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+.
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
Who doesn’t love the Laura Numeroff series of “If You Give…”? Whether it’s mice at movies, pigs ingesting pancakes, or Numeroff’s latest romp with cats snarfing cupcakes and slipping on sprinkles, the books are a favorite of kids and parents alike.
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
Feel like burning up some old Christmas trees? Or dancing and howling around some apple trees? There’s a lot of outdoor fun in NJ this weekend, so pull on your long underwear and head out. Of course, if you’d rather not freeze your patootie off, you can go indoors for a fairy princess tea party, some Cabin Fever movie shorts or a balloon animal extravaganza. Have a great time!
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
Ever feel like the only exercise your kids get in the winter is lifting the Goldfish to their mouths while watching the tube? Enter the snowy classic: ice skating. Whether indoor, outdoor, or semi-covered, get your Michelle Kwan on and take your pick of New Jersey’s best kid-friendly ice skating rinks!
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
Yes, we're all wiped out from the holidays, but instead of couch potato-ing through the rest of the winter, why not venture out and see what New Jersey has to offer this weekend. We have a great contest for four FREE sets of tickets to the awesome Bari Koral Family band, and you can also finally see the holiday lights you missed because you were too busy during the actual holidays or take part in the wonderful winter activity of maple sugaring. Happy New Year, Jerseyites!
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
When the winter cold sets in, not only do the kids bounce off the walls, they also manage to turn the house upside-down. Better plan: Let them get the wiggles out somewhere else. Indoor playspaces were created by some very wise adults, let us tell you. Our favorite kid-tested spots will keep the small ones entertained for hours, and you with a clean house (plus some sanity).
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
It really is the most wonderful time of the year, and New Jersey has many wonderful events to prove it. Pick from an underwater Santa, a gift wrap workshop, puppet shows and carriage rides or a Kwanzaa fest. Ho ho ho and all that good stuff to you!
For more holiday events, see our Holiday Guide.
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
It’s that special time of year, when we consume about 70% more sugar and butter in one month than in the rest of the eleven months combined. Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit. But you can at least conceal your high-sweets-consumption in the guise of a family affair—there are a few nice kids/family baking classes in NJ for holiday yummies. Enjoy!
Submitted by Shari Simpson on
Yeah, you might want to just lie around and digest that turkey, but why not haul yourself and the kiddos off the couch and head out to one of the many events New Jersey is offering up this weekend. There are plenty of it’s-almost-Christmas activities, plus some great interactive museum events and my personal favorite—“The Butt Book” book signing. Can’t miss that, now can you.
