers
🎨 Easy crafts and low-effort recipes
🎭 Local business spotlights and community partnerships
❤️ Stories that make you laugh, cry, and feel seen
Whether you're new to the area or just looking to shake up your weekend routine, we're here to help you connect—with your kids, your community, and yes, maybe even yourself.
👋 Say Hi!
If you see me out and about—with my travel mug in one hand and a toddler wrapped around my leg—please say hello! I love meeting the families who make our community so special.
Follow us on social media, join our South Central PA Macaroni Village group, or shoot me a message at rachaelb@macaronikid.com.
Let’s build something amazing together.
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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