Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson has Anna Fader and Mommy Poppins to thank for learning to appreciate her own state. Before she started editing Mommy Poppins NJ, Shari dragged her spawn into NYC for any type of "culture"; now she knows all the good stuff to be had in New Jersey and is not so fast to hop on that PATH train. In her other life, Shari is a comedic playwright ("Maybe Baby, It's You", Dramatic Publishing, Inc.), a humor blogger ("Earth Mother just means I'm dusty"), and a freelance writer. She is mother to four (two human, two pug) and resides in Hoboken, where she can be found jogging along the waterfront or dragging her Brownie troop of 30 crazy little girls around town.
You can also follow Shari on Google+.

Latest posts by Shari

Free Outdoor Kids' Storytimes in New York City Parks

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Tue, 06/14/2011 - 1:00pm

Summer in the city is all about free alfresco entertainment. There are complimentary concerts (for kids and grown-ups), no-cost movies and lots of free festivals.

But don't forget about free storytimes in city parks! Because you know your kids don't want to hear a tale told in a hot, crowded library. (And even if your local branch is swanky enough to have air conditioning, your children shouldn't be cooped up indoors.)

We've rounded up a dozen storytelling series for families to enjoy all summer long.

NJ Weekend events May 21-22: Fairies, Fashionistas, Fireman’s Fair, and Festival of Children, mostly FREE!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 10:44pm

There's a ton of fun to be had in NJ this weekend (if the weather decides to cooperate), so grab the offspring and head out for ocean fun, a children's festival, a family fun day, a tea for your junior fasionista, a fairy festival... okay, the "f'" alliteration is getting to be a bit much. But have a fiesta anyway!

Merry Maids. A Mom’s Best Friend(s).

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 12:52pm

Even before I was a working mom, I never had time to properly clean my house. Okay, I never made time to properly clean my house, but let’s not split hairs, shall we? Honestly, I have the greatest respect for people who spend precious time to keep their homes tidy, and I do try very hard to be part of their exclusive club, but when Merry Maids contacted me and offered me a free cleaning, I jumped on it like a monkey on a cupcake. Or like a busy working mom on a maid service.

“The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi” at Mile Square Theater

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 03/30/2011 - 9:00am

The first thing you need to know about Mile Square Theater in Hoboken is that it is NOT a community theater. Not that we have anything against community theaters, per se, but when you are a professional Equity house with conservatory-trained actors and beautifully-conceived sets and costumes by Broadway and off-Broadway designers, you’d like your potential public to know that you’re not a church group butchering “Hello Dolly!”

Weekend Events in NJ March 19-20: Storytelling, Springfest, Greenfest, and a whole lotta Frogs

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 03/17/2011 - 12:33pm

Just a few days ‘til Spring officially starts, and there are Springfests, Greenfests and frogs to prove it. Many frogs. All over Jersey. So if your idea of celebrating the end of a long winter is hunting for slimy green animals, this is your weekend to par-tay. If not, you can take in a cool Storytelling festival or watch a defining moment in history with Living Voices theater troupe or a myriad of other non-frog events. Enjoy!

Welcome to New Jersey Mommy Poppins!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 8:33am

Look at us! Our own site now, instead of just a page! Fancy, huh? As editor of the “Jersey” version of the popular NYC Mommy P, I wanted to show you around the site a bit. Virtually, of course. Not that I wouldn’t like to come over for cawfee and a donut, but then who would be trying all the activities that the Garden State has to offer and giving you the scoop?

Clothing the Kiddos for under $100

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 03/02/2011 - 10:00am

I am notoriously cheap, I’m sorry, frugal when it comes to children’s clothing. And why shouldn’t I be? Children are messy, destructive and have growth spurts that rival The Hulk’s. They ball up their shorts and T’s and stick them under the bed and you don’t find them until Christmas. Their favorite foods are chocolate, grape juice, and spaghetti sauce. They even have the audacity to bleed on their garments. Why would I spend my hard-earned money on this sort of behavior?

Weekend Events in New Jersey, February 5-6: Groundhog Day Party, FREE museums, a Winter’s Day on the Farm and more!

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Thu, 02/03/2011 - 10:51am

Let’s face it: no groundhog with a shred of common sense is going to be poking his head out in this weather. But we can dream, can’t we? (and celebrate the no-show). Of course, if you’re still loving the romance of snow and ice, you can spend a winter’s day on the farm at Fosterfield’s, or be like the rest of us winter-weary souls and duck inside to a variety of cool museums with FREE admission this weekend. Have a great weekend and never fear, spring is coming (in about six weeks)!